Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off the world's longest river cruise MV Ganga Vilas today via video conferencing. He also inaugurated the Varanasi Tent City.

Indian PM flags off world's longest river cruise 'MV Ganga Vilas'

MV Ganga Vilas Cruise set to begin its maiden voyage

'A Landmark Moment', says PM Modi as he flags off world's longest river cruise

Indian&nbsp;automaker start-up Vayve Mobility on Wednesday (January 11) unveiled a prototype of what it called the country's first solar-powered electric vehicle, as India's biennial car show kicked off on the outskirts of New Delhi after a year-long postponement due to Covid-19.

Named "Eva", the two-seater smart car comes with solar panels on its roof to provide additional charging on top of a battery pack, allowing the vehicle to run for up to 10 km (6.2 miles) a day, Vayve Mobility's chief operating officer Vilas Deshpande told Reuters. The company planned to launch the vehicle in the market in approximately 18 months, he added.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/international-nuclear-fusion-energy-project-faces-delays-say-scientists-550151">International nuclear fusion energy project faces delays, say scientists</a>

Firms from Kia to BYD and Tata Motors kept their focus on electric cars at the&nbsp;auto&nbsp;show. Meanwhile Suzuki Motor Corp's India unit Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Motor showcased other technologies as well, in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The clean vehicle push comes at a time when the Indian government is looking to cut emissions and pollution in major cities while also reducing its oil import bill. India is offering companies millions of dollars in incentives to build electric vehicles (EVs) and their parts locally.

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Indian automaker start-up Vayve Mobility on Wednesday (January 11) unveiled a prototype of what it called the country's first solar-powered electric vehicle, as India's biennial car show kicked off on the outskirts of New Delhi after a year-long postponement due to Covid-19.

Indian automaker start-up Vayve Mobility on Wednesday (January 11) unveiled a prototype of what it called the country's first solar-powered electric vehicle, as India's biennial car show kicked off on the outskirts of New Delhi after a year-long postponement due to Covid-19. Named "Eva", the two-seater smart car comes with solar panels on its roof to provide additional charging on top of a battery pack, allowing the vehicle to run for up to 10 km (6.2 miles) a day, Vayve Mobility's chief operating officer Vilas Deshpande told Reuters. The company planned to launch the vehicle in the market in approximately 18 months, he added. ALSO READ| International nuclear fusion energy project faces delays, say scientists Firms from Kia to BYD and Tata Motors kept their focus on electric cars at the auto show. Meanwhile Suzuki Motor Corp's India unit Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Motor showcased other technologies as well, in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The clean vehicle push comes at a time when the Indian government is looking to cut emissions and pollution in major cities while also reducing its oil import bill. India is offering companies millions of dollars in incentives to build electric vehicles (EVs) and their parts locally.

India unveils prototype of solar car at auto show focused on clean energy

Samsung India has said it is reviewing a notice from the Indian government related to a tax dispute. This comes after the media reports showing an Indian government agency accused Samsung Electronics India unit of classifying a product incorrectly to avoid paying import taxes.

Samsung India hit with show-cause tax notice by government

Often we come across notes of the Indian rupee- Rs 10, 20, 100, 500 and 2,000 with hand-written messages, doodles or some kind of a symbol. Many of us would remember the ''Sonam Gupta bewafa hai'' on a Rs 10 note which became a viral meme in the country.

Often we come across notes of the Indian rupee- Rs 10, 20, 100, 500 and 2,000 with hand-written messages, doodles or some kind of a symbol. Many of us would remember the ''Sonam Gupta bewafa hai'' on a Rs 10 note which became a viral meme in the country. Recently an image started circulating that writing anything on rupee notes makes them invalid and they will no longer be legal tender. However, this claim was fake and the central government of India issued a clarification last Sunday (January 8). ALSO READ | India: Supreme Court upholds government’s demonetisation decision with a 4-1 majority What was the fake claim? Taking to Twitter, the government's Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check wing shared an image of the fake claim which said, "As per new guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), writing anything on new notes makes the note invalid and it will no more be a legal tender," the claim read. Government's clarification The PIB Fact Check tweeted last Sunday that the claim is fake. "NO, Bank notes with scribbling are not invalid & continue to be legal tender," PIB Fact Check said. However, it pointed out that as per the Clean Note Policy, people are requested not to write on the currency notes as it defaces them & reduces their life. Does writing anything on the bank note make it invalid❓#PIBFactCheck ✔️ NO, Bank notes with scribbling are not invalid & continue to be legal tender ✔️Under the Clean Note Policy, people are requested not to write on the currency notes as it defaces them & reduces their life pic.twitter.com/V8Lwk9TN8C — PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) January 8, 2023 × What is the Clean Note Policy? The Clean Note Policy was announced in 1999 by India's central bank- the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In a statement, the RBI says that the objective of the Clean Note Policy is to give the citizens good quality currency notes and coins while the soiled notes are withdrawn out of circulation. Ever since the policy was announced, several steps were taken for augmenting the supply of currency notes and coins. According to the RBI, people have been urged not to write on the currency notes and banks are instructed to provide unrestricted facilities for the exchange of soiled and mutilated notes. "As per the Reserve Bank instructions, currency chest branches of the banks must offer, even to non-customers, good quality notes and coins in exchange for soiled and mutilated notes," the central bank's statement adds. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Does writing on Indian rupee make it invalid? Here's a fact check

The Tata Group soon might start manufacturing iPhones in India as it's all set to acquire a major producing plant in Karnataka -- Wistron's iPhone factory. The group has been in talks with this Taiwanese company for months now. The deal will be finalised by the end of March this year,&nbsp;a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

The source also claimed that both companies have been discussing the deal for a long and have decided that&nbsp;Tata Group should take a&nbsp;majority of the joint venture. Though, the official statements have not yet been made. The deal is expected to be completed by March.

Watch |&nbsp;Apple's iPhone exports from India surpass $2.5 billion

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If the Tata Group is able to acquire the factory, then it will be India's first home-grown iPhone manufacturer, which is likely to give a boost to the government's aim of making India an electronic manufacturing hub. According to India Today, some iPhones are assembled in India but are not manufactured.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-to-sign-luxshare-for-iphone-production-in-china-says-report-hikes-battery-replacement-price-by-20-549591">Also read |&nbsp;Apple to sign Luxshare for iPhone production in China, says report; hikes battery replacement price by $20</a>

In an interview with Bloomberg, N Ganapathy Subramaniam, the operating chief at Tata Consultancy Services said, "I am not directly involved in that, but it should be really good for India because this is going to create an opportunity in India to manufacture electronics and microelectronics."

If iPhone production begins&nbsp;in India, then it&nbsp;might be possible that the devices will be available to users&nbsp;at cheaper rates than they usually are.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Tata Group soon might start manufacturing iPhones in India as it's all set to acquire a major producing plant in Karnataka -- Wistron's iPhone factory. The group has been in talks with this Taiwanese company for months now.

The Tata Group soon might start manufacturing iPhones in India as it's all set to acquire a major producing plant in Karnataka -- Wistron's iPhone factory. The group has been in talks with this Taiwanese company for months now. The deal will be finalised by the end of March this year, a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. The source also claimed that both companies have been discussing the deal for a long and have decided that Tata Group should take a majority of the joint venture. Though, the official statements have not yet been made. The deal is expected to be completed by March. Watch | Apple's iPhone exports from India surpass $2.5 billion If the Tata Group is able to acquire the factory, then it will be India's first home-grown iPhone manufacturer, which is likely to give a boost to the government's aim of making India an electronic manufacturing hub. According to India Today, some iPhones are assembled in India but are not manufactured. Also read | Apple to sign Luxshare for iPhone production in China, says report; hikes battery replacement price by $20 In an interview with Bloomberg, N Ganapathy Subramaniam, the operating chief at Tata Consultancy Services said, "I am not directly involved in that, but it should be really good for India because this is going to create an opportunity in India to manufacture electronics and microelectronics." If iPhone production begins in India, then it might be possible that the devices will be available to users at cheaper rates than they usually are. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India to get its first homegrown iPhone maker as Tata Group nears takeover, says source

Three soldiers of the Indian Army were killed in North Kashmir's Kupwara district's&nbsp;Machil sector after slipping into a deep gorge. The soldiers were a part of a regular operational task in the Machhal Sector and due to inclement weather and tough terrain, the soldiers slipped into a deep gorge and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

A routine operational task was undertaken on 10 Jan 2023 at about 5:30 PM in the Sector, along a narrow winter track. While moving towards the forward post, snow along the narrow track broke, leading to the slipping of one JCO and two Jawans into a deep gorge. A search and rescue operation was immediately launched with troops from the nearest post. In spite of adverse weather conditions and rough terrain sustained efforts of the search party led to the recovery of the mortal remains of the three brave soldiers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-jk-govt-promises-free-education-to-children-of-martyred-police-officers-551127">Also read |&nbsp;India: J&amp;K gov't promises free education to children of martyred police officers</a>

The three soldiers were identified as&nbsp;Nb Sub Parshotam Kumar, Hav Amrik Singh&nbsp;and&nbsp;Amit Sharma.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-village-gets-electricity-for-the-first-time-after-indias-independence-550715">Also read |&nbsp;Kashmir village gets electricity for the first time after India’s Independence</a>

''Late Nb Sub Parshotam Kumar was forty-three years old and had joined the Army in 1996. He belonged to Village Majua Uttami, Post Raika, Tehsil, Bishnah, District Jammu in J&amp;K. The braveheart is survived by his wife and two children, said&nbsp;PRO (Defence), Srinagar. Late Hav Amrik Singh was thirty-nine years old and joined the Army in 2001. He belonged to Village Mandwara, Post Marwari, Tehsil Ghanari, and District Una in Himachal Pradesh. The braveheart is survived by his wife and one son. Late Amit Sharma was twenty-three years old and joined the Army in 2019. He belonged to Village Talasi Khurd, Post Kirwin, Tehsil Hamirpur, and District Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. The Braveheart is survived by his mother, '' he added.&nbsp;

The mortal remains of the three soldiers will be taken for last rites to their respective native places, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours.&nbsp;

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Three soldiers of the Indian Army were killed in North Kashmir's Kupwara district's Machil sector after slipping into a deep gorge. The soldiers were a part of a regular operational task in the Machhal Sector and due to inclement weather and tough terrain, the soldiers slipped into a deep gorge and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Three soldiers of the Indian Army were killed in North Kashmir's Kupwara district's Machil sector after slipping into a deep gorge. The soldiers were a part of a regular operational task in the Machhal Sector and due to inclement weather and tough terrain, the soldiers slipped into a deep gorge and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. A routine operational task was undertaken on 10 Jan 2023 at about 5:30 PM in the Sector, along a narrow winter track. While moving towards the forward post, snow along the narrow track broke, leading to the slipping of one JCO and two Jawans into a deep gorge. A search and rescue operation was immediately launched with troops from the nearest post. In spite of adverse weather conditions and rough terrain sustained efforts of the search party led to the recovery of the mortal remains of the three brave soldiers. Also read | India: J&K gov't promises free education to children of martyred police officers The three soldiers were identified as Nb Sub Parshotam Kumar, Hav Amrik Singh and Amit Sharma. Also read | Kashmir village gets electricity for the first time after India’s Independence ''Late Nb Sub Parshotam Kumar was forty-three years old and had joined the Army in 1996. He belonged to Village Majua Uttami, Post Raika, Tehsil, Bishnah, District Jammu in J&K. The braveheart is survived by his wife and two children, said PRO (Defence), Srinagar. Late Hav Amrik Singh was thirty-nine years old and joined the Army in 2001. He belonged to Village Mandwara, Post Marwari, Tehsil Ghanari, and District Una in Himachal Pradesh. The braveheart is survived by his wife and one son. Late Amit Sharma was twenty-three years old and joined the Army in 2019. He belonged to Village Talasi Khurd, Post Kirwin, Tehsil Hamirpur, and District Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. The Braveheart is survived by his mother, '' he added. The mortal remains of the three soldiers will be taken for last rites to their respective native places, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Three Indian Army soldiers killed in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district

The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) of India and its similar network in Singapore, PayNow, will soon be integrated, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which will result in a 10 per cent&nbsp;reduction in remittance costs, according to a PTI report.

The government seeks to reduce the risks of a financial or geopolitical scenario in which traditional payment channels are disrupted by creating a worldwide UPI ecosystem as a bigger strategy based on the geopolitical unrest seen in recent times.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/paytm-says-delhi-ncr-emerges-as-indias-digital-payments-capital-report-547604">Also read |&nbsp;Paytm says Delhi-NCR emerges as India's digital payments capital: Report</a>

The two digital payment networks between India and Singapore would be interoperable, enabling seamless remittances between the two countries at a very affordable rate.

"Integration of UPI and Singapore's PayNow with India is ready and waiting for launch," said Sopnendu Mohanty, chief fintech officer of the Singapore Central Bank, at the G20 financial inclusion meeting in Kolkata.

"As of now, remittance to India is at least 1 billion Singapore Dollars, and India to Singapore will be 200-300 million Singapore Dollars," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;UPI's meteoric rise: India's UPI transactions rise over 7.82 billion in December 2022

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Mohanty anticipates that these payment networks' interoperability with Malaysia and India also would occur virtually simultaneously. Besides financial and legal constraints, Mohanty claimed that data-sharing requirements outweigh technological difficulties.

Aadhaar &amp; India Stack lead architect Pramod Verma predicted that Dubai and a few other nations would soon see a similar level of interoperability.

According to him, this connectivity will also enable Indian visitors to Singapore to make UPI payments. Singapore already has a partnership with PromPay in Indonesia to simplify cross-border transfers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-google-pay-phonepe-and-other-upi-apps-may-impose-transaction-limit-paytm-to-remain-unaffected-536903">Also read |&nbsp;India: Google Pay, PhonePe and other UPI apps may impose transaction limit; Paytm to remain unaffected</a>

Dilip Asbe, MD &amp; CEO of National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), stated that India is prepared to provide UPI technologies and codes free of charge to assist other countries in developing digital payment infrastructure.

France, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the Maldives, Bhutan, and Oman are some other nations that have embraced various Indian payment methods.

That suggests Indians would now be able to transact in these nations using UPI, RuPay, etc.

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The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) of India and its similar network in Singapore, PayNow, will soon be integrated, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which will result in a 10 per cent reduction in remittance costs, according to a PTI report.

The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) of India and its similar network in Singapore, PayNow, will soon be integrated, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which will result in a 10 per cent reduction in remittance costs, according to a PTI report. The government seeks to reduce the risks of a financial or geopolitical scenario in which traditional payment channels are disrupted by creating a worldwide UPI ecosystem as a bigger strategy based on the geopolitical unrest seen in recent times. Also read | Paytm says Delhi-NCR emerges as India's digital payments capital: Report The two digital payment networks between India and Singapore would be interoperable, enabling seamless remittances between the two countries at a very affordable rate. "Integration of UPI and Singapore's PayNow with India is ready and waiting for launch," said Sopnendu Mohanty, chief fintech officer of the Singapore Central Bank, at the G20 financial inclusion meeting in Kolkata. "As of now, remittance to India is at least 1 billion Singapore Dollars, and India to Singapore will be 200-300 million Singapore Dollars," he said. Watch | UPI's meteoric rise: India's UPI transactions rise over 7.82 billion in December 2022 Mohanty anticipates that these payment networks' interoperability with Malaysia and India also would occur virtually simultaneously. Besides financial and legal constraints, Mohanty claimed that data-sharing requirements outweigh technological difficulties. Aadhaar & India Stack lead architect Pramod Verma predicted that Dubai and a few other nations would soon see a similar level of interoperability. According to him, this connectivity will also enable Indian visitors to Singapore to make UPI payments. Singapore already has a partnership with PromPay in Indonesia to simplify cross-border transfers. Also read | India: Google Pay, PhonePe and other UPI apps may impose transaction limit; Paytm to remain unaffected Dilip Asbe, MD & CEO of National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), stated that India is prepared to provide UPI technologies and codes free of charge to assist other countries in developing digital payment infrastructure. France, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the Maldives, Bhutan, and Oman are some other nations that have embraced various Indian payment methods. That suggests Indians would now be able to transact in these nations using UPI, RuPay, etc. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's UPI, Singapore's Paynow to integrate soon, says an official at a G20 meeting

Shankar Mishra, an Indian man accused of urinating on an elderly&nbsp;female co-flyer on&nbsp;an Air India flight, has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days until January 21. The court will hear his bail plea on January 11. Earlier, the Delhi Police arrested him from a home stay in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Air India has also initiated a probe from their side along with imposing a ban on Mishra for 30 days.&nbsp;

Allegations state that Mishra urinated on his female co-passenger on an Air India flight from New York to New Delhi. Furthermore, they were in business class, and Mishra was under the influence of alcohol.

Also Read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/dgca-issues-advisory-to-airlines-for-handling-disruptive-passengers-on-board-what-does-it-entail-550104">India: DGCA issues advisory to airlines for handling unruly passengers on board, what does it entail</a>

The CEO of Air India, a Tata-owned airline, Campbell Wilson, apologised for the incident. He mentioned that the company is reviewing their policies on serving alcohol. Moreover, Air India has also de-rostered four cabin crew and a pilot.&nbsp;

Mishra served as the vice president of the India unit of US financial services company Wells Fargo. However, the company sacked Mishra after the incident came to light.

Watch |&nbsp;Chinese billionaire Jack Ma to give up control of Ant Group

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Furthermore, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) called Air India's way of handling the incident 'unprofessional.' They issued a show cause notice to the carrier and noted that it was 'dereliction' of duty while addressing the incident.&nbsp;

CEO Wilson, in his statement, agrees that they could have handled the situation better. Apart from the service of alcohol, Air India is also reviewing their complaint registration and incident and grievance management&nbsp;policies.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Shankar Mishra, an Indian man accused of urinating on an elderly female co-flyer on an Air India flight, has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days until January 21.

Shankar Mishra, an Indian man accused of urinating on an elderly female co-flyer on an Air India flight, has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days until January 21. The court will hear his bail plea on January 11. Earlier, the Delhi Police arrested him from a home stay in Bengaluru. Air India has also initiated a probe from their side along with imposing a ban on Mishra for 30 days. Allegations state that Mishra urinated on his female co-passenger on an Air India flight from New York to New Delhi. Furthermore, they were in business class, and Mishra was under the influence of alcohol. Also Read| India: DGCA issues advisory to airlines for handling unruly passengers on board, what does it entail The CEO of Air India, a Tata-owned airline, Campbell Wilson, apologised for the incident. He mentioned that the company is reviewing their policies on serving alcohol. Moreover, Air India has also de-rostered four cabin crew and a pilot. Mishra served as the vice president of the India unit of US financial services company Wells Fargo. However, the company sacked Mishra after the incident came to light. Watch | Chinese billionaire Jack Ma to give up control of Ant Group Furthermore, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) called Air India's way of handling the incident 'unprofessional.' They issued a show cause notice to the carrier and noted that it was 'dereliction' of duty while addressing the incident. CEO Wilson, in his statement, agrees that they could have handled the situation better. Apart from the service of alcohol, Air India is also reviewing their complaint registration and incident and grievance management policies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Air India passenger accused of urinating on woman co-flyer arrested, sent to custody for 14 days

Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday (January 7) regarding the land subsidence in the Joshimath town of&nbsp;Chamoli district. The meeting was attended by administration officials and public representatives after Dhami surveyed areas in Joshimath earlier in the day where roads and fields, houses and other establishments developed cracks because of land subsidence, a report by news agency ANI said.&nbsp;

Dhami also met with the displaced families who were relocated, and said scientists were looking into the cause of the land subsidence. The Chief Minister pointed out that the priority was to make sure that people were taken to safer places. The Uttarakhand government has sanctioned funds from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for providing houses at a cheaper rate to displaced families. As per Dhami, the houses will be provided to such families for Rs 4,000 per month for six months.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/joshimath-sinking-why-is-this-uttarakhand-town-falling-apart-550043">Joshimath sinking: Why is this town in India's Uttarakhand falling apart?</a>

Cracks have been found at several places on the Joshimath-Malari border road due to landslides in the town. A large portion of the Badrinath National Highway is also under the grip of the landslides. Many houses in the town are on the verge of collapse with terrified families evacuating.&nbsp;

The Chamoli district administration said on Friday that of the 561 establishments that reported cracks, 153 are in the Ravigram ward, 127 in the Gandhinagar ward, 28 in the Marwadi ward, 24 in the Lower Bazaar ward, 52 in the Singhdhar ward, 71 in the Manohar Bagh ward, 29 in the Upper Bazaar ward 27 in the Sunil ward and 50 in Parsari.&nbsp;

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On Saturday, Chamoli's district magistrate Himanshu Khurana said that there was no subsidence in the entire area of Joshimath. 
 
"There is no subsidence in the entire area of Joshimath, there is a part of the city where there are cracks but it is not big. There is a special place where cracks have increased," Khurana told ANI. Khurana said the work of shifting affected people to safer places was being done quickly and currently they would be shifted by acquiring safe hotels inside the town. "In Joshimath itself, the land of the Horticulture Department has also been searched for the construction of the shelter," the district magistrate added.&nbsp;

A team of experts including&nbsp;geologists and&nbsp;building specialists has surveyed landslide-affected areas and teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on standby. The Uttarakhand government has halted all construction activities in and around Joshimath.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, a plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India to immediately intervene for providing urgent relief to the people of Joshimath facing extremities and danger to life and property.&nbsp;The petition said, "No development is needed at the cost of human life and their ecosystem and if anything such is happening it is the duty of the State and Union governments to stop the same immediately at war level."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday (January 7) regarding the land subsidence in the Joshimath town of Chamoli district.

Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday (January 7) regarding the land subsidence in the Joshimath town of Chamoli district. The meeting was attended by administration officials and public representatives after Dhami surveyed areas in Joshimath earlier in the day where roads and fields, houses and other establishments developed cracks because of land subsidence, a report by news agency ANI said. Dhami also met with the displaced families who were relocated, and said scientists were looking into the cause of the land subsidence. The Chief Minister pointed out that the priority was to make sure that people were taken to safer places. The Uttarakhand government has sanctioned funds from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for providing houses at a cheaper rate to displaced families. As per Dhami, the houses will be provided to such families for Rs 4,000 per month for six months. ALSO READ | Joshimath sinking: Why is this town in India's Uttarakhand falling apart? Cracks have been found at several places on the Joshimath-Malari border road due to landslides in the town. A large portion of the Badrinath National Highway is also under the grip of the landslides. Many houses in the town are on the verge of collapse with terrified families evacuating. The Chamoli district administration said on Friday that of the 561 establishments that reported cracks, 153 are in the Ravigram ward, 127 in the Gandhinagar ward, 28 in the Marwadi ward, 24 in the Lower Bazaar ward, 52 in the Singhdhar ward, 71 in the Manohar Bagh ward, 29 in the Upper Bazaar ward 27 in the Sunil ward and 50 in Parsari. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami holds a meeting with senior officials at the Disaster Operation Center in the Dehradun Secretariat over Joshimath land subsidence concerns following his today's visit to the affected town pic.twitter.com/NojygoGuym — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) January 7, 2023 × On Saturday, Chamoli's district magistrate Himanshu Khurana said that there was no subsidence in the entire area of Joshimath. "There is no subsidence in the entire area of Joshimath, there is a part of the city where there are cracks but it is not big. There is a special place where cracks have increased," Khurana told ANI. Khurana said the work of shifting affected people to safer places was being done quickly and currently they would be shifted by acquiring safe hotels inside the town. "In Joshimath itself, the land of the Horticulture Department has also been searched for the construction of the shelter," the district magistrate added. A team of experts including geologists and building specialists has surveyed landslide-affected areas and teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on standby. The Uttarakhand government has halted all construction activities in and around Joshimath. Meanwhile, a plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India to immediately intervene for providing urgent relief to the people of Joshimath facing extremities and danger to life and property. The petition said, "No development is needed at the cost of human life and their ecosystem and if anything such is happening it is the duty of the State and Union governments to stop the same immediately at war level." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Joshimath landslide: Uttarakhand CM chairs high-level meeting; official says subsidence not in entire area

India assumed the G20 Presidency in December last year, the G20 coordinator described this moment as the mega national event. From solving the supply chain disruptions to taking the digitalisation movement worldwide. Watch the video to know more on what Harsh Shringla said.

Chief Coordination of India's G20 Presidency Harsh Shringla speaks to WION on India's priorities

The latest industry data says that India has surpassed Japan in auto sales last year; making it the world's third-largest auto market behind China and the United States. The numbers say that India sold at least 4.25 million new vehicles going past Japan's 4.2 million.

India becomes world's third-largest auto market surpassing Japan in auto sales

"If you hear the word Ceylon (Sri Lankan) tea, you must see the picture of the tea plucker (lady), that plucker is of Indian origin...Yet, this woman is not recognised at all.. She is the one who plucks the tea leaf that the Queen or King of England drinks! Yet, she does not know that.. We have been striving hard to give them better living conditions", says Sivakumar Nadesan, President of the Global Organisation of the People of Indian origin in Sri Lanka. Nadesan is a recipient of the 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA), the highest honour conferred by the Indian Government on the country's diaspora.&nbsp;

The award that has been announced by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs is a recognition of Nadesan's efforts towards the welfare of the Indian Tamil community, an economically disadvantaged and neglected minority community in the island nation of Sri Lanka. He actively promotes business and cultural exchanges between India and Sri Lanka and has been instrumental in inviting many Indian artists to perform in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-space-agency-isro-trains-31-foreign-engineers-in-nanosatellite-building-547145">Also read |&nbsp;Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building</a>

"We have been looking at the issue of Indian origin Tamils (IOTs), who came here 200 years ago and worked on the tea plantations, railways, roads.They (IOTs) were brought here by the British and they developed Sri Lanka to the extent that the country was known. Our first roads and railways were laid by the IOTs. There were coffee plantations originally and then it got wiped out owing to a disease affecting the plant. Then the tea plantation workers began planting tea bushes", Nadesan highlights the contributions of the community that he and his organization have been striving for.

Providing better living conditions, education, housing, healthcare, and nutrition and creating awareness about the same among the Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka, are his key focus areas. He also looks forward to working with the Indian Government to provide housing for the Indian Tamil population in the island nation. He also hopes to negotiate with the Indian Government to set up classrooms, science labs, a nursing school and a university, in addition to the hospital that India has already provided. Among his projects is also to create&nbsp;of a museum to chronicle the history of the Indian Tamil community and their culture and traditions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-first-project-to-conserve-endangered-mountain-goat-nilgiri-tahr-547440">Also read |&nbsp;India's first project to conserve endangered mountain goat 'Nilgiri Tahr'</a>

Nadesan is the second Sri Lankan national to be conferred the PBSA and he has been selected for his work in the realm of 'Community Welfare'. The PBSA jury is chaired by Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr S&nbsp;Jaishankar. The 17th&nbsp;edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Indian Diaspora Day) Convention is to be held between 8-10th&nbsp;January at Indore, Madhya Pradesh and the awards will be conferred by the Indian president. A total of 27 awardees from across categories will be receiving the awards, as per the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

Sivakumar Nadesan has been serving as the Managing Director of Express Newspapers Ceylon Limited and as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Press Institute and the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

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"If you hear the word Ceylon (Sri Lankan) tea, you must see the picture of the tea plucker (lady), that plucker is of Indian origin...Yet, this woman is not recognised at all.

"If you hear the word Ceylon (Sri Lankan) tea, you must see the picture of the tea plucker (lady), that plucker is of Indian origin...Yet, this woman is not recognised at all.. She is the one who plucks the tea leaf that the Queen or King of England drinks! Yet, she does not know that.. We have been striving hard to give them better living conditions", says Sivakumar Nadesan, President of the Global Organisation of the People of Indian origin in Sri Lanka. Nadesan is a recipient of the 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA), the highest honour conferred by the Indian Government on the country's diaspora. The award that has been announced by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs is a recognition of Nadesan's efforts towards the welfare of the Indian Tamil community, an economically disadvantaged and neglected minority community in the island nation of Sri Lanka. He actively promotes business and cultural exchanges between India and Sri Lanka and has been instrumental in inviting many Indian artists to perform in Sri Lanka. Also read | Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building "We have been looking at the issue of Indian origin Tamils (IOTs), who came here 200 years ago and worked on the tea plantations, railways, roads.They (IOTs) were brought here by the British and they developed Sri Lanka to the extent that the country was known. Our first roads and railways were laid by the IOTs. There were coffee plantations originally and then it got wiped out owing to a disease affecting the plant. Then the tea plantation workers began planting tea bushes", Nadesan highlights the contributions of the community that he and his organization have been striving for. Providing better living conditions, education, housing, healthcare, and nutrition and creating awareness about the same among the Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka, are his key focus areas. He also looks forward to working with the Indian Government to provide housing for the Indian Tamil population in the island nation. He also hopes to negotiate with the Indian Government to set up classrooms, science labs, a nursing school and a university, in addition to the hospital that India has already provided. Among his projects is also to create of a museum to chronicle the history of the Indian Tamil community and their culture and traditions. Also read | India's first project to conserve endangered mountain goat 'Nilgiri Tahr' Nadesan is the second Sri Lankan national to be conferred the PBSA and he has been selected for his work in the realm of 'Community Welfare'. The PBSA jury is chaired by Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. The 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Indian Diaspora Day) Convention is to be held between 8-10th January at Indore, Madhya Pradesh and the awards will be conferred by the Indian president. A total of 27 awardees from across categories will be receiving the awards, as per the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Sivakumar Nadesan has been serving as the Managing Director of Express Newspapers Ceylon Limited and as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Press Institute and the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sivakumar Nadesan awarded 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for upliftment of Indian-origin Tamils in Lanka

Byju Raveendran and Divya Gokulnath,&nbsp;the founders of Indian ed-tech giant BYJU's, are planning to increase their stake in the company to about 40% and have initiated talks with investors. Currently, Raveendran and Gokulnath jointly hold around 25% stake in the company.&nbsp;

Some of the investors of BYJU's include Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), Prosus Ventures, Sequoia Capital India, Bond, Silver Lake, Owl Ventures, UBS, Blackrock and Sands Capital Management among others. BYJU's had raised $250 million in its last funding round at an enterprise valuation of $22 billion.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-tech-startup-byjus-ceo-summoned-by-indias-apex-child-rights-body-over-allegations-of-malpractice-544400">Ed-tech startup Byju's CEO summoned by India's apex child rights body over allegations of malpractice</a>

Speaking to news agency PTI on Wednesday (January 4), a person familiar with the developments said, "There is an intention of Byju's founders to double their stake in the company. The discussions are at exploratory level with investors to raise debt.''

In May last year, BYJU's founders raised their stake from 23% to 25% in an $800 million funding round led by Byju Raveendran.&nbsp;

In the financial year 2020-21, BYJU's reported a loss of Rs 4,588 crore compared to Rs 232 crore in 2019-20. Revenues also recorded a drop in FY21 to Rs 2,428 crore from Rs 2,511 crore in FY20, PTI reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The ed-tech giant has claimed it will turn profitable by March and is planning to focus more on inside sales calls, email, and video calling to reduce operational costs.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Byju Raveendran and Divya Gokulnath, the founders of Indian ed-tech giant BYJU's, are planning to increase their stake in the company to about 40% and have initiated talks with investors.

Byju Raveendran and Divya Gokulnath, the founders of Indian ed-tech giant BYJU's, are planning to increase their stake in the company to about 40% and have initiated talks with investors. Currently, Raveendran and Gokulnath jointly hold around 25% stake in the company. Some of the investors of BYJU's include Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), Prosus Ventures, Sequoia Capital India, Bond, Silver Lake, Owl Ventures, UBS, Blackrock and Sands Capital Management among others. BYJU's had raised $250 million in its last funding round at an enterprise valuation of $22 billion. ALSO READ | Ed-tech startup Byju's CEO summoned by India's apex child rights body over allegations of malpractice Speaking to news agency PTI on Wednesday (January 4), a person familiar with the developments said, "There is an intention of Byju's founders to double their stake in the company. The discussions are at exploratory level with investors to raise debt.'' In May last year, BYJU's founders raised their stake from 23% to 25% in an $800 million funding round led by Byju Raveendran. In the financial year 2020-21, BYJU's reported a loss of Rs 4,588 crore compared to Rs 232 crore in 2019-20. Revenues also recorded a drop in FY21 to Rs 2,428 crore from Rs 2,511 crore in FY20, PTI reported on Wednesday. The ed-tech giant has claimed it will turn profitable by March and is planning to focus more on inside sales calls, email, and video calling to reduce operational costs. (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.

BYJU's founders planning to increase stake in the company to 40%: Report

Supreme Court of India has ruled that no more restrictions other than those which are permissible under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution can be imposed on the free speech of the public functionaries. Article 19 (2) of the Indian Constitution authorises the government to impose by law resonable impositions on freedom of speech and expression.

India's top court on free speech of MPs, MLAs, says 'no more restrictions on free speech'

In India, as concerns are rising over the addictiveness of games and as patchy state laws disrupt business, India has proposed a self-regulatory body for the online gaming industry. The country has issued draft amendments yesterday.

World Business Watch: India proposes self-regulatory body for online gaming industry

A stampede broke out at another event of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday, killing three women and injuring some other people. The event was being organised by the TDP in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur for the distribution of Sankranti gifts among the poor, according to a report by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

The incident occurred when the TDP was distributing gifts among the poor in association with a voluntary organisation. A large number of women queued up to get the gifts, with some of them breaking the line and trying to move forward thereby resulting in the stampede.&nbsp;

One woman died on the spot while the other two succumbed at a government hospital. The stampede occurred after Chandrababu Naidu left the venue after launching the programme.&nbsp;

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TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock at the incident at Guntur in which three people died in a stampede. He also announced to provide ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. <a href="https://t.co/iCOhubboqs">https://t.co/iCOhubboqs</a>
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Police officials paid a visit to the spot with an official telling PTI that the programme was suspended soon after the stampede.&nbsp;

Chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock over the stampede at Guntur and instructed officials to ensure quality medicare to those injured. Andhra Pradesh home minister Minister V. Rajini, who visited the government hospital, blamed Chandrababu Naidu for the deaths, alleging people were dying due to his stunts.&nbsp;

Naidu, while expressing shock, announced to provide ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

This is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-seven-killed-several-injured-in-stampede-at-former-cm-naidus-roadshow-in-andhra-pradesh-547485">second such incident at another event of Naidu in less than </a>a week.&nbsp;

On December 28, eight people, including two women, were killed in a stampede during a roadshow of the former chief minister in Kundukur town of Nellore district.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A stampede broke out at another event of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday, killing three women and injuring some other people.

A stampede broke out at another event of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday, killing three women and injuring some other people. The event was being organised by the TDP in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur for the distribution of Sankranti gifts among the poor, according to a report by news agency PTI. The incident occurred when the TDP was distributing gifts among the poor in association with a voluntary organisation. A large number of women queued up to get the gifts, with some of them breaking the line and trying to move forward thereby resulting in the stampede. One woman died on the spot while the other two succumbed at a government hospital. The stampede occurred after Chandrababu Naidu left the venue after launching the programme. TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock at the incident at Guntur in which three people died in a stampede. He also announced to provide ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. https://t.co/iCOhubboqs — ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2023 × Police officials paid a visit to the spot with an official telling PTI that the programme was suspended soon after the stampede. Chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock over the stampede at Guntur and instructed officials to ensure quality medicare to those injured. Andhra Pradesh home minister Minister V. Rajini, who visited the government hospital, blamed Chandrababu Naidu for the deaths, alleging people were dying due to his stunts. Naidu, while expressing shock, announced to provide ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, news agency ANI reported. This is the second such incident at another event of Naidu in less than a week. On December 28, eight people, including two women, were killed in a stampede during a roadshow of the former chief minister in Kundukur town of Nellore district. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Andhra Pradesh: Three dead in stampede at another Chandrababu Naidu event

The Ministry of Commerce in India has been asked to monitor exports of medicinal products and equipment to China to ensure the domestic availability in case of any Covid spike in the country, news agency Reuters reported on Saturday (December 31) citing people familiar with developments.&nbsp;On Thursday, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya had chaired a meeting with pharmaceutical companies and senior officials to review the availability of medicines and monitor their stocks and prices.&nbsp;

Pharmaceutical companies were asked to keep a close watch on the global supply chain scenario and ensure adequate stocks and availability of all drugs including those for treating Covid.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-looking-at-indian-market-for-approved-covid-19-drugs-as-demand-increases-547447">China looking at Indian market for approved Covid-19 drugs as demand increases</a>

During the meeting, health minister Mandaviya said, "India's pharmaceutical industry is robust, resilient and responsive. It is due to their strength that we could not only meet our own demand during the pandemic but also be in a position to supply medicines to 150 countries."&nbsp;This was achieved without any fall in quality and no hike in the price of the medicines, Mandaviya stressed.&nbsp;

India has currently not seen any spike in infections, however, the worsening pandemic situation in other countries including China and Japan raises concerns.&nbsp;

The government has revised guidelines for international arrivals. From Sunday, international arrivals from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand and Japan will have to mandatorily undergo pre-departure RT-PCR testing which is to be conducted 72 hours before undertaking the journey.&nbsp;

The Air Suvidha Portal is operational with a provision to allow passengers to submit/upload negative RT-PCR test reports and also submit self-declaration forms.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/serum-insititute-of-india-to-provide-20-million-covishield-vaccines-worth-495-million-to-govt-free-of-cost-547458">Serum Institute of India to provide 20 mln Covishield vaccines worth $49.5 million to govt free of cost</a>

Authorities have already been carrying out random sampling at airports across India. ANI reported on Saturday that a total of 53 international travellers tested positive for Covid during the random sampling.&nbsp;

"A total of 53 international travellers, tested positive for Covid-19 during 2 per cent random sampling, at airports across the country, out of 5,666 samples collected so far. That`s only 0.94 per cent," people familiar with developments told the news agency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Ministry of Commerce in India has been asked to monitor exports of medicinal products and equipment to China to ensure the domestic availability in case of any Covid spike in the country, news agency Reuters reported on Saturday (December 31) citing people familiar with developments.

The Ministry of Commerce in India has been asked to monitor exports of medicinal products and equipment to China to ensure the domestic availability in case of any Covid spike in the country, news agency Reuters reported on Saturday (December 31) citing people familiar with developments. On Thursday, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya had chaired a meeting with pharmaceutical companies and senior officials to review the availability of medicines and monitor their stocks and prices. Pharmaceutical companies were asked to keep a close watch on the global supply chain scenario and ensure adequate stocks and availability of all drugs including those for treating Covid. ALSO READ | China looking at Indian market for approved Covid-19 drugs as demand increases During the meeting, health minister Mandaviya said, "India's pharmaceutical industry is robust, resilient and responsive. It is due to their strength that we could not only meet our own demand during the pandemic but also be in a position to supply medicines to 150 countries." This was achieved without any fall in quality and no hike in the price of the medicines, Mandaviya stressed. India has currently not seen any spike in infections, however, the worsening pandemic situation in other countries including China and Japan raises concerns. The government has revised guidelines for international arrivals. From Sunday, international arrivals from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand and Japan will have to mandatorily undergo pre-departure RT-PCR testing which is to be conducted 72 hours before undertaking the journey. The Air Suvidha Portal is operational with a provision to allow passengers to submit/upload negative RT-PCR test reports and also submit self-declaration forms. ALSO READ | Serum Institute of India to provide 20 mln Covishield vaccines worth $49.5 million to govt free of cost Authorities have already been carrying out random sampling at airports across India. ANI reported on Saturday that a total of 53 international travellers tested positive for Covid during the random sampling. "A total of 53 international travellers, tested positive for Covid-19 during 2 per cent random sampling, at airports across the country, out of 5,666 samples collected so far. That`s only 0.94 per cent," people familiar with developments told the news agency. (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.

Amid Covid scare, Indian commerce ministry asked to monitor pharma exports to China

India is on a very clear path positioning itself as a global power. Watch the video to know why India's Army, Navy and Airforce are becoming ideal partners of choice for militaries across the world.

India on path to position itself as global power

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben Modi passed away at the age of 100. Taking to Twitter, the Indian Prime Minister posted a heartfelt message announcing the demise of his mother, he said that 'a glorious century rests at the feet of god.'

India: PM Modi's mother Heeraben Modi dies at age 100; PM Modi pays tribute on Twitter

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant suffered injuries after the car that he was travelling in collided with a divider in Uttarakhand. The accident took place on the Delhi-Dehradun highway when he was travelling from Delhi. As per the latest reports, he was taken to AIIMS hospital in Rishikesh.

BREAKING: Cricketer Rishabh Pant injured in accident on Delhi-Dehradun highway in India

Nilgiri Tahr (locally known as Varaiaadu), a critically endangered mountain goat species is found in the forests of the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 
 
Estimates from a 2015 World Wildlife Fund for Nature report suggest that there are only 3,122 Nilgiri Tahr, indicating its dwindling numbers. These mountain goats used to inhabit a large part of the Western Ghats between Kerala and Tamil Nadu but have been severely restricted to a few areas owing to habitat loss, biotic pressure, invasive species and climate change etc. A new project has been announced to protect and conserve the animal.&nbsp;

The Tamil Nadu Government issued orders for setting up "The Project Nilgiri Tahr", which aims to protect what is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;The government order detailed that the project shall be set up at a cost of Rs. 25.14 Crore ($ 3.03 million) and is to be implemented during a five-year period from 2022-2027.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-space-agency-isro-trains-31-foreign-engineers-in-nanosatellite-building-547145">Also read |&nbsp;Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building</a>

The project will involve a&nbsp;multipronged strategy such as synchronised surveys to estimate numbers of Nilgiri Tahr individuals through the use of radio telemetry, radio collaring etc. The project will also have a major component to restore the fragmented habitats of the Tahr. Restoration of shola grasslands which is the major habitat for the animal will be taken up as a priority activity, the government order stated. In order to enhance awareness about the need for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr, October 7th&nbsp;would be celebrated as "Nilgiri Tahr Day," it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-trust-elon-musk-spacex-says-22-year-old-dev-joshi-on-his-week-long-trip-to-moon-545916">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive: 'Trust Elon Musk &amp; SpaceX', says 22-year-old Dev Joshi on his week-long trip to Moon</a>

Nilgiri Tahr is the only caprine (goat or sheep) species found in the tropical mountains of southern India. The Tahrs inhabit meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300-2600 meters above sea level. The species can live in the wild for up to nine years, however, its typical lifespan is around three years, owing to high infant mortality rates. In captivity, the species can live up to 20 years and the Tahr can give birth to one lamb each year, after a six-month gestation period. Tigers, leopards and wild dogs are the primary predators that target the Nilgiri Tahr.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Nilgiri Tahr (locally known as Varaiaadu), a critically endangered mountain goat species is found in the forests of the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Nilgiri Tahr (locally known as Varaiaadu), a critically endangered mountain goat species is found in the forests of the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Estimates from a 2015 World Wildlife Fund for Nature report suggest that there are only 3,122 Nilgiri Tahr, indicating its dwindling numbers. These mountain goats used to inhabit a large part of the Western Ghats between Kerala and Tamil Nadu but have been severely restricted to a few areas owing to habitat loss, biotic pressure, invasive species and climate change etc. A new project has been announced to protect and conserve the animal. The Tamil Nadu Government issued orders for setting up "The Project Nilgiri Tahr", which aims to protect what is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. The government order detailed that the project shall be set up at a cost of Rs. 25.14 Crore ($ 3.03 million) and is to be implemented during a five-year period from 2022-2027. Also read | Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building The project will involve a multipronged strategy such as synchronised surveys to estimate numbers of Nilgiri Tahr individuals through the use of radio telemetry, radio collaring etc. The project will also have a major component to restore the fragmented habitats of the Tahr. Restoration of shola grasslands which is the major habitat for the animal will be taken up as a priority activity, the government order stated. In order to enhance awareness about the need for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr, October 7th would be celebrated as "Nilgiri Tahr Day," it added. Also read | Exclusive: 'Trust Elon Musk & SpaceX', says 22-year-old Dev Joshi on his week-long trip to Moon Nilgiri Tahr is the only caprine (goat or sheep) species found in the tropical mountains of southern India. The Tahrs inhabit meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300-2600 meters above sea level. The species can live in the wild for up to nine years, however, its typical lifespan is around three years, owing to high infant mortality rates. In captivity, the species can live up to 20 years and the Tahr can give birth to one lamb each year, after a six-month gestation period. Tigers, leopards and wild dogs are the primary predators that target the Nilgiri Tahr. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's first project to conserve endangered mountain goat 'Nilgiri Tahr'

Amid a decline in China's construction sector and both the US and Europe heading towards recession, India has now emerged as a saviour flagging global steel demand.&nbsp;

India is all set to overtake China as the world's most populous nation. In an effort to compete with China as a manufacturing hub, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking to modernise roads, rail networks and ports.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/salaries-of-it-ceos-climbed-by-1500-compared-to-only-50-for-new-hires-business-today-analysis-547060">Also read |&nbsp;India: Salaries of IT CEOs climbed by 1,500% compared to only 50% for new hires, says report</a>

According to a report, the World Steel Association has anticipated a 6.7 percent increase in steel demand or nearly 120 million tonnes in 2023 making it the biggest such increase among major economies.&nbsp;

The report also highlighted a positive outlook for the steel sector.&nbsp;

India, which had a similar growth this year, surpassed the US to become the world's number 2 steel consumer after China.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India's Tata Steel seeks support from UK government

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JSW Steel Ltd deputy managing director Jayant Acharya told Bloomberg that the nation-building phase of any economy requires a lot of steel and other commodities.&nbsp;

Acharya added, India is currently in this phase and it could boost the country's steel consumption to over 200 million tonnes by the end of 2030.&nbsp;

To do so, many companies have been setting up their projects in India.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-steel-hub-curbing-output-for-blue-skies-before-xis-coronation-524542">Also read |&nbsp;China’s steel hub curbing output for blue skies before Xi's 'coronation'</a>

ArcelorMittal Nippon India Ltd., &nbsp;a joint project between India's Mittal and Japan has planned to triple capacity to nearly 30 million tonnes by 2030.&nbsp;

Similarly, Asia's richest man Gautam Adani and &nbsp;South Korea's steelmaker Posco Holdings inc. have been setting up mills in India. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Amid a decline in China's construction sector and both the US and Europe heading towards recession, India has now emerged as a saviour flagging global steel demand.

Amid a decline in China's construction sector and both the US and Europe heading towards recession, India has now emerged as a saviour flagging global steel demand. India is all set to overtake China as the world's most populous nation. In an effort to compete with China as a manufacturing hub, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking to modernise roads, rail networks and ports. Also read | India: Salaries of IT CEOs climbed by 1,500% compared to only 50% for new hires, says report According to a report, the World Steel Association has anticipated a 6.7 percent increase in steel demand or nearly 120 million tonnes in 2023 making it the biggest such increase among major economies. The report also highlighted a positive outlook for the steel sector. India, which had a similar growth this year, surpassed the US to become the world's number 2 steel consumer after China. Watch | India's Tata Steel seeks support from UK government JSW Steel Ltd deputy managing director Jayant Acharya told Bloomberg that the nation-building phase of any economy requires a lot of steel and other commodities. Acharya added, India is currently in this phase and it could boost the country's steel consumption to over 200 million tonnes by the end of 2030. To do so, many companies have been setting up their projects in India. Also read | China’s steel hub curbing output for blue skies before Xi's 'coronation' ArcelorMittal Nippon India Ltd., a joint project between India's Mittal and Japan has planned to triple capacity to nearly 30 million tonnes by 2030. Similarly, Asia's richest man Gautam Adani and South Korea's steelmaker Posco Holdings inc. have been setting up mills in India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid decline in China's construction sector, India emerges as 'saviour' for global steel demand, says report 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has imparted nanosatellite assembly courses and relevant training to 31 delegates from 19 nations. Conducted by ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, which is responsible for designing and developing India's satellites, the two-months long training involved lessons on general satellite technology,&nbsp;nanosatellite design and testing. Nanosatellites are generally regarded as those weighing less than 10 kg.&nbsp;

Known as UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly &amp; Training by ISRO (UNNATI), the training programme was conducted by experts and scientists from ISRO centres such as UR Rao Satellite Centre, Space Applications Centre, ISRO Headquarters, ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) and ISRO Inertial Systems Unit. The foreign officers/trainees who attended the programme are those with academic qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical/Electronics engineering.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-carry-out-two-test-missions-two-uncrewed-missions-before-gaganyaan-astronaut-flight-545422">Also read |&nbsp;ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight</a>

The 2022 edition is the third time that India is conducting the UNNATI programme and so far, a total of 91 participants have benefitted from the training imparted in all three editions. In addition to the theory classes, the participants were&nbsp;given the opportunity to integrate various subsystems of a nanosatellite. This included imparting the training to enable the participants to assemble, test and integrate low-cost nanosatellites.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-it-firm-cognizant-ties-up-with-indias-garuda-aerospace-to-make-smart-drones-545585">Also read |&nbsp;US IT firm Cognizant ties up with India's Garuda Aerospace to make 'smart drones'</a>

In its five-decade-long journey, ISRO has been carrying out its mission of bringing space to the service of the common man and addressing key issues of national development. As one of the leading space-faring nations, India has been actively associated with United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) as a member of COPUOS (Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) since its inception.

In June 2018, UNOOSA celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the first United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE+50) in Vienna, Austria. It was on this occasion that India announced a capacity-building training programme, UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly &amp; Training by ISRO) on nanosatellite development.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has imparted nanosatellite assembly courses and relevant training to 31 delegates from 19 nations. Conducted by ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, which is responsible for designing and developing India's satellites, the two-months long training involved lessons on general satellite technology, nanosatellite design and testing.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has imparted nanosatellite assembly courses and relevant training to 31 delegates from 19 nations. Conducted by ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, which is responsible for designing and developing India's satellites, the two-months long training involved lessons on general satellite technology, nanosatellite design and testing. Nanosatellites are generally regarded as those weighing less than 10 kg. Known as UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO (UNNATI), the training programme was conducted by experts and scientists from ISRO centres such as UR Rao Satellite Centre, Space Applications Centre, ISRO Headquarters, ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) and ISRO Inertial Systems Unit. The foreign officers/trainees who attended the programme are those with academic qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical/Electronics engineering. Also read | ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight The 2022 edition is the third time that India is conducting the UNNATI programme and so far, a total of 91 participants have benefitted from the training imparted in all three editions. In addition to the theory classes, the participants were given the opportunity to integrate various subsystems of a nanosatellite. This included imparting the training to enable the participants to assemble, test and integrate low-cost nanosatellites. Also read | US IT firm Cognizant ties up with India's Garuda Aerospace to make 'smart drones' In its five-decade-long journey, ISRO has been carrying out its mission of bringing space to the service of the common man and addressing key issues of national development. As one of the leading space-faring nations, India has been actively associated with United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) as a member of COPUOS (Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) since its inception. In June 2018, UNOOSA celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the first United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE+50) in Vienna, Austria. It was on this occasion that India announced a capacity-building training programme, UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO) on nanosatellite development. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building

All indie dogs are mad:

Rabies is a viral disease. Surely, not every dog on every road in India has rabies. Also, there is no evidence to state that Indie dogs are aggressive as such. They are only protective; like every living being should be. They are bound to get angry when we hurt them or interfere in their lives. It is essential self-defence. This can, to no extent, be presumed as a dangerous trait. Media never leaves an opportunity to project indie dogs as vile, ruthless creatures hungry for your blood. What is the basis for these claims? Cases of dog bites? By that analogy, we should be declared the most dangerous species on the planet unanimously. No news of stray dogs being mauled and poisoned to death makes it to the trending section. This steers to us believe that stray dogs are enjoying their lives on the street, killing people for fun. That isn't true. If the travesty written about India's street dogs across the media is true, they would be ruling the planet. But all they do is toil for one meal a day and escape stones and sticks.

Any indie dog bite causes rabies:

Not all dog bites or animal bites cause rabies. Only being bitten by a rabid animal causes rabies. Which dog is rabid and which isn't, is something only a veterinarian can tell. It is easy to declare any dog as mad/rabid/bad and attack it in the name of "protecting" the community from rabies. But rabies is not what we think. Barking a lot, being hyperactive, growling, chasing or even biting doesn't certify that a dog is rabid. Killing dogs in large numbers for the fear of rabies is outright criminal behaviour.

Rabies is vaccine-preventable. The articles and posts that elaborate on how stray dogs are spreading rabies, conveniently ignore this part. Dogs can and should be vaccinated against rabies. Any other means adopted in the name of rabies control is illegal and inhumane.&nbsp;

Killing, relocating or locking up dogs does nought in making India rabies-free. We need a program that includes planning, implementation and review, like for the eradication of any disease. Numerous dogs are tortured and murdered only because they are categorised as "mad dogs" by veterinarians from Whatsapp University. Ask them to define a mad dog and they will list out the qualities of a dog. That's it.

Indie dogs can't be pets:

There is evidence to show that Indie dogs make better pets in reality (not on Instagram, though). It is a no-brainer that Indian dogs are well-suited for the Indian climate so they adjust to any weather condition easily. Their diet, lifestyle and everything that comes from genetics are adapted to living in India. They need hardly any grooming and have excellent natural immunity (that doesn't imply we neglect their health, please). Many people including celebrities have adopted Indies as pets. Each dog is different. Each breed has its own requirements. Adopting an indie dog not only reduces the human-animal conflict but is also an act of kindness and acceptance. While we talk about equality in all spheres all day long, we shun Indie dogs only because they don't look like the ones trending on social media. We are proud of our country's culture, heritage and businesses but our native dogs are met with disgust. They always lose a chance of survival against the furry, expensive, imported dogs.

Talking about imports, several Indian dogs got adopted by families abroad and are living their best life now, in the other half of the world. While it is heartwarming to see their stories, it is a pity and shame that they couldn't find any home in India, the country they were born in.&nbsp;

Indie dogs are dirty:

Anybody would be if they spent their days on the roads. I was told countless times that I shouldn't go closer to the dogs I feed as they may be carrying diseases. It becomes our collective responsibility to get them vaccinated as I said earlier. If we keep our surroundings obnoxiously dirty and filthy, if our roads are home to disease-carrying microorganisms, the dogs are bound to be vulnerable. Is it their mistake that they were born near an odious drain? Is it their choice to carry viruses and bacteria? If anything, we should feel guilty for all the weaker species that are agonized by the pollution we create. The so-called dirty dogs aren't accountable for the state of the planet today; we are. If our definition of 'dirty' insinuates being born in a certain place or in certain conditions, then nothing is dirtier than that mindset.

Indie dogs don't have the qualities that my breeder coaxed me with:

Breeders may have told you that dogs of a particular breed are very good with kids or perfectly suitable for your lifestyle. Now, they have to sell their product because they run a business. They may have heaped praises of their dogs - something which animal rescuers and shelters never did. Because, for us, dogs aren't products. They are family. At the outset, one may feel that buying a dog is better than adoption because the breeder assured them of a "superior quality". But, what is an inferior quality dog? Are we talking about buying a refrigerator or a laptop? If you still believe that a breeder is doing a great service to the animal world, please ask them how many times they impregnate each female dog. Where are their old dogs, especially females, that can't make puppies anymore? If your breeder is an "ethical" one, why does he promote one breed of dogs over the others? We read multiple reviews and interview a few friends before going to eat at a particular place or watch a particular movie. If only we did the same amount of research before buying a dog.&nbsp;

Indie dogs should be left outside the city by the municipality:

And then? What? Internet is rife with people demanding that their local municipality relocate their dogs and leave them 'outside.' Firstly, it is illegal to relocate a dog in India. Yes, you read it right. You can't grab a street dog on the road and push it outside. Outside what? If we leave all the dogs from our high-class communities outside the city, would it be any fair towards the people living in the suburbs? This is a typical classist attitude - not caring about the problems others might face due to one's privilege. Imagine waking up to find ten befuddled dogs outside your house because some Richie Rich pushed out the dogs from their area. That is what happens due to the relocation of dogs. Leaving dogs in another area, wherever it is, increases the dog population of that area tremendously. The bigger problem is that these dogs are territorial in nature. They fight aggressively with the inhabitant dogs there, for space and survival. Relocating dogs out of your community doesn't solve anything. It only displays people's self-centrism and gross dearth of civic sense.&nbsp;

People shouldn't be feeding indie dogs:

Again, this is illegal. You cannot legally stop, threaten or harass a person caring for street dogs in India.&nbsp;

Anyone who reads the news knows that feeders are beaten, their belongings damaged and their families mentally harassed - all because they want to give the dogs one square meal a day. You may have seen the fights between feeders and abusers dragged to the high courts and the supreme court (unless your news source is your WhatsApp groups). In a country with this level of hatred towards an animal, adoption seems to be a distant dream. If people are willing to go to court only to stop a dog from eating food, do we have any hope left? Our courts have ruled time and again that street dogs have the right to live. The most recent order talks about five fundamental freedoms every animal is entitled to. Still, the cases of abuse of dog feeders and frivolous petitions to restrict feeding don't seem to end - unwarranted additions to the lakhs of issues pending already. Every person has not only liberty but a fundamental duty to be kind to animals. Denying them the right to do so is an insult to the values our country prides itself in - peace and non-violence.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

All indie dogs are mad: Rabies is a viral disease. Surely, not every dog on every road in India has rabies. Also, there is no evidence to state that Indie dogs are aggressive as such.

All indie dogs are mad: Rabies is a viral disease. Surely, not every dog on every road in India has rabies. Also, there is no evidence to state that Indie dogs are aggressive as such. They are only protective; like every living being should be. They are bound to get angry when we hurt them or interfere in their lives. It is essential self-defence. This can, to no extent, be presumed as a dangerous trait. Media never leaves an opportunity to project indie dogs as vile, ruthless creatures hungry for your blood. What is the basis for these claims? Cases of dog bites? By that analogy, we should be declared the most dangerous species on the planet unanimously. No news of stray dogs being mauled and poisoned to death makes it to the trending section. This steers to us believe that stray dogs are enjoying their lives on the street, killing people for fun. That isn't true. If the travesty written about India's street dogs across the media is true, they would be ruling the planet. But all they do is toil for one meal a day and escape stones and sticks. Any indie dog bite causes rabies: Not all dog bites or animal bites cause rabies. Only being bitten by a rabid animal causes rabies. Which dog is rabid and which isn't, is something only a veterinarian can tell. It is easy to declare any dog as mad/rabid/bad and attack it in the name of "protecting" the community from rabies. But rabies is not what we think. Barking a lot, being hyperactive, growling, chasing or even biting doesn't certify that a dog is rabid. Killing dogs in large numbers for the fear of rabies is outright criminal behaviour. Rabies is vaccine-preventable. The articles and posts that elaborate on how stray dogs are spreading rabies, conveniently ignore this part. Dogs can and should be vaccinated against rabies. Any other means adopted in the name of rabies control is illegal and inhumane. Killing, relocating or locking up dogs does nought in making India rabies-free. We need a program that includes planning, implementation and review, like for the eradication of any disease. Numerous dogs are tortured and murdered only because they are categorised as "mad dogs" by veterinarians from Whatsapp University. Ask them to define a mad dog and they will list out the qualities of a dog. That's it. Indie dogs can't be pets: There is evidence to show that Indie dogs make better pets in reality (not on Instagram, though). It is a no-brainer that Indian dogs are well-suited for the Indian climate so they adjust to any weather condition easily. Their diet, lifestyle and everything that comes from genetics are adapted to living in India. They need hardly any grooming and have excellent natural immunity (that doesn't imply we neglect their health, please). Many people including celebrities have adopted Indies as pets. Each dog is different. Each breed has its own requirements. Adopting an indie dog not only reduces the human-animal conflict but is also an act of kindness and acceptance. While we talk about equality in all spheres all day long, we shun Indie dogs only because they don't look like the ones trending on social media. We are proud of our country's culture, heritage and businesses but our native dogs are met with disgust. They always lose a chance of survival against the furry, expensive, imported dogs. Talking about imports, several Indian dogs got adopted by families abroad and are living their best life now, in the other half of the world. While it is heartwarming to see their stories, it is a pity and shame that they couldn't find any home in India, the country they were born in. Indie dogs are dirty: Anybody would be if they spent their days on the roads. I was told countless times that I shouldn't go closer to the dogs I feed as they may be carrying diseases. It becomes our collective responsibility to get them vaccinated as I said earlier. If we keep our surroundings obnoxiously dirty and filthy, if our roads are home to disease-carrying microorganisms, the dogs are bound to be vulnerable. Is it their mistake that they were born near an odious drain? Is it their choice to carry viruses and bacteria? If anything, we should feel guilty for all the weaker species that are agonized by the pollution we create. The so-called dirty dogs aren't accountable for the state of the planet today; we are. If our definition of 'dirty' insinuates being born in a certain place or in certain conditions, then nothing is dirtier than that mindset. Indie dogs don't have the qualities that my breeder coaxed me with: Breeders may have told you that dogs of a particular breed are very good with kids or perfectly suitable for your lifestyle. Now, they have to sell their product because they run a business. They may have heaped praises of their dogs - something which animal rescuers and shelters never did. Because, for us, dogs aren't products. They are family. At the outset, one may feel that buying a dog is better than adoption because the breeder assured them of a "superior quality". But, what is an inferior quality dog? Are we talking about buying a refrigerator or a laptop? If you still believe that a breeder is doing a great service to the animal world, please ask them how many times they impregnate each female dog. Where are their old dogs, especially females, that can't make puppies anymore? If your breeder is an "ethical" one, why does he promote one breed of dogs over the others? We read multiple reviews and interview a few friends before going to eat at a particular place or watch a particular movie. If only we did the same amount of research before buying a dog. Indie dogs should be left outside the city by the municipality: And then? What? Internet is rife with people demanding that their local municipality relocate their dogs and leave them 'outside.' Firstly, it is illegal to relocate a dog in India. Yes, you read it right. You can't grab a street dog on the road and push it outside. Outside what? If we leave all the dogs from our high-class communities outside the city, would it be any fair towards the people living in the suburbs? This is a typical classist attitude - not caring about the problems others might face due to one's privilege. Imagine waking up to find ten befuddled dogs outside your house because some Richie Rich pushed out the dogs from their area. That is what happens due to the relocation of dogs. Leaving dogs in another area, wherever it is, increases the dog population of that area tremendously. The bigger problem is that these dogs are territorial in nature. They fight aggressively with the inhabitant dogs there, for space and survival. Relocating dogs out of your community doesn't solve anything. It only displays people's self-centrism and gross dearth of civic sense. People shouldn't be feeding indie dogs: Again, this is illegal. You cannot legally stop, threaten or harass a person caring for street dogs in India. Anyone who reads the news knows that feeders are beaten, their belongings damaged and their families mentally harassed - all because they want to give the dogs one square meal a day. You may have seen the fights between feeders and abusers dragged to the high courts and the supreme court (unless your news source is your WhatsApp groups). In a country with this level of hatred towards an animal, adoption seems to be a distant dream. If people are willing to go to court only to stop a dog from eating food, do we have any hope left? Our courts have ruled time and again that street dogs have the right to live. The most recent order talks about five fundamental freedoms every animal is entitled to. Still, the cases of abuse of dog feeders and frivolous petitions to restrict feeding don't seem to end - unwarranted additions to the lakhs of issues pending already. Every person has not only liberty but a fundamental duty to be kind to animals. Denying them the right to do so is an insult to the values our country prides itself in - peace and non-violence. 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.

Opinion | Myths about Indie (community) dogs

Indian PM Narendra Modi addressed 96th edition of 'Mann ki Baat' which will be the last session in 2022. He talked about how India has achieved greater heights in the field of medical sciences, Yoga and Ayurveda and all other fields in which India achieved a milestone in 2022.

96th edition of Mann Ki Baat: PM Narendra Modi recounts India's achievements of 2022

The week of the sudden surge of Covid-19 infections in China, India's Ministry of Health has issued some new guidelines for international arrivals in India to curb the spread of the virus. India has made RT-PCR tests mandatory for international arrivals from China, Thailand, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong.

India: New Covid rules for incoming passengers; RT-PCR mandatory for international arrivals

India has now brought out a new set of airport testing rules which has come into effect from 10 am on Saturday. Two percent of international passengers coming in from different countries will be sampled. The chosen passengers can leave the airport once their sample has been submitted.

India Covid: New guidelines for air travel from Saturday; India to test 2% international travelers

Political parties, including the ruling&nbsp;Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have condemned&nbsp; the call for an attack on the Indian High Commission in the capital&nbsp;Malé. The reaction came after a member of the opposition&nbsp;Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)&nbsp;Abbas Adil Riza&nbsp;called for an arson attack on the mission in a tweet. In&nbsp;Dhivehi, he tweeted, "The 8th February arson attacks in Addu were carried out on India's order. We haven't retaliated to that yet. I propose we start from the Indian High Commission."

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ފެބުރުއަރީ 8 ގައި އިންޑިޔާގެ އޯޑަރަށް އައްޑޫގައި ހުޅުޖެހީ. އެކަމުގެ ބަދަލު އަދި އޮތީ ނުހިފި. އެމްބަސީން ފަށަން އަޅުގަނޑަށް ފެންނަނީ. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaOut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaOut</a> <a href="https://t.co/0RFjLTxNJT">pic.twitter.com/0RFjLTxNJT</a>
— Abbas Adil Riza (@AbbasRiza) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbasRiza/status/1606152792019636224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Abbas was the Commissioner General of Customs during former President Yameen’s administration. Yameen's government was seen as close to China and under him, ties with India deteriorated drastically. So far, three&nbsp;political parties of the Indian Ocean country have reacted.&nbsp;

The ruling MDP, which has over 60 seats in the Parliament or People's Majlis condemned the call for arson attack and called for "authorities to investigate the matter" and criticised the "opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence &amp; hatred towards friendly nations".

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The MDP condemns in the strongest terms the call for an arson attack on the Indian High Commission, and calls on the authorities to investigate the matter. The MDP also condemns the opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence &amp; hatred towards friendly nations.
— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MDPSecretariat/status/1606320205692432384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Maldives Third-Way Democrats, which was the first political party to condemn the call for the attack, highlighted that "India is our closest neighbour &amp; they are always there for the Maldives in every time we needed."

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MTD condemns the call for arson attack &amp; inciting terror against the Indian High Commission in Maldives <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a> by PPM member and former government official <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbasRiza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbbasRiza</a> ! 
 
India 🇮🇳 is our closest neighbor &amp; they are always there for Maldives 🇲🇻 in every time we needed. <a href="https://t.co/oV9dhkURdH">https://t.co/oV9dhkURdH</a>
— Maldives Third-Way Democrats (@MTDSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTDSecretariat/status/1606298048207810561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Maldives Reform Movement asked, "authorities to investigate and take strong action against" the remarks, terming it as "hate speech".

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MRM strongly condemns this cowardly incitement of arson and terrorism, targeted at <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a>. We call on authorities to investigate and take strong action against this, and such other acts of hate speech instigating violence.<a href="https://twitter.com/AmbMunu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmbMunu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PoliceMv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PoliceMv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MNDF_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MNDF_Official</a> <a href="https://t.co/R9VhxJY2zg">https://t.co/R9VhxJY2zg</a>
— Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) 🇲🇻 (@MRM_Office) <a href="https://twitter.com/MRM_Office/status/1606309626307571712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Overnight, more political parties in the country reacted.&nbsp;Jumhooree Party which is part of the ruling coalition in the country "denounced" the comments made by Abbas Riza and "ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations".&nbsp;

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The JP strongly condemns the threat to set the <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a> on fire and requests that the authorities look into the matter. Additionally, the JP denounces <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbasRiza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbbasRiza</a>’s ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations.
— JP Secretariat (@JPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPSecretariat/status/1606351887627784192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Maldives National Party also called on "authorities to do a thorough investigation into this" and commented that it&nbsp;should&nbsp;not "damage the excellent relations between&nbsp;India and Maldives."

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We, MNP, strongly condemn the incitement of an arson attack on the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. We call on the authorities to do a thorough investigation into this, and the incitement of terror and violence will in no way damage the excellent relations between 🇮🇳 🇲🇻
— Maldives National Party (@MNP_Secretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MNP_Secretariat/status/1606352624353255425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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No official comments have come so far&nbsp;from opposition Progressive Party of Maldives, the party of Abbas Adil Riza.&nbsp;

The development comes even as the opposition in the country has been spearheading an anti-India campaign "India Out". Earlier this year saw major disruption at the Yoga Day celebration organised by the Indian High Commission in Maldives, along with the country's Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and UN Maldives.&nbsp;The Maldives police had said that flags which were used to disrupt the event were provided by the opposition PPM. 
&nbsp;

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Political parties, including the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have condemned the call for an attack on the Indian High Commission in the capital Malé.

Political parties, including the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have condemned the call for an attack on the Indian High Commission in the capital Malé. The reaction came after a member of the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Abbas Adil Riza called for an arson attack on the mission in a tweet. In Dhivehi, he tweeted, "The 8th February arson attacks in Addu were carried out on India's order. We haven't retaliated to that yet. I propose we start from the Indian High Commission." ފެބުރުއަރީ 8 ގައި އިންޑިޔާގެ އޯޑަރަށް އައްޑޫގައި ހުޅުޖެހީ. އެކަމުގެ ބަދަލު އަދި އޮތީ ނުހިފި. އެމްބަސީން ފަށަން އަޅުގަނޑަށް ފެންނަނީ. #IndiaOut pic.twitter.com/0RFjLTxNJT — Abbas Adil Riza (@AbbasRiza) December 23, 2022 × Abbas was the Commissioner General of Customs during former President Yameen’s administration. Yameen's government was seen as close to China and under him, ties with India deteriorated drastically. So far, three political parties of the Indian Ocean country have reacted. The ruling MDP, which has over 60 seats in the Parliament or People's Majlis condemned the call for arson attack and called for "authorities to investigate the matter" and criticised the "opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence & hatred towards friendly nations". The MDP condemns in the strongest terms the call for an arson attack on the Indian High Commission, and calls on the authorities to investigate the matter. The MDP also condemns the opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence & hatred towards friendly nations. — MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) December 23, 2022 × The Maldives Third-Way Democrats, which was the first political party to condemn the call for the attack, highlighted that "India is our closest neighbour & they are always there for the Maldives in every time we needed." MTD condemns the call for arson attack & inciting terror against the Indian High Commission in Maldives @HCIMaldives by PPM member and former government official @AbbasRiza ! India 🇮🇳 is our closest neighbor & they are always there for Maldives 🇲🇻 in every time we needed. https://t.co/oV9dhkURdH — Maldives Third-Way Democrats (@MTDSecretariat) December 23, 2022 × Maldives Reform Movement asked, "authorities to investigate and take strong action against" the remarks, terming it as "hate speech". MRM strongly condemns this cowardly incitement of arson and terrorism, targeted at @HCIMaldives. We call on authorities to investigate and take strong action against this, and such other acts of hate speech instigating violence.@AmbMunu @PoliceMv @MNDF_Official https://t.co/R9VhxJY2zg — Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) 🇲🇻 (@MRM_Office) December 23, 2022 × Overnight, more political parties in the country reacted. Jumhooree Party which is part of the ruling coalition in the country "denounced" the comments made by Abbas Riza and "ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations". The JP strongly condemns the threat to set the @HCIMaldives on fire and requests that the authorities look into the matter. Additionally, the JP denounces @AbbasRiza’s ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations. — JP Secretariat (@JPSecretariat) December 23, 2022 × The Maldives National Party also called on "authorities to do a thorough investigation into this" and commented that it should not "damage the excellent relations between India and Maldives." We, MNP, strongly condemn the incitement of an arson attack on the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. We call on the authorities to do a thorough investigation into this, and the incitement of terror and violence will in no way damage the excellent relations between 🇮🇳 🇲🇻 — Maldives National Party (@MNP_Secretariat) December 23, 2022 × No official comments have come so far from opposition Progressive Party of Maldives, the party of Abbas Adil Riza. The development comes even as the opposition in the country has been spearheading an anti-India campaign "India Out". Earlier this year saw major disruption at the Yoga Day celebration organised by the Indian High Commission in Maldives, along with the country's Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and UN Maldives. The Maldives police had said that flags which were used to disrupt the event were provided by the opposition PPM. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Political parties in Maldives condemn calls for attack on Indian mission

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Three people were killed while three&nbsp;were injured after an unknown assailant opened fire in central Paris on Friday. The French police and prosecutors said that the shooter was a male in his 60s and he was arrested by the authorities. While the motive of the shooter remains unclear, the police announced that the injured individuals were all taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

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France deported back notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj, son of an Indian and Vietnamese couple, on Friday after he was released from a prison in Nepal where he served his maximum sentence for committing a series of murders across Asia in the 1970s.

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The Kremlin may decide to cut oil production by around seven per cent in the first quarter of 2023 in the aftermath of the oil price cap imposed by the European Union members, a Russian deputy prime minister said on Friday according to AFP. He also said that Russia will stop oil supply to all countries who agreed with the price cap as it was seen as a support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.

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The International Monetary Fund reported on Friday that India is navigating an "extremely tough" external environment, projecting growth rates of 6.8 per cent&nbsp;and 6.1 per cent for the current and following fiscal years, respectively. In her virtual conversation&nbsp;with reporters, Choueiri Nada, IMF's India Mission Chief, reaffirmed that India continues to be the lone bright spot in an otherwise bleak picture of the world economy.

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In the latest, A 69-year-old gunman opened fire at a Kurdish cultural centre and a hairdressing salon in Paris on Friday, killing three people and injuring three others, witnesses and prosecutors said.

In the latest, A 69-year-old gunman opened fire at a Kurdish cultural centre and a hairdressing salon in Paris on Friday, killing three people and injuring three others, witnesses and prosecutors said. On the Covid front, China has been reeling under another surge in Covid cases, making this outbreak by far the largest in the world. Additionally, Charles Sobhraj, the notorious French serial killer of Indian and Vietnamese parentage, was deported to France on Friday, hours after being released from a prison here where he served most of his sentence for a string of murders across Asia in the 1970s. Click on the headlines to read more Three killed and three injured after shooting in central Paris, suspect arrested Three people were killed while three were injured after an unknown assailant opened fire in central Paris on Friday. The French police and prosecutors said that the shooter was a male in his 60s and he was arrested by the authorities. While the motive of the shooter remains unclear, the police announced that the injured individuals were all taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Covid crisis in China: Nearly 37 million people may have been infected on single day China's National Health Commission (NHC) has said that nearly 37 million people may have been infected with Covid on a single day this week, making China's outbreak by far the largest in the world. This single-day estimate was for December 20 when a little over 3,000 cases were seen, as per the official tally. The minutes of an internal meeting of the NHC held on Wednesday showed that 248 million people, or nearly 18% of the country's population, likely contracted Covid in the first 20 days of December, news agency Bloomberg reported on Friday. If the data is accurate, the infection rate would dwarf China's previous daily record of about four million Covid cases, which was set in January this year. 'The Serpant' returns: 'Bikini killer' Charles Sobhraj flown back to France after his release from Nepal jail France deported back notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj, son of an Indian and Vietnamese couple, on Friday after he was released from a prison in Nepal where he served his maximum sentence for committing a series of murders across Asia in the 1970s. The 78-year-old Sobhraj was released from Kathmandu’s Central Jail on Friday and taken away to the Department of Immigration in a police convoy, which was heavily guarded. Russia may cut down oil production in response to EU-imposed price cap The Kremlin may decide to cut oil production by around seven per cent in the first quarter of 2023 in the aftermath of the oil price cap imposed by the European Union members, a Russian deputy prime minister said on Friday according to AFP. He also said that Russia will stop oil supply to all countries who agreed with the price cap as it was seen as a support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. Covid Alert: No entry for visitors in Taj Mahal without Covid testing In the wake of recent increase in cases of coronavirus in China and other nations, India’s international tourist hotspot, the Taj Mahal, has been put on alert. The Covid alert in the Taj Mahal was confirmed by Agra’s District Health Information Officer. According to reports, the samples of tourists visiting the Taj Mahal are being tested for coronavirus by Agra’s health department, especially of those visitors who are coming from foreign countries. UK nurses announce two-day strike on 18-19 Jan in escalation of pay dispute with the govt UK nurses plan to strike for two days consecutively in the new year at dozens of hospitals across England in connection with their pay fallout with the government. On 18 and 19 January 2023, nurses will not report to work in 55 NHS trusts, an increase of 11 from the 44 NHS trusts where they staged their initial strikes on 15 and 20 December 2022. Following a prior threat by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to step up its strike campaign if ministers didn't budge on pay negotiations, further action has been taken. Winter storm in US and Canada: Plunging temperatures cause frostbite within five minutes of exposure Owing to plummeting temperatures across the US and Canada, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in just five to ten minutes, as observed by residents. Prior to the busiest travel days of the year, a strong Arctic winter storm has issued weekend weather alerts for more than 135 million people. The alerts cover the entire country from coast to coast and extend as far south as Florida and the US-Mexico border. As the storm gets worse, major airports have cancelled thousands of flights. Forecasters predict that the recent cold spell may bring about the iciest Christmas in decades. IMF projects 6.8 per cent GDP growth for India next year The International Monetary Fund reported on Friday that India is navigating an "extremely tough" external environment, projecting growth rates of 6.8 per cent and 6.1 per cent for the current and following fiscal years, respectively. In her virtual conversation with reporters, Choueiri Nada, IMF's India Mission Chief, reaffirmed that India continues to be the lone bright spot in an otherwise bleak picture of the world economy. WATCH | WION Fineprint: Taylor Swift makes global music history, 'Midnights' breaks record WATCH | January 6 committee releases final report on its investigation of Capitol riot

Top 10 world news: Shooting in central Paris kills three, Charles Sobhraj flown back to France, and more

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