The Nepalese Supreme Court, on Wednesday (December 20), ordered the release of French serial killer and conman, Charles Sobhraj, who is serving his time in prison in Nepal after being convicted for the murder of two North American tourists in the country.&nbsp;According to the media reports, the court has ordered that the 78-year-old be released if there are no pending cases against him after which he has to be deported to France within 15 days. This comes after Sobhraj petitioned for an early release on health grounds for which reportedly even the French embassy had approached the Nepal government.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepals-supreme-court-orders-release-of-french-serial-killer-charles-sobhraj-545240">Nepal’s Supreme Court orders release, deportation of French serial killer Charles Sobhraj</a> 
 
In a recent development, the convicted serial killer’s lawyer, Ram Bandhu Sharma, told Reuters that he would be freed on Thursday after nearly two decades in prison.&nbsp;

He is expected to walk out of the high-security prison in Nepal’s Kathmandu after 10 am (local time) after which he will reportedly be taken to the country’s immigration department for paperwork and will subsequently be sent to France in the coming days.&nbsp;

Troubled childhood

Born in April 1944 in French-occupied Saigon, Vietnam to an Indian trader&nbsp;and Vietnamese shop employee, Charles Sobhraj has been described as a conman, seducer, murderer, and thief, by his associates. According to reports, his parents were not married and his father never acknowledged Sobhraj as his son.&nbsp;

“Rejection by his father was an act which caused considerable resentment and bitterness in the young Sobhraj: ‘I will make you regret that you have missed your father's duty,’ he confided in his diary,” said an excerpt from an article by BBC in 2004.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He and his mother later moved to France where she later married a Frenchman, however, Sobhraj had never fit in with his new family and resented his father for his apparent abandonment. Since childhood, he had been in and out of several prisons in France for petty crimes.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-sher-bahadur-deuba-elected-leader-of-nepali-congress-parliamentary-party-545142">Nepal: PM Sher Bahadur Deuba elected leader of Nepali Congress Parliamentary party</a>

Murderer on the ‘hippie trail’

In the early 1970s, he began travelling the world and befriending and reportedly, robbing western tourists who were on the so-called “hippie trail” from Europe to Southeast Asia. He would allegedly spike people’s drinks and kill their accomplices who were usually women. In the 1970s and the 1980s, the police suspected he killed at least 15 to 20 people.&nbsp;

In the mid-1970s, Thailand issued a warrant for his arrest and accused him of drugging and killing at least six women who wore bikinis on a beach in Pattaya. Hence, earning himself the moniker of the “bikini killer”. However, he could not be convicted on those charges since he was imprisoned in India.&nbsp;

In an interview with AFP, last year, Nadine Gires, who Sobhraj had befriended when he moved into her building in Bangkok in 1975, said, “Many people were getting sick in his home…He was not only a swindler, a seducer, a robber of tourists, but an evil murderer.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/serial-killer-charles-sobhraj-to-be-freed-from-nepal-prison-after-19-years-545434">Serial killer Charles Sobhraj to be freed from Nepal prison after 19 years</a>

This comes after she had soon begun to fear that her fast-talking neighbour who she said masqueraded as a gemstone trader was allegedly drugging, robbing and killing people. Notably, multiple reports suggest, this was Sobhraj’s modus operandi, he would charm and befriend backpackers and after killing them would allegedly also use their passports to travel to his next destination.&nbsp;

Arrest in India

Another moniker he earned over time was “The Serpent”, as he was arrested multiple times, in several countries but was able to evade or bribe his way out or get preferential treatment in prisons. In 1976, Sobhraj was arrested in India, after he and his three accomplices allegedly convinced some French students to hire them as guides and subsequently gave them pills laced&nbsp;with poison.&nbsp;

He was later convicted and sentenced to overall 21 years in prison. However, toward the end of Sobhraj’s sentence, he escaped from the high-security Tihar jail after giving prison guards sweets spiked with drugs for his “birthday” in 1986. He was caught after some 20 days in the Indian state of Goa and returned to jail until 1997.&nbsp;After his sentence, Sobhraj was sent back to Paris.&nbsp;

Notably, a report by BBC citing critics&nbsp;alleges that he&nbsp;deliberately escaped towards the end of his 10-year sentence so that he could be re-captured and face additional charges to avoid extradition to Thailand.

How did he end up in Nepal?

In 2003, he resurfaced and was arrested in a casino in Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu and was subsequently convicted for the murder of American backpacker Connie Jo Bronzich which he allegedly committed in 1975. According to reports, Bronzich’s body was found in a wheat field near the capital city, however, Sobhraj denied these allegations, while his lawyers said that the charge against him was based on an assumption.&nbsp;

Several years later, he was also convicted of killing Bronzich's Canadian friend, Laurent Carriere and has been in Kathmandu’s Central Jail since. In 2008, Sobhraj married Nihita Biswas, who is reportedly 44 years his junior and the daughter of his Nepalese lawyer. &nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-pm-sher-bahadur-deuba-elected-leader-of-nepali-congress-parliamentary-party-545228">WION Dispatch: PM Sher Bahadur Deuba elected leader of Nepali Congress Parliamentary party</a>

After serving 19 years out of his 20-year sentence, on Wednesday, the apex court of Nepal led by the bench of Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla and Til Prasad Shrestha, said that he should be released because of his age as well as health conditions. In 2017, Sobhraj also underwent open-heart surgery

“Keeping him in the prison continuously is not in line with the prisoner’s human rights,” said a copy of the verdict, seen by AFP. It added, “If there is not any other pending cases against him to keep him in the prison, this court orders his release by today and … the return to his country within 15 days.”&nbsp;

“The regulation on prison management envisions a waiver of up to 75 per cent of the jail term of the prisoners over 65 years of age and with good conduct,” reads the verdict as quoted by The Kathmandu Post. This was done citing&nbsp;provisions of Clause 12 (1) of the Senior Citizens Act 2063. According to a part of the&nbsp;clause that says&nbsp;senior citizens can get a waiver of a sentence not exceeding 75 per cent of those who have completed 75 years of age.&nbsp;

Sobhraj's story has arguably intrigued many, last year, BBC and Netflix jointly produced an eight-episode&nbsp;mini-series based on his life&nbsp;named after named his moniker' The Serpent'. This was in addition to at least three books written about his life including, "Life and Crimes of Charles Sobhraj" (1979), "On the Trail of the Serpent: The Epic Hunt for the Bikini Killer" (2021), and so on.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Nepalese Supreme Court, on Wednesday (December 20), ordered the release of French serial killer and conman, Charles Sobhraj, who is serving his time in prison in Nepal after being convicted for the murder of two North American tourists in the country.

The Nepalese Supreme Court, on Wednesday (December 20), ordered the release of French serial killer and conman, Charles Sobhraj, who is serving his time in prison in Nepal after being convicted for the murder of two North American tourists in the country. According to the media reports, the court has ordered that the 78-year-old be released if there are no pending cases against him after which he has to be deported to France within 15 days. This comes after Sobhraj petitioned for an early release on health grounds for which reportedly even the French embassy had approached the Nepal government. ALSO READ | Nepal’s Supreme Court orders release, deportation of French serial killer Charles Sobhraj In a recent development, the convicted serial killer’s lawyer, Ram Bandhu Sharma, told Reuters that he would be freed on Thursday after nearly two decades in prison. He is expected to walk out of the high-security prison in Nepal’s Kathmandu after 10 am (local time) after which he will reportedly be taken to the country’s immigration department for paperwork and will subsequently be sent to France in the coming days. Troubled childhood Born in April 1944 in French-occupied Saigon, Vietnam to an Indian trader and Vietnamese shop employee, Charles Sobhraj has been described as a conman, seducer, murderer, and thief, by his associates. According to reports, his parents were not married and his father never acknowledged Sobhraj as his son. “Rejection by his father was an act which caused considerable resentment and bitterness in the young Sobhraj: ‘I will make you regret that you have missed your father's duty,’ he confided in his diary,” said an excerpt from an article by BBC in 2004. He and his mother later moved to France where she later married a Frenchman, however, Sobhraj had never fit in with his new family and resented his father for his apparent abandonment. Since childhood, he had been in and out of several prisons in France for petty crimes. ALSO READ | Nepal: PM Sher Bahadur Deuba elected leader of Nepali Congress Parliamentary party Murderer on the ‘hippie trail’ In the early 1970s, he began travelling the world and befriending and reportedly, robbing western tourists who were on the so-called “hippie trail” from Europe to Southeast Asia. He would allegedly spike people’s drinks and kill their accomplices who were usually women. In the 1970s and the 1980s, the police suspected he killed at least 15 to 20 people. In the mid-1970s, Thailand issued a warrant for his arrest and accused him of drugging and killing at least six women who wore bikinis on a beach in Pattaya. Hence, earning himself the moniker of the “bikini killer”. However, he could not be convicted on those charges since he was imprisoned in India. In an interview with AFP, last year, Nadine Gires, who Sobhraj had befriended when he moved into her building in Bangkok in 1975, said, “Many people were getting sick in his home…He was not only a swindler, a seducer, a robber of tourists, but an evil murderer.” ALSO WATCH | Serial killer Charles Sobhraj to be freed from Nepal prison after 19 years This comes after she had soon begun to fear that her fast-talking neighbour who she said masqueraded as a gemstone trader was allegedly drugging, robbing and killing people. Notably, multiple reports suggest, this was Sobhraj’s modus operandi, he would charm and befriend backpackers and after killing them would allegedly also use their passports to travel to his next destination. Arrest in India Another moniker he earned over time was “The Serpent”, as he was arrested multiple times, in several countries but was able to evade or bribe his way out or get preferential treatment in prisons. In 1976, Sobhraj was arrested in India, after he and his three accomplices allegedly convinced some French students to hire them as guides and subsequently gave them pills laced with poison. He was later convicted and sentenced to overall 21 years in prison. However, toward the end of Sobhraj’s sentence, he escaped from the high-security Tihar jail after giving prison guards sweets spiked with drugs for his “birthday” in 1986. He was caught after some 20 days in the Indian state of Goa and returned to jail until 1997. After his sentence, Sobhraj was sent back to Paris. Notably, a report by BBC citing critics alleges that he deliberately escaped towards the end of his 10-year sentence so that he could be re-captured and face additional charges to avoid extradition to Thailand. How did he end up in Nepal? In 2003, he resurfaced and was arrested in a casino in Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu and was subsequently convicted for the murder of American backpacker Connie Jo Bronzich which he allegedly committed in 1975. According to reports, Bronzich’s body was found in a wheat field near the capital city, however, Sobhraj denied these allegations, while his lawyers said that the charge against him was based on an assumption. Several years later, he was also convicted of killing Bronzich's Canadian friend, Laurent Carriere and has been in Kathmandu’s Central Jail since. In 2008, Sobhraj married Nihita Biswas, who is reportedly 44 years his junior and the daughter of his Nepalese lawyer. ALSO WATCH | WION Dispatch: PM Sher Bahadur Deuba elected leader of Nepali Congress Parliamentary party After serving 19 years out of his 20-year sentence, on Wednesday, the apex court of Nepal led by the bench of Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla and Til Prasad Shrestha, said that he should be released because of his age as well as health conditions. In 2017, Sobhraj also underwent open-heart surgery “Keeping him in the prison continuously is not in line with the prisoner’s human rights,” said a copy of the verdict, seen by AFP. It added, “If there is not any other pending cases against him to keep him in the prison, this court orders his release by today and … the return to his country within 15 days.” “The regulation on prison management envisions a waiver of up to 75 per cent of the jail term of the prisoners over 65 years of age and with good conduct,” reads the verdict as quoted by The Kathmandu Post. This was done citing provisions of Clause 12 (1) of the Senior Citizens Act 2063. According to a part of the clause that says senior citizens can get a waiver of a sentence not exceeding 75 per cent of those who have completed 75 years of age. Sobhraj's story has arguably intrigued many, last year, BBC and Netflix jointly produced an eight-episode mini-series based on his life named after named his moniker' The Serpent'. This was in addition to at least three books written about his life including, "Life and Crimes of Charles Sobhraj" (1979), "On the Trail of the Serpent: The Epic Hunt for the Bikini Killer" (2021), and so on. (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.

Explained: The life of Charles Sobhraj also known as the ‘Bikini Killer’ and ‘The Serpent’

In November, the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released its Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022. The bill had been put up by the country’s Union Minister for Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, for public consultation till December 17, however, the deadline has recently been extended to January 2, 2023.&nbsp;

The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, of 2022, is legislation, on one hand, outlines the rights and duties of the citizen and on the other hand, the obligations to use collected data lawfully of the data fiduciary.&nbsp;

What happened to the previous drafts?

This bill was proposed after nearly four to five years of delays and changes and&nbsp;will reportedly be the Indian government’s fourth&nbsp;attempt to present a bill on data protection. In 2017, the country’s Supreme Court declared that privacy was a fundamental right under the Indian constitution, which led to the apex court asking the government to create a set of data protection rules, in line with this decision.&nbsp;

Subsequently, the government set up a committee of experts headed by retired Supreme Court judge, BN Srikrishna. A year later, the committee along with its report submitted a draft of the Data Protection Bill after which the Ministry of Electronics and IT said that they would use the ideas from the Srikrishna committee and create a fresh draft.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-india-uses-she-and-her-to-refer-to-all-genders-in-a-draft-data-protection-bill-535612">In a first, India uses ‘she’ and ‘her’ to refer to all genders in a draft data protection bill</a>

In late 2019, a modified version of that Bill, the Personal Data Protection Bill (PDP Bill), 2019 was introduced by the government. This draft was then referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JCP) which was headed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister, Meenakshi Lekhi, at the time.

The JCP after its analysis sought an extension for presenting its report in 2021 which was later granted. Meanwhile, BJP MP, PP Chaudhary had taken over the chairpersonship of the JCP after Lekhi was appointed as the Minister of State for External Affairs and was granted another extension.&nbsp;

However, after the proposed and recommended changes, in August last year, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar told the parliament, “The government has today withdrawn the Personal Data Protection Bill that was formulated in 2018 and re-written by the JCP in 2021.” He added, that new legislation by the government will be tabled in the parliament “very quickly”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-data-protection-bill-calls-for-consent-privacy-penalties-to-bring-more-accountability-in-digital-economy-155209">New data protection bill calls for consent, privacy, penalties, to bring more accountability in digital economy</a> 
 
Not to mention, the PDP Bill also reportedly faced massive pushback from a range of stakeholders including big tech companies like Facebook and Google for the bill’s provision of data localisation which would prohibit them from exporting undefined personal user data and had to keep a copy of certain sensitive information within the country.

Additionally, the JCP&nbsp;after 78 sittings, over 184 hours, and multiple extensions, the committee proposed 81 amendments (in a 99-section bill) and 12 recommendations. Meanwhile, reports suggest that&nbsp;privacy and civil society activists criticised the delays in the bill since one of the highest consumers and producers of data per capita among the countries across the world did not have a basic framework to protect the privacy of internet users.&nbsp;

They also raised concerns about the provision which allowed the government and its agencies to access data and exempt from most&nbsp;of the provisions of the bill reportedly saying that the measures favoured the government as opposed to safeguarding privacy.&nbsp;

What about the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022?

Released on November 18, earlier this year, the bill was first proposed in Lok Sabha (lower house) in December 2019. This time around, the proposed legislation has been reduced to only 30 clauses from the over 90 in the previous draft. It is also focused on personal data and also seemingly accounts for the big tech companies’ protests against the previous draft and eased the rules on cross-border data flow.&nbsp;

“The purpose of this Bill is to provide for the processing of digital personal data in a manner that recognises the right of individuals to protect their personal data, the need to process personal data for lawful purposes and for other incidental purposes,” said the draft bill’s explanatory note.&nbsp;

The proposed legislation&nbsp;is up for public consultation, where the government has sought comments from a range of stakeholders the deadline was which was recently extended to January 2, 2023. The move was made, “in response to the requests received from several stakeholders”, said the IT ministry in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-tiktok-is-a-threat-to-national-security-if-left-unchecked-300976">Why TikTok is a threat to national security if left unchecked</a> 
 
In its explanatory note, the bill says that there are 760 million active internet users in India the number for which is expected to be 1.2 billion in upcoming years. “That is why laws and rulemaking for the internet have to be around the basic foundational principles and expectations of our citizens of openness, safety, and trust and accountability,” said the government.&nbsp;

According to the note, the bill has been based on seven principles around the data economy. The first and second principles call for organisations to be more transparent with users’ personal data in a way that is lawful and fair to individuals as well as “purpose limitation” which is using the data for which it is collected.&nbsp;

Furthermore, it also calls for “data minimisation” which is collecting those items of personal data only for what is needed. The fourth principle is about the accuracy of personal data and that a “reasonable effort” is made that the individual’s personal data is “accurate and kept up to date”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-indias-achievements-75-506581">Gravitas Plus: India’s achievements @75</a>

Subsequently, the fifth one calls for a “storage limitation” so that personal data is not being “stored perpetually by default”. It added, “The storage should be limited to such duration as is necessary for the stated purpose for which personal data was collected.”&nbsp;

The last two principles call for “reasonable safeguards” to prevent data breaches and ensure there is no unauthorised collection or processing of personal data and the person who is in charge of such processing should be&nbsp;held accountable for it.&nbsp;

“These principles have been used as the basis for personal data protection laws in various jurisdictions,” said the explanatory note. It added, “The actual implementation of such laws has allowed the emergence of a more nuanced understanding of personal data protection wherein individual rights, public interest and ease of doing business especially for startups are balanced.”&nbsp;

Furthermore, companies which handle large amounts of data should appoint an independent data auditor to ensure compliance with the provisions, said the Indian government.&nbsp;The proposed bill also says that the government will establish a Data Protection Board which will address user complaints and ensure compliance.&nbsp;

New Delhi will also choose a list of countries to which the companies can transfer personal data and will only allow platforms to send user data to servers in countries on that list. The aforementioned board can also levy fines and penalties in case of failure to adhere to the laws.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-court-raises-serious-concerns-on-youth-accessing-banned-video-games-getting-addicted-525191">India: Court raises serious concerns on youth accessing banned video games, getting addicted</a>

Additionally, companies could be fined up to $30.6 million for not ensuring reasonable safeguards to prevent a data breach. Companies would also have to stop retaining data if it no longer serves the purpose for which it was collected.&nbsp;

They will also not be allowed to process personal data which might harm children or use target advertising for children. Additionally, before processing the personal data of any child the platform would have to take parental consent. The users will also have the right to correct or erase their personal data.&nbsp;

Concerns raised

Across the range of reports, one of the key concerns raised by experts is that the Indian government and state agencies have several exemptions from the proposed law in the interest of national security. The decision was justified by saying, “national and public interest is at times greater than the interest of an individual, a clear grounds-based description of exemptions has been incorporated in the Bill,” in the explanatory note.&nbsp;

Referring to Section 18 outlines the exemptions of the draft bill and talks about how the government can process personal data without the users’ consent, “in the interests of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, maintenance of public order or preventing incitement to any cognizable offence relating to any of these”, states the Section 18(2)(a).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, government agencies can also under certain circumstances indefinitely store personal data, said reports. Therefore, the Delhi-based, Internet Freedom Foundation said, “If the law is not applied to government instrumentalities, data collection and processing in the absence of any data protection standards could result in mass surveillance.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In November, the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released its Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022. The bill had been put up by the country’s Union Minister for Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, for public consultation till December 17, however, the deadline has recently been extended to January 2, 2023.

In November, the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released its Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022. The bill had been put up by the country’s Union Minister for Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, for public consultation till December 17, however, the deadline has recently been extended to January 2, 2023. The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, of 2022, is legislation, on one hand, outlines the rights and duties of the citizen and on the other hand, the obligations to use collected data lawfully of the data fiduciary. What happened to the previous drafts? This bill was proposed after nearly four to five years of delays and changes and will reportedly be the Indian government’s fourth attempt to present a bill on data protection. In 2017, the country’s Supreme Court declared that privacy was a fundamental right under the Indian constitution, which led to the apex court asking the government to create a set of data protection rules, in line with this decision. Subsequently, the government set up a committee of experts headed by retired Supreme Court judge, BN Srikrishna. A year later, the committee along with its report submitted a draft of the Data Protection Bill after which the Ministry of Electronics and IT said that they would use the ideas from the Srikrishna committee and create a fresh draft. ALSO READ | In a first, India uses ‘she’ and ‘her’ to refer to all genders in a draft data protection bill In late 2019, a modified version of that Bill, the Personal Data Protection Bill (PDP Bill), 2019 was introduced by the government. This draft was then referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JCP) which was headed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister, Meenakshi Lekhi, at the time. The JCP after its analysis sought an extension for presenting its report in 2021 which was later granted. Meanwhile, BJP MP, PP Chaudhary had taken over the chairpersonship of the JCP after Lekhi was appointed as the Minister of State for External Affairs and was granted another extension. However, after the proposed and recommended changes, in August last year, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar told the parliament, “The government has today withdrawn the Personal Data Protection Bill that was formulated in 2018 and re-written by the JCP in 2021.” He added, that new legislation by the government will be tabled in the parliament “very quickly”. ALSO READ | New data protection bill calls for consent, privacy, penalties, to bring more accountability in digital economy Not to mention, the PDP Bill also reportedly faced massive pushback from a range of stakeholders including big tech companies like Facebook and Google for the bill’s provision of data localisation which would prohibit them from exporting undefined personal user data and had to keep a copy of certain sensitive information within the country. Additionally, the JCP after 78 sittings, over 184 hours, and multiple extensions, the committee proposed 81 amendments (in a 99-section bill) and 12 recommendations. Meanwhile, reports suggest that privacy and civil society activists criticised the delays in the bill since one of the highest consumers and producers of data per capita among the countries across the world did not have a basic framework to protect the privacy of internet users. They also raised concerns about the provision which allowed the government and its agencies to access data and exempt from most of the provisions of the bill reportedly saying that the measures favoured the government as opposed to safeguarding privacy. What about the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022? Released on November 18, earlier this year, the bill was first proposed in Lok Sabha (lower house) in December 2019. This time around, the proposed legislation has been reduced to only 30 clauses from the over 90 in the previous draft. It is also focused on personal data and also seemingly accounts for the big tech companies’ protests against the previous draft and eased the rules on cross-border data flow. “The purpose of this Bill is to provide for the processing of digital personal data in a manner that recognises the right of individuals to protect their personal data, the need to process personal data for lawful purposes and for other incidental purposes,” said the draft bill’s explanatory note. The proposed legislation is up for public consultation, where the government has sought comments from a range of stakeholders the deadline was which was recently extended to January 2, 2023. The move was made, “in response to the requests received from several stakeholders”, said the IT ministry in a statement. ALSO READ | Why TikTok is a threat to national security if left unchecked In its explanatory note, the bill says that there are 760 million active internet users in India the number for which is expected to be 1.2 billion in upcoming years. “That is why laws and rulemaking for the internet have to be around the basic foundational principles and expectations of our citizens of openness, safety, and trust and accountability,” said the government. According to the note, the bill has been based on seven principles around the data economy. The first and second principles call for organisations to be more transparent with users’ personal data in a way that is lawful and fair to individuals as well as “purpose limitation” which is using the data for which it is collected. Furthermore, it also calls for “data minimisation” which is collecting those items of personal data only for what is needed. The fourth principle is about the accuracy of personal data and that a “reasonable effort” is made that the individual’s personal data is “accurate and kept up to date”. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Plus: India’s achievements @75 Subsequently, the fifth one calls for a “storage limitation” so that personal data is not being “stored perpetually by default”. It added, “The storage should be limited to such duration as is necessary for the stated purpose for which personal data was collected.” The last two principles call for “reasonable safeguards” to prevent data breaches and ensure there is no unauthorised collection or processing of personal data and the person who is in charge of such processing should be held accountable for it. “These principles have been used as the basis for personal data protection laws in various jurisdictions,” said the explanatory note. It added, “The actual implementation of such laws has allowed the emergence of a more nuanced understanding of personal data protection wherein individual rights, public interest and ease of doing business especially for startups are balanced.” Furthermore, companies which handle large amounts of data should appoint an independent data auditor to ensure compliance with the provisions, said the Indian government. The proposed bill also says that the government will establish a Data Protection Board which will address user complaints and ensure compliance. New Delhi will also choose a list of countries to which the companies can transfer personal data and will only allow platforms to send user data to servers in countries on that list. The aforementioned board can also levy fines and penalties in case of failure to adhere to the laws. ALSO READ | India: Court raises serious concerns on youth accessing banned video games, getting addicted Additionally, companies could be fined up to $30.6 million for not ensuring reasonable safeguards to prevent a data breach. Companies would also have to stop retaining data if it no longer serves the purpose for which it was collected. They will also not be allowed to process personal data which might harm children or use target advertising for children. Additionally, before processing the personal data of any child the platform would have to take parental consent. The users will also have the right to correct or erase their personal data. Concerns raised Across the range of reports, one of the key concerns raised by experts is that the Indian government and state agencies have several exemptions from the proposed law in the interest of national security. The decision was justified by saying, “national and public interest is at times greater than the interest of an individual, a clear grounds-based description of exemptions has been incorporated in the Bill,” in the explanatory note. Referring to Section 18 outlines the exemptions of the draft bill and talks about how the government can process personal data without the users’ consent, “in the interests of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, maintenance of public order or preventing incitement to any cognizable offence relating to any of these”, states the Section 18(2)(a). Meanwhile, government agencies can also under certain circumstances indefinitely store personal data, said reports. Therefore, the Delhi-based, Internet Freedom Foundation said, “If the law is not applied to government instrumentalities, data collection and processing in the absence of any data protection standards could result in mass surveillance.” (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.

Explained: What is India’s Digital Data Protection Bill, 2022 all about?

Indicating steady progress of work in building India's second spaceport, the Indian government revealed that 81 per cent of land required for the project at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu has been acquired. The remaining parcels of land are in advanced stage of acquisition, the government said.&nbsp;

Land acquisition is under progress by Government of Tamil Nadu. Till date, acquisition of land to an extent of 1946.44 acres (out of 2376 acres) is completed by Government of Tamil Nadu and the same is taken over by Department of Space," as revealed in lower house of Parliament of India.

In a written reply, Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office, Dr Jitendra Singh mentioned that a total of Rs 980.56 crore &nbsp;(approx $118 million) has been sanctioned for the ‘Acquisition of Land and establishment of space launch centre infrastructure at Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu’. Of this sum, Rs.210.20 crore (approx $25 million) &nbsp;has been remitted to the Government of Tamil Nadu towards land acquisition, read the minister's response. It was also added that the construction activity would commence only after the entire land acquisition process is completed.

About time of completion of the spaceport, it was broadly mentioned that it would take 2-3 years after land acquisition and after all clearances.&nbsp;

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"Rs.980.56cr sanctioned for land acqn&amp; estab of space launch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/infra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#infra</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thoothukudi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thoothukudi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a>" <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJitendraSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrJitendraSingh</a> ,on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>'s 2nd Spaceport 
1946 of 2376acrs acquired, rest in advncd stage of acqn;210cr remitted to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNGovt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNGovt</a> for land 
 
To be ops ready 2-3yrs aftr acqn <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/eSzUasWs6j">pic.twitter.com/eSzUasWs6j</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1605495192672382976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Tamil Nadu is a southern Indian state. The new spaceport will be constructed in southern part of the state. The new spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam will offer some advantages over the existing and only spaceport in India at Sriharikota.

Rockets flying into polar orbit from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh need to perform a turn-manoeuvre to avoid flying over Sri Lanka. This needs fuel and reduces the mass that can be carried to orbit . While this doesn't have much impact on large rockets, it adversely impacts the capacity of small rockets such as the SSLV (Small satellites Launch Vehicle) and those being built by Indian start-ups.

A launch from Kulasekarapattinam will enable a straight flight path to the polar regions (without having to overfly/ bypass Sri Lanka), thereby saving fuel and payload capacity. Given that smaller rockets are easier to manufacture, assemble and take lesser time to launch, it is important for India to have a dedicated spaceport for smaller rockets. Notably, smaller rockets are also attractive to foreign and domestic customers who are looking to launch small satellites at low costs.

Two Indian start-ups are actively working on building indigenous rockets (to carry 500 kg and lesser to Low Earth Orbit) and would find the second spaceport an attractive location to launch from. Recently, a start-up Skyroot Aerospace demonstrated their sub-orbital rocket successfully and are hoping for an orbital launch by 2023-end. Another start-up Agnikul Cosmos is building a private launchpad at the existing spaceport in Sriharikota, in the run up to their maiden launch.

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Indicating steady progress of work in building India's second spaceport, the Indian government revealed that 81 per cent of land required for the project at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu has been acquired.

Indicating steady progress of work in building India's second spaceport, the Indian government revealed that 81 per cent of land required for the project at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu has been acquired. The remaining parcels of land are in advanced stage of acquisition, the government said. Land acquisition is under progress by Government of Tamil Nadu. Till date, acquisition of land to an extent of 1946.44 acres (out of 2376 acres) is completed by Government of Tamil Nadu and the same is taken over by Department of Space," as revealed in lower house of Parliament of India. In a written reply, Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office, Dr Jitendra Singh mentioned that a total of Rs 980.56 crore (approx $118 million) has been sanctioned for the ‘Acquisition of Land and establishment of space launch centre infrastructure at Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu’. Of this sum, Rs.210.20 crore (approx $25 million) has been remitted to the Government of Tamil Nadu towards land acquisition, read the minister's response. It was also added that the construction activity would commence only after the entire land acquisition process is completed. About time of completion of the spaceport, it was broadly mentioned that it would take 2-3 years after land acquisition and after all clearances. "Rs.980.56cr sanctioned for land acqn& estab of space launch #infra at #thoothukudi #TamilNadu" @DrJitendraSingh ,on #India's 2nd Spaceport 1946 of 2376acrs acquired, rest in advncd stage of acqn;210cr remitted to #TNGovt for land To be ops ready 2-3yrs aftr acqn #space #ISRO pic.twitter.com/eSzUasWs6j — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 21, 2022 × Tamil Nadu is a southern Indian state. The new spaceport will be constructed in southern part of the state. The new spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam will offer some advantages over the existing and only spaceport in India at Sriharikota. Rockets flying into polar orbit from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh need to perform a turn-manoeuvre to avoid flying over Sri Lanka. This needs fuel and reduces the mass that can be carried to orbit . While this doesn't have much impact on large rockets, it adversely impacts the capacity of small rockets such as the SSLV (Small satellites Launch Vehicle) and those being built by Indian start-ups. A launch from Kulasekarapattinam will enable a straight flight path to the polar regions (without having to overfly/ bypass Sri Lanka), thereby saving fuel and payload capacity. Given that smaller rockets are easier to manufacture, assemble and take lesser time to launch, it is important for India to have a dedicated spaceport for smaller rockets. Notably, smaller rockets are also attractive to foreign and domestic customers who are looking to launch small satellites at low costs. Two Indian start-ups are actively working on building indigenous rockets (to carry 500 kg and lesser to Low Earth Orbit) and would find the second spaceport an attractive location to launch from. Recently, a start-up Skyroot Aerospace demonstrated their sub-orbital rocket successfully and are hoping for an orbital launch by 2023-end. Another start-up Agnikul Cosmos is building a private launchpad at the existing spaceport in Sriharikota, in the run up to their maiden launch. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India's second spaceport: $118 million sanctioned for land acquisition, setting up launch infra

Indian stock market benchmarks BSE Sensex and Nifty50 were trading over 1 per cent down on Tuesday following weak global cues.&nbsp;

At 2:30 pm, the 30-share Sensex was down 199 points or 0.63% per cent at 31,363, while the broader Nifty 50 index was trading at 9,197.95, down 41.25 points or 0.45%.

Today Rupee ended stronger at 75.50 per US dollar vs Monday's close of 75.74/$.

A total of 11 companies, including Nestle, Havells, and Bandhan Bank are scheduled to announce their March quarter results.

Indian stock market benchmarks BSE Sensex and Nifty50 were trading over 1 per cent down on Tuesday following weak global cues. At 2:30 pm, the 30-share Sensex was down 199 points or 0.

Indian stock market benchmarks BSE Sensex and Nifty50 were trading over 1 per cent down on Tuesday following weak global cues. At 2:30 pm, the 30-share Sensex was down 199 points or 0.63% per cent at 31,363, while the broader Nifty 50 index was trading at 9,197.95, down 41.25 points or 0.45%. Today Rupee ended stronger at 75.50 per US dollar vs Monday's close of 75.74/$. A total of 11 companies, including Nestle, Havells, and Bandhan Bank are scheduled to announce their March quarter results.

Explained: Indian Navy’s indigenous stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Mormugao

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Chief William Burns said that concerns raised by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the use of nuclear weapons have impacted the Russians.&nbsp;“I think it has also been very useful that Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi in India have also raised their concerns about the use of nuclear weapons as well. I think that’s also having an impact on the Russians,” said Burns, while speaking to PBS.

In the interview, Burns said that there is no clear evidence present with him today of how Russia plans to make tactical use of nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

As per Burns, the sabre-rattling of Russian President Vladimir Putin is only aimed at intimidating others. Putin had earlier acknowledged that the Ukraine conflict is going to continue for a while. He had also issued a warning regarding the deepening threat of a nuclear war breakout.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-propaganda-videos-attempts-to-recruit-citizens-by-dangling-money-respect-and-a-manly-life-544124">Russian propaganda videos promise money, respect and ‘manly’ life to lure recruits in army</a>

While addressing a meeting of Russia’s Human Rights Council at the Kremlin, Putin said that Russia will fight using “all available means at their disposal”. He stated that is a special military operation.

“With regard to the protracted nature of the special military operation and its results, of course, it’s going to take a while, perhaps,” Putin said, as per a CNN report.

CNN further reported that Putin, without ruling out the possibility of initiating a nuclear war, said that the Russian nuclear arsenal looks more like a deterrent and not a provocation.

The Russian president said that they have a strategy and that they launch a strike in response to actions. He added that nation believes in using nuclear weapons for defence purposes, which they call a retaliatory strike. “That is, when we are struck, we strike in response,” Putin said.

WATCH| NATO: Russia's President Putin is planning for long war; Putin meets top military brass

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Putin further alleged that the United States has placed its nuclear weapons in huge numbers on European soil, and added that no nuclear weapons have been transferred by Russia to other territories and there is no such plan to do so, however, it “will protect its allies with all the means at its disposal, if necessary”.

He said that Russians are well aware of nuclear weapons and possess more modern and advanced weapons compared to those present with other nuclear nations. “But we are not going to brandish these weapons like a razor, running around the world,” Putin said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Chief William Burns said that concerns raised by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the use of nuclear weapons have impacted the Russians.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Chief William Burns said that concerns raised by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the use of nuclear weapons have impacted the Russians. “I think it has also been very useful that Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi in India have also raised their concerns about the use of nuclear weapons as well. I think that’s also having an impact on the Russians,” said Burns, while speaking to PBS. In the interview, Burns said that there is no clear evidence present with him today of how Russia plans to make tactical use of nuclear weapons. As per Burns, the sabre-rattling of Russian President Vladimir Putin is only aimed at intimidating others. Putin had earlier acknowledged that the Ukraine conflict is going to continue for a while. He had also issued a warning regarding the deepening threat of a nuclear war breakout. ALSO READ| Russian propaganda videos promise money, respect and ‘manly’ life to lure recruits in army While addressing a meeting of Russia’s Human Rights Council at the Kremlin, Putin said that Russia will fight using “all available means at their disposal”. He stated that is a special military operation. “With regard to the protracted nature of the special military operation and its results, of course, it’s going to take a while, perhaps,” Putin said, as per a CNN report. CNN further reported that Putin, without ruling out the possibility of initiating a nuclear war, said that the Russian nuclear arsenal looks more like a deterrent and not a provocation. The Russian president said that they have a strategy and that they launch a strike in response to actions. He added that nation believes in using nuclear weapons for defence purposes, which they call a retaliatory strike. “That is, when we are struck, we strike in response,” Putin said. WATCH| NATO: Russia's President Putin is planning for long war; Putin meets top military brass Putin further alleged that the United States has placed its nuclear weapons in huge numbers on European soil, and added that no nuclear weapons have been transferred by Russia to other territories and there is no such plan to do so, however, it “will protect its allies with all the means at its disposal, if necessary”. He said that Russians are well aware of nuclear weapons and possess more modern and advanced weapons compared to those present with other nuclear nations. “But we are not going to brandish these weapons like a razor, running around the world,” Putin said. (With inputs from agencies)

CIA chief praises India, China for raising nuclear weapons concerns that 'impacted' Russia

The Indian government may soon ban sale of loose cigarettes in order to curb use and sale of tobacco products, said reports. A Standing Committee of the Indian parliament has recommended such a ban. The committee has also recommended doing away with smoking zones from all airports in the country.

It is being reported that the government may announce the ban ahead of Union Budget 2023-24.

While making recommendations, the Standing Committee has observed that even after implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, there hasn't been increase in the tax on tobacco products. The committee has also highlighted the risk for cancer in those who smoke or chew tobacco.

As per current tax slabs, 53 per cent tax is levied on cigarettes while smokless tobacco attracts 64 per cent tax. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended Government of India that a 75 per cent tax must be imposed on tobacco in the country.

Around 350,000 people die every year in India due to smoking cigarettes. India's National Council of Applied Economic Research conducted a survey in 2018 that showed 46 per cent of the people who smoke were illiterate while 16 per cent were college going students.

Smoking in public places is already banned in India.

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The Indian government may soon ban sale of loose cigarettes in order to curb use and sale of tobacco products, said reports. A Standing Committee of the Indian parliament has recommended such a ban.

The Indian government may soon ban sale of loose cigarettes in order to curb use and sale of tobacco products, said reports. A Standing Committee of the Indian parliament has recommended such a ban. The committee has also recommended doing away with smoking zones from all airports in the country. It is being reported that the government may announce the ban ahead of Union Budget 2023-24. While making recommendations, the Standing Committee has observed that even after implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, there hasn't been increase in the tax on tobacco products. The committee has also highlighted the risk for cancer in those who smoke or chew tobacco. As per current tax slabs, 53 per cent tax is levied on cigarettes while smokless tobacco attracts 64 per cent tax. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended Government of India that a 75 per cent tax must be imposed on tobacco in the country. Around 350,000 people die every year in India due to smoking cigarettes. India's National Council of Applied Economic Research conducted a survey in 2018 that showed 46 per cent of the people who smoke were illiterate while 16 per cent were college going students. Smoking in public places is already banned in India. 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 may soon ban sale of loose cigarettes, smoking zones at airports may go

Kashmir Fight, the mouthpiece of terrorist outfit 'TRF' released a new list of journalists and politicians threatening attacks on them in the Kashmir valley. The list has been published on their blog which is backed by the terror outfit Lashkar Toiba. However, security agencies are yet to confirm the authenticity of these lists.

Earlier a list of Kashmiri Pandit government teachers threatening them with dire consequences and attacks on them had been published on the blog. A list of 56 Kashmiri Pandit teachers in the valley has gone viral along with the threatening poster. The list gives out details of the names, residential address and present place of posting of these teachers.

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However, a high-level security review meeting was called by Union Secretary Ajay Bhalla to take stock of the current security situation in the valley regarding Kashmiri Pandits. The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials of Jammu Kashmir Police, Paramilitary forces and Administration.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/central-asia-nsa-meet-indias-doval-calls-for-connectivity-counter-terror-cooperation-540529">Central Asia NSA meet: India's Doval calls for connectivity, counter-terror cooperation</a>

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti has said that an investigation needs to be done regarding the leaking of government documents to terror organisations.

“The details of Kashmiri people have been leaked from the government offices and it's the government which is responsible for this. The government has to give a response on how the details of Kashmiri Pandits have been spread like this. And now they are being threatened,'' said Mehbooba Mufti, Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP has termed the leak of Kashmiri pandit migrant employees as a big security concern. They say those responsible for giving out details of Kashmiri Pandits need to be thoroughly investigated and out behind the bars.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dal-lake-20-navigation-channels-opened-after-decades-sewage-pipes-laid-for-houseboat-waste-disposal-540160">Dal Lake: 20 navigation channels opened after decades, sewage pipes laid for houseboat waste disposal</a>

''Is a very big concern. TRF has a list of Kashmiri Pandits of where they are working and residing and making it viral is a big security concern. The same TRF is responsible for killing of civilians including Kashmiri Pandits has all the details of the Kashmiri Pandits working in the valley, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies need to take it seriously. They need to investigate who are these white-collar terrorists sitting in the government offices and are operating from these offices providing all the vital information to the terrorist organisations. BJP is demanding the arrest of those white-collar terrorists who have provided these details to the terrorist organisation,'' said Altaf Thakur, BJP State Spokesperson.

TRF threat poster accused these teachers of propagating the central government agenda in Kashmir and said they are being settled permanently in Kashmir.

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Kashmir Fight, the mouthpiece of terrorist outfit 'TRF' released a new list of journalists and politicians threatening attacks on them in the Kashmir valley. The list has been published on their blog which is backed by the terror outfit Lashkar Toiba.

Kashmir Fight, the mouthpiece of terrorist outfit 'TRF' released a new list of journalists and politicians threatening attacks on them in the Kashmir valley. The list has been published on their blog which is backed by the terror outfit Lashkar Toiba. However, security agencies are yet to confirm the authenticity of these lists. Earlier a list of Kashmiri Pandit government teachers threatening them with dire consequences and attacks on them had been published on the blog. A list of 56 Kashmiri Pandit teachers in the valley has gone viral along with the threatening poster. The list gives out details of the names, residential address and present place of posting of these teachers. However, a high-level security review meeting was called by Union Secretary Ajay Bhalla to take stock of the current security situation in the valley regarding Kashmiri Pandits. The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials of Jammu Kashmir Police, Paramilitary forces and Administration. ALSO READ | Central Asia NSA meet: India's Doval calls for connectivity, counter-terror cooperation Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti has said that an investigation needs to be done regarding the leaking of government documents to terror organisations. “The details of Kashmiri people have been leaked from the government offices and it's the government which is responsible for this. The government has to give a response on how the details of Kashmiri Pandits have been spread like this. And now they are being threatened,'' said Mehbooba Mufti, Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. BJP has termed the leak of Kashmiri pandit migrant employees as a big security concern. They say those responsible for giving out details of Kashmiri Pandits need to be thoroughly investigated and out behind the bars. ALSO READ | Dal Lake: 20 navigation channels opened after decades, sewage pipes laid for houseboat waste disposal ''Is a very big concern. TRF has a list of Kashmiri Pandits of where they are working and residing and making it viral is a big security concern. The same TRF is responsible for killing of civilians including Kashmiri Pandits has all the details of the Kashmiri Pandits working in the valley, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies need to take it seriously. They need to investigate who are these white-collar terrorists sitting in the government offices and are operating from these offices providing all the vital information to the terrorist organisations. BJP is demanding the arrest of those white-collar terrorists who have provided these details to the terrorist organisation,'' said Altaf Thakur, BJP State Spokesperson. TRF threat poster accused these teachers of propagating the central government agenda in Kashmir and said they are being settled permanently in Kashmir. 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: TRF issues new threat to journalists and politicians; high-level meeting held in Delhi

Every year, December 4 is celebrated as Indian Navy Day as a way to acknowledge the Navy’s achievements as well as to commemorate ‘Operation Trident’ which played an important role during the Indo-Pak War (1971). This year’s celebration also marked the first time the celebration was conducted outside the national capital New Delhi.&nbsp;

The Indian President Droupadi Murmu was in attendance as the Guest of Honour at the event while the country’s Navy demonstrated its combat prowess and capability through an 'Operational Demonstration' in the city of Visakhapatnam’s Vizag beach, on Sunday.&nbsp;

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Best wishes on Navy Day to all navy personnel and their families. We in India are proud of our rich maritime history. The Indian Navy has steadfastly protected our nation and has distinguished itself with its humanitarian spirit during challenging times. <a href="https://t.co/nGxoWxVLaz">pic.twitter.com/nGxoWxVLaz</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1599237294254616576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“Best wishes on Navy Day to all navy personnel and their families. We in India are proud of our rich maritime history,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Twitter. He added, “The Indian Navy has steadfastly protected our nation and has distinguished itself with its humanitarian spirit during challenging times.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-unveils-new-naval-ensign-for-indian-navy-at-ins-vikrant-commissioning-ceremony-512263">PM Narendra Modi unveils new naval ensign for Indian Navy - See pic</a>

The event saw the presence of several dignitaries from the central and state governments, which was hosted by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff. During the celebrations, Skydiver Anup Singh also presented the president with a book on the ‘History of Indian Navy’ following his performance of a free fall from an aircraft.&nbsp;

The Navy’s commandos carried out an operation from the Sea King helicopter which was followed by a demonstration of their combat skills in a search and rescue mission with commandos using the Naval helicopter Chetak and the indigenously-built ALH Mach-3 (Advanced Light Helicopter).&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-the-make-in-india-story-wion-wideangle-434028">Indian Navy: The make-in-India story | Wion Wideangle</a>

Several warships were also on display which included the missile corvette INS Khanjar, INS Kadmat and INS Kirch, said a report by PTI. Additionally, the Indian Navy’s destroyers INS Delhi&nbsp;and INS Kochi were also a part of the display, for the thousands gathered to witness the celebrations.&nbsp;

Speaking at the event, president Murmu said, "It is a day to remember and honour our martyrs who etched a permanent place for themselves in history and continue to inspire every generation. This day also reminds us to rededicate ourselves to taking India forward, transiting through Amrit Kaal, towards a great future."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-and-police-bust-militant-terrorist-hideout-in-jks-kishtwar-540001">Indian Army and police bust militant terrorist hideout in J&amp;K’s Kishtwar</a>

The occasion was also marked by the release of a special song written for the Indian Navy by a noted lyricist, Prasoon Joshi and composed by the famous trio Shankar, Ehsaan, and, Loy. The president also virtually inaugurated several projects across the country, including schools, national highways, and army-related infrastructure.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Every year, December 4 is celebrated as Indian Navy Day as a way to acknowledge the Navy’s achievements as well as to commemorate ‘Operation Trident’ which played an important role during the Indo-Pak War (1971).

Every year, December 4 is celebrated as Indian Navy Day as a way to acknowledge the Navy’s achievements as well as to commemorate ‘Operation Trident’ which played an important role during the Indo-Pak War (1971). This year’s celebration also marked the first time the celebration was conducted outside the national capital New Delhi. The Indian President Droupadi Murmu was in attendance as the Guest of Honour at the event while the country’s Navy demonstrated its combat prowess and capability through an 'Operational Demonstration' in the city of Visakhapatnam’s Vizag beach, on Sunday. Best wishes on Navy Day to all navy personnel and their families. We in India are proud of our rich maritime history. The Indian Navy has steadfastly protected our nation and has distinguished itself with its humanitarian spirit during challenging times. pic.twitter.com/nGxoWxVLaz — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2022 × “Best wishes on Navy Day to all navy personnel and their families. We in India are proud of our rich maritime history,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Twitter. He added, “The Indian Navy has steadfastly protected our nation and has distinguished itself with its humanitarian spirit during challenging times.” ALSO READ | PM Narendra Modi unveils new naval ensign for Indian Navy - See pic The event saw the presence of several dignitaries from the central and state governments, which was hosted by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff. During the celebrations, Skydiver Anup Singh also presented the president with a book on the ‘History of Indian Navy’ following his performance of a free fall from an aircraft. The Navy’s commandos carried out an operation from the Sea King helicopter which was followed by a demonstration of their combat skills in a search and rescue mission with commandos using the Naval helicopter Chetak and the indigenously-built ALH Mach-3 (Advanced Light Helicopter). ALSO WATCH | Indian Navy: The make-in-India story | Wion Wideangle Several warships were also on display which included the missile corvette INS Khanjar, INS Kadmat and INS Kirch, said a report by PTI. Additionally, the Indian Navy’s destroyers INS Delhi and INS Kochi were also a part of the display, for the thousands gathered to witness the celebrations. Speaking at the event, president Murmu said, "It is a day to remember and honour our martyrs who etched a permanent place for themselves in history and continue to inspire every generation. This day also reminds us to rededicate ourselves to taking India forward, transiting through Amrit Kaal, towards a great future." ALSO READ | Indian Army and police bust militant terrorist hideout in J&K’s Kishtwar The occasion was also marked by the release of a special song written for the Indian Navy by a noted lyricist, Prasoon Joshi and composed by the famous trio Shankar, Ehsaan, and, Loy. The president also virtually inaugurated several projects across the country, including schools, national highways, and army-related infrastructure. (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.

In a first, India’s Navy Day was celebrated outside national capital: All you need to know

The government of Jammu and Kashmir is working hard to restore the beauty and water quality of the world-famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. After decades, the government is opening 20 navigation channels in the Dal Lake, which will help to improve the quality of water and free movement of locals and tourists into the interiors of the lake. The government is also laying a sewage system for the houseboats to dispose of the waste in the treatment plant.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Dal Lake is considered the Jewel in the Crown of the Kashmir Region, but the Lake has been dying a slow death due to Pollution and Illegal Encroachments over the years. And now finally, the government and Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) are working on the restoration of the Lake to its pristine water quality and opening of the navigation channels which have been closed for decades. Around 20 navigation channels are being opened and restored in Dal Lake. This will help the people to navigate freely in the lake while also improving the quality of the water.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
''We are working on 20 navigation channels at the moment, work on seven of the channels has been completed and work is going on for 13 more. We are hoping that the work will be completed by the end of this year. Navigation channels are very important for the inhabitants living on the lake, It helps them to move easily. The tourists get to see the interiors of the lake and moreover have an in-depth look into the lake. The water quality also improves due to the opening of these navigation channels, these channels help water to circulate. Dal Lake has a lot of aquatic life, the more these channels would be opened the more the aquatic life would spread. The work on these channels has been started after around two decades,'' said Tanvir Ayub, AEE, Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-and-police-bust-militant-terrorist-hideout-in-jks-kishtwar-540001">Indian Army and police bust militant terrorist hideout in J&amp;K’s Kishtwar</a> 
&nbsp; 
Opening these Navigation channels around the Dal Lake will not only help the local inhabitants of the lake but also the tourists coming to Srinagar. Dal Lake is among the most frequently visited places by tourists in the Kashmir region and by opening these channels, tourists can get to see the interiors of the lake.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
''It helps the lake as well as the inhabitants of the lake. Their manoeuvring, they can navigate easily plus the tourists can see the inner side of Dal Lake, the water circulation would be better, and the quality of water will improve as well. Almost all the channels were blocked. We are opening them and widening them as well. We are getting support from locals in helping us to beautify the lake,'' said Masood Ahmad Khan, Official LCMA.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The locals living on the lake say this will help them further in taking tourists to the interiors of various areas of the city via Dal Lake.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
''It will help us a lot to move around the lake. Tourists can also visit the interiors of the lake after opening of these channels. It will beautify the lake and its great work being carried out by the authorities. Due to the opening of these channels, we will be able to move around easily on the lake,'' said Suhail Ahmad, Local. 
&nbsp; 
One of the Major pollutants for the Lake has been the sewage coming from the houseboats on the Lake. With more than 600 houseboats on the lake, there has not been a proper sewage system in place for these houseboats. Most of the waste coming from these houseboats has been dumped in the lake. &nbsp;And now the government is laying a sewerage network for these houseboats. Floating pipes have been laid from where all the waste would be collected at a chamber and later shifted to the closest treatment plant. This will help clean the lake and to nurture the aquatic life in the lake.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-police-bust-extortion-racket-in-south-kashmir-five-arrested-539466">India: J&amp;K Police bust extortion racket in South Kashmir, nab five; toy guns &amp; pistols seized</a> 
&nbsp; 
''There are around 600 houseboats on Dal Lake, they have been divided into eleven clusters and initially we are taking the sewerage network of the houseboats for cluster number two in which we have around 70 houseboats to check the inflow of sewage into the lake. We have laid 200 mm HD Pipes, the network will be all floating, finally the sewage generated by the houseboats will be collected in a chamber from where it will be lifted to the nearest sewer line where it will be treated. The sewage generated by the houseboats used to go into the lake, and now with these steps the water quality will improve. The houseboat owners have to understand that it has to be a joint effort between people and the government. The waste has to be disposed of properly, '' said Tanvir Ayub, AEE, Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA).&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The houseboat community living on the lake is extremely excited about the step taken by the government. They say that it will keep the lake alive for generations to come.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
''This was extremely important, and it will add to the charm of the Lake. It will be like the old days. The Dal Lake is famous, and our tourists always used to ask about the drainage system of these houseboats and now with these sewage pipes and system in place, it will be a cleaner lake. It's a great step for all of us. It's great for the new generations as well. Dal lake is the pride, and we need to do everything to save the lake, '' Farooq Ahmad Dar, Local.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Srinagar has been named among the top places to visit in 2023 and Dal Lake has been called the most exquisite sight to visit.&nbsp;

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The government of Jammu and Kashmir is working hard to restore the beauty and water quality of the world-famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. After decades, the government is opening 20 navigation channels in the Dal Lake, which will help to improve the quality of water and free movement of locals and tourists into the interiors of the lake.

The government of Jammu and Kashmir is working hard to restore the beauty and water quality of the world-famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. After decades, the government is opening 20 navigation channels in the Dal Lake, which will help to improve the quality of water and free movement of locals and tourists into the interiors of the lake. The government is also laying a sewage system for the houseboats to dispose of the waste in the treatment plant. Dal Lake is considered the Jewel in the Crown of the Kashmir Region, but the Lake has been dying a slow death due to Pollution and Illegal Encroachments over the years. And now finally, the government and Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) are working on the restoration of the Lake to its pristine water quality and opening of the navigation channels which have been closed for decades. Around 20 navigation channels are being opened and restored in Dal Lake. This will help the people to navigate freely in the lake while also improving the quality of the water. ''We are working on 20 navigation channels at the moment, work on seven of the channels has been completed and work is going on for 13 more. We are hoping that the work will be completed by the end of this year. Navigation channels are very important for the inhabitants living on the lake, It helps them to move easily. The tourists get to see the interiors of the lake and moreover have an in-depth look into the lake. The water quality also improves due to the opening of these navigation channels, these channels help water to circulate. Dal Lake has a lot of aquatic life, the more these channels would be opened the more the aquatic life would spread. The work on these channels has been started after around two decades,'' said Tanvir Ayub, AEE, Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA). Also read | Indian Army and police bust militant terrorist hideout in J&K’s Kishtwar Opening these Navigation channels around the Dal Lake will not only help the local inhabitants of the lake but also the tourists coming to Srinagar. Dal Lake is among the most frequently visited places by tourists in the Kashmir region and by opening these channels, tourists can get to see the interiors of the lake. ''It helps the lake as well as the inhabitants of the lake. Their manoeuvring, they can navigate easily plus the tourists can see the inner side of Dal Lake, the water circulation would be better, and the quality of water will improve as well. Almost all the channels were blocked. We are opening them and widening them as well. We are getting support from locals in helping us to beautify the lake,'' said Masood Ahmad Khan, Official LCMA. The locals living on the lake say this will help them further in taking tourists to the interiors of various areas of the city via Dal Lake. ''It will help us a lot to move around the lake. Tourists can also visit the interiors of the lake after opening of these channels. It will beautify the lake and its great work being carried out by the authorities. Due to the opening of these channels, we will be able to move around easily on the lake,'' said Suhail Ahmad, Local. One of the Major pollutants for the Lake has been the sewage coming from the houseboats on the Lake. With more than 600 houseboats on the lake, there has not been a proper sewage system in place for these houseboats. Most of the waste coming from these houseboats has been dumped in the lake. And now the government is laying a sewerage network for these houseboats. Floating pipes have been laid from where all the waste would be collected at a chamber and later shifted to the closest treatment plant. This will help clean the lake and to nurture the aquatic life in the lake. Also read | India: J&K Police bust extortion racket in South Kashmir, nab five; toy guns & pistols seized ''There are around 600 houseboats on Dal Lake, they have been divided into eleven clusters and initially we are taking the sewerage network of the houseboats for cluster number two in which we have around 70 houseboats to check the inflow of sewage into the lake. We have laid 200 mm HD Pipes, the network will be all floating, finally the sewage generated by the houseboats will be collected in a chamber from where it will be lifted to the nearest sewer line where it will be treated. The sewage generated by the houseboats used to go into the lake, and now with these steps the water quality will improve. The houseboat owners have to understand that it has to be a joint effort between people and the government. The waste has to be disposed of properly, '' said Tanvir Ayub, AEE, Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA). The houseboat community living on the lake is extremely excited about the step taken by the government. They say that it will keep the lake alive for generations to come. ''This was extremely important, and it will add to the charm of the Lake. It will be like the old days. The Dal Lake is famous, and our tourists always used to ask about the drainage system of these houseboats and now with these sewage pipes and system in place, it will be a cleaner lake. It's a great step for all of us. It's great for the new generations as well. Dal lake is the pride, and we need to do everything to save the lake, '' Farooq Ahmad Dar, Local. Srinagar has been named among the top places to visit in 2023 and Dal Lake has been called the most exquisite sight to visit. 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.

Dal Lake: 20 navigation channels opened after decades, sewage pipes laid for houseboat waste disposal

Bangladesh's last wicket pair of Mehidy Hasan Miraj and Mustafizur Rahaman pulled off an absolute heist with a thrilling 51-run stand as India choked during the final half an hour to lose a low-scoring opening ODI by one wicket in Dhaka on Sunday.

While India produced yet another poor batting show which saw them get all-out for 186 in 41.2 overs, the bowlers did a splendid job to reduce Bangladesh to 136 for 9 in the 40th over.

However, KL Rahul, who was entrusted with keeping duties to fit him and another veteran Shikhar Dhawan in the same XI, dropped an aerial sitter when Bangladesh still needed 32 runs.

Washington Sundar also didn't go for an easy catch at the third man earning the wrath of skipper Rohit Sharma as Miraj (38 not out off 39 balls) along with Mustafizur (10 not out) got the team past the finishing line in exactly 46 overs.

The 51-run stand between Miraj and Mustafizur was Bangladesh's highest 10th wicket partnership and the fourth-highest 10th wicket partnership in a successful ODI chase.

On a track that assisted both seamers and spinners. The Indian top order barring KL Rahul (73 off 70 balls) flopped badly to be bowled out for a score below 200.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-flying-virat-kohli-gets-his-revenge-as-he-grabs-a-one-hand-stunner-539953">WATCH | 'Flying' Virat Kohli gets his revenge as he grabs a one-hand stunner</a>

But the total that looked eminently gettable at the break turned into a sizeable one due to lion-hearted efforts from Mohammed Siraj (3/32), Shardul Thakur (1/21) and Washington Sundar (2/17).

Debutant Kuldeep Sen's (2/37) pace was used to hit him for three sixes -- two of them during the slog overs while Deepak Chahar (1/32) despite providing a first-ball breakthrough looked pedestrian towards the end when there was no nip in the air.

In the end, Miraj ensured that the hosts didn't suffer a setback in a game which should have been won with their bowling effort alone.

Earlier, Rahul struck 73 off 70 balls on a day when the others struggled to get going and when the side was packed with all-rounders. Rahul hit five fours and four sixes.

India's innings lasted 41.2 overs with left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan (5/36) doing most of the damage.

Opting to field, Mustafizur Rahman started the proceedings with a maiden, before India skipper Rohit Sharma opened the visitors' boundary count by smashing Hasan Mahmud through the gap between point and cover.

Shikhar Dhawan went down the ground and got his first boundary by sending the ball over cover. Bangladesh skipper Litton Das effected an early bowling change, bringing in off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz into the attack in the fourth over, and he started on a tidy note before castling Dhawan for seven.

The opener went for the reverse sweep but the ball bounced a bit more than usual, touched his wrist before going on to hit the stumps. Rohit struck the first six of the series when he pulled Mahmud over deep square leg after the medium pacer drifted the ball on his pads.

The India skipper again found the deep square leg region but this time for a boundary as he employed the sweep shot against Miraz. 
Rohit then chose the off-side, cutting Mahmud along the ground for a boundary after being given plenty of width.

It was then the turn of Virat Kohli to pick the deep square leg region as the former captain swept Miraz for a four. Litton made another bowling change, summoning the seasoned Shakib, and again he was instantly rewarded thanks to a brilliant delivery by the star all-rounder.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-joe-root-becomes-left-handed-batter-on-the-placid-rawalpindi-pitch-539918">WATCH | Joe Root becomes left-handed batter on the placid Rawalpindi pitch</a>

Having got a start, Rohit (27 off 31 balls) went for the turn but the ball didn't, and instead, went past the inside edge before disturbing the middle and leg stumps.

There was more joy in store for the hosts as, two balls later, the left-arm spinner sent back Kohli (9) after Litton pulled off an incredible catch at cover after diving full length to his right, leaving Kohli stunned and the crowd at the Shere Bangla National Stadium elated.

At 49 for three in the 11th over, India needed a partnership. KL Rahul joined Shreyas Iyer (24) in the middle but the latter was dismissed by Ebadot Hossain (4/47), who was rewarded for bowling to a plan that works best against Iyer -- short-pitched stuffs.

With the small 43-run stand coming to an end, Washington Sundar (19) walked in and looked to help Rahul in building a partnership. However, the duo could add no more than 60 runs as, shortly after Rahul reached his half-century, Washington picked a fielder while trying to play the reverse sweep against Shakib.

In the next over, Ebadot sent back Shahbaz Ahmed and Shakib then dismissed Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar to leave India tottering at 156 for eight. The last two wickets yielded 30 runs as India got folded in the 42nd over without playing the full quota of 50 overs.&nbsp;

Brief scores: 
India: 186 all out in 41.2 overs (KL Rahul 73; Shakib Al Hasan 5/36, Ebadat Hossain 4/47). 
Bangladesh: 187 for 9 in 46 overs (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 38 not out, Litton Das 41; Mohammed Siraj 3/32).

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Bangladesh's last wicket pair of Mehidy Hasan Miraj and Mustafizur Rahaman pulled off an absolute heist with a thrilling 51-run stand as India choked during the final half an hour to lose a low-scoring opening ODI by one wicket in Dhaka on Sunday.

Bangladesh's last wicket pair of Mehidy Hasan Miraj and Mustafizur Rahaman pulled off an absolute heist with a thrilling 51-run stand as India choked during the final half an hour to lose a low-scoring opening ODI by one wicket in Dhaka on Sunday. While India produced yet another poor batting show which saw them get all-out for 186 in 41.2 overs, the bowlers did a splendid job to reduce Bangladesh to 136 for 9 in the 40th over. However, KL Rahul, who was entrusted with keeping duties to fit him and another veteran Shikhar Dhawan in the same XI, dropped an aerial sitter when Bangladesh still needed 32 runs. Washington Sundar also didn't go for an easy catch at the third man earning the wrath of skipper Rohit Sharma as Miraj (38 not out off 39 balls) along with Mustafizur (10 not out) got the team past the finishing line in exactly 46 overs. The 51-run stand between Miraj and Mustafizur was Bangladesh's highest 10th wicket partnership and the fourth-highest 10th wicket partnership in a successful ODI chase. On a track that assisted both seamers and spinners. The Indian top order barring KL Rahul (73 off 70 balls) flopped badly to be bowled out for a score below 200. WATCH | 'Flying' Virat Kohli gets his revenge as he grabs a one-hand stunner But the total that looked eminently gettable at the break turned into a sizeable one due to lion-hearted efforts from Mohammed Siraj (3/32), Shardul Thakur (1/21) and Washington Sundar (2/17). Debutant Kuldeep Sen's (2/37) pace was used to hit him for three sixes -- two of them during the slog overs while Deepak Chahar (1/32) despite providing a first-ball breakthrough looked pedestrian towards the end when there was no nip in the air. In the end, Miraj ensured that the hosts didn't suffer a setback in a game which should have been won with their bowling effort alone. Earlier, Rahul struck 73 off 70 balls on a day when the others struggled to get going and when the side was packed with all-rounders. Rahul hit five fours and four sixes. India's innings lasted 41.2 overs with left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan (5/36) doing most of the damage. Opting to field, Mustafizur Rahman started the proceedings with a maiden, before India skipper Rohit Sharma opened the visitors' boundary count by smashing Hasan Mahmud through the gap between point and cover. Shikhar Dhawan went down the ground and got his first boundary by sending the ball over cover. Bangladesh skipper Litton Das effected an early bowling change, bringing in off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz into the attack in the fourth over, and he started on a tidy note before castling Dhawan for seven. The opener went for the reverse sweep but the ball bounced a bit more than usual, touched his wrist before going on to hit the stumps. Rohit struck the first six of the series when he pulled Mahmud over deep square leg after the medium pacer drifted the ball on his pads. The India skipper again found the deep square leg region but this time for a boundary as he employed the sweep shot against Miraz. Rohit then chose the off-side, cutting Mahmud along the ground for a boundary after being given plenty of width. It was then the turn of Virat Kohli to pick the deep square leg region as the former captain swept Miraz for a four. Litton made another bowling change, summoning the seasoned Shakib, and again he was instantly rewarded thanks to a brilliant delivery by the star all-rounder. WATCH | Joe Root becomes left-handed batter on the placid Rawalpindi pitch Having got a start, Rohit (27 off 31 balls) went for the turn but the ball didn't, and instead, went past the inside edge before disturbing the middle and leg stumps. There was more joy in store for the hosts as, two balls later, the left-arm spinner sent back Kohli (9) after Litton pulled off an incredible catch at cover after diving full length to his right, leaving Kohli stunned and the crowd at the Shere Bangla National Stadium elated. At 49 for three in the 11th over, India needed a partnership. KL Rahul joined Shreyas Iyer (24) in the middle but the latter was dismissed by Ebadot Hossain (4/47), who was rewarded for bowling to a plan that works best against Iyer -- short-pitched stuffs. With the small 43-run stand coming to an end, Washington Sundar (19) walked in and looked to help Rahul in building a partnership. However, the duo could add no more than 60 runs as, shortly after Rahul reached his half-century, Washington picked a fielder while trying to play the reverse sweep against Shakib. In the next over, Ebadot sent back Shahbaz Ahmed and Shakib then dismissed Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar to leave India tottering at 156 for eight. The last two wickets yielded 30 runs as India got folded in the 42nd over without playing the full quota of 50 overs. Brief scores: India: 186 all out in 41.2 overs (KL Rahul 73; Shakib Al Hasan 5/36, Ebadat Hossain 4/47). Bangladesh: 187 for 9 in 46 overs (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 38 not out, Litton Das 41; Mohammed Siraj 3/32). WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India choke in the first ODI as Bangladesh pull off a famous victory

India’s Greenhouse-in-a-box was among the five winners announced by the Prince of Wales, Prince William, in Boston, United States, on Friday. It is a sustainable solution for small-scale farmers developed by an Indian startup, Kheyti, in Telangana which has won one million pounds ($1.2 million).&nbsp;

Founded by Prince William this was the second edition of the Earthshot prize which has also been dubbed the ‘Eco Oscars’ and witnessed the presence of several celebrities who walked the green carpet. Kheyti won the prize in the Protect and Restore Nature category which saw hundreds of entries from across the world.&nbsp;

Co-founder and CEO of Kheyti, Kaushik Kappagantulu, said that he had launched the solution for at least 100 million local smallholder farmers who are most impacted by climate change. The aim of greenhouse-in-a-box is to reduce costs and increase yields which in turn would help protect the livelihoods of these farmers.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-william-announces-five-winners-of-prestigious-earthshot-prize-539686">Prince William announces five winners of prestigious Earthshot Prize for environmentalism</a>

This simple solution has bigger implications than the Greenhouse-in-a-box, which can grow crops while offering them shelter from unpredictable elements including destructive pests. Notably, the plants in this greenhouse require 98 per cent less water while the yield is seven times higher than those grown outside. Furthermore, it also costs 90 per cent less than an average greenhouse.&nbsp;

The start-up also offers training and support to the farmers in making sure the greenhouse is as effective as possible. Therefore, with less water and the use of pesticides, it also protects the environment while also helping small-holder farmers save money and resources.&nbsp;

“We are honoured to be recognised by The Earthshot Prize this year. The world depends on its small-hold farmers and yet their lives are amongst the hardest on earth,” said Kappagantulu. He added, “Our Greenhouse-in-a-Box is empowering farmers in India today. The steps we have already taken at Kheyti are now building to change farmers’ lives at scale.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-recycling-project-bags-prince-williams-earthshot-environment-prize-421667">India's recycling project bags Prince William's earthshot environment prize</a>

Among the 15 finalists, there was another Indian project named Fleather, developed by Founder and CEO Ankit Agarwal’s Phool which is based in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The project began with the aim to clean up India’s holiest river Ganges and eventually they were able to collect flowers dispensed into the river and turn them into sustainable leather called Fleather.&nbsp;

All 15 finalists will receive support from the Earthshot Prize Global Alliance which is a network of NGOs and private sector businesses around the world which will assist in scaling these solutions. The other five winners are from Kenya, the United Kingdom, Australia and Oman.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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India’s Greenhouse-in-a-box was among the five winners announced by the Prince of Wales, Prince William, in Boston, United States, on Friday. It is a sustainable solution for small-scale farmers developed by an Indian startup, Kheyti, in Telangana which has won one million pounds ($1.

India’s Greenhouse-in-a-box was among the five winners announced by the Prince of Wales, Prince William, in Boston, United States, on Friday. It is a sustainable solution for small-scale farmers developed by an Indian startup, Kheyti, in Telangana which has won one million pounds ($1.2 million). Founded by Prince William this was the second edition of the Earthshot prize which has also been dubbed the ‘Eco Oscars’ and witnessed the presence of several celebrities who walked the green carpet. Kheyti won the prize in the Protect and Restore Nature category which saw hundreds of entries from across the world. Co-founder and CEO of Kheyti, Kaushik Kappagantulu, said that he had launched the solution for at least 100 million local smallholder farmers who are most impacted by climate change. The aim of greenhouse-in-a-box is to reduce costs and increase yields which in turn would help protect the livelihoods of these farmers. ALSO READ | Prince William announces five winners of prestigious Earthshot Prize for environmentalism This simple solution has bigger implications than the Greenhouse-in-a-box, which can grow crops while offering them shelter from unpredictable elements including destructive pests. Notably, the plants in this greenhouse require 98 per cent less water while the yield is seven times higher than those grown outside. Furthermore, it also costs 90 per cent less than an average greenhouse. The start-up also offers training and support to the farmers in making sure the greenhouse is as effective as possible. Therefore, with less water and the use of pesticides, it also protects the environment while also helping small-holder farmers save money and resources. “We are honoured to be recognised by The Earthshot Prize this year. The world depends on its small-hold farmers and yet their lives are amongst the hardest on earth,” said Kappagantulu. He added, “Our Greenhouse-in-a-Box is empowering farmers in India today. The steps we have already taken at Kheyti are now building to change farmers’ lives at scale.” ALSO READ | India's recycling project bags Prince William's earthshot environment prize Among the 15 finalists, there was another Indian project named Fleather, developed by Founder and CEO Ankit Agarwal’s Phool which is based in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The project began with the aim to clean up India’s holiest river Ganges and eventually they were able to collect flowers dispensed into the river and turn them into sustainable leather called Fleather. All 15 finalists will receive support from the Earthshot Prize Global Alliance which is a network of NGOs and private sector businesses around the world which will assist in scaling these solutions. The other five winners are from Kenya, the United Kingdom, Australia and Oman. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India’s Greenhouse-in-a-box wins Prince William’s Earthshot Prize 2022

Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties with India, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Thursday said that both India and the United Kingdom are ideally placed to use science, technology and digital leadership to meet challenges related to the security of emerging tech. 
"Emerging technologies are fundamentally reshaping our economies and our daily lives. It is also presenting new challenges to our values and security, which I spoke about at the UN Committee Security Council on counter-terrorism last month. India and the United Kingdom are ideally placed to use our science, technology and digital leadership to meet these challenges and maximize these opportunities,"&nbsp;he said while speaking virtually at the Global Technology summit here.

Hailing Bengaluru as the world's fastest-growing hub, Cleverly said that both India and United Kingdom believe in innovation as a force for good and to make Britain even more attractive in Tech Talent, the country is establishing its global tech development network in Bengaluru this year.

"Together, we are a formidable team. We top our region's ranking in the global innovation index. Bengaluru is the fastest-growing tech hub in the world. London is number two. Our two countries believe in innovation as a force for good. Last year, the UK attracted over a third of all the tech investment in Europe. India and UK have superb academic research base and four of the top 10 universities are found in the UK. The number of Indian students coming to the UK has more than doubled in the past three years. We want to make Britain even more attractive in tech talent. So, we are establishing our global tech development network in Bengaluru this year,"&nbsp;he said.

The minister further highlighted India and UK's research partnership and stressed upon the sinister side of the digital age that needs to be protected from crime.

"The UK is India's second largest research partner across 200 projects, 175 institutions and 100 companies and now we are increasing research and development funding to 20 billion pounds by 2025. We expect 1.5 billion pounds of digital services to India and India's tech giants like Tata and Infosys, to support over 30,000 UK jobs. We are already working in so many ways to mobilize technology in our shared struggle against disease and against climate change,"&nbsp;he said.

"But I also want to see democracies like ours address other challenges, the sinister side of the digital age. We have learned over the past 20 years that without the right values built in from the start, tech can create serious problems and there will be also those who will be seeing in each new opportunity or new innovation, a new opportunity for crime or repression. Just as we want to protect our natural world for children, so we need to ensure protect our digital world is free, safe and peaceful,"&nbsp;he added.

The seventh edition of Global Technology Summit is being held from Tuesday in New Delhi till December 1 in a hybrid format. The Summit is India's annual flagship event on Geotechnology and is co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India. The theme for this year's Summit is 'Geopolitics of Technology'. &nbsp;

Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties with India, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Thursday said that both India and the United Kingdom are ideally placed to use science, technology and digital leadership to meet challenges related to the security of emerging tech.

Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties with India, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Thursday said that both India and the United Kingdom are ideally placed to use science, technology and digital leadership to meet challenges related to the security of emerging tech. "Emerging technologies are fundamentally reshaping our economies and our daily lives. It is also presenting new challenges to our values and security, which I spoke about at the UN Committee Security Council on counter-terrorism last month. India and the United Kingdom are ideally placed to use our science, technology and digital leadership to meet these challenges and maximize these opportunities," he said while speaking virtually at the Global Technology summit here. Hailing Bengaluru as the world's fastest-growing hub, Cleverly said that both India and United Kingdom believe in innovation as a force for good and to make Britain even more attractive in Tech Talent, the country is establishing its global tech development network in Bengaluru this year. "Together, we are a formidable team. We top our region's ranking in the global innovation index. Bengaluru is the fastest-growing tech hub in the world. London is number two. Our two countries believe in innovation as a force for good. Last year, the UK attracted over a third of all the tech investment in Europe. India and UK have superb academic research base and four of the top 10 universities are found in the UK. The number of Indian students coming to the UK has more than doubled in the past three years. We want to make Britain even more attractive in tech talent. So, we are establishing our global tech development network in Bengaluru this year," he said. The minister further highlighted India and UK's research partnership and stressed upon the sinister side of the digital age that needs to be protected from crime. "The UK is India's second largest research partner across 200 projects, 175 institutions and 100 companies and now we are increasing research and development funding to 20 billion pounds by 2025. We expect 1.5 billion pounds of digital services to India and India's tech giants like Tata and Infosys, to support over 30,000 UK jobs. We are already working in so many ways to mobilize technology in our shared struggle against disease and against climate change," he said. "But I also want to see democracies like ours address other challenges, the sinister side of the digital age. We have learned over the past 20 years that without the right values built in from the start, tech can create serious problems and there will be also those who will be seeing in each new opportunity or new innovation, a new opportunity for crime or repression. Just as we want to protect our natural world for children, so we need to ensure protect our digital world is free, safe and peaceful," he added. The seventh edition of Global Technology Summit is being held from Tuesday in New Delhi till December 1 in a hybrid format. The Summit is India's annual flagship event on Geotechnology and is co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India. The theme for this year's Summit is 'Geopolitics of Technology'.

India, UK ideally placed to meet challenges of digital world: UK Foreign Secretary

To help the farming community of Jammu and Kashmir, the Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agriculture and Science Technology (SKUAST) and&nbsp;the Government of Jammu and Kashmir have introduced high-tech drones to spray chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides in the orchards.&nbsp;

This technology will help the farming community of the region and lower the costs. From manual labour to minimal usage of chemicals and saving time, this technology could be a great help for the farmers of the Kashmir Valley. The government says that if the farmers adopt technology, it will help in increasing economic productivity, reducing environmental pollution and attracting youth to agriculture.

''The agriculture university of Kashmir is now working with the government of Jammu and Kashmir about the modernisation of agriculture, it includes bringing in new technologies. We would also include Artificial Intelligence. We have today introduced drones for spraying of pesticides and fertilizers in our orchards, conventionally we are using excessive use of chemicals, 90 per cent of all the chemicals used in Jammu and Kashmir are sprayed on these orchards."

Using drones will bring down the percentage of pesticides by around 90 per cent. We will also be reducing the labour cost. It would be more precise with a mist spray. We are sure we will be taking agriculture to the next level with the support of the government,'' said Nazir Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST. &nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir has&nbsp;around one lakh sixty thousand hectares of land under horticulture and over 20 lakh metric tonnes of fruit are grown every year. Around 8 per cent of the economy of the Union Territory is contributed by horticulture.&nbsp;

''Horticulture is the backbone of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, It is around 15 thousand crore rupees (Rs 150 billion), and we believe there is potential to increase it to four times. It won't happen without technology. Drone technology is one aspect,&nbsp;we are also bringing Artificial Intelligence.&nbsp;We are collecting data on how it's spraying the pesticides, at what height, and whether the mist it is spraying is sufficient for the requirement of the plant. We are collecting all the data and by next year we will be able to give it to farmers for use,'' said Vice Chancellor Ahmad. &nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-200-female-athletes-trained-in-water-sports-with-a-goal-to-represent-india-538571">&nbsp;Over 200 female athletes trained in water sports with a goal to represent India</a>

The drones are not fitted with a camera yet due to security reasons. But SKUAST is working with the government and will soon be fitting a spectrum camera which will detect the disease of the plant and spray it with exactly the kind of chemical to treat the disease. Using this technology will save 90 per cent of the chemicals which will be great for the environment and also good for health.&nbsp;

''Our drone is called Agri boat.&nbsp;It is the first drone approved by DGCA. It is designed for 10 litres of liquid that will be sprayed over one acre of land. The battery life is around 20 minutes per charge. It can cover up to one hectare of land per battery charge. A farmer can save around 90 per cent of water, generally, it takes three hours for an acre of land and that too with a team of labourers, so if we compare this is less time-consuming and needs much lower manual labour. The second is human contact with chemicals would be much lesser,'' said Dheeraj Yadav, engineer.&nbsp;

The farming community of the Kashmir region has hailed the initiative and demanded that drones be made available soon.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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To help the farming community of Jammu and Kashmir, the Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agriculture and Science Technology (SKUAST) and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir have introduced high-tech drones to spray chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides in the orchards.

To help the farming community of Jammu and Kashmir, the Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agriculture and Science Technology (SKUAST) and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir have introduced high-tech drones to spray chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides in the orchards. This technology will help the farming community of the region and lower the costs. From manual labour to minimal usage of chemicals and saving time, this technology could be a great help for the farmers of the Kashmir Valley. The government says that if the farmers adopt technology, it will help in increasing economic productivity, reducing environmental pollution and attracting youth to agriculture. ''The agriculture university of Kashmir is now working with the government of Jammu and Kashmir about the modernisation of agriculture, it includes bringing in new technologies. We would also include Artificial Intelligence. We have today introduced drones for spraying of pesticides and fertilizers in our orchards, conventionally we are using excessive use of chemicals, 90 per cent of all the chemicals used in Jammu and Kashmir are sprayed on these orchards." Using drones will bring down the percentage of pesticides by around 90 per cent. We will also be reducing the labour cost. It would be more precise with a mist spray. We are sure we will be taking agriculture to the next level with the support of the government,'' said Nazir Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST. Jammu and Kashmir has around one lakh sixty thousand hectares of land under horticulture and over 20 lakh metric tonnes of fruit are grown every year. Around 8 per cent of the economy of the Union Territory is contributed by horticulture. ''Horticulture is the backbone of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, It is around 15 thousand crore rupees (Rs 150 billion), and we believe there is potential to increase it to four times. It won't happen without technology. Drone technology is one aspect, we are also bringing Artificial Intelligence. We are collecting data on how it's spraying the pesticides, at what height, and whether the mist it is spraying is sufficient for the requirement of the plant. We are collecting all the data and by next year we will be able to give it to farmers for use,'' said Vice Chancellor Ahmad. Also Read: Over 200 female athletes trained in water sports with a goal to represent India The drones are not fitted with a camera yet due to security reasons. But SKUAST is working with the government and will soon be fitting a spectrum camera which will detect the disease of the plant and spray it with exactly the kind of chemical to treat the disease. Using this technology will save 90 per cent of the chemicals which will be great for the environment and also good for health. ''Our drone is called Agri boat. It is the first drone approved by DGCA. It is designed for 10 litres of liquid that will be sprayed over one acre of land. The battery life is around 20 minutes per charge. It can cover up to one hectare of land per battery charge. A farmer can save around 90 per cent of water, generally, it takes three hours for an acre of land and that too with a team of labourers, so if we compare this is less time-consuming and needs much lower manual labour. The second is human contact with chemicals would be much lesser,'' said Dheeraj Yadav, engineer. The farming community of the Kashmir region has hailed the initiative and demanded that drones be made available soon.

J&K government introduces drones for spraying fertilisers, pesticides in orchards

Vikram Kirloskar, the face of Toyota India and vice chairperson of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, passed away late Tuesday (November 29) at the age of 64. According to reports, he suffered a massive heart attack. His demise was later confirmed by the company in a statement.&nbsp;

“We are extremely saddened to inform the untimely demise of Mr Vikram S. Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor on 29th November 2022. At this time of grief, we request everyone to pray that his soul rests in peace,” said Toyota India, on Twitter.&nbsp; 
 
The statement added, “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Last respect can be paid at Hebbal Crematorium, Bengaluru, on 30th November 2022 at 1pm.” 
 
According to a report by Economic Times, he was rushed to the Manipal Hospitals in Bengaluru, on Tuesday morning, when he collapsed due to a heart attack.&nbsp; 
 
Who was Vikram Kirloskar?

Founded in 1888, the Kirloskar Group has contributed to India’s industrialisation for over a century. Vikram Kirloskar was the fourth-generation head of the group and also the Chairman and Managing Director of Kirloskar Systems Ltd.&nbsp;

Kirloskar was a graduate of mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and had also held several important positions at Indian agencies. Over the years he was the president of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and is currently the chairman of CII’s manufacturing council, Trade Fair’s council and Hydrogen Taskforce.&nbsp;

Furthermore, he was also a part of the Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

Vikram became the vice chairman of Toyota Kirloskar in 1998 and was responsible for the joint venture with the Toyota group and started a significant automobile manufacturing industry in India, headquartered in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Vikram Kirloskar made his last public appearance at the unveiling of the new generation Toyota Innova HyCross in Mumbai, last week. At the time, in an interview with PTI, he had shared Kirloskar Motor’s vision of focusing on hybrids, saying that EVs do not necessarily work in line with the country’s objective to reduce carbon emissions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Vikram Kirloskar, the face of Toyota India and vice chairperson of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, passed away late Tuesday (November 29) at the age of 64. According to reports, he suffered a massive heart attack.

Vikram Kirloskar, the face of Toyota India and vice chairperson of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, passed away late Tuesday (November 29) at the age of 64. According to reports, he suffered a massive heart attack. His demise was later confirmed by the company in a statement. “We are extremely saddened to inform the untimely demise of Mr Vikram S. Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor on 29th November 2022. At this time of grief, we request everyone to pray that his soul rests in peace,” said Toyota India, on Twitter. The statement added, “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Last respect can be paid at Hebbal Crematorium, Bengaluru, on 30th November 2022 at 1pm.” According to a report by Economic Times, he was rushed to the Manipal Hospitals in Bengaluru, on Tuesday morning, when he collapsed due to a heart attack. Who was Vikram Kirloskar? Founded in 1888, the Kirloskar Group has contributed to India’s industrialisation for over a century. Vikram Kirloskar was the fourth-generation head of the group and also the Chairman and Managing Director of Kirloskar Systems Ltd. Kirloskar was a graduate of mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and had also held several important positions at Indian agencies. Over the years he was the president of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and is currently the chairman of CII’s manufacturing council, Trade Fair’s council and Hydrogen Taskforce. Furthermore, he was also a part of the Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Vikram became the vice chairman of Toyota Kirloskar in 1998 and was responsible for the joint venture with the Toyota group and started a significant automobile manufacturing industry in India, headquartered in Bengaluru. Vikram Kirloskar made his last public appearance at the unveiling of the new generation Toyota Innova HyCross in Mumbai, last week. At the time, in an interview with PTI, he had shared Kirloskar Motor’s vision of focusing on hybrids, saying that EVs do not necessarily work in line with the country’s objective to reduce carbon emissions. (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.

Vikram Kirloskar, Indian auto pioneer who led Toyota Kirloskar Motor,  passes away

In China, the districts of Haizhu, Baiyun, Fanyu, Tianhe, Conghua, Huadu and Liwan saw the end of temporary lockdowns. The district of Conghua also announced that it will allow the reopening of schools and people in most areas will be able to visit restaurants and other commercial locations. In other news, Eurozone&nbsp;inflation is expected to be somewhere around 10.4 per cent but the fall in inflation has given rise to hope among the economies that the prices can stabilise before the new year.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-government-relaxes-covid-19-rules-in-several-districts-in-guangzhou-538833">Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts in Guangzhou</a>
<img alt="1" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3af8ef8-2f7a-4946-b1d1-c1bb09878890" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-30%20at%2020.51.08.png" />
The authorities in the Chinese city of Guangzhou have decided to abruptly put an end to COVID-19 restrictions in the aftermath of a scuffle between the police and protestors. The protestors have been holding demonstrations against the lockdowns imposed as part of the Zero-Covid initiative and even the top security body of China has called for a crackdown on the “hostile forces”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eurozone-inflation-slows-to-10-per-cent-in-november-but-rate-rises-expected-538803">Eurozone inflation slows to 10 per cent in November but rate rises expected</a>
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The inflation in the Euro zone has dropped to 10 per cent for the first time since November and in the process, it has also exceeded the expectations of most experts. The 19 countries which recognise Euro as their currency grew by just 10 per cent after a 10.6 per cent rise in October.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-removed-from-uk-nuclear-project-a-day-after-sunaks-golden-era-over-statement-538678">China removed from UK nuclear project, a day after Sunak's 'golden era over' statement</a>
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A day after UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the country's 'golden era' with China was over, the latter has been removed from the construction of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/at-least-16-killed-and-24-injured-at-madrassa-in-afghanistans-aybak-538859">At least 16 killed and 24 injured in bomb blast in Afghanistan's Aybak</a>
<img alt="4" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3336badb-4578-4021-a063-21720a1c7ae9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-30%20at%2020.56.22.png" />
At least 16 people were killed while 24 were wounded after a blast at a madrassa in Afghanistan’s northern city of Aybak on Wednesday. According to AFP, a doctor at the local hospital confirmed the death toll and said that the wounded are currently going through treatment. The doctor also said that the casualties were mostly youngsters and they belonged to the Al Jihad madrassa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-to-set-up-tribunal-backed-by-un-to-investigate-possible-russian-war-crimes-in-ukraine-538797">EU to set up tribunal backed by UN to investigate possible Russian war crimes in Ukraine</a>
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The European Union would attempt to establish a specialised court, supported by the United Nations, to look into and prosecute any potential war crimes perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-court-rules-current-definition-of-marriage-constitutional-but-creates-an-unconstitutional-situation-538840">Tokyo court rules current definition of marriage constitutional but creates an 'unconstitutional situation'&nbsp;</a>
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A Japanese court has ruled that the country's decades-old constitution's definition of marriage as something based on "the mutual consent of both sexes" is legal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/half-of-european-democracies-suffer-erosion-africa-shows-resilience-watchdog-report-538812">Half of European democracies suffer erosion, Africa shows resilience: Watchdog report</a>
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Half of the world’s democracies are in a state of decline amid worsening civil liberties and rule of law while already authoritarian governments are becoming more oppressive, Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) said on Wednesday. In Europe, almost half of all democracies have suffered erosion in the last five years, it said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-scrambles-jets-after-eight-chinese-russian-warplanes-entered-its-air-defence-zone-538785">South Korea scrambles jets after eight Chinese, Russian warplanes entered its air defence zone</a>
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At least two Chinese bombers and six Russian bombers and fighter jets entered the Korean air defence zone on Wednesday prompting South Korea to scramble its fighter jets, said Seoul’s military. However, the planes did not violate the airspace, while China and Russia had previously said that they are conducting joint exercises.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/england-wales-no-longer-a-majority-christian-leicester-and-birmingham-are-minority-majorities-ons-538850">England, Wales no longer majority Christian; Leicester, Birmingham now ‘minority majorities’: Census</a>
<img alt="9" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad252a62-ac3c-44a2-b16f-0f52bf7ee53f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-30%20at%2021.03.38.png" />
Census results published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on Tuesday, show that less than half of people in the two British nations, England and Wales, identify themselves as Christian. The announcement has also reportedly renewed calls to end the Church of England’s role in parliament and schools.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-disparity-in-news-women-especially-those-of-colour-grossly-underrepresented-in-leadership-and-coverage-538864">Gender disparity in news: Women especially of colour grossly under-represented in leadership and coverage</a>
<img alt="10" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9f0c860c-670f-4dc1-88fb-9d07b60340af" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-30%20at%2021.05.26.png" />
Whether it's editorial leadership or roles in news coverage women continue to be severely under-represented in the media industry and taking the brunt of this are women of colour, shows a new report.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In China, the districts of Haizhu, Baiyun, Fanyu, Tianhe, Conghua, Huadu and Liwan saw the end of temporary lockdowns. The district of Conghua also announced that it will allow the reopening of schools and people in most areas will be able to visit restaurants and other commercial locations.

In China, the districts of Haizhu, Baiyun, Fanyu, Tianhe, Conghua, Huadu and Liwan saw the end of temporary lockdowns. The district of Conghua also announced that it will allow the reopening of schools and people in most areas will be able to visit restaurants and other commercial locations. In other news, Eurozone inflation is expected to be somewhere around 10.4 per cent but the fall in inflation has given rise to hope among the economies that the prices can stabilise before the new year. Click on the headlines to read more: Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts in Guangzhou The authorities in the Chinese city of Guangzhou have decided to abruptly put an end to COVID-19 restrictions in the aftermath of a scuffle between the police and protestors. The protestors have been holding demonstrations against the lockdowns imposed as part of the Zero-Covid initiative and even the top security body of China has called for a crackdown on the “hostile forces”. Eurozone inflation slows to 10 per cent in November but rate rises expected The inflation in the Euro zone has dropped to 10 per cent for the first time since November and in the process, it has also exceeded the expectations of most experts. The 19 countries which recognise Euro as their currency grew by just 10 per cent after a 10.6 per cent rise in October. China removed from UK nuclear project, a day after Sunak's 'golden era over' statement A day after UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the country's 'golden era' with China was over, the latter has been removed from the construction of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station. At least 16 killed and 24 injured in bomb blast in Afghanistan's Aybak At least 16 people were killed while 24 were wounded after a blast at a madrassa in Afghanistan’s northern city of Aybak on Wednesday. According to AFP, a doctor at the local hospital confirmed the death toll and said that the wounded are currently going through treatment. The doctor also said that the casualties were mostly youngsters and they belonged to the Al Jihad madrassa. EU to set up tribunal backed by UN to investigate possible Russian war crimes in Ukraine The European Union would attempt to establish a specialised court, supported by the United Nations, to look into and prosecute any potential war crimes perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Tokyo court rules current definition of marriage constitutional but creates an 'unconstitutional situation' A Japanese court has ruled that the country's decades-old constitution's definition of marriage as something based on "the mutual consent of both sexes" is legal. Half of European democracies suffer erosion, Africa shows resilience: Watchdog report Half of the world’s democracies are in a state of decline amid worsening civil liberties and rule of law while already authoritarian governments are becoming more oppressive, Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) said on Wednesday. In Europe, almost half of all democracies have suffered erosion in the last five years, it said. South Korea scrambles jets after eight Chinese, Russian warplanes entered its air defence zone At least two Chinese bombers and six Russian bombers and fighter jets entered the Korean air defence zone on Wednesday prompting South Korea to scramble its fighter jets, said Seoul’s military. However, the planes did not violate the airspace, while China and Russia had previously said that they are conducting joint exercises. England, Wales no longer majority Christian; Leicester, Birmingham now ‘minority majorities’: Census Census results published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on Tuesday, show that less than half of people in the two British nations, England and Wales, identify themselves as Christian. The announcement has also reportedly renewed calls to end the Church of England’s role in parliament and schools. Gender disparity in news: Women especially of colour grossly under-represented in leadership and coverage Whether it's editorial leadership or roles in news coverage women continue to be severely under-represented in the media industry and taking the brunt of this are women of colour, shows a new report.

Top 10 world news: China relaxes Covid rules, Eurozone inflation slows to 10%, and more

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 24th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) and preparedness meeting at Chennai on Wednesday. The meeting gains significance because India is the third largest importer of crude oil and receives a large volume of it via ships.

India is also the sixth-largest importer of chemicals. Consequently, spills of oil or chemicals at sea threaten to pose huge risks to Indian maritime zones, coastal cities, and the environment in general.&nbsp;

Director General VS Pathania of the Indian Coast Guard chaired the meeting that involved representatives from various ministries, central and state government departments, ports and oil-handling companies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oil-spill-off-chennai-coast-indian-coast-guard-monitoring-situation-392397">WATCH |&nbsp;Oil spill off Chennai coast, Indian Coast Guard monitoring situation</a>

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The officials discussed and reviewed the national capabilities to ensure collective preparedness to respond to any oil spill contingency in Indian waters.&nbsp;

To attain this goal, preventive measures are required to be taken by the central coordinating agency, ship owners, oil handling facilities, and other concerned stakeholders. VS Pathania committed that the ICG is cautious and remains prepared for the threats to the region and its resources, including marine oil and chemical spills at sea.&nbsp;

He emphasised that the stakeholders must recognise the opportunity to enhance cooperation through stronger partnerships, effective coordination and imbibing best practices of the developing technology.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 24th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) and preparedness meeting at Chennai on Wednesday. The meeting gains significance because India is the third largest importer of crude oil and receives a large volume of it via ships.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 24th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) and preparedness meeting at Chennai on Wednesday. The meeting gains significance because India is the third largest importer of crude oil and receives a large volume of it via ships. India is also the sixth-largest importer of chemicals. Consequently, spills of oil or chemicals at sea threaten to pose huge risks to Indian maritime zones, coastal cities, and the environment in general. Director General VS Pathania of the Indian Coast Guard chaired the meeting that involved representatives from various ministries, central and state government departments, ports and oil-handling companies. WATCH | Oil spill off Chennai coast, Indian Coast Guard monitoring situation × The officials discussed and reviewed the national capabilities to ensure collective preparedness to respond to any oil spill contingency in Indian waters. To attain this goal, preventive measures are required to be taken by the central coordinating agency, ship owners, oil handling facilities, and other concerned stakeholders. VS Pathania committed that the ICG is cautious and remains prepared for the threats to the region and its resources, including marine oil and chemical spills at sea. He emphasised that the stakeholders must recognise the opportunity to enhance cooperation through stronger partnerships, effective coordination and imbibing best practices of the developing technology. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Coast Guard conducts review of National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan

On Tuesday, Singapore Airlines Lt (SIA) announced its plans to invest $250 million into India's national carrier, Air India. The deal is&nbsp;as part of a merger of its Vistara full-service airline joint venture with Tata Sons.

Following the deal, the airline will emerge as Air India's 25.1 per cent owner. Under the agreement, it stands to spend up to&nbsp;$615 million which as per reports will be stake, payable after the completion of the merger. The company said that it would fund the growth plans through its internal cash resources.

The Singaporean carrier in a statement said that subject to regulatory approvals, the two companies are aiming to complete the merger by March 2024. Additionally, the pair have agreed to "additional capital injections&nbsp;in Air India if required to fund growth and operations over the next two financial years".&nbsp;

SIA in its official notification of the merger announced that it will also invest US$250 million (INR 20,585 million or S$360 million) in Air India as part of the transaction.

As per Reuters, the merger will create a strong rival for India's dominant carrier IndiGo, while providing Singaporean airlines with a more solid foothold in "one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/forbes-indias-100-richest-list-check-how-many-women-billionaire-are-in-the-list-538505">Forbes India's 100 richest list: Check how many women billionaire are in the list</a>

In addition, it will enable Tata to consolidate its brands around full-service Air India and low-cost Air India Express. The Indian conglomerate recently brought out its former partner AirAsia and their joint project AirAsia India is also being merged with Air India Express.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran in a statement called the merger an "important milestone" in the journey to make "Air India a truly world-class airline".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/singapore-airlines-tata-group-in-confidential-talks-over-air-india-vistara-integration-525145">Singapore Airlines, Tata Group in ‘confidential talks’ over Air India, Vistara integration&nbsp;</a>

He added that they are working to transform the national carrier "with the aim of providing great customer experience, every time, for every customer. As part of the transformation, Air India is focusing on growing both its network and fleet, revamping its customer proposition, enhancing safety, reliability, and on-time performance."

Singapore Airlines Ltd's Chief Executive Goh Choon Phong said "We will work together to support Air India's transformation programme, unlock its significant potential, and restore it to its position as a leading airline on the global stage".

Currently, the Singaporean carrier owns a 49 per cent stake in the Tata SIA airlines which operate Vistara, while the rest is owned by Tata Sons.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Tuesday, Singapore Airlines Lt (SIA) announced its plans to invest $250 million into India's national carrier, Air India. The deal is as part of a merger of its Vistara full-service airline joint venture with Tata Sons.

On Tuesday, Singapore Airlines Lt (SIA) announced its plans to invest $250 million into India's national carrier, Air India. The deal is as part of a merger of its Vistara full-service airline joint venture with Tata Sons. Following the deal, the airline will emerge as Air India's 25.1 per cent owner. Under the agreement, it stands to spend up to $615 million which as per reports will be stake, payable after the completion of the merger. The company said that it would fund the growth plans through its internal cash resources. The Singaporean carrier in a statement said that subject to regulatory approvals, the two companies are aiming to complete the merger by March 2024. Additionally, the pair have agreed to "additional capital injections in Air India if required to fund growth and operations over the next two financial years". SIA in its official notification of the merger announced that it will also invest US$250 million (INR 20,585 million or S$360 million) in Air India as part of the transaction. As per Reuters, the merger will create a strong rival for India's dominant carrier IndiGo, while providing Singaporean airlines with a more solid foothold in "one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets". Also read | Forbes India's 100 richest list: Check how many women billionaire are in the list In addition, it will enable Tata to consolidate its brands around full-service Air India and low-cost Air India Express. The Indian conglomerate recently brought out its former partner AirAsia and their joint project AirAsia India is also being merged with Air India Express. Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran in a statement called the merger an "important milestone" in the journey to make "Air India a truly world-class airline". Also read | Singapore Airlines, Tata Group in ‘confidential talks’ over Air India, Vistara integration He added that they are working to transform the national carrier "with the aim of providing great customer experience, every time, for every customer. As part of the transformation, Air India is focusing on growing both its network and fleet, revamping its customer proposition, enhancing safety, reliability, and on-time performance." Singapore Airlines Ltd's Chief Executive Goh Choon Phong said "We will work together to support Air India's transformation programme, unlock its significant potential, and restore it to its position as a leading airline on the global stage". Currently, the Singaporean carrier owns a 49 per cent stake in the Tata SIA airlines which operate Vistara, while the rest is owned by Tata Sons. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Singapore Airlines Ltd-owned Vistara announces merger with Air India

In the&nbsp;first ceremony of such kind, four US Army officers were handed promotions near Nada Devi, the second-highest peak in the Himalayas. The officers were part of 11th Airborne division of the US Army. Twitter handle of US Army's Pacific division tweeted about this

"In full view of Nanda Devi, the second-tallest mountain in the tallest mountain range in the world, Capt. Cerruti, Lt. Russell, Lt. Brown and Lt. Hack became the first four @USArmy Officers to be promoted in the Himalayas during Yudh Abhyas Exercise," US Army tweeted.

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In full view of Nanda Devi, the second-tallest mountain in the tallest mountain range in the world, Capt. Cerruti, Lt. Russell, Lt. Brown and Lt. Hack became the first four <a href="https://twitter.com/USArmy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USArmy</a> Officers to be promoted in the Himalayas during Yudh Abhyas Exercise.<a href="https://twitter.com/USArmy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USArmy</a> .<a href="https://twitter.com/USARPAC_CG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USARPAC_CG</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ICcBcj7Ju">pic.twitter.com/2ICcBcj7Ju</a>
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Indian and US armies are currently engaged in joint military exercise in the Himalayas. The drills will go on for two weeks. The 'Yudh Abhyas'&nbsp;military exercise is an annual exercise between India and the US. They are held with the aim of exchanging best practices, tactics, procedures and techniques between armies of the two countries. The exercise is also aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two forces.

'Yudh Abhyas'&nbsp;exercise is also going to focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. Indian defence ministry has said that Indian and US soldiers will carry out practice of swift and co-ordinated relief efforts to be taken in case of natural calamity.

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&nbsp;

In the first ceremony of such kind, four US Army officers were handed promotions near Nada Devi, the second-highest peak in the Himalayas. The officers were part of 11th Airborne division of the US Army.

In the first ceremony of such kind, four US Army officers were handed promotions near Nada Devi, the second-highest peak in the Himalayas. The officers were part of 11th Airborne division of the US Army. Twitter handle of US Army's Pacific division tweeted about this "In full view of Nanda Devi, the second-tallest mountain in the tallest mountain range in the world, Capt. Cerruti, Lt. Russell, Lt. Brown and Lt. Hack became the first four @USArmy Officers to be promoted in the Himalayas during Yudh Abhyas Exercise," US Army tweeted. In full view of Nanda Devi, the second-tallest mountain in the tallest mountain range in the world, Capt. Cerruti, Lt. Russell, Lt. Brown and Lt. Hack became the first four @USArmy Officers to be promoted in the Himalayas during Yudh Abhyas Exercise.@USArmy .@USARPAC_CG pic.twitter.com/2ICcBcj7Ju — U.S. Army Pacific (@USARPAC) November 27, 2022 × Indian and US armies are currently engaged in joint military exercise in the Himalayas. The drills will go on for two weeks. The 'Yudh Abhyas' military exercise is an annual exercise between India and the US. They are held with the aim of exchanging best practices, tactics, procedures and techniques between armies of the two countries. The exercise is also aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two forces. 'Yudh Abhyas' exercise is also going to focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. Indian defence ministry has said that Indian and US soldiers will carry out practice of swift and co-ordinated relief efforts to be taken in case of natural calamity. 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 ×

Four US military officers promoted in Himalayas during Indo-US drills

India’s labour ministry is expected to set up an investigation into the alleged mass resignations taking place in Amazon India, said a report by the Hindustan Times. This comes after reports emerged, earlier this month, that the retail giant might lay off at least 10,000 employees from its workforce across the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Citing people with knowledge on the matter, HT reported that the probe will examine “whether the exits were voluntary and if the terms of services, which includes severance and notice period, were adhered to.” The retail giant is set to lay off at least 10,000 employees by next year, said multiple media reports. Subsequently, the ministry sent a notice to Amazon India last week after it received complaints of mass layoffs which are in violation of India’s labour laws.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amazon-to-generate-50000-jobs-in-india-amid-coronavirus-300747">Amazon to generate 50,000 jobs in India amid coronavirus</a>

The complaints were made by the Nascent Information Technology Employees’ Senate (NITES), a group of over 18,000 members of IT professionals in India, to the Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Bhupender Yadav. However, officials at Amazon India said that the employees have not been fired but the people have opted for the company’s “voluntary separation programme”.&nbsp;

The report citing the ministry official, requesting anonymity also said, “In its response, the company said that they had expected to make more money through their business, but owing to financial expedience, they floated a voluntary exit programme. They said there were no forced layoffs.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amazon-attrition-rate-is-above-industry-standards-world-news-526418">Amazon attrition rate is above industry standards | World News</a>

On the other hand, the president of NITES, Harpreet Singh Saluja, said that Amazon India in an internal memo allegedly told employees, those who did not resign voluntarily will be fired without any benefits under the “workforce optimisation programme”. Therefore, the ministry will also speak to the employees who opted for the “voluntary separation programme”, in order to verify the company’s claims, said the report by HT.&nbsp;

When questioned about the government intervention in the workings of a private company, the official said that their ministry’s aim is to ensure labour laws in the country are not violated. “We will ensure that the aggrieved workers are heard, and their rights are protected. Otherwise, we will act as per the law,” said the report. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-plans-to-lay-off-at-least-10000-people-job-cuts-may-begin-this-week-report-534150">Amazon plans to lay off at least 10,000 people, job cuts may begin this week: Reports</a>

Meanwhile, Amazon India is reportedly in the midst of shutting down some of its operations in the country including food delivery in Bengaluru by the end of this year. Additionally, they are also closing their online learning platform for high school students, Amazon Academy, the company said last week.&nbsp;

First reported by the New York Times on November 15, Amazon is planning to lay off at least 10,000 employees in their corporate and technology departments, making it the biggest layoff in company history. According to reports, the layoffs have begun and are expected to continue till next year.&nbsp; 
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India’s labour ministry is expected to set up an investigation into the alleged mass resignations taking place in Amazon India, said a report by the Hindustan Times.

India’s labour ministry is expected to set up an investigation into the alleged mass resignations taking place in Amazon India, said a report by the Hindustan Times. This comes after reports emerged, earlier this month, that the retail giant might lay off at least 10,000 employees from its workforce across the world. Citing people with knowledge on the matter, HT reported that the probe will examine “whether the exits were voluntary and if the terms of services, which includes severance and notice period, were adhered to.” The retail giant is set to lay off at least 10,000 employees by next year, said multiple media reports. Subsequently, the ministry sent a notice to Amazon India last week after it received complaints of mass layoffs which are in violation of India’s labour laws. ALSO READ | Amazon to generate 50,000 jobs in India amid coronavirus The complaints were made by the Nascent Information Technology Employees’ Senate (NITES), a group of over 18,000 members of IT professionals in India, to the Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Bhupender Yadav. However, officials at Amazon India said that the employees have not been fired but the people have opted for the company’s “voluntary separation programme”. The report citing the ministry official, requesting anonymity also said, “In its response, the company said that they had expected to make more money through their business, but owing to financial expedience, they floated a voluntary exit programme. They said there were no forced layoffs.” ALSO WATCH | Amazon attrition rate is above industry standards | World News On the other hand, the president of NITES, Harpreet Singh Saluja, said that Amazon India in an internal memo allegedly told employees, those who did not resign voluntarily will be fired without any benefits under the “workforce optimisation programme”. Therefore, the ministry will also speak to the employees who opted for the “voluntary separation programme”, in order to verify the company’s claims, said the report by HT. When questioned about the government intervention in the workings of a private company, the official said that their ministry’s aim is to ensure labour laws in the country are not violated. “We will ensure that the aggrieved workers are heard, and their rights are protected. Otherwise, we will act as per the law,” said the report. ALSO READ | Amazon plans to lay off at least 10,000 people, job cuts may begin this week: Reports Meanwhile, Amazon India is reportedly in the midst of shutting down some of its operations in the country including food delivery in Bengaluru by the end of this year. Additionally, they are also closing their online learning platform for high school students, Amazon Academy, the company said last week. First reported by the New York Times on November 15, Amazon is planning to lay off at least 10,000 employees in their corporate and technology departments, making it the biggest layoff in company history. According to reports, the layoffs have begun and are expected to continue till next year. 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 government to probe mass resignations at Amazon amid reports of layoffs: Report

Australia and the Maldives have clarified their position on participation at the&nbsp;China-led Indian Ocean Region Forum meet, pointing out that they were not present at the meet.&nbsp;The Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation was organized by China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and a joint statement by the Chinese government claimed 19 countries participated in the meeting.&nbsp;

The meet took place in Kunming, Yunnan on 21st November and according to CIDCA joint statement Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, Djibouti, Australia participated in the meet.&nbsp;India was not invited to the meet.&nbsp;

Maldives' foreign ministry in a statement said it "would like to clarify, that the Government of Maldives did not participate" in the Forum and "there was no official representation by the Government of Maldives". On 15th November, the Maldives notified the Chinese embassy in Malé that it would not participate.&nbsp;

The statement explained that "participation by individuals or group of individuals from the Maldives, does not constitute official representation by the Government of Maldives".&nbsp;Maldives's former President Mohammed Waheed Hassan was present at the meet, but that could not be considered an official representation by the country.&nbsp;

Australian High Commissioner in Delhi,&nbsp;Barry O’Farrell also issued a statement via a tweet. He said, "&nbsp;Contrary to media reporting, no Australian Government official attended the Kunming China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation."&nbsp;

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Contrary to media reporting, no Australian Government official attended the Kunming China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation. (1/2) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorWong?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorWong</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardMarlesMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RichardMarlesMP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TimWattsMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TimWattsMP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dfat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dfat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceAust?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceAust</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kunming?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kunming</a>
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The&nbsp;High Commissioner&nbsp;highlighted that&nbsp;Australia's Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts attended the IORA or Indian Ocean Rim Association ministerial in Dhaka which is the "only ministerial-level forum for Indian Ocean".

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Pleased <a href="https://twitter.com/TimWattsMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TimWattsMP</a> attended <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IORA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IORA</a> Ministerial Council last week, the only ministerial-level forum for Indian Ocean. 🇦🇺 was delighted 🇮🇳’s application for Vice Chair was accepted by consensus. We share an enduring interest: a free, open, rules-based &amp; secure Indo-Pacific. (2/2)
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1596877780972863489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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While former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was present at the meet, he could not be considered an official representation from Canberra. It is understood that Beijing had invited Australia to the meet, but it did not attend.

Founded in 2018, CIDCA is China's development &amp; foreign aid agency and is led by Luo Zhaohui who in the past served as Chinese ambassador to India. It funds projects primarily related to the Belt and Road Initiative.&nbsp;It used to be under China's commerce ministry earlier and now comes under the State Council.

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Australia and the Maldives have clarified their position on participation at the China-led Indian Ocean Region Forum meet, pointing out that they were not present at the meet.

Australia and the Maldives have clarified their position on participation at the China-led Indian Ocean Region Forum meet, pointing out that they were not present at the meet. The Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation was organized by China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and a joint statement by the Chinese government claimed 19 countries participated in the meeting. The meet took place in Kunming, Yunnan on 21st November and according to CIDCA joint statement Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, Djibouti, Australia participated in the meet. India was not invited to the meet. Maldives' foreign ministry in a statement said it "would like to clarify, that the Government of Maldives did not participate" in the Forum and "there was no official representation by the Government of Maldives". On 15th November, the Maldives notified the Chinese embassy in Malé that it would not participate. The statement explained that "participation by individuals or group of individuals from the Maldives, does not constitute official representation by the Government of Maldives". Maldives's former President Mohammed Waheed Hassan was present at the meet, but that could not be considered an official representation by the country. Australian High Commissioner in Delhi, Barry O’Farrell also issued a statement via a tweet. He said, " Contrary to media reporting, no Australian Government official attended the Kunming China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation." Contrary to media reporting, no Australian Government official attended the Kunming China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation. (1/2) @DrSJaishankar @SenatorWong @MEAIndia @rajnathsingh @RichardMarlesMP @TimWattsMP @dfat @DefenceAust @DefenceMinIndia #Kunming — Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) November 27, 2022 × The High Commissioner highlighted that Australia's Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts attended the IORA or Indian Ocean Rim Association ministerial in Dhaka which is the "only ministerial-level forum for Indian Ocean". Pleased @TimWattsMP attended #IORA Ministerial Council last week, the only ministerial-level forum for Indian Ocean. 🇦🇺 was delighted 🇮🇳’s application for Vice Chair was accepted by consensus. We share an enduring interest: a free, open, rules-based & secure Indo-Pacific. (2/2) — Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) November 27, 2022 × While former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was present at the meet, he could not be considered an official representation from Canberra. It is understood that Beijing had invited Australia to the meet, but it did not attend. Founded in 2018, CIDCA is China's development & foreign aid agency and is led by Luo Zhaohui who in the past served as Chinese ambassador to India. It funds projects primarily related to the Belt and Road Initiative. It used to be under China's commerce ministry earlier and now comes under the State Council. 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.

Embarrassment for China as Australia, Maldives say they did not participate in CIDCA's Indian Ocean meet

The creators of Skyroot Aerospace, the company responsible for India's first private space launch, told Reuters in an interview that they aim to be able to launch a satellite into orbit in 2023 for half the price of more experienced launch companies, as reported by Reuters.

The Hyderabad-based company says the $68 million it has raised will pay for its upcoming two launches and is sponsored by Singapore's GIC sovereign wealth fund. According to Skyroot, it has spoken with more than 400 prospective clients.&nbsp;

As businesses expand their networks to provide broadband services like SpaceX's Starlink and to power applications like tracking supply chains or monitoring offshore oil rigs, thousands of small satellite launches are anticipated in the upcoming years.

Rivals for rocket launches that compete with Skyroot include both well-known and emerging companies that promise to reduce prices. Galactic Energy, a Chinese firm, successfully launched four satellites last week, placing five of them in orbit.&nbsp;

By the middle of the decade, Space One in Japan hopes to launch 20 mini rockets annually with support from Canon Electronics and IHI Corp.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/orion-spacecraft-has-entered-lunars-orbit-says-nasa-537687">Orion spacecraft has entered lunar orbit, says NASA</a>

However, Skyroot, which successfully launched a test rocket last week, anticipates that its prices would be 50 per cent&nbsp;lower than those of well-known rivals like Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit and California-based Rocket Lab USA Inc.&nbsp;

One of Skyroot's two co-founders, Pawan Chandana, told Reuters that if the company succeeds with the launches planned for next year, there will likely be a spike in demand for its launch services.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The creators of Skyroot Aerospace, the company responsible for India's first private space launch, told Reuters in an interview that they aim to be able to launch a satellite into orbit in 2023 for half the price of more experienced launch companies, as reported by Reuters.

The creators of Skyroot Aerospace, the company responsible for India's first private space launch, told Reuters in an interview that they aim to be able to launch a satellite into orbit in 2023 for half the price of more experienced launch companies, as reported by Reuters. The Hyderabad-based company says the $68 million it has raised will pay for its upcoming two launches and is sponsored by Singapore's GIC sovereign wealth fund. According to Skyroot, it has spoken with more than 400 prospective clients. As businesses expand their networks to provide broadband services like SpaceX's Starlink and to power applications like tracking supply chains or monitoring offshore oil rigs, thousands of small satellite launches are anticipated in the upcoming years. Rivals for rocket launches that compete with Skyroot include both well-known and emerging companies that promise to reduce prices. Galactic Energy, a Chinese firm, successfully launched four satellites last week, placing five of them in orbit. By the middle of the decade, Space One in Japan hopes to launch 20 mini rockets annually with support from Canon Electronics and IHI Corp. Also Read: Orion spacecraft has entered lunar orbit, says NASA However, Skyroot, which successfully launched a test rocket last week, anticipates that its prices would be 50 per cent lower than those of well-known rivals like Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit and California-based Rocket Lab USA Inc. One of Skyroot's two co-founders, Pawan Chandana, told Reuters that if the company succeeds with the launches planned for next year, there will likely be a spike in demand for its launch services. (with inputs from agencies)

India: First private space company plans to launch satellite at half the cost in 2023

In Pics | India marked 14 years of 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai

The people of China vented&nbsp;their anger against the strict Covid curbs through widespread protests,&nbsp;which some social media posts said hampered the rescue efforts. China's extremely strict 'Zero-Covid policy' is increasingly resulting in public fatigue and anger. In other news,&nbsp;ISRO&nbsp;successfully launched nine satellites aboard its workhorse PSLV&nbsp;from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-after-deadly-fire-that-killed-10-huge-covid-protests-erupt-in-xinjiang-537661">China: Huge protests erupt in Xinjiang, locals blame strict Covid curbs for 10 casualties in blaze</a>
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Huge protests erupted in China's restive Xinjiang region on Saturday after 10 people got killed in a&nbsp;fire at&nbsp;an apartment block two days ago followed by allegations that&nbsp;people living in the fire-hit compound had been largely prevented from leaving their homes.&nbsp;Ten people were killed and nine injured when the blaze ripped through a residential building in the regional capital Urumqi on Thursday night, according to state news agency Xinhua.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-successfully-launches-its-final-pslv-mission-of-the-year-with-nine-satellites-537608">ISRO successfully launches its PSLV mission with nine satellites; Oceansat-3 placed in orbit</a>
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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday successfully launched nine satellites aboard its workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C54 (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located in the south-eastern state of Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;This was the 56th PSLV flight of ISRO and the last one for the year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-regulator-bans-huawei-zte-from-selling-their-equipment-heres-why-537562">US regulator bans Huawei, ZTE from selling their equipment in country. Here's why.</a>
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The US Federal Communications Commission on Friday announced that all telecommunication equipment produced by Chinese companies Huawei Technologies and the ZTE Corporation was banned from being sold on the United States soil.&nbsp;The regulator said the two companies posed an 'unacceptable' security risk and that the decision was aimed at protecting the American public.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-firing-cruise-missiles-with-nuclear-warheads-removed-claims-uk-537672">Stock depleted, Russia firing cruise missiles with nuclear warheads removed, claims UK</a>
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Russia is reported to be removing nuclear warheads from ageing nuclear cruise missiles and firing unarmed munitions at Ukraine, Britain's military intelligence said on Saturday. The development comes a day after President Vladimir Putin of Russia assured bereaved families of Russian soldiers that Moscow's goals will be achieved soon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-eight-killed-in-landslide-on-italian-holiday-island-several-others-missing-537686">Ischia tragedy: No deaths in Italy landslide despite earlier reports, says interior minister</a>
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Italy's interior minister said there had been no confirmed deaths in a landslide on Saturday on the holiday island of Ischia, despite earlier reports of eight deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-first-private-space-company-plans-to-launch-satellite-at-half-the-cost-in-2023-537740">India: First private space company plans to launch satellite at half the cost in 2023</a>
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The creators of Skyroot Aerospace, the company responsible for India's first private space launch, told Reuters in an interview that they aim to be able to launch a satellite into orbit in 2023 for half the price of more experienced launch companies, as reported by Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-opposition-leads-in-local-elections-in-blow-to-presidents-strategy-537712">Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen quits as ruling party chief after poor poll performance</a>
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Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down from the post of ruling party chief on Saturday (November 26) after her party's poor performance in Taiwan's local elections.&nbsp;The president had projected local elections as being about showing defiance to China. The approach failed to resonate with the voters. Latest reports said that main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), was taking the lead or claimed victory in 13 of the 21 city mayor and county chief seats up for grabs, including the capital Taipei.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-khameini-lauds-basij-forces-for-restraining-rioters-keeping-islamic-revolution-alive-537692">Iran: Khameini lauds Basij forces for restraining 'rioters', keeping 'Islamic Revolution' alive</a>
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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, on Saturday praised the&nbsp;Basij militia members and said they had given their lives during the wave of protests that had been prompted by the death in prison of a young Iranian Kurdish lady in September.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ongoing-war-ukraine-marks-soviet-era-famine-that-killed-millions-537754">Amid ongoing war, Ukraine marks Soviet-era famine that killed millions​​​​​​​</a>
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Ukraine held memorial day for a Soviet-era famine that had left millions of Ukrainians dead. The famine had struck Ukraine, then part of Soviet Union in the wingter of 1932-33. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using the same tactics today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-accuses-china-of-violating-pact-on-appointment-of-bishops-537717">Vatican accuses China of violating pact on appointment of bishops​​​​​​​</a>
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The Vatican charged Chinese authorities on Saturday with breaking a bilateral agreement on bishop appointments by installing a bishop in a diocese that was not recognised by the Holy See.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The people of China vented their anger against the strict Covid curbs through widespread protests, which some social media posts said hampered the rescue efforts.

The people of China vented their anger against the strict Covid curbs through widespread protests, which some social media posts said hampered the rescue efforts. China's extremely strict 'Zero-Covid policy' is increasingly resulting in public fatigue and anger. In other news, ISRO successfully launched nine satellites aboard its workhorse PSLV from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Click on the headlines to read more: China: Huge protests erupt in Xinjiang, locals blame strict Covid curbs for 10 casualties in blaze Huge protests erupted in China's restive Xinjiang region on Saturday after 10 people got killed in a fire at an apartment block two days ago followed by allegations that people living in the fire-hit compound had been largely prevented from leaving their homes. Ten people were killed and nine injured when the blaze ripped through a residential building in the regional capital Urumqi on Thursday night, according to state news agency Xinhua. ISRO successfully launches its PSLV mission with nine satellites; Oceansat-3 placed in orbit Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday successfully launched nine satellites aboard its workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C54 (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located in the south-eastern state of Andhra Pradesh. This was the 56th PSLV flight of ISRO and the last one for the year. US regulator bans Huawei, ZTE from selling their equipment in country. Here's why. The US Federal Communications Commission on Friday announced that all telecommunication equipment produced by Chinese companies Huawei Technologies and the ZTE Corporation was banned from being sold on the United States soil. The regulator said the two companies posed an 'unacceptable' security risk and that the decision was aimed at protecting the American public. Stock depleted, Russia firing cruise missiles with nuclear warheads removed, claims UK Russia is reported to be removing nuclear warheads from ageing nuclear cruise missiles and firing unarmed munitions at Ukraine, Britain's military intelligence said on Saturday. The development comes a day after President Vladimir Putin of Russia assured bereaved families of Russian soldiers that Moscow's goals will be achieved soon. Ischia tragedy: No deaths in Italy landslide despite earlier reports, says interior minister Italy's interior minister said there had been no confirmed deaths in a landslide on Saturday on the holiday island of Ischia, despite earlier reports of eight deaths. India: First private space company plans to launch satellite at half the cost in 2023 The creators of Skyroot Aerospace, the company responsible for India's first private space launch, told Reuters in an interview that they aim to be able to launch a satellite into orbit in 2023 for half the price of more experienced launch companies, as reported by Reuters. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen quits as ruling party chief after poor poll performance Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down from the post of ruling party chief on Saturday (November 26) after her party's poor performance in Taiwan's local elections. The president had projected local elections as being about showing defiance to China. The approach failed to resonate with the voters. Latest reports said that main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), was taking the lead or claimed victory in 13 of the 21 city mayor and county chief seats up for grabs, including the capital Taipei. Iran: Khameini lauds Basij forces for restraining 'rioters', keeping 'Islamic Revolution' alive Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, on Saturday praised the Basij militia members and said they had given their lives during the wave of protests that had been prompted by the death in prison of a young Iranian Kurdish lady in September. Amid ongoing war, Ukraine marks Soviet-era famine that killed millions Ukraine held memorial day for a Soviet-era famine that had left millions of Ukrainians dead. The famine had struck Ukraine, then part of Soviet Union in the wingter of 1932-33. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using the same tactics today. Vatican accuses China of violating pact on appointment of bishops The Vatican charged Chinese authorities on Saturday with breaking a bilateral agreement on bishop appointments by installing a bishop in a diocese that was not recognised by the Holy See.

Top 10 world news: Protests against Covid curbs in China, 56th PSLV flight of ISRO, and more

A&nbsp;complete diesel engine was stolen piece by piece from a railway yard in the Begusarai region of Bihar. The complete engine that had been brought there for maintenance was allegedly systematically destroyed by the thieves after they constructed a tunnel to the yard and began collecting parts.&nbsp;

As reported by PTI, PS Dubey, an inspector of the Muzaffarpur station of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), said, "Last week, a case was registered at the Barauni police station for the theft of a diesel engine brought for repairs to the Garhara yard. In the course of the investigation, three people were arrested."&nbsp;

Searches were carried out in a scrap godown in the Prabhat Nagar region of the Muzaffarpur district based on the details they provided when questioned, and 13 sacks full of railway parts were discovered, he claimed.&nbsp;

"A search is on for the owner of the scrap yard, he added. Recovered items include engine parts, wheels from vintage train engines, and railroad parts made of heavy iron, he said. They had dug a tunnel to the railroad yard, and through it, they used to carry the locomotive parts and other items in sacks," said Dubey.

Also Read:&nbsp;India: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jama-masjid-rolls-back-order-barring-unaccompanied-women-from-entering-mosque-537215">Jama Masjid rolls back order telling women to be accompanied by relatives for entering</a>

According to him, the gang also steals the components from steel bridges that have been unbolted. An antique steam engine kept on the grounds of the Purnea Court was allegedly sold off by a railway engineer working at Samastipur Loco Diesel Shed last year, leading to his suspension.&nbsp;

In collusion with other railway officials and security personnel, the engineer allegedly sold the engine using a falsified letter from the divisional mechanical engineer of Samastipur.

(with inputs from agencies)

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A complete diesel engine was stolen piece by piece from a railway yard in the Begusarai region of Bihar. The complete engine that had been brought there for maintenance was allegedly systematically destroyed by the thieves after they constructed a tunnel to the yard and began collecting parts.

A complete diesel engine was stolen piece by piece from a railway yard in the Begusarai region of Bihar. The complete engine that had been brought there for maintenance was allegedly systematically destroyed by the thieves after they constructed a tunnel to the yard and began collecting parts. As reported by PTI, PS Dubey, an inspector of the Muzaffarpur station of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), said, "Last week, a case was registered at the Barauni police station for the theft of a diesel engine brought for repairs to the Garhara yard. In the course of the investigation, three people were arrested." Searches were carried out in a scrap godown in the Prabhat Nagar region of the Muzaffarpur district based on the details they provided when questioned, and 13 sacks full of railway parts were discovered, he claimed. "A search is on for the owner of the scrap yard, he added. Recovered items include engine parts, wheels from vintage train engines, and railroad parts made of heavy iron, he said. They had dug a tunnel to the railroad yard, and through it, they used to carry the locomotive parts and other items in sacks," said Dubey. Also Read: India: Jama Masjid rolls back order telling women to be accompanied by relatives for entering According to him, the gang also steals the components from steel bridges that have been unbolted. An antique steam engine kept on the grounds of the Purnea Court was allegedly sold off by a railway engineer working at Samastipur Loco Diesel Shed last year, leading to his suspension. In collusion with other railway officials and security personnel, the engineer allegedly sold the engine using a falsified letter from the divisional mechanical engineer of Samastipur. (with inputs from agencies)

Thieves steal entire train engine by digging tunnel in railway yard in Bihar

As India increases its political and military ties with Cairo, New Delhi has extended an invitation to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to be the chief guest at Republic Day on January 26.

The invitation to El Sisi, who has been the Egyptian president since 2014, is being seen as India's outreach to both Africa and the Arab world. Egypt, which is the Arab world's most populous country, is also 2nd largest economy in Africa. This year, both countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Rolling out the red carpet for President Sisi means Delhi-Cairo ties will see special attention in the coming few months and years. Both the Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the country earlier this year. During their visits, both the ministers met the Egyptian President, with Jaishankar handing out a "personal message" of PM Modi to him.

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Honoured to call on President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt. 
 
Conveyed the warm greetings of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and handed over a personal message. <a href="https://t.co/JdqS2BBbxX">pic.twitter.com/JdqS2BBbxX</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1581632584148463618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Cairo in September was seen as a significant gesture, as both sides stepped up military engagements. During the visit, he held bilateral talks with his Egyptian counterpart General Mohamed Zaki and an MoU in Defense sector was signed as both sides agreed to focus on joint training, defence coproduction and maintenance of equipment. Egypt is looking to buy India's Tejas fighter jets.

The country was also invited to the India-Africa Defence Dialogue and IOR Defence Ministers’ Conclave that took place on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in October. There has been one of close cooperation between Indian and Egyptian Air Forces, with efforts at jointly developing a fighter aircraft in the 1960s. IAF pilots also trained Egyptian pilots from the 1960s until 1984. Egypt regularly provides transit facilities to IAF and Indian Navy aircraft ferrying to/ from Russia, Europe and the USA.

President Sisi paid an official visit to India in September 2016. Prime Minister Modi met Sisi during the Third India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in October 2015. That same year, both leaders had also met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The North African country is also among the nine countries invited by India for the G20 summit that will be hosted in New Delhi in September 2023. This is the second time that the Modi government has invited a leader from an African nation for Republic Day. India has been keen to increase ties with Africa, and next year could see the India-Africa summit as well, the last of which took place in 2015.

Since 2014, when PM Modi took charge, India has extended invites to US President Barack Obama (2015), French President Francois Hollande (2016), UAE's Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2017), all the ASEAN Leaders (2018), South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa (2019), Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro (2020).

The last two years---2021, and 2022--- had no republic day guests because of the Covid pandemic. India was keen to invite all the Central Asian leaders this year, but it could not materialise due to Covid. In 2021, UK's then PM Boris Johnson was invited as the guest, but at that time, Britain was grappling with the Covid crisis. This year's republic day will be presided over by new Indian President Draupadi Murmu.

Egypt has never been invited to India's Republic Day so far since the first Republic Day celebration started in 1950. India has invited the maximum number of Republic Day guests from Asian countries (36), followed by Europe (24), Africa (11), South Africa (6), North America (2) and Oceania (1).

Egypt has traditionally been one of India’s most important trading partners in the African continent. Despite the pandemic, the volume of trade declined only marginally to US $ 4.5 billion in 2019-20 and to US $ 4.15 billion in 2020-21. Amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India sent a wheat consignment to the country.

Before the conflict, Egypt used to import almost 80 per cent of its wheat supplies from Russia and Ukraine. In April this year, the Egyptian Cabinet announced the inclusion of India in the list of accredited countries which can supply wheat to Egypt, thus ending a long pending non-tariff barrier.

As India increases its political and military ties with Cairo, New Delhi has extended an invitation to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to be the chief guest at Republic Day on January 26.

As India increases its political and military ties with Cairo, New Delhi has extended an invitation to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to be the chief guest at Republic Day on January 26. The invitation to El Sisi, who has been the Egyptian president since 2014, is being seen as India's outreach to both Africa and the Arab world. Egypt, which is the Arab world's most populous country, is also 2nd largest economy in Africa. This year, both countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Rolling out the red carpet for President Sisi means Delhi-Cairo ties will see special attention in the coming few months and years. Both the Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the country earlier this year. During their visits, both the ministers met the Egyptian President, with Jaishankar handing out a "personal message" of PM Modi to him. Honoured to call on President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and handed over a personal message. pic.twitter.com/JdqS2BBbxX — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 16, 2022 × The visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Cairo in September was seen as a significant gesture, as both sides stepped up military engagements. During the visit, he held bilateral talks with his Egyptian counterpart General Mohamed Zaki and an MoU in Defense sector was signed as both sides agreed to focus on joint training, defence coproduction and maintenance of equipment. Egypt is looking to buy India's Tejas fighter jets. The country was also invited to the India-Africa Defence Dialogue and IOR Defence Ministers’ Conclave that took place on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in October. There has been one of close cooperation between Indian and Egyptian Air Forces, with efforts at jointly developing a fighter aircraft in the 1960s. IAF pilots also trained Egyptian pilots from the 1960s until 1984. Egypt regularly provides transit facilities to IAF and Indian Navy aircraft ferrying to/ from Russia, Europe and the USA. President Sisi paid an official visit to India in September 2016. Prime Minister Modi met Sisi during the Third India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in October 2015. That same year, both leaders had also met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The North African country is also among the nine countries invited by India for the G20 summit that will be hosted in New Delhi in September 2023. This is the second time that the Modi government has invited a leader from an African nation for Republic Day. India has been keen to increase ties with Africa, and next year could see the India-Africa summit as well, the last of which took place in 2015. Since 2014, when PM Modi took charge, India has extended invites to US President Barack Obama (2015), French President Francois Hollande (2016), UAE's Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2017), all the ASEAN Leaders (2018), South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa (2019), Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro (2020). The last two years---2021, and 2022--- had no republic day guests because of the Covid pandemic. India was keen to invite all the Central Asian leaders this year, but it could not materialise due to Covid. In 2021, UK's then PM Boris Johnson was invited as the guest, but at that time, Britain was grappling with the Covid crisis. This year's republic day will be presided over by new Indian President Draupadi Murmu. Egypt has never been invited to India's Republic Day so far since the first Republic Day celebration started in 1950. India has invited the maximum number of Republic Day guests from Asian countries (36), followed by Europe (24), Africa (11), South Africa (6), North America (2) and Oceania (1). Egypt has traditionally been one of India’s most important trading partners in the African continent. Despite the pandemic, the volume of trade declined only marginally to US $ 4.5 billion in 2019-20 and to US $ 4.15 billion in 2020-21. Amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India sent a wheat consignment to the country. Before the conflict, Egypt used to import almost 80 per cent of its wheat supplies from Russia and Ukraine. In April this year, the Egyptian Cabinet announced the inclusion of India in the list of accredited countries which can supply wheat to Egypt, thus ending a long pending non-tariff barrier.

Exclusive: India invites Egypt's President Fattah El-Sisi for Republic Day 2023

India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are reportedly in the midst of deciding whether the unlimited transactions carried out via Google Pay, PhonePe and others should continue or not. The NPCI may soon implement their proposed volume cap for third-party app providers (TPAP), said a report by ANI.&nbsp;

This comes after the NCPI sought the approval of a proposal reportedly sent earlier this month on wanting to impose a 30 per cent volume cap. Currently, there is no transaction cap on any of the UPI-based applications including Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay and so on. However, Google Pay and PhonePe are currently dominating the market with nearly 80 per cent of the shares. Therefore, the proposal was reportedly sent by NPCI to avert the risk of a monopoly.&nbsp;

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The deadline for this proposed implementation is December 31, however, reports suggest that no decision has been made yet while some industry stakeholders want the NCPI to extend the last date. Paytm will not get affected by the transaction cap because it is owned by Paytm Payments Bank Limited, an NPCI-certified service provider and issuer bank transactions as opposed to being a third-party app provider, said a report by ANI.&nbsp;

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In a statement, the Paytm Payments Bank spokesperson said, the proposed implementation of capping the UPI market will be “hugely beneficial” for the UPI ecosystem and bolster the growth of digital payments and make it “more accessible”. Adding that this move will also democratise the platform for people and end the market concentration risk.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/paytm-shares-slump-13-per-cent-after-rbis-restrictions-on-payments-bank-462206">Paytm shares slump 13 per cent after RBI's restrictions on payments bank</a>

Reportedly, the uncertainty regarding the issue of UPI market limit implementation may be resolved by the end of December. The order to cap the volume of transactions at 30 per cent of the total UPI transactions was first presented by the NCPI in 2020. Subsequently, the agency had given the existing third-party app providers two years to comply with the directive. However, the companies have reportedly failed to reduce their market shares and continue to exceed the 30 per cent cap since.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are reportedly in the midst of deciding whether the unlimited transactions carried out via Google Pay, PhonePe and others should continue or not.

India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are reportedly in the midst of deciding whether the unlimited transactions carried out via Google Pay, PhonePe and others should continue or not. The NPCI may soon implement their proposed volume cap for third-party app providers (TPAP), said a report by ANI. This comes after the NCPI sought the approval of a proposal reportedly sent earlier this month on wanting to impose a 30 per cent volume cap. Currently, there is no transaction cap on any of the UPI-based applications including Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay and so on. However, Google Pay and PhonePe are currently dominating the market with nearly 80 per cent of the shares. Therefore, the proposal was reportedly sent by NPCI to avert the risk of a monopoly. ALSO READ: Govt won't charge for services, UPI will remain free: Indian finance ministry The deadline for this proposed implementation is December 31, however, reports suggest that no decision has been made yet while some industry stakeholders want the NCPI to extend the last date. Paytm will not get affected by the transaction cap because it is owned by Paytm Payments Bank Limited, an NPCI-certified service provider and issuer bank transactions as opposed to being a third-party app provider, said a report by ANI. ALSO WATCH: India's UPI digital payments near 5 billion In a statement, the Paytm Payments Bank spokesperson said, the proposed implementation of capping the UPI market will be “hugely beneficial” for the UPI ecosystem and bolster the growth of digital payments and make it “more accessible”. Adding that this move will also democratise the platform for people and end the market concentration risk. ALSO READ: Paytm shares slump 13 per cent after RBI's restrictions on payments bank Reportedly, the uncertainty regarding the issue of UPI market limit implementation may be resolved by the end of December. The order to cap the volume of transactions at 30 per cent of the total UPI transactions was first presented by the NCPI in 2020. Subsequently, the agency had given the existing third-party app providers two years to comply with the directive. However, the companies have reportedly failed to reduce their market shares and continue to exceed the 30 per cent cap since. 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: Google Pay, PhonePe and other UPI apps may impose transaction limit; Paytm to remain unaffected

India accounts for nearly one lakh (0.1 million) deaths due to suicide every year, said a report by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Therefore, with the aim to reduce suicide mortality, the government, on Monday, announced the first of its kind, National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) in India. It maps New Delhi’s time-bound action plan to reduce suicide mortality by 10 per cent (approximately 10,000) by 2030.&nbsp; 
 
India’s record number of suicides

In the last three years, the suicide mortality rate has increased from 10.2 to 11.3 per 100,000 population, said a report by the health ministry. Additionally, the country with the highest youth population also accounts for the most number of suicides recorded among people aged 15-29 years. Furthermore, around 71 per cent of males and 29 per cent of females account for the total number of deaths by suicide in India.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ncrb-data-shows-increase-in-deaths-by-suicide-in-2021-511188">India: NCRB data shows increase in deaths by suicide in 2021</a>

The report also said that the most common reason for committing suicide included family problems (34 per cent) and illnesses (18 per cent). It also noted the economic and professional status of an individual as a factor in the number of suicides as 63.3 per cent occurred among those who earn less than Rs. 1 lakh per annum ($0.1 million) in 2020.&nbsp;

This number nearly halved among those earning between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh ($0.5 million) per annum in the same year. The document highlights that across the world at least one in three women who commit suicide are in India while men account for one in four along the same parameter. According to the report, over 60 per cent of suicides happen among people aged 18-45 years.&nbsp;

Last year, India’s rate of deaths by suicide reached a record high with 1,64,033 who took their lives due to various reasons, said a report by the country’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This is a 7.2 per cent increase from the preceding year and implies that India saw over 400 deaths due to suicide every day in 2021.&nbsp;

What is the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS)?

The health ministry, citing the grim data, broadly seeks to establish effective surveillance mechanisms in the next three years to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in suicide mortality by 2030 through the NSPS.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-more-indians-died-of-suicide-than-of-covid-19-in-2020-426247">Gravitas: More Indians died of suicide than of Covid-19 in 2020</a>

Some of these mechanisms include establishing psychiatric outpatient departments through the District Mental Health Programme in all districts across the country by 2027 to provide suicide prevention services. Additionally, in line with this programme, the government will also incorporate courses related to mental well-being in educational institutes across India within the next eight years.&nbsp;

In a statement, India’s Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that preventing suicides is now a public health priority and impacts all sections of society. Therefore, it requires “concerted and collaborative efforts” from individuals as well as the community at large.&nbsp;

One of the priorities of this NSPS also includes reducing easy access to means of suicide, in line with which the government plans to phase out hazardous pesticides. The report also noted that the most common method of committing suicide is hanging and poisoning, followed by drowning and immolation. The government also plans to create guidelines for the media on responsible reporting about suicides.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-takes-huge-step-forward-by-announcing-mental-health-initiatives-in-its-budget-449965">How India took a huge step forward by announcing mental health initiatives in its budget</a>

“The most important is early identification of psychiatric illness and early treatment by 80-90%. Because the main problem with suicide is hidden psychiatric morbidity,” said Dr Rajesh Sagar, head of the psychiatric department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and one of the authors of the report.&nbsp;

Furthermore, citing the report he said that in nearly every case of one suicide there have been at least 10-20 previous attempts to do so and it could be higher. He added, “Therefore, we have suggested several protective factors against suicide such as early primary treatment, psychological support, access to quality treatment, restrict access to means of suicides.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

 
&nbsp;

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India accounts for nearly one lakh (0.1 million) deaths due to suicide every year, said a report by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Therefore, with the aim to reduce suicide mortality, the government, on Monday, announced the first of its kind, National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) in India.

India accounts for nearly one lakh (0.1 million) deaths due to suicide every year, said a report by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Therefore, with the aim to reduce suicide mortality, the government, on Monday, announced the first of its kind, National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) in India. It maps New Delhi’s time-bound action plan to reduce suicide mortality by 10 per cent (approximately 10,000) by 2030. India’s record number of suicides In the last three years, the suicide mortality rate has increased from 10.2 to 11.3 per 100,000 population, said a report by the health ministry. Additionally, the country with the highest youth population also accounts for the most number of suicides recorded among people aged 15-29 years. Furthermore, around 71 per cent of males and 29 per cent of females account for the total number of deaths by suicide in India. ALSO READ | India: NCRB data shows increase in deaths by suicide in 2021 The report also said that the most common reason for committing suicide included family problems (34 per cent) and illnesses (18 per cent). It also noted the economic and professional status of an individual as a factor in the number of suicides as 63.3 per cent occurred among those who earn less than Rs. 1 lakh per annum ($0.1 million) in 2020. This number nearly halved among those earning between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh ($0.5 million) per annum in the same year. The document highlights that across the world at least one in three women who commit suicide are in India while men account for one in four along the same parameter. According to the report, over 60 per cent of suicides happen among people aged 18-45 years. Last year, India’s rate of deaths by suicide reached a record high with 1,64,033 who took their lives due to various reasons, said a report by the country’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This is a 7.2 per cent increase from the preceding year and implies that India saw over 400 deaths due to suicide every day in 2021. What is the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS)? The health ministry, citing the grim data, broadly seeks to establish effective surveillance mechanisms in the next three years to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in suicide mortality by 2030 through the NSPS. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: More Indians died of suicide than of Covid-19 in 2020 Some of these mechanisms include establishing psychiatric outpatient departments through the District Mental Health Programme in all districts across the country by 2027 to provide suicide prevention services. Additionally, in line with this programme, the government will also incorporate courses related to mental well-being in educational institutes across India within the next eight years. In a statement, India’s Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that preventing suicides is now a public health priority and impacts all sections of society. Therefore, it requires “concerted and collaborative efforts” from individuals as well as the community at large. One of the priorities of this NSPS also includes reducing easy access to means of suicide, in line with which the government plans to phase out hazardous pesticides. The report also noted that the most common method of committing suicide is hanging and poisoning, followed by drowning and immolation. The government also plans to create guidelines for the media on responsible reporting about suicides. ALSO READ | How India took a huge step forward by announcing mental health initiatives in its budget “The most important is early identification of psychiatric illness and early treatment by 80-90%. Because the main problem with suicide is hidden psychiatric morbidity,” said Dr Rajesh Sagar, head of the psychiatric department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and one of the authors of the report. Furthermore, citing the report he said that in nearly every case of one suicide there have been at least 10-20 previous attempts to do so and it could be higher. He added, “Therefore, we have suggested several protective factors against suicide such as early primary treatment, psychological support, access to quality treatment, restrict access to means of suicides.” (With inputs from agencies) If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations 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.

In a first, Indian government announces strategy for suicide prevention: Here’s what you need to know

"The only thing that we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history," said German philosopher Georg Hegel. &nbsp;

England -an island of four million of the population in 1600 AD, mostly shepherds by profession, created and dominated the largest empire in world history which can only be compared with Genghis khan, the brute.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both empires in history are separated by several centuries. These two empires had nothing in common except their ability to change and their genius of policymaking and innovation. Both these empires were successful in their respective timeline in history because both worked on twin doctrines that if anything goes wrong, something must change and for the change to be real it must reach the edge which is cutting the system (internally or externally).&nbsp;

The USA suffered from one lethal strike on 9/11. Everything changed overnight. - their laws, instrumentality to fight terrorism - brand new Department of Homeland Security surfacing from nowhere, their foreign policy, immigration processes and access control, and intelligence transformation just to name a few. Not that their system is perfect, but it shows their capacity to change fast and take the changes to the operating levels. No wonder September 11 was not repeated. The secret of success lies in lowering State’s tolerance threshold for extremist elements, changing fast and constantly, and taking the changes to the last government officer of functioning State Machinery.&nbsp;

After the September 11, 2001, terror attack in the United States of America (USA), GoI banned SIMI and the ban continues to date. The ban destroyed SIMI’s presence on the ground. All the known associates, addresses, locations, units, bank accounts, and offices were sealed and seized. It dealt a body blow to SIMI, and it was never able to resurrect. 
If the experience of the SIMI ban is anything to go by, then a ban on PFI will have its fair share of the desired effect.&nbsp;

Last month, the union home ministry effectively banned the Popular Front of India (PFI)&nbsp;for five years and most of its top leadership was arrested following pan India crackdown by the investigative agencies for terror link.&nbsp;

Along with the PFI, the ban is also imposed on its fronts, including Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women's Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala as an unlawful association and terror link. These organisations with different names under the same umbrella of PFI, used to portray themselves as organisations associated with social development and human rights.

A loud and clear message to those who would like to pursue the strategy of thousand cuts to bleed India, for furthering their politico-military and religious objectives, is given by GoI through ‘Operation Octopus’.&nbsp;

National will is the most vital ingredient of state power that erodes when leadership responses are weak, and systems lose their strength. In this case of PFI, the chosen weapon to break the national will from within was religious fault line for luring Muslims and caste fault lines for luring SC/ST/OBC- as per their recovered confidential pieces of literature.&nbsp;

These fault lines are often explored by the adversaries to demoralise and confuse the Indian State. In their confidential literature, it is clearly articulated how to take the shield of the national flag, Constitution and Dr Ambedkar to fulfil their final mission of Islamic India by 2047.&nbsp;

The aim of such organisations such as PFI, SDPI etc. was to manipulate the minds of the co-religionists, decision-makers and the people, subject to any kind of deprivation by any divisive fault line, at large, whom they could pressurise to think and behave in a manner that will serve their interests. Involvement in igniting the Hijab controversy in Karnataka is one of the examples of such psychological warfare in order to exploit fault lines (in this case religious dress code in schools, which got support and appreciation even from Al-Qaida) to serve their mission objective.&nbsp;

Like metals, states have a melting point. The state-building process involves raising this melting point to a level where it is impervious to the heat generated by our enemies within or without. The enemy tries to get to know this metaphorical melting point as well as design its strategy to generate the heat required to reach it. If India wilts under the pressure of such terrorist organisations in disguise as a democratic party or waves of violent demonstrations funded from abroad, it will only show how low its meltdown point is. A nation aspiring to be a major player in global power dynamics can ill-afford to be a victim of such a psyche and malicious efforts. Once a precedent of this kind is formed and becomes successful, all hostile groups, across the length and breadth of the country, supported by enemies within and outside, will start competing to reach that melting point at the earliest. This will create total anarchy in the country.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, many of the opposition leaders of the Centre and States were wrong in trying to give it a political colour and advance absurd theories regarding the constitutional authority of the Centre. There is no ambiguity whatsoever about the role and responsibility of the Centre and the States. Article 355 of the Constitution unequivocally affirms that “It shall be the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance”. Also, in the judgement in Ram Manohar Lohia vs. State of Bihar (1965), the Supreme Court asserted that when a threat transcends limits of public order and threatens internal security, the overriding responsibility lies with the Union government.&nbsp;

The political crossfire between the Centre and the States only gladdens these terrorists’ hearts. There was an urgent need to make the message to these extremists loud and clear that the state will use all its power to protect its sovereign rights and constitutional values.&nbsp;

The front organisations, masquerading as NGOs and think tanks, who skillfully assist the extremists in exploiting discontent and subvert them to take recourse to their ill motive must be held accountable. Those who provide them intellectual and ideological space by projecting them as social revolutionaries are as guilty as the gullible people who incite violence and take to arms.&nbsp;

The first requirement for designing an effective response is to accept the realities as they are and to make a hard assessment of the enemy – his mindset, doctrines, capabilities and goals. One cannot win unless one fights, and one cannot fight till one is able to define the enemy – boldly and bluntly. One major reason why we, as a state, have often gone wrong in our responses and not derived full value out of our efforts and sacrifices is our fear to face the hard realities as they exist.&nbsp;

(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.)&nbsp;

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"The only thing that we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history," said German philosopher Georg Hegel. England -an island of four million of the population in 1600 AD, mostly shepherds by profession, created and dominated the largest empire in world history which can only be compared with Genghis khan, the brute.

"The only thing that we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history," said German philosopher Georg Hegel. England -an island of four million of the population in 1600 AD, mostly shepherds by profession, created and dominated the largest empire in world history which can only be compared with Genghis khan, the brute. Both empires in history are separated by several centuries. These two empires had nothing in common except their ability to change and their genius of policymaking and innovation. Both these empires were successful in their respective timeline in history because both worked on twin doctrines that if anything goes wrong, something must change and for the change to be real it must reach the edge which is cutting the system (internally or externally). The USA suffered from one lethal strike on 9/11. Everything changed overnight. - their laws, instrumentality to fight terrorism - brand new Department of Homeland Security surfacing from nowhere, their foreign policy, immigration processes and access control, and intelligence transformation just to name a few. Not that their system is perfect, but it shows their capacity to change fast and take the changes to the operating levels. No wonder September 11 was not repeated. The secret of success lies in lowering State’s tolerance threshold for extremist elements, changing fast and constantly, and taking the changes to the last government officer of functioning State Machinery. After the September 11, 2001, terror attack in the United States of America (USA), GoI banned SIMI and the ban continues to date. The ban destroyed SIMI’s presence on the ground. All the known associates, addresses, locations, units, bank accounts, and offices were sealed and seized. It dealt a body blow to SIMI, and it was never able to resurrect. If the experience of the SIMI ban is anything to go by, then a ban on PFI will have its fair share of the desired effect. Last month, the union home ministry effectively banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) for five years and most of its top leadership was arrested following pan India crackdown by the investigative agencies for terror link. Along with the PFI, the ban is also imposed on its fronts, including Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women's Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala as an unlawful association and terror link. These organisations with different names under the same umbrella of PFI, used to portray themselves as organisations associated with social development and human rights. A loud and clear message to those who would like to pursue the strategy of thousand cuts to bleed India, for furthering their politico-military and religious objectives, is given by GoI through ‘Operation Octopus’. National will is the most vital ingredient of state power that erodes when leadership responses are weak, and systems lose their strength. In this case of PFI, the chosen weapon to break the national will from within was religious fault line for luring Muslims and caste fault lines for luring SC/ST/OBC- as per their recovered confidential pieces of literature. These fault lines are often explored by the adversaries to demoralise and confuse the Indian State. In their confidential literature, it is clearly articulated how to take the shield of the national flag, Constitution and Dr Ambedkar to fulfil their final mission of Islamic India by 2047. The aim of such organisations such as PFI, SDPI etc. was to manipulate the minds of the co-religionists, decision-makers and the people, subject to any kind of deprivation by any divisive fault line, at large, whom they could pressurise to think and behave in a manner that will serve their interests. Involvement in igniting the Hijab controversy in Karnataka is one of the examples of such psychological warfare in order to exploit fault lines (in this case religious dress code in schools, which got support and appreciation even from Al-Qaida) to serve their mission objective. Like metals, states have a melting point. The state-building process involves raising this melting point to a level where it is impervious to the heat generated by our enemies within or without. The enemy tries to get to know this metaphorical melting point as well as design its strategy to generate the heat required to reach it. If India wilts under the pressure of such terrorist organisations in disguise as a democratic party or waves of violent demonstrations funded from abroad, it will only show how low its meltdown point is. A nation aspiring to be a major player in global power dynamics can ill-afford to be a victim of such a psyche and malicious efforts. Once a precedent of this kind is formed and becomes successful, all hostile groups, across the length and breadth of the country, supported by enemies within and outside, will start competing to reach that melting point at the earliest. This will create total anarchy in the country. Unfortunately, many of the opposition leaders of the Centre and States were wrong in trying to give it a political colour and advance absurd theories regarding the constitutional authority of the Centre. There is no ambiguity whatsoever about the role and responsibility of the Centre and the States. Article 355 of the Constitution unequivocally affirms that “It shall be the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance”. Also, in the judgement in Ram Manohar Lohia vs. State of Bihar (1965), the Supreme Court asserted that when a threat transcends limits of public order and threatens internal security, the overriding responsibility lies with the Union government. The political crossfire between the Centre and the States only gladdens these terrorists’ hearts. There was an urgent need to make the message to these extremists loud and clear that the state will use all its power to protect its sovereign rights and constitutional values. The front organisations, masquerading as NGOs and think tanks, who skillfully assist the extremists in exploiting discontent and subvert them to take recourse to their ill motive must be held accountable. Those who provide them intellectual and ideological space by projecting them as social revolutionaries are as guilty as the gullible people who incite violence and take to arms. The first requirement for designing an effective response is to accept the realities as they are and to make a hard assessment of the enemy – his mindset, doctrines, capabilities and goals. One cannot win unless one fights, and one cannot fight till one is able to define the enemy – boldly and bluntly. One major reason why we, as a state, have often gone wrong in our responses and not derived full value out of our efforts and sacrifices is our fear to face the hard realities as they exist. (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.) 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.

Operation Octopus - An effective Indian state response

On Tuesday, the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released its latest forecast on the global economy and projected just a 3.1 per cent growth for 2022, a sharp decline from the 5.9 per cent witnessed last year.&nbsp;The report comes amid mounting challenges including the worst energy crisis since the 1970s, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, pushing inflation, high-interest rates and so on.&nbsp;

While the 38-member country organisation is not predicting a global recession for the upcoming year,&nbsp;the energy crisis may&nbsp;trigger a sharp downturn. “It is true we are not predicting a global recession…but this a very, very challenging outlook”, said the OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann during a press conference. This is reflected in the&nbsp;recent forecast by the organisation&nbsp;which estimates that the international economy would expand only&nbsp;2.2 per cent in 2023.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oecd-cuts-2023-global-growth-forecast-to-22-per-cent-due-to-ukraine-crisis-519771">OECD cuts 2023 global growth forecast to 2.2 per cent due to Ukraine crisis</a>

A statement by the OECD has attributed this slowdown to aspects like, “Persistent inflation, high energy prices, weak real household income growth, falling confidence and tighter financial conditions are all expected to curtail growth.”&nbsp;

According to Cormann, an end to the conflict in Ukraine is the best way to improve the global economic outlook. This comes after the statement said, considering the “fragile prospects” for the global economy are a direct result of the Russian invasion of Kyiv which in turn led to the energy crisis and soaring inflation that most countries are witnessing currently. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, economies like the 19 countries in the eurozone that are worst affected by the conflict are projected to grow by 3.3 per cent this year and might worsen in FY 2023-24 with an estimated growth of 0.5 per cent. Meanwhile, the United States may grow by 1.8 per cent this year and is also expected to grow by 0.5 per cent next year.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-russia-economy-shrinks-for-2nd-quarter-worst-yet-to-come-for-russian-economy-534926">World Business Watch: Russia economy shrinks for 2nd quarter; worst yet to come for Russian economy?</a>

The OECD also expects inflation in advanced economies to remain above nine per cent and estimated that it might go down to 6.6 per cent in 2023. Speaking about the European and American economies Cormann told the reporters that they are growing partly due to the government’s increased spending on energy subsidies as well as policies aimed at boosting investment.&nbsp;

The inflation has also become persistent and broad-based, said the 38-member nation organisation. Additionally, it also warned that the US Federal Reserve’s constant increase in interest rates to tame the soaring inflation in the country could bring Washington's economy to a near-halt.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-federal-reserve-raises-interest-rate-by-075-again-in-a-bid-to-combat-inflation-530687">In a historic move, US Federal Reserve raises interest rate by 0.75% again</a>

In the upcoming year, growth will be “strongly dependent” on major Asian economies including India which is projected to have the world’s second-highest growth rate this year, after Saudi Arabia with a 6.6 per cent but may face a slowdown next year with an estimated 5.7 per cent growth. Meanwhile, China is projected to grow just 3.3 per cent in 2022 and 4.6 per cent next year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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On Tuesday, the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released its latest forecast on the global economy and projected just a 3.

On Tuesday, the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released its latest forecast on the global economy and projected just a 3.1 per cent growth for 2022, a sharp decline from the 5.9 per cent witnessed last year. The report comes amid mounting challenges including the worst energy crisis since the 1970s, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, pushing inflation, high-interest rates and so on. While the 38-member country organisation is not predicting a global recession for the upcoming year, the energy crisis may trigger a sharp downturn. “It is true we are not predicting a global recession…but this a very, very challenging outlook”, said the OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann during a press conference. This is reflected in the recent forecast by the organisation which estimates that the international economy would expand only 2.2 per cent in 2023. ALSO READ: OECD cuts 2023 global growth forecast to 2.2 per cent due to Ukraine crisis A statement by the OECD has attributed this slowdown to aspects like, “Persistent inflation, high energy prices, weak real household income growth, falling confidence and tighter financial conditions are all expected to curtail growth.” According to Cormann, an end to the conflict in Ukraine is the best way to improve the global economic outlook. This comes after the statement said, considering the “fragile prospects” for the global economy are a direct result of the Russian invasion of Kyiv which in turn led to the energy crisis and soaring inflation that most countries are witnessing currently. Meanwhile, economies like the 19 countries in the eurozone that are worst affected by the conflict are projected to grow by 3.3 per cent this year and might worsen in FY 2023-24 with an estimated growth of 0.5 per cent. Meanwhile, the United States may grow by 1.8 per cent this year and is also expected to grow by 0.5 per cent next year. ALSO WATCH | World Business Watch: Russia economy shrinks for 2nd quarter; worst yet to come for Russian economy? The OECD also expects inflation in advanced economies to remain above nine per cent and estimated that it might go down to 6.6 per cent in 2023. Speaking about the European and American economies Cormann told the reporters that they are growing partly due to the government’s increased spending on energy subsidies as well as policies aimed at boosting investment. The inflation has also become persistent and broad-based, said the 38-member nation organisation. Additionally, it also warned that the US Federal Reserve’s constant increase in interest rates to tame the soaring inflation in the country could bring Washington's economy to a near-halt. ALSO READ: In a historic move, US Federal Reserve raises interest rate by 0.75% again In the upcoming year, growth will be “strongly dependent” on major Asian economies including India which is projected to have the world’s second-highest growth rate this year, after Saudi Arabia with a 6.6 per cent but may face a slowdown next year with an estimated 5.7 per cent growth. Meanwhile, China is projected to grow just 3.3 per cent in 2022 and 4.6 per cent next year. (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.

Global economy to slow down in 2023, may grow 3.1 per cent this year: OECD

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and India has been approved by the Australian Parliament, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted&nbsp;on Tuesday.

"BREAKING: Our Free Trade Agreement with India has passed through parliament," Albanese tweeted.

This occurs shortly after Albanese announced that he will travel to India in March of the following year. On the eve of the 17th G20 conference, he made this announcement.

"I also met with Prime Minister Modi of India, where we discussed the finalization of the closer economic cooperation agreement between Australia and India, which we regard as being very important for expanding the economic relationship between Australia and India. I will visit India in March," said Albanese while addressing the presser on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"We'll take a business delegation to India. And that will be an important visit and an upgrade in the relationship that we have between our two nations," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-enriching-uranium-to-60-purity-at-underground-fordow-nuclear-site-536444">Iran enriching uranium to 60% purity at underground Fordow nuclear site</a>

The trade deal with India gives a significant opportunity for Australian service providers and experts to enter the Indian market, according to Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell.

The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) between Australia and India was signed on April 2.&nbsp;

The Australian government claims that the deal will strengthen Australia's position in the large economy with the highest rate of growth in the world and give Australian companies access to or room to grow in a market with close to 1.5 billion people.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and India has been approved by the Australian Parliament, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted on Tuesday. "BREAKING: Our Free Trade Agreement with India has passed through parliament," Albanese tweeted.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and India has been approved by the Australian Parliament, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted on Tuesday. "BREAKING: Our Free Trade Agreement with India has passed through parliament," Albanese tweeted. This occurs shortly after Albanese announced that he will travel to India in March of the following year. On the eve of the 17th G20 conference, he made this announcement. "I also met with Prime Minister Modi of India, where we discussed the finalization of the closer economic cooperation agreement between Australia and India, which we regard as being very important for expanding the economic relationship between Australia and India. I will visit India in March," said Albanese while addressing the presser on Wednesday. "We'll take a business delegation to India. And that will be an important visit and an upgrade in the relationship that we have between our two nations," he added. Also Read: Iran enriching uranium to 60% purity at underground Fordow nuclear site The trade deal with India gives a significant opportunity for Australian service providers and experts to enter the Indian market, according to Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell. The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) between Australia and India was signed on April 2. The Australian government claims that the deal will strengthen Australia's position in the large economy with the highest rate of growth in the world and give Australian companies access to or room to grow in a market with close to 1.5 billion people. (with inputs from agencies)

Australian parliament ratifies free trade agreement with India

On Monday, India’s central government issued guidelines against fake consumer reviews and unverified ratings on e-commerce websites, like Zomato, Swiggy, Google, Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Amazon, Flipkart and so on, to make the platforms more reliable and authentic and not misleading for the consumers. The new rules will reportedly come into effect next week on November 26.&nbsp;

The initiative to protect consumers' interests was taken by the country’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) and will be enforced by the standards body, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the new standard titled, Indian Standard 19000:2022 ‘Online Consumer Reviews - Principles and Requirements for their Collection, Moderation and Publication’. The rule was also reportedly created by the BIS.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beware-online-shoppers-e-commerce-websites-flooded-with-fake-reviews-134571">Beware, online shoppers! E-commerce websites flooded with fake reviews</a>

According to India’s Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Rohit Kumar Singh, “Violation of the standards by the companies will be considered as an unfair trade practice or violation of consumer rights and a consumer may submit such grievances to the National Consumer Helpline, Consumer Fora or the CCPA.” He added that the standards will be applicable to every online platform which publishes consumer reviews.&nbsp;

The guidelines mandate that the platforms set up review administrators to moderate reviews which could be done via a code of practice along with stipulations for terms and conditions or to manually filter out the biases. Meanwhile, the reviews should also include the publishing date and have a star rating, said the framework.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-challenges-before-the-indian-economy-525226">Gravitas: The challenges before the Indian Economy</a>

The standards will initially be voluntary for compliance by all e-commerce platforms which also prescribes specific responsibility for the author of the review as well as the review administrator. Furthermore, some of the methods of verification of the author also include verifying their email address and their identification via a phone call or SMS.&nbsp;

This comes after the DoCA in June, earlier this year had set up a committee of representatives from e-commerce platforms, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) as well as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and other stakeholders.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-trade-economy-ukraine-war-on-agenda-as-indias-jaishankar-meets-russian-counterpart-in-moscow-532211">Oil, trade, economy, Ukraine war on agenda as India's Jaishankar meets Russian counterpart in Moscow</a>

These standards are expected to benefit all stakeholders in the e-commerce ecosystem which includes consumers, e-commerce platforms, sellers, and so on, said Singh. He added, “It will help usher in confidence among consumers to purchase goods online and help them take better purchase decisions.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

On Monday, India’s central government issued guidelines against fake consumer reviews and unverified ratings on e-commerce websites, like Zomato, Swiggy, Google, Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Amazon, Flipkart and so on, to make the platforms more reliable and authentic and not misleading for the consumers.

On Monday, India’s central government issued guidelines against fake consumer reviews and unverified ratings on e-commerce websites, like Zomato, Swiggy, Google, Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Amazon, Flipkart and so on, to make the platforms more reliable and authentic and not misleading for the consumers. The new rules will reportedly come into effect next week on November 26. The initiative to protect consumers' interests was taken by the country’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) and will be enforced by the standards body, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the new standard titled, Indian Standard 19000:2022 ‘Online Consumer Reviews - Principles and Requirements for their Collection, Moderation and Publication’. The rule was also reportedly created by the BIS. ALSO READ: Beware, online shoppers! E-commerce websites flooded with fake reviews According to India’s Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Rohit Kumar Singh, “Violation of the standards by the companies will be considered as an unfair trade practice or violation of consumer rights and a consumer may submit such grievances to the National Consumer Helpline, Consumer Fora or the CCPA.” He added that the standards will be applicable to every online platform which publishes consumer reviews. The guidelines mandate that the platforms set up review administrators to moderate reviews which could be done via a code of practice along with stipulations for terms and conditions or to manually filter out the biases. Meanwhile, the reviews should also include the publishing date and have a star rating, said the framework. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: The challenges before the Indian Economy The standards will initially be voluntary for compliance by all e-commerce platforms which also prescribes specific responsibility for the author of the review as well as the review administrator. Furthermore, some of the methods of verification of the author also include verifying their email address and their identification via a phone call or SMS. This comes after the DoCA in June, earlier this year had set up a committee of representatives from e-commerce platforms, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) as well as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and other stakeholders. ALSO READ: Oil, trade, economy, Ukraine war on agenda as India's Jaishankar meets Russian counterpart in Moscow These standards are expected to benefit all stakeholders in the e-commerce ecosystem which includes consumers, e-commerce platforms, sellers, and so on, said Singh. He added, “It will help usher in confidence among consumers to purchase goods online and help them take better purchase decisions.” (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 government issues guidelines to curb fake online reviews and ratings

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