<p>Indian President Droupadi Murmu awarded the prestigious Padma Vibhushan to former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and presented the Padma Bhushan to renowned figures like singer Usha Uthup and Bharatnatyam dancer Dr Padma Subrahmanyam at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi&nbsp;on Monday (April 22).</p>

<p>The ceremony, presided over by President Murmu, also saw actor Mithun Chakraborty receiving the Padma Bhushan and the late Sulabh International founder Bindeshwar Pathak posthumously receiving the Padma Vibhushan.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-health-delhi-cms-plea-seeking-medical-consultation-rejected-by-court-713911">Also read |&nbsp;Arvind Kejriwal Health: Delhi CM's plea seeking medical consultation rejected by Court</a></p>

<p>The Padma Awards, which include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, are among India's highest civilian honours, acknowledging exceptional contributions in various fields. This year, 132 individuals were honoured, including Vyjayantimala Bali, Shri Konidela Chiranjeevi, and&nbsp;Padma Subrahmanyam, who received the Padma Vibhushan for their remarkable contributions to the arts.</p>

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<p>The Padma Vibhushan recipients include Vyjayantimala Bali for her excellence in dance and acting, S&nbsp;Konidela Chiranjeevi for his outstanding contributions to cinema, M Venkaiah Naidu for his impactful work in Public Affairs, the late Bindeshwar Pathak for his pioneering efforts in Social Work, and Padma Subrahmanyam for her exceptional contributions to dance and culture.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-awareness-campaign-held-in-asias-largest-tulip-garden-in-srinagar-713915">Also read |&nbsp;Election awareness campaign held in Asia’s largest tulip garden in Srinagar</a></p>

<p>Diverse contributions were also recognised through the Padma Bhushan awards, honouring individuals like M Fathima Beevi, Hormusji N Cama,&nbsp;Mithun Chakraborty, Sitaram Jindal, Young Liu, Ashwin Balachand Mehta, the late Satyabrata Mookherjee, Ram Naik, Tejas Madhusudan Patel, Olanchery Rajagopal, Dattatray Ambadas Mayaloo, the late Togdan Rinpoche, Pyarelal Sharma, Chandreshwar Prasad Thakur, Usha Uthup, the late Vijaykanth, and Kundan Vyas, among others.</p>

<h2><strong>Significance of Padma Awards</strong></h2>

<p>The Padma Awards ceremony recognises and celebrates exceptional people&nbsp;in various fields for their stellar achievements and contributions.&nbsp;Each year, no more than 120 Padma awards are given out. Recipients receive a medal and certificate signed by the President of India. The awards ceremony happens in March-April at the Rashtrapati Bhawan situated in New Delhi, India.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian President Droupadi Murmu awarded the prestigious Padma Vibhushan to former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and presented the Padma Bhushan to renowned figures like singer Usha Uthup and Bharatnatyam dancer Dr Padma Subrahmanyam at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Monday (April 22).

Indian President Droupadi Murmu awarded the prestigious Padma Vibhushan to former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and presented the Padma Bhushan to renowned figures like singer Usha Uthup and Bharatnatyam dancer Dr Padma Subrahmanyam at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Monday (April 22). The ceremony, presided over by President Murmu, also saw actor Mithun Chakraborty receiving the Padma Bhushan and the late Sulabh International founder Bindeshwar Pathak posthumously receiving the Padma Vibhushan. Also read | Arvind Kejriwal Health: Delhi CM's plea seeking medical consultation rejected by Court The Padma Awards, which include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, are among India's highest civilian honours, acknowledging exceptional contributions in various fields. This year, 132 individuals were honoured, including Vyjayantimala Bali, Shri Konidela Chiranjeevi, and Padma Subrahmanyam, who received the Padma Vibhushan for their remarkable contributions to the arts. #WATCH | Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Shri upon Bhajan-singer Shri Kaluram Bamaniya in the field of Arts. pic.twitter.com/vIx06fD3rb — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2024 × #WATCH | Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Bhushan upon Sitaram Jindal in the field of Trade & Industry. pic.twitter.com/uxz5W4qscy — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2024 × The Padma Vibhushan recipients include Vyjayantimala Bali for her excellence in dance and acting, S Konidela Chiranjeevi for his outstanding contributions to cinema, M Venkaiah Naidu for his impactful work in Public Affairs, the late Bindeshwar Pathak for his pioneering efforts in Social Work, and Padma Subrahmanyam for her exceptional contributions to dance and culture. Also read | Election awareness campaign held in Asia’s largest tulip garden in Srinagar Diverse contributions were also recognised through the Padma Bhushan awards, honouring individuals like M Fathima Beevi, Hormusji N Cama, Mithun Chakraborty, Sitaram Jindal, Young Liu, Ashwin Balachand Mehta, the late Satyabrata Mookherjee, Ram Naik, Tejas Madhusudan Patel, Olanchery Rajagopal, Dattatray Ambadas Mayaloo, the late Togdan Rinpoche, Pyarelal Sharma, Chandreshwar Prasad Thakur, Usha Uthup, the late Vijaykanth, and Kundan Vyas, among others. Significance of Padma Awards The Padma Awards ceremony recognises and celebrates exceptional people in various fields for their stellar achievements and contributions. Each year, no more than 120 Padma awards are given out. Recipients receive a medal and certificate signed by the President of India. The awards ceremony happens in March-April at the Rashtrapati Bhawan situated in New Delhi, India. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-VP Venkaiah Naidu, Bindeshwar Pathak conferred Padma Vibhushan; here's the full list

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will kick off his election campaign for the forthcoming Lok Sabha and assembly polls. Watch to know more.

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Here is a look at the players who have won the Player-of-the-Match awards on most occasions, for their respective teams, since IPL 2019. Watch in for more details!

IPL 2024: Players with most POTM awards since IPL 2019

India is planning to add nuclear attack submarines to its naval forces to counter the underwater challenge posed by rival navies. More details have emerged about the ambitious Alpha 75 project which will see the addition of 6 nuclear attack submarines, that will significantly increase the Indian Navy's power projection and underwater deterrence capabilities.

Gravitas: India's Nuclear Attack Submarine Program takes shape amid China threat in Indo-Pacific

How prepared is India to deal with aerial threats? India has a robust air defence system and is further fortifying its airspace against potential threats. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: How prepared is India to deal with aerial threats?

India is drawing up plans for a centralised air traffic command centre in Nagpur. Once completed, ISHAN- Indian Single Sky Harmonised Air Traffic Management at Nagpur- will reduce travel time, reduce fuel consumption, and hopefully, it will also make flying cheaper in India. Here are the details.

Gravitas: India's Mission ISHAN: One Nation, One Airspace

<p>The Indian Air Force tested the ROCKS missile, capable of striking targets over 250 kilometres&nbsp;away, marking a major capability enhancement.</p>

<p>Conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the successful test showed the air-launched ballistic missile's potential, originating from Israel as the Crystal Maze 2.</p>

<p>According to senior sources in the national security establishment speaking to ANI, a Su-30 MKI fighter jet successfully test-fired the missile last week at a testing site within the Andaman Islands' territory.</p>

<p>Preparations for the test were conducted within the jurisdiction of the tri-services Andaman and Nicobar Command, currently overseen by an Air Force officer.</p>

<p>The Indian Air Force intends to procure Israeli missiles on a large scale through the Make in India initiative due to its unique capabilities.</p>

<p>Launched from a Su-30 fighter, the missile ascends before swiftly homing in on its target. The Crystal Maze 2 differs significantly from its predecessor, Crystal Maze 1, previously inducted into the Indian Air Force from Israel.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-nation-one-airspace-indias-mission-ishan-to-benefit-airlines-and-passengers-both-714250">Also read |&nbsp;‘One nation, one airspace’: India’s project ISHAN to streamline air traffic, benefit airlines and passengers</a></p>

<h2><strong>What is Crystal Maze 2?</strong></h2>

<p>Crystal Maze 2, an extended stand-off range air-to-surface missile, is earmarked for targeting high-value stationary and relocatable objectives such as long-range radars and enemy air defence systems.</p>

<p>Its effectiveness in GPS-denied environments, reminiscent of India's challenges during the Kargil War, is highlighted.&nbsp;It's effective even against targets protected by air defence systems.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Expectations of the first-time voters</strong></p>

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<p>The successful test firing is a big step for India's defence. By making Crystal Maze 2 missiles in India, they're moving towards self-reliance and modernising their defence, reducing dependence on imports.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Air Force tested the ROCKS missile, capable of striking targets over 250 kilometres away, marking a major capability enhancement. Conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the successful test showed the air-launched ballistic missile's potential, originating from Israel as the Crystal Maze 2.

The Indian Air Force tested the ROCKS missile, capable of striking targets over 250 kilometres away, marking a major capability enhancement. Conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the successful test showed the air-launched ballistic missile's potential, originating from Israel as the Crystal Maze 2. According to senior sources in the national security establishment speaking to ANI, a Su-30 MKI fighter jet successfully test-fired the missile last week at a testing site within the Andaman Islands' territory. Preparations for the test were conducted within the jurisdiction of the tri-services Andaman and Nicobar Command, currently overseen by an Air Force officer. The Indian Air Force intends to procure Israeli missiles on a large scale through the Make in India initiative due to its unique capabilities. Launched from a Su-30 fighter, the missile ascends before swiftly homing in on its target. The Crystal Maze 2 differs significantly from its predecessor, Crystal Maze 1, previously inducted into the Indian Air Force from Israel. Also read | ‘One nation, one airspace’: India’s project ISHAN to streamline air traffic, benefit airlines and passengers What is Crystal Maze 2? Crystal Maze 2, an extended stand-off range air-to-surface missile, is earmarked for targeting high-value stationary and relocatable objectives such as long-range radars and enemy air defence systems. Its effectiveness in GPS-denied environments, reminiscent of India's challenges during the Kargil War, is highlighted. It's effective even against targets protected by air defence systems. Also watch | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Expectations of the first-time voters The successful test firing is a big step for India's defence. By making Crystal Maze 2 missiles in India, they're moving towards self-reliance and modernising their defence, reducing dependence on imports. (With inputs from agencies)

India successfully tests Crystal Maze-2 missile capable of striking targets up to 250 kilometres away

India's air defence capabilities are under scrutiny after Israel's interception of Iranian missiles. The country is enhancing its arsenal with new systems. Watch in for more details!

India has a robust air defence network to thwart threats

A speech by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come under the scanner, for allegedly inciting hate. Several opposition parties have cried foul over the speech, targeted at Muslims, while urging the Election Commission to take action.

India Elections: Opposition raises alarm over PM Modi's 'hate' speech in Rajasthan

The Lok Sabha elections 2024 have sparked a wave of enthusiasm and expectation among the first-time voters of India. Listen in what India's youth expects from the upcoming governemnt.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Expectations of the first-time voters

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms.

Chinese public toilets can now scan your urine for health problems

<p>India has initiated the process of consolidating its four airspace regions into a single entity spanning the entire nation, in order to refine and strengthen air traffic management (ATM).</p>

<p>The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has called for expressions of interest to prepare a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative, centered in Nagpur.</p>

<p>This consolidation is expected to streamline operations, enhance capacity, and alleviate congestion, benefiting both airlines and passengers.</p>

<h2><strong>What's the arrangement at present?</strong></h2>

<p>Currently, Indian airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) and a sub-FIR, each managed separately.</p>

<p>Unifying these FIRs under a single authority in Nagpur is projected to improve efficiency, safety, and seamlessness in air traffic operations.</p>

<p>The move comes amidst a significant surge in aviation industry growth, with domestic passenger traffic expected to double by 2030.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-security-breach-at-delhi-airport-leads-to-suspension-of-security-personnel-684632">Also read |&nbsp;Man enters Delhi airport runway in major security breach; CISF personnel suspended</a></p>

<p>While the benefits of ISHAN are clear—seamless operations, reduced congestion, increased capacity, efficient routing, and reduced flight times—achieving them poses challenges.</p>

<p>Implementing uniform technology, revising processes, retraining staff, and formulating policies require time and investment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-government-tells-mumbai-airport-to-cut-flights-over-congestion-690267">Also read |&nbsp;India: Government tells Mumbai airport to cut flights due to high airspace congestion</a></p>

<p>Air Marshal Anil Chopra, who spoke to The Print, said&nbsp;that ISHAN will centralise coordination for domestic flights flying above 25,000 ft in Nagpur, redistributing responsibilities of regional controllers.</p>

<p>This model mirrors existing practices in Chennai and Kolkata, offering a macroscopic view of air traffic flow and emergencies nationwide. It promises greater routing flexibility, decreased travel time, fuel consumption, and workload for controllers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India has initiated the process of consolidating its four airspace regions into a single entity spanning the entire nation, in order to refine and strengthen air traffic management (ATM).

India has initiated the process of consolidating its four airspace regions into a single entity spanning the entire nation, in order to refine and strengthen air traffic management (ATM). The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has called for expressions of interest to prepare a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative, centered in Nagpur. This consolidation is expected to streamline operations, enhance capacity, and alleviate congestion, benefiting both airlines and passengers. What's the arrangement at present? Currently, Indian airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) and a sub-FIR, each managed separately. Unifying these FIRs under a single authority in Nagpur is projected to improve efficiency, safety, and seamlessness in air traffic operations. The move comes amidst a significant surge in aviation industry growth, with domestic passenger traffic expected to double by 2030. Also read | Man enters Delhi airport runway in major security breach; CISF personnel suspended While the benefits of ISHAN are clear—seamless operations, reduced congestion, increased capacity, efficient routing, and reduced flight times—achieving them poses challenges. Implementing uniform technology, revising processes, retraining staff, and formulating policies require time and investment. Also read | India: Government tells Mumbai airport to cut flights due to high airspace congestion Air Marshal Anil Chopra, who spoke to The Print, said that ISHAN will centralise coordination for domestic flights flying above 25,000 ft in Nagpur, redistributing responsibilities of regional controllers. This model mirrors existing practices in Chennai and Kolkata, offering a macroscopic view of air traffic flow and emergencies nationwide. It promises greater routing flexibility, decreased travel time, fuel consumption, and workload for controllers. (With inputs from agencies)

‘One nation, one airspace’: India’s project ISHAN to streamline air traffic, benefit airlines and passengers

India's D Gukesh became the youngest player to win the FIDE Candidates tournament in Toronto. the 17-year-old's coach, GM Vishnu Prasanna, hailed his triumph as a once-in-a-generation achievement. Prasanna spoke to Wion's Sidharth MP in Chennai. Watch in for more details!

India: Meet the man behind D Gukesh's meteoric rise

India is currently engaged in the largest democratic exercise ever recorded in history. With political observers and investors handing the victory to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party even before polling is complete, we look at how the Modi government has performed in the last 10 years and where it will need to do better in its possible third term.

10 years of PM Modi: An economic report card

There have been teams who have often been all-out at regular intervals in IPL history. Here is a list depicting the top five sides who have lost all their ten wickets on most occasions in the tournament history.

Teams most times all-out in IPL history

On April 13, Iran launched over 300 armed drones and long range missiles towards Israel. The Israeli Defence Forces said that the Iranian attack was thwarted - Israel's success to intercept at least 99% missiles was regarded to Iron Dome Defence Shield. Watch the video to know what happens in India.

Indian Army's air defence widens wings, India joins elite group of countries with MIRV capability

Indian nationals can now get long-term, multi-entry Schengen visa. The European Union will now offer multiple-entry Schengen VISAs with longer validity.

Indian nationals can now apply for multiple-entry, long-term Schengen visas.

<p>Last month, a 10-year-old girl died after allegedly consuming her birthday cake in the north Indian state of Punjab. In the latest development, health officials said on Monday that they found a high concentration of synthetic sweetener, known as saccharine, in the samples of cake which were collected from the bakery that&nbsp;had supplied the cake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident happened in Patiala where the girl, identified in reports as Manvi, allegedly died after eating the cake. However, a forensic report is awaited to draw conclusions. Not just the girl, but her entire family fell ill on March 24 after eating the chocolate cake that was ordered online.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-conduct-quality-checks-on-mdh-and-everest-products-for-cancer-causing-pesticide-report-713989">India to conduct quality checks on MDH and Everest products for cancer-causing pesticide</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Citing officials, Indian media outlets reported that two cake samples were found to contain a high concentration of saccharine out of four taken for analysis from the bakery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, saccharine is an artificial sweetener which is often used as a substitute for sugar, especially by diabetics. It is often used in food and drinks in small quantities, however, high levels can lead to a rapid rise in blood glucose levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A first information report (FIR) has already been filed against the bakery's owner, as per reports. As mentioned in reports, the officials have said that action will be taken against the bakery soon. A fine might also be imposed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-health-delhi-cms-plea-seeking-medical-consultation-rejected-by-court-713911">Arvind Kejriwal health: Delhi Court rejects CM’s plea seeking personal medical consultation</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>When the news broke last month, Manvi's grandfather was quoted as saying that the entire family fell sick hours after the cake-cutting ceremony. It was believed that all of them consumed the cake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The grandfather had said that Manvi's younger sister also fell sick as both of them started throwing up. Manvi even complained of dryness in her mouth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Last month, a 10-year-old girl died after allegedly consuming her birthday cake in the north Indian state of Punjab. In the latest development, health officials said on Monday that they found a high concentration of synthetic sweetener, known as saccharine, in the samples of cake which were collected from the bakery that had supplied the cake.

Last month, a 10-year-old girl died after allegedly consuming her birthday cake in the north Indian state of Punjab. In the latest development, health officials said on Monday that they found a high concentration of synthetic sweetener, known as saccharine, in the samples of cake which were collected from the bakery that had supplied the cake. The incident happened in Patiala where the girl, identified in reports as Manvi, allegedly died after eating the cake. However, a forensic report is awaited to draw conclusions. Not just the girl, but her entire family fell ill on March 24 after eating the chocolate cake that was ordered online. Also read: India to conduct quality checks on MDH and Everest products for cancer-causing pesticide Citing officials, Indian media outlets reported that two cake samples were found to contain a high concentration of saccharine out of four taken for analysis from the bakery. Notably, saccharine is an artificial sweetener which is often used as a substitute for sugar, especially by diabetics. It is often used in food and drinks in small quantities, however, high levels can lead to a rapid rise in blood glucose levels. A first information report (FIR) has already been filed against the bakery's owner, as per reports. As mentioned in reports, the officials have said that action will be taken against the bakery soon. A fine might also be imposed. Also read: Arvind Kejriwal health: Delhi Court rejects CM’s plea seeking personal medical consultation When the news broke last month, Manvi's grandfather was quoted as saying that the entire family fell sick hours after the cake-cutting ceremony. It was believed that all of them consumed the cake. The grandfather had said that Manvi's younger sister also fell sick as both of them started throwing up. Manvi even complained of dryness in her mouth. (With inputs from agencies)

Synthetic sweetener found in cake samples linked to Indian 10-year-old's death on birthday

A study by India's space agency, ISRO has found that over 27 per cent of the identified glacial lakes in the Himalayas have notably expanded since 1984 and 130 of those are in India.

27% of identified glacial lakes have expanded: Study

India's income tax receipts witnessed a significant rise of 17.7% for the financial year 2023/24, reaching nearly $235 billion. This growth reflects an increase in both personal income and corporate profits.

India sees 17.7% surge in income tax receipts

Apple is significantly expanding its presence in India. Over the next three years, apple's vendor network is expected to create over 500,000 new jobs in the country, marking a 233% increase from current levels. This hiring surge comes alongside apple's plans to scale up iPhone production in India.

Apple to create over 500,000 Indian jobs in 3 years

D Gukesh's coach on historic candidates victory

According to the March 2024 data released by Maldives government, Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives have plummeted by over 50% compared to the same month in the previous year in March. Watch in for more details!

Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives

Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh scripted history for India as he became the youngest man in the world to win the Candidates tournament. The 17-year-old will challenge Ding Liren for the World Championship crown later in 2024. Watch in for more details!

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of planning to redistribute the country's wealth to Muslims, drawing criticism and a challenge from senior party leader Pawan Khera. Watch in how much people support his statement.

Poll: Congress plans to redistribute wealth to 'infiltrators', says PM Modi

India's Dommaraju Gukesh becomes the youngest Candidates Chess Tournament champion

<p>According to the March 2024 data released by the Maldives government, Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives have plummeted by over 50 percent compared to the same month in the previous year.</p>

<p>In March 2023, 18,099 Indian tourists travelled to the country, whereas in March 2024, the number dwindled to a mere 8,322—a stark 54 per cent decrease. This downward trend is not limited to a single month; it extends across the first quarter of 2024, with only 34,847 Indian tourists visiting Maldives from January to March, compared to 56,208 during the same period in 2023.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-cruise-missile-warhead-test-713314">North Korea conducts cruise missile warhead test</a></p>

<p>The decline in Indian tourist arrivals coincides with a period of strained diplomatic relations between India and Maldives, largely attributed to the policies of Maldives President Muizzu.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volkswagen-workers-in-tennessee-vote-overwhelmingly-for-unionization-713301">Volkswagen workers in Tennessee vote overwhelmingly for unionization</a></p>

<p>President Muizzu, who came to power in November 2023, has pursued a more China-centric approach, advocating for reduced reliance on India and has called for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the country involved in humanitarian support.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-junta-armed-rebels-clash-elon-musk-postpones-india-visit-713321">Myanmar Junta, Armed rebels clash | Elon Musk postpones India visit</a></strong></p>

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<p>In contrast to the decline in Indian arrivals, China has emerged as the leading contributor to Maldives' tourism industry. Chinese tourist arrivals have seen a remarkable surge, with 13,608 Chinese tourists visiting Maldives in March 2024—a staggering 78.6 percent increase compared to March 2023.</p>

<p>China contributes the largest number of tourists to Maldives, while India is at sixth. Indians formed the largest number of tourist groups in Maldives till December 2023. In March 2024, Russians formed the second largest number of tourist groups travelling to the South Asian country, followed by the UK, Italy, and Germany.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


According to the March 2024 data released by the Maldives government, Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives have plummeted by over 50 percent compared to the same month in the previous year.

According to the March 2024 data released by the Maldives government, Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives have plummeted by over 50 percent compared to the same month in the previous year. In March 2023, 18,099 Indian tourists travelled to the country, whereas in March 2024, the number dwindled to a mere 8,322—a stark 54 per cent decrease. This downward trend is not limited to a single month; it extends across the first quarter of 2024, with only 34,847 Indian tourists visiting Maldives from January to March, compared to 56,208 during the same period in 2023. Also Read | North Korea conducts cruise missile warhead test The decline in Indian tourist arrivals coincides with a period of strained diplomatic relations between India and Maldives, largely attributed to the policies of Maldives President Muizzu. Also Read | Volkswagen workers in Tennessee vote overwhelmingly for unionization President Muizzu, who came to power in November 2023, has pursued a more China-centric approach, advocating for reduced reliance on India and has called for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the country involved in humanitarian support. Watch | Myanmar Junta, Armed rebels clash | Elon Musk postpones India visit × In contrast to the decline in Indian arrivals, China has emerged as the leading contributor to Maldives' tourism industry. Chinese tourist arrivals have seen a remarkable surge, with 13,608 Chinese tourists visiting Maldives in March 2024—a staggering 78.6 percent increase compared to March 2023. China contributes the largest number of tourists to Maldives, while India is at sixth. Indians formed the largest number of tourist groups in Maldives till December 2023. In March 2024, Russians formed the second largest number of tourist groups travelling to the South Asian country, followed by the UK, Italy, and Germany.

Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives drop by over 50 per cent

<p>As the southwest Indian state of Karnataka is set to go to polls in the second and third phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 26 and May 7, the recent killing of a corporator's daughter has become a major flashpoint between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP.&nbsp;With the perpetrator arrested and the investigation ongoing, BJP leaders are claiming this to be a case of 'love jihad'. The victim's father Niranjan Hiremath has also dubbed the heinous crime a case of 'love jihad'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The gang had conspired for a long time. They had planned either to trap her or to execute her. They have been threatening her in that backdrop. However, the girl had not heeded their threats," Hiremath reportedly said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to a local media outlet, Niranjan Hiremath claimed that his daughter Neha and the accused were merely friends, not lovers. He further asserted that his daughter had warned the accused that she would file a complaint if he did not stop.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aaps-saurabh-bhardwaj-claim-plot-for-slow-death-of-arvind-kejriwal-713339">AAP's Saurabh Bhardwaj claim 'slow death' plot against Arvind Kejriwal</a></p>

<p>He said that his daughter was “a very bold and a very brave girl”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“She did not like him, and she usually stayed away from all this... She refused his proposal, saying they both belonged to different castes and that she did not wish to have any relationship with him. Out of anger, he stabbed my daughter."</p>

<h2><strong>Karnataka CM on law and order&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed&nbsp;that the murder took place due to personal reasons, the victim's father said, "The whole state and country witnessed what happened to my daughter. If they say that it is personal, what is personal in this? Are they my relatives?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-tourist-arrivals-to-maldives-drop-by-over-50pc-713328">Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives drop by over 50pc</a></p>

<p>Over BJP's allegations of a complete breakdown of law and order machinery in the state, the state CM hit back saying, "The law and order situation is very good in Karnataka, It is our duty to maintain law and order and we are doing it."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The preliminary investigation has revealed that the girl knew Fayaz Khondunaik and was in a relationship with him, but had been avoiding the man.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tesla-eyes-india-as-its-next-production-hub-713274">Tesla eyes India as its next production hub</a></strong></p>

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<p>As per reports, Khondunaik stabbed her seven times and put her to death. He was a former student of the college that the late 23-year-old, a first-year student of Master of Computer Applications, was attending in Hubbali.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the incident, a large number of people assembled outside the Vidyanagar police station in Hubballi and held protests. They are calling for stringent punishment for the accused in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


As the southwest Indian state of Karnataka is set to go to polls in the second and third phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 26 and May 7, the recent killing of a corporator's daughter has become a major flashpoint between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP.

As the southwest Indian state of Karnataka is set to go to polls in the second and third phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 26 and May 7, the recent killing of a corporator's daughter has become a major flashpoint between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP. With the perpetrator arrested and the investigation ongoing, BJP leaders are claiming this to be a case of 'love jihad'. The victim's father Niranjan Hiremath has also dubbed the heinous crime a case of 'love jihad'. "The gang had conspired for a long time. They had planned either to trap her or to execute her. They have been threatening her in that backdrop. However, the girl had not heeded their threats," Hiremath reportedly said. Speaking to a local media outlet, Niranjan Hiremath claimed that his daughter Neha and the accused were merely friends, not lovers. He further asserted that his daughter had warned the accused that she would file a complaint if he did not stop. Also Read | AAP's Saurabh Bhardwaj claim 'slow death' plot against Arvind Kejriwal He said that his daughter was “a very bold and a very brave girl”. “She did not like him, and she usually stayed away from all this... She refused his proposal, saying they both belonged to different castes and that she did not wish to have any relationship with him. Out of anger, he stabbed my daughter." Karnataka CM on law and order After Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed that the murder took place due to personal reasons, the victim's father said, "The whole state and country witnessed what happened to my daughter. If they say that it is personal, what is personal in this? Are they my relatives?" Also Read | Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives drop by over 50pc Over BJP's allegations of a complete breakdown of law and order machinery in the state, the state CM hit back saying, "The law and order situation is very good in Karnataka, It is our duty to maintain law and order and we are doing it." The preliminary investigation has revealed that the girl knew Fayaz Khondunaik and was in a relationship with him, but had been avoiding the man. Watch | Tesla eyes India as its next production hub × As per reports, Khondunaik stabbed her seven times and put her to death. He was a former student of the college that the late 23-year-old, a first-year student of Master of Computer Applications, was attending in Hubbali. Following the incident, a large number of people assembled outside the Vidyanagar police station in Hubballi and held protests. They are calling for stringent punishment for the accused in the case. (With inputs from agencies)

Father of killed Karnataka girl alleges 'love jihad' as Congress, BJP clash ahead of polls

Residents living in strife-torn electoral constituencies of India's northeastern Manipur voted again for the first phase of general elections on Monday (April 22) after a violent ruckus broke out in some regions.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Polls held again in India’s Manipur after clashes

The Indian Met Department has issued a heat wave warning for multiple States as temperatures continue to rise in eastern India. The weather Department had recorded a temperature rise of 4 to 6° C above normal in Northern, Southern and Eastern states over the last week.

India sears in heatwave, Weather department issues warning

An India-Sri Lanka Canoe Sprint traversing the Palk Strait between the two countries was special for multiple reasons. The event was held to mark close cultural bonds between the two country going back thousands of years. The stretch between Thalaimannar in Sri Lanka and Dhanushkodi in India is also the marine path crossed by Hindu Lord Ram in the epic Ramayana...Watch in for more details!

India-Sri Lanka Canoe sprint

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