Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Jesus was single, says the Church of England as it vouches inclusivity for the unmarried, US President Joe Biden to recall Ireland trip while interacting with children at the White House, Shirdi temple authorities deny shutdown report, Moscow decreases Petroleum discount for India.

Jesus was single: Church of England; Biden struggles to recall Ireland trip | Trending on WION

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday once again called upon Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to unitedly fight terrorism and eliminate the menace in all its forms.

Indian defence minister at SCO meet, 'We should unitedly fight terrorism'

Out of food, out of water As Sudan’s army and the RSF fight for power, We take you inside daring rescue missions in Sudan. Watch how Operation Kaveri is unfolding and brining stranded Indians back home.

Sudan in strife: Factions and evacuations | WION Wideangle

<p>Bangladesh Army Chief General, SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, paid his respects to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at National War Memorial in Delhi on Thursday.</p>

<p>During his visit, he met his Indian counterpart Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, on Thursday, and discussed ways to strengthen the defence cooperation between India and Bangladesh. An implementing arrangement for the training of Peacekeepers deployed in United Nations #Peacekeeping operations was also signed in the presence of both Chiefs.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BangladeshArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BangladeshArmy</a>, laid a wreath at National War Memorial <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NWM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NWM</a> &amp; received a Guard of Honour at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthBlock?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthBlock</a>. The General Officer is on a three-day visit to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaBangladeshFriendship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaBangladeshFriendship</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://t.co/BsETy1HP4Q">pic.twitter.com/BsETy1HP4Q</a></p>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1651490834343231491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army), took to Twitter and stated, "General Manoj Pande #COAS extended a warm welcome to General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed #COAS, #Bangladesh Army and discussed ways to further strengthen the #DefenceCooperation between the two Armies."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">General Manoj Pande <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a> extended a warm welcome to General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> Army and discussed ways to further strengthen the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DefenceCooperation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DefenceCooperation</a> between the two Armies. 1/2<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaBangladeshFriendship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaBangladeshFriendship</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://t.co/UwrTnyfbnx">pic.twitter.com/UwrTnyfbnx</a></p>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1651492107075604480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Bangladesh Army Chief General, SM Shafiuddin Ahmed receives a Guard of Honour&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>General Ahmed, who is on a three-day visit to India from 27 April to 29 April 2023, was accorded a Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns after which he also called on General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff.</p>

<p>Both the Army Chiefs discussed various issues related to training, anti-terrorism collaboration and overall bilateral cooperation as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.</p>

<p>India and Bangladesh share the historical legacy of cooperation and support during the Liberation War of 1971. &nbsp;The active engagement on the defence side includes high-level exchanges at the level of service chiefs, the conduct of the inaugural annual defence dialogues by the defence Secretaries, Tri-services and Service-specific Staff Talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Bangladesh Army Chief to be Reviewing Officer for Passing Out Parade</strong></p>

<p>Bangladesh Army Chief is the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade at Officers Training Academy (OTA), in Chennai, India, scheduled on 29 April 2023. &nbsp;He will visit the Officers Training Academy Museum and interact with the cadets of the passing out course.</p>

<p><em><strong>(With agency inputs)</strong></em></p>

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Bangladesh Army Chief General, SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, paid his respects to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at National War Memorial in Delhi on Thursday.

Bangladesh Army Chief General, SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, paid his respects to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at National War Memorial in Delhi on Thursday. During his visit, he met his Indian counterpart Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, on Thursday, and discussed ways to strengthen the defence cooperation between India and Bangladesh. An implementing arrangement for the training of Peacekeepers deployed in United Nations #Peacekeeping operations was also signed in the presence of both Chiefs. General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff #COAS, #BangladeshArmy, laid a wreath at National War Memorial #NWM & received a Guard of Honour at the #SouthBlock. The General Officer is on a three-day visit to #India.#IndiaBangladeshFriendship#IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/BsETy1HP4Q — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 27, 2023 × The Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army), took to Twitter and stated, "General Manoj Pande #COAS extended a warm welcome to General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed #COAS, #Bangladesh Army and discussed ways to further strengthen the #DefenceCooperation between the two Armies." General Manoj Pande #COAS extended a warm welcome to General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed #COAS, #Bangladesh Army and discussed ways to further strengthen the #DefenceCooperation between the two Armies. 1/2#IndiaBangladeshFriendship#IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/UwrTnyfbnx — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 27, 2023 × Bangladesh Army Chief General, SM Shafiuddin Ahmed receives a Guard of Honour General Ahmed, who is on a three-day visit to India from 27 April to 29 April 2023, was accorded a Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns after which he also called on General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff. Both the Army Chiefs discussed various issues related to training, anti-terrorism collaboration and overall bilateral cooperation as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. India and Bangladesh share the historical legacy of cooperation and support during the Liberation War of 1971. The active engagement on the defence side includes high-level exchanges at the level of service chiefs, the conduct of the inaugural annual defence dialogues by the defence Secretaries, Tri-services and Service-specific Staff Talks. Bangladesh Army Chief to be Reviewing Officer for Passing Out Parade Bangladesh Army Chief is the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade at Officers Training Academy (OTA), in Chennai, India, scheduled on 29 April 2023. He will visit the Officers Training Academy Museum and interact with the cadets of the passing out course. (With agency inputs) 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.

Bangladesh Army Chief General pays tribute to war heroes on India visit

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday chaired the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting in New Delhi. Defence Ministers of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan took part in the meeting. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif attended the meeting virtually. The main focus of the meeting is regional security situations and development.

SCO Meet: Focus on regional security issues and regional development

Indian MoS MEA V Muraleedharan thanked Saudi Arabia for evacuation effort from Sudan, while speaking exclusively to WION's Siddhant Sibbal on the ongoing "Operation Kaveri". General Abdullah, the commander and the chief of the King Abdullah air base also speaks to WION. Watch in.

Indian MoS MEA V Muraleedharan thanks Saudi Arabia for evacuation effort from Sudan | WION Exclusive

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Li Shangfu, on Thursday, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting. This will be Li's first visit to Delhi since the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

Rajnath Singh set for bilateral meet with Chinese defence minister ahead of SCO meet

<p>In a disturbing instance, a 30-year-old female architect in Bengaluru jumped off a moving Rapido bike to escape the&nbsp;driver who tried to sexually harass her and take her to the wrong location.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The woman booked a Rapido bike on the evening of April 21 and the driver picked her up at at 11:10 p.m. The rider, who allegedly grabbed her phone under the pretence of confirming the one-time password (OTP), instead of going in the intended direction, began moving in the opposite direction.</p>

<p>According to police, despite the woman raising an alarm and instructing the driver to comply with directions, he remained silent, as reported by India Today.</p>

<p>The woman then took her phone back from the rider and noticed he was intoxicated. In retaliation, the rider snatched the phone back&nbsp;and increased the speed.&nbsp;The rider also allegedly groped her, according to reports.</p>

<p>The woman told officials that she had to jump from the moving motorbike to save herself. The footage was captured by roadside CCTV cameras.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:&nbsp;This video may&nbsp;contain&nbsp;graphic images&nbsp;disturbing to some viewers.&nbsp;Viewer discretion&nbsp;is advised</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>| Bengaluru, Karnataka: Woman jumps off a moving motorbike after the rapido driver allegedly tried to grope her &amp; snatched her phone<br />
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On 21st April, woman booked a bike to Indiranagar, driver allegedly took her phone on pretext of checking OTP &amp; started driving towards… <a href="https://t.co/bPvdoILMQ2">pic.twitter.com/bPvdoILMQ2</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1651111669106638848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“In our division, this is the first case. Our commissioner called on all cab aggregators, bike taxi services, and food delivery partners to discuss the safety of women and citizens,” DCP Northeast, Laxmi Prasad, said, as per India Today.</p>

<p>Deepak, the accused, has been arrested by police. He has been placed in judicial custody.</p>

<p>A case has been registered under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 366 (kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-vermont-school-deletes-male-female-terms-from-reproductive-system-lessons-586376">'Person who produces sperm': US school deletes 'male', 'female' terms from reproductive system lessons</a></p>

<h2><strong>Journalist molested in Uber auto last month</strong></h2>

<p>Just last month, the chairperson&nbsp;of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Swati Maliwal, stated that a notice has been sent to Uber India and the Delhi Police in connection with the molestation of a female journalist in an Uber taxi in Delhi.</p>

<p>Maliwal in a tweet said, "Notice has been issued to Uber India and Delhi Police over the unfortunate incident of molestation of a female journalist in an Uber Auto in Delhi. Information has also been sought about the steps taken by Uber for the safety of women."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-netizens-and-politicians-slam-german-magazine-for-racist-cartoon-586357">Indian netizens and politicians slam German magazine for 'racist' cartoon</a></p>

<p>Speaking to ANI, the victim woman said, "I was going to my friend's place in Malviya Nagar and I got into an auto from NFC. I booked the auto via Uber. I was alone in the auto. Since I was listening to music, initially I did not understand what was happening. After some time I realised that the auto driver was staring at me in the left side mirror. My breasts were visible in the mirror and he was looking at me. I became uncomfortable and shifted towards my right. However, he changed his position and started looking at me in the right-side mirror."&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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In a disturbing instance, a 30-year-old female architect in Bengaluru jumped off a moving Rapido bike to escape the driver who tried to sexually harass her and take her to the wrong location.

In a disturbing instance, a 30-year-old female architect in Bengaluru jumped off a moving Rapido bike to escape the driver who tried to sexually harass her and take her to the wrong location. The woman booked a Rapido bike on the evening of April 21 and the driver picked her up at at 11:10 p.m. The rider, who allegedly grabbed her phone under the pretence of confirming the one-time password (OTP), instead of going in the intended direction, began moving in the opposite direction. According to police, despite the woman raising an alarm and instructing the driver to comply with directions, he remained silent, as reported by India Today. The woman then took her phone back from the rider and noticed he was intoxicated. In retaliation, the rider snatched the phone back and increased the speed. The rider also allegedly groped her, according to reports. The woman told officials that she had to jump from the moving motorbike to save herself. The footage was captured by roadside CCTV cameras. Disclaimer: This video may contain graphic images disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised #WATCH| Bengaluru, Karnataka: Woman jumps off a moving motorbike after the rapido driver allegedly tried to grope her & snatched her phone On 21st April, woman booked a bike to Indiranagar, driver allegedly took her phone on pretext of checking OTP & started driving towards… pic.twitter.com/bPvdoILMQ2 — ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2023 × “In our division, this is the first case. Our commissioner called on all cab aggregators, bike taxi services, and food delivery partners to discuss the safety of women and citizens,” DCP Northeast, Laxmi Prasad, said, as per India Today. Deepak, the accused, has been arrested by police. He has been placed in judicial custody. A case has been registered under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 366 (kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). ALSO READ | 'Person who produces sperm': US school deletes 'male', 'female' terms from reproductive system lessons Journalist molested in Uber auto last month Just last month, the chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Swati Maliwal, stated that a notice has been sent to Uber India and the Delhi Police in connection with the molestation of a female journalist in an Uber taxi in Delhi. Maliwal in a tweet said, "Notice has been issued to Uber India and Delhi Police over the unfortunate incident of molestation of a female journalist in an Uber Auto in Delhi. Information has also been sought about the steps taken by Uber for the safety of women." ALSO READ | Indian netizens and politicians slam German magazine for 'racist' cartoon Speaking to ANI, the victim woman said, "I was going to my friend's place in Malviya Nagar and I got into an auto from NFC. I booked the auto via Uber. I was alone in the auto. Since I was listening to music, initially I did not understand what was happening. After some time I realised that the auto driver was staring at me in the left side mirror. My breasts were visible in the mirror and he was looking at me. I became uncomfortable and shifted towards my right. However, he changed his position and started looking at me in the right-side mirror." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Shocking! Bengaluru woman jumps off moving Rapido bike after driver gropes her; video surfaces

WhatsApp - a popular messaging app - that most of us use daily. The company has announced a new feature that will allow users to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones.

Are you a WhatsApp user? New WhatsApp feature coming soon | Tech News | WION Pulse

<p>India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries have taken steps towards resuming their negotiations for a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) during a meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday. The EFTA is a regional trade organisation comprising four European states - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.</p>

<p>The meeting was attended by India's trade minister, Piyush Goyal, along with the Minister of Trade and Industry of Norway, Jan Christian Vestre; Swiss State Secretary at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda; Permanent Secretary of State of Iceland at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Martin Eyjólfsson; Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein to EFTA, WTO, and the UN in Geneva, Kurt Jäger; and Secretary-General of the EFTA, Henri Gétaz.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Switzerland Envoy Heckner backs strong trade, political ties with India</strong></p>

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<p>According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, both sides acknowledged the challenges posed by the "current global economic and trade environment" and recognised the need to address the bilateral trade and economic partnership issues in a "constructive and pragmatic manner".</p>

<p>The statement further added that both sides agreed to continue their efforts to resolve all "outstanding issues and work towards deepening and strengthening the economic partnership, while contributing to a more inclusive global trading system."</p>

<p>The resumption of trade talks between India and the EFTA countries is expected to boost trade ties between the two sides. India has been seeking to strengthen its economic relations with EFTA countries, as it seeks to diversify its export markets.</p>

<p>The EFTA countries, on the other hand, are looking to expand their presence in the fast-growing Indian market. New Delhi is in talks for a trade pact with EU, UK, Israel among others already.</p>

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India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries have taken steps towards resuming their negotiations for a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) during a meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday.

India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries have taken steps towards resuming their negotiations for a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) during a meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday. The EFTA is a regional trade organisation comprising four European states - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The meeting was attended by India's trade minister, Piyush Goyal, along with the Minister of Trade and Industry of Norway, Jan Christian Vestre; Swiss State Secretary at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda; Permanent Secretary of State of Iceland at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Martin Eyjólfsson; Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein to EFTA, WTO, and the UN in Geneva, Kurt Jäger; and Secretary-General of the EFTA, Henri Gétaz. ALSO WATCH | Switzerland Envoy Heckner backs strong trade, political ties with India × According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, both sides acknowledged the challenges posed by the "current global economic and trade environment" and recognised the need to address the bilateral trade and economic partnership issues in a "constructive and pragmatic manner". The statement further added that both sides agreed to continue their efforts to resolve all "outstanding issues and work towards deepening and strengthening the economic partnership, while contributing to a more inclusive global trading system." The resumption of trade talks between India and the EFTA countries is expected to boost trade ties between the two sides. India has been seeking to strengthen its economic relations with EFTA countries, as it seeks to diversify its export markets. The EFTA countries, on the other hand, are looking to expand their presence in the fast-growing Indian market. New Delhi is in talks for a trade pact with EU, UK, Israel among others already. 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 and EFTA countries plan to resume trade talks

The Central Railway (CR) has identified flood-prone areas where microtunneling work will be carried out to prevent flooding of tracks during monsoon season. The decision was taken following the success of the technique at Masjid and Sandhurst Road.

Central railways to conduct Microtunneling to prevent flooding of tracks during monsoon

The Chinese and Russian defence ministers have confirmed their participation in an upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting to be held in Delhi on April 27-28, officials familiar with the development said on Sunday.

SCO meet: Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu to reach India on 28th April

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers Meeting on Friday (28 April) in New Delhi. Defence Ministers of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan will participate in the event. India has also invited Belarus and Iran, currently observers in SCO, to participate in the meeting. Defence Minister of Pakistan would be participating virtually.

India to host crucial SCO Defence Ministers meeting this week

Amid a strained relationship between India and China, the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu will hold Bilateral meetings in Delhi on Thursday.

India-China to hold bilaterals: India and Chinese defence ministers to meet in Delhi

The Indian government is continuing its efforts to evacuate citizens trapped in Sudan. Under operation Kaveri, the first flight of 360 evacuees from Sudan arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday. Till now, five batches of Indians trapped in Sudan have been evacuated. The fifth batch left from port Sudan and is on its way to Jeddah.

Operation Kaveri: First batch of 360 evacuees from Sudan arrive in India

Another IAF C-130J flight under Operation Kaveri arrived at Jeddah with 128 Indians. The Indian Nationals reached Saudi Arabia's Jeddah. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan received the Indian nationals in Jeddah. This is the sixth batch of Indians to be evacuated from Sudan.

Operation Kaveri: Incredible Indian Evacuation from Sudan to Saudi Arabia

<p>Indian Supreme Court on 27 April continued the 6th day of hearing before the Constitution Bench to decide on the legality of same-sex marriages in the country. During the hearing, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud made a profound argument saying that there is no bar in Indian legislation from having any form of ceremony and therefore, the larger question is about legal recognition of the marriage.</p>

<p>"In other words, suppose a same sex couple says that we're inviting a group of 25 friends and we will have a marriage ceremony. In law, there is no prohibition. You also agreed to that. Somebody may have reception, ceremony," CJI Chandrachud said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bench comprised Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, S Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli, and PS Narasimha.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-fox-news-host-tucker-carlson-takes-dig-at-us-media-586500">Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson takes dig at US media</a></p>

<p>Upon CJI's argument, Justice Kohli submitted, "What you're saying is that there could be a right to cohabit and give it a name of relationship which is sanctified but that will have no obligations on state to recognise it statutorily."</p>

<p>CJI DY Chandrachud urged Justice Kohli to go step by step on the argument. "Once you recognise that there is a right to cohabit, then it is the obligation of the state that all social impact of cohabitation has legal recognition."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The arguments also centered briefly around the notice provision in marriages in general. For context, the Supreme Court on 20 April said the Special Marriage Act's requirements for a 30-day advance notification of desire to marry were deemed to be deeply patriarchal and to subject vulnerable couples to societal "invasion."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/argentina-moves-away-from-us-dollar-for-trade-in-chinese-currency-586465">Argentina moves away from US dollar for trade in Chinese currency</a></p>

<p>"Just that matter about notice provision. That is capable of being handled by any other bench. Issue applies equally to heterosexual &amp; same sex couples," CJI said Thursday.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Gemini Sankaran, pioneer of Indian Circus dies at age of 99 in Kerala's Kannur</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Incestuous relationships argument by SG Tushar Mehta&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Solicitor General Tushar Mehta arguing in favour of the Indian government said that if same-sex marriages are provided a legal status petitioners' arguments could one day be raised to defend incestuous relationships.</p>

<p>"Visualise a situation, when a person is attracted to those persons who are mentioned in prohibited relationships. Incest not uncommon in the world and world over it is prohibited...Suppose a person is attracted to his sister, can they say we are consenting adults, we're entering into activities privately and we claim our right of autonomy, choice. Based on that very argument can someone not challenge this definition (of prohibited degrees)? Why this restriction? Who are you to decide with whom?" SG said in the court during the hearing.</p>

<p>Responding over this Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud remarked, "That will be far-fetched." "We used to treat even this as far-fetched," the SG replied.</p>

<p>CJI said, "Sexual orientation or your autonomy as an individual can never be exercised in all aspects of marriage including the entry into marriage, the prohibited relationships, the grounds on which marriage can be dissolved...these are all subject to regulation by law. So these are very far fetched for anybody to even argue before us that orientation is so absolute that I can therefore commit an act of incest. No court will ever countenance this."</p>

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Indian Supreme Court on 27 April continued the 6th day of hearing before the Constitution Bench to decide on the legality of same-sex marriages in the country. During the hearing, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud made a profound argument saying that there is no bar in Indian legislation from having any form of ceremony and therefore, the larger question is about legal recognition of the marriage.

Indian Supreme Court on 27 April continued the 6th day of hearing before the Constitution Bench to decide on the legality of same-sex marriages in the country. During the hearing, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud made a profound argument saying that there is no bar in Indian legislation from having any form of ceremony and therefore, the larger question is about legal recognition of the marriage. "In other words, suppose a same sex couple says that we're inviting a group of 25 friends and we will have a marriage ceremony. In law, there is no prohibition. You also agreed to that. Somebody may have reception, ceremony," CJI Chandrachud said. The bench comprised Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, S Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli, and PS Narasimha. Also Read | Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson takes dig at US media Upon CJI's argument, Justice Kohli submitted, "What you're saying is that there could be a right to cohabit and give it a name of relationship which is sanctified but that will have no obligations on state to recognise it statutorily." CJI DY Chandrachud urged Justice Kohli to go step by step on the argument. "Once you recognise that there is a right to cohabit, then it is the obligation of the state that all social impact of cohabitation has legal recognition." The arguments also centered briefly around the notice provision in marriages in general. For context, the Supreme Court on 20 April said the Special Marriage Act's requirements for a 30-day advance notification of desire to marry were deemed to be deeply patriarchal and to subject vulnerable couples to societal "invasion." Also Read | Argentina moves away from US dollar for trade in Chinese currency "Just that matter about notice provision. That is capable of being handled by any other bench. Issue applies equally to heterosexual & same sex couples," CJI said Thursday. Watch | Gemini Sankaran, pioneer of Indian Circus dies at age of 99 in Kerala's Kannur × Incestuous relationships argument by SG Tushar Mehta Solicitor General Tushar Mehta arguing in favour of the Indian government said that if same-sex marriages are provided a legal status petitioners' arguments could one day be raised to defend incestuous relationships. "Visualise a situation, when a person is attracted to those persons who are mentioned in prohibited relationships. Incest not uncommon in the world and world over it is prohibited...Suppose a person is attracted to his sister, can they say we are consenting adults, we're entering into activities privately and we claim our right of autonomy, choice. Based on that very argument can someone not challenge this definition (of prohibited degrees)? Why this restriction? Who are you to decide with whom?" SG said in the court during the hearing. Responding over this Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud remarked, "That will be far-fetched." "We used to treat even this as far-fetched," the SG replied. CJI said, "Sexual orientation or your autonomy as an individual can never be exercised in all aspects of marriage including the entry into marriage, the prohibited relationships, the grounds on which marriage can be dissolved...these are all subject to regulation by law. So these are very far fetched for anybody to even argue before us that orientation is so absolute that I can therefore commit an act of incest. No court will ever countenance this." 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.

Same-sex marriage in India: CJI Chandrachud says 'no bar in our law to having any form of ceremony'

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<p>The Supreme Court heard arguments on Day 5 of several petitions on Wednesday that called for marriage equality, or the right of non-heterosexual couples to be married while enjoying the same rights as heterosexual unions. The petitioners have so far presented evidence to the court in support of marriage equality, arguing for the right to equality as well as a number of other problems, such as the importance of family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This afternoon, the court started hearing the government's arguments. Last week, the government attempted to dismiss the petitioners' demands as a "urban, elitist" notion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here is a round-up of all the arguments from today:</strong></p>

<p>1. 'Right to marry can't mean compelling the State to create a new definition of marriage. Parliament can do but it's not an absolute right. My appeal is to rather than taking this any further, this is a subject that should be left to the choice of parliament' - Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Centre.</p>

<p>2.&nbsp;'Elite argument can be set aside. Matter of prejudice. Does not determine how we rule on a constitutional issue' - Chief Justice DY Chandrachud</p>

<p>3. 'LGBTQ couples will come to courts with claims, as these issues (pension, other benefits and obligations that flow from marriage) arise, just as heterosexual couples have, from the time codification of matrimonial laws began. We are no different, and we ask for the right to not be different' - Advocate Arundhati Katju for petitioners.</p>

<p>4. 'Your Lordships should not presume any difficulty which arises for LGBTQ couples. Union says such couples would play havoc with personal laws. But we are part of our community and our society' - Advocate Nundy for petitioners.&nbsp;</p>

<p>5. 'Let us be blessed just as heterosexual couples are...Not elite at all. So many people have called me...from Hissar, Chhattisgarh, Surat...Let the union bless us just as they do any other couple' - Advocate Nundy for petitioners.</p>

<p>6.&nbsp;'There is no absolute right to marry. Law prescribes when to marry by prescribing age. Law prescribes who not to marry, how to separate is also legislatively regulated' - Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Centre.</p>

<p>7.&nbsp;'Children, orphans... have right to have a family. Exclusion of same gender couples and transgender persons defeats very purpose of adoption, which is to provide a stable, loving family. Is it in the best interest of the child to not have a relationship with their second parent? Petitioners are part of historically oppressed minority... deserve as much dignity &amp; protection as opposite sex couple' - Advocate Amritananda Chakravorty for petitioners.</p>

<p>8.&nbsp;'Even the prayers of the petitioners are extremely vague. Societal acceptance is needed for recognition of a union and this has to be through the parliament. and if it is done by the court then it is detrimental to the LGBTQI since you are forcing something against the will of the people. We cannot forget the historical background which led to the institution of marriage' - Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Centre.</p>

<p>9.&nbsp;'Parliament was aware of lesbian and gay people [while constituting Special Marriage Act]. Select committee in fact used the word parties instead of 'man' &amp; 'woman'. After heated debate, amendment was brought to introduce different ages for men &amp; women' - Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Centre.</p>

<p>10. 'Special Marriage Act was intended to be religion-neutral, idea was to create a forum for people to marry outside their faith' - CJI DY Chandrachud.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The Supreme Court heard arguments on Day 5 of several petitions on Wednesday that called for marriage equality, or the right of non-heterosexual couples to be married while enjoying the same rights as heterosexual unions.

The Supreme Court heard arguments on Day 5 of several petitions on Wednesday that called for marriage equality, or the right of non-heterosexual couples to be married while enjoying the same rights as heterosexual unions. The petitioners have so far presented evidence to the court in support of marriage equality, arguing for the right to equality as well as a number of other problems, such as the importance of family. This afternoon, the court started hearing the government's arguments. Last week, the government attempted to dismiss the petitioners' demands as a "urban, elitist" notion. Here is a round-up of all the arguments from today: 1. 'Right to marry can't mean compelling the State to create a new definition of marriage. Parliament can do but it's not an absolute right. My appeal is to rather than taking this any further, this is a subject that should be left to the choice of parliament' - Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Centre. 2. 'Elite argument can be set aside. Matter of prejudice. Does not determine how we rule on a constitutional issue' - Chief Justice DY Chandrachud 3. 'LGBTQ couples will come to courts with claims, as these issues (pension, other benefits and obligations that flow from marriage) arise, just as heterosexual couples have, from the time codification of matrimonial laws began. We are no different, and we ask for the right to not be different' - Advocate Arundhati Katju for petitioners. 4. 'Your Lordships should not presume any difficulty which arises for LGBTQ couples. Union says such couples would play havoc with personal laws. But we are part of our community and our society' - Advocate Nundy for petitioners. 5. 'Let us be blessed just as heterosexual couples are...Not elite at all. So many people have called me...from Hissar, Chhattisgarh, Surat...Let the union bless us just as they do any other couple' - Advocate Nundy for petitioners. 6. 'There is no absolute right to marry. Law prescribes when to marry by prescribing age. Law prescribes who not to marry, how to separate is also legislatively regulated' - Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Centre. 7. 'Children, orphans... have right to have a family. Exclusion of same gender couples and transgender persons defeats very purpose of adoption, which is to provide a stable, loving family. Is it in the best interest of the child to not have a relationship with their second parent? Petitioners are part of historically oppressed minority... deserve as much dignity & protection as opposite sex couple' - Advocate Amritananda Chakravorty for petitioners. 8. 'Even the prayers of the petitioners are extremely vague. Societal acceptance is needed for recognition of a union and this has to be through the parliament. and if it is done by the court then it is detrimental to the LGBTQI since you are forcing something against the will of the people. We cannot forget the historical background which led to the institution of marriage' - Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Centre. 9. 'Parliament was aware of lesbian and gay people [while constituting Special Marriage Act]. Select committee in fact used the word parties instead of 'man' & 'woman'. After heated debate, amendment was brought to introduce different ages for men & women' - Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Centre. 10. 'Special Marriage Act was intended to be religion-neutral, idea was to create a forum for people to marry outside their faith' - CJI DY Chandrachud. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Same-sex marriage hearing in Supreme Court​​​​​​ round-up | Top 10 things said in court on day 5

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