From Flash floods near river Swat in Pakistan to devotees celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi festival in India, here are some impactful images from around the world on 31 August 2022.

World in Pictures: Flash floods near river Swat in Pakistan; Ganesh Chaturthi festival in India

Nepal has 'stalled' the recruitment of Gorkhas in the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme. Kathmandu has apprehensions over the 4-year-term of recruits as part of the scheme. How has India responded? Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Nepal suspends Gorkha recruitment under Agnipath scheme

Senior officials from the G20 economies met for climate talks in Bali on Wednesday. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav from India said that the countries with least emissions facing the worst of crisis.

WION Climate Tracker| G20 summit on environment & climate: Leaders gather in Bali to discuss action

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION | Indian PM to commission country's first indigenous aircraft carrier on Sept 2

After India’s miserable performance in the 1962 war with China, the need for a separate external intelligence agency was felt. RN Kao, a civil servant, was assigned the task of establishing a national spy agency called R&AW.

How was RAW started? Story of India’s external intelligence agency

Here's celebrating a plethora of sporting icons and their achievements as they continue to inspire countrymen from all walks of life.

India@75: Sporting icons who inspired countrymen in post-Independence era

With the Asia Cup 2022 edition being held in the UAE at present, here's everything you need to know about the history of the marquee tournament.

Asia Cup: Everything you need to know about the marquee tournament

This year, drone intrusions at the Indo-Pak border have virtually doubled as terrorist organisations and drug traffickers operating from Pakistan have stepped up their use to transport weapons and drugs.

Data compiled by the Border Security Force (BSF) revealed that 107 drone sightings were reported in the first seven months of this year, a slight increase from 2021. 93 out of the drones’ intrusions were detected in Punjab. Additionally, Jammu reported 14 drone intrusions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-two-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-in-shopian-511514">Also read |&nbsp;J&amp;K: Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian</a>

A BSF officer said, "There are still five months left in this year and activity to smuggle arms and explosives through various routes usually increase towards winters. Also, these are just those drones which our jawans could hear, notice, or locals informed us about. It is very difficult to intercept, stall and deactivate all the drones at such a vast border," said a Hindustan Times report.

A senior official stated that terrorist groups like LeT and its allies in Jammu and Kashmir sent payloads through Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Gurdaspur in Punjab continuously by using&nbsp;Chinese drones to deliver weapons and IEDs in the past two years. Furthermore, Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit the Resistance Front (TRF) attacked Jammu Air Force Station with two drones, using unnamed aerial vehicles (UAV) that dropped two IEDs weighing between 3kg and 5 kg each.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmiri-artisans-in-a-remote-village-busy-making-silk-carpets-for-indias-new-parliament-511444">Also read |&nbsp;Kashmiri artisans in a remote village busy making silk carpets for India’s new parliament</a>

With the assistance of local police, BSF has attempted to shoot down several drones and has also implemented a number of technologies, such as "Anti-Drone Guns", to obstruct the drones’ radio and GPS signals and compel them to land.

According to experts, Pakistan-based groups use drones to avoid capture of men and reduce costs.

Experts believe that drones are replacing human mules and helping in terrorist infiltration; they are easy to use from a covered location or building on the other side of the border.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

This year, drone intrusions at the Indo-Pak border have virtually doubled as terrorist organisations and drug traffickers operating from Pakistan have stepped up their use to transport weapons and drugs.

This year, drone intrusions at the Indo-Pak border have virtually doubled as terrorist organisations and drug traffickers operating from Pakistan have stepped up their use to transport weapons and drugs. Data compiled by the Border Security Force (BSF) revealed that 107 drone sightings were reported in the first seven months of this year, a slight increase from 2021. 93 out of the drones’ intrusions were detected in Punjab. Additionally, Jammu reported 14 drone intrusions. Also read | J&K: Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian A BSF officer said, "There are still five months left in this year and activity to smuggle arms and explosives through various routes usually increase towards winters. Also, these are just those drones which our jawans could hear, notice, or locals informed us about. It is very difficult to intercept, stall and deactivate all the drones at such a vast border," said a Hindustan Times report. A senior official stated that terrorist groups like LeT and its allies in Jammu and Kashmir sent payloads through Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Gurdaspur in Punjab continuously by using Chinese drones to deliver weapons and IEDs in the past two years. Furthermore, Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit the Resistance Front (TRF) attacked Jammu Air Force Station with two drones, using unnamed aerial vehicles (UAV) that dropped two IEDs weighing between 3kg and 5 kg each. Also read | Kashmiri artisans in a remote village busy making silk carpets for India’s new parliament With the assistance of local police, BSF has attempted to shoot down several drones and has also implemented a number of technologies, such as "Anti-Drone Guns", to obstruct the drones’ radio and GPS signals and compel them to land. According to experts, Pakistan-based groups use drones to avoid capture of men and reduce costs. Experts believe that drones are replacing human mules and helping in terrorist infiltration; they are easy to use from a covered location or building on the other side of the border. (With inputs from agencies)

Drone intrusions across border from Pakistan increased compared to 2021

According to Reuters poll, economists predict that India's GDP grew by 15.2 percent in April to June 2022 financial quarter. This is compared to India's GDP during the same time period a year ago. This would make the last financial quarter India's best for growth in a year.

Economists expect India's growth rate to dip

An anti-pollution motorcycle helmet in India has given 'A breath of fresh air' to daily commuters who are forced to commute in polluted cities like India's capital New Delhi.

Tech in Trend: Anti-pollution motorcycle helmet in India gives 'A breath of fresh air'

India's top court has observed that unmarried partnerships and queer relationships too constitute a family. The Supreme Court has said that atypical families are as real as their traditional counterpart. Does this pave the way for legalising same-sex marriages in India? Palki Sharma brings you a report

Gravitas | India's top court: Queer relationships too constitute a family

China's Ambassador to Sri Lanka alleged that Colombo was "unreasonably pressured" to cancel the docking permit to a Chinese ship. The Indian mission in Colombo has hit back. It referred to the "militarisation of Taiwan" in a statement. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: India hits back at China's Envoy to Sri Lanka

An Indian firm has found a unique way to battle pollution. It has come up with innovative Anti-pollution helmets to give bikers a breath of fresh air.

WION Climate Tracker | Indian firm makes world's 1st Anti-pollution helmet for riders' relief

India has dispatched over 40,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan so far, ensuring its position as a contiguous neighbour and long-standing partner of Kabul.

At a United Nations Security Council, the country`s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj highlighted the historical and civilisational linkages to the Afghan people.

"As we have repeatedly stated at the security council, India has direct stakes in ensuring the return of the peace and stability, giving our position as a contiguous neighbour and long-standing partner of Afghanistan. As well as our strong historical and civilisational linkages to the Afghan people," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-chief-requests-countries-to-resume-sending-development-aid-to-afghanistan-511438">Also read |&nbsp;UN chief requests countries to resume sending development aid to Afghanistan</a>

Speaking about the humanitarian need to the Afgan people, the UN Permanent Representative said that India has dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

"In response to the humanitarian need to the Afgan people, as well as the urgent appeals made by the united nations, India has dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. This include 32 tonnes of medical assistance in 10 batches, which include -- essential life-saving medicines, anti-TB medicines and 50,0000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

"These medical consignments have been handed over to the World Health Organisation and to the Indira Gandhi Children Hospital in Kabul," she said, adding that "India has also dispatched over 40,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan so far.

"Ruchira Kamboj further said: "to ensure a fair and just distribution of India`s wheat assistance, the government of India has signed an agreement with the UN world food programme for the distribution of wheat within Afghanistan.

"An Indian technical team has also been deployed at the Indian Embassy in Kabul in order to closely monitor and coordinate the efforts of various stakeholders for the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and the continuation of our engagement with the Afghanis people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan-is-crumbling-under-the-taliban-511132">Also read |&nbsp;Afghanistan is crumbling under the rule of Taliban, US promises to send aid</a>

India reiterated its commitment that humanitarian assistance should be based on neutrality, impartiality and independence. India also expressed concern at the development of Afghanistan which directly impacts well being of women and girls.

The Taliban entered Kabul on August 15 last year, causing the US-backed government to step down. Later in September, the outfit announced the composition of the new interim government of Afghanistan.

The country is currently battered by the deepening economic, humanitarian, and security crisis following the Taliban takeover. The international community, from governments to non-governmental organizations, has been providing various assistance to the Afghan people.&nbsp;

India has dispatched over 40,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan so far, ensuring its position as a contiguous neighbour and long-standing partner of Kabul.

India has dispatched over 40,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan so far, ensuring its position as a contiguous neighbour and long-standing partner of Kabul. At a United Nations Security Council, the country`s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj highlighted the historical and civilisational linkages to the Afghan people. "As we have repeatedly stated at the security council, India has direct stakes in ensuring the return of the peace and stability, giving our position as a contiguous neighbour and long-standing partner of Afghanistan. As well as our strong historical and civilisational linkages to the Afghan people," she said. Also read | UN chief requests countries to resume sending development aid to Afghanistan Speaking about the humanitarian need to the Afgan people, the UN Permanent Representative said that India has dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. "In response to the humanitarian need to the Afgan people, as well as the urgent appeals made by the united nations, India has dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. This include 32 tonnes of medical assistance in 10 batches, which include -- essential life-saving medicines, anti-TB medicines and 50,0000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. "These medical consignments have been handed over to the World Health Organisation and to the Indira Gandhi Children Hospital in Kabul," she said, adding that "India has also dispatched over 40,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan so far. "Ruchira Kamboj further said: "to ensure a fair and just distribution of India`s wheat assistance, the government of India has signed an agreement with the UN world food programme for the distribution of wheat within Afghanistan. "An Indian technical team has also been deployed at the Indian Embassy in Kabul in order to closely monitor and coordinate the efforts of various stakeholders for the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and the continuation of our engagement with the Afghanis people. Also read | Afghanistan is crumbling under the rule of Taliban, US promises to send aid India reiterated its commitment that humanitarian assistance should be based on neutrality, impartiality and independence. India also expressed concern at the development of Afghanistan which directly impacts well being of women and girls. The Taliban entered Kabul on August 15 last year, causing the US-backed government to step down. Later in September, the outfit announced the composition of the new interim government of Afghanistan. The country is currently battered by the deepening economic, humanitarian, and security crisis following the Taliban takeover. The international community, from governments to non-governmental organizations, has been providing various assistance to the Afghan people.

Over 40,000 metric tonnes of wheat dispatched so far to Afghanistan: India at UN

India's capital city of Delhi has a notorious reputation for being unsafe for women. Recently released data by the country's National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has done little to improve on the said reputation by terming Delhi as the most unsafe metropolitan city in India for women.

Reportedly, Delhi saw a more than 40 per cent rise in crimes against women in 2021, compared to a year prior. A total of 13,500 crimes were reported against the fairer sex in 2021, compared to a little under 10,000 in 2020.

Of the 43,414 crimes reported against women in 19 major cities across the country, Delhi accounted for 32.20 per cent of the cases, suggesting that law and order authorities were not working properly to create a safe environment for women.

Amongst the category of crimes, over 3,948 cases of abduction and kidnapping were reported while 2,022 cases of assault on women with an intent to outrage their modesty were registered by the Bureau.

&nbsp;

Read more |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ncrb-data-shows-increase-in-deaths-by-suicide-in-2021-511188">India: NCRB data shows increase in deaths by suicide in 2021</a>

Similarly, 1,357 reported cases were under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (girl child victims only) while 833 cases of girl child rape came from the capital city alone.&nbsp;

However, what may come as most surprising is the cases of dowry deaths, despite a concerted campaign by the central and state government to discourage dowry.

According to the data, the national capital witnessed 136 cases of dowry deaths, which again accounted for 36.36 per cent of the total cases.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-thought-pm-modi-was-a-crude-man-but-he-showed-humanity-ghulam-nabi-azad-511185">'I thought PM Modi was a crude man but he showed humanity': Ghulam Nabi Azad&nbsp;</a>

Delhi was followed by Mumbai and Bengaluru in the list with the two metropolitan cities accounting for 12.76 per cent and 7.2 per cent of the total crimes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

India's capital city of Delhi has a notorious reputation for being unsafe for women. Recently released data by the country's National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has done little to improve on the said reputation by terming Delhi as the most unsafe metropolitan city in India for women.

India's capital city of Delhi has a notorious reputation for being unsafe for women. Recently released data by the country's National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has done little to improve on the said reputation by terming Delhi as the most unsafe metropolitan city in India for women. Reportedly, Delhi saw a more than 40 per cent rise in crimes against women in 2021, compared to a year prior. A total of 13,500 crimes were reported against the fairer sex in 2021, compared to a little under 10,000 in 2020. Of the 43,414 crimes reported against women in 19 major cities across the country, Delhi accounted for 32.20 per cent of the cases, suggesting that law and order authorities were not working properly to create a safe environment for women. Amongst the category of crimes, over 3,948 cases of abduction and kidnapping were reported while 2,022 cases of assault on women with an intent to outrage their modesty were registered by the Bureau. Read more | India: NCRB data shows increase in deaths by suicide in 2021 Similarly, 1,357 reported cases were under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (girl child victims only) while 833 cases of girl child rape came from the capital city alone. However, what may come as most surprising is the cases of dowry deaths, despite a concerted campaign by the central and state government to discourage dowry. According to the data, the national capital witnessed 136 cases of dowry deaths, which again accounted for 36.36 per cent of the total cases. Read more: 'I thought PM Modi was a crude man but he showed humanity': Ghulam Nabi Azad Delhi was followed by Mumbai and Bengaluru in the list with the two metropolitan cities accounting for 12.76 per cent and 7.2 per cent of the total crimes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: NCRB report terms Delhi as the most unsafe metropolitan city for women

At the higher levels of competitive boxing, it is not enough if one just packs a punch, one must be able to track the punch as well. Factors such as punch force, upper and lower body movement need to be closely analysed and evaluated to improve a pugilist's performance. It is towards this goal that teams from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras(IIT-M) and Inspire Institute of Sports, Karnataka are working on a cost-effective, technology-driven solution that will help boxers and their coaches.&nbsp;

<meta charset="utf-8" />

Dubbed 'Smartboxer', this analytics platform is meant to provide detailed analysis of a boxer's performance based on wearable sensors. These sensors would be embedded in the gloves (for punch force analysis), foot pressure sensor (for ground reaction force), in addition to sensors to track upper and lower body movement. Video cameras placed in the ring would also identify the left and right limbs of the boxer, while classifying his/her movements as attack or defence or feint (a deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, especially in boxing).

According to Dr. Babji Srinivasan, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras, “The smart boxer system integrates data from video streams and multiple IoT devices (sensors). The information extracted from this multivariate data provides fight analytics that can not only help coaches but also the judges to quantify the key traits of boxing champions."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-how-india-pakistan-can-square-off-again-in-super-4-round-at-asia-cup-511386">Explained: How India-Pakistan can square off again in Super 4 round at Asia Cup</a>

Once the data is gathered from the sensors and camera, it will be merged to provide comprehensive boxing analytics and key traits of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-liger-review-vijay-deverakondas-film-is-so-bad-that-you-would-want-to-cry-510307">boxer</a>. These traits which include quantity and quality of punch, dominance of the engagements and competitiveness are evaluated and used for scoring in Olympic boxing matches.&nbsp;

WION queried about the progress made in developing 'Smartboxer' and how this compares against International market offerings. In response, Prof. Ranganathan Srinivasan, Head, Center of Excellence for Sports Science and Analytics, IIT Madras said that boxing data is being collected over the last two months and the fundamental algorithms(boxer identification, ring awareness) are in testing phase, while few more algorithms(calculating boxing metrics (such as no of punches, type of punch etc.) would be developed within a year. He expressed confidence that the team was working towards developing it in time for the 2024 Olympics.&nbsp;

He added, UK has an advanced analytics software called iBoxer and that such software is not made available to other countries, given the highly-competitive nature and prestige of the Olympics. Hence, he explained that the know-how must be developed by each country for its advancement in the Olympics.&nbsp;

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Tech Talk: Faster charging could lead to smaller &amp; cheaper EV batteries

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-talk-faster-charging-could-lead-to-smaller-cheaper-ev-batteries-511303/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At the higher levels of competitive boxing, it is not enough if one just packs a punch, one must be able to track the punch as well. Factors such as punch force, upper and lower body movement need to be closely analysed and evaluated to improve a pugilist's performance.

At the higher levels of competitive boxing, it is not enough if one just packs a punch, one must be able to track the punch as well. Factors such as punch force, upper and lower body movement need to be closely analysed and evaluated to improve a pugilist's performance. It is towards this goal that teams from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras(IIT-M) and Inspire Institute of Sports, Karnataka are working on a cost-effective, technology-driven solution that will help boxers and their coaches. Dubbed 'Smartboxer', this analytics platform is meant to provide detailed analysis of a boxer's performance based on wearable sensors. These sensors would be embedded in the gloves (for punch force analysis), foot pressure sensor (for ground reaction force), in addition to sensors to track upper and lower body movement. Video cameras placed in the ring would also identify the left and right limbs of the boxer, while classifying his/her movements as attack or defence or feint (a deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, especially in boxing). According to Dr. Babji Srinivasan, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras, “The smart boxer system integrates data from video streams and multiple IoT devices (sensors). The information extracted from this multivariate data provides fight analytics that can not only help coaches but also the judges to quantify the key traits of boxing champions." Also read | Explained: How India-Pakistan can square off again in Super 4 round at Asia Cup Once the data is gathered from the sensors and camera, it will be merged to provide comprehensive boxing analytics and key traits of the boxer. These traits which include quantity and quality of punch, dominance of the engagements and competitiveness are evaluated and used for scoring in Olympic boxing matches. WION queried about the progress made in developing 'Smartboxer' and how this compares against International market offerings. In response, Prof. Ranganathan Srinivasan, Head, Center of Excellence for Sports Science and Analytics, IIT Madras said that boxing data is being collected over the last two months and the fundamental algorithms(boxer identification, ring awareness) are in testing phase, while few more algorithms(calculating boxing metrics (such as no of punches, type of punch etc.) would be developed within a year. He expressed confidence that the team was working towards developing it in time for the 2024 Olympics. He added, UK has an advanced analytics software called iBoxer and that such software is not made available to other countries, given the highly-competitive nature and prestige of the Olympics. Hence, he explained that the know-how must be developed by each country for its advancement in the Olympics. Also WATCH | Tech Talk: Faster charging could lead to smaller & cheaper EV batteries

'Tracking a punch' - IIT tech to help Indian boxers analyse punches, up chances of Olympic medals

India is all set to commission its first-ever indigenously built aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant. Before the much-awaited induction, take a sneak peak into the Navy's new mean machine. How does it boost India's maritime security? Mariam Wardak tells you.

South Asia Diary | India to induct first indigenous aircraft carrier

The 10th edition of the national maritime search and rescue exercise 2022 was inaugurated in Chennai. The two-day exercise will be conducted under the national maritime search and rescue board and is hosted by the Indian coast guard.

WION Dispatch: Indian coast guard concludes 2-day SAREX-22

Amid the ongoing border tensions with China, India hit out at China for the 'Militarisation' of the Taiwan strait. What's the reason behind the move?

What made India hit out at China for the 'Militarisation' of the Taiwan strait?

The 10th edition of the national maritime search and rescue exercise 2022 was inaugurated in Chennai. The two-day exercise which will be conducted under the national maritime search and rescue board and is hosted by the Indian coast guard. Indian coast guard Director General Virender Singh Pathania spoke to WION and elaborated the importance of this exercise.

'We never let our guard down,' says Indian coast guard Director General Virender Singh Pathania

India likely recorded strong double-digit economic growth in the last quarter but economists polled by Reuters expected the pace to more than halve this quarter and slow further toward the end of the year as interest rates rise. Asia's third-largest economy is grappling with persistently high unemployment and inflation, which has been running above the top of the Reserve Bank of India's tolerance band all year and is set to do so for the rest of 2022.

Growth this quarter is predicted to slow sharply to an annual 6.2 per cent&nbsp;from a median forecast of 15.2% in Q2, supported mainly by statistical comparisons with a year ago rather than new momentum, before decelerating further to 4.5% in October-December.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankan-crisis-economy-lessons-india-can-learn-498205">Sri Lankan crisis: Economy lessons India can learn</a>

The median expectation for 2022 growth was 7.2 per cent, according to an August&nbsp;22-26 Reuters poll, but economists said that the solid growth rate masks how rapidly the economy was expected to slow in coming months.

"Even as India remains the fastest-growing major economy, domestic consumption will perhaps not be strong enough to drive growth further as unemployment remains high and real wages are at a record low level," said Kunal Kundu, India economist at Societe Generale.

"By supporting growth through investment, the government has only fired on one engine while forgetting about the impetus which domestic consumption provides. This is why India's growth is still below its pre-pandemic trend."

The economy has not grown fast enough to accommodate some 12 million people joining the labour force each year.

Meanwhile the RBI, a relative laggard in the global tightening cycle, is set to raise its key repo rate by another 60 basis points by the end of March to try to bring inflation within the tolerance limit. [ECILT/IN]

That follows three interest rate rises this year totalling 140 basis points, and would take the repo rate to 6.00 per cent by end-Q1 2023.

While the central bank's mandated target band is 2%-6%, inflation was expected to average 6.9 per cent and 6.2 per cent this quarter and next, respectively, before falling just below the top end of the range to 5.8 per cent in Q1 2023. That is roughly in line with the central bank's projection.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-says-indian-economy-expected-to-grow-by-75-this-year-490732">PM Narendra Modi says Indian economy expected to grow by 7.5% this year</a>

"Despite signs of a cool-off in price pressures...it is premature to go easy on the inflation fight given considerable uncertainties from geopolitical risks and hard landing risks in major economies," said Radhika Rao, senior economist at DBS.

The economy is also enduring inflation pressure from a weak rupee, which for months has been trading close to 80 to the US dollar, a level the central bank has been defending in currency markets by selling dollar reserves.

The latest Reuters poll also showed India's current account deficit swelling to 3.1 per cent of gross domestic product this year, the highest in at least a decade, which may put further pressure on the currency.

India likely recorded strong double-digit economic growth in the last quarter but economists polled by Reuters expected the pace to more than halve this quarter and slow further toward the end of the year as interest rates rise.

India likely recorded strong double-digit economic growth in the last quarter but economists polled by Reuters expected the pace to more than halve this quarter and slow further toward the end of the year as interest rates rise. Asia's third-largest economy is grappling with persistently high unemployment and inflation, which has been running above the top of the Reserve Bank of India's tolerance band all year and is set to do so for the rest of 2022. Growth this quarter is predicted to slow sharply to an annual 6.2 per cent from a median forecast of 15.2% in Q2, supported mainly by statistical comparisons with a year ago rather than new momentum, before decelerating further to 4.5% in October-December. Also Read | Sri Lankan crisis: Economy lessons India can learn The median expectation for 2022 growth was 7.2 per cent, according to an August 22-26 Reuters poll, but economists said that the solid growth rate masks how rapidly the economy was expected to slow in coming months. "Even as India remains the fastest-growing major economy, domestic consumption will perhaps not be strong enough to drive growth further as unemployment remains high and real wages are at a record low level," said Kunal Kundu, India economist at Societe Generale. "By supporting growth through investment, the government has only fired on one engine while forgetting about the impetus which domestic consumption provides. This is why India's growth is still below its pre-pandemic trend." The economy has not grown fast enough to accommodate some 12 million people joining the labour force each year. Meanwhile the RBI, a relative laggard in the global tightening cycle, is set to raise its key repo rate by another 60 basis points by the end of March to try to bring inflation within the tolerance limit. [ECILT/IN] That follows three interest rate rises this year totalling 140 basis points, and would take the repo rate to 6.00 per cent by end-Q1 2023. While the central bank's mandated target band is 2%-6%, inflation was expected to average 6.9 per cent and 6.2 per cent this quarter and next, respectively, before falling just below the top end of the range to 5.8 per cent in Q1 2023. That is roughly in line with the central bank's projection. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi says Indian economy expected to grow by 7.5% this year "Despite signs of a cool-off in price pressures...it is premature to go easy on the inflation fight given considerable uncertainties from geopolitical risks and hard landing risks in major economies," said Radhika Rao, senior economist at DBS. The economy is also enduring inflation pressure from a weak rupee, which for months has been trading close to 80 to the US dollar, a level the central bank has been defending in currency markets by selling dollar reserves. The latest Reuters poll also showed India's current account deficit swelling to 3.1 per cent of gross domestic product this year, the highest in at least a decade, which may put further pressure on the currency.

India's status as world's fastest growing major economy to be shortlived: Reuters poll

With winters coming along with noxious smog, the Indian government is promoting a motorcycle helmet with filters and a fan at the back, saying it can remove 80 per cent of the pollutants. Shellios Technolabs is a start-up firm that has been developing the helmet since 2016 with funds of tens of thousands of dollars from state agencies.

Amit Pathak, the creator, said that it is the first of its kind in the world. The aim behind developing it is that 2016 saw the first news stories about the polluted air that, from mid-December to early February, made it difficult to breathe in such cold weather, trapping dust and smog. The helmet costs Rs. 4,500 ($56), approximately four times the price of an ordinary helmet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-ruling-alliance-requests-that-cbi-universal-consent-be-withdrawn-511032">Also read |&nbsp;Bihar: Ruling alliance requests that CBI universal consent be withdrawn</a>

One method to help with air pollution was an air purifier. However, an air purifier might be installed inside a house or a place, but people riding bikes are completely unprotected.

Pathak said that his company developed the helmet air purification system that has replaced the filter membrane and a fan that is driven by a battery that lasts six hours and can be recharged using a microUSB port.

In 2019, helmet sales began, and an independent laboratory discovered that the helmet prevented 80 percent of pollutants from entering the nostrils.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-drug-haul-kejriwal-slams-gujarat-government-for-letting-drugs-enter-gujarat-511024">Also read |&nbsp;Punjab drug haul: Kejriwal slams Gujarat government for letting drugs enter the state</a>

As Reuter’s poll stated, the helmet reduced outdoor PM 2.5 particle concentrations by 43.1 micrograms.

The Indian ministry states the helmet is "a breath of new air for bicyclists," Reuters reported.

Pathak sees a significant possibility for its sales. Shellios has partnered with a major manufacturer to create a lighter version of it using thermoplastic, which will reduce the cost of production and weight as well.

Pathak claims that other Southeast Asian countries have also shown interest in the product.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

With winters coming along with noxious smog, the Indian government is promoting a motorcycle helmet with filters and a fan at the back, saying it can remove 80 per cent of the pollutants.

With winters coming along with noxious smog, the Indian government is promoting a motorcycle helmet with filters and a fan at the back, saying it can remove 80 per cent of the pollutants. Shellios Technolabs is a start-up firm that has been developing the helmet since 2016 with funds of tens of thousands of dollars from state agencies. Amit Pathak, the creator, said that it is the first of its kind in the world. The aim behind developing it is that 2016 saw the first news stories about the polluted air that, from mid-December to early February, made it difficult to breathe in such cold weather, trapping dust and smog. The helmet costs Rs. 4,500 ($56), approximately four times the price of an ordinary helmet. Also read | Bihar: Ruling alliance requests that CBI universal consent be withdrawn One method to help with air pollution was an air purifier. However, an air purifier might be installed inside a house or a place, but people riding bikes are completely unprotected. Pathak said that his company developed the helmet air purification system that has replaced the filter membrane and a fan that is driven by a battery that lasts six hours and can be recharged using a microUSB port. In 2019, helmet sales began, and an independent laboratory discovered that the helmet prevented 80 percent of pollutants from entering the nostrils. Also read | Punjab drug haul: Kejriwal slams Gujarat government for letting drugs enter the state As Reuter’s poll stated, the helmet reduced outdoor PM 2.5 particle concentrations by 43.1 micrograms. The Indian ministry states the helmet is "a breath of new air for bicyclists," Reuters reported. Pathak sees a significant possibility for its sales. Shellios has partnered with a major manufacturer to create a lighter version of it using thermoplastic, which will reduce the cost of production and weight as well. Pathak claims that other Southeast Asian countries have also shown interest in the product. (With inputs from agencies)

State-funded helmet claims to help bicyclists’ breath fresh air in Delhi’s winter smog

Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first in the opening game in the Asia Cup 2022 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. India and Pakistan's rivalry provokes strong emotions on both side of the border. Today, the two sides will renew their rivalry. For more details, we're joined by WION's correspondent Preeti Dahiya.

Asia Cup 2022| India Vs Pakistan today: Bitter rivals to face off in Dubai

India and China have had a troubled relationship on almost all fronts to have seen highs and lows of border disputes and trade differences for over security as well. To get more perspective on this, we're joined by China expert Atul Aneja, a senior journalist.

India, China spar over Chinese 'spy' vessel | Row continues over Yuan Wang 5

Noida is a suburb on the outskirts of India's national capital, New Delhi and it is all set to witness the demolition of 2 skyscrapers, the Supertech twin towers, which will be reduced to rubble today.

India: Nearly 100 metre towers to be demolished by controlled implosion, violated regulations

Noida is a suburb on the outskirts of India's national capital, New Delhi, and within a matter of seconds, it has witnessed the demolition of 2 skyscrapers, the Supertech twin towers. The towers were reduced to rubble today with help of 3700 kg explosives.

India's twin towers demolition: Plumes of dust envelop demolition site

The 10th edition of the national maritime search and rescue exercise 2022 was inaugurated in Chennai. The two-day exercise which will be conducted under the national maritime search and rescue board, is hosted by the Indian coast guard. Defence secretary of India spoke to WION and elaborated the importance of this exercise and the commissioning of INS Vikrant.

India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar talks about INS Vikrant

Team India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan after almost a year when the two sides face off in the 2022 Asia Cup on Sunday.

India Vs Pakistan: Bitter rivals to face off in Dubai

Palki Sharma brings you an exclusive interview with Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, talking about his new book 'The Avoidable War', China-Taiwan situation, India's border standoff with China and much more.

Global Leadership Series: Kevin Rudd on India's border standoff with China

2 Skyscrapers near India's capital to be demolished

India: Supertech towers in Noida gets razed in controlled explosion

india

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