Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and several others, who were detained at the Delhi border while marching to the capital to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, on Tuesday (Oct 1), launched an indefinite fast at the police stations where they have been kept.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and several others, who were detained at the Delhi border while marching to the capital to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, on Tuesday (Oct 1), launched an indefinite fast at the police stations where they have been kept. Wangchuk was leading the march, 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra', which began from Leh a month ago. He and around 120 others from Ladakh were detained on Monday night. The march was organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been spearheading an agitation for the past four years to demand statehood for Ladakh, seek its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, early recruitment process along with a public service commission for Ladakh and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts. Watch | Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike in Ladakh? What are his demands? × Wangchuk and those accompanying him were detained at the Delhi border for violating prohibitory orders and were taken to different police stations, including Bawana, Narela Industrial Area and Alipur, according to a police officer. "We tried to convince them to go back as Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (which prohibits assembly of five or more people) is imposed in the national capital, but they were adamant," the officer said. They remain under detention, he said. A representative of the group claimed that Wangchuk was taken to Bawana police station and was not being allowed to meet his lawyers. The activist and others have launched an indefinite fast at the police stations where they have been kept, the representative said. Wangchuk and the other members of the group had sought official permission and even emailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah but that information was used to detain the protesters, the representative claimed. Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa told PTI that around 30 women were among those detained and they were kept with the male detainees. "Around 30 women were also detained. They were kept in a place where male detainees were also there," Haneefa said. However, Delhi Police had said on Monday night that women protesters were not detained. "Several people from Ladakh have been detained. They have been kept at different police stations. I met some of them late last night and early today," Haneefa said. Also read | Exclusive: Sonam Wangchuk, inspiration for '3 Idiots', to sit on five-day 'climate fast' He said around 60-70 people from Kargil who had come to join the march at the Singhu border on Tuesday morning were also stopped by Delhi Police. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Activist Sonam Wangchuk and others detained in Delhi, launch indefinite fast

In the Indian state of Karnataka, CM Siddaramaiah's wife has ordered to surrender 14 plots of land which is worth around 67 million dollars after the ED filed a money laundering case against him. The Karnataka CM is accused of Illegally allotting these plots to his wife. Watch to know more.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Accused Of Illegalities In Land Allotment To Wife

Last phase of the Jammu and Kashmir election begins. Security has been tightened in the valley amid the polls, especially in the areas close to the international border. Nearly 3.9 million voters will be deciding the fate of 415 candidates . Watch to know more.

J&K Elections: Special Polling Stations Set Up In Jammu & Kashmir

India is gearing up to host the 28th edition of the prestigious Malabar Naval exercise. It is an important Indo Pacific military exercise that seeks to deepen interoperability among the participating Regional Partners. This exercise is scheduled for the second week of this month. Watch to know more.

Malabar Naval Exercise 2024: Important Indo-Pacific Military Exercise

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.

A very distressing incident has emerged out of the Indian state of Punjab where an advocate allegedly thrashed his 73-year-old mother brutally in the presence of his wife and son. Once the CCTV footage went viral, the incident gained massive attention on social media platform X with users showing outrage over the son's vile actions which showed no remorse towards the elderly woman.&nbsp;

The revelation of this appalling incident was made when the victim's daughter, Deepshikha, reportedly became suspicious of her mother's well-being. To investigate her concerns, Deepshikha reviewed the security camera footage installed in her mother's room, ultimately unveiling the shocking abuse.

As a result of the evidence, the son involved in the shocking incident has reportedly been placed under arrest.

<h2>CCTV evidence</h2>

Ankur Verma, a lawyer by profession, was taken into custody following the emergence of damning evidence from a CCTV camera he had personally installed in his mother's room.

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The victim, Asha Rani, resided in Ropar, Punjab, with her son, daughter, and daughter-in-law after her husband's unfortunate demise due to heart attack.

Asha Rani had confided in her daughter about the alleged abuse she endured at the hands of her son, Ankur, and his wife, Sudha.

The daughter, Deepshikha, managed to obtain footage from the hidden camera, leaving her profoundly shocked by the distressing scenes it captured.

The video showed the victim's grandson pouring water onto Asha Rani's mattress, subsequently blaming her for wetting the bed.

When Ankur and Sudha heard the story painted by their son, an unspeakable and horrifying sequence of events unfolded in the room which can send shivers down anyone's spine.

<h2>Horrific events after grandson's shameless scheme</h2>

Ankur was seen brutally assaulting his mother, who simply lay&nbsp;in the bed defenseless.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-maps-displays-bharat-as-south-asian-country-with-indian-flag-amid-renaming-buzz-652584">Google Maps displays 'Bharat' as South Asian country with Indian flag amid renaming buzz</a>

He subjected her to punches and slaps. It was not just the physical abuse but he also showered verbal abuse on his mother.

After Ankur left the room, Sudha and their grandson entered.

Later, Ankur was again seen grabbing his mother by the hair and continued to assault her while his wife and son left the scene.

Acting upon a complaint filed by Deepshikha, a team of police officers, accompanied by representatives from a non-governmental organization (NGO), arrived at Asha Rani's residence and rescued her on Saturday (Oct 28).

During the intervention, Ankur attempted to justify his actions by claiming that he had been attending to his mother.

He also alleged that his mother "wasn't in the right mental state."&nbsp;

Later, Gurpreet Singh from the NGO Manukhta Di Sewa Sab Ton Vaddi Sewa Society, met the elderly woman in the hospital.

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Shocking: The police have rescued a 73-year-old woman from her own home after her daughter alleged that she was being tortured by the victim’s son and his wife. Ankur Verma, a lawyer from Ropar, his wife Sudha, and a juvenile were seen mercilessly assaulting the elderly woman in… <a href="https://t.co/N2xGKszuHu">pic.twitter.com/N2xGKszuHu</a>
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"A shocking revelation has also emerged that Adv Ankur Verma may have also tortured his father in the same way as he was shown doing with this lady in the video. She mentioned that her husband’s death was unnatural," a Punjab journalist posted on his social media handle.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. A very distressing incident has emerged out of the Indian state of Punjab where an advocate allegedly thrashed his 73-year-old mother brutally in the presence of his wife and son.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. A very distressing incident has emerged out of the Indian state of Punjab where an advocate allegedly thrashed his 73-year-old mother brutally in the presence of his wife and son. Once the CCTV footage went viral, the incident gained massive attention on social media platform X with users showing outrage over the son's vile actions which showed no remorse towards the elderly woman. The revelation of this appalling incident was made when the victim's daughter, Deepshikha, reportedly became suspicious of her mother's well-being. To investigate her concerns, Deepshikha reviewed the security camera footage installed in her mother's room, ultimately unveiling the shocking abuse. As a result of the evidence, the son involved in the shocking incident has reportedly been placed under arrest. CCTV evidence Ankur Verma, a lawyer by profession, was taken into custody following the emergence of damning evidence from a CCTV camera he had personally installed in his mother's room. Also Read | Know who is Hamas leader Khaled Mashal, whose controversial speech sparked row The victim, Asha Rani, resided in Ropar, Punjab, with her son, daughter, and daughter-in-law after her husband's unfortunate demise due to heart attack. Asha Rani had confided in her daughter about the alleged abuse she endured at the hands of her son, Ankur, and his wife, Sudha. The daughter, Deepshikha, managed to obtain footage from the hidden camera, leaving her profoundly shocked by the distressing scenes it captured. The video showed the victim's grandson pouring water onto Asha Rani's mattress, subsequently blaming her for wetting the bed. When Ankur and Sudha heard the story painted by their son, an unspeakable and horrifying sequence of events unfolded in the room which can send shivers down anyone's spine. Horrific events after grandson's shameless scheme Ankur was seen brutally assaulting his mother, who simply lay in the bed defenseless. Also Read | Google Maps displays 'Bharat' as South Asian country with Indian flag amid renaming buzz He subjected her to punches and slaps. It was not just the physical abuse but he also showered verbal abuse on his mother. After Ankur left the room, Sudha and their grandson entered. Later, Ankur was again seen grabbing his mother by the hair and continued to assault her while his wife and son left the scene. Acting upon a complaint filed by Deepshikha, a team of police officers, accompanied by representatives from a non-governmental organization (NGO), arrived at Asha Rani's residence and rescued her on Saturday (Oct 28). During the intervention, Ankur attempted to justify his actions by claiming that he had been attending to his mother. He also alleged that his mother "wasn't in the right mental state." Later, Gurpreet Singh from the NGO Manukhta Di Sewa Sab Ton Vaddi Sewa Society, met the elderly woman in the hospital. Shocking: The police have rescued a 73-year-old woman from her own home after her daughter alleged that she was being tortured by the victim’s son and his wife. Ankur Verma, a lawyer from Ropar, his wife Sudha, and a juvenile were seen mercilessly assaulting the elderly woman in… pic.twitter.com/N2xGKszuHu — Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) October 28, 2023 × "A shocking revelation has also emerged that Adv Ankur Verma may have also tortured his father in the same way as he was shown doing with this lady in the video. She mentioned that her husband’s death was unnatural," a Punjab journalist posted on his social media handle. (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. ×

Viral video: 73-year-old mother brutally assaulted by son in India's Punjab

Three online sellers operating on Flipkart have initiated legal action against India's antitrust watchdog, the competition commission of India, or cci. The lawsuits come in response to an investigation that concluded in august, finding that Flipkart, amazon, and select sellers violated local competition laws by giving undue preference to certain online sellers.

Sellers Challenge Indian Antitrust Probe Against Flipkart & Amazon

Bookmyshow is in the spotlight following summons issued by the economic offence wing of the Mumbai police. CEO Ashish Hemrajani and the company’s technical head are required to appear before the investigative officer regarding allegations of black-market ticket sales for the upcoming Coldplay concert.

FIR Against Bookmyshow For Organised Crime & Fraud in Ticket Sales

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu amid Israel's unabated aerial action against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: PM Modi & Netanyahu Hold Telephonic Conversation, Tells 'No Place for Terrorism'

Deployment of troops at the Line of Actual Control to continue for the fifth successive winter. Despite talks with China, India to maintain troop deployment on LAC amid trust deficit. Indian military to station troops in eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh-Sikkim region. The decision comes as China continues to build ‘permanent defenses’ along the 3,488-km LAC. Indian Military source says PLA will not be returning to its peacetime locations shortly. Confirmation came as the Indian army readies to transition from its summer to winter posture. Watch to know more!

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The Union Health Ministry's draft guidelines on passive euthanasia suggest doctors should make considered decisions on withdrawing life support for terminally ill patients based on specific conditions. Watch in for more details!

India: Health Ministry Releases New Guidelines on Passive Euthanasia

The craze to watch Coldplay perform live has struck India again. Fans are now joining virtual queues to grab tickets to see the band perform in Abu Dhabi next year. The band, which had scheduled one show in the Middle Eastern city on January 11, will now perform again on January 12 for their growing number of fans.

Coldplay Tickets: Why the concert remained India's 'Hymn For the Weekend' | E-Club

The Indian government has lifted the ban on the export of non-basmati white rice with immediate effect. The ban was imposed in July of 2023, aimed to stabilize domestic rice supply and control prices. The decision comes at a time when the country holds ample rice stock and detail retail prices are under control. Exporters have hailed this move as a game changer. Watch to know more.

India Lifts Non-Basmati Export Ban Amid Strong Global Demand

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge fell ill while addressing a public rally on Sunday in the Jasrota belt of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district.

After receiving medical attention, Kharge said he was not going to die before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was removed from power.

Congress leaders said Kharge is now stable after a check-up by doctors.

<h2>PM Modi speaks to Kharge</h2>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kharge and enquired about his health after the Congress President fell ill &nbsp;during an election rally in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.&nbsp;

Kharge fell ill while he was paying tribute to a head constable who was killed in an ongoing operation with terrorists in Kathua. Two other police personnel have been injured in the incident and one terrorist has been killed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/your-three-generations-indias-home-minister-dares-rivals-to-restore-article-370-in-jammu-kashmir-762289">Also read:&nbsp;‘Your three generations...,’ India’s home minister dares rivals to restore Article 370 in Jammu-Kashmir</a>

"He was addressing a public rally in Jasrota when he felt uneasy and dizzy. His colleagues helped him onto a chair," Congress General Secretary Gulam Ahmed Mir told PTI.

He added that the Congress president is stable.

After being administered medical assistance at the rally venue, Kharge said, "I am 83 years old. I am not going to die so early. I will stay alive till PM Modi is removed from power..." "I wanted to talk. But due to dizziness, I have sat down. Please pardon me," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;India: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists and Security Forces in J&amp;K’s Kulgam

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Later, highlighting the role of Congress prime ministers, Kharge added, "Who has freed Bangladesh? Indira Gandhi did it. 'Jai Jawan Jain Kisan' slogan was given to us. Pakistan was defeated by us. Lal Bahadur Shastri defeated it. This is Congress." Kharge had flown to Jasrota to address a rally to garner support for his party candidates in the assembly polls.

He is also scheduled to address another public rally in Ramnagar in Udhampur district.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress vice president Ravindra Sharma said Kharge felt dizzy and was taken to a room, where doctors were called for a check-up. They will advise whether he can attend the second rally or not, he said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge fell ill while addressing a public rally on Sunday in the Jasrota belt of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. After receiving medical attention, Kharge said he was not going to die before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was removed from power.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge fell ill while addressing a public rally on Sunday in the Jasrota belt of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. After receiving medical attention, Kharge said he was not going to die before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was removed from power. Congress leaders said Kharge is now stable after a check-up by doctors. PM Modi speaks to Kharge Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kharge and enquired about his health after the Congress President fell ill during an election rally in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. Kharge fell ill while he was paying tribute to a head constable who was killed in an ongoing operation with terrorists in Kathua. Two other police personnel have been injured in the incident and one terrorist has been killed. Also read: ‘Your three generations...,’ India’s home minister dares rivals to restore Article 370 in Jammu-Kashmir "He was addressing a public rally in Jasrota when he felt uneasy and dizzy. His colleagues helped him onto a chair," Congress General Secretary Gulam Ahmed Mir told PTI. He added that the Congress president is stable. After being administered medical assistance at the rally venue, Kharge said, "I am 83 years old. I am not going to die so early. I will stay alive till PM Modi is removed from power..." "I wanted to talk. But due to dizziness, I have sat down. Please pardon me," he said. Watch | India: Encounter Breaks Out Between Terrorists and Security Forces in J&K’s Kulgam × Later, highlighting the role of Congress prime ministers, Kharge added, "Who has freed Bangladesh? Indira Gandhi did it. 'Jai Jawan Jain Kisan' slogan was given to us. Pakistan was defeated by us. Lal Bahadur Shastri defeated it. This is Congress." Kharge had flown to Jasrota to address a rally to garner support for his party candidates in the assembly polls. He is also scheduled to address another public rally in Ramnagar in Udhampur district. Jammu and Kashmir Congress vice president Ravindra Sharma said Kharge felt dizzy and was taken to a room, where doctors were called for a check-up. They will advise whether he can attend the second rally or not, he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

PM Modi speaks to Congress President Kharge after he falls ill during J&K rally

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (Sep 28) addressed world leaders at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the focus is now on determining the nature of India's relationship with Pakistan, and that India will react to events, whether they take a positive or negative direction.

Indian EAM Jaishankar Responds To Pakistan's Remarks On Jammu And Kashmir

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the 45-year-old son of Chief Minister M K Stalin, was on Saturday evening elevated to the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The decision came along with a cabinet reshuffle, which saw Stalin expanding his cabinet by appointing Dr Govi Chezhiaan as the fourth Dalit minister with the Higher Education portfolio.

Tamil Nadu's Udhayanidhi Becomes Deputy CM In Just Four Year Of His Political Career

Mann Ki Baat completes 10 years: In a recent episode of 'Mann Ki Baat,' Modi underscored the programme's milestone as a platform that resonates with the nation, presenting uplifting stories and highlighting the valuable contributions of individuals striving for social causes across diverse regions of the country. Describing the occasion as emotionally significant, he lauded the media for its role in disseminating the programme's messages to a wider audience.

Indian PM Narendra Modi addresses Mann ki Baat

Indian PM Modi: Mann ki Baat completes 10 years

India’s steel industry is urging the government to take immediate action as cheaper steel imports from China flood the market. According to a letter from the Indian steel association, steel imports from China reached a seven-year high between April and August this year.

India: Steel imports from China hit 7-year high

India has emerged as the world's growth engine. As slowdown sweeps through the major economies, India's rise comes as an exception. But how sustainable is this growth?

Tracking India's Economic Affluence

Pakistan once again brought up the Kashmir issue during the United Nations General Assembly on Friday (September 27). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged India to reverse the decision to revoke Article 370 in order to achieve lasting peace.

Speaking at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Sharif called for India to engage in discussions for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, according to a report by news agency PTI.

In his speech, which lasted over 20 minutes, Sharif addressed the Jammu and Kashmir issue, referring to the revocation of Article 370 and Hizbul militant Burhan Wani. During his address at the UNGA, the Pakistani leader drew a comparison between the situations in Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir, stating that both have fought for their freedom and right to self-determination for a century.

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"Similarly, like the people of Palestine, the people of Jammu and Kashmir too, have struggled for a century for their freedom and right to self determination," he said.

Commenting on India’s 2019 decision to revoke Article 370, Sharif stated, "To establish lasting peace, India must reverse the illegal and unilateral actions taken in August 2019 and engage in dialogue for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue as per UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people."

"India’s policy of brutal coersion and oppression, in occupied Kashmir has ensured, that Burhan Wani’s legacy, continues to inspire, the struggle and sacrifices, of millions of Kashmiris. Inspired by the legitimacy, of their epic struggle, they remain defiant," Sharif posted on the social media platform X.

Sharif also accused India of straying from its commitments to the Security Council's resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, as per PTI. “These resolutions require a plebiscite, allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to decide their future through the right to self-determination,” the Pakistani Prime Minister added.

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Sharif further claimed that the rise of Islamophobia is a concerning global trend. He said that "the most dangerous example of Islamophobia is the Hindu supremacist agenda in India, which aims to oppress 200 million Muslims and erase the Islamic history of the country."

“In a classic settler colonial project, India is seizing Kashmiri lands and properties and settling outsiders into occupied Jammu and Kashmir [ Jammu and Kashmir] in their nefarious design to transform the Muslim majority into a minority,” he added.

<h2>How did India respond to Pakistan PM&nbsp;Shehbaz Sharif's UNGA speech?</h2>

Indian diplomat Bhavika Mangalanandan, First Secretary at India’s mission to the UN, responded to Sharif’s comments at the UNGA, calling his speech a "travesty" during the Right of Reply session.&nbsp;

"This assembly regrettably witnessed a travesty this morning. A country run by the military, with a global reputation for terrorism, narcotics, trade and transnational crime has had the audacity to attack the world's largest democracy," Bhavika Mangalanandan said.

"I speak about the reference to India in the speech of the Pakistani PM. As the world knows, Pakistan has long employed cross-border terrorism as a weapon against its neighbours. It has attacked our parliament, our financial capital, Mumbai, marketplaces and pilgrimage routes. The list is long. For such a country to speak about violence anywhere is hypocrisy at its worst. It is even more extraordinary for a country with a history of rigged elections to talk about political choices that too, in a democracy," she added.

"The real truth is that Pakistan covets our territory and in fact has continuously used terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir, an inalienable and integral part of India. A reference has been made to some proposals of strategic restraint. There can be no compact with terrorism," the Indian diplomat added.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to speak at the UN General Assembly on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan once again brought up the Kashmir issue during the United Nations General Assembly on Friday (September 27). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged India to reverse the decision to revoke Article 370 in order to achieve lasting peace.

Pakistan once again brought up the Kashmir issue during the United Nations General Assembly on Friday (September 27). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged India to reverse the decision to revoke Article 370 in order to achieve lasting peace. Speaking at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Sharif called for India to engage in discussions for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, according to a report by news agency PTI. In his speech, which lasted over 20 minutes, Sharif addressed the Jammu and Kashmir issue, referring to the revocation of Article 370 and Hizbul militant Burhan Wani. During his address at the UNGA, the Pakistani leader drew a comparison between the situations in Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir, stating that both have fought for their freedom and right to self-determination for a century. Also read: Audience shouts 'shame', delegates walk out as Netanyahu addresses UNGA "Similarly, like the people of Palestine, the people of Jammu and Kashmir too, have struggled for a century for their freedom and right to self determination," he said. Commenting on India’s 2019 decision to revoke Article 370, Sharif stated, "To establish lasting peace, India must reverse the illegal and unilateral actions taken in August 2019 and engage in dialogue for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue as per UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people." "India’s policy of brutal coersion and oppression, in occupied Kashmir has ensured, that Burhan Wani’s legacy, continues to inspire, the struggle and sacrifices, of millions of Kashmiris. Inspired by the legitimacy, of their epic struggle, they remain defiant," Sharif posted on the social media platform X. Sharif also accused India of straying from its commitments to the Security Council's resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, as per PTI. “These resolutions require a plebiscite, allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to decide their future through the right to self-determination,” the Pakistani Prime Minister added. Also read: Trump meets Zelensky, says if elected will resolve conflict 'very quickly' Sharif further claimed that the rise of Islamophobia is a concerning global trend. He said that "the most dangerous example of Islamophobia is the Hindu supremacist agenda in India, which aims to oppress 200 million Muslims and erase the Islamic history of the country." “In a classic settler colonial project, India is seizing Kashmiri lands and properties and settling outsiders into occupied Jammu and Kashmir [ Jammu and Kashmir] in their nefarious design to transform the Muslim majority into a minority,” he added. How did India respond to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's UNGA speech? Indian diplomat Bhavika Mangalanandan, First Secretary at India’s mission to the UN, responded to Sharif’s comments at the UNGA, calling his speech a "travesty" during the Right of Reply session. "This assembly regrettably witnessed a travesty this morning. A country run by the military, with a global reputation for terrorism, narcotics, trade and transnational crime has had the audacity to attack the world's largest democracy," Bhavika Mangalanandan said. "I speak about the reference to India in the speech of the Pakistani PM. As the world knows, Pakistan has long employed cross-border terrorism as a weapon against its neighbours. It has attacked our parliament, our financial capital, Mumbai, marketplaces and pilgrimage routes. The list is long. For such a country to speak about violence anywhere is hypocrisy at its worst. It is even more extraordinary for a country with a history of rigged elections to talk about political choices that too, in a democracy," she added. "The real truth is that Pakistan covets our territory and in fact has continuously used terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir, an inalienable and integral part of India. A reference has been made to some proposals of strategic restraint. There can be no compact with terrorism," the Indian diplomat added. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to speak at the UN General Assembly on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s UNGA Kashmir rant falls flat as India hits back, labels speech 'travesty'

The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed its support for a permanent seat for India at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Watch in for more details!

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Two terrorists were killed and five security personnel, including a J&K Police official, injured in an encounter between security forces and the terrorists in J&K's Kulgam district on Saturday. Officials said the encounter between the security forces and the terrorists was taking place in the Adigam area of Kulgam.

Kulgam Encounter: 2 Terrorists Killed And 5 Security Personnel Injured

India firmly responded to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's sabre-rattling at the United Nations General Assembly condemning his country for fostering cross-border terrorism.

Indian Envoy Warns Pakistan Against Cross-border Terrorism at UNGA

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu will travel to India in the second week of October for a visit that is seen as an attempt to reset bilateral ties. Watch in for more details!

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to Visit India in October to Reset Ties

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district. It is believed that two-three terrorists are likely trapped in the area.

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Singapore's high commissioner to India Simon Wong has said that the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his country has given a "turbo boosting" of ties. The Indian PM was on a visit to Singapore earlier this month. The visit came after a gap of over five years.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION's foreign affairs editor Sidhant Sibal, Singapore's high commissioner to India pointed to cooperation in semiconductor sectors.&nbsp;

High Commissioner Wong said, "We feel that even as a small country, we can work very, very closely with India on its semiconductor journey because this journey is not a one, two-year process. Is going to be a long drawn, 10-year process to grow". This comes as a pact was signed on semiconductors in developing capacity building during PM Modi’s visit.

He highlighted Singapore's investment plan of over $45 billion in the next few years in India. He also spoke on India-China ties, quad, RCEP, etc. Here’s the full interview:

WION: How do you see the India-Singapore ties, especially in the backdrop of PM Modi's recent visit to your country? 
Simon Wong: I want to thank WION, Because of your full coverage of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Singapore, many people across India and Singapore get to know the spur in that relationship between the two countries. In particular, I think the upgrading of relationship ahead of our 60th anniversary into a comprehensive strategic partnership and the visit by Prime Minister Modi ji has set the bar very high for our bilateral relationship, and we have looked into several new areas, in fact, six new areas of collaboration with India. And I feel very, very confident that this new turbo boosting of that relationship can continue.&nbsp;

WION: One of the key outcomes was the semiconductor pact. Much talked about the pact. How is this semiconductor pact going to help India with the Singaporean's know-how? 
Simon Wong: We feel very, very strongly about India's push for a semiconductor supply chain, and we feel the willingness at all levels, at the Union level and also at the state level, to push through this ambition. Singapore represents 10 per cent of all chip-making exports approval. And we have 20 per cent of the market on chip-making equipment. We feel that even as a small country, we can work very, very closely with India on its semiconductor journey because this journey is not a one, two-year process. Is going to be a long-drawn, 10-year process to grow, and for India to grow with fewer impediments, we feel that Singapore can collaborate and partake.&nbsp;

WION: So what next for the relationship?&nbsp; 
Simon Wong: I think what we want to do for next year, during the 60th anniversary, is to look beyond our concentration of investment in the southern states. The southern states are very, very welcoming of Singapore investment, and we are very familiar with them. I want to take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary to look at new areas of growth. I want to quote India's G20 sherpa, Amitabh Kant, who said that India needs 10 states as the engine of growth. In my view, 10 is a really critical mass, and we want to look at new areas. We want to look at UP, Odisha, and MP and I think increasingly we see the willingness of Rajasthan to engage us. So all these four states, we want to do some form of engagement and understanding next year. And also next year, I would like to see more green energy ports and facilities to be put online. Now we have one in Tuticorin, and we are looking at two, or three other ports. We hope that it can be lined up by next year.

WION: India hasn't joined RCEP. What is your position? And we know during the prime minister's visit, many big-ticket investments were announced. So what kind of figures are you looking at? 
Simon Wong: Of course, for Singapore, which is very, very trade-based, and we like FTAs, both sub-regional or bilateral, we always have high hopes for India to join RCEP, but we fully understand where India is coming from. We are most willing to wait for India to reconsider RCEP, but at the same time, India is looking at other FTAs, like GCC, which is really a good thing for India. Number two, I think, big-ticket investments coming up, Prime Minister Modi ji, in his roundtable with 18 of our key Singapore businesses, is kindly of pleasantly surprised when all of them basically told Prime Minister Modi ji that they will double or triple their investments in India in the next three to five years. So if I look at the figures, on the average, we do 15 billion US dollars a year of investment here. If I double or triple it, it will be very, very close to $45 billion to $50 billion. So I hope we are successful in pushing this investment.

WION: So my last question to you is, international affairs, India-China relationship. What's your view? Because Singapore has good relationships with both India and China. 
Simon Wong: My own view as a small country is that big countries should collaborate and have good relationships with each other. So as friends of both China and India, we want to see a better relationship between the two, between our two big neighbours of ours. And I feel that there are really some green shoots coming up in the discussion. There are high-level discussions between China and India. Hopefully, there is going to be a top level discussion coming up soon, and I hope some of these pain points can be resolved diplomatically.

WION: Your sense on Quad? 
Simon Wong: My sense of Quad is a work in progress, and I think many of the Quad countries are looking ahead at security collaboration, security views, and linking the Indo-Pacific area, we welcome that as a sub-regional kind of forum to talk about things. For me, for Singapore, my central point of gravity is always ASEAN, and we feel that ASEAN as the centrality is very big and important in this part of the world as an anchor point of solution.&nbsp;

Singapore's high commissioner to India Simon Wong has said that the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his country has given a "turbo boosting" of ties.

Singapore's high commissioner to India Simon Wong has said that the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his country has given a "turbo boosting" of ties. The Indian PM was on a visit to Singapore earlier this month. The visit came after a gap of over five years. Speaking to WION's foreign affairs editor Sidhant Sibal, Singapore's high commissioner to India pointed to cooperation in semiconductor sectors. High Commissioner Wong said, "We feel that even as a small country, we can work very, very closely with India on its semiconductor journey because this journey is not a one, two-year process. Is going to be a long drawn, 10-year process to grow". This comes as a pact was signed on semiconductors in developing capacity building during PM Modi’s visit. He highlighted Singapore's investment plan of over $45 billion in the next few years in India. He also spoke on India-China ties, quad, RCEP, etc. Here’s the full interview: WION: How do you see the India-Singapore ties, especially in the backdrop of PM Modi's recent visit to your country? Simon Wong: I want to thank WION, Because of your full coverage of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Singapore, many people across India and Singapore get to know the spur in that relationship between the two countries. In particular, I think the upgrading of relationship ahead of our 60th anniversary into a comprehensive strategic partnership and the visit by Prime Minister Modi ji has set the bar very high for our bilateral relationship, and we have looked into several new areas, in fact, six new areas of collaboration with India. And I feel very, very confident that this new turbo boosting of that relationship can continue. WION: One of the key outcomes was the semiconductor pact. Much talked about the pact. How is this semiconductor pact going to help India with the Singaporean's know-how? Simon Wong: We feel very, very strongly about India's push for a semiconductor supply chain, and we feel the willingness at all levels, at the Union level and also at the state level, to push through this ambition. Singapore represents 10 per cent of all chip-making exports approval. And we have 20 per cent of the market on chip-making equipment. We feel that even as a small country, we can work very, very closely with India on its semiconductor journey because this journey is not a one, two-year process. Is going to be a long-drawn, 10-year process to grow, and for India to grow with fewer impediments, we feel that Singapore can collaborate and partake. WION: So what next for the relationship? Simon Wong: I think what we want to do for next year, during the 60th anniversary, is to look beyond our concentration of investment in the southern states. The southern states are very, very welcoming of Singapore investment, and we are very familiar with them. I want to take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary to look at new areas of growth. I want to quote India's G20 sherpa, Amitabh Kant, who said that India needs 10 states as the engine of growth. In my view, 10 is a really critical mass, and we want to look at new areas. We want to look at UP, Odisha, and MP and I think increasingly we see the willingness of Rajasthan to engage us. So all these four states, we want to do some form of engagement and understanding next year. And also next year, I would like to see more green energy ports and facilities to be put online. Now we have one in Tuticorin, and we are looking at two, or three other ports. We hope that it can be lined up by next year. WION: India hasn't joined RCEP. What is your position? And we know during the prime minister's visit, many big-ticket investments were announced. So what kind of figures are you looking at? Simon Wong: Of course, for Singapore, which is very, very trade-based, and we like FTAs, both sub-regional or bilateral, we always have high hopes for India to join RCEP, but we fully understand where India is coming from. We are most willing to wait for India to reconsider RCEP, but at the same time, India is looking at other FTAs, like GCC, which is really a good thing for India. Number two, I think, big-ticket investments coming up, Prime Minister Modi ji, in his roundtable with 18 of our key Singapore businesses, is kindly of pleasantly surprised when all of them basically told Prime Minister Modi ji that they will double or triple their investments in India in the next three to five years. So if I look at the figures, on the average, we do 15 billion US dollars a year of investment here. If I double or triple it, it will be very, very close to $45 billion to $50 billion. So I hope we are successful in pushing this investment. WION: So my last question to you is, international affairs, India-China relationship. What's your view? Because Singapore has good relationships with both India and China. Simon Wong: My own view as a small country is that big countries should collaborate and have good relationships with each other. So as friends of both China and India, we want to see a better relationship between the two, between our two big neighbours of ours. And I feel that there are really some green shoots coming up in the discussion. There are high-level discussions between China and India. Hopefully, there is going to be a top level discussion coming up soon, and I hope some of these pain points can be resolved diplomatically. WION: Your sense on Quad? Simon Wong: My sense of Quad is a work in progress, and I think many of the Quad countries are looking ahead at security collaboration, security views, and linking the Indo-Pacific area, we welcome that as a sub-regional kind of forum to talk about things. For me, for Singapore, my central point of gravity is always ASEAN, and we feel that ASEAN as the centrality is very big and important in this part of the world as an anchor point of solution.

PM Modi's Singapore visit has given turbo boosting to ties: HC Simon Wong

India's defence production has reached an all-time high of 1.27 lakh crore rupees in 2023-24, a significant milestone driven by the 'Make in India' initiative. Defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that India is now exporting military hardware to over 90 countries.

90+ Countries Now Import Indian-made Military Hardware

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers and High-Performance Computing systems to the nation. These systems have been installed in Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata respectively. Watch to know more.

Indian PM Narendra Modi Launches Three Supercomputers

India's gold medals in the open and women's category at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest marks the start of a new era- not just for Indian chess, but for the game itself. WION's Sports Correspondent Vidur Kathuria traces the unique journey of 'Vishy's children'.

How 'Vishy's Children' Conquered The World Of Chess

On September 27, 2024, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled the Cullinan Series II in India, marking a significant milestone for the luxury automaker in the Asia Pacific region. Irene Nikkein, Regional Director Asia-Pacific for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, emphasised the importance of this launch, noting that since its initial introduction in 2018, the Cullinan has attracted a younger and more diverse clientele, becoming the most sought-after model in the Rolls-Royce lineup.

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

The Cullinan Series II represents a significant evolution, incorporating new technologies, materials, and design updates. It also offers innovative opportunities for personalisation through the Bespoke program, further enhancing its appeal to discerning customers.

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

A legacy of excellence

The original Cullinan, launched in 2018, set a new standard as the world's first super-luxury SUV. It was engineered to deliver exceptional off-road capabilities while maintaining Rolls-Royce's signature comfort and "magic carpet ride" experience across all terrains. The Cullinan's success surpassed even Rolls-Royce's most ambitious expectations, solidifying its position as the definitive super-luxury SUV—combining ruggedness with refinement, and unstoppable performance with serene comfort.

Evolving perfection

The development of the Cullinan Series II was undertaken with meticulous attention to detail, drawing on five years of client feedback, the brand's intelligence gathering, and cutting-edge technologies. This iteration represents the most extensive Series II development in Rolls-Royce history, responding to changing luxury trends and evolving usage patterns while staying true to the essential qualities that underpin the Cullinan's unprecedented popularity.

Availability and pricing

Indian customers can now commission both the Cullinan Series II and Black Badge Cullinan Series II at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chennai and New Delhi. Pricing for the Cullinan Series II in India starts at Rs. 10,50,00,000, while the Black Badge Cullinan Series II begins at Rs. 12,25,00,000. The first deliveries to local clients are scheduled to commence in Q4 2024. It's worth noting that Rolls-Royce pricing is dependent on client specifications, as each vehicle is customized through the Bespoke program.

Urban sophistication meets versatile performance

Since its introduction, the Cullinan has proven its versatility as both a supremely capable off-road vehicle and a preferred daily driver for many owners. The Cullinan Series II builds on this foundation, with a design that caters to an increasingly urban-focused, younger clientele who often prefer to drive themselves.

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Key design elements of the Cullinan Series II include:

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

1. A focus on verticality in exterior design, echoing illuminated skyscrapers in megacities.

2. New lamp treatment with tall daytime running light graphics for easy identification.

3. A pillar-to-pillar glass-panel fascia in the dashboard, showcasing both digital and physical craftsmanship.

4. Enhanced connectivity features, including the ability to connect streaming devices to rear screens.

5. A new Bespoke interface for streaming car management and seating functions.

6. Improved audio experience with Bluetooth headphone compatibility and an 18-speaker Bespoke Audio system.

&nbsp;

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>A new chapter in luxury

The Cullinan Series II represents a continuation of Rolls-Royce's legacy, shaped in collaboration with a new generation of super-luxury consumers. It embodies the brand's commitment to evolving with its clientele while maintaining its reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled luxury.

As Rolls-Royce looks to the future, the Cullinan Series II stands as a testament to the brand's ability to adapt and innovate, ensuring its place at the forefront of the super-luxury automotive market for years to come.

&nbsp;

On September 27, 2024, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled the Cullinan Series II in India, marking a significant milestone for the luxury automaker in the Asia Pacific region.

On September 27, 2024, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled the Cullinan Series II in India, marking a significant milestone for the luxury automaker in the Asia Pacific region. Irene Nikkein, Regional Director Asia-Pacific for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, emphasised the importance of this launch, noting that since its initial introduction in 2018, the Cullinan has attracted a younger and more diverse clientele, becoming the most sought-after model in the Rolls-Royce lineup. The Cullinan Series II represents a significant evolution, incorporating new technologies, materials, and design updates. It also offers innovative opportunities for personalisation through the Bespoke program, further enhancing its appeal to discerning customers. A legacy of excellence The original Cullinan, launched in 2018, set a new standard as the world's first super-luxury SUV. It was engineered to deliver exceptional off-road capabilities while maintaining Rolls-Royce's signature comfort and "magic carpet ride" experience across all terrains. The Cullinan's success surpassed even Rolls-Royce's most ambitious expectations, solidifying its position as the definitive super-luxury SUV—combining ruggedness with refinement, and unstoppable performance with serene comfort. Evolving perfection The development of the Cullinan Series II was undertaken with meticulous attention to detail, drawing on five years of client feedback, the brand's intelligence gathering, and cutting-edge technologies. This iteration represents the most extensive Series II development in Rolls-Royce history, responding to changing luxury trends and evolving usage patterns while staying true to the essential qualities that underpin the Cullinan's unprecedented popularity. Availability and pricing Indian customers can now commission both the Cullinan Series II and Black Badge Cullinan Series II at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chennai and New Delhi. Pricing for the Cullinan Series II in India starts at Rs. 10,50,00,000, while the Black Badge Cullinan Series II begins at Rs. 12,25,00,000. The first deliveries to local clients are scheduled to commence in Q4 2024. It's worth noting that Rolls-Royce pricing is dependent on client specifications, as each vehicle is customized through the Bespoke program. Urban sophistication meets versatile performance Since its introduction, the Cullinan has proven its versatility as both a supremely capable off-road vehicle and a preferred daily driver for many owners. The Cullinan Series II builds on this foundation, with a design that caters to an increasingly urban-focused, younger clientele who often prefer to drive themselves. Key design elements of the Cullinan Series II include: 1. A focus on verticality in exterior design, echoing illuminated skyscrapers in megacities. 2. New lamp treatment with tall daytime running light graphics for easy identification. 3. A pillar-to-pillar glass-panel fascia in the dashboard, showcasing both digital and physical craftsmanship. 4. Enhanced connectivity features, including the ability to connect streaming devices to rear screens. 5. A new Bespoke interface for streaming car management and seating functions. 6. Improved audio experience with Bluetooth headphone compatibility and an 18-speaker Bespoke Audio system. A new chapter in luxury The Cullinan Series II represents a continuation of Rolls-Royce's legacy, shaped in collaboration with a new generation of super-luxury consumers. It embodies the brand's commitment to evolving with its clientele while maintaining its reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled luxury. As Rolls-Royce looks to the future, the Cullinan Series II stands as a testament to the brand's ability to adapt and innovate, ensuring its place at the forefront of the super-luxury automotive market for years to come.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II makes its grand entrance in India

India's leading steelmakers' group warned on Friday of further import increases from China following a US decision to impose 25% tariffs on Chinese steel imports. This month, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration locked in steep tariffs on Chinese imports, including 25% on steel and Aluminium that kicked in from Friday.

India's Steel Imports From China Hit 7-Year High

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