<p>The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) - an autonomous body responsible for school education in India - has removed from its class 12 political science textbooks the references to 'Khalistan', the demand for a separate Sikh nation.</p>

<p>The move comes in response to&nbsp;Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) - the top religious body for Sikhs - lodging a protest for the same, saying the book&nbsp;misrepresented historical details about Sikhs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The resolution also spoke of the aspirations of the Sikh community and declared its goal as attaining the ‘bolbala’ (dominance) of the Sikhs. The resolution was a plea for strengthening federalism, but it could also be interpreted as a plea for a separate Sikh nation," read the contentious paragraph&nbsp;in Chapter 6 – Regional Aspirations (Rationalised Class 12 political science textbook).&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to NCERT, after receiving SGPC's request, a committee of experts was constituted to examine the issue and it decided to withdraw the content.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sentence, “the resolution was a plea for strengthening federalism but it could also be interpreted as a plea for a separate Sikh nation,” has&nbsp;been dropped and rewritten as “the resolution was a plea for strengthening federalism”.</p>

<p>Moreover, the line, “The more extreme elements started advocating secession from India and the creation of ‘Khalistan’” has been dropped.</p>

<h2><strong>What did SGPC demand?</strong></h2>

<p>Notably in April, SGPC said the Anandpur Sahib resolution adopted in 1973 by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had been interpreted as a "separatist resolution".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The SGPC raises strong objection over the misinformation being spread about Sikhs. Historical references related to Sikhs have been distorted in NCERT books. Sikhs shouldn’t be presented as separatists. The text must be removed immediately,” said&nbsp;SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>However, after the changes were notified, SGPC said its experts would look into the omissions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We will analyse the changes made by the NCERT before dropping our objections. Our experts will look into the matter,” an SGPC spokesman was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Earlier instances of changes in NCERT books</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when changes have been clocked in NCERT books. Earlier this year, reports claimed that chapters based on the Mughal empire had been chucked out from the history syllabus of Class 12.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-no-mughal-history-in-class-12-cbse-up-board-syllabus-578910"><strong>ALSO READ | India: No Mughal history in Class 12 NCERT textbooks, top official denies reports&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>Dinesh Prasad Saklani, director of NCERT, however,&nbsp;strongly denied the claims that chapters on Mughals were dropped.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a lie. (Chapters on) Mughals have not been dropped. There was a rationalisation process last year because due to COVID, there was pressure on students everywhere...Expert committees examined the books from std 6-12. They recommended that if this chapter is dropped, it won't affect the knowledge of the children and an unnecessary burden can be removed...The debate is unnecessary. Those who don't know, can check the textbooks..." he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) - an autonomous body responsible for school education in India - has removed from its class 12 political science textbooks the references to 'Khalistan', the demand for a separate Sikh nation.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) - an autonomous body responsible for school education in India - has removed from its class 12 political science textbooks the references to 'Khalistan', the demand for a separate Sikh nation. The move comes in response to Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) - the top religious body for Sikhs - lodging a protest for the same, saying the book misrepresented historical details about Sikhs. “The resolution also spoke of the aspirations of the Sikh community and declared its goal as attaining the ‘bolbala’ (dominance) of the Sikhs. The resolution was a plea for strengthening federalism, but it could also be interpreted as a plea for a separate Sikh nation," read the contentious paragraph in Chapter 6 – Regional Aspirations (Rationalised Class 12 political science textbook). According to NCERT, after receiving SGPC's request, a committee of experts was constituted to examine the issue and it decided to withdraw the content. The sentence, “the resolution was a plea for strengthening federalism but it could also be interpreted as a plea for a separate Sikh nation,” has been dropped and rewritten as “the resolution was a plea for strengthening federalism”. Moreover, the line, “The more extreme elements started advocating secession from India and the creation of ‘Khalistan’” has been dropped. What did SGPC demand? Notably in April, SGPC said the Anandpur Sahib resolution adopted in 1973 by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had been interpreted as a "separatist resolution". “The SGPC raises strong objection over the misinformation being spread about Sikhs. Historical references related to Sikhs have been distorted in NCERT books. Sikhs shouldn’t be presented as separatists. The text must be removed immediately,” said SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami at the time. Watch this report: × However, after the changes were notified, SGPC said its experts would look into the omissions. “We will analyse the changes made by the NCERT before dropping our objections. Our experts will look into the matter,” an SGPC spokesman was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. Earlier instances of changes in NCERT books This is not the first instance when changes have been clocked in NCERT books. Earlier this year, reports claimed that chapters based on the Mughal empire had been chucked out from the history syllabus of Class 12. ALSO READ | India: No Mughal history in Class 12 NCERT textbooks, top official denies reports Dinesh Prasad Saklani, director of NCERT, however, strongly denied the claims that chapters on Mughals were dropped. "It's a lie. (Chapters on) Mughals have not been dropped. There was a rationalisation process last year because due to COVID, there was pressure on students everywhere...Expert committees examined the books from std 6-12. They recommended that if this chapter is dropped, it won't affect the knowledge of the children and an unnecessary burden can be removed...The debate is unnecessary. Those who don't know, can check the textbooks..." he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: 'Khalistan' references dropped from Class 12 political science textbook

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was heckled by a&nbsp;group of Khalistani supporters during an event in San Francisco on Tuesday. During the event, the Khalistanis&nbsp;suddenly got up&nbsp;and&nbsp;started waving the Khalistani flag and raising slogans against Gandhi,&nbsp;interrupting his speech.</p>

<p>The supporters raised slogans against&nbsp;Indira Gandhi and the Gandhi family over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and massacre.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi heckled by Khalistanis in California<br />
<br />
They raised Khalistan flag &amp; Khalistan Zindabad slogans<br />
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It's done by US-based Khalistani outfit SFJ &amp; its chief Pannu released video of heckling Rahul Gandhi &amp; threatening PM Modi's US visit in June<br />
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CC: <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAndIndia</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAmbIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/W2MCIjkOR3">pic.twitter.com/W2MCIjkOR3</a></p>
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AskAnshul/status/1663787682026393600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>A video was shared by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on social media which showed the visuals when the Khalistani supporters were protesting against the Congress leader.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi can explain God how universe works, says Rahul Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p>In another event while addressing the Indian diaspora in the United States on Wednesday, Gandhi stated that a bunch of people who are 'absolutely convinced' that they know everything has been running the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi claimed that these people can sit down with God and explain things, adding that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is 'one such specimen'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think if you Modiji sat next to God, Modiji would start explaining to God how the universe works. Right? And God would get confused that what have I created. These are funny things but this is what is going on. There's a group of people who understands everything. They can explain science to scientists, history to historians, warfare to the Army.. And at the heart of it is mediocrity, they actually don't understand anything. Because in life, you can not understand anything if you are not ready to listen," Gandhi stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about his Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi said, “We were finding it difficult to act politically due to misuse of agencies and therefore, we decided to start Bharat Jodo Yatra.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-grants-no-objection-certificate-to-rahul-gandhi-for-issuance-of-ordinary-passport-for-3-years-596839">Delhi court grants No Objection Certificate to Rahul Gandhi for issuance of ‘ordinary passport’ for 3 years</a></p>

<h2><strong>'No idea rejected by India'</strong></h2>

<p>He added that the people of India have not rejected any idea while speaking to the NRIs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That's the India you represent. You would not be here if you did not agree with these values. If you believed in anger, hatred, and arrogance, you would be sitting in a BJP meeting and I would be doing 'mann ki baat'. So thank you very much for holding up the Indian Flag," Gandhi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Now they have asked me to answer your questions. This also would not happen in BJP. No question, only answers there," the Congress leader further stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi is visiting the United States for 10 days and San Francisco is&nbsp;his first stop. He will travel to Washington DC and New York.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last foreign visit of Gandhi, which was to the UK, had led to a major controversy in India as he, who was then an MP, faced accusations of insulting Indian democracy on foreign soil.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: Rahul Gandhi addresses press conference a day after removal as MP, says 'not scared of jail'</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Gandhi speaks on Sengol&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Gandhi stated that the government led by PM Modi failed to address issues like price rise, unemployment, the spread of hatred and anger, price rise and the crumbling education system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;"The BJP can't really discuss these issues so they have to do the sceptre thing. You know lying down and doing all that. Aren't you happy that I am not lying down," stated Gandhi, while speaking about the Sengol controversy which surfaced after the new Parliament building's inauguration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Sengol is believed to be the symbol of power handed over from British India to independent India in 1947 and is displayed at a museum in Allahabad. The prime minister has installed the Sengol in the new Parliament building. The Congress stated there was no evidence of this claim.&nbsp;</p>

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was heckled by a group of Khalistani supporters during an event in San Francisco on Tuesday. During the event, the Khalistanis suddenly got up and started waving the Khalistani flag and raising slogans against Gandhi, interrupting his speech.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was heckled by a group of Khalistani supporters during an event in San Francisco on Tuesday. During the event, the Khalistanis suddenly got up and started waving the Khalistani flag and raising slogans against Gandhi, interrupting his speech. The supporters raised slogans against Indira Gandhi and the Gandhi family over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and massacre. Rahul Gandhi heckled by Khalistanis in California They raised Khalistan flag & Khalistan Zindabad slogans It's done by US-based Khalistani outfit SFJ & its chief Pannu released video of heckling Rahul Gandhi & threatening PM Modi's US visit in June CC: @USAndIndia, @USAmbIndia pic.twitter.com/W2MCIjkOR3 — Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) May 31, 2023 × A video was shared by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on social media which showed the visuals when the Khalistani supporters were protesting against the Congress leader. PM Modi can explain God how universe works, says Rahul Gandhi In another event while addressing the Indian diaspora in the United States on Wednesday, Gandhi stated that a bunch of people who are 'absolutely convinced' that they know everything has been running the nation. Gandhi claimed that these people can sit down with God and explain things, adding that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is 'one such specimen'. "I think if you Modiji sat next to God, Modiji would start explaining to God how the universe works. Right? And God would get confused that what have I created. These are funny things but this is what is going on. There's a group of people who understands everything. They can explain science to scientists, history to historians, warfare to the Army.. And at the heart of it is mediocrity, they actually don't understand anything. Because in life, you can not understand anything if you are not ready to listen," Gandhi stated. Speaking about his Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi said, “We were finding it difficult to act politically due to misuse of agencies and therefore, we decided to start Bharat Jodo Yatra.” ALSO READ | Delhi court grants No Objection Certificate to Rahul Gandhi for issuance of ‘ordinary passport’ for 3 years 'No idea rejected by India' He added that the people of India have not rejected any idea while speaking to the NRIs. "That's the India you represent. You would not be here if you did not agree with these values. If you believed in anger, hatred, and arrogance, you would be sitting in a BJP meeting and I would be doing 'mann ki baat'. So thank you very much for holding up the Indian Flag," Gandhi added. "Now they have asked me to answer your questions. This also would not happen in BJP. No question, only answers there," the Congress leader further stated. Gandhi is visiting the United States for 10 days and San Francisco is his first stop. He will travel to Washington DC and New York. The last foreign visit of Gandhi, which was to the UK, had led to a major controversy in India as he, who was then an MP, faced accusations of insulting Indian democracy on foreign soil. WATCH | India: Rahul Gandhi addresses press conference a day after removal as MP, says 'not scared of jail' Gandhi speaks on Sengol Gandhi stated that the government led by PM Modi failed to address issues like price rise, unemployment, the spread of hatred and anger, price rise and the crumbling education system. "The BJP can't really discuss these issues so they have to do the sceptre thing. You know lying down and doing all that. Aren't you happy that I am not lying down," stated Gandhi, while speaking about the Sengol controversy which surfaced after the new Parliament building's inauguration. The Sengol is believed to be the symbol of power handed over from British India to independent India in 1947 and is displayed at a museum in Allahabad. The prime minister has installed the Sengol in the new Parliament building. The Congress stated there was no evidence of this claim. 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 | Ghost of Sikh riots haunts Rahul Gandhi's California visit, leader gets heckled by Khalistanis

<p>Indian Army along with Jammu and Kashmir Police foiled an infiltration bid in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir and arrested three terrorists along with arms and ammunition. One of the terrorists was apprehended in an injured condition. During the operation, one Indian Army soldier was also injured and later shifted to the army hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''In a joint operation by the Indian Army along with JKP, three-four&nbsp;terrorists were intercepted on the Line of Control in Poonch sector while attempting to cross the fence on the night of May 30-31, 2023, taking advantage of bad weather and heavy rains. After tracking the movement at about 0130 hours, Indian Army contingent challenged&nbsp;them and was fired upon and in the retaliatory firefight some terrorists have been hit," said Indian Army's Defence Spokesman in Jammu, Lt Colonel Devender Anand.</p>

<p>"The area is cordoned off, and a search operation is in progress. Blood trails have been found. Three terrorists with some weapons and war-like stores including one IED and narcotics have been apprehended. One Indian Army soldier was injured in the ensuing firing and has been evacuated. Search operations are in progress," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sia-notifies-property-worth-30-million-in-north-kashmirs-kupwara-belonging-to-banned-jamaat-e-islami-597945"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;SIA notifies property worth 30 million in North Kashmir’s Kupwara belonging to banned Jamaat-e-Islami</strong></a></p>

<p>The Indian Army had a tip-off about the suspicious movement of terrorists near the Gulpur area of Poonch after which the search operation was launched. Since the area is close to Line of Control, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army conducted a joint operation, resulting in the arrest of three terrorists along with the recovery of&nbsp;huge cache of arms. The search operation in the area continues.<br />
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Indian Army along with Jammu and Kashmir Police foiled an infiltration bid in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir and arrested three terrorists along with arms and ammunition.

Indian Army along with Jammu and Kashmir Police foiled an infiltration bid in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir and arrested three terrorists along with arms and ammunition. One of the terrorists was apprehended in an injured condition. During the operation, one Indian Army soldier was also injured and later shifted to the army hospital. ''In a joint operation by the Indian Army along with JKP, three-four terrorists were intercepted on the Line of Control in Poonch sector while attempting to cross the fence on the night of May 30-31, 2023, taking advantage of bad weather and heavy rains. After tracking the movement at about 0130 hours, Indian Army contingent challenged them and was fired upon and in the retaliatory firefight some terrorists have been hit," said Indian Army's Defence Spokesman in Jammu, Lt Colonel Devender Anand. "The area is cordoned off, and a search operation is in progress. Blood trails have been found. Three terrorists with some weapons and war-like stores including one IED and narcotics have been apprehended. One Indian Army soldier was injured in the ensuing firing and has been evacuated. Search operations are in progress," he added. ALSO READ | SIA notifies property worth 30 million in North Kashmir’s Kupwara belonging to banned Jamaat-e-Islami The Indian Army had a tip-off about the suspicious movement of terrorists near the Gulpur area of Poonch after which the search operation was launched. Since the area is close to Line of Control, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army conducted a joint operation, resulting in the arrest of three terrorists along with the recovery of huge cache of arms. The search operation in the area continues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: 3 infiltrators apprehended along LoC near Poonch; huge cache of arms, ammunition recovered

<p>Apple supplier Foxconn is ramping up efforts at&nbsp;recruitment and retaining employees&nbsp;at the world’s largest iPhone factory in Zhengzhou, China ahead of the launch of a new model. The model in question is iPhone 15 which is expected to be launched in September by the United States-based tech giant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also indicates Foxconn’s commitment to continue assembling iPhones in the capital of central Henan province amid Apple’s reported efforts to shift the ongoing manufacturing supply chain away from China.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>From a rise in pay to bonuses: What is being offered to employees?</strong></h2>

<p>The Taiwan-based Foxconn said that new workers at the plant in Zhengzhou will receive bonuses of up to $424 (3,000 yuan) if they managed to stay on the job for at least 90 days, with hourly pay of up to 21 yuan ($3), reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). The announcement was made on the messaging app WeChat over the weekend by Foxconn’s integrated Digital Product Business Group, which is responsible for iPhone production.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, existing factory workers can obtain a referral bonus of 500 yuan ($71), provided the person stays at the company for a month, reported BBC. However, this is not Foxconn’s first attempt to retain its workers.<br />
<br />
As per the report by SCMP, the company has raised worker benefits twice this month.&nbsp;This includes offering one of the highest loyalty bonuses to new recruits who remain employed for at least three months, which was raised to 2,500 yuan on May 22 from 2,000 yuan on May 3, said the media report.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the world’s largest iPhone factory</strong></h2>

<p>Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant, also known as iPhone City, is the world’s largest iPhone factory.&nbsp;As per reports, it&nbsp;employs more than 200,000 workers and assembles nearly 80 per cent of the global supply of Apple's&nbsp;flagship device.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the facility witnessed major disruptions due to China’s strict zero-Covid policy, last year, which has since prompted the company to diversify its production&nbsp;of the US tech giant’s flagship device to India and Vietnam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, hundreds of workers protested at the Zhengzhou plant over COVID-19-related restrictions, and reported overdue pay, while workers also complained about the lack of food and medication. The disruptions in November and December also led to the US-based tech giant’s first quarterly decline in revenue since 2019, said Apple chief executive Tim Cook, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Foxconn’s CEO said that the Taiwan-based company has no plans to leave its second-largest base in China’s Chengdu and its “important” production base there, after the announcement of its significant expansion in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seemingly in a bid to reaffirm its commitment to China Foxconn also opened a new global business base in Zhengzhou, earlier this year, reported SCMP. This comes amid reports of the company opening an iPhone production facility in the Indian city of Chennai.<br />
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Apple supplier Foxconn is ramping up efforts at recruitment and retaining employees at the world’s largest iPhone factory in Zhengzhou, China ahead of the launch of a new model.

Apple supplier Foxconn is ramping up efforts at recruitment and retaining employees at the world’s largest iPhone factory in Zhengzhou, China ahead of the launch of a new model. The model in question is iPhone 15 which is expected to be launched in September by the United States-based tech giant. It also indicates Foxconn’s commitment to continue assembling iPhones in the capital of central Henan province amid Apple’s reported efforts to shift the ongoing manufacturing supply chain away from China. From a rise in pay to bonuses: What is being offered to employees? The Taiwan-based Foxconn said that new workers at the plant in Zhengzhou will receive bonuses of up to $424 (3,000 yuan) if they managed to stay on the job for at least 90 days, with hourly pay of up to 21 yuan ($3), reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). The announcement was made on the messaging app WeChat over the weekend by Foxconn’s integrated Digital Product Business Group, which is responsible for iPhone production. Meanwhile, existing factory workers can obtain a referral bonus of 500 yuan ($71), provided the person stays at the company for a month, reported BBC. However, this is not Foxconn’s first attempt to retain its workers. As per the report by SCMP, the company has raised worker benefits twice this month. This includes offering one of the highest loyalty bonuses to new recruits who remain employed for at least three months, which was raised to 2,500 yuan on May 22 from 2,000 yuan on May 3, said the media report. About the world’s largest iPhone factory Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant, also known as iPhone City, is the world’s largest iPhone factory. As per reports, it employs more than 200,000 workers and assembles nearly 80 per cent of the global supply of Apple's flagship device. However, the facility witnessed major disruptions due to China’s strict zero-Covid policy, last year, which has since prompted the company to diversify its production of the US tech giant’s flagship device to India and Vietnam. Additionally, hundreds of workers protested at the Zhengzhou plant over COVID-19-related restrictions, and reported overdue pay, while workers also complained about the lack of food and medication. The disruptions in November and December also led to the US-based tech giant’s first quarterly decline in revenue since 2019, said Apple chief executive Tim Cook, as per reports. However, Foxconn’s CEO said that the Taiwan-based company has no plans to leave its second-largest base in China’s Chengdu and its “important” production base there, after the announcement of its significant expansion in India. Seemingly in a bid to reaffirm its commitment to China Foxconn also opened a new global business base in Zhengzhou, earlier this year, reported SCMP. This comes amid reports of the company opening an iPhone production facility in the Indian city of Chennai. 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.

Foxconn hikes pay for workers in world’s largest iPhone factory ahead of new model launch

<p>Pakistan is attempting to have its voice heard after India successfully pulled off the G20 Tourism Working Group&nbsp;meeting in Jammu &amp; Kashmir earlier this month. Pakistan's&nbsp;Charge de Affairs (CDA) to India has lodged a protest with the participating countries, according to a Hindustan Times report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event took place from May 22 to 24 and saw the participation of 59 international delegates. Despite Pakistan's request to the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation)&nbsp;world to not attend the meet, three Islamic countries - Indonesia, UAE, and Bangladesh and their delegates arrived at the event held in the capital city of Srinagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, only Pakistan's top strategic partners China, Egypt and Oman did not attend the meeting. Three travel industry representatives from Turkey and two from Saudi Arabia attended the event, despite registering no official participation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The presence of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country was noteworthy and suggested that Islamabad's ploy had not worked. Bangladesh was represented by&nbsp;High Commissioner Mustafizur Rahman, while the UAE sent two officials from its capital.</p>

<p>Nigeria sent its deputy high commissioner and three delegates. Islamabad was given a swift reality check when the United Nations also registered its presence through delegates of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) attending the meet, the HT report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-islamic-countries-attended-india-hosted-g20-meet-in-jammu-and-kashmir-596478"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Three Islamic countries attended India-hosted G20 meet in Jammu and Kashmir</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan given stern treatment by India</strong></h2>

<p>This gathering marked&nbsp;the first international meeting in the union territory since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two union territories in August 2019.</p>

<p>New Delhi has time and again reminded Islamabad that it has no locus standi either in G20 or Srinagar. Earlier this month, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ summit in Goa, External Affairs&nbsp; Minister (EAM) took no prisoners and called out Pakistan for its affinity towards terrorism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Victims of terrorism do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism to discuss terrorism,” Jaishankar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;SCO meet | S Jaishankar on Pakistan: Victims of terrorism do not sit with perpetrators of terrorism</strong></p>

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<p>“Let’s be very clear on this. On this matter (terrorism) I would say Pakistan’s credibility is depleting faster than its forex reserves. So let’s be clear what this is about,” he added.</p>

<p>Jaishankar remained cold towards Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who attempted to use the platform to parrot the stale narrative of ISI overlords.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Zardari said, "Let's not get caught up in weaponising terrorism for diplomatic point scoring", Jaishankar countered him by saying no one was scoring diplomatic points.</p>

<p>"We are politically and diplomatically exposing Pakistan," said the EAM.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Pakistan is attempting to have its voice heard after India successfully pulled off the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jammu & Kashmir earlier this month. Pakistan's Charge de Affairs (CDA) to India has lodged a protest with the participating countries, according to a Hindustan Times report.

Pakistan is attempting to have its voice heard after India successfully pulled off the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jammu & Kashmir earlier this month. Pakistan's Charge de Affairs (CDA) to India has lodged a protest with the participating countries, according to a Hindustan Times report. The event took place from May 22 to 24 and saw the participation of 59 international delegates. Despite Pakistan's request to the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) world to not attend the meet, three Islamic countries - Indonesia, UAE, and Bangladesh and their delegates arrived at the event held in the capital city of Srinagar. Notably, only Pakistan's top strategic partners China, Egypt and Oman did not attend the meeting. Three travel industry representatives from Turkey and two from Saudi Arabia attended the event, despite registering no official participation. The presence of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country was noteworthy and suggested that Islamabad's ploy had not worked. Bangladesh was represented by High Commissioner Mustafizur Rahman, while the UAE sent two officials from its capital. Nigeria sent its deputy high commissioner and three delegates. Islamabad was given a swift reality check when the United Nations also registered its presence through delegates of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) attending the meet, the HT report said. ALSO READ | Three Islamic countries attended India-hosted G20 meet in Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan given stern treatment by India This gathering marked the first international meeting in the union territory since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two union territories in August 2019. New Delhi has time and again reminded Islamabad that it has no locus standi either in G20 or Srinagar. Earlier this month, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ summit in Goa, External Affairs Minister (EAM) took no prisoners and called out Pakistan for its affinity towards terrorism. “Victims of terrorism do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism to discuss terrorism,” Jaishankar said. ALSO WATCH | SCO meet | S Jaishankar on Pakistan: Victims of terrorism do not sit with perpetrators of terrorism × “Let’s be very clear on this. On this matter (terrorism) I would say Pakistan’s credibility is depleting faster than its forex reserves. So let’s be clear what this is about,” he added. Jaishankar remained cold towards Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who attempted to use the platform to parrot the stale narrative of ISI overlords. After Zardari said, "Let's not get caught up in weaponising terrorism for diplomatic point scoring", Jaishankar countered him by saying no one was scoring diplomatic points. "We are politically and diplomatically exposing Pakistan," said the EAM. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan lodges protest with countries that attended G20 meeting In India

<p>Top Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia were among those detained by the police in the national capital, Delhi, on Sunday (May 28). This comes as they tried to march to the new parliament building hours after it was inaugurated. The protest, which began at Jantar Mantar, some kilometres away from the new parliament, was later cleared by the Delhi police.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Hours after the detention of the protesting wrestlers and others&nbsp;in the national capital, Delhi police registered cases against them for rioting unlawful assembly and obstructing public servants in their duty.</p>

<h2><strong>Why are the Indian wrestlers protesting?</strong></h2>

<p>This comes as top wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and others, have been protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)’s chief Brij Bhushan Singh after seven female wrestlers, including a minor,&nbsp;complained against Singh of alleged sexual harassment and called for his arrest.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;India: Delhi police acts as wrestlers breach security cordon</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-delhi-police-acts-as-wrestlers-breach-security-cordon-597545/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The wrestlers have been staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since April 23 following the allegations and demanded criminal action against Bhushan who has since been stripped of all administrative powers by the sports ministry.&nbsp;</div>

<h2><strong>What happened at Jantar Mantar on Sunday?</strong></h2>

<p>The protesting athletes had planned a ‘Mahila Samman Mahapanchayat’ (women’s assembly) as part of their ongoing protest. Ahead of the planned protest, ‘Mahapanchayat’, the Delhi police had ramped up security measures at the security site. The situation escalated when wrestlers, led by Vinesh Phogat and her cousin sister Sangeeta Phogat, allegedly attempted to breach the security barricades.</p>

<p>“They broke the barricades and didn't follow police directions,” said senior Delhi Police officer Dependra Pathak. He added, “They broke the law, and that’s why they were detained.” Following the incident, Sakshi Malik shared a video of the police detaining her fellow wrestlers, on Twitter, and with the caption, “This is how our champions are being treated.”&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Disclaimer: Some viewers may find the visuals disturbing. Viewer discretion advised.</strong></em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is how our champions are being treated. The world is watching us! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestlersProtest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestlersProtest</a> <a href="https://t.co/rjrZvgAlSO">pic.twitter.com/rjrZvgAlSO</a></p>
— Sakshee Malikkh (@SakshiMalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/SakshiMalik/status/1662729269532065792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Images and videos from the scene show protesters and police shoving and pushing each other before officers forcefully dragged the wrestlers and pushed them into police vans. This also comes after officials reportedly announced no one is authorised to march towards the new parliament building or hold ‘Mahapanchayat’.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-wrestlers-resume-protest-at-jantar-mantar-seeking-wfi-chiefs-arrest-585557">Indian wrestlers resume protest at Jantar Mantar seeking WFI chief's arrest</a></strong></p>

<p>After the protesting wrestlers were detained, the police officers moved to clear the protest site, which has been active for over a month&nbsp;at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The Delhi police were seen removing cots, mattresses, coolers, and fans, among other belongings of the protesting wrestlers, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi police official, Pathak, also said that the wrestlers have been detained for “violating law and order.” The officials also later informed that the protesting wrestlers had been taken to different police stations in the city.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/symbol-of-aspiration-for-140cr-people-indian-pm-modi-during-his-opening-speech-in-new-parliament-597431">'Symbol of aspiration for 140cr people': Indian PM Modi during his opening speech in new parliament</a></strong><br />
<br />
“We will take legal action after an inquiry in due course of time. We need to assess the entire situation. As you have seen the barricades have been broken and they moved ahead despite request and warning,” said Pathak, as per PTI. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
According to the police, 700 people were detained across Delhi, including 109 protesters at Jantar Mantar. The FIR has been registered under several&nbsp;sections&nbsp;of the Indian Penal Code (IPC),&nbsp;pertaining to disobedience,&nbsp;obstructing public servants in the discharge of public functions, assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging of his duty.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Some of the additional charges also include Sections 352 (assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation), 147 (rioting) and 149 (unlawful assembly) of the IPC and Section 3 (mischief causing damage to public property) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Farmer leaders detained</strong></h2>

<p>The ‘Mahapanchayat’ was also to witness the participation of members from the Farmers’ associations from Ambala in the Indian state of Haryana, who were also stopped by the police from travelling to New Delhi’s new parliament building. Additionally, to prevent Khap Panchayat leaders and farmers from joining the protesting wrestlers, police had barricaded multiple entry points in the Indian capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) president Gurnam Singh Charuni, a farmer&nbsp;outfit, was also reportedly detained when he along with several peasants tried to proceed towards Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO&nbsp;WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-delhi-three-detained-after-minor-altercation-between-police-protesting-wrestlers-at-jantar-mantar-588665">Delhi: Three detained after ‘minor altercation’ between police, protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, barricades were put up at many places along with heavy deployment of police personnel as farmers, mostly women, tried to move in groups towards the national capital, reported PTI. As per reports, many farmer&nbsp;leaders were detained inside their homes early on Sunday, in Haryana.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Detentions draw condemnation</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the police detention of wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar and called the act “grossly wrong”. He took to the microblogging platform and retweeted wrestler Sakshi Malik’s video of being detained by the police and wrote, “Such treatment to the sportsperson who brought laurels to the country is grossly wrong and condemnable.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-new-parliament-pm-modi-addresses-new-parliament-says-india-is-mother-of-democracy-597459">India's new Parliament: PM Modi addresses new Parliament, says 'India is mother of Democracy'</a></strong></p>

<p>“On a day when the new Parliament building is dedicated to the nation, it’s distressing to witness such brutal &amp; shameful manhandling of India’s most celebrated champion wrestlers, our national pride. Their crime - Seeking justice through peaceful democratic protests,” said Indian state Jharkhand CM. He also went on to say that he “strongly condemns” the detention of the wrestlers and called for their “immediate release.”</p>

<p>“Strongly condemn the way Delhi Police manhandled Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and other wrestlers. It’s shameful our champions are treated in this manner,” said West Bengal CM, Mamta Banerjee. She added, “Democracy lies in tolerance but autocratic forces thrive on intolerance and quelling of dissent. I demand they be immediately released by the police. I stand by our wrestlers.”&nbsp;<br />
<br />
India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra&nbsp;retweeted Malik's video and said, "I am pained to see this. There has to be a better way to deal with this."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Top Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia were among those detained by the police in the national capital, Delhi, on Sunday (May 28).

Top Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia were among those detained by the police in the national capital, Delhi, on Sunday (May 28). This comes as they tried to march to the new parliament building hours after it was inaugurated. The protest, which began at Jantar Mantar, some kilometres away from the new parliament, was later cleared by the Delhi police. Hours after the detention of the protesting wrestlers and others in the national capital, Delhi police registered cases against them for rioting unlawful assembly and obstructing public servants in their duty. Why are the Indian wrestlers protesting? This comes as top wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and others, have been protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)’s chief Brij Bhushan Singh after seven female wrestlers, including a minor, complained against Singh of alleged sexual harassment and called for his arrest. ALSO WATCH | India: Delhi police acts as wrestlers breach security cordon The wrestlers have been staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since April 23 following the allegations and demanded criminal action against Bhushan who has since been stripped of all administrative powers by the sports ministry. What happened at Jantar Mantar on Sunday? The protesting athletes had planned a ‘Mahila Samman Mahapanchayat’ (women’s assembly) as part of their ongoing protest. Ahead of the planned protest, ‘Mahapanchayat’, the Delhi police had ramped up security measures at the security site. The situation escalated when wrestlers, led by Vinesh Phogat and her cousin sister Sangeeta Phogat, allegedly attempted to breach the security barricades. “They broke the barricades and didn't follow police directions,” said senior Delhi Police officer Dependra Pathak. He added, “They broke the law, and that’s why they were detained.” Following the incident, Sakshi Malik shared a video of the police detaining her fellow wrestlers, on Twitter, and with the caption, “This is how our champions are being treated.” Disclaimer: Some viewers may find the visuals disturbing. Viewer discretion advised. This is how our champions are being treated. The world is watching us! #WrestlersProtest pic.twitter.com/rjrZvgAlSO — Sakshee Malikkh (@SakshiMalik) May 28, 2023 × Images and videos from the scene show protesters and police shoving and pushing each other before officers forcefully dragged the wrestlers and pushed them into police vans. This also comes after officials reportedly announced no one is authorised to march towards the new parliament building or hold ‘Mahapanchayat’. ALSO WATCH | Indian wrestlers resume protest at Jantar Mantar seeking WFI chief's arrest After the protesting wrestlers were detained, the police officers moved to clear the protest site, which has been active for over a month at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The Delhi police were seen removing cots, mattresses, coolers, and fans, among other belongings of the protesting wrestlers, as per media reports. Delhi police official, Pathak, also said that the wrestlers have been detained for “violating law and order.” The officials also later informed that the protesting wrestlers had been taken to different police stations in the city. ALSO READ | 'Symbol of aspiration for 140cr people': Indian PM Modi during his opening speech in new parliament “We will take legal action after an inquiry in due course of time. We need to assess the entire situation. As you have seen the barricades have been broken and they moved ahead despite request and warning,” said Pathak, as per PTI. According to the police, 700 people were detained across Delhi, including 109 protesters at Jantar Mantar. The FIR has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), pertaining to disobedience, obstructing public servants in the discharge of public functions, assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging of his duty. Some of the additional charges also include Sections 352 (assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation), 147 (rioting) and 149 (unlawful assembly) of the IPC and Section 3 (mischief causing damage to public property) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, reported news agency PTI. Farmer leaders detained The ‘Mahapanchayat’ was also to witness the participation of members from the Farmers’ associations from Ambala in the Indian state of Haryana, who were also stopped by the police from travelling to New Delhi’s new parliament building. Additionally, to prevent Khap Panchayat leaders and farmers from joining the protesting wrestlers, police had barricaded multiple entry points in the Indian capital. Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) president Gurnam Singh Charuni, a farmer outfit, was also reportedly detained when he along with several peasants tried to proceed towards Delhi. ALSO WATCH | Delhi: Three detained after ‘minor altercation’ between police, protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar Additionally, barricades were put up at many places along with heavy deployment of police personnel as farmers, mostly women, tried to move in groups towards the national capital, reported PTI. As per reports, many farmer leaders were detained inside their homes early on Sunday, in Haryana. Detentions draw condemnation Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the police detention of wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar and called the act “grossly wrong”. He took to the microblogging platform and retweeted wrestler Sakshi Malik’s video of being detained by the police and wrote, “Such treatment to the sportsperson who brought laurels to the country is grossly wrong and condemnable.” ALSO WATCH | India's new Parliament: PM Modi addresses new Parliament, says 'India is mother of Democracy' “On a day when the new Parliament building is dedicated to the nation, it’s distressing to witness such brutal & shameful manhandling of India’s most celebrated champion wrestlers, our national pride. Their crime - Seeking justice through peaceful democratic protests,” said Indian state Jharkhand CM. He also went on to say that he “strongly condemns” the detention of the wrestlers and called for their “immediate release.” “Strongly condemn the way Delhi Police manhandled Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and other wrestlers. It’s shameful our champions are treated in this manner,” said West Bengal CM, Mamta Banerjee. She added, “Democracy lies in tolerance but autocratic forces thrive on intolerance and quelling of dissent. I demand they be immediately released by the police. I stand by our wrestlers.” India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra retweeted Malik's video and said, "I am pained to see this. There has to be a better way to deal with this." (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: Protesting wrestlers detained amid march towards parliament building; police register case

<p>Top Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia were among those detained by the police in the national capital, Delhi after they tried to march to the new parliament building hours after it was inaugurated, on Sunday.</p>

<p>A few hours later, the Delhi police filed an FIR against the protesting wrestlers as well as the organisers of the protest for rioting, unlawful assembly and obstructing public servants in their duty.</p>

<p>The move was later criticised by Sakshi Malik who took to Twitter and pointed out how the police several days to register an FIR against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)’s chief Brij Bhushan Singh who has been accused of sexual harassment but only took a few hours to register an FIR against the wrestlers for “peacefully protesting”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened on Sunday?</strong></h2>

<p>The protesting athletes had planned a ‘Mahila Samman Mahapanchayat’ (women’s assembly) as part of their ongoing protest. The situation escalated when wrestlers, led by Vinesh Phogat and her cousin sister Sangeeta Phogat, allegedly attempted to breach the security barricades.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-protesting-wrestlers-detained-for-marching-toward-new-parliament-building-597503">India: Protesting wrestlers detained amid march towards parliament building; police register case</a></strong></p>

<p>They were stopped by hundreds of police officers present after the security measures in the national capital were ramped up ahead of the inauguration of the new parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Images and videos from the scene showed protesters and police shoving and pushing each other before officers forcefully dragged the wrestlers and pushed them into police vans. “This is wrong,” said Malik, while being detained. She added, “We were walking quietly, they dragged us forcefully and detained us and they're not even telling us where we will be taken.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the protesting wrestlers were detained, the police officers moved to clear the protest site, which has been active for over a month at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The detention had garnered condemnation and criticism from other athletes as well as opposition politicians in India. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-delhi-police-acts-as-wrestlers-breach-security-cordon-597545">India: Delhi police acts as wrestlers breach security cordon</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Why were the wrestlers protesting?</strong></h2>

<p>The protests followed sexual harassment allegations against the WFI chief by seven female wrestlers, including a minor, who complained against Singh and called for his arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The wrestlers have been staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since April 23 following the allegations and demanded criminal action against Bhushan who has since been stripped of all administrative powers by the sports ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Legal action against wrestlers</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>As of late Sunday, the police had filed an FIR against the protesting wrestlers and others for rioting, unlawful assembly and obstructing public servants in their duty. senior Delhi Police Officer Dependra Pathak after the detention had said that the wrestlers had been detained for “violating law and order.”<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO WATCH |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-wrestlers-resume-protest-at-jantar-mantar-seeking-wfi-chiefs-arrest-585557">&nbsp;Indian wrestlers resume protest at Jantar Mantar seeking WFI chief's arrest</a></strong></p>

<p>The officials also later informed that the protesting wrestlers had been taken to different police stations in the city and said that legal action will be taken against them. “As you have seen the barricades have been broken and they moved ahead despite request and warning,” said Pathak, as per PTI, on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FIR has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), pertaining to disobedience, obstructing public servants in the discharge of public functions, assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some of the additional charges also include 147 (rioting) and 149 (unlawful assembly) of the IPC and Section 3 (mischief causing damage to public property) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scandal-in-indian-wrestling-wrestlers-resume-protest-at-jantar-mantar-phogat-punia-lead-revolt-585496">Scandal in Indian Wrestling: Wrestlers resume protest at Jantar Mantar; Phogat, Punia lead revolt</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>‘Dictatorship’: Sakshi Malik about the FIR</strong></h2>

<p>Malik, the first Indian woman to win an Olympic wrestling medal in 2016, took to Twitter late last night and said, “It took seven days for the Delhi Police to register an FIR against sexual harasser Brij Bhushan, and it didn’t even take seven hours to register an FIR against us for peacefully protesting.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, “Is this country under a dictatorship? The whole world is watching how the government is treating its players.” As of late Sunday, the police had 700 people detained across Delhi, including 109 protesters at Jantar Mantar. They were released later that day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-would-wish-death-indias-wrestling-body-chief-releases-video-amid-sexual-harassment-allegations-586878">&nbsp;'I would wish death...': India's wrestling body chief releases video amid sexual harassment allegations</a></strong></p>

<p>On Monday, Bajrang Punia also responded to a former IPS officer’s tweet who&nbsp;said that the protesters should be shot. “This IPS officer is talking about shooting us. Brother is standing in front, tell me where to come to get shot… I swear that I will not show my back, I will take your bullet on my chest,” said Punia, in response to the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Top Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia were among those detained by the police in the national capital, Delhi after they tried to march to the new parliament building hours after it was inaugurated, on Sunday.

Top Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia were among those detained by the police in the national capital, Delhi after they tried to march to the new parliament building hours after it was inaugurated, on Sunday. A few hours later, the Delhi police filed an FIR against the protesting wrestlers as well as the organisers of the protest for rioting, unlawful assembly and obstructing public servants in their duty. The move was later criticised by Sakshi Malik who took to Twitter and pointed out how the police several days to register an FIR against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)’s chief Brij Bhushan Singh who has been accused of sexual harassment but only took a few hours to register an FIR against the wrestlers for “peacefully protesting”. What happened on Sunday? The protesting athletes had planned a ‘Mahila Samman Mahapanchayat’ (women’s assembly) as part of their ongoing protest. The situation escalated when wrestlers, led by Vinesh Phogat and her cousin sister Sangeeta Phogat, allegedly attempted to breach the security barricades. ALSO READ | India: Protesting wrestlers detained amid march towards parliament building; police register case They were stopped by hundreds of police officers present after the security measures in the national capital were ramped up ahead of the inauguration of the new parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Images and videos from the scene showed protesters and police shoving and pushing each other before officers forcefully dragged the wrestlers and pushed them into police vans. “This is wrong,” said Malik, while being detained. She added, “We were walking quietly, they dragged us forcefully and detained us and they're not even telling us where we will be taken.” After the protesting wrestlers were detained, the police officers moved to clear the protest site, which has been active for over a month at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The detention had garnered condemnation and criticism from other athletes as well as opposition politicians in India. ALSO WATCH | India: Delhi police acts as wrestlers breach security cordon Why were the wrestlers protesting? The protests followed sexual harassment allegations against the WFI chief by seven female wrestlers, including a minor, who complained against Singh and called for his arrest. The wrestlers have been staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since April 23 following the allegations and demanded criminal action against Bhushan who has since been stripped of all administrative powers by the sports ministry. Legal action against wrestlers As of late Sunday, the police had filed an FIR against the protesting wrestlers and others for rioting, unlawful assembly and obstructing public servants in their duty. senior Delhi Police Officer Dependra Pathak after the detention had said that the wrestlers had been detained for “violating law and order.” ALSO WATCH | Indian wrestlers resume protest at Jantar Mantar seeking WFI chief's arrest The officials also later informed that the protesting wrestlers had been taken to different police stations in the city and said that legal action will be taken against them. “As you have seen the barricades have been broken and they moved ahead despite request and warning,” said Pathak, as per PTI, on Sunday. The FIR has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), pertaining to disobedience, obstructing public servants in the discharge of public functions, assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty. Some of the additional charges also include 147 (rioting) and 149 (unlawful assembly) of the IPC and Section 3 (mischief causing damage to public property) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, reported news agency PTI. ALSO WATCH | Scandal in Indian Wrestling: Wrestlers resume protest at Jantar Mantar; Phogat, Punia lead revolt ‘Dictatorship’: Sakshi Malik about the FIR Malik, the first Indian woman to win an Olympic wrestling medal in 2016, took to Twitter late last night and said, “It took seven days for the Delhi Police to register an FIR against sexual harasser Brij Bhushan, and it didn’t even take seven hours to register an FIR against us for peacefully protesting.” She added, “Is this country under a dictatorship? The whole world is watching how the government is treating its players.” As of late Sunday, the police had 700 people detained across Delhi, including 109 protesters at Jantar Mantar. They were released later that day. ALSO READ | 'I would wish death...': India's wrestling body chief releases video amid sexual harassment allegations On Monday, Bajrang Punia also responded to a former IPS officer’s tweet who said that the protesters should be shot. “This IPS officer is talking about shooting us. Brother is standing in front, tell me where to come to get shot… I swear that I will not show my back, I will take your bullet on my chest,” said Punia, in response to the 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.

‘Is this country under dictatorship?’: Protesting Indian wrestlers charged with rioting, unlawful assembly

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidihHAjt28LoOp" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The USA is edging closer to defaulting on its debt. Unless the debt ceiling is raised by June 5, the country will fall into an economic crisis that may have a far-reaching impact with global spillovers expected, affecting the likes of India, an emerging economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The economists are bracing for two scenarios and the effect it might have on the Indian economy. The first one is the base case, meaning, the ceiling will be raised eventually but the volatility in stock markets and currencies would have a sizeable impact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that waiting till the eleventh hour to raise the ceiling could cause more harm than good.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Waiting until the last minute to suspend or increase the debt limit can cause serious harm to business and consumer confidence, raise short-term borrowing costs for taxpayers, and negatively impact the credit rating of the United States," she added.</p>

<p>As markets face danger, the investors park their money in less risky assets such as bonds, gold and dollars. Consequently, the dollar index has strengthened quite a lot in recent months which has put the rupee under pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of all the foreign exchange reserves held by the world’s central banks, US dollars account for 58 per cent. If the US does indeed default, it will lose its financial prominence and the centre of world trade. Rating agencies will heavily downgrade its creditworthiness and US sovereign bonds where the Indian government parks its money would have their value reduced to incredibly low levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most companies generate funds for their development projects by taking on debt. A US default could prove a hindrance in the development as there will be less liquidity in the market and debt bonds will provide little to no monetary benefit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | US Treasury Secretary warns country running out of cash</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-treasury-secretary-warns-country-running-out-of-cash-biden-mccarthy-hold-talks-on-debt-ceiling-595340/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>The second scenario is a bit of uncharted territory where the US defaults, albeit briefly. Though unlikely, if it happens, the risk-off sentiment would be triggered and could result in depreciation pressures on emerging market currencies viz. rupee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A lot of what will happen remains in the grey area for even the Reserve Bank of India has not prepared for such a situation. A default will have catastrophic consequences but given the central position of the US dollar in global trade, especially after World War II, the country and its currency is deemed too big to fail by the pundits.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the debt limit?</strong></h2>

<p>The debt limit is the amount of money that the US government can borrow to meet its financial obligations such as social security, military salaries and medicare benefits payments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress earlier this year extended the statutory debt limit to $31.4 trillion. However, the weak economic fundamentals and overflowing expenditures mean that the US will be breaching the limit. Consequently, Congress has been engaged in a fierce tussle to raise the limit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-us-is-running-out-of-cash-know-what-is-debt-ceiling-and-current-crisis-595534" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Explained | US is 'running out of cash'. What is the debt ceiling crisis?</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, to raise the limit, any agreement reached will have to pass the scrutiny of the Republican-controlled House and the Democratic-led Senate before Biden could sign it into law - a process that could take more than a week.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The USA is edging closer to defaulting on its debt. Unless the debt ceiling is raised by June 5, the country will fall into an economic crisis that may have a far-reaching impact with global spillovers expected, affecting the likes of India, an emerging economy.

The USA is edging closer to defaulting on its debt. Unless the debt ceiling is raised by June 5, the country will fall into an economic crisis that may have a far-reaching impact with global spillovers expected, affecting the likes of India, an emerging economy. The economists are bracing for two scenarios and the effect it might have on the Indian economy. The first one is the base case, meaning, the ceiling will be raised eventually but the volatility in stock markets and currencies would have a sizeable impact. Even US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that waiting till the eleventh hour to raise the ceiling could cause more harm than good. "Waiting until the last minute to suspend or increase the debt limit can cause serious harm to business and consumer confidence, raise short-term borrowing costs for taxpayers, and negatively impact the credit rating of the United States," she added. As markets face danger, the investors park their money in less risky assets such as bonds, gold and dollars. Consequently, the dollar index has strengthened quite a lot in recent months which has put the rupee under pressure. Of all the foreign exchange reserves held by the world’s central banks, US dollars account for 58 per cent. If the US does indeed default, it will lose its financial prominence and the centre of world trade. Rating agencies will heavily downgrade its creditworthiness and US sovereign bonds where the Indian government parks its money would have their value reduced to incredibly low levels. Most companies generate funds for their development projects by taking on debt. A US default could prove a hindrance in the development as there will be less liquidity in the market and debt bonds will provide little to no monetary benefit. Watch | US Treasury Secretary warns country running out of cash The second scenario is a bit of uncharted territory where the US defaults, albeit briefly. Though unlikely, if it happens, the risk-off sentiment would be triggered and could result in depreciation pressures on emerging market currencies viz. rupee. A lot of what will happen remains in the grey area for even the Reserve Bank of India has not prepared for such a situation. A default will have catastrophic consequences but given the central position of the US dollar in global trade, especially after World War II, the country and its currency is deemed too big to fail by the pundits. What is the debt limit? The debt limit is the amount of money that the US government can borrow to meet its financial obligations such as social security, military salaries and medicare benefits payments. Congress earlier this year extended the statutory debt limit to $31.4 trillion. However, the weak economic fundamentals and overflowing expenditures mean that the US will be breaching the limit. Consequently, Congress has been engaged in a fierce tussle to raise the limit. ALSO READ | Explained | US is 'running out of cash'. What is the debt ceiling crisis? Notably, to raise the limit, any agreement reached will have to pass the scrutiny of the Republican-controlled House and the Democratic-led Senate before Biden could sign it into law - a process that could take more than a week. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US is nearing its debt default deadline. What is its impact on Indian economy?

<p>A United States Congressional Committee on CCP (Chinese Communist Party) recommended the inclusion of India in NATO Plus. The suggestion to add India as a member country comes a month before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to the US.<br />
<br />
The recommendation of including India in the five-member group was made to win the “strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party”.<br />
<br />
The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the United States adopted a policy proposal to enhance the deterrence of Taiwan, which included strengthening of NATO Plus by the inclusion of India.<br />
<br />
The committee is headed by chairman Mike Gallagher along with ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-host-quad-summit-in-2024-594495">India to host Quad summit in 2024, work for global welfare, peace, prosperity: PM Modi</a></p>

<p>“Winning the strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party and ensuring the security of Taiwan demands the United States strengthen ties with our allies and security partners, including India. Including India in Nato Plus security arrangements would build upon the US and India’s close partnership to strengthen global security and deter the aggression of the CCP across the Indo-Pacific region,” stated the Select Committee in the recommendations released on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
According to its official website, the Select Committee on the CCP is “committed to working on a bipartisan basis to build consensus on the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party and develop a plan of action to defend the American people, our economy, and our values.”<br />
<br />
Top Democratic leader of the panel, Raja Krishnamoorthi, said that both Republicans and Democrats should work together across the aisle.<br />
<br />
“We must practice bipartisanship. We must recognise that the CCP wants us to be fractious, partisan and prejudiced,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>India's addition to ensure&nbsp;seamless intelligence sharing</strong></h2>

<p>The recommendations stated that adding India to the group would ensure seamless intelligence sharing between these group countries and New Delhi would get easy access to the latest military technology without any delay.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: Quad meet on developments in the Indo-Pacific and regional issues</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-quad-meet-on-developments-in-the-indo-pacific-and-regional-issues-567979/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“The United States should strengthen the Nato Plus arrangement to include India. The United States should also strengthen diplomatic deterrence by supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organisations and amending the TAIPEI Act to provide that the United States, alongside its allies and partners, should publicly oppose any attempts by the CCP to resolve the status of Taiwan’s sovereignty by intentionally misusing, misinterpreting, and misleading others on the underlying purpose of UN Resolution 2758 or the United States’ One China Policy,” the recommendation stated.<br />
<br />
India is already an important member of the Quad group, which includes Japan, Australia and the United States.</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A United States Congressional Committee on CCP (Chinese Communist Party) recommended the inclusion of India in NATO Plus. The suggestion to add India as a member country comes a month before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to the US.

A United States Congressional Committee on CCP (Chinese Communist Party) recommended the inclusion of India in NATO Plus. The suggestion to add India as a member country comes a month before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to the US. The recommendation of including India in the five-member group was made to win the “strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party”. The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the United States adopted a policy proposal to enhance the deterrence of Taiwan, which included strengthening of NATO Plus by the inclusion of India. The committee is headed by chairman Mike Gallagher along with ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi. ALSO READ | India to host Quad summit in 2024, work for global welfare, peace, prosperity: PM Modi “Winning the strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party and ensuring the security of Taiwan demands the United States strengthen ties with our allies and security partners, including India. Including India in Nato Plus security arrangements would build upon the US and India’s close partnership to strengthen global security and deter the aggression of the CCP across the Indo-Pacific region,” stated the Select Committee in the recommendations released on Wednesday. According to its official website, the Select Committee on the CCP is “committed to working on a bipartisan basis to build consensus on the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party and develop a plan of action to defend the American people, our economy, and our values.” Top Democratic leader of the panel, Raja Krishnamoorthi, said that both Republicans and Democrats should work together across the aisle. “We must practice bipartisanship. We must recognise that the CCP wants us to be fractious, partisan and prejudiced,” he added. India's addition to ensure seamless intelligence sharing The recommendations stated that adding India to the group would ensure seamless intelligence sharing between these group countries and New Delhi would get easy access to the latest military technology without any delay. WATCH | India: Quad meet on developments in the Indo-Pacific and regional issues “The United States should strengthen the Nato Plus arrangement to include India. The United States should also strengthen diplomatic deterrence by supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organisations and amending the TAIPEI Act to provide that the United States, alongside its allies and partners, should publicly oppose any attempts by the CCP to resolve the status of Taiwan’s sovereignty by intentionally misusing, misinterpreting, and misleading others on the underlying purpose of UN Resolution 2758 or the United States’ One China Policy,” the recommendation stated. India is already an important member of the Quad group, which includes Japan, Australia and the United States. (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

US House panel recommends inclusion of India in NATO Plus to deter China

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 28) unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the country's new parliament building, which has been constructed adjacent to the old one in the national capital.<br />
<br />
The new parliament, which is a part of the government's ambitious Central Vista project, has been constructed in a span of two years by Tata Projects Limited, a Tata Group company.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi unveils plaque; dedicates new Parliament building to nation<br />
<br />
Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> Story | <a href="https://t.co/RJS7OnK39r">https://t.co/RJS7OnK39r</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewParliamentBuilding?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewParliamentBuilding</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewParliament?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewParliament</a> <a href="https://t.co/cRs8VM1snJ">pic.twitter.com/cRs8VM1snJ</a></p>
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) <a href="https://twitter.com/ani_digital/status/1662662043114041345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>PM installs 'Sengol' in Lok Sabha</strong></h2>

<p>Before the inauguration of the parliament, PM Modi attended an early morning ‘havan’ and multi-faith or 'sarv-dharma' prayers. The prayer meeting was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, union ministers and CMs of different states.<br />
<br />
The prime minister also performed "Ganapati Homam" to invoke Gods and seek their blessings before the parliament building's inauguration. Adheenams from Tamil Nadu's different mutts also arrived at the new parliament building to attend the inaugural ceremony.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-glimpses-of-indias-new-parliament-set-to-be-inaugurated-on-may-28-597151">In Pics | Glimpses of India's new parliament inaugurated by PM Modi</a></p>

<p>The prime minister prostrated before the 'Sengol' to pay&nbsp;his respects. The much-talked-about 'Sengol' is a historical sceptre whose name originates from the Tamil word "semmai" which means righteousness.<br />
<br />
PM Modi installed the 'Sengol' or sceptre in the new parliament building's Lok Sabha chamber, next to the chair of the speaker, in a special enclosure. The Adheenams handed over the historic 'Sengol' to the prime minister before it was installed in the new parliament.<br />
<br />
India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had received the sceptre as a mark of transfer of power from the British.<br />
<br />
The prime minister also met the workers who were involved in the construction of the new parliament building and felicitated them.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, the prime minister had received blessings from Adheenams, spiritual leaders from Tamil Nadu, at his residence.</p>

<p>After the inauguration, PM Modi tweeted, "As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress."&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress. <a href="https://t.co/zzGuRoHrUS">pic.twitter.com/zzGuRoHrUS</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1662684955787542528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>All about India's new parliament building</strong></h2>

<p>The new parliament building will have more seating capacity. In the Lok Sabha, there will be seats for 888 MPs which was earlier only for 552 MPs and in Rajya Sabha, the seating capacity enhanced from 245 to 384.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India's new Parliament: PM Modi inaugurates the new building | Key features of the new Parliament</strong></p>

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<p>The design of the new Lok Sabha is inspired by India's national bird peacock and Rajya Sabha has been designed with a focus on India's national flower – lotus. The new parliament is spread over an area of around 65,000 square metres.<br />
<br />
If a joint session is held, the Lok Sabha chamber can accommodate 1,272 members. In the rest of the building, there will be four floors with offices of ministers and committee rooms.<br />
<br />
The new parliament building has been constructed ensuring that there is the latest communications technology, efficient space utilisation, and secure infrastructure which can meet the demand for workspaces.</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 28) unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the country's new parliament building, which has been constructed adjacent to the old one in the national capital.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 28) unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the country's new parliament building, which has been constructed adjacent to the old one in the national capital. The new parliament, which is a part of the government's ambitious Central Vista project, has been constructed in a span of two years by Tata Projects Limited, a Tata Group company. PM Modi unveils plaque; dedicates new Parliament building to nation Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/RJS7OnK39r#PMModi #NewParliamentBuilding #NewParliament pic.twitter.com/cRs8VM1snJ — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) May 28, 2023 × PM installs 'Sengol' in Lok Sabha Before the inauguration of the parliament, PM Modi attended an early morning ‘havan’ and multi-faith or 'sarv-dharma' prayers. The prayer meeting was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, union ministers and CMs of different states. The prime minister also performed "Ganapati Homam" to invoke Gods and seek their blessings before the parliament building's inauguration. Adheenams from Tamil Nadu's different mutts also arrived at the new parliament building to attend the inaugural ceremony. ALSO READ | In Pics | Glimpses of India's new parliament inaugurated by PM Modi The prime minister prostrated before the 'Sengol' to pay his respects. The much-talked-about 'Sengol' is a historical sceptre whose name originates from the Tamil word "semmai" which means righteousness. PM Modi installed the 'Sengol' or sceptre in the new parliament building's Lok Sabha chamber, next to the chair of the speaker, in a special enclosure. The Adheenams handed over the historic 'Sengol' to the prime minister before it was installed in the new parliament. India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had received the sceptre as a mark of transfer of power from the British. The prime minister also met the workers who were involved in the construction of the new parliament building and felicitated them. On Saturday, the prime minister had received blessings from Adheenams, spiritual leaders from Tamil Nadu, at his residence. After the inauguration, PM Modi tweeted, "As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress." As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress. pic.twitter.com/zzGuRoHrUS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2023 × All about India's new parliament building The new parliament building will have more seating capacity. In the Lok Sabha, there will be seats for 888 MPs which was earlier only for 552 MPs and in Rajya Sabha, the seating capacity enhanced from 245 to 384. WATCH | India's new Parliament: PM Modi inaugurates the new building | Key features of the new Parliament The design of the new Lok Sabha is inspired by India's national bird peacock and Rajya Sabha has been designed with a focus on India's national flower – lotus. The new parliament is spread over an area of around 65,000 square metres. If a joint session is held, the Lok Sabha chamber can accommodate 1,272 members. In the rest of the building, there will be four floors with offices of ministers and committee rooms. The new parliament building has been constructed ensuring that there is the latest communications technology, efficient space utilisation, and secure infrastructure which can meet the demand for workspaces. (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

Indian PM Modi inaugurates new parliament, installs ‘Sengol’ in Lok Sabha

<p>A 24-year-old man was arrested from India’s western Rajasthan state for allegedly killing an elderly woman and then consuming her flesh.</p>

<p>It is said that the man—Surendra Thakur, a resident of Mumbai city in Maharashtra—was suffering from “hydrophobia” — a fear of water caused by late-stage rabies infection—causing him to act irrationally. The doctors said that he was bitten by a ‘rabid’ dog&nbsp;in the past and did not get the treatment on time.</p>

<p>Police, quoting eyewitnesses, said that the incident took place in Saradhana village under Pali district on Friday.</p>

<p>The deceased, Shanti Devi (65), had gone to graze her cattle when the accused suddenly ambushed&nbsp;her and stoned her to death.</p>

<p>“The accused is behaving like a mentally sick patient and in an aggressive manner. We have admitted him to the hospital where his medical examination is going on. Even in the hospital, he created a ruckus, after which he was tied up on a bed by the nursing staff,” Jaitaran Deputy Superintendent of Police Sukhram Bishnoi told PTI news agency.</p>

<p>According to police, Thakur had a bus ticket with him, which later confirmed his place of residence to be Mumbai city. It is not known why he came to&nbsp;Saradhana village.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The victim’s son, Biren Kathat, lodged a police complaint accusing the 24-year-old of killing his mother and eating her flesh.</p>

<h2><strong>Accused charged with cannibalism</strong></h2>

<p>Thakur has been booked under Indian Penal Code section 302 (murder) and also charged with cannibalism.</p>

<p>“I was returning after grazing goats when I saw the man who was eating the flesh of the deceased woman. I got scared and ran from the spot,” Kathat was quoted as saying, adding that he also saw the blood-stained face of the accused.</p>

<p>The locals initially got scared after seeing Thakur's blood-stained face, but chased him when he&nbsp;tried to escape. Eventually, the residents were able to catch him and handed him over to the police.</p>

<p>“A patient who is suffering from hydrophobia has been admitted to Bangar Hospital. It is possible that a rabid dog might have bitten him in the past. He might not have got vaccinated and because of this, he developed rabies and hydrophobia,” Dr Praveen said.</p>

<p>The police handed over the body of the woman to the family members after the autopsy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A 24-year-old man was arrested from India’s western Rajasthan state for allegedly killing an elderly woman and then consuming her flesh. It is said that the man—Surendra Thakur, a resident of Mumbai city in Maharashtra—was suffering from “hydrophobia” — a fear of water caused by late-stage rabies infection—causing him to act irrationally.

A 24-year-old man was arrested from India’s western Rajasthan state for allegedly killing an elderly woman and then consuming her flesh. It is said that the man—Surendra Thakur, a resident of Mumbai city in Maharashtra—was suffering from “hydrophobia” — a fear of water caused by late-stage rabies infection—causing him to act irrationally. The doctors said that he was bitten by a ‘rabid’ dog in the past and did not get the treatment on time. Police, quoting eyewitnesses, said that the incident took place in Saradhana village under Pali district on Friday. The deceased, Shanti Devi (65), had gone to graze her cattle when the accused suddenly ambushed her and stoned her to death. “The accused is behaving like a mentally sick patient and in an aggressive manner. We have admitted him to the hospital where his medical examination is going on. Even in the hospital, he created a ruckus, after which he was tied up on a bed by the nursing staff,” Jaitaran Deputy Superintendent of Police Sukhram Bishnoi told PTI news agency. According to police, Thakur had a bus ticket with him, which later confirmed his place of residence to be Mumbai city. It is not known why he came to Saradhana village. The victim’s son, Biren Kathat, lodged a police complaint accusing the 24-year-old of killing his mother and eating her flesh. Accused charged with cannibalism Thakur has been booked under Indian Penal Code section 302 (murder) and also charged with cannibalism. “I was returning after grazing goats when I saw the man who was eating the flesh of the deceased woman. I got scared and ran from the spot,” Kathat was quoted as saying, adding that he also saw the blood-stained face of the accused. The locals initially got scared after seeing Thakur's blood-stained face, but chased him when he tried to escape. Eventually, the residents were able to catch him and handed him over to the police. “A patient who is suffering from hydrophobia has been admitted to Bangar Hospital. It is possible that a rabid dog might have bitten him in the past. He might not have got vaccinated and because of this, he developed rabies and hydrophobia,” Dr Praveen said. The police handed over the body of the woman to the family members after the autopsy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

24-year-old man kills elderly woman in India’s Rajasthan, then eats her flesh

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video late on Friday which gave a glimpse of the new parliament complex, which is set to be inaugurated by him on May 28 (Sunday), along with a “special request”.<br />
<br />
The prime minister appealed to the citizens to repost the video along with their own voice-over which conveys the thoughts of people about the new structure that is set to replace the iconic circular parliament of India. He further appealed to people to use ‘#MyParliamentMyPride’ while re-posting the videos.<br />
<br />
“The new parliament building will make every Indian proud. This video offers a glimpse of this iconic building. I have a special request&nbsp;— share this video with your own voice-over, which conveys your thoughts. I will re-tweet some of them. Don’t forget to use #MyParliamentMyPride,” wrote PM Modi on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The new Parliament building will make every Indian proud. This video offers a glimpse of this iconic building. I have a special request- share this video with your own voice-over, which conveys your thoughts. I will re-Tweet some of them. Don’t forget to use <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyParliamentMyPride?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyParliamentMyPride</a>. <a href="https://t.co/yEt4F38e8E">pic.twitter.com/yEt4F38e8E</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1662069125257269252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video footage revealed a structure which has a remarkable blend of traditional Indian architectural elements and modernity.<br />
<br />
The design further incorporated elements from culture and Indian history which appeared to be blending seamlessly with contemporary aesthetics. The exterior features of the building boasted intricate detailing, which included patterns and ornate carvings that represent the rich artistic heritage of India.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-sc-quashes-plea-seeking-inauguration-of-new-parliament-building-by-president-instead-of-pm-596700">Indian SC quashes plea seeking inauguration of new Parliament building by President instead of PM</a></p>

<p>The new parliament complex's Lok Sabha chamber will have 888 seats and the Rajya Sabha chamber 384 seats. Unlike the current building, the new parliament will not have a central hall.<br />
<br />
In case of a joint session, the Lok Sabha chamber will be able to include 1,272 members. There will be four floors in the rest of the building with offices of ministers and committee rooms.</p>

<h2><strong>Ministers share video, express pride over new complex</strong></h2>

<p>The video was also shared on social media with the hashtag '#MyParliamentMyPride' by many leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party which included chief ministers and union ministers.<br />
<br />
“My heart swells with pride that India has it's own built monumental Parliament Building completed in record time due to unwavering commitment of Prime Minister @narendramodi ji,” tweeted Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new parliament on May 28</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “The new parliament building, and its grandeur, stand tall as a symbol of India's power &amp; pride. Posterity shall forever be indebted to you Hon Prime Minister Sir, for giving us this monumental icon, India's shining temple of democracy; every brick of it signifying the resolve of her 1.4 billion people and their New India.”<br />
<br />
Sharing the video Union Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted: “Behold the astonishing glimpse of the magnificent New Parliament building, a testament to India's progressive vision! A symbol of strength, unity, and democracy, this architectural marvel stands tall to redefine India's future. Join us in celebrating India's journey towards a brighter and better tomorrow.”</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video late on Friday which gave a glimpse of the new parliament complex, which is set to be inaugurated by him on May 28 (Sunday), along with a “special request”.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video late on Friday which gave a glimpse of the new parliament complex, which is set to be inaugurated by him on May 28 (Sunday), along with a “special request”. The prime minister appealed to the citizens to repost the video along with their own voice-over which conveys the thoughts of people about the new structure that is set to replace the iconic circular parliament of India. He further appealed to people to use ‘#MyParliamentMyPride’ while re-posting the videos. “The new parliament building will make every Indian proud. This video offers a glimpse of this iconic building. I have a special request — share this video with your own voice-over, which conveys your thoughts. I will re-tweet some of them. Don’t forget to use #MyParliamentMyPride,” wrote PM Modi on Twitter. The new Parliament building will make every Indian proud. This video offers a glimpse of this iconic building. I have a special request- share this video with your own voice-over, which conveys your thoughts. I will re-Tweet some of them. Don’t forget to use #MyParliamentMyPride. pic.twitter.com/yEt4F38e8E — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2023 × The video footage revealed a structure which has a remarkable blend of traditional Indian architectural elements and modernity. The design further incorporated elements from culture and Indian history which appeared to be blending seamlessly with contemporary aesthetics. The exterior features of the building boasted intricate detailing, which included patterns and ornate carvings that represent the rich artistic heritage of India. ALSO READ | Indian SC quashes plea seeking inauguration of new Parliament building by President instead of PM The new parliament complex's Lok Sabha chamber will have 888 seats and the Rajya Sabha chamber 384 seats. Unlike the current building, the new parliament will not have a central hall. In case of a joint session, the Lok Sabha chamber will be able to include 1,272 members. There will be four floors in the rest of the building with offices of ministers and committee rooms. Ministers share video, express pride over new complex The video was also shared on social media with the hashtag '#MyParliamentMyPride' by many leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party which included chief ministers and union ministers. “My heart swells with pride that India has it's own built monumental Parliament Building completed in record time due to unwavering commitment of Prime Minister @narendramodi ji,” tweeted Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. WATCH | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new parliament on May 28 Meanwhile, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “The new parliament building, and its grandeur, stand tall as a symbol of India's power & pride. Posterity shall forever be indebted to you Hon Prime Minister Sir, for giving us this monumental icon, India's shining temple of democracy; every brick of it signifying the resolve of her 1.4 billion people and their New India.” Sharing the video Union Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted: “Behold the astonishing glimpse of the magnificent New Parliament building, a testament to India's progressive vision! A symbol of strength, unity, and democracy, this architectural marvel stands tall to redefine India's future. Join us in celebrating India's journey towards a brighter and better tomorrow.” 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’s PM Modi drops video of new parliament building ahead of its inauguration

In Pics | Glimpses of India's new parliament inaugurated by PM Modi

<p>India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said the country is facing a "very complicated challenge" from China, and that steps have been taken by the government to ensure no attempts are made to unilaterally change the status quo in the border areas.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, Jaishankar added that this challenge has been "very visible" for the last three years in border areas, adding that both nations need to find an equilibrium in the relationship, however, it cannot be achieved just on the terms proposed by the other party.<br />
<br />
“If peace and tranquillity between the two nations is disturbed, their relationship will not remain unaffected,” the minister added in his speech on 'Modi's India: A Rising Power' at the Anant National University.<br />
<br />
"When I talk about big powers, of course, we have a particular challenge from China. That challenge is a very complicated challenge, but in the last three years it has been particularly visible in the border areas," Jaishankar stated while referring to the incursions of China in eastern Ladakh.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eam-s-jaishankar-defends-india-selling-russian-oil-as-refined-fuel-after-eu-threatens-crackdown-593161">EAM S Jaishankar defends India selling Russian crude as refined fuel after EU threatens crackdown</a></p>

<p>"There are clearly responses that are required, and those responses have been undertaken by the government. And a lot of it to ensure that no attempt is made to unilaterally change the status quo in the border areas," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>'India, China need&nbsp;to find some equilibrium'</strong></h2>

<p>“The two countries will have to find some kind of equilibrium, and all the past governments in their own ways tried to find a balance. But that balance cannot be on the terms of the other party. Then it is not a balance. There has to be something mutual. Mutual respect, sensitivity and interest have to be the basis of the relationship,” the external affairs minister stated.<br />
<br />
"How can we get along long term if you don't respect me, if you are not sensitive to my concerns, if you ignore my interest?" he quizzed, further stating that if India will receive respect, sensitivity and recognition, then the country can hope for a better relationship with China.<br />
<br />
"But if we do not, I think we need to stand up for our rights, and we need to be firm in asserting opposition. And that, unfortunately, currently is the situation," he stated.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;EU Indo-Pacific Meet 2023: Indian EAM S. Jaishankar addresses forum</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>On India's neighbouring countries</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaishankar emphasised the strengthening of relations with neighbouring countries.<br />
<br />
“Neighbours like Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, which have always been close to India, are today linked with us through roads, railway, waterways and electricity grid connections. The linkage and perception today of India in the neighbourhood has changed, and nothing illustrated that more dramatically than what happened to Sri Lanka last year when it went through a very deep economic crisis," he stated.<br />
<br />
"And we have actually stepped forward in a way in which we ourselves never have before. What we have done for Sri Lanka is bigger than what the IMF has done for Sri Lanka," Jaishankar added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said the country is facing a "very complicated challenge" from China, and that steps have been taken by the government to ensure no attempts are made to unilaterally change the status quo in the border areas.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said the country is facing a "very complicated challenge" from China, and that steps have been taken by the government to ensure no attempts are made to unilaterally change the status quo in the border areas. On Saturday, Jaishankar added that this challenge has been "very visible" for the last three years in border areas, adding that both nations need to find an equilibrium in the relationship, however, it cannot be achieved just on the terms proposed by the other party. “If peace and tranquillity between the two nations is disturbed, their relationship will not remain unaffected,” the minister added in his speech on 'Modi's India: A Rising Power' at the Anant National University. "When I talk about big powers, of course, we have a particular challenge from China. That challenge is a very complicated challenge, but in the last three years it has been particularly visible in the border areas," Jaishankar stated while referring to the incursions of China in eastern Ladakh. ALSO READ | EAM S Jaishankar defends India selling Russian crude as refined fuel after EU threatens crackdown "There are clearly responses that are required, and those responses have been undertaken by the government. And a lot of it to ensure that no attempt is made to unilaterally change the status quo in the border areas," he added. 'India, China need to find some equilibrium' “The two countries will have to find some kind of equilibrium, and all the past governments in their own ways tried to find a balance. But that balance cannot be on the terms of the other party. Then it is not a balance. There has to be something mutual. Mutual respect, sensitivity and interest have to be the basis of the relationship,” the external affairs minister stated. "How can we get along long term if you don't respect me, if you are not sensitive to my concerns, if you ignore my interest?" he quizzed, further stating that if India will receive respect, sensitivity and recognition, then the country can hope for a better relationship with China. "But if we do not, I think we need to stand up for our rights, and we need to be firm in asserting opposition. And that, unfortunately, currently is the situation," he stated. WATCH | EU Indo-Pacific Meet 2023: Indian EAM S. Jaishankar addresses forum On India's neighbouring countries Speaking about India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaishankar emphasised the strengthening of relations with neighbouring countries. “Neighbours like Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, which have always been close to India, are today linked with us through roads, railway, waterways and electricity grid connections. The linkage and perception today of India in the neighbourhood has changed, and nothing illustrated that more dramatically than what happened to Sri Lanka last year when it went through a very deep economic crisis," he stated. "And we have actually stepped forward in a way in which we ourselves never have before. What we have done for Sri Lanka is bigger than what the IMF has done for Sri Lanka," Jaishankar added. (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 faces a 'very complicated challenge' from China, says S Jaishankar

In Pics | Historic inauguration of India's new parliament by PM Modi

<p>India's finance ministry announced on Thursday that ₹75 coin will be minted to commemorate the new Parliament building's inauguration. The coin will carry the inscription “Parliament Complex” as well as the new building's image.<br />
<br />
The new Parliament building's inauguration ceremony will be held by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28.</p>

<h2><strong>How will the new coin appear?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the notification shared by the ministry, the coin will have a circular shape. Its diameter will be 44 millimetres and it will have 200 serrations along the borders. The coin's metallic composition will have quaternary alloy which will consist of 50 per cent silver, 40 per cent copper, 5 per cent nickel and 5 per cent zinc.<br />
<br />
In the centre of the obverse side of the coin, the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar will be featured with the inscription “Satyamev Jayate”. The coin's left periphery will have an inscription of “Bharat”, which will be in Devanagari script, and “India”, which will be written in English.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-the-row-over-indias-new-parliament-building-inauguration-595913">Explained | What is the row over India's new parliament building inauguration?</a></p>

<p>In a similar way, "Sansad Sankul" will be inscribed in Devanagari script on the upper periphery of the coin and the “Parliament Complex” will be written in English on the lower periphery.<br />
<br />
The coin's design will be in accordance with the guidelines stated in the First Schedule of the Constitution.</p>

<h2><strong>Boycott by opposition casts shadow on inauguration</strong></h2>

<p>Around 25 political parties are expected to attend the new parliament building's inauguration ceremony, the event is likely to be boycotted by at least 20 opposition parties.<br />
<br />
Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, Congress, Left, Trinamool and Samajwadi Party among others, have stated that they will boycott the opening ceremony as they fail to see any value in a new building when the "soul of democracy has been sucked out".<br />
<br />
In a counter-attack to the opposition's decision to boycott the ceremony, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) called the decision as a "blatant affront to democratic ethos and constitutional values of our great nation".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate new Indian Parliament on Sunday</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Union Minister Prahlad, commenting on the boycott, said, “I would like to tell them that this is a historical event. This is not the time for politics…Boycotting and making issues out of a new issue is most unfortunate. I appeal to them to reconsider their decision and join this historical function.”<br />
<br />
Political party Biju Janata Dal, which has accepted the invitation for the inauguration ceremony, said, “BJD believes that these constitutional institutions should be above any issue that may affect their sanctity and honour. Such issues can always be discussed in the august house.”</p>

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India's finance ministry announced on Thursday that ₹75 coin will be minted to commemorate the new Parliament building's inauguration. The coin will carry the inscription “Parliament Complex” as well as the new building's image.

India's finance ministry announced on Thursday that ₹75 coin will be minted to commemorate the new Parliament building's inauguration. The coin will carry the inscription “Parliament Complex” as well as the new building's image. The new Parliament building's inauguration ceremony will be held by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28. How will the new coin appear? According to the notification shared by the ministry, the coin will have a circular shape. Its diameter will be 44 millimetres and it will have 200 serrations along the borders. The coin's metallic composition will have quaternary alloy which will consist of 50 per cent silver, 40 per cent copper, 5 per cent nickel and 5 per cent zinc. In the centre of the obverse side of the coin, the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar will be featured with the inscription “Satyamev Jayate”. The coin's left periphery will have an inscription of “Bharat”, which will be in Devanagari script, and “India”, which will be written in English. ALSO READ | Explained | What is the row over India's new parliament building inauguration? In a similar way, "Sansad Sankul" will be inscribed in Devanagari script on the upper periphery of the coin and the “Parliament Complex” will be written in English on the lower periphery. The coin's design will be in accordance with the guidelines stated in the First Schedule of the Constitution. Boycott by opposition casts shadow on inauguration Around 25 political parties are expected to attend the new parliament building's inauguration ceremony, the event is likely to be boycotted by at least 20 opposition parties. Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, Congress, Left, Trinamool and Samajwadi Party among others, have stated that they will boycott the opening ceremony as they fail to see any value in a new building when the "soul of democracy has been sucked out". In a counter-attack to the opposition's decision to boycott the ceremony, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) called the decision as a "blatant affront to democratic ethos and constitutional values of our great nation". WATCH | PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate new Indian Parliament on Sunday Meanwhile, Union Minister Prahlad, commenting on the boycott, said, “I would like to tell them that this is a historical event. This is not the time for politics…Boycotting and making issues out of a new issue is most unfortunate. I appeal to them to reconsider their decision and join this historical function.” Political party Biju Janata Dal, which has accepted the invitation for the inauguration ceremony, said, “BJD believes that these constitutional institutions should be above any issue that may affect their sanctity and honour. Such issues can always be discussed in the august house.” 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 mint ₹75 coin to mark inauguration of new Parliament. Here's how it will look

<p>In a divorce case, India's Allahabad High Court observed that if a spouse denies having sexual intercourse with their partner for a long period without any valid reason, then the act amounts to mental cruelty.<br />
<br />
The court observed that the appellant Ravindra Pratap Yadav had alleged his wife Asha Devi "had no respect for marital bond, denied to discharge obligation of marital liability", which resulted in a "complete breakdown" of their marriage.<br />
<br />
Yadav had filed a petition challenging the Varanasi family court's 2005 order which had dismissed his divorce plea, citing Section 13 Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.<br />
<br />
The High Court had stated that a "hyper-technical approach" was adopted by the lower court and dismissed Yadav's case.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-most-divorces-arising-from-love-marriages-only-says-supreme-court-593337">India: Most divorces arising from love marriages only, says Supreme Court</a></p>

<h2><strong>Couple granted divorce by Panchayat</strong></h2>

<p>The divorce case was filed by Ravindra Pratap Yadav on the ground that a mutually agreed divorce had already been finalised in the community Panchayat.<br />
<br />
He had further alleged mental cruelty, "denying to co-habit and discharge the obligation of marital life" and added that the married couple was living separately for a good amount of time.<br />
<br />
As per Yadav, the couple had married in May 1979 and the behaviour of his wife changed after some time and she was unwilling to cohabit with him.<br />
<br />
Later, his wife started living at her parents' house. However, after six months of marriage, Yadav claimed that he made efforts to convince his wife and bring her back, however, she refused.<br />
<br />
In July 1994, the village held a panchayat where the parties reached an agreement and mutually got divorced. The petitioner added that he was paying alimony of Rs 22,000 ($266) to his wife.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: India has the lowest divorce rate in the world. Here's why</strong></p>

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<p>However, when Yadav demanded a decree of divorce based on mental cruelty, divorce agreement and desertion, his wife did not turn up in court.<br />
<br />
“Undoubtedly, not allowing a spouse for a long time, to have sexual intercourse by his or her partner, without sufficient reason, itself amounts to mental cruelty to such spouse...Since there is no acceptable view in which a spouse can be compelled to resume life with the consort, nothing is given by trying to keep the parties tied forever to a marriage than that has ceased to in fact," stated Bench of Justices Suneet Kumar and Rajendra Kumar-IV said.<br />
<br />
The bench referred to a 2006 Supreme Court judgment on the aspect of mental cruelty and found faults in the family court's order.<br />
<br />
"It is evident from the record that since long, the parties to the marriage have been living separately, according to plaintiff-appellant, defendant-respondent had no respect for marital bond, denied discharging obligation of marital liability. There has been a complete breakdown of their marriage,” the bench added.</p>

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In a divorce case, India's Allahabad High Court observed that if a spouse denies having sexual intercourse with their partner for a long period without any valid reason, then the act amounts to mental cruelty.

In a divorce case, India's Allahabad High Court observed that if a spouse denies having sexual intercourse with their partner for a long period without any valid reason, then the act amounts to mental cruelty. The court observed that the appellant Ravindra Pratap Yadav had alleged his wife Asha Devi "had no respect for marital bond, denied to discharge obligation of marital liability", which resulted in a "complete breakdown" of their marriage. Yadav had filed a petition challenging the Varanasi family court's 2005 order which had dismissed his divorce plea, citing Section 13 Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The High Court had stated that a "hyper-technical approach" was adopted by the lower court and dismissed Yadav's case. ALSO READ | India: Most divorces arising from love marriages only, says Supreme Court Couple granted divorce by Panchayat The divorce case was filed by Ravindra Pratap Yadav on the ground that a mutually agreed divorce had already been finalised in the community Panchayat. He had further alleged mental cruelty, "denying to co-habit and discharge the obligation of marital life" and added that the married couple was living separately for a good amount of time. As per Yadav, the couple had married in May 1979 and the behaviour of his wife changed after some time and she was unwilling to cohabit with him. Later, his wife started living at her parents' house. However, after six months of marriage, Yadav claimed that he made efforts to convince his wife and bring her back, however, she refused. In July 1994, the village held a panchayat where the parties reached an agreement and mutually got divorced. The petitioner added that he was paying alimony of Rs 22,000 ($266) to his wife. WATCH | Gravitas Plus: India has the lowest divorce rate in the world. Here's why However, when Yadav demanded a decree of divorce based on mental cruelty, divorce agreement and desertion, his wife did not turn up in court. “Undoubtedly, not allowing a spouse for a long time, to have sexual intercourse by his or her partner, without sufficient reason, itself amounts to mental cruelty to such spouse...Since there is no acceptable view in which a spouse can be compelled to resume life with the consort, nothing is given by trying to keep the parties tied forever to a marriage than that has ceased to in fact," stated Bench of Justices Suneet Kumar and Rajendra Kumar-IV said. The bench referred to a 2006 Supreme Court judgment on the aspect of mental cruelty and found faults in the family court's order. "It is evident from the record that since long, the parties to the marriage have been living separately, according to plaintiff-appellant, defendant-respondent had no respect for marital bond, denied discharging obligation of marital liability. There has been a complete breakdown of their marriage,” the bench added. 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 court labels denial of sex to spouse for long time as 'mental cruelty'

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<p><strong>WTC Final 2023:&nbsp;</strong>ICC has announced the date for the World Test Championship final match between Australia and India at The Oval, London. The summit clash will be a five-day test match from June 7 to June 11. India and Australia hold first and second place in the ICC Test Teams Rankings. ICC has also announced that the winners of the WTC Final will take home $1.6 million in prize money. The runner-ups will also win $800,000. However, in case of a tie or draw, both teams will share the prize money, receiving $1.2 million each.</p>

<p>Here's everything you need to know about the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 between India and Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>IND vs AUS WTC 2023 Final: Date &amp; Time</strong></h2>

<p>According to ICC, the second World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia will commence on June 7. The five-day test match will end on June 11, with June 12 as the 'reserve day.' The IND vs AUS match will start at 3 PM IST every day. The reserve day will cover up the lost playing time during the regular schedule. However, it will come in use only when there is one hour of lost playtime, but it can be up to a full day if required.</p>

<h2><strong>IND vs AUS WTC 2023 Final: Venue</strong></h2>

<p>The Oval in south London will host the WTC final 2023 between India and Australia. The overall win percentage of Australia at The Oval is 18.42, while India's win percentage is 14.28. Australia's Mitch Marsh has been the most prolific at the venue, having taken 12 wickets in two test matches. For India, Virat Kohli has the most experience at The Oval.</p>

<h2><strong>IND vs AUS WTC 2023 Final: Squad</strong></h2>

<p><strong>INDIA:&nbsp;</strong>Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>AUSTRALIA:&nbsp;</strong>Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner</p>

<h2><strong>IND vs AUS WTC 2023 Final: Live Streaming</strong></h2>

<p>In India, cricket fans can watch the WTC final live on Star Sports Network. Disney+ Hotstar app and website will also live stream the World Test Championship between India and Australia. Seven will exclusively broadcast the most awaited WTC 2023 final match in Australia.&nbsp;</p>


WTC Final 2023: ICC has announced the date for the World Test Championship final match between Australia and India at The Oval, London. The summit clash will be a five-day test match from June 7 to June 11.

WTC Final 2023: ICC has announced the date for the World Test Championship final match between Australia and India at The Oval, London. The summit clash will be a five-day test match from June 7 to June 11. India and Australia hold first and second place in the ICC Test Teams Rankings. ICC has also announced that the winners of the WTC Final will take home $1.6 million in prize money. The runner-ups will also win $800,000. However, in case of a tie or draw, both teams will share the prize money, receiving $1.2 million each. Here's everything you need to know about the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 between India and Australia. IND vs AUS WTC 2023 Final: Date & Time According to ICC, the second World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia will commence on June 7. The five-day test match will end on June 11, with June 12 as the 'reserve day.' The IND vs AUS match will start at 3 PM IST every day. The reserve day will cover up the lost playing time during the regular schedule. However, it will come in use only when there is one hour of lost playtime, but it can be up to a full day if required. IND vs AUS WTC 2023 Final: Venue The Oval in south London will host the WTC final 2023 between India and Australia. The overall win percentage of Australia at The Oval is 18.42, while India's win percentage is 14.28. Australia's Mitch Marsh has been the most prolific at the venue, having taken 12 wickets in two test matches. For India, Virat Kohli has the most experience at The Oval. IND vs AUS WTC 2023 Final: Squad INDIA: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat AUSTRALIA: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner IND vs AUS WTC 2023 Final: Live Streaming In India, cricket fans can watch the WTC final live on Star Sports Network. Disney+ Hotstar app and website will also live stream the World Test Championship between India and Australia. Seven will exclusively broadcast the most awaited WTC 2023 final match in Australia.

IND vs AUS WTC 2023: Here's your ultimate guide to World Test Championship Final between India and Australia

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently wrapped up his three-nation tour during which he became the first Indian leader to visit Papua New Guinea.&nbsp;But he was not the only Indian who marked a significant milestone in the Pacific country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Incumbent Governor of West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, Sasindran Muthuvel made history when he became the first person of Indian origin to be elected to the Parliament of Papua New Guinea in 2012.</p>

<p>Muthuvel spoke to WION correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively about PM Modi’s visit, his story about becoming the governor, and Papua New Guinea’s ties with India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here are a few excerpts from the interview:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>WION: How do you see PM Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea given it was a major story in India and the Pacific as well?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Muthuvel: First of all we thank Prime Minister Modiji for making this decision to visit Papua New Guinea the invitation of which was extended during a G20 Zoom conference along with all the developing countries’ prime ministers. Of course, it is extremely significant for one to be the prime minister and leader of the largest democracy coming to another democratic country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-papua-new-guinea-pm-james-marape-speaks-on-indian-pm-modis-welcome-596458">WION Exclusive: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape speaks on Indian PM Modi's welcome</a></strong></p>

<p>We are the largest nation in terms of landmass, population and economic activity. You know on multiple occasions people mention a small Pacific Island nation, Prime Minister James Marape, but we are a nation of 20 provinces, one autonomous region, and one capital district. It’s similar to the Indian States.</p>

<p><strong>WION: You are the first Indian-origin person who is in the Parliament of Papua New Guinea, I’m sure many Indians will be surprised to know that there’s an Indian-origin parliamentarian in PNG. Please tell us about your journey</strong></p>

<p>Muthuvel: I was born in 1974 and brought up in India. In fact, my entire education has been done in Tamil medium and I did my college degree in horticulture from Tamil Nadu Agriculture University. I first stepped foot in Papua New Guinea on January 28, 1999 and came here for business, in the province that I currently stay and govern.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2000, I started my career in retail and that's how it all started. Obviously being in retail you have to master the language so that gives an advantage but the political intention came very late after I got my citizenship in 2007. I got elected in 2012, this is actually my third tenure in parliament and I was elected as a regional MP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-islamic-countries-attended-india-hosted-g20-meet-in-jammu-and-kashmir-596478">Three Islamic countries attended India hosted G20 meet in Jammu and Kashmir</a></strong></p>

<p>I intended to go into politics in 2011 when our people actually pushed me into a local tribal plan because we used to run an operation where people don’t have to travel almost 70 to 80 kilometres. We go and built a shop right in the middle of no way between Kimbey and Galay two different towns at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People started floating around this idea in 2009 asking me to participate in the national General Election, of course, there were a lot of limitations irrespective of my religion, colour, caste, or creed and even though I was naturalised but still of a different origin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>My reasoning was that I came with nothing in this country and these people have given me blessings especially my people in West Britain. So this is one way of giving back something in terms of giving whatever the additional service through your work, in the sphere of politics, so everything was taken from here, so it was no big challenge for me to represent them.<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/had-to-show-respect-to-leader-of-biggest-democracy-png-pm-on-touching-modis-feet-596401">Had to show respect to leader of biggest democracy: Papua New Guinea PM Marape on touching Modi’s feet</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WION: People were&nbsp;surprised to see so many&nbsp;Indians and Indian-origin people who welcomed PM Modi in Papua New Guinea. Can you talk about the Indian diaspora in PNG?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Muthuvel: We could have actually organised a much bigger event but unfortunately PM Modi was on a very tight schedule with bilateral meetings…so we could not prepare for a bigger community event. The Indians you saw are actually just from the capital. Of course, there are many elders who have lived here since independence in 1975 when it was an Australian colony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So many Indians have also lost their lives in PNG when they were a part of the British army, so India-PNG connections go way back. The Indians at the airport who met with PM Modi might be around 30 per cent as many of them reside in other big cities across the island. There are at least 3,000 Indian citizens working in Papua New Guinea.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently wrapped up his three-nation tour during which he became the first Indian leader to visit Papua New Guinea. But he was not the only Indian who marked a significant milestone in the Pacific country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently wrapped up his three-nation tour during which he became the first Indian leader to visit Papua New Guinea. But he was not the only Indian who marked a significant milestone in the Pacific country. Incumbent Governor of West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, Sasindran Muthuvel made history when he became the first person of Indian origin to be elected to the Parliament of Papua New Guinea in 2012. Muthuvel spoke to WION correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively about PM Modi’s visit, his story about becoming the governor, and Papua New Guinea’s ties with India. Here are a few excerpts from the interview: WION: How do you see PM Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea given it was a major story in India and the Pacific as well? Muthuvel: First of all we thank Prime Minister Modiji for making this decision to visit Papua New Guinea the invitation of which was extended during a G20 Zoom conference along with all the developing countries’ prime ministers. Of course, it is extremely significant for one to be the prime minister and leader of the largest democracy coming to another democratic country. ALSO WATCH | WION Exclusive: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape speaks on Indian PM Modi's welcome We are the largest nation in terms of landmass, population and economic activity. You know on multiple occasions people mention a small Pacific Island nation, Prime Minister James Marape, but we are a nation of 20 provinces, one autonomous region, and one capital district. It’s similar to the Indian States. WION: You are the first Indian-origin person who is in the Parliament of Papua New Guinea, I’m sure many Indians will be surprised to know that there’s an Indian-origin parliamentarian in PNG. Please tell us about your journey Muthuvel: I was born in 1974 and brought up in India. In fact, my entire education has been done in Tamil medium and I did my college degree in horticulture from Tamil Nadu Agriculture University. I first stepped foot in Papua New Guinea on January 28, 1999 and came here for business, in the province that I currently stay and govern. In 2000, I started my career in retail and that's how it all started. Obviously being in retail you have to master the language so that gives an advantage but the political intention came very late after I got my citizenship in 2007. I got elected in 2012, this is actually my third tenure in parliament and I was elected as a regional MP. ALSO READ | Three Islamic countries attended India hosted G20 meet in Jammu and Kashmir I intended to go into politics in 2011 when our people actually pushed me into a local tribal plan because we used to run an operation where people don’t have to travel almost 70 to 80 kilometres. We go and built a shop right in the middle of no way between Kimbey and Galay two different towns at the time. People started floating around this idea in 2009 asking me to participate in the national General Election, of course, there were a lot of limitations irrespective of my religion, colour, caste, or creed and even though I was naturalised but still of a different origin. My reasoning was that I came with nothing in this country and these people have given me blessings especially my people in West Britain. So this is one way of giving back something in terms of giving whatever the additional service through your work, in the sphere of politics, so everything was taken from here, so it was no big challenge for me to represent them. ALSO READ | Had to show respect to leader of biggest democracy: Papua New Guinea PM Marape on touching Modi’s feet WION: People were surprised to see so many Indians and Indian-origin people who welcomed PM Modi in Papua New Guinea. Can you talk about the Indian diaspora in PNG? Muthuvel: We could have actually organised a much bigger event but unfortunately PM Modi was on a very tight schedule with bilateral meetings…so we could not prepare for a bigger community event. The Indians you saw are actually just from the capital. Of course, there are many elders who have lived here since independence in 1975 when it was an Australian colony. So many Indians have also lost their lives in PNG when they were a part of the British army, so India-PNG connections go way back. The Indians at the airport who met with PM Modi might be around 30 per cent as many of them reside in other big cities across the island. There are at least 3,000 Indian citizens working in Papua New Guinea. 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.

Exclusive: First Indian-origin Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel, on PM Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea

<p>India’s Union Home Minister&nbsp;Amit Shah, on Thursday (May 25), urged people to maintain peace in the violence-hit state of Manipur and said that he would visit the northeastern state soon. This comes a day after at least one person was killed and one other person was injured as fresh violence rocked India’s northeastern state of Manipur.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Amit Shah announces visit</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at an event in the Indian city of Guwahati, the home minister said, “There were clashes in Manipur after the verdict of a court. I would appeal to both groups, they should maintain peace, and justice will be done with everyone.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah said that the visit will take place “soon” and that he will stay there for three days to “talk to people of Manipur for establishing peace”. He added, “The Centre will ensure that justice is given to all who suffered in the clashes which broke out in the state, but people must hold a dialogue to ensure peace in the state.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Violence-hit Manipur</strong></h2>

<p>Officials on Thursday confirmed the death of a 30-year-old man, Toijam Chandramoni, who was shot during the violence a day prior, while Leichombam Abungnao, aged 22, was injured. Officials believe that the suspected militants opened fire at the group of people, displaced during the recent ethnic clashes in Churachandpur and took shelter in a relief camp at Moirang in the Bishnupur district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a press conference, state security advisor Kuldiep Singh said that the violence followed incidents of arson by suspected militants in the Tronglaobi area late Tuesday. “The villagers and those living in the Moirang camp were angry over the burning of their houses,” said the senior police officer, as quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the police, three houses were burnt on Tuesday night and in retaliation, people from the community burnt down four houses. Singh said that while the situation as of now is tense, it is “under control”.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, the house of Manipur minister Konthoujam Govindas in the Bishnupur district was vandalised after a group of people claimed that the authorities are not doing enough to protect the locals from the militants belonging to another community, said a police official. The minister and his family were not present at the house which came under attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the state has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence since the ethnic clashes between the tribal Kuki and the non-tribal Meitei communities first broke out, earlier this month. According to media reports, over 70 people have been killed while more than a thousand have been displaced. Some 2,000 houses have been burned down across the Indian state, reported AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Thursday (May 25), urged people to maintain peace in the violence-hit state of Manipur and said that he would visit the northeastern state soon.

India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Thursday (May 25), urged people to maintain peace in the violence-hit state of Manipur and said that he would visit the northeastern state soon. This comes a day after at least one person was killed and one other person was injured as fresh violence rocked India’s northeastern state of Manipur. Amit Shah announces visit Speaking at an event in the Indian city of Guwahati, the home minister said, “There were clashes in Manipur after the verdict of a court. I would appeal to both groups, they should maintain peace, and justice will be done with everyone.” Shah said that the visit will take place “soon” and that he will stay there for three days to “talk to people of Manipur for establishing peace”. He added, “The Centre will ensure that justice is given to all who suffered in the clashes which broke out in the state, but people must hold a dialogue to ensure peace in the state.” Violence-hit Manipur Officials on Thursday confirmed the death of a 30-year-old man, Toijam Chandramoni, who was shot during the violence a day prior, while Leichombam Abungnao, aged 22, was injured. Officials believe that the suspected militants opened fire at the group of people, displaced during the recent ethnic clashes in Churachandpur and took shelter in a relief camp at Moirang in the Bishnupur district. At a press conference, state security advisor Kuldiep Singh said that the violence followed incidents of arson by suspected militants in the Tronglaobi area late Tuesday. “The villagers and those living in the Moirang camp were angry over the burning of their houses,” said the senior police officer, as quoted by news agency PTI. According to the police, three houses were burnt on Tuesday night and in retaliation, people from the community burnt down four houses. Singh said that while the situation as of now is tense, it is “under control”. On Wednesday, the house of Manipur minister Konthoujam Govindas in the Bishnupur district was vandalised after a group of people claimed that the authorities are not doing enough to protect the locals from the militants belonging to another community, said a police official. The minister and his family were not present at the house which came under attack. This comes as the state has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence since the ethnic clashes between the tribal Kuki and the non-tribal Meitei communities first broke out, earlier this month. According to media reports, over 70 people have been killed while more than a thousand have been displaced. Some 2,000 houses have been burned down across the Indian state, reported AFP. (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: Home Minister Amit Shah to visit violence-hit Manipur 'soon'

<p>At least one person has been killed and two others have been injured as fresh violence rocked India’s northeastern state of Manipur, on Wednesday (May 24). This comes after miscreants had torched abandoned houses and cars and also shot three people, earlier this week. In light of these incidents, the district authorities have cancelled the curfew relaxation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>As per media reports, citing local officials, a 29-year-old man, Toijam Chandramani was shot dead after armed youths had raided a few villages in Bishnupur district. The victim was said to be in a critical state and was transferred to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Separately, two people were injured after being shot at in the Thamnapokpi foothills due to firing, said the police. At a press conference, state security advisor Kuldiep Singh said that the violence followed incidents of arson by suspected militants in the Tronglaobi area late Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Around 9:30 am (local time), two persons received bullet injuries at Thamnapokpi foothills which was due to firing from the side of the hill,” said Singh. Another person who was injured was later identified as a 25-year-old, L Manoj who went by an alias Abungnao.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the police, three houses were burnt on Tuesday night and in retaliation, people from the community burnt down four houses. Singh said that while the situation as of now is tense it is “under control”.</p>

<p>He also said that a joint team of Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and state police had been deployed in the region and had recovered arms and ammunition including guns, hand grenades, and so on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The search for the militants is underway, said Singh. The team of security forces also arrested three people, hundreds of dollars in cash, and a car.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Curfew relaxation cancelled</strong></h2>

<p>In light of recent violence, the previously relaxed curfews in both Imphal West and Imphal East districts have been cancelled. The curfew was previously relaxed for the day from 5:00 am to 4:00 pm (local time) excluding a few areas in the Imphal East district was stopped&nbsp;while the curfew was re-imposed in Bishnupur district.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the state has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence since the ethnic clashes between the tribal Kuki and the non-tribal Meitei communities first broke out, earlier this month. According to the media reports citing officials, some 10,000 personnel from the Indian Army and Assam Rifles and at least 7,000 from the CRPF and Border Security Force (BSF) have been deployed in the violence-hit state where over 70 people have lost their lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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At least one person has been killed and two others have been injured as fresh violence rocked India’s northeastern state of Manipur, on Wednesday (May 24). This comes after miscreants had torched abandoned houses and cars and also shot three people, earlier this week.

At least one person has been killed and two others have been injured as fresh violence rocked India’s northeastern state of Manipur, on Wednesday (May 24). This comes after miscreants had torched abandoned houses and cars and also shot three people, earlier this week. In light of these incidents, the district authorities have cancelled the curfew relaxation. What happened? As per media reports, citing local officials, a 29-year-old man, Toijam Chandramani was shot dead after armed youths had raided a few villages in Bishnupur district. The victim was said to be in a critical state and was transferred to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Separately, two people were injured after being shot at in the Thamnapokpi foothills due to firing, said the police. At a press conference, state security advisor Kuldiep Singh said that the violence followed incidents of arson by suspected militants in the Tronglaobi area late Tuesday. “Around 9:30 am (local time), two persons received bullet injuries at Thamnapokpi foothills which was due to firing from the side of the hill,” said Singh. Another person who was injured was later identified as a 25-year-old, L Manoj who went by an alias Abungnao. According to the police, three houses were burnt on Tuesday night and in retaliation, people from the community burnt down four houses. Singh said that while the situation as of now is tense it is “under control”. He also said that a joint team of Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and state police had been deployed in the region and had recovered arms and ammunition including guns, hand grenades, and so on. The search for the militants is underway, said Singh. The team of security forces also arrested three people, hundreds of dollars in cash, and a car. Curfew relaxation cancelled In light of recent violence, the previously relaxed curfews in both Imphal West and Imphal East districts have been cancelled. The curfew was previously relaxed for the day from 5:00 am to 4:00 pm (local time) excluding a few areas in the Imphal East district was stopped while the curfew was re-imposed in Bishnupur district. This comes as the state has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence since the ethnic clashes between the tribal Kuki and the non-tribal Meitei communities first broke out, earlier this month. According to the media reports citing officials, some 10,000 personnel from the Indian Army and Assam Rifles and at least 7,000 from the CRPF and Border Security Force (BSF) have been deployed in the violence-hit state where over 70 people have lost their lives. (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 one killed, two injured after fresh violence erupts in Manipur

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate new parliament building on May 28. The new building will soon be the seat of the highest legislative body of largest democracy in the world. The government headed by PM Modi intends for the new parliament building to be centre of legislative activity rather than&nbsp;the current colonial-era building. However,&nbsp;a&nbsp;political row has erupted as the inauguration date for the new building draws closer.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The new parliament building</strong></h2>

<p>The new parliament building is&nbsp;'just next door' to the existing building. The old building is almost 100 years old. It is a Heritage Grade-1 building.</p>

<p>Government of India's website on the Central Vista project underlines the need for a new parliament building.</p>

<p>"Over the years, the parliamentary activities and the number of people working therein and visitors have increased manifold...the new constructions and modifications have been done in an ad-hoc manner. For example, two new storeys constructed in 1956 over the outer circular part of the building hid the dome of the Central Hall and changed the facade of the original building. Further, the coverings of Jaali windows have reduced the natural light in the halls of two houses of the Parliament. Therefore, it is showing signs of distress and over-utilization and is not able to meet the current requirements in terms of space, amenities and technology," says the website</p>

<p>The new parliament building is in the shape of a triangle as opposed to the current building which is circular in shape. This, says Indian Government, ensures 'optimum space utilization'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Parliament building" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a5e522ea-2d88-4ee9-a446-c71b0886a38f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pariament%20building.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>(Image: Government of India)</em></p>

<p>"The present building was never designed to accommodate a bicameral legislature for a full-fledged democracy," says the government website.</p>

<p>The number of MPs is unaltered from 545. The freeze on the maximum number of MPs is only till 2026. If the number of MPs increases, more space would be needed for seating arrangements.</p>

<h2><strong>If new building solves issues, what's the problem?</strong></h2>

<p>Opposition parties in India have been alleging that there was no need to hastily spend millions to construct the new building when the country had other pressing matters. BBC reports that the cost of constructing the new building has come to 9.7 billion rupees ($117.1 million, £94.2 million).</p>

<p>PM Modi has lauded the project many times and has said that this would be the first parliament building 'built by Indians'. The opposition has been arguing that instead of constructing a new structure altogether, it was still possible to make improvements in current building to address the issues faced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There have also been allegations from the Opposition that the new building was an attempt to diminish the symbolism of the current one in which independent India's constitution was adopted. The BJP government is often perceived by many in political circles as following a religious agenda, something Indian constitution scoffs at as it maintains that religion and governance should be separate. BJP denies all such allegations.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-parliament-building-centre-releases-pics-check-opening-date-cost-all-you-need-to-know-554361">New Parliament building: Centre releases pics, check opening date, cost &amp; all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>The inauguration date of the new parliament is May 28. It is also the birth anniversary of VD Savarkar, a figure connected with India's freedom struggle but one who elicits mixed opinions across the country's political spectrum.</p>

<p>Another point raised by the opposition is that the President of India Droupadi Murmu should be inaugurating the new parliament building. They argue as the President of India is a constitutional&nbsp;post that outranks a prime minister, she should be inaugurating the parliament, the highest lawmaking body in the land. Inauguration by PM Modi is being seen by the opposition as his attempt to make a political statement. India will have its general elections next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has voiced the party's displeasure.</p>

<p>"The parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India, and the President of India is its highest constitutional authority. She alone represents government, opposition, and every citizen alike," Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Inauguration of the new parliament building by her will symbolise [the] government's commitment to democratic values and constitutional propriety," his tweet read.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu is not being invited for the inauguration of the new Parliament Building.<br />
<br />
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India, and the President of India is its highest Constitutional authority.<br />
<br />
2/4</p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1660502434664394752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time of publishing the story, nineteen opposition parties had decided to boycott the inauguration of the new parliament building. This may mean that on the inauguration day, there would be near-zero participation from the Opposition.</p>

<p>Some of the parties which&nbsp;have decided to boycott the event are the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Left, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), &nbsp;Janata Dal-United (JDU), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Samajwadi Party, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction.</p>

<h2>'They can decide'</h2>

<p>Amit Shah, India's Home Minister and powerful ally&nbsp;of&nbsp;PM Modi reportedly declined to comment on the backlash from the opposition and has said that decision to attend the ceremony was their own.</p>

<p>"We have invited everyone. They can decide according to their wisdom," said Shah. He was quoted by news outlet NDTV.</p>

<p>However, the opposition has received criticism from the government ranks. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday accused the Congres lacked &nbsp;"national spirit and sense of pride" in India's progress. He drew attention to former PMs from the Congress party inaugurating&nbsp;the annexe building and laying&nbsp;the foundation of the parliament library.</p>

<p>"If your head of government can inaugurate the Parliament annexe and library, then why can't the head of the government of this time do? It's as simple as that," he said as quoted by NDTV.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate new parliament building on May 28. The new building will soon be the seat of the highest legislative body of largest democracy in the world.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate new parliament building on May 28. The new building will soon be the seat of the highest legislative body of largest democracy in the world. The government headed by PM Modi intends for the new parliament building to be centre of legislative activity rather than the current colonial-era building. However, a political row has erupted as the inauguration date for the new building draws closer. The new parliament building The new parliament building is 'just next door' to the existing building. The old building is almost 100 years old. It is a Heritage Grade-1 building. Government of India's website on the Central Vista project underlines the need for a new parliament building. "Over the years, the parliamentary activities and the number of people working therein and visitors have increased manifold...the new constructions and modifications have been done in an ad-hoc manner. For example, two new storeys constructed in 1956 over the outer circular part of the building hid the dome of the Central Hall and changed the facade of the original building. Further, the coverings of Jaali windows have reduced the natural light in the halls of two houses of the Parliament. Therefore, it is showing signs of distress and over-utilization and is not able to meet the current requirements in terms of space, amenities and technology," says the website The new parliament building is in the shape of a triangle as opposed to the current building which is circular in shape. This, says Indian Government, ensures 'optimum space utilization'. (Image: Government of India) "The present building was never designed to accommodate a bicameral legislature for a full-fledged democracy," says the government website. The number of MPs is unaltered from 545. The freeze on the maximum number of MPs is only till 2026. If the number of MPs increases, more space would be needed for seating arrangements. If new building solves issues, what's the problem? Opposition parties in India have been alleging that there was no need to hastily spend millions to construct the new building when the country had other pressing matters. BBC reports that the cost of constructing the new building has come to 9.7 billion rupees ($117.1 million, £94.2 million). PM Modi has lauded the project many times and has said that this would be the first parliament building 'built by Indians'. The opposition has been arguing that instead of constructing a new structure altogether, it was still possible to make improvements in current building to address the issues faced. There have also been allegations from the Opposition that the new building was an attempt to diminish the symbolism of the current one in which independent India's constitution was adopted. The BJP government is often perceived by many in political circles as following a religious agenda, something Indian constitution scoffs at as it maintains that religion and governance should be separate. BJP denies all such allegations. Also Read | New Parliament building: Centre releases pics, check opening date, cost & all you need to know The inauguration date of the new parliament is May 28. It is also the birth anniversary of VD Savarkar, a figure connected with India's freedom struggle but one who elicits mixed opinions across the country's political spectrum. Another point raised by the opposition is that the President of India Droupadi Murmu should be inaugurating the new parliament building. They argue as the President of India is a constitutional post that outranks a prime minister, she should be inaugurating the parliament, the highest lawmaking body in the land. Inauguration by PM Modi is being seen by the opposition as his attempt to make a political statement. India will have its general elections next year. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has voiced the party's displeasure. "The parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India, and the President of India is its highest constitutional authority. She alone represents government, opposition, and every citizen alike," Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote on Twitter. "Inauguration of the new parliament building by her will symbolise [the] government's commitment to democratic values and constitutional propriety," his tweet read. The President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu is not being invited for the inauguration of the new Parliament Building. The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India, and the President of India is its highest Constitutional authority. 2/4 — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 22, 2023 × At the time of publishing the story, nineteen opposition parties had decided to boycott the inauguration of the new parliament building. This may mean that on the inauguration day, there would be near-zero participation from the Opposition. Some of the parties which have decided to boycott the event are the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Left, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Janata Dal-United (JDU), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Samajwadi Party, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction. 'They can decide' Amit Shah, India's Home Minister and powerful ally of PM Modi reportedly declined to comment on the backlash from the opposition and has said that decision to attend the ceremony was their own. "We have invited everyone. They can decide according to their wisdom," said Shah. He was quoted by news outlet NDTV. However, the opposition has received criticism from the government ranks. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday accused the Congres lacked "national spirit and sense of pride" in India's progress. He drew attention to former PMs from the Congress party inaugurating the annexe building and laying the foundation of the parliament library. "If your head of government can inaugurate the Parliament annexe and library, then why can't the head of the government of this time do? It's as simple as that," he said as quoted by NDTV. 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 ×

Explained | What is the row over India's new parliament building inauguration?

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the midst of a three-nation visit, arrived in Australia for the last leg of his journey and addressed a mega event of the Indian diaspora on Tuesday (May 23) in Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena. PM Modi, speaking about the bilateral ties between India and Australia, said that the relationship between the two countries is based on "mutual trust and mutual respect."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘PM Modi is the boss’: Australian PM</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Indian PM was welcomed by his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese who said “Prime Minister Modi is the boss”. He also went on to talk about the warm welcome given to PM Modi by the Indian diaspora and the people of Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his speech, the Australian PM&nbsp;compared his Indian counterpart’s mass appeal and fame&nbsp;with that of rockstar Bruce Springsteen who was incidentally also known as “The Boss”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modis-speech-in-australia-india-to-open-consulate-in-brisbane-harris-park-declared-as-little-india-595501">PM Modi’s speech in Australia: India to open consulate in Brisbane, Harris Park declared as ‘little India’</a></strong></p>

<p>"The last time I saw Bruce Springsteen on the stage, he didn’t get the kind of reception that the Prime Minister got. PM Modi is the boss,"&nbsp;said Albanese. He added, "It gives me great pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Modi to Australia. My first year as Prime Minister is what I am celebrating today."</p>

<p>"I have my friend but there is nothing better than standing on stage with him like this, it is a pleasure to welcome PM Modi here, but I must say that the warmth and energy that is here tonight are second to none,"&nbsp;said the Australian PM. He also welcomed his Indian counterpart with a hug when PM Modi arrived at the venue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Australian PM also spoke about his recent trip to India and the deep connection and unforgettable moments and went to advise tourists to explore the country by train and bus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-in-australia-overseas-indians-flock-to-pm-modis-rally-in-sydney-595454">PM Modi in Australia: Overseas Indians flock to PM Modi's rally in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<p>"When I was in India in March, it was a trip full of unforgettable moments, celebrating Holi in Gujarat, laying a wreath for Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi…Everywhere I went, I felt a deep connection between the people of Australia and India. If you want to understand India, travel by train and bus".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi on India-Australia ties</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian PM took to the stage amidst&nbsp;chants of “Modi, Modi” echoing&nbsp;in the Qudos Bank Arena. During his speech, PM Modi hailed several connections between the two countries and said they could be described by various acronyms, three Cs – Commonwealth, Cricket, and Curry; three Ds – Diaspora, Democracy, and Dosti (friendship); and three Es – Economy, Energy, and Education.</p>

<p>“The basis of historic ties between India and Australia is mutual trust and mutual respect,” said PM Modi. The Indian PM also spoke about the significant geographical distance between the two countries, adding that the Indian Ocean connects us.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> addresses the Indian diaspora in Sydney; He says even though there is geographical distance between us but Indian Ocean connects us. Our lifestyles have been different but yoga also connects us. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sydney?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sydney</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NarendraModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NarendraModi</a> <a href="https://t.co/lEWalQhO2q">pic.twitter.com/lEWalQhO2q</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1660950450907279361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“There are many direct flights between India and Australia…the number would further increase in the upcoming days,” said the Indian PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Mutual trust and mutual respect have not developed only due to the diplomatic relations of India-Australia. The real reason, the real power is – all of you Indians who live in Australia,” said PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-in-australia-pm-modi-australian-pm-albanese-sing-national-anthem-with-indian-diaspora-595473">PM Modi in Australia: PM Modi, Australian PM Albanese sing national anthem with Indian diaspora</a></strong></p>

<p>During his address, after hailing the cricket ties between India and Australia, PM Modi said hundreds&nbsp;of Indians mourned the death of Australian spin bowler Shane Warne. "Our friendship is very deep off the field as well. Last year when Shane Warner died, hundreds of Indians were also mourning. We felt like we have lost someone very close to us."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to cricket, tennis and films are now emerging as a bridge between both nations, said PM Modi, adding that while the people of the two countries might prepare food in different ways <em>Masterchef</em> is connecting us now. He also went on to acknowledge the difference&nbsp;in lifestyles between India and Australia, adding that Yoga now connects the two cultures.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the midst of a three-nation visit, arrived in Australia for the last leg of his journey and addressed a mega event of the Indian diaspora on Tuesday (May 23) in Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the midst of a three-nation visit, arrived in Australia for the last leg of his journey and addressed a mega event of the Indian diaspora on Tuesday (May 23) in Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena. PM Modi, speaking about the bilateral ties between India and Australia, said that the relationship between the two countries is based on "mutual trust and mutual respect." ‘PM Modi is the boss’: Australian PM The Indian PM was welcomed by his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese who said “Prime Minister Modi is the boss”. He also went on to talk about the warm welcome given to PM Modi by the Indian diaspora and the people of Australia. During his speech, the Australian PM compared his Indian counterpart’s mass appeal and fame with that of rockstar Bruce Springsteen who was incidentally also known as “The Boss”. ALSO READ | PM Modi’s speech in Australia: India to open consulate in Brisbane, Harris Park declared as ‘little India’ "The last time I saw Bruce Springsteen on the stage, he didn’t get the kind of reception that the Prime Minister got. PM Modi is the boss," said Albanese. He added, "It gives me great pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Modi to Australia. My first year as Prime Minister is what I am celebrating today." "I have my friend but there is nothing better than standing on stage with him like this, it is a pleasure to welcome PM Modi here, but I must say that the warmth and energy that is here tonight are second to none," said the Australian PM. He also welcomed his Indian counterpart with a hug when PM Modi arrived at the venue. The Australian PM also spoke about his recent trip to India and the deep connection and unforgettable moments and went to advise tourists to explore the country by train and bus. ALSO WATCH | PM Modi in Australia: Overseas Indians flock to PM Modi's rally in Sydney "When I was in India in March, it was a trip full of unforgettable moments, celebrating Holi in Gujarat, laying a wreath for Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi…Everywhere I went, I felt a deep connection between the people of Australia and India. If you want to understand India, travel by train and bus". PM Modi on India-Australia ties The Indian PM took to the stage amidst chants of “Modi, Modi” echoing in the Qudos Bank Arena. During his speech, PM Modi hailed several connections between the two countries and said they could be described by various acronyms, three Cs – Commonwealth, Cricket, and Curry; three Ds – Diaspora, Democracy, and Dosti (friendship); and three Es – Economy, Energy, and Education. “The basis of historic ties between India and Australia is mutual trust and mutual respect,” said PM Modi. The Indian PM also spoke about the significant geographical distance between the two countries, adding that the Indian Ocean connects us. Indian PM @narendramodi addresses the Indian diaspora in Sydney; He says even though there is geographical distance between us but Indian Ocean connects us. Our lifestyles have been different but yoga also connects us. #Sydney #Australia #PMModi #NarendraModi pic.twitter.com/lEWalQhO2q — WION (@WIONews) May 23, 2023 × “There are many direct flights between India and Australia…the number would further increase in the upcoming days,” said the Indian PM. “Mutual trust and mutual respect have not developed only due to the diplomatic relations of India-Australia. The real reason, the real power is – all of you Indians who live in Australia,” said PM Modi. ALSO WATCH | PM Modi in Australia: PM Modi, Australian PM Albanese sing national anthem with Indian diaspora During his address, after hailing the cricket ties between India and Australia, PM Modi said hundreds of Indians mourned the death of Australian spin bowler Shane Warne. "Our friendship is very deep off the field as well. Last year when Shane Warner died, hundreds of Indians were also mourning. We felt like we have lost someone very close to us." In addition to cricket, tennis and films are now emerging as a bridge between both nations, said PM Modi, adding that while the people of the two countries might prepare food in different ways Masterchef is connecting us now. He also went on to acknowledge the difference in lifestyles between India and Australia, adding that Yoga now connects the two cultures. (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-Australia ties are based on ‘mutual trust and respect’: PM Modi

<p>Flypasts by the Indian Navy, presence of India's Chief of Naval Staff and attendance from Government of India ministers. This is just a glimpse of the grand welcome that awaits Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini and her crew of naval officers, as she sails towards the shores of Goa around 2:20 pm local time on Tuesday (May 23). At that time, INSV Tarini would have completed a grand voyage of 31,000 kilometres. In a 188-day trans-oceanic and inter-continental voyage, the vessel sailed from Goa, on India's southwestern coast, to Cape Town, South Africa and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and then set sail for the return to Goa.</p>

<p>Over the last decade-and-a-half, the Indian Navy has taken earnest efforts in promoting ocean sailing in the country. Indian Navy's Captain Dilip Donde was the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe in 2009-2010. Subsequently, Commander Abhilash Tomy (retired) was the first Asian skipper to participate in two circumnavigations. Recently, during Golden Globe Race 2022, an east-bound non-stop circumnavigation race starting and finishing in Les Sables d’ Olonne, France, Cdr Abhilash Tomy (retd) accomplished the rare feat of getting a podium finish by completing the gruelling course in second position, all while using primitive sailing tools and no modern technology. On board INSV Tarini, six women officers of the Indian Navy had successfully completed a circumnavigation expedition 'Navika Sagar Parikrama' in the year 2018. While the legacy of such expeditions stands tall in the country, Tarini's latest mission is a special one.</p>

<p>The Indian Navy envisions sending a woman on a solo circumnavigation attempt and this latest expedition is a stepping stone towards that goal. Lieutenant Commanders Dilna (hailing from Kerala) and Roopa (hailing from Pondicherry) have sailed 188 days on Tarini, guided and mentored in two phases (onward phase from Goa to Rio De Janeiro and return from Rio to Goa), by two batches of naval Officers with vast sailing experience. Through rough seas and adverse conditions, the women officers are being put through the process of gaining more confidence and experience towards more daring feats on the high seas.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Naval Sailing Vessel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tarini?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tarini</a> to be flagged into <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/goa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#goa</a> this noon, after completing a 31,000km sailing expedition from Goa- <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthAfrica</a> -<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RiodeJaneiro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RiodeJaneiro</a> &amp; back<br />
<br />
Lt Commanders Roop &amp; Dilna braved rough seas, unpredictable weather, winds to make it thus far! <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> on Ground <a href="https://t.co/Z7r3nyXKQr">pic.twitter.com/Z7r3nyXKQr</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1660819898849964032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>While competitive sailing in global sporting events like the Olympics is vastly different from sailing large boats, the fundamentals largely remain the same- harness the power of nature and sail on. While Olympic sailing does have its own set of challenges, those undertaking adventurous expeditions such as the Tarini crew have to be well-versed with courses and immense practical experience in navigation, communication, first-aid and emergency healthcare measures, sea safety and survival.</p>

<p>With more than seven years of experience gained as officers of the Indian Navy and learnings from their sailing adventures with senior naval Officers, Lieutenant Commanders Roopa and Dilna are only getting ready for bigger missions and expeditions at sea. Sailing solo or as a pair, their journey is expected to be pathbreaking and an inspiration for women who aspire to join the Indian Navy.&nbsp;</p>

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Flypasts by the Indian Navy, presence of India's Chief of Naval Staff and attendance from Government of India ministers. This is just a glimpse of the grand welcome that awaits Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini and her crew of naval officers, as she sails towards the shores of Goa around 2:20 pm local time on Tuesday (May 23).

Flypasts by the Indian Navy, presence of India's Chief of Naval Staff and attendance from Government of India ministers. This is just a glimpse of the grand welcome that awaits Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini and her crew of naval officers, as she sails towards the shores of Goa around 2:20 pm local time on Tuesday (May 23). At that time, INSV Tarini would have completed a grand voyage of 31,000 kilometres. In a 188-day trans-oceanic and inter-continental voyage, the vessel sailed from Goa, on India's southwestern coast, to Cape Town, South Africa and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and then set sail for the return to Goa. Over the last decade-and-a-half, the Indian Navy has taken earnest efforts in promoting ocean sailing in the country. Indian Navy's Captain Dilip Donde was the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe in 2009-2010. Subsequently, Commander Abhilash Tomy (retired) was the first Asian skipper to participate in two circumnavigations. Recently, during Golden Globe Race 2022, an east-bound non-stop circumnavigation race starting and finishing in Les Sables d’ Olonne, France, Cdr Abhilash Tomy (retd) accomplished the rare feat of getting a podium finish by completing the gruelling course in second position, all while using primitive sailing tools and no modern technology. On board INSV Tarini, six women officers of the Indian Navy had successfully completed a circumnavigation expedition 'Navika Sagar Parikrama' in the year 2018. While the legacy of such expeditions stands tall in the country, Tarini's latest mission is a special one. The Indian Navy envisions sending a woman on a solo circumnavigation attempt and this latest expedition is a stepping stone towards that goal. Lieutenant Commanders Dilna (hailing from Kerala) and Roopa (hailing from Pondicherry) have sailed 188 days on Tarini, guided and mentored in two phases (onward phase from Goa to Rio De Janeiro and return from Rio to Goa), by two batches of naval Officers with vast sailing experience. Through rough seas and adverse conditions, the women officers are being put through the process of gaining more confidence and experience towards more daring feats on the high seas. #Indian Naval Sailing Vessel #Tarini to be flagged into #goa this noon, after completing a 31,000km sailing expedition from Goa- #SouthAfrica -#RiodeJaneiro & back Lt Commanders Roop & Dilna braved rough seas, unpredictable weather, winds to make it thus far! @WIONews on Ground pic.twitter.com/Z7r3nyXKQr — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) May 23, 2023 × While competitive sailing in global sporting events like the Olympics is vastly different from sailing large boats, the fundamentals largely remain the same- harness the power of nature and sail on. While Olympic sailing does have its own set of challenges, those undertaking adventurous expeditions such as the Tarini crew have to be well-versed with courses and immense practical experience in navigation, communication, first-aid and emergency healthcare measures, sea safety and survival. With more than seven years of experience gained as officers of the Indian Navy and learnings from their sailing adventures with senior naval Officers, Lieutenant Commanders Roopa and Dilna are only getting ready for bigger missions and expeditions at sea. Sailing solo or as a pair, their journey is expected to be pathbreaking and an inspiration for women who aspire to join the Indian Navy. 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 ×

INSV Tarini to sail into Goa today after 31k kms of sailing

<p>The Income Tax department on Monday said online game platforms will not be required to deduct tax at the source for a player if the net winning does not exceed Rs 100.</p>

<p>Finance Act 2023 inserted a new section 194BA in the Income-tax Act, 1961, with effect from April 1, 2023, which mandates online gaming platforms to deduct income-tax on the net winnings in the person's user account.</p>

<p>Tax is required to be deducted at the time of withdrawal as well as at the end of the financial year.</p>

<p>The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified Rule 133 of the I-T Rules defining the manner and procedure for deduction of the TDS. Net winnings of an online gamer would be calculated after subtracting the total deposits and opening balance in the user account from the amount withdrawn.</p>

<h2><strong>Regulations mandated under the new scheme</strong></h2>

<p>To remove the difficulty in deducting tax at source under section 194BA of the Act for "insignificant withdrawal", it is clarified that tax may not be deducted on withdrawal on the satisfaction of all of the following conditions:</p>

<p>(i) net winnings comprised in the amount withdrawn does not exceed Rs 100 in a month.</p>

<p>(ii) tax not deducted on account of this concession is deducted at a time when the net winnings comprised in withdrawal exceeds Rs 100 in the same month or subsequent month or if there is no such withdrawal, at the end of the financial year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(iii) the deductor undertakes the responsibility of paying the difference if the balance in the user account at the time of tax deduction under section 194BA of the Act is not sufficient to discharge the tax deduction liability calculated in accordance with Rule 133, the CBDT said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-are-video-games-actually-beneficial-528642"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Are video games actually beneficial?</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-fantasy-gaming-industry-to-grow-at-30-cagr-triple-user-base-by-2027-report-584895#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>Nangia Andersen LLP Tax Leader Aravind Srivatsan said the circular keeps the threshold limit for TDS or withholding tax at a sum of Rs 100 of net winnings arguably to keep a bigger monitor on unaccounted money flowing into this sector and keep a real-time vigil.</p>

<p>Transferring from one user account to another user account, maintained with the same online gaming intermediary of the same user shall not be considered as withdrawal or deposit, as the case may be.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-fantasy-gaming-industry-to-grow-at-30-cagr-triple-user-base-by-2027-report-584895"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;India's fantasy gaming industry to grow at 30% CAGR, triple user base by 2027: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Srivatsan said though this circular the government has looked at various aspects involved in the gaming business, including reward points, gifts in kind, and referral bonuses and addressed the withholding tax mechanisms.</p>

<p>"Users with multiple accounts across gaming companies may note that having multiple accounts would not spare them from withholding since the rules are clear on the need to consolidate common user details,” Srivatsan added.</p>

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The Income Tax department on Monday said online game platforms will not be required to deduct tax at the source for a player if the net winning does not exceed Rs 100.

The Income Tax department on Monday said online game platforms will not be required to deduct tax at the source for a player if the net winning does not exceed Rs 100. Finance Act 2023 inserted a new section 194BA in the Income-tax Act, 1961, with effect from April 1, 2023, which mandates online gaming platforms to deduct income-tax on the net winnings in the person's user account. Tax is required to be deducted at the time of withdrawal as well as at the end of the financial year. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified Rule 133 of the I-T Rules defining the manner and procedure for deduction of the TDS. Net winnings of an online gamer would be calculated after subtracting the total deposits and opening balance in the user account from the amount withdrawn. Regulations mandated under the new scheme To remove the difficulty in deducting tax at source under section 194BA of the Act for "insignificant withdrawal", it is clarified that tax may not be deducted on withdrawal on the satisfaction of all of the following conditions: (i) net winnings comprised in the amount withdrawn does not exceed Rs 100 in a month. (ii) tax not deducted on account of this concession is deducted at a time when the net winnings comprised in withdrawal exceeds Rs 100 in the same month or subsequent month or if there is no such withdrawal, at the end of the financial year. (iii) the deductor undertakes the responsibility of paying the difference if the balance in the user account at the time of tax deduction under section 194BA of the Act is not sufficient to discharge the tax deduction liability calculated in accordance with Rule 133, the CBDT said. WATCH | WION Fineprint | Are video games actually beneficial? × Nangia Andersen LLP Tax Leader Aravind Srivatsan said the circular keeps the threshold limit for TDS or withholding tax at a sum of Rs 100 of net winnings arguably to keep a bigger monitor on unaccounted money flowing into this sector and keep a real-time vigil. Transferring from one user account to another user account, maintained with the same online gaming intermediary of the same user shall not be considered as withdrawal or deposit, as the case may be. ALSO READ | India's fantasy gaming industry to grow at 30% CAGR, triple user base by 2027: Report Srivatsan said though this circular the government has looked at various aspects involved in the gaming business, including reward points, gifts in kind, and referral bonuses and addressed the withholding tax mechanisms. "Users with multiple accounts across gaming companies may note that having multiple accounts would not spare them from withholding since the rules are clear on the need to consolidate common user details,” Srivatsan added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Online gaming wins below Rs 100 will not attract TDS

<p>The United Nations agency published new figures on Monday (May 22) which indicated that extreme weather events caused nearly 600 disasters in India which claimed 138,377 lives&nbsp;in the past five decades. The World Meteorological Department (WMO) report also noted that such events have caused the death of two million people and $4.3 trillion in economic damage in the same time period.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UN report about Asia</strong></h2>

<p>According to the report by the UN agency, more than 90 per cent of&nbsp;reported deaths across the world occurred in developing countries. The WMO said that between 1970 and 2021, Asia accounted for nearly 50 per cent of all reported deaths worldwide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India witnessed &nbsp;573 disasters in the span of five decades which claimed the lives of 138,377 people between 1970 and 2021. According to the WMO, tropical cyclones are the leading cause of reported deaths in the continent. It said that&nbsp;tropical cyclone Nargis, which occurred in 2008, led to 138,366 deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, Bangladesh reported the highest number of casualties in Asia across 281 disasters. “The most vulnerable communities, unfortunately, bear the brunt of weather, climate and water-related hazards,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.</p>

<p>Taalas cited&nbsp;the most recent example of the extremely severe cyclonic storm Mocha which wreaked havoc in Myanmar and Bangladesh last week, which exemplified this reality. He added the severe storm has “caused widespread devastation…impacting the poorest of the poor”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Indian researchers echo warnings</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Last year, a report released by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, said that the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods and heatwaves is projected to significantly rise in the country due to climate change.</p>

<p>Meteorologists had&nbsp;previously warned about climate change increasing the instability in the atmosphere due to a rise in convective activity like thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain events, as per the news agency PTI. Additionally, global warming has also led to cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea to be longer and more intense than before.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Early warning systems for all</strong></h2>

<p>The findings in question were released at the quadrennial World Meteorological Congress in Geneva, Switzerland during high-level talks for ramping up action to ensure that early warning services reach everyone on earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ‘United Nations Early Warnings for All initiative’ aims to make early warning services available for everyone by the end of 2027. WMO said Monday that 22,608 disaster deaths were recorded globally in 2020 and 2021 combined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Thanks to early warnings and disaster management these catastrophic mortality rates are now thankfully history,” the report noted, adding that “early warnings save lives”.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
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The United Nations agency published new figures on Monday (May 22) which indicated that extreme weather events caused nearly 600 disasters in India which claimed 138,377 lives in the past five decades.

The United Nations agency published new figures on Monday (May 22) which indicated that extreme weather events caused nearly 600 disasters in India which claimed 138,377 lives in the past five decades. The World Meteorological Department (WMO) report also noted that such events have caused the death of two million people and $4.3 trillion in economic damage in the same time period. UN report about Asia According to the report by the UN agency, more than 90 per cent of reported deaths across the world occurred in developing countries. The WMO said that between 1970 and 2021, Asia accounted for nearly 50 per cent of all reported deaths worldwide. India witnessed 573 disasters in the span of five decades which claimed the lives of 138,377 people between 1970 and 2021. According to the WMO, tropical cyclones are the leading cause of reported deaths in the continent. It said that tropical cyclone Nargis, which occurred in 2008, led to 138,366 deaths. Furthermore, Bangladesh reported the highest number of casualties in Asia across 281 disasters. “The most vulnerable communities, unfortunately, bear the brunt of weather, climate and water-related hazards,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. Taalas cited the most recent example of the extremely severe cyclonic storm Mocha which wreaked havoc in Myanmar and Bangladesh last week, which exemplified this reality. He added the severe storm has “caused widespread devastation…impacting the poorest of the poor”. Indian researchers echo warnings Last year, a report released by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, said that the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods and heatwaves is projected to significantly rise in the country due to climate change. Meteorologists had previously warned about climate change increasing the instability in the atmosphere due to a rise in convective activity like thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain events, as per the news agency PTI. Additionally, global warming has also led to cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea to be longer and more intense than before. Early warning systems for all The findings in question were released at the quadrennial World Meteorological Congress in Geneva, Switzerland during high-level talks for ramping up action to ensure that early warning services reach everyone on earth. The ‘United Nations Early Warnings for All initiative’ aims to make early warning services available for everyone by the end of 2027. WMO said Monday that 22,608 disaster deaths were recorded globally in 2020 and 2021 combined. “Thanks to early warnings and disaster management these catastrophic mortality rates are now thankfully history,” the report noted, adding that “early warnings save lives”. 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.

Climate change, extreme weather have led to hundreds of thousands of deaths in India: UN

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the highest civilian honours of Fiji and Papua New Guinea&nbsp;on Monday (May 22). This comes as PM Modi travelled to Papua New Guinea on a historic trip and attended the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Indian PM was conferred with the highest honour of Fiji, the ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’ by his Fijian counterpart, PM Sitiveni Rabuka, in “recognition of his global leadership,” said the Prime Minister’s Office. The statement also said that only a handful of Non-Fijians have received this honour to date.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs said that PM Modi has dedicated the honour to the people of India and to the generations of the Fiji-Indian community who have played a key role in the special and enduring bond between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pacific-island-nations-are-large-ocean-countries-not-small-island-states-indian-pm-modi-at-fipic-summit-594916">Pacific Island nations are large ocean countries, not small island states: Indian PM Modi at FIPIC summit</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi also took to Twitter and expressed his gratitude to the people and the government of Fiji as well as PM Rabuka for presenting the award, “It is an honour for the people of India and a recognition of the strong ties between India and Fiji,” said the Indian PM.</p>

<h2><strong>Papua New Guinea’s ‘Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu’ award</strong></h2>

<p>Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae of Papua New Guinea conferred PM Modi with the country’s highest civilian award, ‘Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL)’ for championing the cause of unity of Pacific Island countries and spearheading the cause of Global South. Former United States President Bill Clinton is among those conferred with the honour in the past.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO&nbsp;WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-papua-new-guinea-pm-touches-visiting-indian-pms-feet-in-show-of-respect-wins-hearts-594791">As Indian PM Modi lands, Papua New Guinea PM touches his feet</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian PM also took to Twitter and said he is humbled by the gesture of Papua New Guinea for conferring him with the honour and said that it was a “great recognition of India and the accomplishments of our people.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous notable awards, and honours conferred&nbsp;on PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>In 2021, PM Modi was conferred with ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, also known as ‘Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo’, which is the highest civilian award of Bhutan.&nbsp;Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said that the award was given to his Indian counterpart for the “unconditional friendship/ and support” that he extended over the years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former United States President Donald Trump, in 2020, had presented the prestigious ‘Legion of Merit’ award to PM Modi for his leadership in elevating the US-India strategic partnership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2019, PM Modi was conferred the ‘King Hamad Order of the Renaissance’ by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. He was also the first Indian PM to visit Bahrain at the time and received the honour for efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with the key Gulf nation.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g7-summit-concludes-pm-modis-unseen-moments-with-world-leaders-in-japan-594962">G7 summit: Here are some of PM Modi's key moments with world leaders in Japan</a></strong></p>

<p>The same year, PM Modi was also honoured with the ‘Order of Zayed’ which is UAE’s highest civilian award, for his pivotal role in building a strategic relationship between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia honoured the Indian PM with the country’s highest civilian honour, ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle,’ in 2019 for his “exceptional services” in promoting a special and privileged strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<br />
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the highest civilian honours of Fiji and Papua New Guinea on Monday (May 22). This comes as PM Modi travelled to Papua New Guinea on a historic trip and attended the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the highest civilian honours of Fiji and Papua New Guinea on Monday (May 22). This comes as PM Modi travelled to Papua New Guinea on a historic trip and attended the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit. ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’ The Indian PM was conferred with the highest honour of Fiji, the ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’ by his Fijian counterpart, PM Sitiveni Rabuka, in “recognition of his global leadership,” said the Prime Minister’s Office. The statement also said that only a handful of Non-Fijians have received this honour to date. The Ministry of External Affairs said that PM Modi has dedicated the honour to the people of India and to the generations of the Fiji-Indian community who have played a key role in the special and enduring bond between the two countries. ALSO READ | Pacific Island nations are large ocean countries, not small island states: Indian PM Modi at FIPIC summit PM Modi also took to Twitter and expressed his gratitude to the people and the government of Fiji as well as PM Rabuka for presenting the award, “It is an honour for the people of India and a recognition of the strong ties between India and Fiji,” said the Indian PM. Papua New Guinea’s ‘Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu’ award Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae of Papua New Guinea conferred PM Modi with the country’s highest civilian award, ‘Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL)’ for championing the cause of unity of Pacific Island countries and spearheading the cause of Global South. Former United States President Bill Clinton is among those conferred with the honour in the past. ALSO WATCH | As Indian PM Modi lands, Papua New Guinea PM touches his feet The Indian PM also took to Twitter and said he is humbled by the gesture of Papua New Guinea for conferring him with the honour and said that it was a “great recognition of India and the accomplishments of our people.” Previous notable awards, and honours conferred on PM Modi In 2021, PM Modi was conferred with ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, also known as ‘Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo’, which is the highest civilian award of Bhutan. Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said that the award was given to his Indian counterpart for the “unconditional friendship/ and support” that he extended over the years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former United States President Donald Trump, in 2020, had presented the prestigious ‘Legion of Merit’ award to PM Modi for his leadership in elevating the US-India strategic partnership. In 2019, PM Modi was conferred the ‘King Hamad Order of the Renaissance’ by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. He was also the first Indian PM to visit Bahrain at the time and received the honour for efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with the key Gulf nation. ALSO READ | G7 summit: Here are some of PM Modi's key moments with world leaders in Japan The same year, PM Modi was also honoured with the ‘Order of Zayed’ which is UAE’s highest civilian award, for his pivotal role in building a strategic relationship between the two countries. Russia honoured the Indian PM with the country’s highest civilian honour, ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle,’ in 2019 for his “exceptional services” in promoting a special and privileged strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi. (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 PM Modi conferred with highest honours of Fiji, Papua New Guinea

<p>The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers Meeting this month at Goa had an intense war of words. The SCO is a multilateral and multi-sectoral international organisation with eight member states- China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. With the help of media statements, the tug-of-war between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan continued. This was no surprise, the much-anticipated fireworks in the form of a speech act were done by both sides.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
India and Pakistan representatives were seen targeting each other on a variety of issues. Pakistan-sponsored terrorism continued to be at the centre stage. In the SCO meeting in Goa, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar was seen as firm in his body language, pretty vocal and unapologetic about his remarks. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari too was seen in the usual mode. The statements by the EAM Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister Bhutto were largely on the issues, where mutual targeting is well known between the two states: Kashmir, revocation of Article 370, Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-the-way-for-world-indias-proposal-for-digital-public-infra-adopted-by-sco-members-592217">Leading the way for world: India's proposal for digital public infra adopted by SCO members</a></p>

<h2><strong>Pak-sponsored terrorism: A brief glimpse</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian position on Pakistan’s role in spreading and nurturing international terror groups has long remained clear and constant. However, there is a notable change in the way India has approached the issues in recent times. “Pakistan’s credibility is depleting even faster than its forex reserves”. The External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar referred to the failing or depleting credibility of Pakistan, hinted&nbsp;towards the country’s long-continued hypocritic approach to state-grown terrorism.<br />
Islamabad has long continued to renounce that it has been supporting anti-India terror groups from its soil. India has now stopped pleading and providing Pakistan with evidence of its involvement in anti-India activities. In its present stance, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, New Delhi has ceased to engage Islamabad in the usual fashion.<br />
For decades, India has overlooked and pardoned many sub-conventional strikes sponsored by Pakistan. But it has now largely ceased giving oneway, unilateral concessions to Pakistan by overlooking its faults like an elder brother and regional power in South Asia. In the Goa meeting too, like old wine in a new bottle, Pakistan restated the lie India has been told several times both bilaterally and internationally, that it is a sufferer and not a perpetrator of terrorism. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India was in no mood to be fooled yet again. Even after having fought four major conventional wars with Pakistan, India has several times attempted reconciliation. Largely all these conventional wars or conflicts were initiated by Pakistan. On several occasions, India has caught Pakistan red-handed with strong evidence of the ISI's involvement in sub-conventional strikes or anti-India terror attacks including the Parliament attack, 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks etc. India has also presented evidence of the role of institutions in Pakistan in the same, but it continued to deny and overlook it. In&nbsp;recent months there have been many Pak-sponsored attacks in Kashmir, in the most recent one resulted in the martyrdom of five security personnel in Rajouri district which unfortunately happened simultaneously to the Goa SCO meet on 5th May, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan from the Cold War times till date has continued on its approach and has given a blind eye to homegrown terrorism. It has taken no action to counter and contain the anti-India terror elements operating from its soil. The ISI and some major of Pakistan’s institutions have supported and are fond of the “good Taliban” &nbsp;and this is now an open secret to the world that Pakistan shelters terrorists. The killing of the Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in 2012 by the US forces in his own compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan; made the world know about the Pakistan government’s hand in sheltering global terrorists.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | SCO summit 2023: India holds chair of G20 &amp; SCO this year | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Is the war of words at SCO meeting justified?</strong></h2>

<p>The SCO meet at Goa in May, 2023 was an important occasion for New Delhi and Islamabad. Not surprising that both countries arranged no bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the multilateral meeting. Mr. Jaishankar stated that “the victims of terrorism do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism to discuss terrorism” with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan referred by him as a “promoter, justifier and a spokesperson” of the terror industry.<br />
The war of words between New Delhi and Islamabad is nothing new but many international political analysts believe that it could&nbsp;have been avoided in a multilateral set-up. However, it must be noted that the issue under discussion- terrorism, falls well inside the core agenda of the SCO and the discussion on the matter brought for the role of one member state in perpetuating, harbouring and proliferating terrorism.<br />
The United Nations define the SCO as an organisation which since its inception has focused on regional security issues, with a well-known priority combating “regional terrorism, ethnic separatism and religious extremism”. However, in recent decades SCO has also diversified its agenda adding and prioritising regional development, cooperation in the realm of science and technology, environmental protection etc. Thus, it has emerged as a regional organisation with multi-faceted objectives of promoting diverse political, economic, technical and people-to-people cooperation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does this mean for India’s policy towards Pakistan?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Pakistan Foreign Minister in December 2022 at the United Nations in an interaction with the media, was seen referring to the Prime Minister of India as ‘butcher of Gujarat’. It must be noted that the Indian EAM’s statements and responses to the press on the matter of Pakistan did not come as an immediate and instantaneous response. Mr. Jaishankar's statements were much more than a tirade and invective speech act. It was part of a bigger response signalling a changed approach of India to one of its neighbouring state which over the years has caused it deliberate harm in more than one way. &nbsp;<br />
There is a clear observation. The tug of war between India and Pakistan at the sidelines of a multilateral forum SCO hints towards a more aggressive approach of India to name, shame and blame Pakistan for its anti-India activities. Though both states have been pointing fingers at each other, kind of ritualistically, every year at the United Nations General Assembly. But now, it is visible that India has gone more vocal on the long-due matter of cross-border and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.<br />
The same has not only harmed&nbsp;Indian interests but also has been detrimental to South Asian stability and global peace. The analysis suggests that the long due reconciliation and strengthening of ties between India and Pakistan is difficult unless provocative actions are halted from the side of the Islamic state.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</em></strong></p>

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The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers Meeting this month at Goa had an intense war of words. The SCO is a multilateral and multi-sectoral international organisation with eight member states- China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers Meeting this month at Goa had an intense war of words. The SCO is a multilateral and multi-sectoral international organisation with eight member states- China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. With the help of media statements, the tug-of-war between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan continued. This was no surprise, the much-anticipated fireworks in the form of a speech act were done by both sides. India and Pakistan representatives were seen targeting each other on a variety of issues. Pakistan-sponsored terrorism continued to be at the centre stage. In the SCO meeting in Goa, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar was seen as firm in his body language, pretty vocal and unapologetic about his remarks. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari too was seen in the usual mode. The statements by the EAM Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister Bhutto were largely on the issues, where mutual targeting is well known between the two states: Kashmir, revocation of Article 370, Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism etc. ALSO READ | Leading the way for world: India's proposal for digital public infra adopted by SCO members Pak-sponsored terrorism: A brief glimpse The Indian position on Pakistan’s role in spreading and nurturing international terror groups has long remained clear and constant. However, there is a notable change in the way India has approached the issues in recent times. “Pakistan’s credibility is depleting even faster than its forex reserves”. The External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar referred to the failing or depleting credibility of Pakistan, hinted towards the country’s long-continued hypocritic approach to state-grown terrorism. Islamabad has long continued to renounce that it has been supporting anti-India terror groups from its soil. India has now stopped pleading and providing Pakistan with evidence of its involvement in anti-India activities. In its present stance, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, New Delhi has ceased to engage Islamabad in the usual fashion. For decades, India has overlooked and pardoned many sub-conventional strikes sponsored by Pakistan. But it has now largely ceased giving oneway, unilateral concessions to Pakistan by overlooking its faults like an elder brother and regional power in South Asia. In the Goa meeting too, like old wine in a new bottle, Pakistan restated the lie India has been told several times both bilaterally and internationally, that it is a sufferer and not a perpetrator of terrorism. India was in no mood to be fooled yet again. Even after having fought four major conventional wars with Pakistan, India has several times attempted reconciliation. Largely all these conventional wars or conflicts were initiated by Pakistan. On several occasions, India has caught Pakistan red-handed with strong evidence of the ISI's involvement in sub-conventional strikes or anti-India terror attacks including the Parliament attack, 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks etc. India has also presented evidence of the role of institutions in Pakistan in the same, but it continued to deny and overlook it. In recent months there have been many Pak-sponsored attacks in Kashmir, in the most recent one resulted in the martyrdom of five security personnel in Rajouri district which unfortunately happened simultaneously to the Goa SCO meet on 5th May, 2023. Pakistan from the Cold War times till date has continued on its approach and has given a blind eye to homegrown terrorism. It has taken no action to counter and contain the anti-India terror elements operating from its soil. The ISI and some major of Pakistan’s institutions have supported and are fond of the “good Taliban” and this is now an open secret to the world that Pakistan shelters terrorists. The killing of the Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in 2012 by the US forces in his own compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan; made the world know about the Pakistan government’s hand in sheltering global terrorists. WATCH | SCO summit 2023: India holds chair of G20 & SCO this year | World News | WION Is the war of words at SCO meeting justified? The SCO meet at Goa in May, 2023 was an important occasion for New Delhi and Islamabad. Not surprising that both countries arranged no bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the multilateral meeting. Mr. Jaishankar stated that “the victims of terrorism do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism to discuss terrorism” with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan referred by him as a “promoter, justifier and a spokesperson” of the terror industry. The war of words between New Delhi and Islamabad is nothing new but many international political analysts believe that it could have been avoided in a multilateral set-up. However, it must be noted that the issue under discussion- terrorism, falls well inside the core agenda of the SCO and the discussion on the matter brought for the role of one member state in perpetuating, harbouring and proliferating terrorism. The United Nations define the SCO as an organisation which since its inception has focused on regional security issues, with a well-known priority combating “regional terrorism, ethnic separatism and religious extremism”. However, in recent decades SCO has also diversified its agenda adding and prioritising regional development, cooperation in the realm of science and technology, environmental protection etc. Thus, it has emerged as a regional organisation with multi-faceted objectives of promoting diverse political, economic, technical and people-to-people cooperation. What does this mean for India’s policy towards Pakistan? The Pakistan Foreign Minister in December 2022 at the United Nations in an interaction with the media, was seen referring to the Prime Minister of India as ‘butcher of Gujarat’. It must be noted that the Indian EAM’s statements and responses to the press on the matter of Pakistan did not come as an immediate and instantaneous response. Mr. Jaishankar's statements were much more than a tirade and invective speech act. It was part of a bigger response signalling a changed approach of India to one of its neighbouring state which over the years has caused it deliberate harm in more than one way. There is a clear observation. The tug of war between India and Pakistan at the sidelines of a multilateral forum SCO hints towards a more aggressive approach of India to name, shame and blame Pakistan for its anti-India activities. Though both states have been pointing fingers at each other, kind of ritualistically, every year at the United Nations General Assembly. But now, it is visible that India has gone more vocal on the long-due matter of cross-border and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The same has not only harmed Indian interests but also has been detrimental to South Asian stability and global peace. The analysis suggests that the long due reconciliation and strengthening of ties between India and Pakistan is difficult unless provocative actions are halted from the side of the Islamic state. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan-sponsored terrorism: Understanding India's reaction at SCO Goa meet

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations.<br />
<br />
PM Modi and Rishi Sunak further agreed to deepen bilateral co-operation across a wide range of areas such as science and technology, trade and investment.</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> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Hiroshima, Japan. <a href="https://t.co/qf1VHiMl9i">pic.twitter.com/qf1VHiMl9i</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1660095586513694722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit which is being held in Hiroshima, Japan. Before their talks, Modi and Sunak also exchanged a tight hug.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-pm-modi-president-zelenskyy-to-meet-in-hiroshima-594003"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>EXCLUSIVE: Modi, Zelensky to meet in Hiroshima, have first in-person interaction since Russian invasion</a></p>

<h2><strong>Modi calls talks with Sunak 'fruitful'</strong></h2>

<p>"A boost to - Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi held productive talks with PM @RishiSunak of the UK in Hiroshima. The two leaders reviewed their Strategic Partnership, including taking stock of progress in India-UK FTA negotiations," tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).<br />
<br />
“Leaders agreed to deepen co-operation across a wide range of areas, such as trade &amp; investment, science &amp; technology, higher education, and people-to-people relationship,” the MEA stated.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, India's PM Modi tweeted, “The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting co-operation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The meeting with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishiSunak</a> was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting cooperation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors. <a href="https://t.co/FI9nI1gc9V">pic.twitter.com/FI9nI1gc9V</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1660114033645846528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Since January 2022, India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA, with a goal towards a comprehensive pact which is expected to significantly increase the bilateral trading relationship which is worth £34 billion ($42 billion) in 2022.<br />
<br />
Last month, both nations ended the ninth round of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations after holding detailed talks across various policy areas.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents India at Summit</strong></p>

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<p><br />
Recently, Britain's Chief Negotiator for the FTA Harjinder Kang was appointed as India's new Trade Commissioner to South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India based in Mumbai.<br />
<br />
As per the official statistics of the UK government, India has been the 12th largest trading partner in the four quarters till the end of Q3 2022, accounting for total UK trade's 2.1 per cent.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi&nbsp;visited the Peace Memorial Museum&nbsp;where he saw the documented exhibits and signed the visitor’s book. He also&nbsp;paid floral&nbsp;tributes to the&nbsp;Hiroshima victims at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister also engaged in a brief conversation with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. India's&nbsp;PM Modi also held&nbsp;bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.</p>

<p>Modi reached Hiroshima, Japan on Friday for attending the G7 summit's three sessions after receiving an invitation from Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations. PM Modi and Rishi Sunak further agreed to deepen bilateral co-operation across a wide range of areas such as science and technology, trade and investment. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Hiroshima, Japan. pic.twitter.com/qf1VHiMl9i — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2023 × The two leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit which is being held in Hiroshima, Japan. Before their talks, Modi and Sunak also exchanged a tight hug. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE: Modi, Zelensky to meet in Hiroshima, have first in-person interaction since Russian invasion Modi calls talks with Sunak 'fruitful' "A boost to - Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi held productive talks with PM @RishiSunak of the UK in Hiroshima. The two leaders reviewed their Strategic Partnership, including taking stock of progress in India-UK FTA negotiations," tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). “Leaders agreed to deepen co-operation across a wide range of areas, such as trade & investment, science & technology, higher education, and people-to-people relationship,” the MEA stated. Meanwhile, India's PM Modi tweeted, “The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting co-operation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors.” The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting cooperation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors. pic.twitter.com/FI9nI1gc9V — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2023 × Since January 2022, India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA, with a goal towards a comprehensive pact which is expected to significantly increase the bilateral trading relationship which is worth £34 billion ($42 billion) in 2022. Last month, both nations ended the ninth round of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations after holding detailed talks across various policy areas. WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents India at Summit Recently, Britain's Chief Negotiator for the FTA Harjinder Kang was appointed as India's new Trade Commissioner to South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India based in Mumbai. As per the official statistics of the UK government, India has been the 12th largest trading partner in the four quarters till the end of Q3 2022, accounting for total UK trade's 2.1 per cent. Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited the Peace Memorial Museum where he saw the documented exhibits and signed the visitor’s book. He also paid floral tributes to the Hiroshima victims at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. The prime minister also engaged in a brief conversation with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. India's PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Modi reached Hiroshima, Japan on Friday for attending the G7 summit's three sessions after receiving an invitation from Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. (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

Bilateral at G7: Modi, Sunak review FTA progress, agree to deepen cooperation on trade & investment

<p>As Kashmir is hosting the G20 summit for the first time ever, the Department of Handicraft in the Indian Union Territory has put up an exhibition at the G20 meeting venue in Srinagar. The government says it’s an opportunity for the artisans and craftsmen of the Kashmir Valley to showcase their talent at the international level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dozens of stalls have been put up at the Sheri Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) lawns in Srinagar showcasing Kashmiri crafts such as Pashmina shawls, silk carpets, wood carving, paper mache, copper utensils and organic foods. Not only has the Department of Handicraft put up the stalls but also brought in artisans of various arts to demonstrate the making of these products in front of the delegates visiting the Valley.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“For the artisan community of the Kashmir Valley, It's a proud moment for all of us. These events open the international market for us. We hope that our crafts of Kashmir get highlighted in events like these. The government should organise much more events like these in the Valley. It's a plus point for all Kashmiri craft. Holding G20 here and giving us an opportunity to display our craft, we will reach every country around the world,” said Shahnawaz Ahmad, Silk Carpet Expert.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The artisans feel that international events like these need to be organised every month which will help the craftsmen to sell the products to international customers and holding such events would draw attention from across the world to the local crafts of Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are hopeful and extremely lucky that G20 is being organised here. People from all across the world are coming to the Valley, and our art would be on display for them. We are hopeful that our art and craft will impress them, and will help us market our products internationally. It will help with a lot of employment in the valley. It will benefit us a lot and I am hopeful we will get a lot of promotion by this event,"&nbsp;said Maqbool Jan, papier mache artist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The skill development department of the Kashmir Valley has over seven lakh women artisans associated with it. A dozen stalls have been put up at the SKICC venue by these women,&nbsp;including the women from rural areas of the Valley. The department sees this as an opportunity for these women to sell their products to international buyers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is for the first time, this kind of event is happening in India since 1947, and this is also a big opportunity for the women who are associated with us. We have around seven lakh women associated with our mission, they will be encouraged by this kind of event and to showcase their products. This will give the women a feel of how to sell their products via e-commerce and this event will help them market the products. We have 15 women here who will share their experiences and will inspire other women too,"&nbsp;said Riyaz Beg, Mission Director, Rural Livelihood Mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kashmiri artisans and craftsmen would have many interactions with the delegates during the G20 meeting in Srinagar.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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As Kashmir is hosting the G20 summit for the first time ever, the Department of Handicraft in the Indian Union Territory has put up an exhibition at the G20 meeting venue in Srinagar.

As Kashmir is hosting the G20 summit for the first time ever, the Department of Handicraft in the Indian Union Territory has put up an exhibition at the G20 meeting venue in Srinagar. The government says it’s an opportunity for the artisans and craftsmen of the Kashmir Valley to showcase their talent at the international level. Dozens of stalls have been put up at the Sheri Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) lawns in Srinagar showcasing Kashmiri crafts such as Pashmina shawls, silk carpets, wood carving, paper mache, copper utensils and organic foods. Not only has the Department of Handicraft put up the stalls but also brought in artisans of various arts to demonstrate the making of these products in front of the delegates visiting the Valley. “For the artisan community of the Kashmir Valley, It's a proud moment for all of us. These events open the international market for us. We hope that our crafts of Kashmir get highlighted in events like these. The government should organise much more events like these in the Valley. It's a plus point for all Kashmiri craft. Holding G20 here and giving us an opportunity to display our craft, we will reach every country around the world,” said Shahnawaz Ahmad, Silk Carpet Expert. The artisans feel that international events like these need to be organised every month which will help the craftsmen to sell the products to international customers and holding such events would draw attention from across the world to the local crafts of Kashmir Valley. "We are hopeful and extremely lucky that G20 is being organised here. People from all across the world are coming to the Valley, and our art would be on display for them. We are hopeful that our art and craft will impress them, and will help us market our products internationally. It will help with a lot of employment in the valley. It will benefit us a lot and I am hopeful we will get a lot of promotion by this event," said Maqbool Jan, papier mache artist. The skill development department of the Kashmir Valley has over seven lakh women artisans associated with it. A dozen stalls have been put up at the SKICC venue by these women, including the women from rural areas of the Valley. The department sees this as an opportunity for these women to sell their products to international buyers. "This is for the first time, this kind of event is happening in India since 1947, and this is also a big opportunity for the women who are associated with us. We have around seven lakh women associated with our mission, they will be encouraged by this kind of event and to showcase their products. This will give the women a feel of how to sell their products via e-commerce and this event will help them market the products. We have 15 women here who will share their experiences and will inspire other women too," said Riyaz Beg, Mission Director, Rural Livelihood Mission. Kashmiri artisans and craftsmen would have many interactions with the delegates during the G20 meeting in Srinagar. 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: Exhibition set up to showcase the talent, promote Kashmir crafts at G20 venue in Srinagar

<p>The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday (May 21) amid the ongoing Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan’s Hiroshima called for reform of the UN Security Council to reflect the realities of the present world.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UN chief urges reform of Security Council, Bretton Woods</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing a press conference in Japan, Guterres said that it was time to reform both the Security Council and Bretton Woods to align with the “realities of today's world,” adding that both institutions reflected the power relations of 1945 and are in need of an update. He also noted how the global financial architecture had become “outdated, dysfunctional and unfair,” as per Reuters.</p>

<p>This was said in the context of the economic shocks that the world witnessed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine while the system&nbsp;put in place has failed to “fulfil its core function as a global safety net,” said the UN chief.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also went on to note how he felt a growing consciousness among developing countries at the G7 summit that not enough steps are being taken to reform these decades-old institutions or “remove the frustrations” of the Global South, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>G7 and the Global South</strong></h2>

<p>In its World Economic Outlook published earlier this year, the International Monetary Fund said that India and China will account for nearly 50 per cent of the world’s growth in 2023. On the other hand, it is also worth noting that the G7 group of wealthy countries’ economic clout has also shrunk in the past three decades or so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the IMF, the seven major economies account for nearly 30 per cent of the global GDP in 2023, as opposed to 50.7 per cent in 1980, reported Reuters. “The G7 members were able to discuss with some of the most important emerging economies in the world,” said Guterres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the G7 presidency holder, Japan also invited leaders from the so-called Global South to Hiroshima for talks including Indian PM Narendra Modi, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UN, Security Council will remain just ‘talk shop’ without reform: PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>During his address at a G7 session in Hiroshima, the Indian PM said that the UN and the Security Council will remain just a “talk shop” if they do not reflect the realities of the present world and called for reform of the global body, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is a matter of analysis, why do we have to talk about peace and stability in different forums? Why is the UN, which was started with the idea of establishing peace, not successful in preventing conflicts today?” the Indian PM questioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also went on to ask why even the definition of terrorism has not been accepted in the UN, adding that “If one introspects, one thing is clear - The institutions created in the last century are not in line with the system of the twenty-first century,” as quoted by PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They do not reflect the realities of the present. That is why it is necessary that reforms should be implemented in big institutions like the UN,” said the Indian PM, adding that these institutions also need to become the voice of the Global South. “Otherwise, we will only keep talking about ending the conflicts. The UN and the Security Council will remain just a talk shop,” said PM Modi, at a G7 session.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Delhi&nbsp;is eyeing a permanent seat on the UNSC, which is currently held by five countries – Russia, the United Kingdom, China, France and the United States, who wield the power to veto any substantive resolution.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday (May 21) amid the ongoing Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan’s Hiroshima called for reform of the UN Security Council to reflect the realities of the present world.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday (May 21) amid the ongoing Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan’s Hiroshima called for reform of the UN Security Council to reflect the realities of the present world. UN chief urges reform of Security Council, Bretton Woods Addressing a press conference in Japan, Guterres said that it was time to reform both the Security Council and Bretton Woods to align with the “realities of today's world,” adding that both institutions reflected the power relations of 1945 and are in need of an update. He also noted how the global financial architecture had become “outdated, dysfunctional and unfair,” as per Reuters. This was said in the context of the economic shocks that the world witnessed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine while the system put in place has failed to “fulfil its core function as a global safety net,” said the UN chief. He also went on to note how he felt a growing consciousness among developing countries at the G7 summit that not enough steps are being taken to reform these decades-old institutions or “remove the frustrations” of the Global South, reported Reuters. G7 and the Global South In its World Economic Outlook published earlier this year, the International Monetary Fund said that India and China will account for nearly 50 per cent of the world’s growth in 2023. On the other hand, it is also worth noting that the G7 group of wealthy countries’ economic clout has also shrunk in the past three decades or so. According to the IMF, the seven major economies account for nearly 30 per cent of the global GDP in 2023, as opposed to 50.7 per cent in 1980, reported Reuters. “The G7 members were able to discuss with some of the most important emerging economies in the world,” said Guterres. As the G7 presidency holder, Japan also invited leaders from the so-called Global South to Hiroshima for talks including Indian PM Narendra Modi, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. UN, Security Council will remain just ‘talk shop’ without reform: PM Modi During his address at a G7 session in Hiroshima, the Indian PM said that the UN and the Security Council will remain just a “talk shop” if they do not reflect the realities of the present world and called for reform of the global body, reported news agency PTI. “It is a matter of analysis, why do we have to talk about peace and stability in different forums? Why is the UN, which was started with the idea of establishing peace, not successful in preventing conflicts today?” the Indian PM questioned. He also went on to ask why even the definition of terrorism has not been accepted in the UN, adding that “If one introspects, one thing is clear - The institutions created in the last century are not in line with the system of the twenty-first century,” as quoted by PTI. “They do not reflect the realities of the present. That is why it is necessary that reforms should be implemented in big institutions like the UN,” said the Indian PM, adding that these institutions also need to become the voice of the Global South. “Otherwise, we will only keep talking about ending the conflicts. The UN and the Security Council will remain just a talk shop,” said PM Modi, at a G7 session. New Delhi is eyeing a permanent seat on the UNSC, which is currently held by five countries – Russia, the United Kingdom, China, France and the United States, who wield the power to veto any substantive resolution. (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.

UN chief, Indian PM Modi call for reform of Security Council to reflect ‘realities’ of today

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