<p>Akasa Air plans to hire about 1,000 additional employees, bringing the total number of staff to over 3,000 by the end of March 2024. Vinay Dube, the CEO of the seven-month-old airline, which began operations in August 2022, stated in an interview with PTI that by the end of 2023, the airline will also begin operating on new routes and will introduce international flights.</p>

<p>By the end of the year, a "three-digit aircraft order," according to Dube, will be placed. Akasa Air is expanding its fleet to include 72 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, which are expected to be delivered by early 2027, in addition to the 19 Boeing 737 Max aircraft that are already in operation.</p>

<p>The airline will increase its fleet size to 28 aircraft during the upcoming fiscal year. Dube&nbsp;emphasised that the company prioritises steady growth rather than "growth for the sake of growth," and that by the end of the summer, the airline will increase its daily flight operations from the current 110 (on 17 domestic routes) to 150.</p>

<p>By the end of the following fiscal year, the current 2,000-person workforce will increase to 3,000, Dube projected, and comprise 1,100 pilots and flight attendants. For planes that are set to begin flying in three months, the airline always makes advance hirings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CEO stated that the airline's three main objectives are to provide employees and customers with sustained levels of satisfaction and to do so with a stable price structure. This is made possible by the fact that the organisation, which calls itself as "India's most dependable airline," is not vying for top positions in the aviation industry or market influence.</p>

<p>He added&nbsp;that the airline was focusing on&nbsp;countries&nbsp;both in the east and west. "... we may want to fly to X cities, and there may be traffic rights available for that country, but in that particular airport, you may not have slots. All these permutations and combinations are being worked on right now,” he told PTI.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Akasa Air plans to hire about 1,000 additional employees, bringing the total number of staff to over 3,000 by the end of March 2024. Vinay Dube, the CEO of the seven-month-old airline, which began operations in August 2022, stated in an interview with PTI that by the end of 2023, the airline will also begin operating on new routes and will introduce international flights.

Akasa Air plans to hire about 1,000 additional employees, bringing the total number of staff to over 3,000 by the end of March 2024. Vinay Dube, the CEO of the seven-month-old airline, which began operations in August 2022, stated in an interview with PTI that by the end of 2023, the airline will also begin operating on new routes and will introduce international flights. By the end of the year, a "three-digit aircraft order," according to Dube, will be placed. Akasa Air is expanding its fleet to include 72 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, which are expected to be delivered by early 2027, in addition to the 19 Boeing 737 Max aircraft that are already in operation. The airline will increase its fleet size to 28 aircraft during the upcoming fiscal year. Dube emphasised that the company prioritises steady growth rather than "growth for the sake of growth," and that by the end of the summer, the airline will increase its daily flight operations from the current 110 (on 17 domestic routes) to 150. By the end of the following fiscal year, the current 2,000-person workforce will increase to 3,000, Dube projected, and comprise 1,100 pilots and flight attendants. For planes that are set to begin flying in three months, the airline always makes advance hirings. The CEO stated that the airline's three main objectives are to provide employees and customers with sustained levels of satisfaction and to do so with a stable price structure. This is made possible by the fact that the organisation, which calls itself as "India's most dependable airline," is not vying for top positions in the aviation industry or market influence. He added that the airline was focusing on countries both in the east and west. "... we may want to fly to X cities, and there may be traffic rights available for that country, but in that particular airport, you may not have slots. All these permutations and combinations are being worked on right now,” he told PTI. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Akasa Air plans to go international, increase daily flight operations from 110 to 150

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 laid foundation stones and inaugurated 28 development projects worth over Rs 1,780 crore in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi. One of the most anticipated ones is the passenger ropeway project. Watch this to know more.

India to be the 3rd country in the world to get its first public ropeway

<p>Latest Data from the&nbsp;health ministry has stated that India recorded&nbsp;more than 1,500 new cases of Covid, the highest figure&nbsp;in 146 days. According to the statistics, there were 1,590 new Covid infections logged, whereas 910 recoveries were noted over the course of the previous 24 hours. There are now 8,601 active cases in India.</p>

<p>The number of fatalities increased to 5,30,824 with the addition of six more deaths, three of which were reported from Maharashtra and one each from Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. The weekly positivity was 1.23 per cent and the daily positivity was 1.33 per cent for the same time period. The total number of Covid cases in India has increased to 4,47,02,257, with active cases making up 0.02 per cent of the total caseload, as reported by PTI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-prime-minister-modi-flags-rising-covid-cases-amid-spike-in-infection-574742">India's Prime Minister Modi flags rising Covid cases, urges people to take precautions</a></p>

<p>The data revealed that the national Covid recovery rate was 98.79 per cent, with recoveries reaching 4,41,62,832. The reported case fatality rate was 1.19 per cent.</p>

<p>The health ministry also reported that 220.65 crore vaccination doses have already been administered.</p>

<p>On March 22, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the recent rise in Covid cases and urged increased lab monitoring and genome sequencing. As per the&nbsp;Press Trust of India, PM Modi emphasised the importance of adhering to COVID-appropriate behaviour and personal hygiene norms.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs rom agencies)</em></p>

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Latest Data from the health ministry has stated that India recorded more than 1,500 new cases of Covid, the highest figure in 146 days. According to the statistics, there were 1,590 new Covid infections logged, whereas 910 recoveries were noted over the course of the previous 24 hours.

Latest Data from the health ministry has stated that India recorded more than 1,500 new cases of Covid, the highest figure in 146 days. According to the statistics, there were 1,590 new Covid infections logged, whereas 910 recoveries were noted over the course of the previous 24 hours. There are now 8,601 active cases in India. The number of fatalities increased to 5,30,824 with the addition of six more deaths, three of which were reported from Maharashtra and one each from Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. The weekly positivity was 1.23 per cent and the daily positivity was 1.33 per cent for the same time period. The total number of Covid cases in India has increased to 4,47,02,257, with active cases making up 0.02 per cent of the total caseload, as reported by PTI. ALSO READ | India's Prime Minister Modi flags rising Covid cases, urges people to take precautions The data revealed that the national Covid recovery rate was 98.79 per cent, with recoveries reaching 4,41,62,832. The reported case fatality rate was 1.19 per cent. The health ministry also reported that 220.65 crore vaccination doses have already been administered. On March 22, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the recent rise in Covid cases and urged increased lab monitoring and genome sequencing. As per the Press Trust of India, PM Modi emphasised the importance of adhering to COVID-appropriate behaviour and personal hygiene norms. (With inputs rom agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Covid cases reach highest in 146 days, over 1,500 fresh infections recorded

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, conducted his first press conference since being disqualified from the Lok Sabha this afternoon. The news conference started at 1 p.m. Gandhi lost his MP designation on Thursday after a Gujarat court found him guilty of criminal defamation and sentenced him to two years in prison.

India: Rahul Gandhi addresses press conference a day after removal as MP, says 'not scared of jail'

<p dir="ltr">After bagging a $375mn order last year to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines Marine Corps, Indo-Russian firm BrahMos Aerospace is now in serious talks to sell the missile to nations in SouthEast Asia and Middle East, the firm's CEO told WION. Atul Dinkar Rane said that Indonesia was among the South East Asian countries with which deliberations were underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Rane was in Chennai to unveil the latest version of the indigenous BrahMos missile Checkout equipment manufactured by Indian private firm Data Patterns. In simple terms, the checkout equipment is a sophisticated machine that can perform in-depth diagnostics on the working of all crucial electrical and electronic sub-systems on-board the missile. Once a missile completes a successful checkout, it is declared operational for use in the frontlines.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">"The BrahMos missile is built to last as long as ten years. Annually, the Indian armed forces perform a complete health-check of the BrahMos missile, to ensure it is in perfect condition" he explained. Simply put, similar to how a gadget is connected to a computer, the missile is connected to the checkout equipment and tests are performed on it and detailed reports are obtained.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-planet-has-sand-clouds-and-it-orbits-two-stars-575086">This planet has 'sand' clouds and it orbits two stars</a></p>

<p dir="ltr">Queried about the impact of the Ukraine-Russia war on the Indo-Russian BrahMos supply chain, Rane said that the ongoing Geopolitical situation brings in trouble for any supply chain and the pandemic had also done so. However, he added that these were just small speed breakers and roadblocks and that the Brahmos supply chain is robust. "We have a wonderful order book till 2027....With a few new orders coming we have an order book filled till 2031" he added.</p>

<p dir="ltr">With hypersonic missiles being the buzzword, WION asked if BrahMos Aerospace was also working on that front. Rane said that a few nations were working on hypersonic missiles and that the systems are being tested. On the scenario in India, he said that the India's Government-run defence research lab DRDO and their Russian counterparts are working on developing the related technology. "Once the technology is available, BrahMos will be using it to create a hypersonic missile, we are waiting for that technology to be ready" he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/does-lake-natron-lake-really-turn-animals-into-stone-whats-the-truth-575128">Does Lake Natron lake really turn animals into 'stone'? What's the truth?</a></p>

<p dir="ltr">BrahMos Aerospace is also working on a lighter version of the Brahmos missile, dubbed BrahMos NG (new generation); the missile is undergoing development and could have its maiden test flight by 2024-end, he said.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BrahMos Aerospace was formed as a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia, the company was established in India in the year 1998. The word 'BrahMos' is derived from the names of India's Brahmaputra river and Russia's Moskva river. The firm is responsible for designing, developing, producing and marketing the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile that can be fired from terrestrial, aerial and naval platforms. The missile is regarded as among the best in its class and can fly at speeds of Mach 2.8 or 2.8times the speed of sound.</p>

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After bagging a $375mn order last year to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines Marine Corps, Indo-Russian firm BrahMos Aerospace is now in serious talks to sell the missile to nations in SouthEast Asia and Middle East, the firm's CEO told WION.

After bagging a $375mn order last year to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines Marine Corps, Indo-Russian firm BrahMos Aerospace is now in serious talks to sell the missile to nations in SouthEast Asia and Middle East, the firm's CEO told WION. Atul Dinkar Rane said that Indonesia was among the South East Asian countries with which deliberations were underway. Rane was in Chennai to unveil the latest version of the indigenous BrahMos missile Checkout equipment manufactured by Indian private firm Data Patterns. In simple terms, the checkout equipment is a sophisticated machine that can perform in-depth diagnostics on the working of all crucial electrical and electronic sub-systems on-board the missile. Once a missile completes a successful checkout, it is declared operational for use in the frontlines. "The BrahMos missile is built to last as long as ten years. Annually, the Indian armed forces perform a complete health-check of the BrahMos missile, to ensure it is in perfect condition" he explained. Simply put, similar to how a gadget is connected to a computer, the missile is connected to the checkout equipment and tests are performed on it and detailed reports are obtained. ALSO READ | This planet has 'sand' clouds and it orbits two stars Queried about the impact of the Ukraine-Russia war on the Indo-Russian BrahMos supply chain, Rane said that the ongoing Geopolitical situation brings in trouble for any supply chain and the pandemic had also done so. However, he added that these were just small speed breakers and roadblocks and that the Brahmos supply chain is robust. "We have a wonderful order book till 2027....With a few new orders coming we have an order book filled till 2031" he added. With hypersonic missiles being the buzzword, WION asked if BrahMos Aerospace was also working on that front. Rane said that a few nations were working on hypersonic missiles and that the systems are being tested. On the scenario in India, he said that the India's Government-run defence research lab DRDO and their Russian counterparts are working on developing the related technology. "Once the technology is available, BrahMos will be using it to create a hypersonic missile, we are waiting for that technology to be ready" he said. ALSO READ | Does Lake Natron lake really turn animals into 'stone'? What's the truth? BrahMos Aerospace is also working on a lighter version of the Brahmos missile, dubbed BrahMos NG (new generation); the missile is undergoing development and could have its maiden test flight by 2024-end, he said. BrahMos Aerospace was formed as a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia, the company was established in India in the year 1998. The word 'BrahMos' is derived from the names of India's Brahmaputra river and Russia's Moskva river. The firm is responsible for designing, developing, producing and marketing the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile that can be fired from terrestrial, aerial and naval platforms. The missile is regarded as among the best in its class and can fly at speeds of Mach 2.8 or 2.8times the speed of sound. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

BrahMos in talks to sell missile to nations in South East Asia, Middle East: CEO Atul Rane

When the first batch of Indo-Russian BrahMos missiles was delivered to the Indian Armed Forces in 2004, the missiles were barely 13 per cent indigenous. Over the last 19 years, Indian defence industries from across the government and private sector have been contributing immensely and the potent supersonic cruise missile now comprises 78 per cent indigenous components, Atul Dinkar Rane, CEO & MD BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited told WION.

WION Exclusive: Atul Rane on Brahmos' Indigenous components

<p>Rosaline Arokia Mary, a chief ticket inspector for Southern Railway, raked in Rs. 1.03 crore&nbsp;(almost US$121K)&nbsp;in fines from unruly or non-ticketed passengers.&nbsp;The Railway Ministry took to Twitter to praise the ticket checker and shared&nbsp;pictures showing&nbsp;Mary collecting fines from passengers and examining tickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The caption of the post read, "Showing resolute commitment to her duties, Smt. Rosaline Arokia Mary, CTI (Chief Ticket Inspector) of @GMSRailway, becomes the first woman on the ticket-checking staff of Indian Railways to collect fines of&nbsp;₹&nbsp;1.03 crore from irregular/non-ticketed travellers."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Showing resolute commitment to her duties, Smt.Rosaline Arokia Mary, CTI (Chief Ticket Inspector) of <a href="https://twitter.com/GMSRailway?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GMSRailway</a>, becomes the first woman on the ticket-checking staff of Indian Railways to collect fines of Rs. 1.03 crore from irregular/non-ticketed travellers. <a href="https://t.co/VxGJcjL9t5">pic.twitter.com/VxGJcjL9t5</a></p>
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RailMinIndia/status/1638449411352084481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajay-banga-tests-covid-positive-upon-arrival-in-india-meeting-with-top-officials-cancelled-575203">Ajay Banga tests Covid positive upon arrival in India, meeting with top officials cancelled</a></p>

<p>The post then&nbsp;went viral and garnered&nbsp;appreciation from all corners.&nbsp;A user wrote, "We need more such challenging and dedicated women to make our Bharath a superpower. Congratulations Rosaline . Keep the tempo rising."</p>

<p>Another user commented, "Rosaline, I am proud to be your friend. Knowing you I am not surprised with your achievement. Shows your dedication, commitment and sincerity to your duties."</p>

<p>A third user wrote, "Congratulations, Ma'am! A job well done!"</p>

<p>There were several other interesting comments, including from a Mumbaikar.</p>

<p>“Mumbai needs the service of Smt. Rosaline Arokia Mary especially at FC ladies during peak hours (both morning and evening). Lot of unauthorised travellers are traveling in ladies FC, very pathetic condition of honest ladies FC travellers. Please send her at Mumbai CENTRAL RLY,” he wrote.</p>

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Rosaline Arokia Mary, a chief ticket inspector for Southern Railway, raked in Rs. 1.03 crore (almost US$121K) in fines from unruly or non-ticketed passengers. The Railway Ministry took to Twitter to praise the ticket checker and shared pictures showing Mary collecting fines from passengers and examining tickets.

Rosaline Arokia Mary, a chief ticket inspector for Southern Railway, raked in Rs. 1.03 crore (almost US$121K) in fines from unruly or non-ticketed passengers. The Railway Ministry took to Twitter to praise the ticket checker and shared pictures showing Mary collecting fines from passengers and examining tickets. The caption of the post read, "Showing resolute commitment to her duties, Smt. Rosaline Arokia Mary, CTI (Chief Ticket Inspector) of @GMSRailway, becomes the first woman on the ticket-checking staff of Indian Railways to collect fines of ₹ 1.03 crore from irregular/non-ticketed travellers." Showing resolute commitment to her duties, Smt.Rosaline Arokia Mary, CTI (Chief Ticket Inspector) of @GMSRailway, becomes the first woman on the ticket-checking staff of Indian Railways to collect fines of Rs. 1.03 crore from irregular/non-ticketed travellers. pic.twitter.com/VxGJcjL9t5 — Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) March 22, 2023 × ALSO READ | Ajay Banga tests Covid positive upon arrival in India, meeting with top officials cancelled The post then went viral and garnered appreciation from all corners. A user wrote, "We need more such challenging and dedicated women to make our Bharath a superpower. Congratulations Rosaline . Keep the tempo rising." Another user commented, "Rosaline, I am proud to be your friend. Knowing you I am not surprised with your achievement. Shows your dedication, commitment and sincerity to your duties." A third user wrote, "Congratulations, Ma'am! A job well done!" There were several other interesting comments, including from a Mumbaikar. “Mumbai needs the service of Smt. Rosaline Arokia Mary especially at FC ladies during peak hours (both morning and evening). Lot of unauthorised travellers are traveling in ladies FC, very pathetic condition of honest ladies FC travellers. Please send her at Mumbai CENTRAL RLY,” he wrote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Meet India’s first female railway ticket inspector to collect over US$121,000 in fines

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified as a Member of Parliament (MP), a day after being convicted in a defamation case and sentenced to two years in jail. Congress officials have described the court order as politically motivated.

Rahul Gandhi disqualified as MP: Opposition up in arms against the Indian govt

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition Congress party, was found guilty of defamation and given a two-year prison sentence by a lower court on Friday. As a result, the Indian parliament has barred Gandhi from serving as a lawmaker.

India's parliament disqualifies opposition leader Rahul Gandhi

<p>A man riding a motorcycle at a speed exceeding 100 kilometres per hour on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway was intercepted by a man in a car. Raghvendra Singh, a champion of traffic and road safety, wanted to give him a helmet and educate him on the value of driving safely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raghvendra Singh, who calls himself the ‘Helmet Man of India’, is quite famous&nbsp;on the internet for his campaign to&nbsp;make&nbsp;people aware of the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bike, reported Zee News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video that has now gone viral,&nbsp;Singh is seen wearing a helmet while driving a car as he signals the man riding a bike&nbsp;sans&nbsp;helmet. Singh tells the man that he has been chasing&nbsp;him for a long time as he was riding without a helmet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the man stops, Kumar hands him a helmet for free and asks him to wear it whenever he is riding a bike. The man then thanks Kumar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-indias-first-female-railway-ticket-inspector-to-amass-over-us121k-in-fines-575150">Meet India’s first female railway ticket inspector to collect over US$121,000 in fines</a></p>

<p>“I do not take my car's speed above 100 kmph, but when a person overtook me on the Lucknow Expressway, I was shocked as&nbsp;his speed was more and he was not wearing a&nbsp; helmet.&nbsp;To give him a safety helmet, I had to drive my car over 100kmph and finally I could finally catch hold of&nbsp;him,” he posted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">अपनी कार की रफ्तार 100 से ऊपर नहीं ले जाता लेकिन लखनऊ एक्सप्रेसवे पर एक व्यक्ति जब मुझे ओवरटेक किया मैं दंग रह गया क्योंकि बिना हेलमेट उसकी रफ्तार हमसे ज्यादा थी. उसे सुरक्षा कवच हेलमेट देने के लिए 100 से ऊपर अपनी गाड़ी को भगाना पड़ा अंत में उसे पकड़ ही लिया. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Helmetman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Helmetman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/BbpYbQ43C7">pic.twitter.com/BbpYbQ43C7</a></p>
— Helmet man of India (@helmet_man_) <a href="https://twitter.com/helmet_man_/status/1635678452912373760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Over 1.1 million people have viewed the post, and many have commented. People lauded the noble gesture&nbsp;and praised Kumar for doing such good work.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is called heartful expression of concern.</p>
— Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTPHereToHelp/status/1635899650564825089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is a great gesture, hope it inspires many.</p>
— Prateek Joshi (@prateekjoshiji) <a href="https://twitter.com/prateekjoshiji/status/1635918399963291650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Respect for you 🙏🏻! road safety awareness is a need of the hour in our country!</p>
— Alok R Singh (@alok15281) <a href="https://twitter.com/alok15281/status/1635951341100220417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajay-banga-tests-covid-positive-upon-arrival-in-india-meeting-with-top-officials-cancelled-575203">Ajay Banga tests Covid positive upon arrival in India, meeting with top officials cancelled</a></p>

<p>According to India Today report, Kumar decided to sell his house in Greater Noida and&nbsp;his wife’s jewellery to distribute helmets for free. He started his campaign after one of his close friends lost his life in a harrowing&nbsp;bike accident.</p>

<p>In 2021, a total number of 4,12,432 road accidents were reported in the country,&nbsp;claiming 1,53,972 lives and causing injuries to 3,84,448 people, as per the&nbsp;<a href="https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/RA_2021_Compressed.pdf ">Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.</a><br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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A man riding a motorcycle at a speed exceeding 100 kilometres per hour on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway was intercepted by a man in a car. Raghvendra Singh, a champion of traffic and road safety, wanted to give him a helmet and educate him on the value of driving safely.

A man riding a motorcycle at a speed exceeding 100 kilometres per hour on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway was intercepted by a man in a car. Raghvendra Singh, a champion of traffic and road safety, wanted to give him a helmet and educate him on the value of driving safely. Raghvendra Singh, who calls himself the ‘Helmet Man of India’, is quite famous on the internet for his campaign to make people aware of the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bike, reported Zee News. In a video that has now gone viral, Singh is seen wearing a helmet while driving a car as he signals the man riding a bike sans helmet. Singh tells the man that he has been chasing him for a long time as he was riding without a helmet. When the man stops, Kumar hands him a helmet for free and asks him to wear it whenever he is riding a bike. The man then thanks Kumar. ALSO READ | Meet India’s first female railway ticket inspector to collect over US$121,000 in fines “I do not take my car's speed above 100 kmph, but when a person overtook me on the Lucknow Expressway, I was shocked as his speed was more and he was not wearing a helmet. To give him a safety helmet, I had to drive my car over 100kmph and finally I could finally catch hold of him,” he posted. अपनी कार की रफ्तार 100 से ऊपर नहीं ले जाता लेकिन लखनऊ एक्सप्रेसवे पर एक व्यक्ति जब मुझे ओवरटेक किया मैं दंग रह गया क्योंकि बिना हेलमेट उसकी रफ्तार हमसे ज्यादा थी. उसे सुरक्षा कवच हेलमेट देने के लिए 100 से ऊपर अपनी गाड़ी को भगाना पड़ा अंत में उसे पकड़ ही लिया. #Helmetman @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/BbpYbQ43C7 — Helmet man of India (@helmet_man_) March 14, 2023 × Over 1.1 million people have viewed the post, and many have commented. People lauded the noble gesture and praised Kumar for doing such good work. This is called heartful expression of concern. — Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) March 15, 2023 × This is a great gesture, hope it inspires many. — Prateek Joshi (@prateekjoshiji) March 15, 2023 × Respect for you 🙏🏻! road safety awareness is a need of the hour in our country! — Alok R Singh (@alok15281) March 15, 2023 × ALSO READ | Ajay Banga tests Covid positive upon arrival in India, meeting with top officials cancelled According to India Today report, Kumar decided to sell his house in Greater Noida and his wife’s jewellery to distribute helmets for free. He started his campaign after one of his close friends lost his life in a harrowing bike accident. In 2021, a total number of 4,12,432 road accidents were reported in the country, claiming 1,53,972 lives and causing injuries to 3,84,448 people, as per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Meet the ‘Helmet man of India’: Road safety crusader who distributes helmets for free

In India's fertile northern, central and western plains unseasonal rains and hailstorms have damaged ripening, winter-planted crops such as wheat. Exposing thousands of farmers to losses and raising the risk of further food price inflation.

Unseasonal rain damages crops in India | WION Climate Tracker

India is all set to become a global leader in AI, says MoS, Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Watch the entire conversation with Vikram Chandra on The India Story

India Story: Decoding India's 'Techade'

The Greece ambassador, Dimitrios Ioannou, expressed his strong belief in the natural alliance between India and Greece, citing the many common features shared by the two countries. He emphasized the importance of increasing trade and cooperation in various fields, particularly in the booming tourism sector. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, 'We are for the UN reform and enlargement of Security Council and a place for India'. Ambassador Ioannou also acknowledged the historical and geographical links between the Indo-Pacific area and the Mediterranean, with Greece serving as a gateway to Europe via the Mediterranean. He expressed his support for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and India's G20 Presidency, noting that it provided a strong voice for the global South.

Greece envoy speaks exclusively to WION

<p>The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) stated in its third supplementary charge sheet filed in connection with the Kingfisher Airlines loan fraud case that a Swiss bank estimated fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's net worth at Rs&nbsp;7,500 crore (almost&nbsp;$1 billion) in August 2017 — highlighting the fact that he had sufficient funds available to repay banks from whom his airline had borrowed money.</p>

<p>The central agency further asserted that the liquor baron created 44 corporations in the United Kingdom, using them to buy and invest in a number of properties across Europe, as reported by the Hindustan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The most recent charge sheet submitted by the CBI before the Mumbai special CBI court last year became available last week. The charge sheet mostly included data that the agency had obtained from the UK, Mauritius, and Switzerland. The charge sheet made reference to a letter from CBH (Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique) Bank, a Swiss bank where Mallya maintained accounts, in which bank officials estimated Mallya's net worth to be about $1 billion (around 7,500 crore in August 2017).</p>

<p>The agency asserts in the supplementary charge sheet that between 2008 and 2014, Mallya had access to sufficient funds. He made numerous commitments to lenders, particularly IDBI Bank, to increase shares in Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KAL), but never followed through.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/exclusive-india-will-be-significant-pole-in-universe-of-artificial-intelligence-says-rajeev-chandrasekhar-574828">EXCLUSIVE: India will be 'significant pole' in universe of artificial intelligence, says Rajeev&nbsp;Chandrasekhar</a></p>

<p>Instead, Kingfisher Airlines allegedly moved nearly US$500 million&nbsp;to its own accounts maintained in the UK under the pretext of covering office and operating costs between 2008 and 2012, according to the CBI's charge sheet. The organisation asserted that the funds were misappropriated and went to Mallya's racing team, Force India Formula 1&nbsp;Team limited.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Rishi Sunak wins post-Brexit trade vote; Johnson fights for his political career</strong></p>

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<p>The charge sheet stated that the money received from Diageo was transferred to these Swiss bank accounts, and eventually to other bank accounts for the benefit of his children. The Swiss government has provided details of the bank accounts held by Mallya through a number of entities that were controlled by him.</p>

<p>As per&nbsp;the CBI, Mallya also set up Continental Administration Services in the British Virgin Islands, and this company was in charge of handling all the money that he had received from different sources and directing it to the family trust and accounts established for his children. Mallya invested 80 crore through this firm to buy a home in the UK and 250 crore to buy one in France.</p>

<p>Mallya fled India in March 2016, and although Indian authorities have been effective in their efforts to extradite him to India from the UK, he has requested refuge there. As a result, he cannot be deported until the government has had a chance to examine his request.</p>

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) stated in its third supplementary charge sheet filed in connection with the Kingfisher Airlines loan fraud case that a Swiss bank estimated fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's net worth at Rs 7,500 crore (almost $1 billion) in August 2017 — highlighting the fact that he had sufficient funds available to repay banks from whom his airline had borrowed money.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) stated in its third supplementary charge sheet filed in connection with the Kingfisher Airlines loan fraud case that a Swiss bank estimated fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's net worth at Rs 7,500 crore (almost $1 billion) in August 2017 — highlighting the fact that he had sufficient funds available to repay banks from whom his airline had borrowed money. The central agency further asserted that the liquor baron created 44 corporations in the United Kingdom, using them to buy and invest in a number of properties across Europe, as reported by the Hindustan Times. The most recent charge sheet submitted by the CBI before the Mumbai special CBI court last year became available last week. The charge sheet mostly included data that the agency had obtained from the UK, Mauritius, and Switzerland. The charge sheet made reference to a letter from CBH (Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique) Bank, a Swiss bank where Mallya maintained accounts, in which bank officials estimated Mallya's net worth to be about $1 billion (around 7,500 crore in August 2017). The agency asserts in the supplementary charge sheet that between 2008 and 2014, Mallya had access to sufficient funds. He made numerous commitments to lenders, particularly IDBI Bank, to increase shares in Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KAL), but never followed through. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE: India will be 'significant pole' in universe of artificial intelligence, says Rajeev Chandrasekhar Instead, Kingfisher Airlines allegedly moved nearly US$500 million to its own accounts maintained in the UK under the pretext of covering office and operating costs between 2008 and 2012, according to the CBI's charge sheet. The organisation asserted that the funds were misappropriated and went to Mallya's racing team, Force India Formula 1 Team limited. ALSO WATCH | Rishi Sunak wins post-Brexit trade vote; Johnson fights for his political career The charge sheet stated that the money received from Diageo was transferred to these Swiss bank accounts, and eventually to other bank accounts for the benefit of his children. The Swiss government has provided details of the bank accounts held by Mallya through a number of entities that were controlled by him. As per the CBI, Mallya also set up Continental Administration Services in the British Virgin Islands, and this company was in charge of handling all the money that he had received from different sources and directing it to the family trust and accounts established for his children. Mallya invested 80 crore through this firm to buy a home in the UK and 250 crore to buy one in France. Mallya fled India in March 2016, and although Indian authorities have been effective in their efforts to extradite him to India from the UK, he has requested refuge there. As a result, he cannot be deported until the government has had a chance to examine his request. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Fugitive business tycoon Vijay Mallya had adequate funds in 2017 to repay bank loans but chose to flee: CBI

Visiting for the first time since US-nominated former MasterCard CEO to lead the World Bank Indian-origin Ajay Banga is returning to his native India today. On his meet, Ajay Banga will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar.

US pick World Bank Chief Ajay Banga to meet India's PM Modi, Finance Minister | World Business Watch

The Greece ambassador, Dimitrios Ioannou, expressed his strong belief in the natural alliance between India and Greece, citing the many common features shared by the two countries. He emphasized the importance of increasing trade and cooperation in various fields, particularly in the booming tourism sector.

Greece envoy Dimitrios Ioannou says, 'India has become global voice for the South'

As per IAF, Russia is unable to deliver vital defence supplies it had committed to India's military. The Indian Air Force added that it is because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Watch this video for all details.

Indian Air Force: Russia cannot meet arms delivery commitments because of the Ukraine war

India now has over 127 global patents for 6G technology, union minister for communications Ashwini Vaishnaw said. In August last year, PM Modi had said that the government is preparing to launch 6G by the end of this decade.

Indian PM Modi unveils 6G test bed

A court in Gujarat's Surat held Indian Congress MP Rahul Gandhi guilty in a 2019 defamation case and sentenced him to two years imprisonment. The court approved Gandhi's bail on a surety of Rs 15,000 and stayed the sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal.

Rahul Gandhi convicted, gets bail in 2019 defamation case | WION Dispatch

The Indian cricket team has lost a home series for the first time in four years. The 21-run defeat to Australia in Chennai means the five-time ODI world champions have dethroned India at the top of the world rankings. With the world cup a little over six months away, it raises some serious questions for Rohit Sharma's side.

Can India win the 2023 ODI world cup?

<p>India and the UK have a strong partnership that is driven by close, personal ties, said&nbsp;UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly while adding that the violence directed against the staff at the Indian High Commission in London is unacceptable, and the UK government will make sure that there is proper security there as well as at all other foreign embassies in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The assurance comes after pro-Khalistani organisations protested outside the Indian high commission in London for hours on Wednesday, throwing water bottles and smoke flares at the main entrance of the high commission, reported the PTI news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the removal of the Indian flag from the Indian High Commission by Khalistani supporters on Sunday, the situation has turned tense as Amritpal Singh, a separatist and advocate of Khalistan, is the target of a widespread crackdown&nbsp;across the Indian state of Punjab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In retaliation, India on Wednesday lowered the level of security in front of the British high commission and the envoy's residence in New Delhi.<br />
<br />
Mahesh Jethmalani, a member of the Rajya Sabha, praised India for taking a firm stance and stated:&nbsp;“GOIs response to the tricolour desecration in London by downgrading security at the UK High Commission here reflects the outrage of all Indians. Most heartening is the clear message by the Sikh community worldwide that #Khalistan is the pipe dream of an ISI funded fringe.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-amritpal-singh-the-sikh-man-from-indian-state-of-punjab-dubbed-as-bhindranwale-20-566842">Who is Amritpal Singh, the radical Sikh leader from Indian state of Punjab dubbed as 'Bhindranwale 2.0'?</a></p>

<p>The British foreign secretary promised increased protection, saying,&nbsp;“We are working with the Metropolitan Police to review security at the Indian High Commission, and will make the changes needed to ensure the safety of its staff as we did for today’s demonstration. We will always take the security of the High Commission, and all foreign missions in the UK, extremely seriously, and prevent and robustly respond to incidents such as this.”</p>

<p>India made a stern protest with the most senior British embassy officials in India following the tricolour incident, requesting the arrest of the perpetrators. On Wednesday, the country's much bigger flag was seen flying over the consulate in London.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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India and the UK have a strong partnership that is driven by close, personal ties, said UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly while adding that the violence directed against the staff at the Indian High Commission in London is unacceptable, and the UK government will make sure that there is proper security there as well as at all other foreign embassies in the country.

India and the UK have a strong partnership that is driven by close, personal ties, said UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly while adding that the violence directed against the staff at the Indian High Commission in London is unacceptable, and the UK government will make sure that there is proper security there as well as at all other foreign embassies in the country. The assurance comes after pro-Khalistani organisations protested outside the Indian high commission in London for hours on Wednesday, throwing water bottles and smoke flares at the main entrance of the high commission, reported the PTI news agency. Following the removal of the Indian flag from the Indian High Commission by Khalistani supporters on Sunday, the situation has turned tense as Amritpal Singh, a separatist and advocate of Khalistan, is the target of a widespread crackdown across the Indian state of Punjab. In retaliation, India on Wednesday lowered the level of security in front of the British high commission and the envoy's residence in New Delhi. Mahesh Jethmalani, a member of the Rajya Sabha, praised India for taking a firm stance and stated: “GOIs response to the tricolour desecration in London by downgrading security at the UK High Commission here reflects the outrage of all Indians. Most heartening is the clear message by the Sikh community worldwide that #Khalistan is the pipe dream of an ISI funded fringe.” ALSO READ | Who is Amritpal Singh, the radical Sikh leader from Indian state of Punjab dubbed as 'Bhindranwale 2.0'? The British foreign secretary promised increased protection, saying, “We are working with the Metropolitan Police to review security at the Indian High Commission, and will make the changes needed to ensure the safety of its staff as we did for today’s demonstration. We will always take the security of the High Commission, and all foreign missions in the UK, extremely seriously, and prevent and robustly respond to incidents such as this.” India made a stern protest with the most senior British embassy officials in India following the tricolour incident, requesting the arrest of the perpetrators. On Wednesday, the country's much bigger flag was seen flying over the consulate in London. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pro-Khalistan protest: UK foreign ministry calls violence at Indian High Commission ‘unacceptable’

The security outside the British High Commission in New Delhi has been reduced. This is being seen as a retaliatory move to the attack on the Indian Mission in London. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Security reduced outside UK High Commission

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<p>Indian politician Rahul Gandhi has been convicted by a court in Gujarat's Surat city in a criminal defamation case filed against him for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks. The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation).</p>

<p>After Gandhi's lawyers appealed, his sentence has been suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. Chief Judicial Magistrate HH Verma heard the final arguments last week and pronounced his decision on Thursday (March 23).&nbsp;Reportedly, Gandhi was present in the court when the sentencing was announced.</p>

<p>The Indian MP from Wayanad, a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala made the alleged remarks while addressing a rally at Kolar in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>“Why all the thieves, be it Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi or Narendra Modi, have Modi in their names,” remarked the Congress leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-pleads-not-guilty-in-why-all-thieves-share-modi-surname-defamation-case-254943"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Rahul pleads not guilty in 'why all thieves share Modi surname' defamation case</strong></a></p>

<p>Afterwards, Gujarat BJP MLA Purnesh Modi filed a criminal defamation suit, arguing that the former INC president defamed the entire Modi community with his statements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a large number of people with Modi surname. Does it mean all members of the Modi community are thieves? He has defamed the community and also me as I carry the surname," said Purnesh Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is why we have moved a complaint (against Gandhi) in a Surat court under IPC sections 499 and 500," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the court hearings began, the Gandhi scion pleaded not guilty and filed an application for a permanent exemption.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-day-new-look-rahul-gandhi-trims-beard-hair-for-cambridge-lecture-567165"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;New day, new look: Rahul Gandhi trims beard, hair for Cambridge lecture</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Gandhi's lawyers have argued that the court proceedings were 'flawed'. The counsel said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have been made a complainant in the case, instead of Purnesh Modi as the Congress leader targetted the PM in his speech.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian politician Rahul Gandhi has been convicted by a court in Gujarat's Surat city in a criminal defamation case filed against him for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks.

Indian politician Rahul Gandhi has been convicted by a court in Gujarat's Surat city in a criminal defamation case filed against him for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks. The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation). After Gandhi's lawyers appealed, his sentence has been suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. Chief Judicial Magistrate HH Verma heard the final arguments last week and pronounced his decision on Thursday (March 23). Reportedly, Gandhi was present in the court when the sentencing was announced. The Indian MP from Wayanad, a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala made the alleged remarks while addressing a rally at Kolar in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. “Why all the thieves, be it Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi or Narendra Modi, have Modi in their names,” remarked the Congress leader. ALSO READ | Rahul pleads not guilty in 'why all thieves share Modi surname' defamation case Afterwards, Gujarat BJP MLA Purnesh Modi filed a criminal defamation suit, arguing that the former INC president defamed the entire Modi community with his statements. "There is a large number of people with Modi surname. Does it mean all members of the Modi community are thieves? He has defamed the community and also me as I carry the surname," said Purnesh Modi. "This is why we have moved a complaint (against Gandhi) in a Surat court under IPC sections 499 and 500," he added. After the court hearings began, the Gandhi scion pleaded not guilty and filed an application for a permanent exemption. ALSO READ | New day, new look: Rahul Gandhi trims beard, hair for Cambridge lecture Meanwhile, Gandhi's lawyers have argued that the court proceedings were 'flawed'. The counsel said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have been made a complainant in the case, instead of Purnesh Modi as the Congress leader targetted the PM in his speech. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Rahul Gandhi convicted in 2019 'Modi surname' defamation case, gets two-year jail term

The Indian government is planning replacements for IAF's Jaguars, MiG-29s & Mirage 2000s. These fighter squadrons will start retiring in a decade. Instead of foreign options, India is pushing for the indigenous development of aircraft. Watch this video to find out how India's LCA Mk2 can be a game changer for the Indian Air Force.

How India's LCA Mk2 can be a game changer for the Indian Air Force

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