India voting for the fifth of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections occurred in 49 constituencies across eight States and Union Territories. Voters exercise their rights. Watch in for more details!

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We put the spotlight on Jammu & Kashmir and why it is important for India's growing economy. What do the residents of Kashmir want from India's next government? That's what this report decodes.

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Northern India including capital Delhi is reeling under a fierce heatwave. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for severe heatwave conditions for 5 days day. Watch in for more details!

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Iran President Ebrahim Raisi death news updates: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences shortly after Iranian state media confirmed President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a tragic helicopter crash. Raisi was accompanied by Foreign Minister&nbsp;Hossein Amir-Abdollahian who too did not survive in what so far is being described as an 'accident'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-drone-searching-for-raisis-plane-finds-heat-source-could-be-aircrafts-debris-723214">Iran prez Raisi dies in chopper crash, says state media</a>

"Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also took to X and said that India stands with the people of Iran at the time of this tragedy.&nbsp;

"Deeply shocked to hear of the passing away of Iran’s President Dr Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister H. Amir-Abdollahian in the helicopter crash. Recall my many meetings with them, most recently in January 2024. Our condolences to their families. We stand with the people of Iran at time of this tragedy," Jaishankar wrote on X.

<img alt="External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar with deceased Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in January 2024 | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d51c721-9c26-4c72-9c87-1df9ac43484c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RaisiJaishankar.png" />

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar with deceased Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in January 2024 | AFP

<h2>India-Iran ties during Ebrahim Raisi's years in power</h2>

After succeeding Iran's moderate President Hassan Rouhani in 2021, Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister Amir-Abdollahian were key to the conclusion of some of India's major&nbsp;investments on Iran's Chabahar Port, located just 200 km from China-funded Gwadar port in Pakistan, and key to India's connectivity ambitions with Russia through Central Asia. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Iran in January this year with <a href="https://www.mea.gov.in/outoging-visit-detail.htm?37513/Joint+Press+Statement+by+EAM+Dr+S+Jaishankar+with+Minister+of+Foreign+Affairs+of+Iran">focus</a> to conclude Chabahar Port Deal and developments on North-South Corridor.

<img alt="Iran is at the center of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/INSTC.png" /> 
 
Just last week, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-new-delhi-seals-deal-to-operate-chabahar-port-for-a-decade-723100">signed</a> on the deal to operate Chabahar Port for the next 10 years in a major geoeconomic breakthrough for the two countries.&nbsp;

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At Tehran, Iran today, delighted to be part of the signing of the Long Term Bilateral Contract on Chabahar Port Operations in presence of HE Mehrdad Bazrpash, Minister of Roads &amp; Urban Development, Iran. 
 
India will develop and operate Iran's strategic Chabahar Port for 10… <a href="https://t.co/iXwekIk8ey">pic.twitter.com/iXwekIk8ey</a>
— Sarbananda Sonowal (Modi Ka Parivar) (@sarbanandsonwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarbanandsonwal/status/1789980437961703586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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New Delhi had been&nbsp;Tehran's key supporter for joining the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), a development that finally took place in&nbsp;September 2023 during South Africa BRICS summit.

Prior to that, in New Delhi's corridors of power, Tehran's support to the New Delhi-led Voice of the Global South summits&nbsp;was widely acknowledged.&nbsp;

Notably, since 1995 to present, the United States has issued ten executive orders to declare sanctions on various parts of Iran's economy citing, among other things, Tehran's pursuit&nbsp;to attain nuclear power. Between August 2021 till April 25, 2024, the US State Department&nbsp;has issued a total of 65 orders to declare sanctions on a number of Iran-linked entities — religious, economic, radical, et. al.&nbsp;— of several kinds.&nbsp;

Despite Washington's relentless pursuit against Iranian interests, it was India that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flip-flop-seen-over-us-stance-on-chabahar-port-721239">secured a waiver</a> from the US in 2018 for investments related to Chabahar Port through its steadfast diplomatic capital. Tehran recognises New Delhi's geo-economic significance and it's this exact recognition that has driven the two sides closer during Raisi's years in power.

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Iranian President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EbrahimRaisi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EbrahimRaisi</a> dies in chopper crash; foreign minister Abdollahian also dead 
 
The president was flying in US-made Bell 212 helicopter 
 
WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sidhant</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Anasmallick</a> join <a href="https://twitter.com/SaroyaHem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Saroyahem</a> with more details <a href="https://t.co/TE6bK0KFb5">pic.twitter.com/TE6bK0KFb5</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1792427599462854949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message of condolence&nbsp;in terms of&nbsp; Raisi's "contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship" indicates the strides the two countries have made in recent years.

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi death news updates: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences shortly after Iranian state media confirmed President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a tragic helicopter crash.

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi death news updates: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences shortly after Iranian state media confirmed President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a tragic helicopter crash. Raisi was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian who too did not survive in what so far is being described as an 'accident'. Also read | Iran prez Raisi dies in chopper crash, says state media "Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also took to X and said that India stands with the people of Iran at the time of this tragedy. "Deeply shocked to hear of the passing away of Iran’s President Dr Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister H. Amir-Abdollahian in the helicopter crash. Recall my many meetings with them, most recently in January 2024. Our condolences to their families. We stand with the people of Iran at time of this tragedy," Jaishankar wrote on X. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar with deceased Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in January 2024 | AFP India-Iran ties during Ebrahim Raisi's years in power After succeeding Iran's moderate President Hassan Rouhani in 2021, Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister Amir-Abdollahian were key to the conclusion of some of India's major investments on Iran's Chabahar Port, located just 200 km from China-funded Gwadar port in Pakistan, and key to India's connectivity ambitions with Russia through Central Asia. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Iran in January this year with focus to conclude Chabahar Port Deal and developments on North-South Corridor. Just last week, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal signed on the deal to operate Chabahar Port for the next 10 years in a major geoeconomic breakthrough for the two countries. At Tehran, Iran today, delighted to be part of the signing of the Long Term Bilateral Contract on Chabahar Port Operations in presence of HE Mehrdad Bazrpash, Minister of Roads & Urban Development, Iran. India will develop and operate Iran's strategic Chabahar Port for 10… pic.twitter.com/iXwekIk8ey — Sarbananda Sonowal (Modi Ka Parivar) (@sarbanandsonwal) May 13, 2024 × New Delhi had been Tehran's key supporter for joining the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), a development that finally took place in September 2023 during South Africa BRICS summit. Prior to that, in New Delhi's corridors of power, Tehran's support to the New Delhi-led Voice of the Global South summits was widely acknowledged. Notably, since 1995 to present, the United States has issued ten executive orders to declare sanctions on various parts of Iran's economy citing, among other things, Tehran's pursuit to attain nuclear power. Between August 2021 till April 25, 2024, the US State Department has issued a total of 65 orders to declare sanctions on a number of Iran-linked entities — religious, economic, radical, et. al. — of several kinds. Despite Washington's relentless pursuit against Iranian interests, it was India that secured a waiver from the US in 2018 for investments related to Chabahar Port through its steadfast diplomatic capital. Tehran recognises New Delhi's geo-economic significance and it's this exact recognition that has driven the two sides closer during Raisi's years in power. Iranian President #EbrahimRaisi dies in chopper crash; foreign minister Abdollahian also dead The president was flying in US-made Bell 212 helicopter WION's @sidhant and @Anasmallick join @Saroyahem with more details pic.twitter.com/TE6bK0KFb5 — WION (@WIONews) May 20, 2024 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message of condolence in terms of Raisi's "contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship" indicates the strides the two countries have made in recent years.

India-Iran ties in Ebrahim Raisi years: Between BRICS, Chabahar and Central Asia connectivity

Most parts of India are reeling under extreme heat. While India's voter turnout remains low, climate change is playing a bigger role in keeping voters away. Could the weather gods change fortunes for parties looking for power?

India general elections 2024: How climate affects India's politics | WION Pollnomics

Two major terror attacks have taken place in the Kashmir Valley on Saturday evening. The first attack took place in South Kashmir near the tourist resort of Pahalgam in the Yannar area of Anantnag district. A couple from Rajasthan was fired at by terrorists resulting in injuries to both of them, the husband is said to be critical while the wife is stable.

India | Terror attacks in Kashmir: Terrorists shoot & injure couple near Pahalgam in J&K

The India Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for Delhi Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh today. The condition is expected to last for the next 5 days as fresh heatwave spell is likely to commence over East and Central India. Watch in for more details!

India: IMD issues heatwave alert, weather warnings

India: Heatwave in Punjab, Haryana & Delhi to last until May 21

Watch top headlines of the hour: - India: Monitoring Kyrgyzstan situation - Israel sets up OPS in Jabaila, Rafah - Russia turns up heat on Kharkiv - Philippines vows to defend territory - Kejriwal's PS arrested for assault - Afghanistan: New Flash floods kill 50 - North India simmers under heatwave

India: Monitoring Kyrgyzstan situation | Afghanistan: New Flash floods kill 50

India's economy is projected to reach a stellar 6.9% growth in 2024. This surge is fueled by a strong domestic market, a skilled young workforce, and a booming tech sector. With its impressive growth surpassing china's, India is poised to become a future economic powerhouse, attracting global investment and shaping the world's economic landscape.

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the first LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft is expected to be delivered to the Indian Air Force by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited by July this year. Watch in to know about the specifications of the India's light combat aircraft.

HAL to deliver first LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft to IAF by July

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party find themselves in the middle of yet another controversy. AAP's leader Swati Maliwal is at the centre of an alleged harassment row involving party boss Arvind Kejriwal's close aide Bibhav Kumar. Maliwal was allegedly assaulted by Bibhav Kumar at the CM's residence in Delhi civil lines area on May 13. Watch to know more.

Swati Maliwal registers case against Delhi CM Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar

The Indian state of West Bengal is the economic powerhouse of east India. Moreover, its 42 Members of Parliament can make or break political fortunes at the center. As the election fever reaches higher pitch, we bring you an economic snapshot of West Bengal.

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South Africa is heading to elections in less than two weeks and there is a lot of uncertainity not just for South Africans with voting rights but also for those living in the country for many years.

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Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Bizarre incident at the Kozhikode Medical College in Kerala a doctor performed surgery on a child's tongue instead of her finger. Following the controversy that sparked was sparked by mistake the doctor was suspended.

Kerala doctor operates on child's tongue instead of her finger

India: Swati Maliwal registers case against Delhi CM Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar

Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has made her grand entry at the Cannes International Film Festival. The actor has mesmerised her fans with her latest style statement as she attended the Megalopolis premiere at Cannes 2024. Watch in for more Cannes 2024 related updates!

Cannes 2024 unforgettable fashion moments

While a study conducted by researchers at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) found that nearly one-third of those who received Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin reported Adverse Events of Special Interest (AESI) after a one-year follow-up, the Hyderabad-based company cited research flaws. Watch to know more.

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Indian General Election 2024: Decoding the economy of West Bengal

A day after announcing that TMC will extend "outside support" to the I.N.D.I.A. alliance to form government at the Centre if it wins the Lok Sabha elections, now Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has taken a U-turn and said she is "very much part of I.N.D.I.A. alliance" at the national level. Watch in for more election updates!

India General Election 2024: TMC leader Mamata Banerjee's U-turn after 'outside support' remark

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the first set of Citizen Certificates to applicants under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on May 15 in New Delhi. Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over citizenship certificates to the applicants.

India issues first set of CAA certificates to 14 people

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Wednesday that she would provide “outside support” to INDIA, the opposition parties’ forum, to help it form the next government at the Centre. Watch in for more updates!

India General Election 2024: Mamata offers 'outside support' to I.N.D.I.A. bloc

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday (May 15) slammed the Uttarakhand government over its "lackadaisical" approach while tacking raging forest fires in the state.&nbsp;

The top court was hearing a plea on the forest fires in the northern state. A Forest Department bulletin revealed that the fires have affected more than 1,437 hectares of green cover since November.&nbsp;

A bench of Justices BR Gavai, SVN Bhatti and Sandeep Mehta said that the State's approach to controlling forest fires was not up to the mark.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-citizenship-amendment-act-in-action-14-migrants-granted-citizenship-by-mha-721828">India’s&nbsp;Citizenship (Amendment) Act in action: 14 migrants granted citizenship by MHA</a>&nbsp;

The Court asked the counsel, who appeared for Uttarakhand, "Why have you employed the forest fire staff on election duty amidst fire?"&nbsp;

According to a state official, the election duty was over and the Chief Secretary had directed them not to put any official on poll duty.&nbsp;

"It's a sorry state of affairs. You are only making excuses," the bench responded.&nbsp;

The top court also raised the matter of a huge vacancy in the state's forest department, stating that it must be handled.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-top-court-refuses-to-allow-abortion-for-pregnancy-beyond-27-weeks-says-foetus-has-right-to-live-721716">India’s top court refuses to allow abortion for pregnancy beyond 27 weeks, says foetus has right to live</a>&nbsp;

"There is a huge fire and 40 per cent of the forest is under fire. This is undoused," advocate Parmeshwar told the court.&nbsp;

The counsel for Uttarakhand responded to the claim, stating that there were no new fires. Notably, the recent rains in several sections of the state gave much-needed relief from forest fires. Local reports said that there were no new incidents reported in the last few days.

The top court also demanded an explanation from the state administration as to why funds provided by the central last year were not fully utilised.&nbsp;

The government counsel claimed that the state government had not received funds from the Centre to fight the forest fire.&nbsp;

He said, "Funding is a huge issue now. Had there been proper funding, the situation would have been better. The Centre has to chip in to help the state."&nbsp; 
 
The apex court in 2021 agreed to examine pleas asking the Uttarakhand government to take measures to prevent the occurrence of forest fires causing large-scale destruction of flora and fauna in the hill state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday (May 15) slammed the Uttarakhand government over its "lackadaisical" approach while tacking raging forest fires in the state. The top court was hearing a plea on the forest fires in the northern state.

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday (May 15) slammed the Uttarakhand government over its "lackadaisical" approach while tacking raging forest fires in the state. The top court was hearing a plea on the forest fires in the northern state. A Forest Department bulletin revealed that the fires have affected more than 1,437 hectares of green cover since November. A bench of Justices BR Gavai, SVN Bhatti and Sandeep Mehta said that the State's approach to controlling forest fires was not up to the mark. Also read: India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act in action: 14 migrants granted citizenship by MHA The Court asked the counsel, who appeared for Uttarakhand, "Why have you employed the forest fire staff on election duty amidst fire?" According to a state official, the election duty was over and the Chief Secretary had directed them not to put any official on poll duty. "It's a sorry state of affairs. You are only making excuses," the bench responded. The top court also raised the matter of a huge vacancy in the state's forest department, stating that it must be handled. Also read: India’s top court refuses to allow abortion for pregnancy beyond 27 weeks, says foetus has right to live "There is a huge fire and 40 per cent of the forest is under fire. This is undoused," advocate Parmeshwar told the court. The counsel for Uttarakhand responded to the claim, stating that there were no new fires. Notably, the recent rains in several sections of the state gave much-needed relief from forest fires. Local reports said that there were no new incidents reported in the last few days. The top court also demanded an explanation from the state administration as to why funds provided by the central last year were not fully utilised. The government counsel claimed that the state government had not received funds from the Centre to fight the forest fire. He said, "Funding is a huge issue now. Had there been proper funding, the situation would have been better. The Centre has to chip in to help the state." The apex court in 2021 agreed to examine pleas asking the Uttarakhand government to take measures to prevent the occurrence of forest fires causing large-scale destruction of flora and fauna in the hill state. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s top court slams ‘lackadaisical’ approach of Uttarakhand govt in tackling forest fires

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has slammed the opposition on the citizenship Amendment act. He said while India has started granting citizenship under the CAA the opposition Samajwadi Party and the Congress are trying to spark riots by spreading lies.

Indian elections 2024: PM Modi praises the issuance of CAA certificate

India has built one of the world's highest tank repairing facilities near the LAC. The new facilities will help enhance serviceability and keep India's war machines war ready. India has also unveiled a stealth midget submarine that has been built for covert operations. Gravitas brings you the story on India's defence prowess.

Gravitas: India builds tank repair facilities near LAC, unveils stealth midget submarine

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