Multi-agency teams spearheaded by the NIA arrested 106 functionaries of the radical Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) on Thursday in near-simultaneous raids at 93 locations in 15 states for allegedly supporting terror activities in the country, officials said.&nbsp;

Officials described the mega crackdown as the "largest-ever investigation process till date" against the PFI.

Kerala, where the PFI has some strong pockets, accounted for the maximum number of 22 arrests, officials said, adding that its chairman O M A Salam was among those arrested.&nbsp;

The arrests were made by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the police forces of the states concerned.

The PFI, formed in 2006, claims to strive for a neo-social movement ostensibly for the empowerment of marginalised sections of India, and is often accused by law enforcement agencies of promoting radical Islam.

Maharashtra and Karnataka accounted for 20 arrests each, Tamil Nadu (10), Assam (9), Uttar Pradesh (8), Andhra Pradesh (5), Madhya Pradesh (4), Puducherry and Delhi (3 each) and Rajasthan (2).

Details of all the arrested functionaries were not immediately available.

The officials said the searches took place at the premises of persons allegedly involved in terror funding, organising training camps and radicalising people to join proscribed organisations.

As the raids, which began in the early hours of Thursday continued, Union home minister Amit Shah held a meeting of top officials, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, during which they are believed to have discussed the searches at premises linked to the PFI and action against terror suspects.

Besides Doval, the meeting was attended by Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla, director general of National Investigation Agency (NIA) Dinkar Gupta and other top officials.

The nationwide raids sparked an angry response from the PFI which called for a dawn-to-dusk hartal in Kerala on Friday and termed the arrest of its leaders as a part of "state-sponsored terrorism".

"A hartal will be observed in the state on September 23 against the RSS-controlled fascist government's attempt to silence dissenting voices using the central agencies," A Abdul Sathar, PFI's state general secretary, said.

However, the Kerala unit of the BJP termed the proposed hartal as "unnecessary" and urged the state government to take stringent action against those involved in this action.

Alleging that all the previous hartals called by the PFI had ended in riots, BJP state chief K Surendran said the state authorities should be ready to ensure adequate security for people's life and property.

Several Muslim organisations appealed to the youth from the community to remain patient on the action taken by the law enforcement agencies against the PFI.

The organisations said they have faith in the judicial system, law and Constitution of the country, according to a tweet in Hindi by the Muslim Students' Organisation of India (MSO), an apex students and youths body of Muslims working on promotion of Sufism and inclusive India.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is on a 'Bharat-Jodo' yatra, said "all forms of communalism regardless where they come from should be combated."

"There should be zero tolerance towards communalism and it should be combated,"&nbsp;Gandhi said when asked by reporters in Kochi for his reaction to the raids.

The ED has been investigating the PFI's alleged "financial links" in connection with charges of fuelling the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests in the country, the 2020 Delhi riots, alleged conspiracy in Hathras in Uttar Pradesh over alleged gang-rape and death of a Dalit woman, and a few other incidents.

The probe agency has filed two charge sheets against the PFI and its office-bearers before a special PMLA court in Lucknow.

In February last year, the ED filed its first charge sheet against the PFI and its student-wing Campus Front of India (CFI) on money laundering charges, claiming its members wanted to "incite communal riots and spread terror" in the aftermath of the 2020 Hathras gang rape case.

Those named in the charge sheet included K A Rauf Sherif, national general secretary of CFI and a member of PFI; Atikur Rahman, national treasurer of CFI; Masud Ahmed, Delhi-based general secretary of CFI; journalist "associated with PFI" Siddique Kappan; and Mohammed Alam, another CFI/PFI member.

In the second charge sheet filed this year, the ED had claimed that a hotel based in the UAE "served" as a money laundering front for the PFI.

In Maharashtra, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested 20 activists of the PFI during the raids conducted in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Aurangabad, Pune, Kolhapur, Beed, Parbhani, Nanded, Malegaon (in Nashik district) and Jalgaon, an official said.

The ATS has registered four offences in Mumbai, Nashik, Aurangabad and Nanded under various Indian Penal Code Sections including 153-A (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riots), 121A (conspiring to commit certain offences against the State) and 120B (criminal conspiracy), and provisions of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), he said.

Simultaneous raids were conducted by the NIA in more than a dozen locations in Bengaluru, Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district, Kalaburagi, and Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district, official sources said.

As the offices were being raided, many Muslim youth gathered and raised 'NIA go back' slogans at some places.

They also tried to hinder the raids at some locations, but the police thwarted their attempt by taking them into preventive custody.

Police sources said the NIA team seized documents, literature, computers, laptops and phones as well.&nbsp;

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Multi-agency teams spearheaded by the NIA arrested 106 functionaries of the radical Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) on Thursday in near-simultaneous raids at 93 locations in 15 states for allegedly supporting terror activities in the country, officials said.

Multi-agency teams spearheaded by the NIA arrested 106 functionaries of the radical Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) on Thursday in near-simultaneous raids at 93 locations in 15 states for allegedly supporting terror activities in the country, officials said. Officials described the mega crackdown as the "largest-ever investigation process till date" against the PFI. Kerala, where the PFI has some strong pockets, accounted for the maximum number of 22 arrests, officials said, adding that its chairman O M A Salam was among those arrested. The arrests were made by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the police forces of the states concerned. The PFI, formed in 2006, claims to strive for a neo-social movement ostensibly for the empowerment of marginalised sections of India, and is often accused by law enforcement agencies of promoting radical Islam. Maharashtra and Karnataka accounted for 20 arrests each, Tamil Nadu (10), Assam (9), Uttar Pradesh (8), Andhra Pradesh (5), Madhya Pradesh (4), Puducherry and Delhi (3 each) and Rajasthan (2). Details of all the arrested functionaries were not immediately available. The officials said the searches took place at the premises of persons allegedly involved in terror funding, organising training camps and radicalising people to join proscribed organisations. As the raids, which began in the early hours of Thursday continued, Union home minister Amit Shah held a meeting of top officials, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, during which they are believed to have discussed the searches at premises linked to the PFI and action against terror suspects. Besides Doval, the meeting was attended by Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla, director general of National Investigation Agency (NIA) Dinkar Gupta and other top officials. The nationwide raids sparked an angry response from the PFI which called for a dawn-to-dusk hartal in Kerala on Friday and termed the arrest of its leaders as a part of "state-sponsored terrorism". "A hartal will be observed in the state on September 23 against the RSS-controlled fascist government's attempt to silence dissenting voices using the central agencies," A Abdul Sathar, PFI's state general secretary, said. However, the Kerala unit of the BJP termed the proposed hartal as "unnecessary" and urged the state government to take stringent action against those involved in this action. Alleging that all the previous hartals called by the PFI had ended in riots, BJP state chief K Surendran said the state authorities should be ready to ensure adequate security for people's life and property. Several Muslim organisations appealed to the youth from the community to remain patient on the action taken by the law enforcement agencies against the PFI. The organisations said they have faith in the judicial system, law and Constitution of the country, according to a tweet in Hindi by the Muslim Students' Organisation of India (MSO), an apex students and youths body of Muslims working on promotion of Sufism and inclusive India. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is on a 'Bharat-Jodo' yatra, said "all forms of communalism regardless where they come from should be combated." "There should be zero tolerance towards communalism and it should be combated," Gandhi said when asked by reporters in Kochi for his reaction to the raids. The ED has been investigating the PFI's alleged "financial links" in connection with charges of fuelling the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests in the country, the 2020 Delhi riots, alleged conspiracy in Hathras in Uttar Pradesh over alleged gang-rape and death of a Dalit woman, and a few other incidents. The probe agency has filed two charge sheets against the PFI and its office-bearers before a special PMLA court in Lucknow. In February last year, the ED filed its first charge sheet against the PFI and its student-wing Campus Front of India (CFI) on money laundering charges, claiming its members wanted to "incite communal riots and spread terror" in the aftermath of the 2020 Hathras gang rape case. Those named in the charge sheet included K A Rauf Sherif, national general secretary of CFI and a member of PFI; Atikur Rahman, national treasurer of CFI; Masud Ahmed, Delhi-based general secretary of CFI; journalist "associated with PFI" Siddique Kappan; and Mohammed Alam, another CFI/PFI member. In the second charge sheet filed this year, the ED had claimed that a hotel based in the UAE "served" as a money laundering front for the PFI. In Maharashtra, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested 20 activists of the PFI during the raids conducted in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Aurangabad, Pune, Kolhapur, Beed, Parbhani, Nanded, Malegaon (in Nashik district) and Jalgaon, an official said. The ATS has registered four offences in Mumbai, Nashik, Aurangabad and Nanded under various Indian Penal Code Sections including 153-A (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riots), 121A (conspiring to commit certain offences against the State) and 120B (criminal conspiracy), and provisions of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), he said. Simultaneous raids were conducted by the NIA in more than a dozen locations in Bengaluru, Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district, Kalaburagi, and Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district, official sources said. As the offices were being raided, many Muslim youth gathered and raised 'NIA go back' slogans at some places. They also tried to hinder the raids at some locations, but the police thwarted their attempt by taking them into preventive custody. Police sources said the NIA team seized documents, literature, computers, laptops and phones as well. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mega crackdown on PFI, 106 functionaries arrested on terror funding charges in NIA raids across 15 states

As it proceeded to hear arguments in the Karnataka hijab ban cases on Wednesday, the Supreme Court noted that allowing girl students to wear hijabs to educational institutions may also be viewed as an opportunity for them to learn about India's diversity at a young age.

Amid protest against hijab in Iran, India’s apex court says 'Hijab may promote diversity among kids'

India is expecting to court a total investment of at least $25 billion as a result of its incentive scheme meant to boost local manufacturing of chip and display panels.

Indian government to provide 50% incentive for semiconductor manufacturing

Quite an unusual wedding photoshoot of an Indian bride went viral on social media platforms as she was seen walking and posing on a road full of potholes. Instead of stunning silhouettes or romantic landscapes, a wedding photographer in Kerala, a state in the southern part of India, has now become an internet sensation for picking the unusual location for the photoshoot.

Quite an unusual wedding photoshoot of an Indian bride went viral on social media platforms as she was seen walking and posing on a road full of potholes. Instead of stunning silhouettes or romantic landscapes, a wedding photographer in Kerala, a state in the southern part of India, has now become an internet sensation for picking the unusual location for the photoshoot. In the viral photos, the bride can be seen holding her beautiful red saree and walking on a road riddled with potholes. The photo shoot also highlights the issues of potholes. The video was shared on Instagram by a handle named: arrow_weddingcompany. The caption read: "Bridal photoshoot in the middle of road." It was shared on September 11, and since then, it has garnered more than four million views on Instagram. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by arrow_weddingcompany™ (@arrow_weddingcompany) × Here are some of the pictures from her wedding photoshoot: View this post on Instagram A post shared by arrow_weddingcompany™ (@arrow_weddingcompany) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by arrow_weddingcompany™ (@arrow_weddingcompany) × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch: Indian bride's wedding photoshoot goes viral as she walks on road full of potholes

The cheetah has returned to Indian forests, 70 years after its extinction in 1952. Eight big cats from Namibia were released into a national reserve in Madhya Pradesh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What is India's plan to revive its Cheetah population? What do experts say?

South Asia Diary: The cheetah returns to India

1980 giant Wipro has sacked 300 workers. The employees have been accused of working for their competitors. The practice is called Moonlighting where employees own payroll of a company but work on other projects which are more often for the competitor.

Wipro: No place for people who work for our rivals, workers sacked for moonlighting

Six people in India's national capital were mauled in their sleep by a speeding truck in the wee hours of Wednesday. Reportedly, the incident took place in the Seemapuri area of New Delhi which killed four while critically injuring&nbsp;the remaining two.&nbsp;

According to police, the truck driver fled the scene after running over the persons and is yet to be arrested. As per local news reports, the accident took place at 1:51 AM when the truck was crossing the DTC Bus Depot red light and the six persons were sleeping on the road divider.&nbsp;

The visuals of the accident spot show the bodies of the victims lying lifeless near the divider while an electric pole lies toppled over them. The ferocity of the accident can be gauged by the fact that the pole came off the surface.&nbsp;

Read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-426-die-each-day-in-road-accidents-18-per-hour-513143">:&nbsp;India: 426 die each day in road accidents; 18 per hour</a>

The four deceased persons have been identified as 52-year-old Kareem, 25-year-old Chotte Khans, 38-year-old Shah Alam, and 45-year-old Rahul. 16-year-old Manish and 30-year-old Pradeep are the injured ones.

It is pertinent to note that despite being the country's capital, the majority of daily-wage labourers and street vendors sleep on the road footpaths and dividers of the busy intersections of the city.&nbsp;

Pair such a condition with the negligent driving pattern of Indian drivers and such incidents become a rather common phenomenon.&nbsp;

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, deaths by road accidents in India have increased by almost 17 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ncrb-report-terms-delhi-as-the-most-unsafe-metropolitan-city-for-women-511482">India: NCRB report terms Delhi as the most unsafe metropolitan city for women</a>

In 2021, 1.55 lakh people died in accidents on Indian roads, up from 1.33 lakh in 2020, when much of the year saw a nationwide lockdown. Total road accidents reported was 4.03 lakh in 2021, up from 3.54 lakh the year before.

The highest number of road accidents every year is attributed to negligent driving and speeding.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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&nbsp;

Six people in India's national capital were mauled in their sleep by a speeding truck in the wee hours of Wednesday. Reportedly, the incident took place in the Seemapuri area of New Delhi which killed four while critically injuring the remaining two.

Six people in India's national capital were mauled in their sleep by a speeding truck in the wee hours of Wednesday. Reportedly, the incident took place in the Seemapuri area of New Delhi which killed four while critically injuring the remaining two. According to police, the truck driver fled the scene after running over the persons and is yet to be arrested. As per local news reports, the accident took place at 1:51 AM when the truck was crossing the DTC Bus Depot red light and the six persons were sleeping on the road divider. The visuals of the accident spot show the bodies of the victims lying lifeless near the divider while an electric pole lies toppled over them. The ferocity of the accident can be gauged by the fact that the pole came off the surface. Read more: India: 426 die each day in road accidents; 18 per hour The four deceased persons have been identified as 52-year-old Kareem, 25-year-old Chotte Khans, 38-year-old Shah Alam, and 45-year-old Rahul. 16-year-old Manish and 30-year-old Pradeep are the injured ones. It is pertinent to note that despite being the country's capital, the majority of daily-wage labourers and street vendors sleep on the road footpaths and dividers of the busy intersections of the city. Pair such a condition with the negligent driving pattern of Indian drivers and such incidents become a rather common phenomenon. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, deaths by road accidents in India have increased by almost 17 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020. Read more: India: NCRB report terms Delhi as the most unsafe metropolitan city for women In 2021, 1.55 lakh people died in accidents on Indian roads, up from 1.33 lakh in 2020, when much of the year saw a nationwide lockdown. Total road accidents reported was 4.03 lakh in 2021, up from 3.54 lakh the year before. The highest number of road accidents every year is attributed to negligent driving and speeding. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Speeding truck mauls four people to death in Delhi, two injured

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has yet again raked up the Kashmir issue at the ongoing 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

'India and Pakistan have not established peace,' Turkish Prez Erdogan rakes up Kashmir issue at UNGA

At least five people were killed after security forces fired upon anti-hijab protesters in northern Kurdistan. In India, the supreme court is examining whether the hijab is permissible with school uniforms. Molly Gambhir tells you whether the hijab is a choice or a tool of oppression.

Gravitas: 5 killed in Iran's anti-hijab protests

On Tuesday, September 20, nearly 200 individuals, purportedly from the Muslim community, gathered in front of a Hindu temple in Smethwick, West Midlands, England to stage a scheduled protest.&nbsp;

Several videos were shared on social media of a sizeable gathering walking in the direction of the Durga Bhawan Hindu Centre on Spon Lane. In the video, most of the protesters were masked. Many of the protesters were heard chanting "Allahu Akbar" and&nbsp;similar slogans.

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Hindu-Muslim tension in the UK spreads from Leicester to Smethwick - a large number Muslim youths protesting outside a Hindu temple in Smethwick, heavy police presence helped to disperse the crowd. <a href="https://t.co/S4GwOdODUo">pic.twitter.com/S4GwOdODUo</a>
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashoswai/status/1572334821699104771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Although there were police officers on the site, it was clear from the video that they were significantly less in number&nbsp;to deal with a mob of 200 protesters. The police were seen making announcements asking the protesters to move back.

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After attacking Hindu Temple in Leicester,Now Radical Mob attacks Durga Bhawan Hindu Temple in Smethwick Birmingham 😡Climb Temple walls,Did Vulgar actions Terrorising Hindu Devotees.Gangrene of Radicalism converting England into Pakistan<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HindusUnderAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HindusUnderAttack</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HindusUnderAttackInUK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HindusUnderAttackInUK</a> <a href="https://t.co/HpDOibaYT6">pic.twitter.com/HpDOibaYT6</a>
— Jyot Jeet (@activistjyot) <a href="https://twitter.com/activistjyot/status/1572476284919500802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/head-of-irans-morality-police-suspended-following-protests-over-death-in-custody-reports-suggest-517917">Also read |&nbsp;Head of Iran’s morality police suspended amid protests over death in custody, reports suggest</a>

The police described the clashes over the past weekend as "serious disorder" and "significant aggression" in the wake of the Asia Cup match between the two countries.

As per a report by Birmingham World, a social media account with the username "Apna Muslims" called for a "peaceful protest" on Tuesday (Sept 20) outside the Durga Bhawan Temple, reported India Today.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-speeding-trucks-mauls-four-people-to-death-in-delhi-two-injured-518239">Also read |&nbsp;India: Speeding truck mauls four people to death in Delhi, two injured</a>

Additionally, there were claims of damage at the Hindu temple in the city, as well as claims that saffron flags were removed from outside the temple.&nbsp;

The Indian High Commission in London issued a statement denouncing the violence against the Indian community and requesting protection for individuals who were affected. So far, 47 people have been detained for alleged involvement in the violence in Leicester.

However, on the steps of a mosque in Leicester, leaders of Hindu and Muslim communities gathered together on the same day after the incident and released a joint appeal urging for peace and harmony and calling for an immediate end to the violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Tuesday, September 20, nearly 200 individuals, purportedly from the Muslim community, gathered in front of a Hindu temple in Smethwick, West Midlands, England to stage a scheduled protest.

On Tuesday, September 20, nearly 200 individuals, purportedly from the Muslim community, gathered in front of a Hindu temple in Smethwick, West Midlands, England to stage a scheduled protest. Several videos were shared on social media of a sizeable gathering walking in the direction of the Durga Bhawan Hindu Centre on Spon Lane. In the video, most of the protesters were masked. Many of the protesters were heard chanting "Allahu Akbar" and similar slogans. Hindu-Muslim tension in the UK spreads from Leicester to Smethwick - a large number Muslim youths protesting outside a Hindu temple in Smethwick, heavy police presence helped to disperse the crowd. pic.twitter.com/S4GwOdODUo — Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) September 20, 2022 × Although there were police officers on the site, it was clear from the video that they were significantly less in number to deal with a mob of 200 protesters. The police were seen making announcements asking the protesters to move back. After attacking Hindu Temple in Leicester,Now Radical Mob attacks Durga Bhawan Hindu Temple in Smethwick Birmingham 😡Climb Temple walls,Did Vulgar actions Terrorising Hindu Devotees.Gangrene of Radicalism converting England into Pakistan#HindusUnderAttack#HindusUnderAttackInUK pic.twitter.com/HpDOibaYT6 — Jyot Jeet (@activistjyot) September 21, 2022 × Also read | Head of Iran’s morality police suspended amid protests over death in custody, reports suggest The police described the clashes over the past weekend as "serious disorder" and "significant aggression" in the wake of the Asia Cup match between the two countries. As per a report by Birmingham World, a social media account with the username "Apna Muslims" called for a "peaceful protest" on Tuesday (Sept 20) outside the Durga Bhawan Temple, reported India Today. Also read | India: Speeding truck mauls four people to death in Delhi, two injured Additionally, there were claims of damage at the Hindu temple in the city, as well as claims that saffron flags were removed from outside the temple. The Indian High Commission in London issued a statement denouncing the violence against the Indian community and requesting protection for individuals who were affected. So far, 47 people have been detained for alleged involvement in the violence in Leicester. However, on the steps of a mosque in Leicester, leaders of Hindu and Muslim communities gathered together on the same day after the incident and released a joint appeal urging for peace and harmony and calling for an immediate end to the violence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch: 200 masked protesters gathered outside Hindu temple in UK

By the end of the decade, India will surpass the United Kingdom to become the world's third-largest economy; as a result, New Delhi and London must work together, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said during a trade and investment programme on Tuesday.

At the India-UK business alliances programme, Ellis said, "For two economies roughly the same size, India will grow fast overtaking the UK to become the third largest economy by end of the decade, thus both need to work together."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modis-no-war-comment-to-putin-lauded-by-france-and-united-states-518236">Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi's 'no war' comment to Putin lauded by France and United States</a>

ANI reported that him as further stating that now as the UK has left the European Union, it is a great chance to write its own rules which can really work with India as there is a political will. In conversation with ANI, Ellis said that both London and New Delhi are trying to complete the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by Diwali this year. When asked if it'll be a 'Diwali Dhamaka,' the high commissioner said that he hopes, as this FTA will help India to increase employment and economically grow in the coming 25 years.

According to the Union ministry of commerce and industry in Delhi, the fifth round of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK concluded last month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-speeding-trucks-mauls-four-people-to-death-in-delhi-two-injured-518239">Also read |&nbsp;India: Speeding truck mauls four people to death in Delhi, two injured</a>

According to Britain Meets India (BMI) Report 2022, there are 618 UK companies in India that employ over 400K people and generate billions of dollars in revenue. These reports cover an average of 36.3 percent of the ground, a 10 per cent&nbsp;increase from 2021.

The report was released in New Delhi in the presence of over 50 dignitaries.

As per an industry-based report released last month, the bilateral trade between the two countries is likely to double by the year 2030.

(With inputs from agencies)

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By the end of the decade, India will surpass the United Kingdom to become the world's third-largest economy; as a result, New Delhi and London must work together, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said during a trade and investment programme on Tuesday.

By the end of the decade, India will surpass the United Kingdom to become the world's third-largest economy; as a result, New Delhi and London must work together, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said during a trade and investment programme on Tuesday. At the India-UK business alliances programme, Ellis said, "For two economies roughly the same size, India will grow fast overtaking the UK to become the third largest economy by end of the decade, thus both need to work together." Also read | PM Modi's 'no war' comment to Putin lauded by France and United States ANI reported that him as further stating that now as the UK has left the European Union, it is a great chance to write its own rules which can really work with India as there is a political will. In conversation with ANI, Ellis said that both London and New Delhi are trying to complete the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by Diwali this year. When asked if it'll be a 'Diwali Dhamaka,' the high commissioner said that he hopes, as this FTA will help India to increase employment and economically grow in the coming 25 years. According to the Union ministry of commerce and industry in Delhi, the fifth round of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK concluded last month. Also read | India: Speeding truck mauls four people to death in Delhi, two injured According to Britain Meets India (BMI) Report 2022, there are 618 UK companies in India that employ over 400K people and generate billions of dollars in revenue. These reports cover an average of 36.3 percent of the ground, a 10 per cent increase from 2021. The report was released in New Delhi in the presence of over 50 dignitaries. As per an industry-based report released last month, the bilateral trade between the two countries is likely to double by the year 2030. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India will soon surpass UK to become world's third-largest economy, says UK High Commissioner

From Live fire military exercise in South Korea to Garba rehearsal ahead of Navratri in India, here are some impactful images from around the world on 20 September 2022.

World in Pictures: Live fire military exercise in South Korea; Garba rehearsal ahead of Navratri

The Kashmir valley finally has its first multiplex theatre. After three decades, the people of Kashmir will be able to see movies on the big screen.

WION Dispatch | India: Kashmir valley gets its first multiplex theatre

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh is on a three-day visit to Egypt. The trip is expected to boost military ties since Egypt is reportedly showing interest in India's Tejas fighter jet. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: India's defence minister Rajnath Singh travels to Egypt

Japanese auto major Honda which is facing a tough time in India may discontinue its diesel cars in the country. India will require all cars sold here to adhere to real-time driving emissions from 2023.

WION Dispatch: Honda may discontinue diesel cars in India

Listing of Indian start-ups was in focus last year but within months of listing the lofty valuations of many of them have crashed. The future of investors who are invested in these unicorns is uncertain with losses accumulating with every passing quarter. Nearly 12,000 startup employees have already been fired in India and the funding inflow within the startup ecosystem globally is not as abundant as before.

World Business Watch: Unicorn Start-ups: Unreal valuations, heavy losses

Coast Guards from India and America conducted joint exercise Abhyas off the coast of the southern Indian city of Chennai, on Monday. The effort is aimed at acquainting the Coast Guards with each other’s capabilities and enhancing inter-operability in the field of maritime search and rescue, boarding operations, and other maritime law enforcement duties.

Coast Guards from India and America conducted joint exercise Abhyas off the coast of the southern Indian city of Chennai, on Monday. The effort is aimed at acquainting the Coast Guards with each other’s capabilities and enhancing inter-operability in the field of maritime search and rescue, boarding operations, and other maritime law enforcement duties. The exercise witnessed various fleet maneuvers, simulated scenarios of a vessel being hijacked, and the subsequent rescue of its crew in a coordinated anti-piracy joint operation. Interception of pirated vessels, coordinated joint boarding operation, SAR demonstration, and external fire-fighting to salvage burning ships were the other highlights of the exercise. #Chennai , we have a visitor! @uscoastguard ship (#Hawaii -based)Midgett is here for 4 days , for at-sea & in-port pro exchanges with the @IndiaCoastGuard Midgett is the largest & most tech advanced of US CG newest class of vessels; it has an onboard MH65 helo & scaneagle UAV pic.twitter.com/Q0VIfCGeCf — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) September 16, 2022 × Joint exercise 'Abhyas-01/22' marked the culmination of the four-day goodwill visit of the US Coast Guard ship Midgett to Chennai. During the visit, the ship's crew had professional exchanges with their counterparts in the Indian Coast Guard. 418 feet long and 54 feet wide, the Midgett is the largest and most technologically advanced of the US Coast Guard’s newest classes of vessels. Over the course of this voyage, the Midgett has sailed through the region’s waters, interacted with counterparts in the Philippines, Singapore, and also taken part in bilateral exercises. Read more: US Coast Guard ship Midgett on a four-day visit to Chennai; at-sea, in-port exchanges planned It is capable of executing the most challenging operations, including supporting the maritime homeland security and defence missions, and is equipped with a UAS Scan Eagle drone, MH-65 helicopter and other state-of-the-art equipment. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Coast Guards of India, US conduct joint exercise 'Abhyas' off Chennai coast

World Business Watch | Unicorn Start-ups: Unreal valuations, heavy losses

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to move forward with 'Project Cheetah'. The project is in line with the Make in India initiative. Under the project, India would weaponise Israeli Heron drones with strike capabilities.

What is IAF's Project Cheetah? India plans to weaponise Israeli Heron drones with missiles

Japanese car major, Honda&nbsp;is mulling discontinuing its diesel cars in India, per a report by Times of India. The company is reportedly attempting to focus its attention on clean and sustainable mobility.&nbsp;

Moreover, the&nbsp;decision to pull the plug on diesel cars comes in the backdrop of the Indian government introducing stricter emission norms. As reported by WION, the vehicles sold under Phase 2 of Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission norms will have to comply with&nbsp;Real Driving Emission (RDE) norms.&nbsp;

“We are now not thinking too much about diesel. It’s very hard to clear RDE with the diesel. Even in Europe, most of the brands could not continue with diesel.”&nbsp;Takuya Tsumura, Honda Cars CEO was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;

Lately, Honda has been focussing on adding hybrid cars to its fleet, whilst attempting to chalk out a comprehensive electric vehicle strategy for an emerging country like India.

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/lg-and-honda-join-hands-to-develop-ev-batteries-for-the-us-market-511265">&nbsp;LG and Honda join hands to develop EV batteries for the US market</a>

The Indian government has been actively promoting electronic vehicles by providing subsidies to the customers as well as the manufacturers under its myriad Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes. Thus, it is quite reasonable that Honda is attempting a pivot on its old strategy.&nbsp;

However, Honda is not the only company to employ a change in strategy anticipating the new norms. According to multiple reports, the production of Skoda Octavia and Superb luxury sedans will be terminated in India from next year due to the RDE norms.&nbsp;

It is pertinent to note that due to the deteriorating air quality in India, the government directly went from BS4 norms to BS6, skipping an entire generation of emission norms.

The auto industry has not admired the sudden policy change but the government remains steadfast in its decision.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Japanese car major, Honda is mulling discontinuing its diesel cars in India, per a report by Times of India. The company is reportedly attempting to focus its attention on clean and sustainable mobility.

Japanese car major, Honda is mulling discontinuing its diesel cars in India, per a report by Times of India. The company is reportedly attempting to focus its attention on clean and sustainable mobility. Moreover, the decision to pull the plug on diesel cars comes in the backdrop of the Indian government introducing stricter emission norms. As reported by WION, the vehicles sold under Phase 2 of Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission norms will have to comply with Real Driving Emission (RDE) norms. “We are now not thinking too much about diesel. It’s very hard to clear RDE with the diesel. Even in Europe, most of the brands could not continue with diesel.” Takuya Tsumura, Honda Cars CEO was quoted as saying by the publication. Lately, Honda has been focussing on adding hybrid cars to its fleet, whilst attempting to chalk out a comprehensive electric vehicle strategy for an emerging country like India. Read more: LG and Honda join hands to develop EV batteries for the US market The Indian government has been actively promoting electronic vehicles by providing subsidies to the customers as well as the manufacturers under its myriad Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes. Thus, it is quite reasonable that Honda is attempting a pivot on its old strategy. However, Honda is not the only company to employ a change in strategy anticipating the new norms. According to multiple reports, the production of Skoda Octavia and Superb luxury sedans will be terminated in India from next year due to the RDE norms. It is pertinent to note that due to the deteriorating air quality in India, the government directly went from BS4 norms to BS6, skipping an entire generation of emission norms. The auto industry has not admired the sudden policy change but the government remains steadfast in its decision. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Honda might discontinue its diesel cars in India as new emission norms come in place

In India, former Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday at the party headquarters here in presence of union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Kiren Rijiju.&nbsp;

Amarinder Singh also merged his party Punjab Lok Congress (PLC) with BJP.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Amarinder Singh met BJP chief JP Nadda in Delhi.

Talking to reporters at the BJP headquarters, Amarinder Singh said he was grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP president JP Nadda.&nbsp;

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju hailed Amarinder Singh for joining the party and said right-thinking people of the country should be united."A sensitive state like Punjab should be handled carefully.&nbsp;

During his tenure as CM, he never kept politics before national security," Rijiju said.&nbsp;

Amarinder announced joining the BJP after he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 12 in Delhi.&nbsp;

Amarinder Singh served Congress for long years and resigned as chief minister in September last year ahead of assembly polls. He later also resigned from the Congress and formed Punjab Lok Congress which tied up with BJP and SAD (Sanyukt) for the assembly polls held early this year.&nbsp;

Amarinder Singh`s joining the BJP is a big shot in the arm for the party in the border state. The BJP now has a credible Sikh face in Punjab who has been active in state politics for several decades. &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

In India, former Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday at the party headquarters here in presence of union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Kiren Rijiju.

In India, former Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday at the party headquarters here in presence of union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Kiren Rijiju. Amarinder Singh also merged his party Punjab Lok Congress (PLC) with BJP. Earlier in the day, Amarinder Singh met BJP chief JP Nadda in Delhi. Talking to reporters at the BJP headquarters, Amarinder Singh said he was grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP president JP Nadda. Law Minister Kiren Rijiju hailed Amarinder Singh for joining the party and said right-thinking people of the country should be united."A sensitive state like Punjab should be handled carefully. During his tenure as CM, he never kept politics before national security," Rijiju said. Amarinder announced joining the BJP after he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 12 in Delhi. Amarinder Singh served Congress for long years and resigned as chief minister in September last year ahead of assembly polls. He later also resigned from the Congress and formed Punjab Lok Congress which tied up with BJP and SAD (Sanyukt) for the assembly polls held early this year. Amarinder Singh`s joining the BJP is a big shot in the arm for the party in the border state. The BJP now has a credible Sikh face in Punjab who has been active in state politics for several decades. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Amarinder Singh joins BJP, also merges Punjab Lok Congress with the party

The listing of Indian startups was in focus last year but within months of listing, many of them have crashed. One among India's most valuable start-ups, Byju's is valued at $22 billion but recently it reported a loss of over 4,500 crore rupees or $575 million for the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2021.

Unicorn start-ups: Unreal valuations, heavy losses

I must thank Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson for his elegant mix of American right-wing overconfidence and a magnificent display of historical ignorance. As I heard about his glorification of or apology for British colonial rule in India, some of the things he said did ring somewhat true inside me on something I had intended to write about.

I must thank Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson for his elegant mix of American right-wing overconfidence and a magnificent display of historical ignorance. As I heard about his glorification of or apology for British colonial rule in India, some of the things he said did ring somewhat true inside me on something I had intended to write about. However, his lack of perspective compounded by factual inaccuracies stumped me. Stumping reminds me of cricket, the glorious game given to India by the empire. Social philosopher Ashish Nandy once said cricket is an Indian game accidentally invented by the English. It is now time to elaborate on this metaphor, as the world mourns the demise of Queen Elizabeth II, the occasion that enabled Carlson to say what he said; that the British kind of civiilised India by bequeathing institutions, building churches, and erecting architectural wonders hitherto unseen by the colonial natives. Let's first get the gross factual inaccuracies out of the way. If southern India's temples and northern India's Mughal and Maratha forts alone are to be taken together, they are comparable, if not surpassing, many aspects of British architecture that India was happy to add to its long history of architectural wonders dating back to the times preceding the industrial revolution and hence special for the extra efforts required (Er, has Mr Carlson heard of the Taj Mahal or the Tanjore temple, perchance?). Read more: Shashi Tharoor 'loses cool' as TV anchor Tucker Carlson says Britain civilised India As for churches, they are beautiful but they are essentially shrines, just like temples and mosques. Delhi's Jama Masjid with its beautiful domes has its own architectural charm. Now, for the institutions. The East India Company indeed built an army that eventually morphed into the British Indian army that in turn fought in the first and second world wars to help the Empire before finding its own native identity. But that, like many other institutions and practices given to India by the British, were essentially meant to strengthen the Empire and its control over India. In other words, like cricket, the institutional gifts given to India by the United Kingdom were largely accidental or incidental, and for most parts, unintentional. Here's where I must salute our own skills. Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi accepted the British idea of self-governance (swaraj) before they arrived conclusively at 'Poorna Swaraj' (independence). To that extent, their idioms of political discourse followed British practices. And in my view and those of many others, they, instead of demolishing the stuff and building a Central Vista in a hurry, simply turned them one by one into something more Indian, more democratic, and more resourceful. Here, we may be gently reminded of the fact that the 1940s saw India suffer the triple whammy of a world war, the British-induced Bengal famine, and the horrible partition that led to bloody riots. Independent India saved and created precious stuff, and destroying old laws and buildings was not among the priorities. What the Indian National Congress did in its post-independence avatar of being the ruling party, and not a freedom movement, was to live up to the old saying: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And so, the Viceroy's House became Rashtrapati Bhavan. The British-style monarch's agent was replaced in the same palace by the First Citizen called the President of India. The seat of the Imperial Legislative Council was renamed Sansad Bhavan. The British built railways to take mineral wealth out of India but ended up offering a socio-geographical integration to an ancient land. A beautiful accident, as it were. The Indian Penal Code, sadly enough with its anti-sedition provisions, remains a grim but useful reminder of the double-edged sword that was imperialism. Some of the finest churches and colleges in India were built by Christian Jesuits, but it turns out they came from Portugal and France, not Britain. St Francis Xavier opened India's first Jesuit school in Goa in 1543, much before the East India Company set foot in India. It was named St. Paul's College. High-power colleges like the multiple St Xavier's and Loyola chains came much later. Thomas Babington Macaulay is credited for introducing English education into India under William Bentinck, the Governor-General of India, who also played a vital role in abolishing the practice of Sati (widow burning) in India. While the British do deserve credit for doing away with some horrible practices, it must be remembered that English was introduced as an instrument to promote Western culture, recommended by law council member Macaulay as "useful learning" with an air of "superiority of the Europeans". Macaulay, circa 1835, would not have imagined that English would one day run a thing he would not have heard of, called the computer, or that the United States, with its freshly-minted independence from British rule, would become a technology superpower. This was another case of lemonade manufactured by India with a British lemon. Ancient Hindu mathematician Aryabhatta is often credited for inventing the symbol for zero, which is at the heart of binary algebra that runs computers. But that's another story, though not unrelated where colonialism is glorified without substantiation. You could say the British did do some good things in India, such as incidentally bringing in the Industrial Revolution and modern democratic practices, but they are equally (dis)credited for de-industrialising India's homegrown artisans while practising democracy at home and plunderous imperialism in their colonies. As a direct beneficiary of both democratic India and the English language, I certainly have a soft corner for some of the things that colonialism did, but enough has been written by solid researchers on both the loot and the use of "rule of law" for authoritarian rule by the British to further their own quest for power. Some say Indians should not bother about a Fox News anchor. On an impulse, I agree, but on deep thought, somebody who can mislead the average Republican voter in the US needs to be told "Hold my beer". Certainly, someone called Carlson whose name is also that of a famous beer brand. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

How British imperialism gave some colonial lemons and democratic India made some modern lemonade

American Coast Guard vessel USCGC Midgett sailed into and is anchored at the southern Indian city of Chennai on Friday as part of a four-day visit. The visiting crew is set to have in-port and at-sea bilateral professional exchanges, sharing of expertise and best practices with the Indian Coast Guard.

American Coast Guard vessel USCGC Midgett sailed into and is anchored at the southern Indian city of Chennai on Friday as part of a four-day visit. The visiting crew is set to have in-port and at-sea bilateral professional exchanges, sharing of expertise and best practices with the Indian Coast Guard. USCGC Midgett is on a mission to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific through cooperation and maritime domain awareness with the Indian Coast Guard. The visit by USCGC Midgett is aimed at reiterating the 75 years of partnership between the United States and India and strengthening the relationship between the two countries. 418 feet long and 54 feet wide, the Midgett is the largest and most technologically advanced of the US Coast Guard’s most recent class of vessels. Over the course of this voyage, the Midgett has sailed through the region’s waters, interacted with counterparts in the Philippines, Singapore and also taken part in bilateral exercises. #Chennai , we have a visitor! @uscoastguard ship (#Hawaii -based)Midgett is here for 4 days , for at-sea & in-port pro exchanges with the @IndiaCoastGuard Midgett is the largest & most tech advanced of US CG newest class of vessels; it has an onboard MH65 helo & scaneagle UAV pic.twitter.com/Q0VIfCGeCf — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) September 16, 2022 × It is capable of executing the most challenging operations, including supporting the maritime homeland security and defence missions, and is equipped with a UAS Scan Eagle drone, MH-65 helicopter, and other state-of-the-art equipment. WATCH | India's Coast Guard divers clean coral reef zones, remove ghost nets “As we spend the next four days with our Indian Coast Guard partners, we will work to advance our capabilities and interoperability through meaningful human interactions with our likeminded partners who share similar values and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific." said US Coast Guard Captain Willie Carmichael, the Commanding Officer, USCGCS, Midgett. Welcoming the Midgett to Chennai, US Consul General in Chennai Judith Ravin said, “The US is a proud Indo-Pacific nation, and our vital interests are inextricably tied to the region. India is an important partner of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region. I am confident the US-India partnership during the visit of the USCGC Midgett will further strengthen our bond towards a shared vision of a free and secure Indo-Pacific.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Coast Guard ship Midgett on a four-day visit to Chennai; at-sea, in-port exchanges planned

Students at Chandigarh University have been protesting on campus following the online leak of several controversial videos of several girls. Punjab's education minister, Harjot Singh Bains, urged students to be calm.

The education minister assured students that the guilty will be punished and asked the media to use prudence, stating the matter to be delicate. Taking it to Twitter, Bains tweeted regarding the situation.&nbsp;

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I humbly request all the students of Chandigarh University to remain calm, no one guilty will be spared. 
 
It’s a very sensitive matter &amp; relates to dignity of our sisters &amp; daughters. 
 
We all including media should be very very cautious,it is also test of ours now as a society.
— Harjot Singh Bains (@harjotbains) <a href="https://twitter.com/harjotbains/status/1571334052560670720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As per sources, the protest broke out after it was discovered that a female student recorded private videos of several girls and gave them to her male friend in Shimla, who later uploaded the videos online.&nbsp;As per reports, 60 or so videos were leaked.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-protest-erupts-at-private-university-over-leak-of-objectionable-videos-of-girl-students-517314">Also read |&nbsp;India: Protest erupts at private university over leak of objectionable videos of girl students</a>

When approached by other girls and hostel authorities, the accused reportedly confessed to having done this. According to some sources, the hostel authorities tried to cover up the incident, however, as per rumours and some media reports, the victims attempted suicide, which the police refuted.

Mohali SSP, Vivek Soni, dismissed all rumours regarding suicide, injuries, or fatalities related to the video. The SSP further cautioned not to spread any rumors and stated that the department is waiting for medical reports and will take action accordingly.

The SSP told the reporter, "It's a matter of a video being shot by a girl student &amp; circulated. FIR has been registered in the matter and the accused student has been arrested. No death reported related to this incident. As per medical records, no attempt (to commit suicide) reported," Hindustan Times reported.&nbsp;

Manisha Gulati, head of the Punjab Women's Commission and Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, reassured the parents of the student that the accused would be punished.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Students at Chandigarh University have been protesting on campus following the online leak of several controversial videos of several girls. Punjab's education minister, Harjot Singh Bains, urged students to be calm.

Students at Chandigarh University have been protesting on campus following the online leak of several controversial videos of several girls. Punjab's education minister, Harjot Singh Bains, urged students to be calm. The education minister assured students that the guilty will be punished and asked the media to use prudence, stating the matter to be delicate. Taking it to Twitter, Bains tweeted regarding the situation. I humbly request all the students of Chandigarh University to remain calm, no one guilty will be spared. It’s a very sensitive matter & relates to dignity of our sisters & daughters. We all including media should be very very cautious,it is also test of ours now as a society. — Harjot Singh Bains (@harjotbains) September 18, 2022 × As per sources, the protest broke out after it was discovered that a female student recorded private videos of several girls and gave them to her male friend in Shimla, who later uploaded the videos online. As per reports, 60 or so videos were leaked. Also read | India: Protest erupts at private university over leak of objectionable videos of girl students When approached by other girls and hostel authorities, the accused reportedly confessed to having done this. According to some sources, the hostel authorities tried to cover up the incident, however, as per rumours and some media reports, the victims attempted suicide, which the police refuted. Mohali SSP, Vivek Soni, dismissed all rumours regarding suicide, injuries, or fatalities related to the video. The SSP further cautioned not to spread any rumors and stated that the department is waiting for medical reports and will take action accordingly. The SSP told the reporter, "It's a matter of a video being shot by a girl student & circulated. FIR has been registered in the matter and the accused student has been arrested. No death reported related to this incident. As per medical records, no attempt (to commit suicide) reported," Hindustan Times reported. Manisha Gulati, head of the Punjab Women's Commission and Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, reassured the parents of the student that the accused would be punished. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Punjab's education minister requests calm after alleged release of girl hostel videos

While examining the mass burial site found&nbsp;in the east Ukrainian town of Izyum, the Ukrainian authorities stated that almost 99 per cent bodies had signs of violent death. In other news, India is set to reintroduce eight cheetahs into the wilderness in an attempt to revive their populace after they went extinct in 1952.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bodies-tortured-to-death-at-the-mass-burial-site-discovered-in-eastern-ukraine-claims-kyiv-516986">Most bodies at mass burial site have signs of violent death, claims Kyiv</a>

The Ukrainian officials stated that 99 per cent of the exhumed bodies found at the mass burial site in the east Ukrainian town of Izyum had&nbsp;signs of violent death, meaning the Russian troops tortured and mutilated them when killed.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/17/296479-copy-of-untitled.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eight-cheetahs-to-reach-india-today-pm-to-release-them-in-kuno-national-park-516977">Eight cheetahs to reach India today, PM to release them in Kuno National Park</a>

The special cargo flight carrying eight cheetahs from Namibia is expected to arrive in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh early Saturday. The felines will be released in special enclosures in the state's Kuno National Park (KNP) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning, officials said. Today also happens to be PM Modi's birthday.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/17/296467-ap09162022000218b.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-uninvited-from-a-pre-funeral-function-report-516978">Prince Harry and Meghan Markle uninvited from a pre-funeral function: Report</a>

Just when a thaw appeared in the relationship between the top Royals and&nbsp;Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a Telegraph report claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had been uninvited from Queen Elizabeth II's pre-funeral functions.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heavy-fighting-reported-between-kyrgyzstan-and-tajikistan-24-killed-516982">Heavy fighting reported between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, 24 killed</a>

Intense battles were reported between Kyrgyzstan and its Central Asian neighbour Tajikistan on Friday, killing at least 24 people. Both of the small impoverished landlocked nations have accused each other of restarting fighting in a disputed area, despite a ceasefire deal. In a statement, the Kyrgyz border service said its forces were continuing to repel Tajik attacks.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-shehbaz-sharif-says-pakistan-wandering-with-begging-bowl-516927">WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan 'wandering with begging bowl'</a>

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While examining the mass burial site found in the east Ukrainian town of Izyum, the Ukrainian authorities stated that almost 99 per cent bodies had signs of violent death.

While examining the mass burial site found in the east Ukrainian town of Izyum, the Ukrainian authorities stated that almost 99 per cent bodies had signs of violent death. In other news, India is set to reintroduce eight cheetahs into the wilderness in an attempt to revive their populace after they went extinct in 1952. Click on headlines to read more Most bodies at mass burial site have signs of violent death, claims Kyiv The Ukrainian officials stated that 99 per cent of the exhumed bodies found at the mass burial site in the east Ukrainian town of Izyum had signs of violent death, meaning the Russian troops tortured and mutilated them when killed. Eight cheetahs to reach India today, PM to release them in Kuno National Park The special cargo flight carrying eight cheetahs from Namibia is expected to arrive in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh early Saturday. The felines will be released in special enclosures in the state's Kuno National Park (KNP) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning, officials said. Today also happens to be PM Modi's birthday. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle uninvited from a pre-funeral function: Report Just when a thaw appeared in the relationship between the top Royals and Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a Telegraph report claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had been uninvited from Queen Elizabeth II's pre-funeral functions. Heavy fighting reported between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, 24 killed Intense battles were reported between Kyrgyzstan and its Central Asian neighbour Tajikistan on Friday, killing at least 24 people. Both of the small impoverished landlocked nations have accused each other of restarting fighting in a disputed area, despite a ceasefire deal. In a statement, the Kyrgyz border service said its forces were continuing to repel Tajik attacks. WATCH | Gravitas: Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan 'wandering with begging bowl' × WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Morning news brief: Tortured dead bodies found in Ukraine, Cheetahs reach India & more

As India marks National Engineers' Day, Priyanka Sharma asks- has India's engineering degree lost its sheen? What can India do to preserve the spirit of engineering?

Gravitas: India marks National Engineers' Day

Asian giants have shared their concern over Ukraine war. Meanwhile, after meeting Indian PM Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin said there is 'no hurry' to end war.

Putin says 'no hurry' to end war hours after meeting Indian PM Modi

The 22nd SCO Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan showed that Russia's Asian friends may have had enough of the global uncertainties caused by Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Putin rushes to placate Asian friends; concerns of India, China spill out at SCO Summit

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked Johnson & Johnson's baby powder production license for its Mulund factory and ordered the corporation to remove the product from the market.

India: Maharashtra cancels j&j baby powder manufacturing licence over quality concerns

"We have not sought help from India. We are helping our people and many have come forward to help Pakistan. Relief and rescue operations are underway," Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said over the flood situation in the country.

'We have not sought help from India', says Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto

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