Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch 14000 projects worth more than Rs 10 Lakh Crore at the fourth ground breaking ceremony for investment proposals received during the UP Global Investors Summit 2024.

UP Global Investors Summit kicks off, PM Modi says 'UP replaced red tape with red carpet culture'

<p>The chief of the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit on Saturday (Feb 17) strongly denied rumours of senior leader Kamal Nath joining the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Jitu Patwari said Kamal Nath is "Indira Gandhi's third son" and he will not quit the party. Indira Gandhi was the third prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.</p>

<p>“For the first time when Kamal Nath fought elections, then Indira Gandhi said that Kamal Nath is her third son...in the 45 years of political journey of Kamal Nath, in both our good times and bad times, he has been working with the party for the last 7 years as Madhya Pradesh Congress chief,” Patwari said while talking to the media.</p>

<p>Patwari said that Kamal Nath has been a top stalwart of the grand old party and the party has also stood with him during the highs and lows of his political journey.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian National Congress gets tax tribunal relief after accounts frozen</strong></p>

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<p>"I still remember when Scindia toppled the Congress government in MP, all the Congress workers stood with Kamal Nath's leadership and ideology...the news that's speculated is baseless...can you imagine Indira Gandhi's third son leaving Congress? Can't think about something like that even in dreams," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Speculations about Kamal Nath joining BJP</strong></h2>

<p>Kamal Nath arrived in Delhi on Saturday amid speculations that he might join BJP. In a brief interaction with the media, Kamal Nath shied away from clearing the air, saying, “It is not about denying, you are saying this, you people are getting excited. I am not getting excited, this side or that side, but if there would be any such thing, I would inform you first."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2Q3qh0qQlKHX1O7_E_c2kP" data-ved="2ahUKEwjgt-n0wLKEAxVQs1YBHWZvDHEQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/politics-not-my-cup-of-tea-mimi-chakraborty-resigns-as-trinamool-congress-mp-690705" jsname="YKoRaf">‘Politics not my cup of tea’: Mimi Chakraborty resigns as Trinamool Congress MP</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath, an MP from Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara, also removed ‘Congress’ from his X bio, further fuelling rumours about the shifting allegiances of the duo.</p>

<h2><strong>Is Kamal Nath furious with Congress?</strong></h2>

<p>Media reports say Kamal Nath is disenchanted over not getting a seat in the upper house of the Indian Parliament from the Congress party.</p>

<p>Congress’s top leader Rahul Gandhi is reportedly not happy with Kamal Nath, under whose leadership the party lost the 2023 assembly elections to the BJP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The chief of the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit on Saturday (Feb 17) strongly denied rumours of senior leader Kamal Nath joining the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The chief of the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit on Saturday (Feb 17) strongly denied rumours of senior leader Kamal Nath joining the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Jitu Patwari said Kamal Nath is "Indira Gandhi's third son" and he will not quit the party. Indira Gandhi was the third prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. “For the first time when Kamal Nath fought elections, then Indira Gandhi said that Kamal Nath is her third son...in the 45 years of political journey of Kamal Nath, in both our good times and bad times, he has been working with the party for the last 7 years as Madhya Pradesh Congress chief,” Patwari said while talking to the media. Patwari said that Kamal Nath has been a top stalwart of the grand old party and the party has also stood with him during the highs and lows of his political journey. Watch: Indian National Congress gets tax tribunal relief after accounts frozen × "I still remember when Scindia toppled the Congress government in MP, all the Congress workers stood with Kamal Nath's leadership and ideology...the news that's speculated is baseless...can you imagine Indira Gandhi's third son leaving Congress? Can't think about something like that even in dreams," he added. Speculations about Kamal Nath joining BJP Kamal Nath arrived in Delhi on Saturday amid speculations that he might join BJP. In a brief interaction with the media, Kamal Nath shied away from clearing the air, saying, “It is not about denying, you are saying this, you people are getting excited. I am not getting excited, this side or that side, but if there would be any such thing, I would inform you first." Also read: ‘Politics not my cup of tea’: Mimi Chakraborty resigns as Trinamool Congress MP Additionally, Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath, an MP from Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara, also removed ‘Congress’ from his X bio, further fuelling rumours about the shifting allegiances of the duo. Is Kamal Nath furious with Congress? Media reports say Kamal Nath is disenchanted over not getting a seat in the upper house of the Indian Parliament from the Congress party. Congress’s top leader Rahul Gandhi is reportedly not happy with Kamal Nath, under whose leadership the party lost the 2023 assembly elections to the BJP. (With inputs from agencies)

Is Kamal Nath joining BJP? Congress says can’t imagine ‘Indira’s third son’ leaving party

<p>One firefighter was reported dead and 13 other people injured after a house in Virginia exploded on Friday night (Feb 16). The explosion occurred even as a team of firefighters was still inside the house.</p>

<p>The incident led to the injury of 11 fire crew members and two civilians, ranging from “limited to severe.”</p>

<p>Loudoun County Fire and Rescue personnel were quoted as saying by media reports that all injured crew members were hospitalised.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Please pray for loved ones and friends of the Loudon County (Virginia) firefighter who was killed at the scene of a house explosion.<br />
<br />
And for several firefighters injured.<br />
<br />
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 <a href="https://t.co/I4fArJAsCs">pic.twitter.com/I4fArJAsCs</a></p>
— Glendale Arizona FOP Lodge 12 (@GlendaleFOP12) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlendaleFOP12/status/1758722059944050903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a statement released on Saturday, the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System said, “Upon arrival, units from Sterling located a 500-gallon underground propane tank with a leak on the side of the residence.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Bird flu detected in Antarctica | Scientists create 'identical twin' universe</strong></p>

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<p>James Williams, the department's assistant chief of operations, said the fire crew entered the house at around 7:40 pm ET “for an investigation.” However, the blast occurred during that time, leading to a “total devastation”.</p>

<p>The video and photos of the aftermath of the incident show fire trucks and emergency vehicles lined up at the scene beside the debris and smoke erupting from the Sterling house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials said the cause of the blast was still unclear. Williams asked for support, calling it the “worst call” they could respond to. He said they were investigating whether any neighbouring property was damaged in the incident.</p>

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<p>Nearby residents later told media outlets that they felt their homes shaking when the blast took place.</p>

<p>CNN quoted a resident as saying that he thought the blast had occurred right in his yard. A neighbour who spoke to ABC7 News described the blast as looking “like an inferno”; “something out of a war zone”. Notably, he claimed to have smelled gas while walking his dog in the area right before the explosion.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


One firefighter was reported dead and 13 other people injured after a house in Virginia exploded on Friday night (Feb 16). The explosion occurred even as a team of firefighters was still inside the house.

One firefighter was reported dead and 13 other people injured after a house in Virginia exploded on Friday night (Feb 16). The explosion occurred even as a team of firefighters was still inside the house. The incident led to the injury of 11 fire crew members and two civilians, ranging from “limited to severe.” Loudoun County Fire and Rescue personnel were quoted as saying by media reports that all injured crew members were hospitalised. Please pray for loved ones and friends of the Loudon County (Virginia) firefighter who was killed at the scene of a house explosion. And for several firefighters injured. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/I4fArJAsCs — Glendale Arizona FOP Lodge 12 (@GlendaleFOP12) February 17, 2024 × In a statement released on Saturday, the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System said, “Upon arrival, units from Sterling located a 500-gallon underground propane tank with a leak on the side of the residence.” Watch: Bird flu detected in Antarctica | Scientists create 'identical twin' universe × James Williams, the department's assistant chief of operations, said the fire crew entered the house at around 7:40 pm ET “for an investigation.” However, the blast occurred during that time, leading to a “total devastation”. The video and photos of the aftermath of the incident show fire trucks and emergency vehicles lined up at the scene beside the debris and smoke erupting from the Sterling house. Officials said the cause of the blast was still unclear. Williams asked for support, calling it the “worst call” they could respond to. He said they were investigating whether any neighbouring property was damaged in the incident. Also read: First day faux pas: Man loses job over ‘dirty’ bathroom etiquette Nearby residents later told media outlets that they felt their homes shaking when the blast took place. CNN quoted a resident as saying that he thought the blast had occurred right in his yard. A neighbour who spoke to ABC7 News described the blast as looking “like an inferno”; “something out of a war zone”. Notably, he claimed to have smelled gas while walking his dog in the area right before the explosion. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Virginia home explodes with firefighters inside; one dead and 13 injured

<p>The founder of India’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar on Saturday (Feb 17) vehemently opposed a decision by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to give the party’s name to his nephew Ajit Pawar.</p>

<p>Pawar said it has never happened in the past that the founder himself was removed from the party. Pawar also said the decision of the ECI was against the law and he had approached the Supreme Court of India (SCI) to get the ECI order nullified.</p>

<p>"It has never happened before that those who formed a political party were removed from the party. Not only this, the party symbol was also taken away. This decision was not in accordance with the law. We have approached the Supreme Court in this matter. We will need to increase our public outreach," news agency ANI quoted Sharad Pawar as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Sharad Pawar attacks nephew Ajit</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Friday (Feb 16), Sharad Pawar criticised nephew Ajit for going on a “different path”. He said he was not worried about losing the NCP name and symbol to him but didn’t approve of his ‘deviation’ from the path.</p>

<p>"But some of our colleagues deviated from this path. Some took away the party, some took away the symbol. I never worry about all this. Some people chose to go on a different path by forsaking ideology but people did not appreciate this move," he asserted while addressing a public meeting in Satara.</p>

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<p>Sharad Pawar added that power comes and goes but ideology, policies and the thought to take the country forward are permanent.</p>

<h2><strong>Pawar approaches Supreme Court</strong></h2>

<p>Pawar has also approached the SC for an urgent hearing against the ECI order of allotting the NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India Farmers Protest: Situation tense in areas bordering New Delhi</strong></p>

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<p>The decision to identify the Ajit faction as the real NCP was also upheld by Maharashtra assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.</p>

<p>Pawar-led NCP split into two factions in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar and eight state legislators joined the alliance backed by the national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The founder of India’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar on Saturday (Feb 17) vehemently opposed a decision by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to give the party’s name to his nephew Ajit Pawar.

The founder of India’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar on Saturday (Feb 17) vehemently opposed a decision by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to give the party’s name to his nephew Ajit Pawar. Pawar said it has never happened in the past that the founder himself was removed from the party. Pawar also said the decision of the ECI was against the law and he had approached the Supreme Court of India (SCI) to get the ECI order nullified. "It has never happened before that those who formed a political party were removed from the party. Not only this, the party symbol was also taken away. This decision was not in accordance with the law. We have approached the Supreme Court in this matter. We will need to increase our public outreach," news agency ANI quoted Sharad Pawar as saying. Sharad Pawar attacks nephew Ajit Earlier on Friday (Feb 16), Sharad Pawar criticised nephew Ajit for going on a “different path”. He said he was not worried about losing the NCP name and symbol to him but didn’t approve of his ‘deviation’ from the path. "But some of our colleagues deviated from this path. Some took away the party, some took away the symbol. I never worry about all this. Some people chose to go on a different path by forsaking ideology but people did not appreciate this move," he asserted while addressing a public meeting in Satara. Also read: Maharashtra Speaker affirms Ajit Pawar faction as real NCP, rejects disqualification appeals for both sides Sharad Pawar added that power comes and goes but ideology, policies and the thought to take the country forward are permanent. Pawar approaches Supreme Court Pawar has also approached the SC for an urgent hearing against the ECI order of allotting the NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction. Watch: India Farmers Protest: Situation tense in areas bordering New Delhi × The decision to identify the Ajit faction as the real NCP was also upheld by Maharashtra assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Pawar-led NCP split into two factions in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar and eight state legislators joined the alliance backed by the national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). (With inputs from agencies)

‘Never happened before in India,’ NCP founder Sharad Pawar reacts after losing party name, symbol to nephew

Abu Dhabi is now home to the country’s first stone-built hindu temple. The doors of the BAPS temple will be open to public access from March 1. Ghadi Francis gets you more.

India Prime Minister Modi inaugurates BAPS temple, first stone-built Hindu temple

Few months ahead of the general elections, the supreme court struck down the electoral bonds scheme for political parties. Here is a report decoding the verdict and its impact on the upcoming polls.

India Electoral Bonds: What did Supreme Court's ruling said about bonds

India's Supreme Court has scrapped a seven-year-old election funding system, called "electoral bonds", that allows individuals and companies to donate money to political parties anonymously and without any limits.

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Protesters continue to march to Delhi after clashes on Shambhu border. Police fired tear gas on protesters on Punjab & Haryana border. Several injured in clashes between police and protesters. The Punjab government has issued an alert to hospitals near the Haryana border following injuries to farmers during clashes with the police at Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Farmers Protest India: Security ramped up in Delhi, Punjab govt puts hospitals on alert

<p>Farmers marching towards India’s national capital are planning to stage months-long protests and are likely to sit through the upcoming general elections, several media reports said. The farmers have mobilised over 1,500 tractors and 500 vehicles for the protest and are carrying six months’ worth of ration and logistics, as per an intelligence report.<br />
<br />
If they indeed stay for months, it would be a repeat of the 2020-21 protest against the so-called farm bills that were subsequently repealed.</p>

<h2><strong>Farmers could exploit remote border points </strong></h2>

<p>The intelligence report also stated that farmers could exploit remote and lesser-known border points to enter into Delhi as main entry points are expected to be fully guarded by police. As per the farmers’ unions, the main points of entry to Delhi are Shambhu Border (Ambala), Khanori (Jind), and Dabwali (Sirsa).</p>

<p>The ‘Delhi Chalo’ (March to&nbsp;Delhi) agitation has been organised by over 200 farm unions after talks with two union ministers failed to yield any result.</p>

<h2><strong>Tractors modified </strong></h2>

<p>The intelligence report reveals that farmers have converted tractors into shelters and stays, indicating that they are in for a long haul.</p>

<p>The farmers plan to reach Delhi in several unorganised groups and take shelter in gurudwaras, dharamshalas, ashrams and guest houses around the national capital.</p>

<p>"From a needle to hammer, we have everything we need in our trolleys, including tools to break stones. We left our village with six months' ration with us. We have enough diesel, even for our brothers from Haryana," Harbhajan Singh, a farmer from Punjab's Gurdaspur, headed to Delhi on his tractor, pulling two trollies loaded with supplies, was quoted as saying by NDTV.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' March: Thousands of agitating farmers en route to Delhi</strong></p>

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<p>To gather support from farmers across&nbsp;the nation, top farmer leaders have also travelled to states like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu over the past few months.</p>

<h2><strong>Police presence beefed up in border areas</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, police presence has been beefed up in border areas, including Noida and Ghaziabad. These are the areas frequently targeted by farmers to enter Delhi.</p>

<p>On Tuesday (Feb 13), traffic chaos was observed across the National Capital Region (NCR) as police barricading restricted the movement of vehicles.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2JYXs2KB7YchjjMrMRQBRk" data-ved="2ahUKEwjwiYj11qiEAxWi2DgGHU42DPkQxfQBKAB6BAgUEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-protesting-farmers-march-to-delhi-thousands-of-agitating-farmers-en-route-to-delhi-689884" jsname="YKoRaf">India: Protesting farmers march to Delhi, Thousands of agitating farmers en route to Delhi</a></strong></p>

<p>Vehicle checks are being conducted at the Noida-Delhi border by police from both sides, leading to some traffic congestion.</p>

<p>Police said they were using drones to monitor the situation in sensitive areas. Authorities also issued warnings regarding potential diversions of traffic due to the farmers’ march.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Farmers marching towards India’s national capital are planning to stage months-long protests and are likely to sit through the upcoming general elections, several media reports said.

Farmers marching towards India’s national capital are planning to stage months-long protests and are likely to sit through the upcoming general elections, several media reports said. The farmers have mobilised over 1,500 tractors and 500 vehicles for the protest and are carrying six months’ worth of ration and logistics, as per an intelligence report. If they indeed stay for months, it would be a repeat of the 2020-21 protest against the so-called farm bills that were subsequently repealed. Farmers could exploit remote border points The intelligence report also stated that farmers could exploit remote and lesser-known border points to enter into Delhi as main entry points are expected to be fully guarded by police. As per the farmers’ unions, the main points of entry to Delhi are Shambhu Border (Ambala), Khanori (Jind), and Dabwali (Sirsa). The ‘Delhi Chalo’ (March to Delhi) agitation has been organised by over 200 farm unions after talks with two union ministers failed to yield any result. Tractors modified The intelligence report reveals that farmers have converted tractors into shelters and stays, indicating that they are in for a long haul. The farmers plan to reach Delhi in several unorganised groups and take shelter in gurudwaras, dharamshalas, ashrams and guest houses around the national capital. "From a needle to hammer, we have everything we need in our trolleys, including tools to break stones. We left our village with six months' ration with us. We have enough diesel, even for our brothers from Haryana," Harbhajan Singh, a farmer from Punjab's Gurdaspur, headed to Delhi on his tractor, pulling two trollies loaded with supplies, was quoted as saying by NDTV. Watch: Farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' March: Thousands of agitating farmers en route to Delhi × To gather support from farmers across the nation, top farmer leaders have also travelled to states like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu over the past few months. Police presence beefed up in border areas Meanwhile, police presence has been beefed up in border areas, including Noida and Ghaziabad. These are the areas frequently targeted by farmers to enter Delhi. On Tuesday (Feb 13), traffic chaos was observed across the National Capital Region (NCR) as police barricading restricted the movement of vehicles. Also read: India: Protesting farmers march to Delhi, Thousands of agitating farmers en route to Delhi Vehicle checks are being conducted at the Noida-Delhi border by police from both sides, leading to some traffic congestion. Police said they were using drones to monitor the situation in sensitive areas. Authorities also issued warnings regarding potential diversions of traffic due to the farmers’ march. (With inputs from agencies)

India farmer protest: Loaded with ration and diesel, are they planning to camp for months in Delhi, again?

Over 200 Farmers's Union from the Indian states of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are headed to the national capital to stage protests. What do the farmers want? Why are they protesting?

Gravitas | 'Dilli Chalo' explained: Why are Indian farmers protesting?

India's premier Indian Institute of Technology is all set to open a new campus in Sri Lanka. This will be the third offshore campus after Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi.

Gravitas: India's IIT to soon open a campus in Sri Lanka

<p>To add more to the experience of the tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley during the winters, Indian Railways's vistadome&nbsp;train coaches offer&nbsp;views no less than Switzerland. The coach is made of glass and provides a 360-degree view of the Kashmir Valley, currently covered in snow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To further boost tourism in the Kashmir Region, Indian Railways Vistadome coach is fast becoming a hotspot for tourists to experience the train journey from North to South Kashmir. Vistadome is an all-weather glass-ceiling AC train coach and one of the must-do's for tourists coming to the valley. And nowadays, vistadome is on everyone's list as the Valley is covered with snow and while sitting in an AC train, the visitors experience the view of snowcapped Kashmir from Baramulla to Banihal giving them the feel of Switzerland in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Kashmir tourism: Kashmir's record-breaking tourist arrivals in the year 2024</strong></p>

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<p>''We are getting a great response as more and more people are taking this train journey. After the snowfall, we are seeing a huge rush of visitors. We used to have occupancy of 10-12 people on an average but after the snowfall, the coach is running full. People from everywhere&nbsp;are taking this journey. We have kept a good facility, it's like a Vande Bharat&nbsp;train. Seating is comfortable while giving a unique&nbsp;experience&nbsp;to the tourists. This is no less than Europe and it is the paradise on earth '' said Prabhat Kumar, an&nbsp;Indian Railways employee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The train runs six days a week and the tickets are priced at Rs 960.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 40-seater vistadome coach is running from Banihal to Budgam. The air-conditioned carriage has huge glass windows, a glass roof, an observation lounge and seats that can rotate, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy stunning views and points of interest on the 135 km route. Tourists/passengers who travel in it highly appreciate this coach.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>''It's such a great experience, it's wonderful. The views are breathtakingly amazing with snow-capped mountains. People should take this train journey;&nbsp;The seating is very comfortable. The view from the glass windows gives an experience of paradise. It will boost tourism further and Kashmir is the real paradise on earth,'' said&nbsp;Hukumat Singh, a visitor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The train is capable of running smoothly in all seasons whether it is extreme winter or extreme summer. Vistadome was launched in Kashmir in October&nbsp;2023.&nbsp;</p>


To add more to the experience of the tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley during the winters, Indian Railways's vistadome train coaches offer views no less than Switzerland.

To add more to the experience of the tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley during the winters, Indian Railways's vistadome train coaches offer views no less than Switzerland. The coach is made of glass and provides a 360-degree view of the Kashmir Valley, currently covered in snow. To further boost tourism in the Kashmir Region, Indian Railways Vistadome coach is fast becoming a hotspot for tourists to experience the train journey from North to South Kashmir. Vistadome is an all-weather glass-ceiling AC train coach and one of the must-do's for tourists coming to the valley. And nowadays, vistadome is on everyone's list as the Valley is covered with snow and while sitting in an AC train, the visitors experience the view of snowcapped Kashmir from Baramulla to Banihal giving them the feel of Switzerland in India. Watch: Kashmir tourism: Kashmir's record-breaking tourist arrivals in the year 2024 × ''We are getting a great response as more and more people are taking this train journey. After the snowfall, we are seeing a huge rush of visitors. We used to have occupancy of 10-12 people on an average but after the snowfall, the coach is running full. People from everywhere are taking this journey. We have kept a good facility, it's like a Vande Bharat train. Seating is comfortable while giving a unique experience to the tourists. This is no less than Europe and it is the paradise on earth '' said Prabhat Kumar, an Indian Railways employee. The train runs six days a week and the tickets are priced at Rs 960. The 40-seater vistadome coach is running from Banihal to Budgam. The air-conditioned carriage has huge glass windows, a glass roof, an observation lounge and seats that can rotate, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy stunning views and points of interest on the 135 km route. Tourists/passengers who travel in it highly appreciate this coach. Also read: India: Train travels through Jammu and Kashmir covered in snow; Indian Railways posts captivating footage ''It's such a great experience, it's wonderful. The views are breathtakingly amazing with snow-capped mountains. People should take this train journey; The seating is very comfortable. The view from the glass windows gives an experience of paradise. It will boost tourism further and Kashmir is the real paradise on earth,'' said Hukumat Singh, a visitor. The train is capable of running smoothly in all seasons whether it is extreme winter or extreme summer. Vistadome was launched in Kashmir in October 2023.

Vistadome coaches in trains to Kashmir become tourist attraction as snow-capped valley welcomes visitors

A few weeks after returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) camp, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faced the floor test in the state Assembly today and won. This was the final hurdle for the renewed Nitish Kumar-BJP alliance government in the state.

India: Nitish Kumar wins Bihar trust vote; 3 leaders switch sides, Opposition walks out

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Qatar following the release of eight former Indian Navy personnel who were detained in the Gulf country. PM Modi will land in Qatar on February 14 after concluding his visit to the UAE, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said in a special press conference on Monday (Feb 12).</p>

<p>"After completing his UAE visit on February 14, the PM will travel to Doha on February 14 afternoon. During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad, the Emir of Qatar, and high dignitaries in Qatar ... this will be the PM's second visit to Qatar... strong bilateral trade between India and Qatar, currently stands at $20 billion," the foreign secretary said.</p>

<p>Kwatra added that the two nations will further discuss the steps to deepen their partnership and increase bilateral trade.</p>

<p>The announcement of the visit comes after Qatar released eight former Indian Navy personnel detained in the country for their alleged involvement in espionage for Israel.</p>

<p>In October 2023, a Qatari court had given the eight men death sentence, which prompted New Delhi to appeal the decision. The court subsequently accepted India’s appeal.</p>

<p>In December last year, PM Modi met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai. It is believed that this interaction may have prompted a change of position by the Qatari authorities on the case and death sentence.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Qatar frees 8 Indian Navy veterans jailed on espionage charges, 7 return to India</strong></p>

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<p>On December 3, just two days after PM Modi’s meeting with the Qatari leader, the Indian ambassador to Qatar got the first consular access to&nbsp;the eight Indians in prison.</p>

<p>In the same month, the Qatari court commuted the death sentences of the eight men and gave them imprisonment terms.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1Cr76qV_ETAHYUTBii77wT" data-ved="2ahUKEwiKxvD336WEAxXNT2wGHdjZCakQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/qatar-releases-eight-indian-nationals-detained-seven-returned-to-india-mea-689312" jsname="YKoRaf">`We waited 18 months`: Seven jailed ex-sailors freed by Qatar return to India, thank PM Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>And now, the eight men have been freed, and seven of them have already landed in India.</p>

<p>According to a statement from India’s foreign ministry, the two countries are among each other’s top trading partners with a bilateral trade of about US$ 85 billion in 2022-23. UAE is also among the top 4 investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Qatar following the release of eight former Indian Navy personnel who were detained in the Gulf country. PM Modi will land in Qatar on February 14 after concluding his visit to the UAE, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said in a special press conference on Monday (Feb 12).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Qatar following the release of eight former Indian Navy personnel who were detained in the Gulf country. PM Modi will land in Qatar on February 14 after concluding his visit to the UAE, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said in a special press conference on Monday (Feb 12). "After completing his UAE visit on February 14, the PM will travel to Doha on February 14 afternoon. During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad, the Emir of Qatar, and high dignitaries in Qatar ... this will be the PM's second visit to Qatar... strong bilateral trade between India and Qatar, currently stands at $20 billion," the foreign secretary said. Kwatra added that the two nations will further discuss the steps to deepen their partnership and increase bilateral trade. The announcement of the visit comes after Qatar released eight former Indian Navy personnel detained in the country for their alleged involvement in espionage for Israel. In October 2023, a Qatari court had given the eight men death sentence, which prompted New Delhi to appeal the decision. The court subsequently accepted India’s appeal. In December last year, PM Modi met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai. It is believed that this interaction may have prompted a change of position by the Qatari authorities on the case and death sentence. Watch: Qatar frees 8 Indian Navy veterans jailed on espionage charges, 7 return to India × On December 3, just two days after PM Modi’s meeting with the Qatari leader, the Indian ambassador to Qatar got the first consular access to the eight Indians in prison. In the same month, the Qatari court commuted the death sentences of the eight men and gave them imprisonment terms. Also read: `We waited 18 months`: Seven jailed ex-sailors freed by Qatar return to India, thank PM Modi And now, the eight men have been freed, and seven of them have already landed in India. According to a statement from India’s foreign ministry, the two countries are among each other’s top trading partners with a bilateral trade of about US$ 85 billion in 2022-23. UAE is also among the top 4 investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi to visit Qatar following release of eight ex-navy personnel

<p>In a major victory for India’s ruling party BJP-led NDA alliance, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar won the trust vote in the state assembly with the support of 129 lawmakers. The Bihar assembly boasts 243 members and the majority mark is 122. As per media reports, at least three MLAs from the opposition RJD defected and joined the ruling side before the vote took place. Prahlad Yadav, Neelam Devi and Chetan Anand switched over to NDA, taking the tally to 129.</p>

<p>As the vote took place, the opposition, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Tejashwi Yadav, staged a walkout.</p>

<p>Ahead of the crucial voting, a no-confidence motion against Speaker Awadh Bihari Choudhary was taken up and passed by the Assembly, with 125 members voting in favour of the ouster.</p>

<h2><strong>Nitish Kumar’s attack on RJD</strong></h2>

<p>Ahead of the vote, Bihar CM Kumar claimed that the opposition RJD was trying to take credit for the initiatives he had started. He also accused the Lalu Prasad-Rabri Devi governments of not doing anything for Bihar’s development during the 15 years of their rule.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Nitish Kumar-led new Bihar government to face floor test today</strong></p>

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<p>“They say that Muslims are with them. But what did they do? So many fights happened between Hindus and Muslims during their rule. It all stopped once I came (as CM),” Nitish Kumar said in the assembly.</p>

<p>“When they came again, they just continued my policies and initiatives, and are now trying to take credit,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>How opposition prepared for the vote?</strong></h2>

<p>The opposition Congress party flew its MLAs to Hyderabad last week amid concerns of “poaching” by the ruling side. On the other hand, all MLAs of RJD stayed at Tejashwi Yadav’s house.</p>

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<p>The BJP also took steps to ensure none of its MLAs gets poached and said all of its lawmakers were at a hotel in Patna city. The JD(U) of Nitish Kumar also got 40 of its MLAs to stay at another hotel in the state capital.</p>

<p>Monday’s floor test came two weeks after Nitish broke allegiance with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) — a JD(U), RJD and Congress alliance — and moved to the NDA bloc.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major victory for India’s ruling party BJP-led NDA alliance, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar won the trust vote in the state assembly with the support of 129 lawmakers.

In a major victory for India’s ruling party BJP-led NDA alliance, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar won the trust vote in the state assembly with the support of 129 lawmakers. The Bihar assembly boasts 243 members and the majority mark is 122. As per media reports, at least three MLAs from the opposition RJD defected and joined the ruling side before the vote took place. Prahlad Yadav, Neelam Devi and Chetan Anand switched over to NDA, taking the tally to 129. As the vote took place, the opposition, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Tejashwi Yadav, staged a walkout. Ahead of the crucial voting, a no-confidence motion against Speaker Awadh Bihari Choudhary was taken up and passed by the Assembly, with 125 members voting in favour of the ouster. Nitish Kumar’s attack on RJD Ahead of the vote, Bihar CM Kumar claimed that the opposition RJD was trying to take credit for the initiatives he had started. He also accused the Lalu Prasad-Rabri Devi governments of not doing anything for Bihar’s development during the 15 years of their rule. Watch: Nitish Kumar-led new Bihar government to face floor test today × “They say that Muslims are with them. But what did they do? So many fights happened between Hindus and Muslims during their rule. It all stopped once I came (as CM),” Nitish Kumar said in the assembly. “When they came again, they just continued my policies and initiatives, and are now trying to take credit,” he added. How opposition prepared for the vote? The opposition Congress party flew its MLAs to Hyderabad last week amid concerns of “poaching” by the ruling side. On the other hand, all MLAs of RJD stayed at Tejashwi Yadav’s house. Also read: All India Pregnant Job Service scam: Bihar police arrest 8 for luring men to impregnate women The BJP also took steps to ensure none of its MLAs gets poached and said all of its lawmakers were at a hotel in Patna city. The JD(U) of Nitish Kumar also got 40 of its MLAs to stay at another hotel in the state capital. Monday’s floor test came two weeks after Nitish broke allegiance with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) — a JD(U), RJD and Congress alliance — and moved to the NDA bloc. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar wins trust vote in a major setback for opposition INDIA bloc

<p>An Indian parliamentary house panel has asked the government to strengthen the cyber security of central and state government websites after it was revealed that 373 websites were hacked between January 2018 and September 2023. This data was revealed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to the parliamentary committee on communications and information technology.</p>

<p>“As per the information reported to and tracked by CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team), a total number of 110, 54, 59, 42, 50 and 58 website hacking incidents of Central Ministries/Departments and State Government organisations were observed during the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (up to September), respectively,” MeitY told the committee.</p>

<p>Reacting to the statement, the house panel tabled a report in the parliament, titled, “Digital Payment and Online Security Measures for Data Protection,” on February 8 and asked the government to strengthen critical digital infrastructure.</p>

<p>The committee also pointed out that some government offices were using outdated software on laptops and computers, which made them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China continues to pose cyber security threats to India: Dr Ajai Chowdhry</strong></p>

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<p>“Though MeitY has come up with regular guidelines regarding ensuring cyber security of Government cyber infrastructure, the Committee would emphasise on the adherence to these guidelines and recommend the Ministry to update entire government infrastructure regarding handling of cyber threats. The Committee would like to be apprised of the actions taken in this regard,” the report said.</p>

<p>Earlier, a report by Microsoft in October 2023 revealed that India was amongst the world’s major targets of cyber attacks by nation-state actors.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw31AhwB6ZZbGFvoylyVqRGh" data-ved="2ahUKEwi4lf6Tj6GEAxVC1jgGHfYfCT0QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-warns-apple-users-of-major-cyber-attack-heres-list-of-devices-at-highest-risk-686112" jsname="YKoRaf">India warns Apple users of major cyber attack. Here's the list of devices at highest risk</a></strong></p>

<p>India accounts for 13 per cent of cyber-attacks in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, making it one of the top three most attacked countries by nation-state actors, the report said.</p>

<p>Microsoft also warned that Artificial Intelligence was being deployed by hackers to carry out cyber attacks. “Microsoft is already seeing AI-powered cyber-defence reversing the tide of cyberattacks; in Ukraine, for example, AI has helped defend against Russia. As transformative AI reshapes many aspects of society, we must engage in Responsible AI practices crucial for maintaining user trust and privacy, and for creating long-term benefits,” the report advised.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Indian parliamentary house panel has asked the government to strengthen the cyber security of central and state government websites after it was revealed that 373 websites were hacked between January 2018 and September 2023.

An Indian parliamentary house panel has asked the government to strengthen the cyber security of central and state government websites after it was revealed that 373 websites were hacked between January 2018 and September 2023. This data was revealed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to the parliamentary committee on communications and information technology. “As per the information reported to and tracked by CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team), a total number of 110, 54, 59, 42, 50 and 58 website hacking incidents of Central Ministries/Departments and State Government organisations were observed during the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (up to September), respectively,” MeitY told the committee. Reacting to the statement, the house panel tabled a report in the parliament, titled, “Digital Payment and Online Security Measures for Data Protection,” on February 8 and asked the government to strengthen critical digital infrastructure. The committee also pointed out that some government offices were using outdated software on laptops and computers, which made them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Watch: China continues to pose cyber security threats to India: Dr Ajai Chowdhry × “Though MeitY has come up with regular guidelines regarding ensuring cyber security of Government cyber infrastructure, the Committee would emphasise on the adherence to these guidelines and recommend the Ministry to update entire government infrastructure regarding handling of cyber threats. The Committee would like to be apprised of the actions taken in this regard,” the report said. Earlier, a report by Microsoft in October 2023 revealed that India was amongst the world’s major targets of cyber attacks by nation-state actors. Also read: India warns Apple users of major cyber attack. Here's the list of devices at highest risk India accounts for 13 per cent of cyber-attacks in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, making it one of the top three most attacked countries by nation-state actors, the report said. Microsoft also warned that Artificial Intelligence was being deployed by hackers to carry out cyber attacks. “Microsoft is already seeing AI-powered cyber-defence reversing the tide of cyberattacks; in Ukraine, for example, AI has helped defend against Russia. As transformative AI reshapes many aspects of society, we must engage in Responsible AI practices crucial for maintaining user trust and privacy, and for creating long-term benefits,” the report advised. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 373 govt websites hacked in past 5 years; house panel calls for strengthening digital infrastructure

A large number of farmers from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab are expected to march towards the national capital on Tuesday under their 'Delhi Chalo' march organised by around 200 farmer unions. The Delhi Police is on high alert and has beefed up security arrangements on all borders of Delhi.

India: More than 200 farmers' union announce March on Feb 13, police impose precautionary measures

Farmers of Noida and Greater Noida, marching towards Parliament, were on Thursday stopped by the UP Police at the Noida-Delhi border. Traffic was severely hit as the farmers started to march to protest against land acquisition policies.

India: Punjab and Haryana farmers prepare for protest, communication shutdown in both states

Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni on Sunday said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) will definitely be implemented in the upcoming months adding that the legislative committee of Rajya Sabha has set the deadline to frame rules by March 30 in 2024.

Citizenship Law implementation in India soon, CAA becomes focal point before 2024 elections

An ancient idol of Lord Vishnu has been unearthed near Krishna river in India's southern state of Karnataka. Lord Vishnu is considered as one of the principle Hindu deity.

Karanataka: Old Vishnu idol, Shivling found near Krishna river; A milestone for historians

India: More than 200 farmers' union announce march on February 13

India: Home Minister Amit Shah says, 'CAA will be implemented before 2024 elections'

India's space regulator IN-SPACe revealed plans for about 30 space launches in the fourth quarter of 2023-24 and the next fiscal year.

India to perform 30 rocket launches in 15 months, In-Space unveils list of launches

<p>The Indian&nbsp;government has reportedly given its nod to the recommendation of a parliamentary committee advocating the establishment of regional benches for the Supreme Court. As per a report by news agency PTI, the Parliamentary Standing Committee had highlighted that the apex court has "consistently" dismissed the idea, citing it as a sub-judice matter.</p>

<p>"The Supreme Court has been consistently rejecting the proposal for setting up of the Benches of Supreme Court at a place outside Delhi," said the&nbsp;Parliamentary Standing Committee.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pet-dog-protects-owners-body-from-wild-animals-for-48-hours-amid-heavy-snow-watch-688293">Pet dog protects owner's body from wild animals for 48 hours amid heavy snow. Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>Presenting its action-taken report on "Judicial Processes and Their Reforms," the Standing Committee on Law and Personnel in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (Feb 7th) revealed that the government has acknowledged its suggestion.</p>

<h2><strong>Access to justice</strong></h2>

<p>In a chapter discussing the recommendations accepted by the government, the panel referred to its previous proposal regarding the feasibility of regional Supreme Court benches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Emphasising the significance of 'access to justice' as a fundamental right, the committee underscored the long-standing demand for regional benches to ensure justice reaches the doorsteps of citizens.</p>

<p>The committee highlighted that establishing regional benches could alleviate the burden on the judiciary and reduce litigation costs for the common man.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-nirmala-sitharaman-presents-white-paper-on-indian-economy-in-lok-sabha-688314">India: Nirmala Sitharaman presents 'White paper' on Indian economy in Lok Sabha</a></strong></p>

<p>"The regional benches may also be seen as a solution to the overflowing caseload of the judiciary and to reduce the litigation cost to the common man," it said.</p>

<p>The committee reiterated its persistent recommendation for setting up regional Supreme Court benches and proposed the invocation of Article 130 of the Constitution for this purpose. The panel recommended the setting up of regional benches in four or five locations across India.</p>

<p>Responding to this, the Department of Justice in the law ministry clarified that as per Article 130, the Supreme Court is mandated to sit in Delhi or other locations designated by the Chief Justice of India with the President's approval. It said that the matter of regional benches has been referred twice to the Attorney General for opinion.</p>

<p>Former Attorney&nbsp;Generals have expressed reservations about regional benches, citing concerns about the Supreme Court's unity, integrity, and territorial jurisdiction. They argued against diluting the apex court's authority and warned of potential conflicts arising from divergent views. In March 2016, the then A-G Mukul Rohatgi said that the Supreme Court sitting in regional benches would impair the unity, integrity, importance, and majesty of the apex Court.</p>

<p>In a writ petition regarding the establishment of a National Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court in July 2016 "deemed it proper" to refer the matter to a Constitutional Bench for authoritative pronouncement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government has reportedly given its nod to the recommendation of a parliamentary committee advocating the establishment of regional benches for the Supreme Court.

The Indian government has reportedly given its nod to the recommendation of a parliamentary committee advocating the establishment of regional benches for the Supreme Court. As per a report by news agency PTI, the Parliamentary Standing Committee had highlighted that the apex court has "consistently" dismissed the idea, citing it as a sub-judice matter. "The Supreme Court has been consistently rejecting the proposal for setting up of the Benches of Supreme Court at a place outside Delhi," said the Parliamentary Standing Committee. Also read | Pet dog protects owner's body from wild animals for 48 hours amid heavy snow. Watch Presenting its action-taken report on "Judicial Processes and Their Reforms," the Standing Committee on Law and Personnel in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (Feb 7th) revealed that the government has acknowledged its suggestion. Access to justice In a chapter discussing the recommendations accepted by the government, the panel referred to its previous proposal regarding the feasibility of regional Supreme Court benches. Emphasising the significance of 'access to justice' as a fundamental right, the committee underscored the long-standing demand for regional benches to ensure justice reaches the doorsteps of citizens. The committee highlighted that establishing regional benches could alleviate the burden on the judiciary and reduce litigation costs for the common man. Also read | India: Nirmala Sitharaman presents 'White paper' on Indian economy in Lok Sabha "The regional benches may also be seen as a solution to the overflowing caseload of the judiciary and to reduce the litigation cost to the common man," it said. The committee reiterated its persistent recommendation for setting up regional Supreme Court benches and proposed the invocation of Article 130 of the Constitution for this purpose. The panel recommended the setting up of regional benches in four or five locations across India. Responding to this, the Department of Justice in the law ministry clarified that as per Article 130, the Supreme Court is mandated to sit in Delhi or other locations designated by the Chief Justice of India with the President's approval. It said that the matter of regional benches has been referred twice to the Attorney General for opinion. Former Attorney Generals have expressed reservations about regional benches, citing concerns about the Supreme Court's unity, integrity, and territorial jurisdiction. They argued against diluting the apex court's authority and warned of potential conflicts arising from divergent views. In March 2016, the then A-G Mukul Rohatgi said that the Supreme Court sitting in regional benches would impair the unity, integrity, importance, and majesty of the apex Court. In a writ petition regarding the establishment of a National Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court in July 2016 "deemed it proper" to refer the matter to a Constitutional Bench for authoritative pronouncement. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian government gives nod to establish Supreme Court regional benches

The Indian union government has reportedly given its nod to the recommendation of a parliamentary committee advocating the establishment of regional benches for the Supreme Court.

India: Government accpets recommendation for Supreme Court regional branches

<p>A few months ago, India’s drug regulator Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), approved the commercial use of CAR-T cell therapy. The therapy includes genetically reprogramming a patient’s immune system to fight cancer.</p>

<p>Today, the therapy has turned out to be a lifesaver for many patients, including for Dr (Col) V K Gupta, a Delhi-based gastroenterologist with 28 years of experience of working in the Indian Army, Indian Express reported.</p>

<p>He accessed the therapy by paying just INR 42 lakh or $50,000, whereas a similar therapy costs up to INR 4 crore $480,000 abroad.</p>

<p>Doctors at the Tata Memorial Hospital, where Gupta underwent the procedure, said he is “currently free of cancer cells.” Gupta is the first patient to have achieved this status, something he could only dream of just a year ago.</p>

<p>The doctor who performed the therapy on Gupta said he was totally free of cancer cells.&nbsp; “While it’s premature to claim a lifelong cure, the patient is currently free of cancer cells,” Dr Hasmukh Jain, hemato-oncologist and associate professor at the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.</p>

<h2><strong>Still premature to tell success rate</strong></h2>

<p>However, the doctor added that it was still premature to tell about the success rate of the therapy. He said the initial findings suggest “better survival chances and lower remission rates” for patients in the early stages of cancer.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UK's King Charles diagnosed with cancer, continue with royal engagements</strong></p>

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<p>“Years of data are needed to identify potential relapse timelines for patients, if any are ever reported among these patients,” Jain said.</p>

<h2><strong>The therapy</strong></h2>

<p>The therapy, NexCAR19, is developed by ImmunoACT, a company incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), IIT-B and Tata Memorial Hospital. It focuses on treating B-cell cancers (types of cancers that form in the immune system’s cells) such as leukaemia and lymphoma.</p>

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<p>The CDSCO approved its commercial use in October 2023. Today, the therapy is available in over 30 hospitals in more than 10 cities in India. Patients aged above 15, who are suffering from B-cell cancers are eligible for the treatment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A few months ago, India’s drug regulator Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), approved the commercial use of CAR-T cell therapy. The therapy includes genetically reprogramming a patient’s immune system to fight cancer.

A few months ago, India’s drug regulator Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), approved the commercial use of CAR-T cell therapy. The therapy includes genetically reprogramming a patient’s immune system to fight cancer. Today, the therapy has turned out to be a lifesaver for many patients, including for Dr (Col) V K Gupta, a Delhi-based gastroenterologist with 28 years of experience of working in the Indian Army, Indian Express reported. He accessed the therapy by paying just INR 42 lakh or $50,000, whereas a similar therapy costs up to INR 4 crore $480,000 abroad. Doctors at the Tata Memorial Hospital, where Gupta underwent the procedure, said he is “currently free of cancer cells.” Gupta is the first patient to have achieved this status, something he could only dream of just a year ago. The doctor who performed the therapy on Gupta said he was totally free of cancer cells. “While it’s premature to claim a lifelong cure, the patient is currently free of cancer cells,” Dr Hasmukh Jain, hemato-oncologist and associate professor at the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, was quoted as saying by the Indian Express. Still premature to tell success rate However, the doctor added that it was still premature to tell about the success rate of the therapy. He said the initial findings suggest “better survival chances and lower remission rates” for patients in the early stages of cancer. Watch: UK's King Charles diagnosed with cancer, continue with royal engagements × “Years of data are needed to identify potential relapse timelines for patients, if any are ever reported among these patients,” Jain said. The therapy The therapy, NexCAR19, is developed by ImmunoACT, a company incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), IIT-B and Tata Memorial Hospital. It focuses on treating B-cell cancers (types of cancers that form in the immune system’s cells) such as leukaemia and lymphoma. Also read: King Charles’ cancer diagnosis: Expert insights on timely cancer screening and treatmentread: The CDSCO approved its commercial use in October 2023. Today, the therapy is available in over 30 hospitals in more than 10 cities in India. Patients aged above 15, who are suffering from B-cell cancers are eligible for the treatment. (With inputs from agencies)

India: First patient declared ‘cancer-free’ using indigenous CAR-T cell therapy

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