<p>Reacting to Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee's action of mimicking Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the MPs of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies staged a unique protest in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (Dec 20) to express solidarity with the leader.</p>

<p>India's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that NDA members will stand for an hour in the House to express support to Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankhar.</p>

<p>"We strongly condemn this. They are crossing all limits. They are repeatedly insulting people on constitutional posts. They have been insulting the Prime Minister for 20 years because he comes from a humble background and the OBC community. They insulted the President because she is a tribal woman. You are a farmer's son. For the first time, someone from the Jat community became Vice-President. They have insulted this post. We are making it clear, we will not tolerate the insult of the Vice-President and the Constitution," said Joshi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"...I don't care about how much you insult Jagdeep Dhankhar. But I can't tolerate (insult of) Vice President of India, farmers community, my community... I will not tolerate that I could not protect the dignity of my post, it is my duty to protect the dignity of this House..,"… <a href="https://t.co/vLxUAtw6VG">pic.twitter.com/vLxUAtw6VG</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1737380979650748926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"So, in your honour and to protest against them, we will stand and participate in the question and answer session," he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Vice-President Dhankhar said that he doesn't care if insults are directed towards him as an individual, but added that he will not tolerate the insult of vice-president's office. Without taking the name of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he raised questions on the values of those who were filming the act and trying to amplify the mimicry of Trinamool Congress Kalyan Banerjee in Parliament premises.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20-years-and-counting-pm-modi-expresses-anguish-over-mocking-of-vice-president-dhankhar-671593"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>'20 years and counting': PM Modi expresses anguish over mocking of Vice President Dhankhar</a></p>

<p>Speaking to Congress MP Digvijaya Singh in Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar asked why the top brass of Congress is in "silence" over the incident. "You say your party is 138 years old. Your silence is ringing in my ears. (Congress chief Mallikarjun) Kharge ji's silence is ringing in my ears. Everyone knows what is happening," Dhankhar said.</p>

<p>"A person derives fun (from the mimicry) by videographing it, amplifying it. These are the manners? The level is so low now?" the vice president added.</p>

<p>The Rajya Sabha chairman further said that he doesn't care if he is getting insulted. "But the office of the Vice-President, the farmers' community, my community... I will sacrifice... I tolerate if someone insults me. Khoon ke ghoont peeta hoon (I suffer grief silently), but I will not tolerate if I feel that I could not protect the decorum of this position," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mimicry is an art in which PM also indulged, says Trinamool MP</strong></h2>

<p>Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee meanwhile said that "mimicry is an art" in an effort to defend his parody of Vice President Dhankhar, and added that he has high respect for the leader.</p>

<p>Banerjee was caught mimicking Dhankhar while Rahul Gandhi was seen making his video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about his act, he said that he had no intentions of hurting anyone and added that he greatly respects Dhankhar. "I had no intention to hurt anyone. Mimicry is an art. Have high respect for him&nbsp;(Jagdeep) Dhankhar," said Banerjee.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Parliament suspension row: Opposition MP mimicked Vice President inside Parliament premises</strong></p>

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<p>"I have not said it was Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha...a mock parliament was going on. If he has taken this to his shoulder, I am really helpless. Does he really behave like this in the Rajya Sabha?" he questioned.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If the country was wondering why Opposition MPs were suspended, here is the reason…<br />
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TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mocked the Honourable Vice President, while Rahul Gandhi lustily cheered him on. One can imagine how reckless and violative they have been of the House! <a href="https://t.co/5o6VTTyF9C">pic.twitter.com/5o6VTTyF9C</a></p>
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<p>He further said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also indulged in mimicry in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have great respect for Dhankhar ji. But, I did not want to hurt anyone...and it's one type of art. Mimicry was done also by the Prime Minister in Lok Sabha itself during the last term. I can show you a video. But no one took it seriously," said Banerjee.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Reacting to Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee's action of mimicking Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the MPs of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies staged a unique protest in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (Dec 20) to express solidarity with the leader.

Reacting to Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee's action of mimicking Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the MPs of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies staged a unique protest in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (Dec 20) to express solidarity with the leader. India's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that NDA members will stand for an hour in the House to express support to Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankhar. "We strongly condemn this. They are crossing all limits. They are repeatedly insulting people on constitutional posts. They have been insulting the Prime Minister for 20 years because he comes from a humble background and the OBC community. They insulted the President because she is a tribal woman. You are a farmer's son. For the first time, someone from the Jat community became Vice-President. They have insulted this post. We are making it clear, we will not tolerate the insult of the Vice-President and the Constitution," said Joshi. "...I don't care about how much you insult Jagdeep Dhankhar. But I can't tolerate (insult of) Vice President of India, farmers community, my community... I will not tolerate that I could not protect the dignity of my post, it is my duty to protect the dignity of this House..,"… pic.twitter.com/vLxUAtw6VG — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2023 × "So, in your honour and to protest against them, we will stand and participate in the question and answer session," he said. Meanwhile, Vice-President Dhankhar said that he doesn't care if insults are directed towards him as an individual, but added that he will not tolerate the insult of vice-president's office. Without taking the name of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he raised questions on the values of those who were filming the act and trying to amplify the mimicry of Trinamool Congress Kalyan Banerjee in Parliament premises. Also read: '20 years and counting': PM Modi expresses anguish over mocking of Vice President Dhankhar Speaking to Congress MP Digvijaya Singh in Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar asked why the top brass of Congress is in "silence" over the incident. "You say your party is 138 years old. Your silence is ringing in my ears. (Congress chief Mallikarjun) Kharge ji's silence is ringing in my ears. Everyone knows what is happening," Dhankhar said. "A person derives fun (from the mimicry) by videographing it, amplifying it. These are the manners? The level is so low now?" the vice president added. The Rajya Sabha chairman further said that he doesn't care if he is getting insulted. "But the office of the Vice-President, the farmers' community, my community... I will sacrifice... I tolerate if someone insults me. Khoon ke ghoont peeta hoon (I suffer grief silently), but I will not tolerate if I feel that I could not protect the decorum of this position," he said. Mimicry is an art in which PM also indulged, says Trinamool MP Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee meanwhile said that "mimicry is an art" in an effort to defend his parody of Vice President Dhankhar, and added that he has high respect for the leader. Banerjee was caught mimicking Dhankhar while Rahul Gandhi was seen making his video. Speaking about his act, he said that he had no intentions of hurting anyone and added that he greatly respects Dhankhar. "I had no intention to hurt anyone. Mimicry is an art. Have high respect for him (Jagdeep) Dhankhar," said Banerjee. Watch: Parliament suspension row: Opposition MP mimicked Vice President inside Parliament premises "I have not said it was Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha...a mock parliament was going on. If he has taken this to his shoulder, I am really helpless. Does he really behave like this in the Rajya Sabha?" he questioned. If the country was wondering why Opposition MPs were suspended, here is the reason… TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mocked the Honourable Vice President, while Rahul Gandhi lustily cheered him on. One can imagine how reckless and violative they have been of the House! pic.twitter.com/5o6VTTyF9C — BJP (@BJP4India) December 19, 2023 × He further said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also indulged in mimicry in the Lok Sabha. "I have great respect for Dhankhar ji. But, I did not want to hurt anyone...and it's one type of art. Mimicry was done also by the Prime Minister in Lok Sabha itself during the last term. I can show you a video. But no one took it seriously," said Banerjee. (With inputs from agencies)

MPs stand in solidarity with India’s vice-president as Dhankhar says ‘won’t tolerate’ insult of office

Some 800 train passengers have been stranded in the state's Thoothukudi district. Villages, towns, highways and railroads in several regions of southern Tamil Nadu now resemble rivers.

Tamil Nadu rains: Rescue operations underway, IAF air-drops relief material

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, for the first time, responded to allegations of an Indian assassination plot in the US, saying he will “look into” any evidence but a “few incidents” would not derail US-India ties.

India PM Narendra Modi responds to Khalistan row, says 'will look into any evidence provided' | WION

The Indian Navy has evacuated a bruised sailor from a Malta-flagged hijacked vessel off the coast of Somalia. Indian Navy aircraft and warship respond to hijacked Maltese ship's mayday call in Arabian Sea.

Indian Navy rescues injured Bulgarian sailor, flown to Oman for treatment | World News | WION

Political parties are gearing up for general elections in 2024. The ruling party BJP will fight elections on PM Modi's face. Meanwhile, opposition bloc 'INDIA' is facing a dilemma & a conflict. INDI Alliance is unable to unite on their PM candidate. Watch this video for all details.

Rift in the INDIA bloc? Leaders divided over the opposition's PM face

India: Heavy rains continue to batter Tamil Nadu; at least 10 killed so far | India News | WION

Cases of a new Omicron sub-variant called JN.1 are rising worldwide; Singapore, India, UK, Germany among many nations report rising cases. The World Health Organisation urges nations to take strict measures.

India: 2,311 active Covid cases, highest surge in Kerala; 341 new JN.1 Covid strain cases | WION

The row over a suspended Indian lawmaker mimicking the vice president has exploded. Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their support to the vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party MPs also staged a protest outside the parliament in solidarity with the vice president.

Parliament suspension row: Opposition MP mimicked Vice President inside Parliament premises

Ram temple inauguration is around the corner. All eyes are set on the grand ceremony in Ayodhya. Meanwhile, Ram Temple Trust has requested a few not to come. Watch this video to know more.

Ram Mandir inauguration: Are BJP veterans Lal Krishna Advani & Murli Manohar Joshi invited?

Amid the ongoing communal clash between the Meitei and Kuki tribes in India's Manipur state, fresh instances of violence were reported from the Churachadrapur district on Tuesday. Curfew orders were imposed in the district for 2 months which is until the 18th of February and nearly 30 people were injured in the clashes that broke out between the two groups.

Manipur: Communal clashes between Meitei & Kuki groups in Churachandrapur

<p>The veteran leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were invited on Tuesday (Dec 19) to attend the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya scheduled to be held on January 22, 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Advani was India's home minister (1999-2004) and deputy prime minister (2002-2004) during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999-2004), Joshi also held crucial cabinet portfolios during Vajpayee's all three prime ministerial tenures in 1996, 1998, and between 1999 to 2004.</p>

<p>Advani, 96, is also one of the co-founders of the present-day Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Invite to attend Ram Temple consecration</strong></h2>

<p>Advani and Joshi were extended the invitation a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body that manages the affairs related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, said that the two veterans were requested "not to attend" the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple owing to their advanced age.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday (Dec 19) senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) leaders -- both ideological fountainheads of the BJP -- met Advani and Joshi and invited them to the event.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bjp-veterans-lk-advani-mm-joshi-requested-not-to-come-for-ram-temple-event-671185">India: BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi ‘requested not to come’ for Ram Temple event</a></strong></p>

<p>Both Advani and Joshi were at the forefront of the Ram temple movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In December 1992,&nbsp;a sixteenth-century religious structure deemed 'disputed' by Hindus was brought down by hundreds of people. The community believed the Mughal-era religious structure was built over the birthplace of the Hindu god Ram.</p>

<p>In a statement after the meetings, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Alok Kumar said in a post on X, "Invited Lal Krishna Advani ji and Murli Manohar Joshi ji, the pioneers of Ram Mandir movement, to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. Both the seniors said that they will make every effort to come."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ram Mandir inauguration: How Ram Mandir is boosting Ayodhya's economy</strong></p>

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<p>In September 2019, the Supreme Court in a unanimous verdict cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and directed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration to allot a 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a mosque.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The newly built temple is scheduled to be consecrated on January 22, 2024.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The veteran leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were invited on Tuesday (Dec 19) to attend the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya scheduled to be held on January 22, 2024.

The veteran leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were invited on Tuesday (Dec 19) to attend the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya scheduled to be held on January 22, 2024. While Advani was India's home minister (1999-2004) and deputy prime minister (2002-2004) during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999-2004), Joshi also held crucial cabinet portfolios during Vajpayee's all three prime ministerial tenures in 1996, 1998, and between 1999 to 2004. Advani, 96, is also one of the co-founders of the present-day Bharatiya Janata Party. Invite to attend Ram Temple consecration Advani and Joshi were extended the invitation a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body that manages the affairs related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, said that the two veterans were requested "not to attend" the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple owing to their advanced age. On Tuesday (Dec 19) senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) leaders -- both ideological fountainheads of the BJP -- met Advani and Joshi and invited them to the event. Also read | India: BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi ‘requested not to come’ for Ram Temple event Both Advani and Joshi were at the forefront of the Ram temple movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In December 1992, a sixteenth-century religious structure deemed 'disputed' by Hindus was brought down by hundreds of people. The community believed the Mughal-era religious structure was built over the birthplace of the Hindu god Ram. In a statement after the meetings, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Alok Kumar said in a post on X, "Invited Lal Krishna Advani ji and Murli Manohar Joshi ji, the pioneers of Ram Mandir movement, to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. Both the seniors said that they will make every effort to come." Also watch | Ram Mandir inauguration: How Ram Mandir is boosting Ayodhya's economy × In September 2019, the Supreme Court in a unanimous verdict cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and directed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration to allot a 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a mosque. The newly built temple is scheduled to be consecrated on January 22, 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi to make 'every effort' to attend Ram Temple consecration ceremony

The COVID scare does not seem to go away four years since China reported its first case and new variants are still circulating globally. The Indian government has now confirmed the presence of JN.1 subvariant of COVID-19 in the southern state of Kerala.

Variant JN.1: New Covid variant detected in India's Kerela

Indian stocks extend record high surge further on Wednesday. India's Sensex Index soared to over 71,800. Consumer & tech stocks propel benchmarks to record highs.

Indian stocks surge to a new high | World News | WION

In the backdrop of mass suspensions of MPs from the Parliament for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, 19 December, parties of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc met in New Delhi where strategies for seat sharing for the 2024 Lok sabha elections and probable names for the PM face were discussed.

4th I.N.D.I.A alliance meet concludes in New Delhi

In the backdrop of mass suspensions of MPs from the Parliament for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, 19 December, parties of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc met in New Delhi where strategies for seat sharing for the 2024 Lok sabha elections and probable names for the PM face were discussed

I.N.D.I.A alliance to stage nation-wide protests on Dec 22

India: Rescue operation underway in Tamil Nadu, IAF air-drops relief material

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">India is poised to be the top recipient of remittances globally in 2023, with an anticipated surge of over 11 per cent, reaching $125 billion, according to the World Bank's latest Migration and Development Brief reported by Moneycontrol. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">This growth solidifies India's position ahead of countries like Mexico ($67 billion) and China ($50 billion). The report underscored the importance of remittances to India's economy, helping offset the impact of declining foreign direct investment and higher trade deficits.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">The World Bank highlighted a global growth of approximately 3.8 per cent in remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in 2023, totalling $669 billion. Resilient labour markets in advanced economies and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contribute to migrants' ability to send money home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">However, the World Bank expressed concern about the risk of a decline in real income for migrants in 2024, given the backdrop of global inflation and low growth prospects.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">Remittances to South Asia, estimated to grow by 7.2 per cent in 2023, reaching $189 billion, are primarily driven by remittances to India. The US remains the largest source of remittances globally, with Saudi Arabia ranking second. Factors contributing to India's robust remittance growth include declining inflation and strong labour markets in high-income source countries, particularly the US, UK, and Singapore.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">The regional breakdown reveals varied trends, with remittances growing for Latin America and the Caribbean (8 per cent), East Asia and the Pacific (3 per cent), and Sub-Saharan Africa (1.9 per cent). However, flows to the Middle East and North Africa experienced a 5.3 per cent decline for the second consecutive year, primarily attributed to a sharp drop in flows to Egypt. Remittances to Europe and Central Asia also saw a dip of 1.4 per cent after substantial gains in 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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India is poised to be the top recipient of remittances globally in 2023, with an anticipated surge of over 11 per cent, reaching $125 billion, according to the World Bank's latest Migration and Development Brief reported by Moneycontrol.

India is poised to be the top recipient of remittances globally in 2023, with an anticipated surge of over 11 per cent, reaching $125 billion, according to the World Bank's latest Migration and Development Brief reported by Moneycontrol. This growth solidifies India's position ahead of countries like Mexico ($67 billion) and China ($50 billion). The report underscored the importance of remittances to India's economy, helping offset the impact of declining foreign direct investment and higher trade deficits. The World Bank highlighted a global growth of approximately 3.8 per cent in remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in 2023, totalling $669 billion. Resilient labour markets in advanced economies and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contribute to migrants' ability to send money home. However, the World Bank expressed concern about the risk of a decline in real income for migrants in 2024, given the backdrop of global inflation and low growth prospects. Remittances to South Asia, estimated to grow by 7.2 per cent in 2023, reaching $189 billion, are primarily driven by remittances to India. The US remains the largest source of remittances globally, with Saudi Arabia ranking second. Factors contributing to India's robust remittance growth include declining inflation and strong labour markets in high-income source countries, particularly the US, UK, and Singapore. The regional breakdown reveals varied trends, with remittances growing for Latin America and the Caribbean (8 per cent), East Asia and the Pacific (3 per cent), and Sub-Saharan Africa (1.9 per cent). However, flows to the Middle East and North Africa experienced a 5.3 per cent decline for the second consecutive year, primarily attributed to a sharp drop in flows to Egypt. Remittances to Europe and Central Asia also saw a dip of 1.4 per cent after substantial gains in 2022. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India leads global remittance surge with projected 23pc increase to $125 bn in 2023

<p>Indian authorities on Monday (Dec 18) issued an advisory to the states to stay alert amid an alarming rise of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases across the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Union Health Ministry data on Monday revealed that India recorded 260 new Covid infections in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Centre has urged all states to maintain a state of constant vigil over the current Covid situation, which has started causing panic among people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-asi-submits-sealed-cover-report-on-scientific-survey-of-gyanvapi-mosque-670926">ASI submits sealed cover report on scientific survey of ‘disputed’ Gyanvapi Mosque</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The authorities have asked the states to report and monitor district-wise Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases on a regular basis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>States have also been advised to ensure adequate testing including a higher number of RT-PCR tests and send positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG laboratories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The advisory mentioned that the states were advised to put in place requisite public health measures and other arrangements to minimise the risk of Covid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also asked the states to ensure effective compliance with the detailed operational guidelines for the revised surveillance strategy for Covid as shared by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-inaugurates-worlds-largest-meditation-centre-swarved-mahamandir-in-varanasi-670897">PM Modi inaugurates world’s largest meditation centre ‘Swarved Mahamandir’ in India’s Varanasi</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch: India on alert, Govt issues advisory as Kerala detects new Covid variant</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>JN.1 variant&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The advisory comes just a few days after the first case of the new JN.1 variant was detected in India. The variant was reported in the southern state of Kerala while the authorities were conducting routine surveillance as part of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the ICMR, said that the case was detected on December 8 in an RT-PCR positive sample from Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the doctor, the 79-year-old patient had mild Influenza-like symptoms and she is better now.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian authorities on Monday (Dec 18) issued an advisory to the states to stay alert amid an alarming rise of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases across the nation. The Union Health Ministry data on Monday revealed that India recorded 260 new Covid infections in the last 24 hours.

Indian authorities on Monday (Dec 18) issued an advisory to the states to stay alert amid an alarming rise of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases across the nation. The Union Health Ministry data on Monday revealed that India recorded 260 new Covid infections in the last 24 hours. Centre has urged all states to maintain a state of constant vigil over the current Covid situation, which has started causing panic among people. Also read: ASI submits sealed cover report on scientific survey of ‘disputed’ Gyanvapi Mosque The authorities have asked the states to report and monitor district-wise Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases on a regular basis. States have also been advised to ensure adequate testing including a higher number of RT-PCR tests and send positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG laboratories. The advisory mentioned that the states were advised to put in place requisite public health measures and other arrangements to minimise the risk of Covid. It also asked the states to ensure effective compliance with the detailed operational guidelines for the revised surveillance strategy for Covid as shared by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Also read: PM Modi inaugurates world’s largest meditation centre ‘Swarved Mahamandir’ in India’s Varanasi Watch: India on alert, Govt issues advisory as Kerala detects new Covid variant × JN.1 variant The advisory comes just a few days after the first case of the new JN.1 variant was detected in India. The variant was reported in the southern state of Kerala while the authorities were conducting routine surveillance as part of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the ICMR, said that the case was detected on December 8 in an RT-PCR positive sample from Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram district. According to the doctor, the 79-year-old patient had mild Influenza-like symptoms and she is better now. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Advisory issued to states amid recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases, new variant concerns

<p>With extremely heavy rainfall having pounded the southernmost region of Tamil Nadu, southern India, a flood-like situation prevails particularly in the Tirunelveli(Nellai) and Thoothukudi(Tuticorin) districts. The Indian Navy, Air Force, Coast Gurd and National Disaster Response Force have been pressed into action for carrying out the rescue and relief operations. The aforementioned Forces are providing aid to civil authority(as per the request of Tamil Nadu Government), by carrying out Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief(HADR) operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The extreme weather in the region is owing to a cyclonic circulation in the southeast Bay of Bengal, in the areas of Sri Lanka and the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. On Sunday and Monday, these regions were at the receiving end of unprecedented amounts of rainfall, leading to a flood-like situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to private weather blogger Tamil Nadu Weatherman, Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi has recorded 932mm rainfall in 24hours. It is mentioned that the district received entire annual rainfall in a single day. "This is the highest ever rainfall recorded in plains ever in Tamil Nadu in 24hours and the second highest rainfall after the Kakkachi(Manjolai) 965mm recorded in 1992," said the X post of Tamil Nadu Weatherman.  </p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Daring airlift ops by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a> ALH Mk3 helicopter, amid floods in South <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNaduRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNaduRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nellai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nellai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NellaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NellaiRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NellaiFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NellaiFloods</a><br />
<br />
3 pregnant women are among the 42 rescued by <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a><br />
<br />
Ground and air teams are supporting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNGovt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNGovt</a> flood relief &amp; rescue efforts.. <a href="https://t.co/UngwGf1XtR">pic.twitter.com/UngwGf1XtR</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1736751540554309953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-advisory-issued-to-states-amid-recent-upsurge-in-covid-19-cases-and-new-variant-concern-671029">Also read |&nbsp;India: Advisory issued to States amid recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases and new variant concern</a></p>

<p>Indian Coast Guard alone has deployed six Disaster Relief teams in Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli, in addition to an Offshore Patrol Vessel with an on-board helicopter that are monitoring the situation at sea and shore locations. As the airport in the district has been closed, the ICG is positioning its Dornier Aircraft and an ALH Mk3 helicopter at the nearest airport in Madurai, in order to support rescue and relief efforts and transportation of NDRF personnel from Chennai. The ICG has also sent a rescue diver team with paddle boats, kayaks with an additional Disaster relief team to Thoothukudi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Disaster Response Force(NDRF) has deployed 10 teams (of 25 members each) across the two affected districts. The teams have been moved from the NDRF 04 Battalion at Arakkonam, near Chennai. The Indian Air Force Southern Air Command has tasked the MI-17V5 helicopters from the Sulur Air Force Station in Western Tamil Nadu, to carry out the relief operations.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: 78 MPs suspended from Indian parliament for unruly behaviour</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-78-mps-suspended-from-indian-parliament-for-unruly-behaviour-671024/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Indian Navy has deployed both ground and aerial rescue teams to aid the flood relief operations by the local administration. The Navy has rescued 42 personnel and it included three pregnant women. The Indian Army has rescued more than 130 persons, including pregnant women and infants. The rescue efforts by the Forces and the civil administration are expected to continue on Tuesday as well.&nbsp;</p>


With extremely heavy rainfall having pounded the southernmost region of Tamil Nadu, southern India, a flood-like situation prevails particularly in the Tirunelveli(Nellai) and Thoothukudi(Tuticorin) districts.

With extremely heavy rainfall having pounded the southernmost region of Tamil Nadu, southern India, a flood-like situation prevails particularly in the Tirunelveli(Nellai) and Thoothukudi(Tuticorin) districts. The Indian Navy, Air Force, Coast Gurd and National Disaster Response Force have been pressed into action for carrying out the rescue and relief operations. The aforementioned Forces are providing aid to civil authority(as per the request of Tamil Nadu Government), by carrying out Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief(HADR) operations. The extreme weather in the region is owing to a cyclonic circulation in the southeast Bay of Bengal, in the areas of Sri Lanka and the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. On Sunday and Monday, these regions were at the receiving end of unprecedented amounts of rainfall, leading to a flood-like situation. According to private weather blogger Tamil Nadu Weatherman, Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi has recorded 932mm rainfall in 24hours. It is mentioned that the district received entire annual rainfall in a single day. "This is the highest ever rainfall recorded in plains ever in Tamil Nadu in 24hours and the second highest rainfall after the Kakkachi(Manjolai) 965mm recorded in 1992," said the X post of Tamil Nadu Weatherman.   Daring airlift ops by #IndianNavy ALH Mk3 helicopter, amid floods in South #TamilNadu #TamilNaduRains #Nellai #NellaiRains #NellaiFloods 3 pregnant women are among the 42 rescued by @indiannavy Ground and air teams are supporting #TNGovt flood relief & rescue efforts.. pic.twitter.com/UngwGf1XtR — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 18, 2023 × Also read | India: Advisory issued to States amid recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases and new variant concern Indian Coast Guard alone has deployed six Disaster Relief teams in Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli, in addition to an Offshore Patrol Vessel with an on-board helicopter that are monitoring the situation at sea and shore locations. As the airport in the district has been closed, the ICG is positioning its Dornier Aircraft and an ALH Mk3 helicopter at the nearest airport in Madurai, in order to support rescue and relief efforts and transportation of NDRF personnel from Chennai. The ICG has also sent a rescue diver team with paddle boats, kayaks with an additional Disaster relief team to Thoothukudi. The National Disaster Response Force(NDRF) has deployed 10 teams (of 25 members each) across the two affected districts. The teams have been moved from the NDRF 04 Battalion at Arakkonam, near Chennai. The Indian Air Force Southern Air Command has tasked the MI-17V5 helicopters from the Sulur Air Force Station in Western Tamil Nadu, to carry out the relief operations. Also watch | India: 78 MPs suspended from Indian parliament for unruly behaviour Indian Navy has deployed both ground and aerial rescue teams to aid the flood relief operations by the local administration. The Navy has rescued 42 personnel and it included three pregnant women. The Indian Army has rescued more than 130 persons, including pregnant women and infants. The rescue efforts by the Forces and the civil administration are expected to continue on Tuesday as well.

South Tamil Nadu floods: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NDRF pressed into action

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<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lauded India's stellar economic performance, projecting the nation to contribute more than 16 per cent to global growth, thanks to robust growth fuelled by key reforms in digitisation and infrastructure. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Nada Choueiri, the Mission of India at IMF, highlighted India's progress in an exclusive interview with PTI. She emphasised that India stands out among its peer countries as one of the fastest-growing large emerging markets, stating, "It's one of the fastest-growing large emerging markets and it's contributing, in our current projections, more than 16 per cent of global growth this year."<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The IMF's annual Article IV consultation with India, released on Monday, affirms the country's trajectory as one of the fastest-growing major economies globally. Despite facing global headwinds, including a slowdown in a fragmented world, India's prudent macroeconomic policies continue to drive its economic momentum.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Choueiri underscored the government's commitment to infrastructure development, citing it as a crucial foundation for sustained growth. She noted India's sizable, young, and growing population, emphasising the potential for even stronger growth if harnessed through strategic structural reforms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Digitalisation stands out as a flagship reform, building a strong platform for increased productivity and future growth. The IMF's annual report recommends focusing on policy priorities such as replenishing fiscal buffers, ensuring price stability, maintaining financial stability, and fostering inclusive growth through comprehensive structural reforms while preserving debt sustainability.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">India's rebound from the pandemic has positioned it as a vital driver of global growth. Headline inflation, after a surge in FY2022-23, has moderated, and employment has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The informal sector dominates, but formalisation is progressing, reflecting a resilient financial sector largely unaffected by global financial stress.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The report also highlights India's hosting of the G20 presidency in 2023, showcasing the nation's role in advancing multilateral policy priorities on the global stage. According to the report, "Globally, India's 2023 G20 presidency has demonstrated the country's important role in advancing multilateral policy priorities."<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">As the country prepares for general elections in April 2024, the IMF report notes that India has the potential for higher growth with additional labour and human capital, provided comprehensive reforms are implemented.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Choueiri stressed the importance of political stability for investment and growth, citing research that underscores the need for a transparent and stable policy environment. The government's efforts to encourage the business environment, including the single national window, have been acknowledged, but there is still work to be done to streamline bureaucracy in some states. S<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">he remarked, "It's a glass half full, they're still important procedures that are needed to simplify further. But there are important steps that were taken. For example, the single national window, the one-stop shop for companies is a very important one. But still, in many states, there's a lot of bureaucracy that needs to be tackled and streamlined and a lot of red tape. So this is also a work in progress that needs to be continued."<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The IMF advocates for labour reform in India, pointing out the abundance of untapped labour potential that needs concerted efforts in education, skilling, and increasing female labour force participation. Choueiri expressed the view, "India has in abundance labour. And Labour is not used to its potential in India. And so, in our view, there has to be a very concerted effort to make sure that the advantages and demographics in India are played up to the maximum.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Addressing risks, Choueiri mentioned the tricky external environment and the potential medium-term risks from climate change. She emphasized the need for proper management of these risks to ensure India's continued success. She cautioned that India was performing well and had tremendous potential, adding that several important policies needed to be addressed to harness that potential.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB">(With inputs from PTI)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lauded India's stellar economic performance, projecting the nation to contribute more than 16 per cent to global growth, thanks to robust growth fuelled by key reforms in digitisation and infrastructure.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lauded India's stellar economic performance, projecting the nation to contribute more than 16 per cent to global growth, thanks to robust growth fuelled by key reforms in digitisation and infrastructure. Nada Choueiri, the Mission of India at IMF, highlighted India's progress in an exclusive interview with PTI. She emphasised that India stands out among its peer countries as one of the fastest-growing large emerging markets, stating, "It's one of the fastest-growing large emerging markets and it's contributing, in our current projections, more than 16 per cent of global growth this year." The IMF's annual Article IV consultation with India, released on Monday, affirms the country's trajectory as one of the fastest-growing major economies globally. Despite facing global headwinds, including a slowdown in a fragmented world, India's prudent macroeconomic policies continue to drive its economic momentum. Choueiri underscored the government's commitment to infrastructure development, citing it as a crucial foundation for sustained growth. She noted India's sizable, young, and growing population, emphasising the potential for even stronger growth if harnessed through strategic structural reforms. Digitalisation stands out as a flagship reform, building a strong platform for increased productivity and future growth. The IMF's annual report recommends focusing on policy priorities such as replenishing fiscal buffers, ensuring price stability, maintaining financial stability, and fostering inclusive growth through comprehensive structural reforms while preserving debt sustainability. India's rebound from the pandemic has positioned it as a vital driver of global growth. Headline inflation, after a surge in FY2022-23, has moderated, and employment has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The informal sector dominates, but formalisation is progressing, reflecting a resilient financial sector largely unaffected by global financial stress. The report also highlights India's hosting of the G20 presidency in 2023, showcasing the nation's role in advancing multilateral policy priorities on the global stage. According to the report, "Globally, India's 2023 G20 presidency has demonstrated the country's important role in advancing multilateral policy priorities." As the country prepares for general elections in April 2024, the IMF report notes that India has the potential for higher growth with additional labour and human capital, provided comprehensive reforms are implemented. Choueiri stressed the importance of political stability for investment and growth, citing research that underscores the need for a transparent and stable policy environment. The government's efforts to encourage the business environment, including the single national window, have been acknowledged, but there is still work to be done to streamline bureaucracy in some states. S he remarked, "It's a glass half full, they're still important procedures that are needed to simplify further. But there are important steps that were taken. For example, the single national window, the one-stop shop for companies is a very important one. But still, in many states, there's a lot of bureaucracy that needs to be tackled and streamlined and a lot of red tape. So this is also a work in progress that needs to be continued." The IMF advocates for labour reform in India, pointing out the abundance of untapped labour potential that needs concerted efforts in education, skilling, and increasing female labour force participation. Choueiri expressed the view, "India has in abundance labour. And Labour is not used to its potential in India. And so, in our view, there has to be a very concerted effort to make sure that the advantages and demographics in India are played up to the maximum.” Addressing risks, Choueiri mentioned the tricky external environment and the potential medium-term risks from climate change. She emphasized the need for proper management of these risks to ensure India's continued success. She cautioned that India was performing well and had tremendous potential, adding that several important policies needed to be addressed to harness that potential. (With inputs from PTI) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India contributes over 16% to global growth, IMF report reveals strong economic performance

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