The US President Joe Biden is looking forward to travel to India as the South Asian country hosts the G20 summit in September this year. The US Secretary of the State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu said that 2023 is going to be a big year for US and India relationship.

US-India ties: US President Joe Biden to visit India in September | World News | WION

As India debates whether same-sex marriage should be allowed legally, a child rights activist has come out against the move, and has said that such marriages will infringe upon the rights of the children and would deprive them of "at least one parent."

Talking to IANS, Kumar V Jahgirdar, founder and president of the Child Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting (CRISP) told IANS that "It is natural for any child to have a natural father and mother," and that with the proposed law India is "heading to the creation of a fatherless or motherless society."

He said that in a same-sex marriage, one person will be 'acting' as though they are "a father or mother respectively," but that in fact a child "raised by a same-sex couple is deprived of at least one parent."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-has-no-data-to-prove-same-sex-marriage-is-an-urban-elitist-concept-says-chief-justice-of-india-584141">Centre has no data to prove same-sex marriage is an urban elitist concept, says Chief Justice of India</a>

He labelled&nbsp;this "a human rights violation that the same-sex marriage movement will never address."

As per Jahgirdar, "this will have a devastating effect on the psychology of the child and is also a violation of child rights as per a UN convention to have two different genders as parents. It is set to become a fashion to speak about LGBTQ rights and nobody is bothered about child rights. The child rights and same sex rights can't go in the same boat."

"I hope the apex court takes this seriously and does not hamper child fundamental rights," he added.

The child rights activist also predicted that "children in same-sex marriage may feel a stigma that may end in drugs or school dropouts or land up in jail as a teenager."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-why-same-sex-couples-in-india-are-seeking-conjugal-rights-when-homosexuality-is-decriminalised-583772">Explained: Why same-sex couples in India are seeking conjugal rights when homosexuality is decriminalised</a>

He further said&nbsp;that if same-sex marriages are awarded a legal status, the "law will be unconstitutional and is not only against Indian social and cultural values but also in violation of basic human rights."

Jahgirdar claimed&nbsp;that the legalisation of same-sex marriages will further add confusion to the Domestic Violence Act that "is meant to protect women against men."

He also said that if the law is passed, rules regarding the custody of the child post-separation or divorce of the parents must be laid out. The custody of children and shared parenting in cases of separation must be ensured, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

As India debates whether same-sex marriage should be allowed legally, a child rights activist has come out against the move, and has said that such marriages will infringe upon the rights of the children and would deprive them of "at least one parent.

As India debates whether same-sex marriage should be allowed legally, a child rights activist has come out against the move, and has said that such marriages will infringe upon the rights of the children and would deprive them of "at least one parent." Talking to IANS, Kumar V Jahgirdar, founder and president of the Child Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting (CRISP) told IANS that "It is natural for any child to have a natural father and mother," and that with the proposed law India is "heading to the creation of a fatherless or motherless society." He said that in a same-sex marriage, one person will be 'acting' as though they are "a father or mother respectively," but that in fact a child "raised by a same-sex couple is deprived of at least one parent." Also read | Centre has no data to prove same-sex marriage is an urban elitist concept, says Chief Justice of India He labelled this "a human rights violation that the same-sex marriage movement will never address." As per Jahgirdar, "this will have a devastating effect on the psychology of the child and is also a violation of child rights as per a UN convention to have two different genders as parents. It is set to become a fashion to speak about LGBTQ rights and nobody is bothered about child rights. The child rights and same sex rights can't go in the same boat." "I hope the apex court takes this seriously and does not hamper child fundamental rights," he added. The child rights activist also predicted that "children in same-sex marriage may feel a stigma that may end in drugs or school dropouts or land up in jail as a teenager." Also read | Explained: Why same-sex couples in India are seeking conjugal rights when homosexuality is decriminalised He further said that if same-sex marriages are awarded a legal status, the "law will be unconstitutional and is not only against Indian social and cultural values but also in violation of basic human rights." Jahgirdar claimed that the legalisation of same-sex marriages will further add confusion to the Domestic Violence Act that "is meant to protect women against men." He also said that if the law is passed, rules regarding the custody of the child post-separation or divorce of the parents must be laid out. The custody of children and shared parenting in cases of separation must be ensured, he added. (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 child rights activist claims same-sex marriage denies kids one parent's love

Indian police have arrested a separatist leader who revived calls for an independent Sikh homeland and the secession of India’s northern Punjab state, which has a history of violent insurgency.

Pro-Khalistani preacher Amritpal arrested after massive hunt, shifted to Assam

Villages in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh are set to receive a digital boost. The Union government has installed over 200 mobile towers majorly in areas along with the border with China. These towers will provide 4G internet connections to more than 300 villages.

4G connectivity for Arunachal Pradesh: India's border state to get digital boost

India's Shirdi Saibaba temple, a famous shrine located in the state of Maharashtra, is facing a unique problem. The temple, which boasts of an average one lakh visitors daily, is drowning in coins. Many of the temple visitors donate coins at the shrine, and now banks are reportedly struggling with these.

As per a Times of India report, the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (SSST) which has accounts in 13 branches of different Indian state-owned banks currently has more than one million dollars (1,340,647 to be exact) or INR 11 crores in deposits, all in the form of coins.

Every month, the temple collects around USD 34,000 or INR 28 Lakh in coins of all denominations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-calf-struck-by-vande-bharat-train-lands-on-man-urinating-on-tracks-both-die-584857">India: Calf struck by Vande Bharat train lands on man urinating on tracks, both die</a> 
&nbsp; 
Now, as per Rahul Jadhav, CEO of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (SSST), four of the state-owned banks have stopped taking coins due to a storage space crunch.

"Officials of these four banks said they have no space to keep the coins they get every day. This is a big problem for the trust," he said.

Reportedly, earlier in 2019, to deal with the storage issue, the trust had offered banks rooms within the temple premises for storage of its coin deposits. However, the offer was rejected; as&nbsp;it went against the banks' regulations.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/24-year-old-masters-student-from-india-shot-dead-in-united-states-ohio-police-release-pics-of-suspect-584744">24-year-old masters student from India shot dead in United States' Ohio; police release pics of suspect</a>

Due to this, SSST is now seeking intervention from India's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

"Simultaneously, we have decided to approach banks in other parts of Ahmednagar district, as well as the state, to help us. We will open accounts of the trust in such banks so that coins can be deposited there," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

India's Shirdi Saibaba temple, a famous shrine located in the state of Maharashtra, is facing a unique problem. The temple, which boasts of an average one lakh visitors daily, is drowning in coins.

India's Shirdi Saibaba temple, a famous shrine located in the state of Maharashtra, is facing a unique problem. The temple, which boasts of an average one lakh visitors daily, is drowning in coins. Many of the temple visitors donate coins at the shrine, and now banks are reportedly struggling with these. As per a Times of India report, the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (SSST) which has accounts in 13 branches of different Indian state-owned banks currently has more than one million dollars (1,340,647 to be exact) or INR 11 crores in deposits, all in the form of coins. Every month, the temple collects around USD 34,000 or INR 28 Lakh in coins of all denominations. Also read | India: Calf struck by Vande Bharat train lands on man urinating on tracks, both die Now, as per Rahul Jadhav, CEO of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (SSST), four of the state-owned banks have stopped taking coins due to a storage space crunch. "Officials of these four banks said they have no space to keep the coins they get every day. This is a big problem for the trust," he said. Reportedly, earlier in 2019, to deal with the storage issue, the trust had offered banks rooms within the temple premises for storage of its coin deposits. However, the offer was rejected; as it went against the banks' regulations. Also read | 24-year-old masters student from India shot dead in United States' Ohio; police release pics of suspect Due to this, SSST is now seeking intervention from India's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). "Simultaneously, we have decided to approach banks in other parts of Ahmednagar district, as well as the state, to help us. We will open accounts of the trust in such banks so that coins can be deposited there," he added. (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.

Over million in coin donations, nowhere to deposit; India's Shirdi Saibaba temple approaches RBI for help

The United Nations Security Council, the United Nations own website says 'it is the responsibility of this council to maintain International peace'. But the question is this that will it live up to its own expectations?

The never-changing UNSC: Why no permanent UNSC seat for India? | World News | WION

As United States and China see their ties fall apart, Apple is interestingly turning geopolitics onto its side and in the latest attempt to try and woo India, the Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook met with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tim Cook meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi | World News | WION

On the receding shorelines of Vypin island. A fisherman from southern India has planted an entire mangrove forest, all by himself.

India's Mangrove man fights to save sinking shores | WION Climate Tracker

The Golden Temple, which is one of the holiest sites for Sikhs in India, has become the stage for a&nbsp;controversy. A girl, one of the many devotees visiting the holy shrine, was purportedly denied entry into the Harminder Sahib Gurudwara, popularly known as Golden Temple, which is located in Amritsar, a city in the North&nbsp;Indian state of Punjab. A video of the alleged incident is going viral on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook alike.

In the video's initial moments, the girl could be heard talking to a man, complaining about being denied entry into the Golden Temple, allegedly because of a tricolour she had painted on her face. She blames a guard at the holy shrine for this.&nbsp;

Take a look at the video:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a> not India 
 
Location : Golden Temple, Punjab 
 
Incident: A girl refused entry to temple 
 
Reason: Girl had Indian Flag painted on her face <a href="https://t.co/L6ucqoXCUY">pic.twitter.com/L6ucqoXCUY</a>
— Ashwini Shrivastava (@AshwiniSahaya) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniSahaya/status/1647832532875091970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The video then progresses to the unidentified man walking up to the holy shrine's guard and questioning him about his alleged behaviour. In the video, the guard could be heard saying that the girl was stopped because of the flag she had on her face.&nbsp;

After this, the guard when asked, "India nhi hai ye" (this isn't India?) says "Nhi, Punjab hai ye" (No this is Punjab).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-times-when-pulwama-terror-attack-became-a-flashpoint-in-indian-politics-583788">Explained: Times when Pulwama terror attack became a flashpoint in Indian politics</a>

Following this statement, things seem to get heated up, and the two men can be heard arguing. At one point, the guard even tries to snatch the phone out of the hands of the girl recording this video.

Responding to the video, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the organisation that looks after the upkeep of Sikh places of worship in India, apologised for the misbehaviour of the temple official. They also said that the flag painted on the girl's face wasn't the Indian tricolour as it was missing the Ashok Chakra&nbsp;and that it could've been a political flag.

Here's a video of SGPC responding to the controversy:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ਸਚਖੰਡ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਵਿਖੇ ਚਾਰੇ ਦਰਵਾਜ਼ੇ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹੇ, ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਨਹੀਂ ਰੋਕਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ, ਪਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਘਰ ਦੀ ਮਰਯਾਦਾ ਦਾ ਪਾਲਣ ਲਾਜ਼ਮੀ: ਐਡਵੋਕੇਟ ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਧਾਮੀ, ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ, ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕ ਕਮੇਟੀ। <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SGPCPresident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SGPCPresident</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarjinderSinghDhami?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarjinderSinghDhami</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sikhs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sikhs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/IXfLUfuzc1">pic.twitter.com/IXfLUfuzc1</a>
— Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCAmritsar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGPCAmritsar/status/1648019122280894465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-apex-court-heard-arguments-on-same-sex-marriage-legalisation-heres-what-happened-583745">India’s apex court heard arguments on same-sex marriage legalisation. Here’s what happened</a>

"This is a Sikh shrine. Every religious place has its own decorum...We welcome everyone...We apologise if an official misbehaved...The flag on her face was not our national flag as it didn't have Ashoka Chakra. It could have been a political flag," said SGPC General Secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal.&nbsp;

A Delhi-based advocate&nbsp;has&nbsp;reportedly filed a complaint under various clauses of the IPC for "Anti National Comments" by the temple guard. As per a Tweet made by him, he is also seeking action against SGPC officers "who supports Anti National acts."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/vineetJindal19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vineetJindal19</a> filed complaint upon Anti National Comments by official at Harminder Sahib Gurudawara,<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsar</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/DGPPunjabPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DGPPunjabPolice</a> seeking lodging of FIR u/s 153A,153B,504,505,120B of IPC. Also seeking action against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SGPC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SGPC</a> officers who supports Anti National acts. <a href="https://t.co/lUe2vrOGnb">pic.twitter.com/lUe2vrOGnb</a>
— Adv.Vineet Jindal (@vineetJindal19) <a href="https://twitter.com/vineetJindal19/status/1648153421390954496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The alleged incident has triggered mixed reactions from netizens online. While many reacted angrily to the claim that entry was denied for supporting the Indian tricolour on one's face, others say that every holy shrine has its rules and dress code.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

The Golden Temple, which is one of the holiest sites for Sikhs in India, has become the stage for a controversy. A girl, one of the many devotees visiting the holy shrine, was purportedly denied entry into the Harminder Sahib Gurudwara, popularly known as Golden Temple, which is located in Amritsar, a city in the North Indian state of Punjab.

The Golden Temple, which is one of the holiest sites for Sikhs in India, has become the stage for a controversy. A girl, one of the many devotees visiting the holy shrine, was purportedly denied entry into the Harminder Sahib Gurudwara, popularly known as Golden Temple, which is located in Amritsar, a city in the North Indian state of Punjab. A video of the alleged incident is going viral on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook alike. In the video's initial moments, the girl could be heard talking to a man, complaining about being denied entry into the Golden Temple, allegedly because of a tricolour she had painted on her face. She blames a guard at the holy shrine for this. Take a look at the video: It's #Punjab not India Location : Golden Temple, Punjab Incident: A girl refused entry to temple Reason: Girl had Indian Flag painted on her face pic.twitter.com/L6ucqoXCUY — Ashwini Shrivastava (@AshwiniSahaya) April 17, 2023 × The video then progresses to the unidentified man walking up to the holy shrine's guard and questioning him about his alleged behaviour. In the video, the guard could be heard saying that the girl was stopped because of the flag she had on her face. After this, the guard when asked, "India nhi hai ye" (this isn't India?) says "Nhi, Punjab hai ye" (No this is Punjab). Also read | Explained: Times when Pulwama terror attack became a flashpoint in Indian politics Following this statement, things seem to get heated up, and the two men can be heard arguing. At one point, the guard even tries to snatch the phone out of the hands of the girl recording this video. Responding to the video, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the organisation that looks after the upkeep of Sikh places of worship in India, apologised for the misbehaviour of the temple official. They also said that the flag painted on the girl's face wasn't the Indian tricolour as it was missing the Ashok Chakra and that it could've been a political flag. Here's a video of SGPC responding to the controversy: ਸਚਖੰਡ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਵਿਖੇ ਚਾਰੇ ਦਰਵਾਜ਼ੇ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹੇ, ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਨਹੀਂ ਰੋਕਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ, ਪਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਘਰ ਦੀ ਮਰਯਾਦਾ ਦਾ ਪਾਲਣ ਲਾਜ਼ਮੀ: ਐਡਵੋਕੇਟ ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਧਾਮੀ, ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ, ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕ ਕਮੇਟੀ। #SGPCPresident #HarjinderSinghDhami #Sikhs #Delhi pic.twitter.com/IXfLUfuzc1 — Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCAmritsar) April 17, 2023 × Also read | India’s apex court heard arguments on same-sex marriage legalisation. Here’s what happened "This is a Sikh shrine. Every religious place has its own decorum...We welcome everyone...We apologise if an official misbehaved...The flag on her face was not our national flag as it didn't have Ashoka Chakra. It could have been a political flag," said SGPC General Secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal. A Delhi-based advocate has reportedly filed a complaint under various clauses of the IPC for "Anti National Comments" by the temple guard. As per a Tweet made by him, he is also seeking action against SGPC officers "who supports Anti National acts." @vineetJindal19 filed complaint upon Anti National Comments by official at Harminder Sahib Gurudawara,#Amritsar with @DGPPunjabPolice seeking lodging of FIR u/s 153A,153B,504,505,120B of IPC. Also seeking action against #SGPC officers who supports Anti National acts. pic.twitter.com/lUe2vrOGnb — Adv.Vineet Jindal (@vineetJindal19) April 18, 2023 × The alleged incident has triggered mixed reactions from netizens online. While many reacted angrily to the claim that entry was denied for supporting the Indian tricolour on one's face, others say that every holy shrine has its rules and dress code. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. (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.

Girl allegedly stopped from entering Golden Temple over tricolour face paint. Watch viral video here

In a big boost to the Olympic sport in India, the country is gearing up to host its first-ever World Surf League (WSL) event at the UNESCO Heritage Town of Mamallapuram (around 50kms from&nbsp;the capital city Chennai) in Tamil Nadu. Arun Vasu, President&nbsp;of the Surfing Federation of India, told WION that the&nbsp;surfing competition which is scheduled between 14th-20th August is expected to attract almost 100 surfers from across 14 nations and a dozen surfers from across India. The upcoming event is titled 'International Surf Open - Tamil Nadu' and is expected to expose foreign surfers to the sport in Indian waters, popularise the niche sport in India and offer a huge platform for the country's emerging surfing talent.

Recalling how the surfing culture began in Tamil Nadu, Vasu said that it was initiated a decade ago as a social project to empower the fisherfolk and their families, who lived along Kovalam and Mamallapuram, near Chennai.

"Today, Tamil Nadu is the leading state in surfing and the highest number of India's national surfing champions are from here. The most number of surfing schools are also here. Kerala, Karnataka and Goa are also actively contributing to surfing," he said.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu's Sports &amp; Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said that the State Government has sanctioned INR 2.67 crore&nbsp;or approximately $300,000&nbsp;for the event, which will be the first-of-its-kind in India. "19 of the 20 top surfers in India are from Tamil Nadu," he said. He added that this will be the second International sporting event to be hosted in the iconic seaside town, after the FIDE International Chess Olympiad in 2022.&nbsp;

The World Surf League is the governing body for professional surfers and their WSL Championship Tour is the premier surfing event for top talent. Simply put, the WSL Championship Tour is similar to the ATP/WTA tour in tennis. Queried about the Mamallapuram event, Vasu, who also heads the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association, told WION that it would be a 'QS 3000' (qualifying series) event. He explained that there are four QS events '1000, 3000, 5000 and 10000', each of which provides a higher level of competition than its predecessor. Even the surfers who are ineligible for the Championship Tour can compete in the QS events and earn points towards taking part in the following year's Championship Tour.&nbsp;

In the run-up to the WSL QS3000 event in Mamallapuram, the Surfing Federation of India will be hosting a series of surfing events in India, thereby providing wildcard entries to the QS3000 event for the top 10 Indian surfers. Similar QS3000 qualifying events are also to be held in venues in the US, Japan, and Portugal.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

In a big boost to the Olympic sport in India, the country is gearing up to host its first-ever World Surf League (WSL) event at the UNESCO Heritage Town of Mamallapuram (around 50kms from the capital city Chennai) in Tamil Nadu.

In a big boost to the Olympic sport in India, the country is gearing up to host its first-ever World Surf League (WSL) event at the UNESCO Heritage Town of Mamallapuram (around 50kms from the capital city Chennai) in Tamil Nadu. Arun Vasu, President of the Surfing Federation of India, told WION that the surfing competition which is scheduled between 14th-20th August is expected to attract almost 100 surfers from across 14 nations and a dozen surfers from across India. The upcoming event is titled 'International Surf Open - Tamil Nadu' and is expected to expose foreign surfers to the sport in Indian waters, popularise the niche sport in India and offer a huge platform for the country's emerging surfing talent. Recalling how the surfing culture began in Tamil Nadu, Vasu said that it was initiated a decade ago as a social project to empower the fisherfolk and their families, who lived along Kovalam and Mamallapuram, near Chennai. "Today, Tamil Nadu is the leading state in surfing and the highest number of India's national surfing champions are from here. The most number of surfing schools are also here. Kerala, Karnataka and Goa are also actively contributing to surfing," he said. Tamil Nadu's Sports & Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said that the State Government has sanctioned INR 2.67 crore or approximately $300,000 for the event, which will be the first-of-its-kind in India. "19 of the 20 top surfers in India are from Tamil Nadu," he said. He added that this will be the second International sporting event to be hosted in the iconic seaside town, after the FIDE International Chess Olympiad in 2022. The World Surf League is the governing body for professional surfers and their WSL Championship Tour is the premier surfing event for top talent. Simply put, the WSL Championship Tour is similar to the ATP/WTA tour in tennis. Queried about the Mamallapuram event, Vasu, who also heads the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association, told WION that it would be a 'QS 3000' (qualifying series) event. He explained that there are four QS events '1000, 3000, 5000 and 10000', each of which provides a higher level of competition than its predecessor. Even the surfers who are ineligible for the Championship Tour can compete in the QS events and earn points towards taking part in the following year's Championship Tour. In the run-up to the WSL QS3000 event in Mamallapuram, the Surfing Federation of India will be hosting a series of surfing events in India, thereby providing wildcard entries to the QS3000 event for the top 10 Indian surfers. Similar QS3000 qualifying events are also to be held in venues in the US, Japan, and Portugal. 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.

World Surfing League event to be held in India for 1st time; UNESCO Heritage town Mamallapuram to host

In India, gangster-turn-politician Atiq Ahmed was killing on live TV while he was being taken for a medical check-up by the police. The killers had posed as journalists. They killed Ahmed whilst he was in police custody. Is the incident a commentary on rule of law in India?

Gravitas | Atiq Ahmed killing: A shot in the arm for rule of law? | Extrajudicial killings in India

The Indian top court is set to hear appeals for legalising same-sex marriage, but the centre has urged the court to dismiss them. It says that according to Indian traditions, marriage is a strictly heterogenous institution. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Indian Government opposes same-sex marriage

The Indian Railway Ministry on Monday announced a record revenue of Rs 2.40 lakh crore ($29.2 billion)&nbsp;for the financial year 2022-23, with a 25 per cent increase in the revenue. This year's revenue is some $5.9 billion more than the previous year. It added that in the financial year 2022-23, the freight revenue also increased by 15 per cent.&nbsp;

According to the data announced by the Ministry, railways' passenger revenues registered an all-time high growth of 61 per cent. It added that after three years, the Railway is about to fully meet its pension expenditure, The Statesman reported.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-former-railway-minister-mukul-roy-missing-says-son-583547">India's former railway minister Mukul Roy ‘missing’, says son</a>

The ministry further said, "Buoyancy in revenues and tight expenditure management have helped in achieving an Operating Ratio of 98.14 per cent, well within the RE [revised estimate] target. After meeting all revenue expenditure, Railways generated ₹3,200 crore for capital investment from its internal resources."

Attributing to&nbsp;the increase, the ministry said that the&nbsp;rise in&nbsp;demand for rail travel, efforts by the ministry to provide safety and the gradual opening up of economic activities post-COVID-19 pandemic made people travel more by trains.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Indian railways earns record revenue in 2022-23

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-railways-earns-record-revenue-in-2022-23-583637/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The statement read, "Railways are focused on providing safety highest priority. An investment of Rs 11,800 Cr under Rashtriya Rail Sanrakhsa Kosh was made during FY23 for various safety works. Government while appreciating the need for renewal of ageing assets, has provided Rs 10,000 Cr, and Railways also contributed Rs 1800 Cr from internal resources for upgradation of depreciated assets."

The railways also experienced an increase in coaching revenue which rose by 21 per cent. The sundries revenue also rose by 39 per cent compared to the previous year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/akshata-murthy-loses-61-million-in-one-day-as-infosys-shares-drop-94-biggest-fall-since-march-2020-583650">Also read |&nbsp;Akshata Murthy loses $61 million in one day as Infosys shares drop 9.4%, the biggest fall since March 2020</a>

As per the statement, during the year 2022-23, the Gross revenue stood at Rs 2,39,803 crore compared to Rs 1,91,278 crore in 2021-22.

According to the news agency ANI, Rs 1 lakh crore was invested in augmenting the capacity of the railway network.&nbsp;

The year 2023 saw the highest-ever commissioning of New lines and Doubling or Multi-tracking.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

The Indian Railway Ministry on Monday announced a record revenue of Rs 2.40 lakh crore ($29.2 billion) for the financial year 2022-23, with a 25 per cent increase in the revenue.

The Indian Railway Ministry on Monday announced a record revenue of Rs 2.40 lakh crore ($29.2 billion) for the financial year 2022-23, with a 25 per cent increase in the revenue. This year's revenue is some $5.9 billion more than the previous year. It added that in the financial year 2022-23, the freight revenue also increased by 15 per cent. According to the data announced by the Ministry, railways' passenger revenues registered an all-time high growth of 61 per cent. It added that after three years, the Railway is about to fully meet its pension expenditure, The Statesman reported. Also read | India's former railway minister Mukul Roy ‘missing’, says son The ministry further said, "Buoyancy in revenues and tight expenditure management have helped in achieving an Operating Ratio of 98.14 per cent, well within the RE [revised estimate] target. After meeting all revenue expenditure, Railways generated ₹3,200 crore for capital investment from its internal resources." Attributing to the increase, the ministry said that the rise in demand for rail travel, efforts by the ministry to provide safety and the gradual opening up of economic activities post-COVID-19 pandemic made people travel more by trains. Watch | Indian railways earns record revenue in 2022-23 The statement read, "Railways are focused on providing safety highest priority. An investment of Rs 11,800 Cr under Rashtriya Rail Sanrakhsa Kosh was made during FY23 for various safety works. Government while appreciating the need for renewal of ageing assets, has provided Rs 10,000 Cr, and Railways also contributed Rs 1800 Cr from internal resources for upgradation of depreciated assets." The railways also experienced an increase in coaching revenue which rose by 21 per cent. The sundries revenue also rose by 39 per cent compared to the previous year. Also read | Akshata Murthy loses $61 million in one day as Infosys shares drop 9.4%, the biggest fall since March 2020 As per the statement, during the year 2022-23, the Gross revenue stood at Rs 2,39,803 crore compared to Rs 1,91,278 crore in 2021-22. According to the news agency ANI, Rs 1 lakh crore was invested in augmenting the capacity of the railway network. The year 2023 saw the highest-ever commissioning of New lines and Doubling or Multi-tracking. (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 Railways announces record revenue of $29.2 billion in FY23

In the Indian western state of Gujarat, a couple has committed suicide in a sinister, horrific manner. The married couple used a guillotine to decapitate themselves on Sunday. The incident took place in the Vinchiya village of Vinchiya taluka in Rajkot district. Police, as per a TOI report, are investigating whether the dual suicide was part of a superstitious or black magic ritual.&nbsp;

The deceased, a couple in their mid-30s, have been identified as Hemu Makwana and Hansa Makwana. The parents of two children — a 13-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter left behind a handwritten note.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/urban-elite-concept-indian-govt-opposes-same-sex-marriage-as-sc-to-begin-hearing-583259">‘Urban elite concept’: Indian govt opposes same-sex marriage as SC to begin hearing</a>&nbsp;

The suicide note which was written in Gujarati said that they had willingly killed themselves and that no one was to be blamed. The&nbsp;note, signed with their thumbprints, indicated that Hansa was not feeling well.

Reportedly, a day before killing themselves, the Makwanas sent their two children to their maternal uncle's house. Upon returning, the teenage children discovered the decapitated bodies of their parents.

Vinchiya police sub-inspector Indrajitsinh Jadeja told the press that their bodies have been sent to Rajkot civil hospital for forensic postmortem.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-kashmir-to-produce-mustard-oil-worth-98-million-this-year-says-government-583316">India: Kashmir to produce mustard oil worth $98 million this year, says government</a>

Jadeja also revealed some gory details of the double suicide. As per him, the "couple used a make-shift guillotine to end their lives."

He said that "it is believed that they pulled up the blades of the guillotine themselves and released it in such a manner that their heads fell into a 'havan kund'," said Jadeja. Here 'havan kund' may refer to a vessel used in fire rituals where offerings are burnt as a prayer to the gods.

Near the 'havan kund' they had placed a makeshift temple and a picture of lord Shiva, along with a mud&nbsp;Shivling (an idol dedicated to Lord Shiva).

Police are recording statements of family members to help identify the reason behind this drastic step. The officials, however, say that they believe that the couple was not facing any financial problems or engaged in any family disputes.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

In the Indian western state of Gujarat, a couple has committed suicide in a sinister, horrific manner. The married couple used a guillotine to decapitate themselves on Sunday.

In the Indian western state of Gujarat, a couple has committed suicide in a sinister, horrific manner. The married couple used a guillotine to decapitate themselves on Sunday. The incident took place in the Vinchiya village of Vinchiya taluka in Rajkot district. Police, as per a TOI report, are investigating whether the dual suicide was part of a superstitious or black magic ritual. The deceased, a couple in their mid-30s, have been identified as Hemu Makwana and Hansa Makwana. The parents of two children — a 13-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter left behind a handwritten note. Also read | ‘Urban elite concept’: Indian govt opposes same-sex marriage as SC to begin hearing The suicide note which was written in Gujarati said that they had willingly killed themselves and that no one was to be blamed. The note, signed with their thumbprints, indicated that Hansa was not feeling well. Reportedly, a day before killing themselves, the Makwanas sent their two children to their maternal uncle's house. Upon returning, the teenage children discovered the decapitated bodies of their parents. Vinchiya police sub-inspector Indrajitsinh Jadeja told the press that their bodies have been sent to Rajkot civil hospital for forensic postmortem. Also read | India: Kashmir to produce mustard oil worth $98 million this year, says government Jadeja also revealed some gory details of the double suicide. As per him, the "couple used a make-shift guillotine to end their lives." He said that "it is believed that they pulled up the blades of the guillotine themselves and released it in such a manner that their heads fell into a 'havan kund'," said Jadeja. Here 'havan kund' may refer to a vessel used in fire rituals where offerings are burnt as a prayer to the gods. Near the 'havan kund' they had placed a makeshift temple and a picture of lord Shiva, along with a mud Shivling (an idol dedicated to Lord Shiva). Police are recording statements of family members to help identify the reason behind this drastic step. The officials, however, say that they believe that the couple was not facing any financial problems or engaged in any family disputes. (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.

Couple in India's Gujarat commit suicide, decapitate themselves using guillotine

Tech giant Apple's India sales grew by 50% in the year through March, the media reports said on Monday. It's revenue in India almost touched $6 billion in March of 2023 compared to $4.1 billion in the same period last year.

Apple gets a shot in the arm in India, hits $6bn in sales

Amid the rising popularity of AI tools like ChatGPT, a new chatbot was launched in India to help farmers earn profits.&nbsp;With India being an agricultural powerhouse, this AI chatbot could be a game-changer for the agriculture sector. It is designed as user-friendly for farmers across the country regardless of their location and education. Unlike other AI&nbsp;tools where we need to write down our queries, in Kissan GPT one can ask questions using a microphone. Its developers hope it will help bridge the information gap between farmers and experts. Pratik Desai, a computer scientist who led the project, says this chatbot will provide farmers with the knowledge and sources they need to increase their profits.&nbsp;

So far, the new initiative has recieved positive feedback from farmers who have used it saying that it helped them make better decisions about their crops and their yield. But what exactly is Kissan GPT all about? &nbsp;How does it work and what's next for the AI chatbot?

What is Kissan GPT?&nbsp;

Kissan GPT launched on March 15, 2023, is an AI chatbot&nbsp;that focuses on serving&nbsp;the underserved agriculture domain of India. It offers several topics of guidance including irrigation, pest control and crop cultivation.

The interface of Kissan GPT is simple, unlike other popular AI&nbsp;chatbots where one has to write their queries, Kissan GPT allows' users an option for a microphone for inputs. It supports 10 languages including Hindi, English, Gujarati, and Marathi along with foreign languages like Japanese, Portuguese, and Indonesian.

How does Kissan GPT work?

Farmers can interact with the chatbot&nbsp;through their smartphones in their language to get detailed answers to their queries.&nbsp;

As per Desai, Kissan GPT will provide the combined&nbsp;platform's database to deliver the answer. Its algorithm will provide&nbsp;the farmers with advice and insights on crop cultivation, pest control and even soil management.&nbsp;

Recently the Indian chatbot was used to demonstrate how Indian squash can earn up to Rs 5 lakhs ($6,103) in profits.&nbsp;

The company in a statement said that the AI chatbot is not just for farmers but is designed for anyone with an interest in agriculture such as researchers and students.&nbsp;

What happens next?

Desai on March 31&nbsp;in a tweet gave an update on Kissan GPT saying that the AI chatbot is currently on track to serve a 10 per cent volume of farmer call centres.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
- 800M+ Agri and Rural population just in India 
- Reached out by African and South American orgs working on similar initiatives 
- Bharat GPT in making
— Pratik Desai (@chheplo) <a href="https://twitter.com/chheplo/status/1641863647776620546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He added that the platform is looking forward to collaborating with the Indian government and agricultural institutes to improve the results.&nbsp;

Amid the rising popularity of AI tools like ChatGPT, a new chatbot was launched in India to help farmers earn profits. With India being an agricultural powerhouse, this AI chatbot could be a game-changer for the agriculture sector.

Amid the rising popularity of AI tools like ChatGPT, a new chatbot was launched in India to help farmers earn profits. With India being an agricultural powerhouse, this AI chatbot could be a game-changer for the agriculture sector. It is designed as user-friendly for farmers across the country regardless of their location and education. Unlike other AI tools where we need to write down our queries, in Kissan GPT one can ask questions using a microphone. Its developers hope it will help bridge the information gap between farmers and experts. Pratik Desai, a computer scientist who led the project, says this chatbot will provide farmers with the knowledge and sources they need to increase their profits. So far, the new initiative has recieved positive feedback from farmers who have used it saying that it helped them make better decisions about their crops and their yield. But what exactly is Kissan GPT all about? How does it work and what's next for the AI chatbot? What is Kissan GPT? Kissan GPT launched on March 15, 2023, is an AI chatbot that focuses on serving the underserved agriculture domain of India. It offers several topics of guidance including irrigation, pest control and crop cultivation. The interface of Kissan GPT is simple, unlike other popular AI chatbots where one has to write their queries, Kissan GPT allows' users an option for a microphone for inputs. It supports 10 languages including Hindi, English, Gujarati, and Marathi along with foreign languages like Japanese, Portuguese, and Indonesian. How does Kissan GPT work? Farmers can interact with the chatbot through their smartphones in their language to get detailed answers to their queries. As per Desai, Kissan GPT will provide the combined platform's database to deliver the answer. Its algorithm will provide the farmers with advice and insights on crop cultivation, pest control and even soil management. Recently the Indian chatbot was used to demonstrate how Indian squash can earn up to Rs 5 lakhs ($6,103) in profits. The company in a statement said that the AI chatbot is not just for farmers but is designed for anyone with an interest in agriculture such as researchers and students. What happens next? Desai on March 31 in a tweet gave an update on Kissan GPT saying that the AI chatbot is currently on track to serve a 10 per cent volume of farmer call centres. - 800M+ Agri and Rural population just in India - Reached out by African and South American orgs working on similar initiatives - Bharat GPT in making — Pratik Desai (@chheplo) March 31, 2023 × He added that the platform is looking forward to collaborating with the Indian government and agricultural institutes to improve the results.

What is Kissan GPT? Here's everything you need to know about the AI chatbot helping farmers earn profits

Russia's Deputy Minister Denis Manturov arrived in India on a two-day visit with an aim to enhance trade and strategic ties between Russia and India. He attended the inter-governmental meeting on trade, culture, science and technology.

Russia's Deputy PM Denis Manturov in India on 2-day visit, meets S Jaishankar

Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs. Kolar is the site of the infamous, controversial speech from 2019 that recently got Gandhi disqualified as a member of Parliament (MP) last month.&nbsp;

The Indian National Congress (INC) leader, as per ANI, launched a slew of attacks against the ruling government and also announced poll promises.&nbsp;

"If the Congress party is voted to power in Karnataka, then we will provide 200 units of free electricity to every family, Rs 2000 every month to women, a total of 10 Kg rice per month to every family, Rs 3000 to every graduate till two years and Rs 1500 monthly to diploma holders," said Rahul Gandhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-was-atiq-ahmed-indian-gangster-turned-politician-shot-dead-live-on-tv-583016">Explained | Who was Atiq Ahmed? Indian gangster-turned-politician shot dead on live TV</a>

"If you [BJP] can give thousands of crores of rupees to Adani, then we can give the money to poor, women, and youths. You helped Adani wholeheartedly, and we will wholeheartedly help the people of the state," he added.&nbsp;

"Disqualify me, put me in jail, do anything, doesn't matter," said Gandhi as he alleged that the BJP government in Karnataka was "immersed in corruption."

Gandhi pointed to the indifference being meted out to the OBC community, which are present in larger number but whose representation in government jobs were less.&nbsp;

He said that "reservation for SC/STs should be proportional to their population," and that the union government "should lift 50 per cent cap in reservation."&nbsp;

Replying to allegations that he had insulted the OBC community with his Modi surname remark, the Congress leader said that&nbsp;the representation of OBC and Dalits in the central government is not in line with their population.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drug-addict-petty-criminal-and-vagabond-three-men-who-publicly-executed-atiq-ahmed-and-his-brother-582978">Atiq Ahmed’s killers: Drug addict, petty criminals pull off daring murder in front of TV camera crews</a>

He also called on the BJP government to release the caste census report commissioned by his party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2011.

"Only seven per cent of secretaries in central government offices are from OBC and SC/ST communities. Modiji, you talk about (the welfare of) OBCs. Let us know what their share is in the population. If you don't do this, it is an insult to OBC communities."

Back in 2019, Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Kolar had remarked, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?."

This statement landed him in trouble, and recently he was found guilty in a defamation case over it, and sentenced to two years in prison. The prison sentence became the grounds for Gandhi's disqualification as an MP.

Urging people to vote for Congress in Karnataka's upcoming elections, Gandhi said "Aap Apna Kaam Karo, Hum Apna Kaam Karenge (You do your work and we will do ours)." Karnataka goes to Assembly polls on May 10. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 13.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs.

Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs. Kolar is the site of the infamous, controversial speech from 2019 that recently got Gandhi disqualified as a member of Parliament (MP) last month. The Indian National Congress (INC) leader, as per ANI, launched a slew of attacks against the ruling government and also announced poll promises. "If the Congress party is voted to power in Karnataka, then we will provide 200 units of free electricity to every family, Rs 2000 every month to women, a total of 10 Kg rice per month to every family, Rs 3000 to every graduate till two years and Rs 1500 monthly to diploma holders," said Rahul Gandhi. Also read | Explained | Who was Atiq Ahmed? Indian gangster-turned-politician shot dead on live TV "If you [BJP] can give thousands of crores of rupees to Adani, then we can give the money to poor, women, and youths. You helped Adani wholeheartedly, and we will wholeheartedly help the people of the state," he added. "Disqualify me, put me in jail, do anything, doesn't matter," said Gandhi as he alleged that the BJP government in Karnataka was "immersed in corruption." Gandhi pointed to the indifference being meted out to the OBC community, which are present in larger number but whose representation in government jobs were less. He said that "reservation for SC/STs should be proportional to their population," and that the union government "should lift 50 per cent cap in reservation." Replying to allegations that he had insulted the OBC community with his Modi surname remark, the Congress leader said that the representation of OBC and Dalits in the central government is not in line with their population. Also read | Atiq Ahmed’s killers: Drug addict, petty criminals pull off daring murder in front of TV camera crews He also called on the BJP government to release the caste census report commissioned by his party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2011. "Only seven per cent of secretaries in central government offices are from OBC and SC/ST communities. Modiji, you talk about (the welfare of) OBCs. Let us know what their share is in the population. If you don't do this, it is an insult to OBC communities." Back in 2019, Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Kolar had remarked, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?." This statement landed him in trouble, and recently he was found guilty in a defamation case over it, and sentenced to two years in prison. The prison sentence became the grounds for Gandhi's disqualification as an MP. Urging people to vote for Congress in Karnataka's upcoming elections, Gandhi said "Aap Apna Kaam Karo, Hum Apna Kaam Karenge (You do your work and we will do ours)." Karnataka goes to Assembly polls on May 10. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 13. (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.

Ahead of Karnataka polls, Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP state government 'immersed in corruption'

The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is on high-alert after convicted gangster Atiq Ahmed along with his brother Ashraf were dramatically shot dead by assailants in the city of Prayagraj on Saturday evening. Section 144 remains in place over the state of Uttar Pradesh after the shootout.

Atiq Ahmed killing: Indian gangster shot dead, all three attackers in custody

India has seen a slight decline in fresh Covid-19 cases where 10,093 infections were reported on Sunday. With this number of active infections in the country stands at 57,542 cases with daily positivity rate of 2.8% and a weekly positivity rate of 3.82%.

India Covid-19 cases drop slightly; 57,542 total active cases across country

There is a bit of a reprieve for fugitive businessman - the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda has ruled in his favour, arguing that Choksi cannot be removed from the country's territory. Watch the video to know more.

Mehul Choksi wins case in Antigua & Barbuda, to be granted all legal options including appeals

In India's southwestern state of&nbsp;Maharashtra, 12 people were killed and 27 others&nbsp;were injured when a bus they were travelling in fell into a gorge. Police officials said the accident took place on the old Mumbai-Pune highway in the Raigad district of Maharashtra early on Saturday. Among the passengers was a traditional music troupe called 'Baji Prabhu Vaadak Group' travelling from Pune to Mumbai.

Taking to Twitter, President of India Droupadi Murmu shared her condolences for the families of the victims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-fugitive-mehul-choksi-cannot-be-extradited-to-india-antigua-and-barbuda-court-582648">Indian fugitive Mehul Choksi cannot be extradited, rules Antigua and Barbuda court</a>

"The loss of lives in a bus accident in Raigad, Maharashtra is deeply distressing. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," wrote the president.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The loss of lives in a bus accident in Raigad, Maharashtra is deeply distressing. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1647156670102134784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As per a PTI report quoting a senior police official, the accident happened around 4:50 am local time (8:20 pm GMT).

"The bus was carrying members of 'Baji Prabhu Vaadak Group' from Mumbai's Goregaon. They were returning to Goregaon after taking part in an event in Pimpri Chinchwad area in the Pune district. The bus had left the venue around 1 am on Saturday," he said.

Raigad Superintendent of Police (SP) Somnath Gharge revealed that the bus' passengers are from Sion and Goregaon in Mumbai and Virar in the neighbouring Palghar district.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/relative-of-indira-gandhis-killer-arrested-in-new-zealand-for-drug-peddling-582691">Relative of Indira Gandhi's killer arrested in New Zealand for drug peddling</a>

Another police officer, additional SP Atul Zende, said that the deceased and the injured belonged to the age group of 18 to 25.

The injured have been admitted to the Khopoli Rural Hospital, located around 70 kilometres from India's financial capital Mumbai.&nbsp;

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde visited the victims of the Raigad bus accident.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde reached a private hospital in Panvel's Kalamboli to meet the victims of the Raigad bus accident. <a href="https://t.co/ZJ4xfQeJSh">pic.twitter.com/ZJ4xfQeJSh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1647143679520559107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A search and rescue operation consisting of local police and a trekker's group is currently underway.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

In India's southwestern state of Maharashtra, 12 people were killed and 27 others were injured when a bus they were travelling in fell into a gorge. Police officials said the accident took place on the old Mumbai-Pune highway in the Raigad district of Maharashtra early on Saturday.

In India's southwestern state of Maharashtra, 12 people were killed and 27 others were injured when a bus they were travelling in fell into a gorge. Police officials said the accident took place on the old Mumbai-Pune highway in the Raigad district of Maharashtra early on Saturday. Among the passengers was a traditional music troupe called 'Baji Prabhu Vaadak Group' travelling from Pune to Mumbai. Taking to Twitter, President of India Droupadi Murmu shared her condolences for the families of the victims. Also read | Indian fugitive Mehul Choksi cannot be extradited, rules Antigua and Barbuda court "The loss of lives in a bus accident in Raigad, Maharashtra is deeply distressing. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," wrote the president. The loss of lives in a bus accident in Raigad, Maharashtra is deeply distressing. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 15, 2023 × As per a PTI report quoting a senior police official, the accident happened around 4:50 am local time (8:20 pm GMT). "The bus was carrying members of 'Baji Prabhu Vaadak Group' from Mumbai's Goregaon. They were returning to Goregaon after taking part in an event in Pimpri Chinchwad area in the Pune district. The bus had left the venue around 1 am on Saturday," he said. Raigad Superintendent of Police (SP) Somnath Gharge revealed that the bus' passengers are from Sion and Goregaon in Mumbai and Virar in the neighbouring Palghar district. Also read | Relative of Indira Gandhi's killer arrested in New Zealand for drug peddling Another police officer, additional SP Atul Zende, said that the deceased and the injured belonged to the age group of 18 to 25. The injured have been admitted to the Khopoli Rural Hospital, located around 70 kilometres from India's financial capital Mumbai. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde visited the victims of the Raigad bus accident. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde reached a private hospital in Panvel's Kalamboli to meet the victims of the Raigad bus accident. pic.twitter.com/ZJ4xfQeJSh — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2023 × A search and rescue operation consisting of local police and a trekker's group is currently underway. (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.

12 killed, 27 injured as bus falls into gorge in Maharashtra's Raigad; President Murmu shares condolences

With Covid cases rising across India, former giant Serum Institute of India, has restarted the production of its Covid vaccine - Covishield. The CEO, Adar Poonawala said on Wednesday that six to seven million doses of Covishield will be made available in the next 90 days.

India: Covid vaccine demand to rise; 6-7 million doses to be available in 90 days | WION

The mobile phones we use, the clothes we wear and several others accessories you and I use on everyday bases from a single country that is China which is the world's factory for products that reach every part of our planet but India wants to change that.

India seeks to replace China as production hub; govt warns firms to produce in India

Once an island of rich farmland that was teeming with fish is now a stench-like putrid flesh that hangs heavy in the air. Eloor smells like it is dying. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

As Indians try to save Periyar river, officials deny problems

Covid-19 cases are on a rise in India once again. The country has recorded over 10,000 cases in the last 24 hours, this is a 30% rise since yesterday. According to the Health Ministry data, the active infections stand at 45,000 and the daily positivity rate is currently at 4.42%.

India witnesses rise in Covid cases; 10,158 new cases in last 24 hours

The metro in Indian city of Kolkata has created history. For the first time a metro in India has completed an underwater journey. Kolkata metro's first rake ran under the Hooghly river and reached the Howrah maidan station on Wednesday.

India: Kolkata creates history by running metro under Hooghly river | WION Newspoint

India is expected to experience normal rainfall during the upcoming southwest monsoon season. Rohit Wellington Rajan brings you the report.

India to witness normal rains during southwest monsoon season | WION Climate Tracker

Chile has come up with a new plan it aims to reduce work week from 45 to 40 hours. What kind of repercussions will this have on the work productivity and if a working mechanism like this is practical for a country like India. We answer all these questions in this episode of WION conversation.

India: The future of workspace

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed the central government's ban on the telecast of the Malayalam language channel 'MediaOne', ruling that "national security claims can't be made out of thin hair." A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud observed that the State can't impose unreasonable restrictions on the press as such an action would have chilling effects on press freedom.

The top court alleged that the State is using national security as a tool to deny citizens remedies that are provided under the law.

"National security claims cannot be made out of thin air, there must be material facts backing it," said the bench.

The bench also set aside a Kerala High Court&nbsp;order, which had upheld the Centre's ban on the channel on "security grounds."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-embraces-open-source-software-to-boost-tech-industry-amid-layoffs-579487">India embraces open-source software to boost tech industry amid layoffs</a>

Kerala's ruling party and opposition leaders have both welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to quash the ban and said the order gives hope to people fighting to protect democratic principles and the Constitution.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I welcome the SupremeCourt decision revoking the ban on Malayalam TV channel <a href="https://twitter.com/MediaOne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MediaOne</a>. "National security can't deny people their rights... it was raised by the MHA in a cavalier manner," said the SC:<a href="https://t.co/pFqCnz2tQ8">https://t.co/pFqCnz2tQ8</a> 
The judgement robustly affirms press freedom. Shabash!
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1643502516301119488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Thiruvananthapuram MP&nbsp;Shashi Tharoor took to Twitter and applauded the move. He said: "I welcome the SupremeCourt decision revoking the ban on Malayalam TV channel @MediaOne."

"The judgement robustly affirms press freedom. Shabash!," added the Congress leader. MediaOne editor Pramod Raman also posted a tweet saying, "Thanks to all".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
എല്ലാവർക്കും നന്ദി! <a href="https://t.co/T9apdKxvkg">pic.twitter.com/T9apdKxvkg</a>
— Pramod Raman (@PramodRaman10) <a href="https://twitter.com/PramodRaman10/status/1643507092823904256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India's apex court said that a channel's critical views on government policies cannot be termed as anti-establishment and that an independent press is necessary for a robust democracy.

It said the "press has a duty to speak truth to power and present citizens with hard facts enabling them to make choices that propel democracy in the right direction. The restriction on freedom of press compels citizens to think along the same tangent."

"Homogenised views on issues that range from socio-economic polity to political ideologies would pose great dangers to democracy," added the bench. It also said that "non-renewal of license for a channel is a restriction on the right to freedom of speech."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-man-kills-his-12th-wife-after-being-stopped-from-drinking-reports-579461">Indian man kills his 12th wife after being stopped from drinking: Reports</a>

The top court, as per PTI, also said that the government's non-disclosure of reasons for the denial of security reasons and disclosure only to the court in sealed cover amounted to a violation of the principles of natural justice. "Sealed cover procedure cannot be introduced to cover harms that cannot be remedied by public immunity proceedings," said the bench.&nbsp;It further said courts should appoint an amicus curiae to assess the claims of confidentiality and assist the court in coming out with a reasoned order.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed the central government's ban on the telecast of the Malayalam language channel 'MediaOne', ruling that "national security claims can't be made out of thin hair.

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed the central government's ban on the telecast of the Malayalam language channel 'MediaOne', ruling that "national security claims can't be made out of thin hair." A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud observed that the State can't impose unreasonable restrictions on the press as such an action would have chilling effects on press freedom. The top court alleged that the State is using national security as a tool to deny citizens remedies that are provided under the law. "National security claims cannot be made out of thin air, there must be material facts backing it," said the bench. The bench also set aside a Kerala High Court order, which had upheld the Centre's ban on the channel on "security grounds." Also read | India embraces open-source software to boost tech industry amid layoffs Kerala's ruling party and opposition leaders have both welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to quash the ban and said the order gives hope to people fighting to protect democratic principles and the Constitution. I welcome the SupremeCourt decision revoking the ban on Malayalam TV channel @MediaOne. "National security can't deny people their rights... it was raised by the MHA in a cavalier manner," said the SC:https://t.co/pFqCnz2tQ8 The judgement robustly affirms press freedom. Shabash! — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 5, 2023 × Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor took to Twitter and applauded the move. He said: "I welcome the SupremeCourt decision revoking the ban on Malayalam TV channel @MediaOne." "The judgement robustly affirms press freedom. Shabash!," added the Congress leader. MediaOne editor Pramod Raman also posted a tweet saying, "Thanks to all". എല്ലാവർക്കും നന്ദി! pic.twitter.com/T9apdKxvkg — Pramod Raman (@PramodRaman10) April 5, 2023 × India's apex court said that a channel's critical views on government policies cannot be termed as anti-establishment and that an independent press is necessary for a robust democracy. It said the "press has a duty to speak truth to power and present citizens with hard facts enabling them to make choices that propel democracy in the right direction. The restriction on freedom of press compels citizens to think along the same tangent." "Homogenised views on issues that range from socio-economic polity to political ideologies would pose great dangers to democracy," added the bench. It also said that "non-renewal of license for a channel is a restriction on the right to freedom of speech." Also read | Indian man kills his 12th wife after being stopped from drinking: Reports The top court, as per PTI, also said that the government's non-disclosure of reasons for the denial of security reasons and disclosure only to the court in sealed cover amounted to a violation of the principles of natural justice. "Sealed cover procedure cannot be introduced to cover harms that cannot be remedied by public immunity proceedings," said the bench. It further said courts should appoint an amicus curiae to assess the claims of confidentiality and assist the court in coming out with a reasoned order. (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.

'National security claims cannot be made out of thin air': Indian SC quashes centre's ban on MediaOne

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama offered prayers in a special ceremony. The whole event was held in India's Dharamshala, where hundreds of devotees and monks gathered to pray for the leader in exile.

India: Tibetan leader Dalai Lama attends prayer for his long life in Dharamshala

india-news-1

India News, News on India News, stories on India News, articles on India News, India News stories at Wion, India News news, India News latest news

india news-1