2023 was a memorable year for India a year when the South Asian country scripted history with a soft landing near the moon's South Pole, deaf diplomacy at the G20 Summit securing a joint statement. New Delhi also emerged as the voice of the global South defining global economic challenges the fifth-largest economy posted robust economic growth. We bring you all these moments of India's Glory.

WION Rewind India's moments of glory

<p>In a tragic incident at India's prestigious IIT Kanpur campus, a 55-year-old senior professor, Sameer Khandekar, collapsed on stage and succumbed to a cardiac arrest while delivering a speech during an alumni meet event at the university's auditorium on Friday (Dec 22). The professor, who had been discussing the importance of maintaining good health, left the audience in shock with his final words.</p>

<p>"Take care of your health," the professor said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shortly after uttering this advice, Khandekar began to feel uneasy, experiencing chest pain.</p>

<p>Initially, he sat down, and it seemed like an emotional moment for the audience. However, his discomfort escalated, and he eventually collapsed on the stage.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-terrorists-gun-down-retired-police-officer-during-mosque-prayer-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-baramulla-673008">India: Terrorists gun down retired police officer during mosque prayer in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla</a></p>

<p>Despite swift efforts to rush him to the hospital, Khandekar was declared dead upon arrival.</p>

<h2><strong>Cardiac arrest or cardiac block possible reasons</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Neeraj Kumar, providing details into the unfortunate incident, reportedly told a local media outlet, "After going through his medical history and examining him, we can say that he either died due to cardiac arrest or cardiac block. Specific details will be cleared in the postmortem report."</p>

<p>This tragic incident comes as there has been a growing prevalence of heart-related issues not only in India but globally. Heart attacks have become alarmingly common, prompting concerns about overall cardiovascular health.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/303-indians-include-11-unaccompanied-minors-as-france-continues-human-trafficking-probe-672998">303 Indians include 11 unaccompanied minors as France continues human trafficking probe: Report</a></p>

<p>In the aftermath of the incident, the professor's son, currently studying at Cambridge University, is set to conduct the last rites.</p>

<p>Khandekar, who had been grappling with cholesterol issues since 2019, was under continuous medication. Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, he pursued his B.Tech at IIT Kanpur and later earned his PhD in Germany.</p>

<h5>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/opec-nations-affirm-commitment-to-group-after-angolas-exit-673020">OPEC nations affirm commitment to group after Angola's exit</a></h5>

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<p>Having joined IIT Kanpur in 2004 as an assistant professor, Khandekar ascended to the role of an associate professor and eventually served as the Department Head of the Mechanical Department and Student Welfare Dean.</p>

<p>His contributions extended to academia, marked by eight patents to his name. Khandekar is survived by his parents, wife, and son.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a tragic incident at India's prestigious IIT Kanpur campus, a 55-year-old senior professor, Sameer Khandekar, collapsed on stage and succumbed to a cardiac arrest while delivering a speech during an alumni meet event at the university's auditorium on Friday (Dec 22).

In a tragic incident at India's prestigious IIT Kanpur campus, a 55-year-old senior professor, Sameer Khandekar, collapsed on stage and succumbed to a cardiac arrest while delivering a speech during an alumni meet event at the university's auditorium on Friday (Dec 22). The professor, who had been discussing the importance of maintaining good health, left the audience in shock with his final words. "Take care of your health," the professor said. Shortly after uttering this advice, Khandekar began to feel uneasy, experiencing chest pain. Initially, he sat down, and it seemed like an emotional moment for the audience. However, his discomfort escalated, and he eventually collapsed on the stage. Also Read | India: Terrorists gun down retired police officer during mosque prayer in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla Despite swift efforts to rush him to the hospital, Khandekar was declared dead upon arrival. Cardiac arrest or cardiac block possible reasons Dr Neeraj Kumar, providing details into the unfortunate incident, reportedly told a local media outlet, "After going through his medical history and examining him, we can say that he either died due to cardiac arrest or cardiac block. Specific details will be cleared in the postmortem report." This tragic incident comes as there has been a growing prevalence of heart-related issues not only in India but globally. Heart attacks have become alarmingly common, prompting concerns about overall cardiovascular health. Also Read | 303 Indians include 11 unaccompanied minors as France continues human trafficking probe: Report In the aftermath of the incident, the professor's son, currently studying at Cambridge University, is set to conduct the last rites. Khandekar, who had been grappling with cholesterol issues since 2019, was under continuous medication. Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, he pursued his B.Tech at IIT Kanpur and later earned his PhD in Germany. Watch | OPEC nations affirm commitment to group after Angola's exit × Having joined IIT Kanpur in 2004 as an assistant professor, Khandekar ascended to the role of an associate professor and eventually served as the Department Head of the Mechanical Department and Student Welfare Dean. His contributions extended to academia, marked by eight patents to his name. Khandekar is survived by his parents, wife, and son. (With inputs from agencies)

India: IIT Kanpur professor dies of cardiac arrest during speech, his last advice to students was...

<p>As the surge in COVID-19 cases grips India once again, propelled by the emergence of the JN.1 subvariant, Dr NK Arora, Chief of the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) revealed that&nbsp;there is no necessity for an additional vaccine dose against this subvariant for now.</p>

<p>Dr Arora, however, laid emphasis on the preventive measures against COVID-19 and said, "Prevention is required for all those who are 60 years of age or older, who are likely to have comorbidities, and those who are on drugs that suppress our immunity, like cancer patients. If they have not taken precaution so far, then they are advised to take precaution; otherwise, there is no need for any additional doses."</p>

<p>Addressing concerns about the severity of various Omicron subvariants, Dr Arora reassured that none have demonstrated increased severity.</p>

<p>"Every week you hear something new coming up in different parts and then it spreads all over India. We have identified a large number of subvariants, over 400 subvariants, or mutations of this virus, and fortunately, none of these Omicron variants have really been associated with more severe disease or hospitalisation," he stated.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hijab-or-no-hijab-in-karnataka-educational-institutes-cm-siddaramaiah-clarifies-his-mysuru-speech-673027">Hijab or no hijab in Karnataka educational institutes? CM Siddaramaiah clarifies his Mysuru speech</a></p>

<p>Moreover, while highlighting symptoms of the JN.1 subvariant, Dr Arora noted their similarity to other subvariants, including fever, nasal discharge, cough, occasional diarrhoea, and severe body aches, with recovery typically within "two to five days".</p>

<h2><strong>Low hospitalisation rate</strong></h2>

<p>Acknowledging&nbsp;a rise in cases and pointing out at the low hospitalisation rate, he&nbsp;said, "There is no increase in hospitalisation. We see a lot of cases in Kerala, but I must also say that in other states where testing has increased recently, we are seeing a higher number of cases. But there is no increase in hospitalisation or severe disease that requires ventilation or results in deaths."</p>

<p>Despite a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in India, with Kerala reporting the majority, Dr Arora urged vigilance over panic.</p>

<p>"We need to be vigilant, but not panicky at all."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-terrorists-gun-down-retired-police-officer-during-mosque-prayer-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-baramulla-673008">India: Terrorists gun down retired police officer during mosque prayer in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla</a></p>

<p>As per the Indian Health Ministry, the number of active cases in India is currently at 3,742, while four people have died in&nbsp;the last 24-hours.&nbsp;Two were from Kerala state while one each from Rajasthan and Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-pakistan-water-sharing-dispute-talibans-dam-project-in-kunar-river-673037">Afghanistan-Pakistan water sharing dispute: Taliban's dam project in Kunar River</a></strong></p>

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<p>Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest but the global health body said that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the surge in COVID-19 cases grips India once again, propelled by the emergence of the JN.1 subvariant, Dr NK Arora, Chief of the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) revealed that there is no necessity for an additional vaccine dose against this subvariant for now.

As the surge in COVID-19 cases grips India once again, propelled by the emergence of the JN.1 subvariant, Dr NK Arora, Chief of the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) revealed that there is no necessity for an additional vaccine dose against this subvariant for now. Dr Arora, however, laid emphasis on the preventive measures against COVID-19 and said, "Prevention is required for all those who are 60 years of age or older, who are likely to have comorbidities, and those who are on drugs that suppress our immunity, like cancer patients. If they have not taken precaution so far, then they are advised to take precaution; otherwise, there is no need for any additional doses." Addressing concerns about the severity of various Omicron subvariants, Dr Arora reassured that none have demonstrated increased severity. "Every week you hear something new coming up in different parts and then it spreads all over India. We have identified a large number of subvariants, over 400 subvariants, or mutations of this virus, and fortunately, none of these Omicron variants have really been associated with more severe disease or hospitalisation," he stated. Also Read | Hijab or no hijab in Karnataka educational institutes? CM Siddaramaiah clarifies his Mysuru speech Moreover, while highlighting symptoms of the JN.1 subvariant, Dr Arora noted their similarity to other subvariants, including fever, nasal discharge, cough, occasional diarrhoea, and severe body aches, with recovery typically within "two to five days". Low hospitalisation rate Acknowledging a rise in cases and pointing out at the low hospitalisation rate, he said, "There is no increase in hospitalisation. We see a lot of cases in Kerala, but I must also say that in other states where testing has increased recently, we are seeing a higher number of cases. But there is no increase in hospitalisation or severe disease that requires ventilation or results in deaths." Despite a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in India, with Kerala reporting the majority, Dr Arora urged vigilance over panic. "We need to be vigilant, but not panicky at all." Also Read | India: Terrorists gun down retired police officer during mosque prayer in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla As per the Indian Health Ministry, the number of active cases in India is currently at 3,742, while four people have died in the last 24-hours. Two were from Kerala state while one each from Rajasthan and Karnataka. Watch | Afghanistan-Pakistan water sharing dispute: Taliban's dam project in Kunar River × Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest but the global health body said that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence. (With inputs from agencies)

Extra vaccine dose required for JN.1? Here's what Chief of India's Covid genomics consortium reveals

India's Union Sports Ministry has suspended the newly elected body of the Wrestling Federation of India. The ministry has cited that the WFI body has shown "complete disregard for the existing rules and regulations". The move comes after newly elected president Sanjay Singh announced that under-15 and under-20 Nationals will take place in the state of Uttar Pradesh's Gonda District later this year.

New Wrestling Federation of India suspended due to blatant disregard of rules

Tensions in the Red Sea are indeed simmering an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker has been attacked by Houthi militants according to the US military. The US Naval Forces Central Command has said that no injuries have been reported from the strike. However the Indian media reports indicate that the Indian-flagged vessel was not hit and that the Drone strike was a near miss.

Israel-Hamas war: Indian flagged oil tanker attacked in Red Sea

<p>In a clarification following his earlier statement, the Chief Minister from the Indian state of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, said on Saturday (Dec 23) that the government had not issued any official order to lift the ban on wearing the hijab in educational institutions. This comes a day after the CM during a speech suggested the removal of the hijab ban.</p>

<p>However, Siddaramaiah later explained, "We have not done it yet (allowing hijab). One person asked me a question, and I replied to that. Yes, the government is considering to end the ban. But the matter will be discussed with government officers first."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-terrorists-gun-down-retired-police-officer-during-mosque-prayer-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-baramulla-673008">India: Terrorists gun down retired police officer during mosque prayer in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla</a></p>

<p>The controversy emerged when, at an event in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah had indicated that women could wear the hijab if they desired, leading to speculations that the ban had been revoked. However, the government, according to the CM, was still deliberating on the matter.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah during the speech had said, "Your choices are yours, and my choices are mine. It's that simple."</p>

<p>"No restrictions. You can wear a hijab. I have instructed that there will be no restriction from tomorrow onwards. You can wear and eat whatever you want. It's up to you."</p>

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<p>The Congress party had previously included the plan to end the hijab ban in its agenda before winning the election in May. The hijab row has once again erupted a war of words between the BJP and Congress leadership. On one hand, Siddaramaiah criticised the BJP for divisive policies based on clothing and caste, while the BJP&nbsp;labeled the Congress's stance as "appeasement politics."</p>

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<p>The hijab issue matter had reached the Supreme Court, resulting in a split verdict and the court saying&nbsp;it would set up a three-judge bench to take up the hijab matter forward.</p>

<p>Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai lashed out at the speech by Siddaramaiah and said, "When the matter is pending in the Supreme Court, the Chief Minister does not even take that into consideration and decides to please the minorities, while eyeing the Lok Sabha election."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In a clarification following his earlier statement, the Chief Minister from the Indian state of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, said on Saturday (Dec 23) that the government had not issued any official order to lift the ban on wearing the hijab in educational institutions.

In a clarification following his earlier statement, the Chief Minister from the Indian state of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, said on Saturday (Dec 23) that the government had not issued any official order to lift the ban on wearing the hijab in educational institutions. This comes a day after the CM during a speech suggested the removal of the hijab ban. However, Siddaramaiah later explained, "We have not done it yet (allowing hijab). One person asked me a question, and I replied to that. Yes, the government is considering to end the ban. But the matter will be discussed with government officers first." Also Read | India: Terrorists gun down retired police officer during mosque prayer in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla The controversy emerged when, at an event in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah had indicated that women could wear the hijab if they desired, leading to speculations that the ban had been revoked. However, the government, according to the CM, was still deliberating on the matter. Siddaramaiah during the speech had said, "Your choices are yours, and my choices are mine. It's that simple." "No restrictions. You can wear a hijab. I have instructed that there will be no restriction from tomorrow onwards. You can wear and eat whatever you want. It's up to you." Also Read | 303 Indians include 11 unaccompanied minors as France continues human trafficking probe: Report The Congress party had previously included the plan to end the hijab ban in its agenda before winning the election in May. The hijab row has once again erupted a war of words between the BJP and Congress leadership. On one hand, Siddaramaiah criticised the BJP for divisive policies based on clothing and caste, while the BJP labeled the Congress's stance as "appeasement politics." Watch | OPEC nations affirm commitment to group after Angola's exit × The hijab issue matter had reached the Supreme Court, resulting in a split verdict and the court saying it would set up a three-judge bench to take up the hijab matter forward. Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai lashed out at the speech by Siddaramaiah and said, "When the matter is pending in the Supreme Court, the Chief Minister does not even take that into consideration and decides to please the minorities, while eyeing the Lok Sabha election." (With inputs from agencies)

Hijab or no hijab in Karnataka educational institutes? CM Siddaramaiah clarifies his Mysuru speech

<p>After 303 Indian passengers on a Nicaragua-bound plane were grounded by French authorities on Thursday (Dec 21), sources close to the Paris prosecutor's office told news agency Reuters that there are eleven unaccompanied minors among them. The sources also disclosed that these unaccompanied minors are provided "ad-hoc tutors" by French authorities.</p>

<p>Operated by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines, the flight was grounded at Vatry airport during a technical stopover en route from Dubai,&nbsp;Marne prefect's office reportedly said in a statement.</p>

<p>The Indian Embassy has already received consular access to its citizens and officials from the Indian general consulate are regularly visiting the passengers to ensure their well-being during this unexpected situation, the&nbsp;prefect's office added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the meantime, the Paris prosecutor's office is actively investigating a suspected case of human trafficking. Moreover, emergency services at northeast France's Marne have set up makeshift beds for the passengers. All the Indians are taken care of with access to toilets, showers, meals, and hot drinks.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Meanwhile, two of the passengers have been held for questioning and they continue to remain in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation. The French authorities sprung into action after they received a tip-off&nbsp;by an anonymous informant, leading to the grounding of the plane.</p>

<h2><strong>Plane crew released</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Liliana Bakayoko, a lawyer representing Legend Airlines, reportedly clarified that the crew has been released after questioning. She stated, "The members of the crew have been questioned, the questioning has ended, and they are all free to move. None has been put in custody."</p>

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<p>Legend Airlines revealed that the flight was chartered by a "trusted" client, a non-European company that the airline chose not to name.</p>

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<p>The Romanian-based Legend Airlines maintains its innocence, asserting that it committed no offence and expressing readiness to cooperate with French authorities while reserving the right to take legal action if charges are filed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After 303 Indian passengers on a Nicaragua-bound plane were grounded by French authorities on Thursday (Dec 21), sources close to the Paris prosecutor's office told news agency Reuters that there are eleven unaccompanied minors among them.

After 303 Indian passengers on a Nicaragua-bound plane were grounded by French authorities on Thursday (Dec 21), sources close to the Paris prosecutor's office told news agency Reuters that there are eleven unaccompanied minors among them. The sources also disclosed that these unaccompanied minors are provided "ad-hoc tutors" by French authorities. Operated by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines, the flight was grounded at Vatry airport during a technical stopover en route from Dubai, Marne prefect's office reportedly said in a statement. The Indian Embassy has already received consular access to its citizens and officials from the Indian general consulate are regularly visiting the passengers to ensure their well-being during this unexpected situation, the prefect's office added. In the meantime, the Paris prosecutor's office is actively investigating a suspected case of human trafficking. Moreover, emergency services at northeast France's Marne have set up makeshift beds for the passengers. All the Indians are taken care of with access to toilets, showers, meals, and hot drinks. Also Read | Tesla recalls 120,000 cars which can unlock in crash in United States Meanwhile, two of the passengers have been held for questioning and they continue to remain in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation. The French authorities sprung into action after they received a tip-off by an anonymous informant, leading to the grounding of the plane. Plane crew released Liliana Bakayoko, a lawyer representing Legend Airlines, reportedly clarified that the crew has been released after questioning. She stated, "The members of the crew have been questioned, the questioning has ended, and they are all free to move. None has been put in custody." Also Read | United States condemns vandalism of Swaminarayan Temple in California Legend Airlines revealed that the flight was chartered by a "trusted" client, a non-European company that the airline chose not to name. Watch | Balochistan protest march against extra judicial killings × The Romanian-based Legend Airlines maintains its innocence, asserting that it committed no offence and expressing readiness to cooperate with French authorities while reserving the right to take legal action if charges are filed. (With inputs from agencies)

11 minors among 303 Indian passengers on flight grounded by France: Report

As millions of Americans plan their holiday travel, COVID levels are surging across the US, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand are also on guard.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus raises alarm in US

<p>In a concerning development, the Red Sea region has witnessed a significant surge in maritime security incidents, including missile attacks over the past two months, with the week from December 14 to 20 reporting the highest number of incidents in this period.</p>

<p>According to data released by the Gurugram-based Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), there were nine maritime security threats last week, a stark increase from the previous weeks.</p>

<p>The primary cause behind this escalation appears to have been the uptick in Houthi attacks originating from Yemen.</p>

<p>The Houthi rebels have been targeting vessels they suspect are heading to or from Israel, a response to Israeli actions in Gaza. Israel's substantial offensive in Gaza was triggered by a terror attack by Hamas in October.</p>

<p>During the week spanning from December 14 to 20, a staggering&nbsp;nine maritime security threats were reported, marking a significant escalation compared to the preceding week of December 7 to 13, which documented only two such incidents.</p>

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<p>The trend of rising security concerns continued from the week of November 30 to December 6, where five incidents were recorded.</p>

<p>In the preceding weeks, the situation unfolded with two incidents from November 23 to 29, a singular incident from November 16 to 22, and a notably calm week from November 9 to 15, with no reported incidents.</p>

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<p>When it comes to last week, on December 13, the tanker Mt Ardmore Encounter faced a missile attack from Yemen's Hodeidah, with two missiles being launched.</p>

<p>Simultaneously, a US Navy ship successfully intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle near Port Hodeidah. The following day, on December 14, MV Maersk Gibraltar became the target of a ballistic missile attack north of the Bab el Mandeb strait.</p>

<p>Fortunately, the missile exploded nearby, ensuring the safety of both the crew and the vessel. Two incidents unfolded on December 15, involving projectiles hitting vessels. MV Al Jasrah was struck by a projectile, and concurrently, MSC Palatium III was hit by a missile, both incidents originating from the Yemen region. In both cases, all crew members were reported safe.</p>

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<p>December 16 and 18 each witnessed two incidents. On December 16, a US Navy ship took down 14 unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, while a UK Navy ship shot down another UAV off the Yemen coast. On December 18, MT Swan Atlantic faced a projectile attack resulting in an explosion on the port quarter of the vessel.</p>

<p>Similarly, MSC Clara reported an explosion in the vicinity of Mokha, Yemen. Importantly, in both instances, the vessel and crew members were reported safe.</p>

<p>Throughout December, as indicated by the released data, incidents involving vessels being struck by missiles and the interception of drones have been recurrent.</p>

<p>A notable instance occurred on December 3 when three maritime security threats were documented. In the Bab el Mandab strait, a missile hit a Panama-flagged container vessel.</p>

<p>Concurrently, the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier, Unity Explorer, faced a missile strike resulting in minor damages. The same day witnessed a drone missile attack targeting the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Sophie II in the Bab el Mandab.</p>

<p>Moving forward to December 11, the Norway-flagged tanker Strinda experienced a missile strike. In this case, a US Naval ship assisted and escorted the damaged vessel.</p>

<p>Amid the crisis in the Red Sea, India has been backing free movement of commercial shipping. Earlier in the week, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "have been supportive of the free movement of commercial shipping. So that is something that we are interested in".</p>

<p>He highlighted that India is "monitoring the developments there" and has been "part of efforts to ensure the safe transit of ships in the Arabian Sea and we value the free movement of commercial shipping".</p>

<p>The situation has prompted major shipping companies to rethink their routes, pausing passage through the Red Sea and opting for longer, alternative routes. This shift is likely to have a profound impact on global trade, potentially leading to disruptions in the supply chain and subsequently affecting oil and food prices. The extended travel times for vessels may contribute to increased global inflation.</p>

<p>India's Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) marks 5 years this week of its establishment. Known as India's eye on the Indian Ocean, it tracks vessel movements, and other maritime crimes, like illegal fishing, and piracy, and was established on December 22, 2018. Other information fusion centres in the region include, the Information fusion centre, Singapore and Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre, Antananarivo, Madagascar established in 2016 under the European Union’s Maritime Security Programme.</p>


In a concerning development, the Red Sea region has witnessed a significant surge in maritime security incidents, including missile attacks over the past two months, with the week from December 14 to 20 reporting the highest number of incidents in this period.

In a concerning development, the Red Sea region has witnessed a significant surge in maritime security incidents, including missile attacks over the past two months, with the week from December 14 to 20 reporting the highest number of incidents in this period. According to data released by the Gurugram-based Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), there were nine maritime security threats last week, a stark increase from the previous weeks. The primary cause behind this escalation appears to have been the uptick in Houthi attacks originating from Yemen. The Houthi rebels have been targeting vessels they suspect are heading to or from Israel, a response to Israeli actions in Gaza. Israel's substantial offensive in Gaza was triggered by a terror attack by Hamas in October. During the week spanning from December 14 to 20, a staggering nine maritime security threats were reported, marking a significant escalation compared to the preceding week of December 7 to 13, which documented only two such incidents. Also Read | India votes for 'permanent sovereignty of Palestinian people' at UN General Assembly The trend of rising security concerns continued from the week of November 30 to December 6, where five incidents were recorded. In the preceding weeks, the situation unfolded with two incidents from November 23 to 29, a singular incident from November 16 to 22, and a notably calm week from November 9 to 15, with no reported incidents. Also Read | US: Supreme Court refuses to hear Trump immunity case, delaying his trial When it comes to last week, on December 13, the tanker Mt Ardmore Encounter faced a missile attack from Yemen's Hodeidah, with two missiles being launched. Simultaneously, a US Navy ship successfully intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle near Port Hodeidah. The following day, on December 14, MV Maersk Gibraltar became the target of a ballistic missile attack north of the Bab el Mandeb strait. Fortunately, the missile exploded nearby, ensuring the safety of both the crew and the vessel. Two incidents unfolded on December 15, involving projectiles hitting vessels. MV Al Jasrah was struck by a projectile, and concurrently, MSC Palatium III was hit by a missile, both incidents originating from the Yemen region. In both cases, all crew members were reported safe. Watch | Last French troops leave Sahel as military cooperation officially ends × December 16 and 18 each witnessed two incidents. On December 16, a US Navy ship took down 14 unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, while a UK Navy ship shot down another UAV off the Yemen coast. On December 18, MT Swan Atlantic faced a projectile attack resulting in an explosion on the port quarter of the vessel. Similarly, MSC Clara reported an explosion in the vicinity of Mokha, Yemen. Importantly, in both instances, the vessel and crew members were reported safe. Throughout December, as indicated by the released data, incidents involving vessels being struck by missiles and the interception of drones have been recurrent. A notable instance occurred on December 3 when three maritime security threats were documented. In the Bab el Mandab strait, a missile hit a Panama-flagged container vessel. Concurrently, the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier, Unity Explorer, faced a missile strike resulting in minor damages. The same day witnessed a drone missile attack targeting the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Sophie II in the Bab el Mandab. Moving forward to December 11, the Norway-flagged tanker Strinda experienced a missile strike. In this case, a US Naval ship assisted and escorted the damaged vessel. Amid the crisis in the Red Sea, India has been backing free movement of commercial shipping. Earlier in the week, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "have been supportive of the free movement of commercial shipping. So that is something that we are interested in". He highlighted that India is "monitoring the developments there" and has been "part of efforts to ensure the safe transit of ships in the Arabian Sea and we value the free movement of commercial shipping". The situation has prompted major shipping companies to rethink their routes, pausing passage through the Red Sea and opting for longer, alternative routes. This shift is likely to have a profound impact on global trade, potentially leading to disruptions in the supply chain and subsequently affecting oil and food prices. The extended travel times for vessels may contribute to increased global inflation. India's Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) marks 5 years this week of its establishment. Known as India's eye on the Indian Ocean, it tracks vessel movements, and other maritime crimes, like illegal fishing, and piracy, and was established on December 22, 2018. Other information fusion centres in the region include, the Information fusion centre, Singapore and Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre, Antananarivo, Madagascar established in 2016 under the European Union’s Maritime Security Programme.

Red Sea sees sharp rise in missile attacks, says data from India's key maritime body, IFC-IOR

On the issue of terrorism, the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the mood of the nation has now undergone a sea of change from the time when it was India was ready to turn the other cheek. He stressed that the time has now come to respond to cross-border terrorism and also to impose a cost.

India: EAM S Jaishankar says we must respond to cross-border terrorism

Anoushka Shankar, a nine-time Grammy-nominated musician, is a British-born Indian-American sitar player and musician. In this exclusive conversation with WION's Samarpita Das, Shankar talks about her latest album, 'Chapter 1: Forever, For Now'.

Anoushka Shankar on Indian Classical music: At its heart, it has a spiritual connection

India is mourning the death of artist and poet Imroz. The legend passed away at his Mumbai home at the age of 97 due to health-related issues. Now Beyond his art, Imroz is also known for his enduring relationship with Punjabi poetess Amrita Pritam.

Amrita Pritam's partner Inderjeet Singh (alias Imroz) dies

2023 was a memorable year for India a year on 23rd August 2023 as it was a historic day in space exploration when India successfully landed on the South Pole of the Moon an unexplored region of the lunar surface. Indians were overjoyed at the speed of the ISRO, India's space agency.

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2023 was a memorable year for India a year after enduring severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine the global economy finally started showing signs of recovery in 2023. In the next report, we take a look at India world's fifth-largest economy how it remained buoyant in the year 2023.

WION Rewind India's moments of glory: Indian economy remain buoyant after COVID-19

French authorities have revealed that they grounded a flight bound for Nicaragua over suspected charges of human trafficking on Thursday. The flight was carrying over 300 Indian passengers who are believed to be victims of human trafficking. New Delhi says ensuring the wellbeing of Indian passengers.

France grounds plane with 303 Indians, over suspected 'human trafficking'

2023 was a memorable year for India a year when in recent years New Delhi has become a confident and influential voice of the global South. India the world's largest democracy has been actively advocating the interests of the global South. In our next report, we take a look at how in 2023 the world took note of issues concerns and aspirations of the Global South.

WION Rewind India's moments of glory: India emerges as the voice of global South

2023 was a memorable year for India a year when 41 men were successfully rescued from a collapsed tunnel in the Indian Himalayas in late November. These men were trapped in an under-construction tunnel in the state of Uttarakhand. Take a look at how the rescue mission was planned and executed ending the 17-day.

WION Rewind India's moments of glory: India rescues all trapped workers from Uttarakhand

2023 was a memorable year for India a year when India hosted leaders from 20 countries and the most powerful economies of the world in New Delhi. We take a look at how India brought together Washington, China, Moscow and other nations in a joint community during the G20 summit.

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India's foreign exchange reserves nearing record high, despite RBI intervention. Import cover jumps despite the rupee near record lows.

India's foreign currency inflow rises despite RBI intervention

An unclaimed missile strike has resulted in a fire on board a merchant ship that reportedly was headed towards Israel in The Indian Ocean. The vessel is Affiliated with Israel and the Indian Coast Guard has been dispatched with a warship for immediate assistance to all people on board.

Israel-affiliated ship attacked in the Indian Ocean

The 2024 General Elections are nearing, and the political parties are gearing up for their strategy. PM Modi attends the BJP National Office bearer's meeting and advises party workers to go amidst people & interact. Watch the video to know more!

PM Modi outlines BJP's strategy for 2024 Elections

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.

Tamil Nadu: Flood waters begin to recede

The government in the southern Indian state of Telangana announced massive discounts for traffic rule violators on Friday (Dec 22).

India: Telangana's traffic violators get relief

The World Health Organization on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "variant of interest" but said it did not pose much threat to public health.

Covid-19 India: Highest single-day increase in 7 months

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