The Delhi high court has reserved its judgment over Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. In response to Kejriwal's petition, the ED submitted a reply claiming the Aam Aadmi Chief is the kingpin of the liquor policy scam.

Delhi Court reserves verdict on CM Arvind Kejriwal's plea

<p>In a shocking incident, three individuals from Kerala—a married couple and their friend—were discovered dead&nbsp;in a hotel room in Ziro town, Arunachal Pradesh, on Tuesday (April 3). The discovery raised suspicions about some black magic in the incident, as hinted in a message found in the recovered suicide note.</p>

<p>The hotel staff found the bodies of the trio after noticing their absence and subsequently checking on them. Police reported that the victims appeared to have bled to death from cuts on their wrists, with a suicide note recovered from the scene, as per the Indian Express.</p>

<p>The deceased were identified as Naveen Thomas and his wife, Devi B, both Ayurveda doctors from Kottayam, along with Arya B Nair, a school teacher from Thiruvananthapuram.</p>

<p>The three had checked into the hotel on March 28, with staff members noticing their absence until April 1, which led to a thorough investigation. Upon breaking into the room, all three were found dead, with different self-harm marks evident on their bodies.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trigger-dutch-woman-opts-for-euthanasia-due-to-unmanageable-mental-health-issues-707191">Also read |&nbsp;TRIGGER: Dutch woman opts for euthanasia due to unmanageable mental health issues</a></p>

<h2><b>Probe underway</b></h2>

<p>District police teams and forensic experts responded to the scene, initiating a probe by collecting evidence from the room. The incident came to light when a missing complaint was filed, leading Kerala police to trace their journey to Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>Devi B's father, renowned wildlife photographer Balan Madhavan, expressed shock over the incident, stating that the couple lived happily with no apparent marital issues. Meanwhile, authorities recovered a suicide note, sparking suspicions of occult involvement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;ED says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal 'kingpin' of Liqour Policy scam</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ed-says-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-kingpin-of-liqour-policy-scam-707268/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>SP Ziro, Keni Bagra, assured thorough examination of all angles in the investigation. Post-mortem examinations are scheduled to provide additional insights into the tragic deaths.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a shocking incident, three individuals from Kerala—a married couple and their friend—were discovered dead in a hotel room in Ziro town, Arunachal Pradesh, on Tuesday (April 3).

In a shocking incident, three individuals from Kerala—a married couple and their friend—were discovered dead in a hotel room in Ziro town, Arunachal Pradesh, on Tuesday (April 3). The discovery raised suspicions about some black magic in the incident, as hinted in a message found in the recovered suicide note. The hotel staff found the bodies of the trio after noticing their absence and subsequently checking on them. Police reported that the victims appeared to have bled to death from cuts on their wrists, with a suicide note recovered from the scene, as per the Indian Express. The deceased were identified as Naveen Thomas and his wife, Devi B, both Ayurveda doctors from Kottayam, along with Arya B Nair, a school teacher from Thiruvananthapuram. The three had checked into the hotel on March 28, with staff members noticing their absence until April 1, which led to a thorough investigation. Upon breaking into the room, all three were found dead, with different self-harm marks evident on their bodies. Also read | TRIGGER: Dutch woman opts for euthanasia due to unmanageable mental health issues Probe underway District police teams and forensic experts responded to the scene, initiating a probe by collecting evidence from the room. The incident came to light when a missing complaint was filed, leading Kerala police to trace their journey to Arunachal Pradesh. Devi B's father, renowned wildlife photographer Balan Madhavan, expressed shock over the incident, stating that the couple lived happily with no apparent marital issues. Meanwhile, authorities recovered a suicide note, sparking suspicions of occult involvement. Also watch | ED says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal 'kingpin' of Liqour Policy scam SP Ziro, Keni Bagra, assured thorough examination of all angles in the investigation. Post-mortem examinations are scheduled to provide additional insights into the tragic deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Kerala couple, friend found dead in Arunachal Pradesh hotel room amid black magic suspicion

Located between Dal Lake and the Zabarwan hills, this year over 1.7 million tulips of 73 varieties have been planted in the garden.

India: Kashmir's Tulip garden is open for visitors

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is expected to travel to New Delhi on April 18, where he will hold key talks with his Indian counterpart, NSA Ajit Doval. The primary agenda for Sullivan's visit revolves around the review of the Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative.

US NSA Jake Sullivan expected to visit New Delhi on April 18

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has filed his nomination papers from the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala after holding a mega Road Show in the district.

India elections 2024: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Wayanad

At the Astana meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) grouping, Indian NSA Ajit Doval has underscored the concerns over terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism.

Astana SCO NSAs meet: India's NSA Ajit Doval says cross-border terror unjustifiable

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination for Lok Sabha polls 2024. He is going to contest polls from Kerala's Wayanad seat. Before filing papers, Rahul Gandhi held a roadshow in Wayanad.

India elections 2024: Rahul Gandhi files nomination for general elections

Kashmir's Tulip garden is open for visitors

The growth forecast has been made for the Indian economy. The Indian economy is projected to grow at 7.5% in 2024, says the World Bank. The increase in the projected growth rate for the Indian economy comes following 8.4% surge in the country’s GDP.

World Bank raises India’s GDP growth forecast to 7.5%

<p>Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and fifth-generation scion of India's Nehru-Gandhi family, filed his nomination for upcoming general elections from Kerala's Wayanad constituency. This is the first time since 2004 when Rahul will not contest from a former Congress stronghold of Amethi in northern India, the constituency he represented for three consecutive terms between 2004 and 2019 when he was defeated by Bharatiya Janata Party's Smriti Irani.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Lok Sabha elections 2024 | Kerala: Congress party's sitting MP and candidate Rahul Gandhi files his nomination from Wayanad<br />
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His sister and party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is also present with him.<br />
<br />
CPI has fielded Annie Raja from this seat and BJP has… <a href="https://t.co/NoFpSbcLto">pic.twitter.com/NoFpSbcLto</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1775430935854383169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>He kicked off his road to nomination with a massive roadshow in Wayanad ahead of filing his nomination for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Accompanying him was his sister and the party's general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the 2019 Parliamentary elections, Rahul Gandhi secured victory in the Wayanad constituency by an impressive margin of more than 4,00,000 votes. According to the party, Rahul Gandhi arrived in Muppainad, a village within Wayanad, via helicopter and then proceeded by road to Kalpetta.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Massive crowd gathers for <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> road show in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wayanad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wayanad</a> <a href="https://t.co/UgEi1kZ2dK">pic.twitter.com/UgEi1kZ2dK</a></p>
— archana prasad (@prasadarchana27) <a href="https://twitter.com/prasadarchana27/status/1775409885452120167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>At approximately 11 am, he conducted a roadshow&nbsp;starting from Kalpetta, accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi, AICC general secretaries KC Venugopal and Deepa Das, AICC's National Students' Union in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar, as well as Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly VD Satheesan and acting president of KPCC MM Hassan, as stated by the Congress.</p>

<p>Many party members and supporters turned out to join the procession. The roadshow was to end&nbsp;near the Civil Station around noon, following which Rahul Gandhi was set to present his nomination papers to the District Collector, according to the party.</p>

<p>In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi won with 7,06,367 votes out of a total of 10,92,197. His closest rival, CPI's PP Suneer, received only 2,74,597 votes. This year, voting in Kerala for the Lok Sabha elections will take place on April 26.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and fifth-generation scion of India's Nehru-Gandhi family, filed his nomination for upcoming general elections from Kerala's Wayanad constituency.

Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and fifth-generation scion of India's Nehru-Gandhi family, filed his nomination for upcoming general elections from Kerala's Wayanad constituency. This is the first time since 2004 when Rahul will not contest from a former Congress stronghold of Amethi in northern India, the constituency he represented for three consecutive terms between 2004 and 2019 when he was defeated by Bharatiya Janata Party's Smriti Irani. #WATCH | Lok Sabha elections 2024 | Kerala: Congress party's sitting MP and candidate Rahul Gandhi files his nomination from Wayanad His sister and party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is also present with him. CPI has fielded Annie Raja from this seat and BJP has… pic.twitter.com/NoFpSbcLto — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 × He kicked off his road to nomination with a massive roadshow in Wayanad ahead of filing his nomination for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Accompanying him was his sister and the party's general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. In the 2019 Parliamentary elections, Rahul Gandhi secured victory in the Wayanad constituency by an impressive margin of more than 4,00,000 votes. According to the party, Rahul Gandhi arrived in Muppainad, a village within Wayanad, via helicopter and then proceeded by road to Kalpetta. Watch the video here: Massive crowd gathers for @RahulGandhi road show in #Wayanad pic.twitter.com/UgEi1kZ2dK — archana prasad (@prasadarchana27) April 3, 2024 × At approximately 11 am, he conducted a roadshow starting from Kalpetta, accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi, AICC general secretaries KC Venugopal and Deepa Das, AICC's National Students' Union in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar, as well as Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly VD Satheesan and acting president of KPCC MM Hassan, as stated by the Congress. Many party members and supporters turned out to join the procession. The roadshow was to end near the Civil Station around noon, following which Rahul Gandhi was set to present his nomination papers to the District Collector, according to the party. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi won with 7,06,367 votes out of a total of 10,92,197. His closest rival, CPI's PP Suneer, received only 2,74,597 votes. This year, voting in Kerala for the Lok Sabha elections will take place on April 26. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from southern India's Wayanad

<p>US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is expected to travel to Delhi the week after next week where he will hold key talks with his Indian counterpart, NSA Ajit Doval. The primary agenda for Sullivan's visit revolves around the review of the Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative, with a focus on ongoing efforts to bolster strategic technology partnerships and defence industrial cooperation between the United States and India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sullivan is likely to be in Delhi around April 18.</p>

<p>The iCET initiative, established in May 2022, emerged as a pivotal platform aimed at elevating bilateral collaboration across six priority sectors: defence, space, quantum, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and telecommunications. Led by the National Security Advisers of both nations, the initiative underscores the shared commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies for mutual benefit and global advancement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-india-us-initiative-on-future-tech-icet-explained-606657">What is India-US initiative on future tech? | iCET explained</a></strong></p>

<p>The inaugural meeting of the iCET took place in Washington, DC&nbsp;in January of last year. The next round of talks was scheduled for Delhi this year. Sullivan was expected to travel to Delhi in February for the iCET review meet but that could not materialise.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US Envoy calls Ajit Doval an 'International treasure'</strong></p>

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<p>The visit comes amid a number of ups and downs in ties. Recent developments, including India's summoning of a US diplomat in Delhi over remarks by the US State Department regarding the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the overhang of the Pannun case, India-US joint military exercises-Tiger Triumph, show both Delhi&nbsp;and Washington engaging with each other to find convergence and reduce divergences.&nbsp;</p>


US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is expected to travel to Delhi the week after next week where he will hold key talks with his Indian counterpart, NSA Ajit Doval.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is expected to travel to Delhi the week after next week where he will hold key talks with his Indian counterpart, NSA Ajit Doval. The primary agenda for Sullivan's visit revolves around the review of the Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative, with a focus on ongoing efforts to bolster strategic technology partnerships and defence industrial cooperation between the United States and India. Sullivan is likely to be in Delhi around April 18. The iCET initiative, established in May 2022, emerged as a pivotal platform aimed at elevating bilateral collaboration across six priority sectors: defence, space, quantum, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and telecommunications. Led by the National Security Advisers of both nations, the initiative underscores the shared commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies for mutual benefit and global advancement. Also read | What is India-US initiative on future tech? | iCET explained The inaugural meeting of the iCET took place in Washington, DC in January of last year. The next round of talks was scheduled for Delhi this year. Sullivan was expected to travel to Delhi in February for the iCET review meet but that could not materialise. Also watch | Gravitas: US Envoy calls Ajit Doval an 'International treasure' × The visit comes amid a number of ups and downs in ties. Recent developments, including India's summoning of a US diplomat in Delhi over remarks by the US State Department regarding the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the overhang of the Pannun case, India-US joint military exercises-Tiger Triumph, show both Delhi and Washington engaging with each other to find convergence and reduce divergences.

US NSA Jake Sullivan expected to visit Delhi around April 18 for critical technologies talks

The Reserve Bank of India is taking steps to tackle illegal lending apps in the country by setting up a digital India trust agency. Watch in for more details!

RBI to form 'Digital India Trust Agency' to vet digital loan apps

Is this viral photo of people gathering at Aam Aadmi Party's mega rally fake?But, what is the truth? The viral photo dates back to February 2019.

India Elections 2024: Picture of massive crowd at AAP's mega rally is fake

Massive earthquake struck the coast of eastern Taiwan during the early hours of 3 April 2024. Emergency helpline no. has been setup by Indian Taipei Association for assistance for guidance or clarification to all Indian nationals living in Taiwan.

Taiwan Earthquake: India shares helpline numbers for Indians in Taiwan, issues advisory for citizens

India is the fastest growing major economy in the world but government policies and spending have failed to kick start rural demand post the pandemic. With India's elections just round the corner and campaigning in full swing the question being can rural demand get a much needed boost? Watch in for more details!

World Bank upgrades India's economic outlook | India economy exceeds expectations

India's election dates are expected to be announced shortly, some say as early as next week. All parties are gearing up for the big contest while the ruling party - Bhartiya Jan Party - is confident of securing a third straight term.

India Elections: Rahul Gandhi, Annie Rajato file nominations

The Indian government has taken steps to address concerns over information security. An internal advisory has been issued by officials on the threat of information leakage through CCTV cameras. Watch in for more details!

India: Government issues internal advisory on CCTV security to Ministries

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language:
EN-GB">India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection for March witnessed a strong boom of 11.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY), reaching ₹1.78 trillion ($21.35 billion), in line with a government declaration released on Monday. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language:
EN-GB">This surge reflects the country's strong financial performance despite global uncertainties, as reported by Reuters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language:
EN-GB">The government had accumulated ₹1.60 trillion in GST last year. The amount collected for March is the second-highest since the origin of the GST regime in 2017. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language:
EN-GB">Notably, in April 2023, the GST collection&nbsp;peaked at ₹1.87 trillion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language:
EN-GB">The average month-to-month GST revenue&nbsp;for the financial year (FY) 2023-24, which ended&nbsp;on March 31, stood at ₹1.68 trillion, marking&nbsp;a considerable increase from the ₹1.5 trillion recorded in the preceding financial year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language:
EN-GB">The cumulative gross GST series for the FY2023-24 amounted to about ₹20.1 trillion, indicating a 12 per cent boom compared to the previous financial year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language:
EN-GB">Reuters cited Abhishek Jain, an associate at KPMG, who attributed the increase in tax revenue to India's strong economic growth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language:
EN-GB">He claimed that the&nbsp;economy expanded by 8.4 per cent year over year in the October–December quarter, surpassing the 7.6 per cent growth observed in the corresponding quarter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Additionally, India's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, on Saturday said that the country's economy was predicted to expand at the same annual rate for the FY2023-24 and that it was on course to grow by 8 per cent or more in the quarter that ended on March 31.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><em><span lang="EN-GB">(With inputs from Reuters)</span></em></p>


India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection for March witnessed a strong boom of 11.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY), reaching ₹1.78 trillion ($21.35 billion), in line with a government declaration released on Monday.

India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection for March witnessed a strong boom of 11.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY), reaching ₹1.78 trillion ($21.35 billion), in line with a government declaration released on Monday. This surge reflects the country's strong financial performance despite global uncertainties, as reported by Reuters. The government had accumulated ₹1.60 trillion in GST last year. The amount collected for March is the second-highest since the origin of the GST regime in 2017. Notably, in April 2023, the GST collection peaked at ₹1.87 trillion. The average month-to-month GST revenue for the financial year (FY) 2023-24, which ended on March 31, stood at ₹1.68 trillion, marking a considerable increase from the ₹1.5 trillion recorded in the preceding financial year. The cumulative gross GST series for the FY2023-24 amounted to about ₹20.1 trillion, indicating a 12 per cent boom compared to the previous financial year. Reuters cited Abhishek Jain, an associate at KPMG, who attributed the increase in tax revenue to India's strong economic growth. He claimed that the economy expanded by 8.4 per cent year over year in the October–December quarter, surpassing the 7.6 per cent growth observed in the corresponding quarter. Additionally, India's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, on Saturday said that the country's economy was predicted to expand at the same annual rate for the FY2023-24 and that it was on course to grow by 8 per cent or more in the quarter that ended on March 31. (With inputs from Reuters)

India's GST collection surges 11.5 pc YoY to $21.35 bn in March

In a first, India has exported defence products worth over Rupees 21,000 crore. India has successfully delivered BrahMos missile to the Philippines, India has also delivered two Dornier 228 jets to Guyana. Is this the start of India's defence boom?

Gravitas | BrahMos & Dorniers: India's record defence export

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, Chief of the Indian Air Force, talks to WION about the Indo-Pacific region, the situation at the northern and western borders, ties with Russia, Make in India, humanitarian challenges, and more.

Indian Air Force Chief VR Chaudhari speaks to WION on Indo Pacific, Make in India & ties with Russia

Are you eating poisonous Chinese garlic? India is on alert after authorities have found shipments of banned Chinese garlic on land ports. What is it that makes garlic from China so dangerous?

Gravitas | Is China smuggling poisonous garlic into India?

India's top court has issued a notice to the election commission regarding a petition that advocates for the counting of all voter verified paper audit trail also known as VV Pat as opposed to the current practice of verification of only five randomly selected EVMS through VVPat. Watch in for more details!

India's top court seeks response from EC and Centre on plea for complete count of VVPAT slips

One of the pillars of India's ascent on the global economic stage is its demographic dividend. With youth holding the key to continued future growth, what do they expect from India's political system in the run-up to the general elections?

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Why youngsters are important for India's rise

Reserve Bank of India - the nation's central bank - has turned 90. At an event to mark the anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Reserve Bank of India has a key role to play in prioritising the country's economic growth and making sure that the rupee is made more accessible and acceptable globally.

PM Modi urges that RBI prioritize growth & globalize the rupee

Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari speaks to WION on Indo Pacific, situation in Northern border, Western border, ties with Russia, Make in India & Humanitarian issues. WION's principal correspondent Sidhant Sibal held one-on-one talks with Chief of the Air Staff Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari. Watch in for more details!

'Indian Air Force has been first respondent to any crisis', says IAF Chief Vivek Ram Chaudhari

First-time voters reveal what their expectations are from the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Watch to know more.

Indian elections 2024: India's first-time voters speak about their expectations

In the I.N.D.I.A bloc where a key member Pinarayi Vijayan stepped up his criticism of the Congress. Well, the Marxist leader and Kerala chief minister lashed out the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for contesting the Parliamentary election from Wayanad.

India elections 2024: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan hits out at Rahul Gandhi

India has rejected an outright attempt by China to rename around 30 locations in its Northeastern State of Arunachal Pradesh. Over the years China has made several claims on Arunachal Pradesh calling it Zangnan and a part of South Tibet. India has always dismissed these claims by China.

India-China naming row | India's FM: Assigning invented names will not alter reality

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attack on Congress party over former prime minister Indira Gandhi's decision to "callously give away" the island of Katchatheevu has revived the discourse over the way the 285-acre uninhabited island's ownership changed hands.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-modi-says-congress-callously-gave-away-katchatheevu-island-to-sri-lanka-706145">PM Modi says 'Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu' island to Sri Lanka</a></strong></p>

<p>The development came after Tamil Nadu chief of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, K Annamalai, filed a&nbsp;Right To Information application and obtained crucial information related to how the 285-acre island came to be administered by Sri Lanka.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Katchatheevu issue heats up as India goes to polls. RTI shows its given to Sri Lanka by Frm Indian PM Indira Gandhi. PM Modi reacts. <a href="https://t.co/9CRUghTWbS">https://t.co/9CRUghTWbS</a> <a href="https://t.co/GmCxHjk4lq">pic.twitter.com/GmCxHjk4lq</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1774294837401178611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi later reacted on a report related to the row, and it immediately turned into a political issue in the ongoing election summer.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Eye opening and startling!<br />
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New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Katchatheevu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Katchatheevu</a>.<br />
<br />
This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in people’s minds- we can’t ever trust Congress!<br />
<br />
Weakening India’s unity, integrity and interests has been Congress’ way of working for…</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1774289695821938823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Katchatheevu island: Where is it located?</strong></h2>

<p>Katchatheevu is a 285-acre uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka. It is no more than 1.6 km in length and slightly over 300 m wide at its broadest point, according to the <em>Indian Express</em>.</p>

<p>Katchatheevu is about 33 km from the Indian coast and is some 62 km southwest of Jaffna, at the northern tip of Sri Lanka, and 24 km away from Sri Lanka's inhabited Delft Island.</p>

<p>The island is relatively new on the geological timescale. It appeared on Earth as one of the results of a 14-century volcanic eruption.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who controlled Katchatheevu?</strong></h2>

<p>The island was controlled by the Jaffna kingdom of Sri Lanka in the early medieval period. In the 17th century, Ramnad zamindari based out of Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram came to control the island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The island became part of the Madras Presidency during British Raj.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MEA's Summary note for meeting of the Informal Consultative Committee in March 1968 on Kachchatheevu quoting Nehru, JS J&amp;T in MEA, Attorney General: <a href="https://t.co/dSt4iZej5R">https://t.co/dSt4iZej5R</a> <a href="https://t.co/eOPr6tW6qt">pic.twitter.com/eOPr6tW6qt</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1774743766425063848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>But its control remained a matter of contention due to fishing rights that came with the ownership of this island.</p>

<p>A colonial survey marked Katchatheevu in Sri Lanka. But the British challenged this citing the ownership of the island by the Ramnad kingdom.</p>

<p>This dispute was not settled until 1974.</p>

<p>In 1974, India and Sri Lanka signed the ‘Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement’.</p>

<p>An annual report of Ministry of External Affairs for 1974-75 says: "The long outstanding problem of Kachchativu was amicably settled on 28 June 1974, with the conclusion of the agreement between India and Sri Lanka on the boundary in the historic waters between the two countries and related matters. The Agreement sets out the geographical co-ordinates of the points constituting the boundary in the historic waters between the two countries and sets at rest a longstanding controversy with the neighbouring country regarding the island of Kachchativu."</p>

<p>"Although the island of Kachchativu falls on the side of the boundary of Sri Lanka and will belong to Sri Lanka, the Agreement safeguards the rights of Indian pilgrims and fishermen who would be entitled to visit the island in the same manner as they were doing before this Agreement came into force. No travel documents or visas will be required by them to visit this island. The Agreement also provides that the vessels of both countries will enjoy in each other's waters such rights as they have traditionally enjoyed therein."</p>

<p>The pilgrims herein refer to the Indian Catholics who annual visit an early 20th century Catholic shrine, the only inhabited structure on the island, the St Anthony church. In 2023, 2500 Indians made the journey to Katchatheevu from Rameswaram for an annual service at the Church.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another agreement was signed in 1976, during the period of Emergency in the country. This agreement barred either country from fishing in each other's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Katchatheevu is located at the edge of the EEZs of either country. This continues to keep the nature of waters around it uncertain in relation to the fishing rights.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Fishing rights of Indian fishermen and Katchatheevu</strong></h2>

<p>It is in relation to the fishing rights of Indian fishermen that Katchatheevu features repeatedly in Tamil Nadu politics with regular correspondence between state government in Chennai and central government in New Delhi.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said, "In the last 20 years, 6,184 Indian fishermen have been detained by Sri Lanka and 1,175 Indian fishing vessels have been seized, detained, or apprehended by Sri Lanka. This is the background of the issue."</p>

<p>Jaishankar called it a "live issue" and not something that surfaced "suddenly".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The then CM of Tamil Nadu has written to me numerous times. And my record shows that to the current CM, I have replied 21 times on this issue. This is not an issue that has suddenly surfaced. This is a live issue."</p>

<p>"It is an issue that has been very much debated in parliament and in Tamil Nadu circles. It has been the subject of correspondence between the union government and the state government."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">EAM Jaishankar <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> holds a presser on Katchatheevu issue. In a rare presser from BJP HQ, EAM Jaishankar explained the issue with Indian Govts pacts of 1974, 1976 &amp; origin of Indian govt claim on Island that is now Sri Lankan territory. Development ahead of India polls <a href="https://t.co/bZBCzuOZNU">pic.twitter.com/bZBCzuOZNU</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1774708125150613723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The row has become very much political, with Tamil Nadu's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party chief MK Stalin saying it's the BJP's 'diversionary' tactic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress leader P Chidambaram questioned why Prime Minister Modi is raising an issue which was settled in 1974.</p>

<p>"Why is the PM raking up an issue that was settled in 1974? In 1974, the Indira Gandhi government, in order to help lakhs of Tamils, negotiated with Sri Lanka. Katchatheevu island was acknowledged as belonging to Sri Lanka. In return, 6 lakhs Tamils were allowed to come to India. The issue was closed 50 years ago," P Chidambaram claimed.</p>

<p>Referring to India's standoff in 2020 in Ladakh, he claimed Chinese troops are occupying Indian territory.</p>

<p>"2,000 sq km of Indian territory has been occupied by Chinese troops. The PM says no Chinese troops are present in Indian territory and no part of Indian territory is in occupation of Chinese troops. You gave a clean chit to China. He should talk about what has happened in the last 3 years instead of what happened 50 years ago. Chinese occupation is aggression. I would request the PM to speak about that," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attack on Congress party over former prime minister Indira Gandhi's decision to "callously give away" the island of Katchatheevu has revived the discourse over the way the 285-acre uninhabited island's ownership changed hands.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attack on Congress party over former prime minister Indira Gandhi's decision to "callously give away" the island of Katchatheevu has revived the discourse over the way the 285-acre uninhabited island's ownership changed hands. Also read | PM Modi says 'Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu' island to Sri Lanka The development came after Tamil Nadu chief of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, K Annamalai, filed a Right To Information application and obtained crucial information related to how the 285-acre island came to be administered by Sri Lanka. Katchatheevu issue heats up as India goes to polls. RTI shows its given to Sri Lanka by Frm Indian PM Indira Gandhi. PM Modi reacts. https://t.co/9CRUghTWbS pic.twitter.com/GmCxHjk4lq — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 31, 2024 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi later reacted on a report related to the row, and it immediately turned into a political issue in the ongoing election summer. Eye opening and startling! New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away #Katchatheevu. This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in people’s minds- we can’t ever trust Congress! Weakening India’s unity, integrity and interests has been Congress’ way of working for… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2024 × Katchatheevu island: Where is it located? Katchatheevu is a 285-acre uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka. It is no more than 1.6 km in length and slightly over 300 m wide at its broadest point, according to the Indian Express. Katchatheevu is about 33 km from the Indian coast and is some 62 km southwest of Jaffna, at the northern tip of Sri Lanka, and 24 km away from Sri Lanka's inhabited Delft Island. The island is relatively new on the geological timescale. It appeared on Earth as one of the results of a 14-century volcanic eruption. Who controlled Katchatheevu? The island was controlled by the Jaffna kingdom of Sri Lanka in the early medieval period. In the 17th century, Ramnad zamindari based out of Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram came to control the island. The island became part of the Madras Presidency during British Raj. MEA's Summary note for meeting of the Informal Consultative Committee in March 1968 on Kachchatheevu quoting Nehru, JS J&T in MEA, Attorney General: https://t.co/dSt4iZej5R pic.twitter.com/eOPr6tW6qt — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 1, 2024 × But its control remained a matter of contention due to fishing rights that came with the ownership of this island. A colonial survey marked Katchatheevu in Sri Lanka. But the British challenged this citing the ownership of the island by the Ramnad kingdom. This dispute was not settled until 1974. In 1974, India and Sri Lanka signed the ‘Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement’. An annual report of Ministry of External Affairs for 1974-75 says: "The long outstanding problem of Kachchativu was amicably settled on 28 June 1974, with the conclusion of the agreement between India and Sri Lanka on the boundary in the historic waters between the two countries and related matters. The Agreement sets out the geographical co-ordinates of the points constituting the boundary in the historic waters between the two countries and sets at rest a longstanding controversy with the neighbouring country regarding the island of Kachchativu." "Although the island of Kachchativu falls on the side of the boundary of Sri Lanka and will belong to Sri Lanka, the Agreement safeguards the rights of Indian pilgrims and fishermen who would be entitled to visit the island in the same manner as they were doing before this Agreement came into force. No travel documents or visas will be required by them to visit this island. The Agreement also provides that the vessels of both countries will enjoy in each other's waters such rights as they have traditionally enjoyed therein." The pilgrims herein refer to the Indian Catholics who annual visit an early 20th century Catholic shrine, the only inhabited structure on the island, the St Anthony church. In 2023, 2500 Indians made the journey to Katchatheevu from Rameswaram for an annual service at the Church. Another agreement was signed in 1976, during the period of Emergency in the country. This agreement barred either country from fishing in each other's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Katchatheevu is located at the edge of the EEZs of either country. This continues to keep the nature of waters around it uncertain in relation to the fishing rights. Fishing rights of Indian fishermen and Katchatheevu It is in relation to the fishing rights of Indian fishermen that Katchatheevu features repeatedly in Tamil Nadu politics with regular correspondence between state government in Chennai and central government in New Delhi. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said, "In the last 20 years, 6,184 Indian fishermen have been detained by Sri Lanka and 1,175 Indian fishing vessels have been seized, detained, or apprehended by Sri Lanka. This is the background of the issue." Jaishankar called it a "live issue" and not something that surfaced "suddenly". "The then CM of Tamil Nadu has written to me numerous times. And my record shows that to the current CM, I have replied 21 times on this issue. This is not an issue that has suddenly surfaced. This is a live issue." "It is an issue that has been very much debated in parliament and in Tamil Nadu circles. It has been the subject of correspondence between the union government and the state government." EAM Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar holds a presser on Katchatheevu issue. In a rare presser from BJP HQ, EAM Jaishankar explained the issue with Indian Govts pacts of 1974, 1976 & origin of Indian govt claim on Island that is now Sri Lankan territory. Development ahead of India polls pic.twitter.com/bZBCzuOZNU — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 1, 2024 × The row has become very much political, with Tamil Nadu's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party chief MK Stalin saying it's the BJP's 'diversionary' tactic. Congress leader P Chidambaram questioned why Prime Minister Modi is raising an issue which was settled in 1974. "Why is the PM raking up an issue that was settled in 1974? In 1974, the Indira Gandhi government, in order to help lakhs of Tamils, negotiated with Sri Lanka. Katchatheevu island was acknowledged as belonging to Sri Lanka. In return, 6 lakhs Tamils were allowed to come to India. The issue was closed 50 years ago," P Chidambaram claimed. Referring to India's standoff in 2020 in Ladakh, he claimed Chinese troops are occupying Indian territory. "2,000 sq km of Indian territory has been occupied by Chinese troops. The PM says no Chinese troops are present in Indian territory and no part of Indian territory is in occupation of Chinese troops. You gave a clean chit to China. He should talk about what has happened in the last 3 years instead of what happened 50 years ago. Chinese occupation is aggression. I would request the PM to speak about that," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

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