A study has found that COVID-19 affected the lungs of Indians more than the lungs of patients in Europe or China. What explains this discrimination? Also, how can you know if your lungs are safe?

Gravitas | Long Covid: Why Indians are more affected than the Chinese

Indian farmers have rejected the centre's proposal on minimum support price. With this, the protesting farmers will resume their journey to the capital, Delhi. The demonstrations come just months ahead of the general elections. We decode how will this back and forth impact BJP'S prospects.

Thousands of farmers to resume march to Delhi on February 21

India stands at 85th position on the Henley Passport Index, which ranks 199 passports based on their strengths. New Delhi's ranking has dropped one place to 85th spot from the previous year's 84th position. India has visa-free access to 62 nations.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, France is at the number one spot, with its passport holders enjoying visa-free entry to 194 nations. Besides, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore and Spain have also occupied top positions, allowing visa-free entry to 194 global destinations.&nbsp;

Finland, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden, also have powerful passports with visa-free access to 193 nations. The Maldives is ranked 58th.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-tale-of-two-us-presidents-bidens-great-great-grandfather-was-pardoned-by-abraham-lincoln-691801">A tale of two presidents: Joe Biden’s great-great-grandfather was pardoned by Abraham Lincoln</a>&nbsp;

In South Asia, Pakistan retains its 106th position from last year, meanwhile, Bangladesh has also slipped on point - from 101st to 102nd.&nbsp;

Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan are at the bottom of the index.&nbsp;

The Henley Passport Index is the original, authoritative ranking of all the world's passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.&nbsp;

The official site states that the index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is the largest, most accurate travel information database that has been enhanced by Henley &amp; Partners' research team.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-global-intelligence-chiefs-to-meet-in-delhi-from-feb-20-canada-to-attend-691777">Exclusive: Global intelligence chiefs to meet in Delhi from Feb 20,&nbsp;Canada to attend</a>&nbsp;

In its report, Henley &amp; Partners stated that it conducted exclusive new research into the relationship between "visa-free access and economic progress by comparing key metrics across various regional and economic groups worldwide".&nbsp;

The groups include the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the G7, the G20, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).&nbsp;

It also includes&nbsp;the expanded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) bloc, which officially welcomed new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in early January.&nbsp;

India stands at 85th position on the Henley Passport Index, which ranks 199 passports based on their strengths. New Delhi's ranking has dropped one place to 85th spot from the previous year's 84th position.

India stands at 85th position on the Henley Passport Index, which ranks 199 passports based on their strengths. New Delhi's ranking has dropped one place to 85th spot from the previous year's 84th position. India has visa-free access to 62 nations. Meanwhile, France is at the number one spot, with its passport holders enjoying visa-free entry to 194 nations. Besides, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore and Spain have also occupied top positions, allowing visa-free entry to 194 global destinations. Finland, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden, also have powerful passports with visa-free access to 193 nations. The Maldives is ranked 58th. Also read: A tale of two presidents: Joe Biden’s great-great-grandfather was pardoned by Abraham Lincoln In South Asia, Pakistan retains its 106th position from last year, meanwhile, Bangladesh has also slipped on point - from 101st to 102nd. Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan are at the bottom of the index. The Henley Passport Index is the original, authoritative ranking of all the world's passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The official site states that the index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is the largest, most accurate travel information database that has been enhanced by Henley & Partners' research team. Also read: Exclusive: Global intelligence chiefs to meet in Delhi from Feb 20, Canada to attend In its report, Henley & Partners stated that it conducted exclusive new research into the relationship between "visa-free access and economic progress by comparing key metrics across various regional and economic groups worldwide". The groups include the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the G7, the G20, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). It also includes the expanded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) bloc, which officially welcomed new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in early January.

Henley Passport Index 2024: India's rank slips, France has most powerful passport

The Maharashtra government has now proposed a 10% quarter for the Maratha community, According to the socially and educationally backward classes Bill 2024. The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the draft of the bill for 10% Maratha reservation in education and government jobs. The bill has received cabinet nod and it will be presented to the State Assembly and the council today in a special session. Watch to know more!

Maharashtra cabinet approves 'Maratha Quota Bill' with 10% quota

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Microsoft commits $2.1 billion to boost AI and cloud infrastructure in Spain, India: Students to get two chances of appearing in 10th, 12th boards from 2025-26.

India: Students to get two chances of appearing in 10th, 12th boards from 2025-26

In anticipation of the momentous 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Poland, Secretary of State Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski has articulated Poland's commitment to fostering deeper bonds with India across various areas. Highlighting the existing air link between New Delhi and Warsaw, Bartoszewski affirmed Poland's aspiration to expand air connectivity to other Indian cities, aiming to bolster tourism and business exchanges between the two nations.

"We have direct flights from New Delhi to Warsaw and back, we would like to increase the number of flights," Bartoszewski said, in an interview with WION, emphasising the significance of enhancing travel opportunities to facilitate greater people-to-people connections and economic engagement. He underscored the thriving Indian diaspora in Poland, noting their active involvement in business endeavours and cultural exchange, which he deemed integral to fostering closer bilateral ties.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-global-intelligence-chiefs-to-meet-in-delhi-from-feb-20-canada-to-attend-691777">Exclusive: Global intelligence chiefs to meet in Delhi from Feb 20,&nbsp;Canada to attend</a>&nbsp;

Reflecting on the upcoming diplomatic milestone, the Polish Secretary of State remarked, "This next month we are going to celebrate the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relationship between India and Poland in 1954. And in the last 70 years we didn't have any problems." He portrayed this occasion as a key juncture to forge deeper collaboration, particularly given India's transformation into the world's fifth-largest economy and its status as the largest democracy.

Bartoszewski&nbsp;articulated Poland's eagerness to see India's growing role both economically and politically on the global stage. "We want India more involved," Bartoszewski asserted, underscoring India's potential to wield greater influence given its vast population and democratic ethos.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1DRO1B2KeguzBIhnptN6Kb" data-ved="2ahUKEwjV8teE8reEAxXzgVYBHS7ZAYQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/new-delhi-summit-on-artificial-intelligence-a-quest-for-international-collaboration-670333" jsname="YKoRaf">New Delhi summit on Artificial Intelligence, a quest for international collaboration</a>&nbsp;

Bartoszewski outlined areas of potential cooperation, ranging from renewable energy projects to digital initiatives and modern technologies. He expressed Poland's keenness to engage in bilateral dialogue to enhance practical collaboration between the two nations, emphasising their shared values and perspectives. Earlier on Monday, he and&nbsp;Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Meenakshi Lekhi released a special logo to commemorate ties.&nbsp;

In anticipation of the momentous 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Poland, Secretary of State Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski has articulated Poland's commitment to fostering deeper bonds with India across various areas.

In anticipation of the momentous 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Poland, Secretary of State Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski has articulated Poland's commitment to fostering deeper bonds with India across various areas. Highlighting the existing air link between New Delhi and Warsaw, Bartoszewski affirmed Poland's aspiration to expand air connectivity to other Indian cities, aiming to bolster tourism and business exchanges between the two nations. "We have direct flights from New Delhi to Warsaw and back, we would like to increase the number of flights," Bartoszewski said, in an interview with WION, emphasising the significance of enhancing travel opportunities to facilitate greater people-to-people connections and economic engagement. He underscored the thriving Indian diaspora in Poland, noting their active involvement in business endeavours and cultural exchange, which he deemed integral to fostering closer bilateral ties. Also read: Exclusive: Global intelligence chiefs to meet in Delhi from Feb 20, Canada to attend Reflecting on the upcoming diplomatic milestone, the Polish Secretary of State remarked, "This next month we are going to celebrate the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relationship between India and Poland in 1954. And in the last 70 years we didn't have any problems." He portrayed this occasion as a key juncture to forge deeper collaboration, particularly given India's transformation into the world's fifth-largest economy and its status as the largest democracy. Bartoszewski articulated Poland's eagerness to see India's growing role both economically and politically on the global stage. "We want India more involved," Bartoszewski asserted, underscoring India's potential to wield greater influence given its vast population and democratic ethos. Also read: New Delhi summit on Artificial Intelligence, a quest for international collaboration Bartoszewski outlined areas of potential cooperation, ranging from renewable energy projects to digital initiatives and modern technologies. He expressed Poland's keenness to engage in bilateral dialogue to enhance practical collaboration between the two nations, emphasising their shared values and perspectives. Earlier on Monday, he and Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Meenakshi Lekhi released a special logo to commemorate ties.

Poland seeks to elevate bilateral relations with India on 70th diplomatic anniversary

The protesting farmers in India have decided to pause their 'Delhi Chalo' March. This, after days of negotiations with the government, finally resulted in some headway. During the fourth round of talks with the farm leaders, the government proposed a five-year MSP plan. The farmers say they are seeking advice on the latest measures announced by the government.

India Farmers Protest: Proposals not in interest of farmers, they have rejected offer: Union Leaders

To focus where thousands of farmers from India's northern states will resume their protest march to Delhi on Wednesday. The announcement came after agitating Farmers rejected a central government's proposal offering minimum support prices on five crops through cooperatives the farmers are demanding a legal guarantee of the minimum support price on 23 crops.

Farmers Protest: Agitating farmers say govt proposal 'not in their best interest'

The Nepal citizens visiting India will now be eligible to get Indian sim cards, earlier, this used to be a tedious process posing communication challenges for the travelers coming in from Nepal.

Nepal citizens traveling to India can now obtain Indian sim cards

Farmers Protest: Thousands of farmers to resume march to Delhi on February 21

Famers' protest: Farmers reject offer made by Indian government

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday took exception to the involvement of Shahjahan Sheikh, Pradhan of the Zila Parishad, in the violence that has ensued in the Sandeshkhali area in West Bengal, as well as to the inability of the state police to apprehend him for more than 19 days.

India: Sandeshkhali sexual harassment row in West Bengal, several women accuse TMC leader

In a unique way of showing dissent, farmers grew onions on the highway divider. These farmers are camping at India's northern Punjab-Haryana border.

Farmers Protest: Indian farmers grow onions on highway as a new form of dissent

Jammu & Kashmir: Parts of Union Territory have turned brilliant snow white with heavy snowfall turning Jammu and Kashmir a delight for tourists. Alongside some big trouble for motorists and local residents. Watch to know more!

India: Kashmir valley witnesses heavy rainfall, Srinagar-Jammu highway closed after rain

Farmers Protest: Farmers reject Centre's proposal; Will restart Delhi Chalo March on Wednesday

A man in the Indian city of Hyderabad lost his life while undergoing a dental procedure aimed at enhancing his smile, just days before his scheduled wedding.

The procedure, known as 'smile designing', took a devastating turn at the FMS International Dental Clinic located in Jubilee Hills on February 16.

The circumstances surrounding Laxmi Narayana Vinjam's death have sparked controversy, with his father, Ramulu Vinjam, alleging that his son succumbed to an overdose of anesthesia administered during the surgery.

According to him, his son fainted during the procedure.

Despite efforts to save him by rushing him to a nearby hospital, Vinjam was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Vinjam expressed shock, revealing that his son had not disclosed his intention to undergo surgery.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-sandip-patel-indian-origin-man-who-stabbed-sex-worker-140-times-691922">Also read |&nbsp;Who is Sandip Patel? Indian-origin man who stabbed sex worker 140 times</a>

<h2>Chronology of events</h2>

Providing a timeline of the events leading up to Vinjam's demise, K Venkateshwar Reddy, the Station House Officer of Jubilee Hills, recounted that Vinjam arrived at the clinic around 2:30 pm on February 16.

Subsequently, he was taken into the operating theatre at approximately 4:30 pm, where the smile enhancement procedure lasted nearly two hours.

However, concerns arose when Vinjam's condition deteriorated, prompting the clinic to contact his family. Despite immediate medical attention, his life couldn't be saved, leaving his loved ones devastated, as reported by Indian media.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Also watch |&nbsp;India: Maharashtra cabinet approves 'Maratha Quota Bill'</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-maharashtra-cabinet-approves-maratha-quota-bill-691930/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In response to the family's grievance, authorities have initiated legal action against the clinic, citing negligence. Officials have launched a thorough investigation, scrutinising hospital records and security camera footage to ascertain the sequence of events leading to Vinjam's untimely demise.

(With inputs from agencies)

A man in the Indian city of Hyderabad lost his life while undergoing a dental procedure aimed at enhancing his smile, just days before his scheduled wedding. The procedure, known as 'smile designing', took a devastating turn at the FMS International Dental Clinic located in Jubilee Hills on February 16.

A man in the Indian city of Hyderabad lost his life while undergoing a dental procedure aimed at enhancing his smile, just days before his scheduled wedding. The procedure, known as 'smile designing', took a devastating turn at the FMS International Dental Clinic located in Jubilee Hills on February 16. The circumstances surrounding Laxmi Narayana Vinjam's death have sparked controversy, with his father, Ramulu Vinjam, alleging that his son succumbed to an overdose of anesthesia administered during the surgery. According to him, his son fainted during the procedure. Despite efforts to save him by rushing him to a nearby hospital, Vinjam was pronounced dead upon arrival. Vinjam expressed shock, revealing that his son had not disclosed his intention to undergo surgery. Also read | Who is Sandip Patel? Indian-origin man who stabbed sex worker 140 times Chronology of events Providing a timeline of the events leading up to Vinjam's demise, K Venkateshwar Reddy, the Station House Officer of Jubilee Hills, recounted that Vinjam arrived at the clinic around 2:30 pm on February 16. Subsequently, he was taken into the operating theatre at approximately 4:30 pm, where the smile enhancement procedure lasted nearly two hours. However, concerns arose when Vinjam's condition deteriorated, prompting the clinic to contact his family. Despite immediate medical attention, his life couldn't be saved, leaving his loved ones devastated, as reported by Indian media. Also watch | India: Maharashtra cabinet approves 'Maratha Quota Bill' In response to the family's grievance, authorities have initiated legal action against the clinic, citing negligence. Officials have launched a thorough investigation, scrutinising hospital records and security camera footage to ascertain the sequence of events leading to Vinjam's untimely demise. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian man dies after 'smile-enhancement' operation just weeks before wedding

Yale University in the United States has issued an apology for its alleged historic association with slavery. As one of America's leading universities Yale says that one of its leading donors not only kept Indian slaves but also traded in the slave business.

Yale University issues apology to India for historically linking the country to slavery

Yale University apologises for historic link to slavery

India: Maharashtra cabinet approves 'Maratha Quota Bill'

India: Srinagar-Leh highway closed for traffic due to heavy snowfall

India has lend a diplomatic hand to Male, even though ties have been strained between the two nations. New Delhi has spent around $93 billion on developmental projects in Maldives.

India spends $93 billion, twice the amount allocated for Maldives projects'

India is emerging as the best bet for global investors who are otherwise struggling to find growth. Most global hedge funds are shorting Chinese markets & investing in India for long-term growth. Watch to know more!

Indian markets witness record inflows in 2023

An X user named Prateek Aryan has come under fire for posting a professional performer's video without her consent. He also went on to moral police the woman and refused to take down the video.

Gravitas | X user compares educational institutes to 'brothels' over dancing

The United Arab Emirates, long synonymous with oil wealth, is experiencing a paradigm shift. In 2023, their non-oil trade skyrocketed to a record-breaking $953 Billion, a 12.6% increase from the previous year. Exports of goods and services surpassed 1 trillion dirhams for the first time, highlighting the success of their diversification strategy.

UAE’s diversification push bears fruit?

Global investors pivot to India, endorse Indian stocks

Farmers Protest: Proposals not in interest of farmers, they have rejected offer, says Union Leaders

Recent research from the Christian Medical College, Vellore, uncovers concerning findings about long-term lung damage in Indian Covid survivors. Even after recovery, many patients face lingering symptoms and impaired lung function for months.

Covid study: Indians suffer more lung damage post recovery, worst-hit by Covid after-effects

Senior congress leader Anand Sharma, is reportedly upset by the Himachal Pradesh' seat being given to Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The stakes are high for the Rajya Sabha polls which are scheduled on the 27th of February.

Growing resentment in Himachal Congress ranks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the next hundred days are important for the party while addressing the National Convention of the Bhartiya Janta Party at Delhi's Bharat Mandapam on Sunday.

India: PM Modi outlines election strategy at BJP's National Convention, says next 100 days important

Govt agrees to give MSP on four more crops apart from Paddy & Wheat

Farmer leaders on Sunday announced that the Delhi Chalo march has been put on hold since they will study the Centre's new plan for the minimum support price (MSP) for crops. They, however, said that the Delhi Chalo march could resume on February 21 if all the issues are not resolved.

India Farmers' Protest: 'Delhi chalo' march on hold after meeting with govt

india

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news