Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal bowled a google this week. They wanted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to lead the INDIA bloc as its prime ministerial candidate. It initiated conversations about India getting its first-ever Dalit prime minister referring to Kharge’s caste. Dalit activist Kancha Ilaiah decodes the caste considerations required to win 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

2024 Lok Sabha polls: Push for caste survey ahead of polls

The IPL auction, a rollercoaster of cricketing extravaganza took place earlier this week, where franchises once again raised the stakes and splurged on global cricketing stars.

IPL Auction sparks pay disparity debate

Retail giant Walmart will pump $600 million into Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart. This infusion will be a part of Flipkart's larger $1 billion funding plan.

Walmart to pump $600 million into Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart

Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal bowled a google this week. They wanted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to lead the INDIA bloc as its prime ministerial candidate. It initiated conversations about India getting its first-ever Dalit prime minister referring to Kharge’s caste. To know more watch this interview with BJP Spokesperson, Shehzad Poonawalla.

2024 Lok Sabha polls: Kharge to lead I.N.D.I.A bloc?

2024 Lok Sabha polls: Caste considerations important strategy?

The Army claimed four soldiers were killed and three were injured during a battle with militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Thursday. At 3:45 PM on Thursday, terrorists ambushed two army trucks heading through Dera Ki Gali in Rajouri's Poonch area.

India: Army vehicle ambushed in Jammu and Kashmir | 4 army personnel killed in action

Leander Paes, India’s first entrant in International Tennis Hall of Fame, looks back at his career and Indian tennis’ transformation.

Tennis Hall of Fame: Indian Tennis legend Leander Paes make history

Rescue and relief operations are underway for the fourth day in Thoothukudi district, in India's southern Tamil Nadu state&nbsp;in the aftermath of flooding that affected the region. Over the last weekend and Monday(18th Dec), unprecedented amount&nbsp;of rainfall in the district, causing massive flooding. Arterial roads have also been washed away in the the floods.

Rainfall data indicates that few localities received their entire quantum of annual rainfall in a day or two, causing widespread damage.

Rescue and relief operations are underway in large parts of South Tamil Nadu districts, even as floodwaters have receded in some areas. Thus far, the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force(tri-services), NDRF and Coast Guard have been involved in the rescue and relief operations, based on the request from the Tamil Nadu Government.&nbsp;

Two Advanced Light Helicopters Mark 3 variants from the Indian Coast Guard continued to operate from the Madurai airport and ferried essential supplies provided by the State Administration. The supplies were dropped in areas that had been cut-off owing to inundation. In addition to the ship ICGS Sujay and the fleet of helicopters, the Coast Guard has also deployed 250 personnel for the relief efforts.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Indian Navy helicopters flew seven sorties and air-dropped 3.2 tonnes of relief material in the inaccessible, flood-hit areas in Srivaikuntam, Thoothukudi district. Naval personnel also evacuated an elderly person who faced a medical emergency and a pregnant woman.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Multiple teams from the National Disaster Response Force remain in action in the flooded areas. With dozens of localities still inundated and several roads severely damaged and unmotorable, the multi-pronged rescue efforts by the Central Forces are expected to continue on Friday as well.&nbsp;

Rescue and relief operations are underway for the fourth day in Thoothukudi district, in India's southern Tamil Nadu state in the aftermath of flooding that affected the region.

Rescue and relief operations are underway for the fourth day in Thoothukudi district, in India's southern Tamil Nadu state in the aftermath of flooding that affected the region. Over the last weekend and Monday(18th Dec), unprecedented amount of rainfall in the district, causing massive flooding. Arterial roads have also been washed away in the the floods. Rainfall data indicates that few localities received their entire quantum of annual rainfall in a day or two, causing widespread damage. Rescue and relief operations are underway in large parts of South Tamil Nadu districts, even as floodwaters have receded in some areas. Thus far, the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force(tri-services), NDRF and Coast Guard have been involved in the rescue and relief operations, based on the request from the Tamil Nadu Government. Two Advanced Light Helicopters Mark 3 variants from the Indian Coast Guard continued to operate from the Madurai airport and ferried essential supplies provided by the State Administration. The supplies were dropped in areas that had been cut-off owing to inundation. In addition to the ship ICGS Sujay and the fleet of helicopters, the Coast Guard has also deployed 250 personnel for the relief efforts. On Thursday, the Indian Navy helicopters flew seven sorties and air-dropped 3.2 tonnes of relief material in the inaccessible, flood-hit areas in Srivaikuntam, Thoothukudi district. Naval personnel also evacuated an elderly person who faced a medical emergency and a pregnant woman. Multiple teams from the National Disaster Response Force remain in action in the flooded areas. With dozens of localities still inundated and several roads severely damaged and unmotorable, the multi-pronged rescue efforts by the Central Forces are expected to continue on Friday as well.

Tamil Nadu Floods: Relief and rescue operations underway in south Indian state

An invitation has been extended to French President Emmanuel Macron to serve as the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in 2024. This marks the sixth instance of a French leader being invited to the momentous event at Kartavya Path on January 26, commemorating the day in 1950 when the Constitution of India came into effect, signifying the nation's transition to a republic. India's gesture reflects the strengthened closeness and trust that has developed between the two countries over time.

French President Emmanuel Macron invited to be chief guest at Republic Day 2024

Mukesh Aghi, President & CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), has underscored the flourishing ties between the United States and India, shedding light on "bullish" sentiments of US investors on India. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Aghi stated, " relationship has gone in a very positive direction, in a win-win fashion for both countries. you have to understand that the relationship is deep, much broader, and much more strategic between India and the United States."

US-India partnership forum's chief Mukesh Aghi talks to Wion

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- In a concerning development, India witnessed a spike in COVID-19 cases with 640 new infections reported on Friday, pushing the active cases to 2,997.

Covid-19 JN.1 variant: India witnesses surge in Covid-19 cases

In a concerning development, India witnessed a spike in COVID-19 cases with 640 new infections reported on Friday, pushing the active cases to 2,997. The total COVID-19 tally in the country now stands at a staggering 4.50 crore (4,50,07,212), with the death toll reaching 5,33,327.

Covid-19 JN.1 variant: Resident of Indian city of Noida tests positive for Covid

According to police, the 23-year-old was reported missing since December 14 following a night out with friends. Officers then conducted extensive probe. Police divers have found the body in the water near South Quay. Final identification of the body not done yet. Watch to know more!

UK: Indian student found dead in London lake, final identification not done yet

Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, about 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Peshawar is dubbed as "university of jihad" by critics. This seminary encourages its adherents to conduct violent Jihad. Analysts say that the terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir have turned the spotlight back on the Darul Uloom Haqqania Madrasa in Pakistan. Critics call it a university of jihad and blame it for helping to spread violence across the region.

Poonch Terror attack: Spotlight on Pakistan's 'University of Jihad'

Floods in Tamil Nadu leave hundreds stranded. Flash Flood left Tamil Nadu with inundating roads, affecting train services and authorities scrambling to rescue those stranded. Heavy monsoon downpour kills 10 people.

India: 10 dead in Tamil Nadu flash floods; IAF choppers dropping food & aid to those stranded | WION

Tamil Nadu floods: Monsoon fury brings more rain to Tamil Nadu

Covid-19 JN.1 variant: Covid death toll rises to 533,327

Indian student in UK found dead in London Lake | Was studying in Loughborough university

Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, about 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Peshawar is dubbed as "university of jihad" by critics. This seminary encourages its adherents to conduct violent Jihad. Watch to know more!

Spotlight on Pakistan's 'University of Jihad'

In India's National Capital Region (NCR) after several months, a case of the dreaded coronavirus has come to light. The COVID-19 case, as per a PTI report citing officials, is in Noida, where a 54-year-old man has tested positive.

This comes amid a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases attributed to the recently discovered Omicron sub-variant JN.1.

<h2>Noida's first case</h2>

The patient is a 54-year-old man who is a resident of Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar. While his identity is yet to be revealed, as per reports, he works at a multinational company in Gurugram.

Gautam Buddha Nagar Chief Medical Officer Dr Sunil Sharma on Thursday said that "his test sample has been sent to Delhi for genome sequencing. The result is awaited".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-jn1-indias-chandigarh-makes-it-mandatory-to-wear-masks-in-public-places-amid-recent-uptick-in-cases-672112">Covid JN.1: India's Chandigarh makes wearing masks mandatory in public places amid recent uptick in cases</a>

As per District Surveillance Officer and public healthcare expert Dr Amit Kumar, earlier this month, the patient travelled to Nepal. He also revealed that after his return from Nepal, the man also went to work at his Gurugram office.

"The patient is asymptomatic and went for the COVID-19 test on his own," said Kumar. He added that, as of now, this is the only confirmed case in Gautam Buddha Nagar.

<h2>Noida on alert</h2>

In Noida, as per CMO Sharma, the testing for the coronavirus has come down this year. However, he noted that people can still get themselves tested for Covid at primary community health centres and the district hospital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-number-of-active-covid-cases-cross-2000-mark-in-kerala-goa-tops-list-of-jn1-cases-ahead-of-christmas-672009">India: Number of active Covid cases cross 2,000-mark in Kerala; Goa tops list of JN.1 cases ahead of Christmas</a>

After the case was reported, concerns over the infection spreading once again have been raised. The healthcare department has urged residents to follow Covid-appropriate measures: Wash their hands with soap for at least a minute, practice social distancing, use alcohol-based sanitisers, wear a face mask when outdoors, among other measures.

<h2>JN.1 variant</h2>

Recently, India has seen an uptick of cases from the JN.1 variant, with 2,669 active cases, as of Wednesday (Dec 21). The Omicron subvariant has been categorised as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, and as of now isn't deemed to hold a particular risk. However, former WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan has cautioned against underestimating COVID-19 as a common cold.

(With inputs from agencies)

In India's National Capital Region (NCR) after several months, a case of the dreaded coronavirus has come to light. The COVID-19 case, as per a PTI report citing officials, is in Noida, where a 54-year-old man has tested positive.

In India's National Capital Region (NCR) after several months, a case of the dreaded coronavirus has come to light. The COVID-19 case, as per a PTI report citing officials, is in Noida, where a 54-year-old man has tested positive. This comes amid a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases attributed to the recently discovered Omicron sub-variant JN.1. Noida's first case The patient is a 54-year-old man who is a resident of Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar. While his identity is yet to be revealed, as per reports, he works at a multinational company in Gurugram. Gautam Buddha Nagar Chief Medical Officer Dr Sunil Sharma on Thursday said that "his test sample has been sent to Delhi for genome sequencing. The result is awaited". Also read | Covid JN.1: India's Chandigarh makes wearing masks mandatory in public places amid recent uptick in cases As per District Surveillance Officer and public healthcare expert Dr Amit Kumar, earlier this month, the patient travelled to Nepal. He also revealed that after his return from Nepal, the man also went to work at his Gurugram office. "The patient is asymptomatic and went for the COVID-19 test on his own," said Kumar. He added that, as of now, this is the only confirmed case in Gautam Buddha Nagar. Noida on alert In Noida, as per CMO Sharma, the testing for the coronavirus has come down this year. However, he noted that people can still get themselves tested for Covid at primary community health centres and the district hospital. Also read | India: Number of active Covid cases cross 2,000-mark in Kerala; Goa tops list of JN.1 cases ahead of Christmas After the case was reported, concerns over the infection spreading once again have been raised. The healthcare department has urged residents to follow Covid-appropriate measures: Wash their hands with soap for at least a minute, practice social distancing, use alcohol-based sanitisers, wear a face mask when outdoors, among other measures. JN.1 variant Recently, India has seen an uptick of cases from the JN.1 variant, with 2,669 active cases, as of Wednesday (Dec 21). The Omicron subvariant has been categorised as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, and as of now isn't deemed to hold a particular risk. However, former WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan has cautioned against underestimating COVID-19 as a common cold. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Noida in Uttar Pradesh state reports its first Covid case in months

In a concerning development, India witnessed a spike in COVID-19 cases with 640 new infections reported on Friday, pushing the active cases to 2,997. The total COVID-19 tally in the country now stands at a staggering 4.50 crore (4,50,07,212), with the death toll reaching 5,33,328.

Covid-19 JN.1 variant : 2997 active cases of covid in India, highest surge in Kerala

Emmanuel Macron invited to be Chief Guest at India's Republic Day | India-France ties

US Investors Bullish on India, Washington-Delhi Ties Mature says USISPF Chief Aghi

Three Congress MPs were suspended from Lok Sabha on Thursday, taking the total number of suspended Opposition MPs from Parliament to 146. Over 140 Opposition MPs have been suspended since December 14 for causing disruptions to the functioning of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and raising slogans while demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the December 13 Parliament security breach.

Parliament suspension row: Total number of suspended MPs now at 146

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comments are seen as a change in tone after months of rhetoric. He also says India's tone with the country has changed ever since Washington warned New Delhi of its role in a plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpawant Singh Pannun on American soil.

Canadian PM Trudeau: Tonal shift after US indictment against Indian official

Even as members from opposition benches continue to be suspended, both Houses of Parliament in India passed key bills which include three amended criminal law bills and the telecom bill. Watch to know more.

Indian Parliament passes three amened criminal code bills and telecom bill

The Ram Temple Construction in Ayodhya is nearing its completion on January 22nd set as the date for the consecration ceremony. According to India civil aviation Minister the initial phase of the Ayodhya International Airport is also scheduled to be completed by the end of December.

Ayodhya International Airport ready for inauguration on December 30th

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has once again lauded India over the economic progress made by the country's arch-rival and neighbour. During a public address, Sharif said India had reached the Moon while Pakistan was yet to rise from the ground.&nbsp;

"We have been responsible for our own downfall, otherwise this nation would have reached a different place," said Sharif.&nbsp;

"Our neighbours have reached the moon but we haven't even risen from the ground so far. It can't keep going on like this," he added.&nbsp;

Sharif's statement comes a day after he said neither India nor the US were responsible for Pakistan's economic downfall.

“Today where Pakistan has reached (in terms of the state of the economy) this is not done by India, the US or even Afghanistan. In fact, we shot ourselves in our own foot…they (a reference to the military) imposed a selected (government) on this nation by rigging the 2018 polls that led to the sufferings of the people and downfall of the economy,” Sharif, the three-time prime minister who is vying to gain power for the fourth time, said.

Sharif taking a soft and rather progressive line concerning India is not a new phenomenon. When India successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the south side of the Moon, Sharif made a similar comparison between the two countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Today Pakistan's prime minister goes country to country to beg for funds while India has reached the moon and is holding G20 meetings. Why Pakistan couldn't achieve the feats India did. Who is responsible for this here?" he said at the time.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nawaz-sharif-mending-relations-with-neighbours-crucial-for-pakistan-668249">Watch |&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif: 'Mending relations with neighbours crucial for Pakistan'</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Sharif eyeing return to power in Pakistan</h2>

Sharif, holed up&nbsp;in London since 2019, has been looking to make a comeback to Pakistan's political stage for a long time. The whispers surrounding his return to Pakistan soil had started doing the rounds since November last year when he was issued a five-year diplomatic passport by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He later received a booster shot of confidence when the Islamabad High Court&nbsp;acquitted him in the&nbsp;Al-Aziziya reference case.&nbsp;The two-judge bench of IHC, comprising Chief Justice&nbsp;Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb announced the verdict. The same bench had acquitted him in the Avenfield property case last month as well.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-not-responsible-for-paks-economy-says-ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-blames-army-671589">Also read |&nbsp;‘India not responsible for Pakistan’s economy woes’, says ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, blames army</a>

Although acquittal in both cases paved way for Sharif's return to Pakistan, he still has another hurdle to cross. He remains disqualified from holding office by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case. The apex court, while interpreting Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution&nbsp;ruled that the disqualification is for life.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has once again lauded India over the economic progress made by the country's arch-rival and neighbour. During a public address, Sharif said India had reached the Moon while Pakistan was yet to rise from the ground.

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has once again lauded India over the economic progress made by the country's arch-rival and neighbour. During a public address, Sharif said India had reached the Moon while Pakistan was yet to rise from the ground. "We have been responsible for our own downfall, otherwise this nation would have reached a different place," said Sharif. "Our neighbours have reached the moon but we haven't even risen from the ground so far. It can't keep going on like this," he added. Sharif's statement comes a day after he said neither India nor the US were responsible for Pakistan's economic downfall. “Today where Pakistan has reached (in terms of the state of the economy) this is not done by India, the US or even Afghanistan. In fact, we shot ourselves in our own foot…they (a reference to the military) imposed a selected (government) on this nation by rigging the 2018 polls that led to the sufferings of the people and downfall of the economy,” Sharif, the three-time prime minister who is vying to gain power for the fourth time, said. Sharif taking a soft and rather progressive line concerning India is not a new phenomenon. When India successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the south side of the Moon, Sharif made a similar comparison between the two countries. "Today Pakistan's prime minister goes country to country to beg for funds while India has reached the moon and is holding G20 meetings. Why Pakistan couldn't achieve the feats India did. Who is responsible for this here?" he said at the time. Watch | Nawaz Sharif: 'Mending relations with neighbours crucial for Pakistan' × Sharif eyeing return to power in Pakistan Sharif, holed up in London since 2019, has been looking to make a comeback to Pakistan's political stage for a long time. The whispers surrounding his return to Pakistan soil had started doing the rounds since November last year when he was issued a five-year diplomatic passport by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He later received a booster shot of confidence when the Islamabad High Court acquitted him in the Al-Aziziya reference case. The two-judge bench of IHC, comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb announced the verdict. The same bench had acquitted him in the Avenfield property case last month as well. Also read | ‘India not responsible for Pakistan’s economy woes’, says ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, blames army Although acquittal in both cases paved way for Sharif's return to Pakistan, he still has another hurdle to cross. He remains disqualified from holding office by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case. The apex court, while interpreting Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution ruled that the disqualification is for life. (With inputs from agencies)

Nawaz Sharif lauds India yet again, says ‘our neighbours reached Moon’

Preparations are presently on the way in the Indian city of Ayodhya for the inauguration of the grand Ram Mandir. The newly constructed Temple is also to be inaugurated on the 22nd of January and for this a pretty massive incense stick is being made in Vadodara town in Gujarat for The Grand Event.

Ram Mandir inauguration: Preparation underway in Ayodhya

The Army claimed three soldiers were killed and three were injured during a battle with militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Thursday. At 3:45 PM on Thursday, terrorists ambushed two army trucks heading through Dera Ki Gali in Rajouri's Poonch area.

J&K: Terrorists ambush police vehicle in Rajouri, killing three Indian Army personnel

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