The impact of climate change is being felt around the world. In India, record-breaking temperatures are being reported in most states. Watch this report to know more.

The heatwave spell continues in India as April is set to become the hottest summer month

A US commission on religious freedoms is asking the State Department to list India as a 'country of particular concern'. The commission is also seeking targeted sanctions on India. But the 100-page report makes no mention of rising hate crimes in the US. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: US commission seeks sanctions on India

<p>The guns have gone silent on the borders for over a year after the agreement of ceasefire was signed between India and Pakistan. The people living on the Line of Control are finally living a life in Peace. And now the government along with the locals is also promoting these bordering areas as the new tourist destinations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bordering areas in North Kashmir have been thrown open for the public. Areas like Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil and Bangus are the new tourist destinations which have been added to the list by the tourism department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With breathtaking views&nbsp;of Hills and water tributaries, these places are being promoted as the adventure tourism destinations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;''We have been witnessing to a lot of gunfire and shelling in this area. We used to have ceasefire&nbsp;violations every day and shelling on our homes. But with the ceasefire we are finally living a normal life. We are extremely happy after the ceasefire between the two countries. It has come as a blessing for us. We are finally breathing normally. We used to live in bunkers earlier and we are hoping that we don't see those days again. We don't have money to invest in making hotels. That's why we have made homestays. This will give us employment and we will be able to generate income. The view that you get in Keran, I challenge you if you can find this view anywhere in the world. You can see PoK from here.'' said Waqar Majaz Khan, homestay owner, Keran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-becomes-latest-indian-state-to-make-wearing-masks-in-public-mandatory-amid-surge-in-covid-19-cases-474261" hreflang="en">Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory</a></p>

<p>The Indian army has played a major role in opening these areas for the Public. The whole security setup in these areas is under the Indian army and they are not only protecting these areas but also promoting them as tourist destinations. The locals of the area say that without the Indian army, it would not be possible to welcome tourists in these areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''We are thankful to the Indian army. We get a lot of support from the army, and they are with us 24/7. Tourism is also coming to this place because of the Indian army. It's a beautiful&nbsp;place and we are making our homes into home stays. It's completely peaceful here after the ceasefire and we hope people&nbsp;from across the country will visit us. '' Raja Suhail Khan, Nambardar.</p>

<p>The Tourist department of Jammu and Kashmir government recently added 75 new tourist destinations to their list. 38 destinations are in the Kashmir region while 37 are in Jammu. The government has drawn plans for these areas to build infrastructure keeping in view the ecosystem of these places. They are also providing opportunities for the locals of these areas to generate employment and economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''The main thrust is to promote rural tourism and in rural tourism also we have identified offbeat destinations&nbsp;75 in total, out of which 38 from Kashmir and 37 from Jammu. The focus is to highlight these destinations. Border areas like&nbsp;Gurez, Keran Machil and Tangdhar. These are the areas falling under the scheme, the plans have been drawn and we are in consultation with district administration and India army to promote these areas for adventure&nbsp;tourism.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-says-covid-jabs-for-kids-a-priority-urges-caution-at-meet-with-cms-474290">PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs</a></p>

<p>There is also an effort for the locals to have opportunities&nbsp;in the tourism sector. They can have homestays, become guides and introduce adventure sports. This will improve the economy and showcase these areas as good tourism spots. However, these are eco sensitive areas and we can't have huge concrete structures in these areas. We are focusing on tents and home stays which will open opportunities&nbsp;for the locals in these areas. They can offer a homely experience&nbsp;to the tourists. For youth, tented accommodation&nbsp;can prove a game changer for them. '' G N Itoo, Director Tourism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Kashmir witnessed record breaking tourist arrivals in the last 4 months, all major tourist destinations in Kashmir Valley like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are fully booked for the next two months. Government says with the promotion of these sites, it will help cater the huge influx of tourists coming to the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;</p>


The guns have gone silent on the borders for over a year after the agreement of ceasefire was signed between India and Pakistan. The people living on the Line of Control are finally living a life in Peace.

The guns have gone silent on the borders for over a year after the agreement of ceasefire was signed between India and Pakistan. The people living on the Line of Control are finally living a life in Peace. And now the government along with the locals is also promoting these bordering areas as the new tourist destinations. The bordering areas in North Kashmir have been thrown open for the public. Areas like Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil and Bangus are the new tourist destinations which have been added to the list by the tourism department. With breathtaking views of Hills and water tributaries, these places are being promoted as the adventure tourism destinations. ''We have been witnessing to a lot of gunfire and shelling in this area. We used to have ceasefire violations every day and shelling on our homes. But with the ceasefire we are finally living a normal life. We are extremely happy after the ceasefire between the two countries. It has come as a blessing for us. We are finally breathing normally. We used to live in bunkers earlier and we are hoping that we don't see those days again. We don't have money to invest in making hotels. That's why we have made homestays. This will give us employment and we will be able to generate income. The view that you get in Keran, I challenge you if you can find this view anywhere in the world. You can see PoK from here.'' said Waqar Majaz Khan, homestay owner, Keran. Also read | Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory The Indian army has played a major role in opening these areas for the Public. The whole security setup in these areas is under the Indian army and they are not only protecting these areas but also promoting them as tourist destinations. The locals of the area say that without the Indian army, it would not be possible to welcome tourists in these areas. ''We are thankful to the Indian army. We get a lot of support from the army, and they are with us 24/7. Tourism is also coming to this place because of the Indian army. It's a beautiful place and we are making our homes into home stays. It's completely peaceful here after the ceasefire and we hope people from across the country will visit us. '' Raja Suhail Khan, Nambardar. The Tourist department of Jammu and Kashmir government recently added 75 new tourist destinations to their list. 38 destinations are in the Kashmir region while 37 are in Jammu. The government has drawn plans for these areas to build infrastructure keeping in view the ecosystem of these places. They are also providing opportunities for the locals of these areas to generate employment and economy. ''The main thrust is to promote rural tourism and in rural tourism also we have identified offbeat destinations 75 in total, out of which 38 from Kashmir and 37 from Jammu. The focus is to highlight these destinations. Border areas like Gurez, Keran Machil and Tangdhar. These are the areas falling under the scheme, the plans have been drawn and we are in consultation with district administration and India army to promote these areas for adventure tourism. Also read | PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs There is also an effort for the locals to have opportunities in the tourism sector. They can have homestays, become guides and introduce adventure sports. This will improve the economy and showcase these areas as good tourism spots. However, these are eco sensitive areas and we can't have huge concrete structures in these areas. We are focusing on tents and home stays which will open opportunities for the locals in these areas. They can offer a homely experience to the tourists. For youth, tented accommodation can prove a game changer for them. '' G N Itoo, Director Tourism. As Kashmir witnessed record breaking tourist arrivals in the last 4 months, all major tourist destinations in Kashmir Valley like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are fully booked for the next two months. Government says with the promotion of these sites, it will help cater the huge influx of tourists coming to the Kashmir Valley.

As guns go silent on borders, areas close to LoC promoted as tourist destinations

<p>India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar&nbsp;on Wednesday (April 27) said that the country will engage with the world the way it wants instead of pleasing the world as a "pale imitation" of who they are.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Jaishankar said: "It is better to engage with the world on the basis of who we are rather than try to please the world as a pale imitation of who they are."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The idea that others define us and we need approval is an era that we need to put behind us," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When we look at India at 75, we are not just looking at the 75 completed years, but 25 years ahead. What have we done, where have we faltered?" he said while talking about India at 75.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weighing in on the future of the country, Jaishankar said in the next 25 years, India should be at the next stage of globalisation, adding that the nation&nbsp;should be about capability building.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-says-covid-jabs-for-kids-a-priority-urges-caution-at-meet-with-cms-474290">Indian PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Democracy is global today because of India, says EAM Jaishankar <a href="https://t.co/6xUx1iQ08H">pic.twitter.com/6xUx1iQ08H</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1519200866674176000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There was a time that in this part of the world we were the only democracy. We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field &amp; must be fixated on outcomes &amp; leveraging from international environment in coming years: EAM S Jaishankar on India's future course in next 25 yrs <a href="https://t.co/amvfTumUIk">pic.twitter.com/amvfTumUIk</a></p>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Madagascar FM calls Indo Pacific legitimate vision; bats for peaceful military cooperation with India</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-becomes-latest-indian-state-to-make-wearing-masks-in-public-mandatory-amid-surge-in-covid-19-cases-474261">Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory amid surge in COVID-19 cases</a></strong></p>

<p>He said that there was a time when this part of the "world we were the only democracy". "We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field and must be fixated on outcomes and leveraging from the international environment in coming years", Jaishankar noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a gut sense that democracy is the future," he said that one difference that he can pick is that Indians have asserted to the world that they are a democracy.&nbsp;</p>

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India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday (April 27) said that the country will engage with the world the way it wants instead of pleasing the world as a "pale imitation" of who they are.

India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday (April 27) said that the country will engage with the world the way it wants instead of pleasing the world as a "pale imitation" of who they are. While speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Jaishankar said: "It is better to engage with the world on the basis of who we are rather than try to please the world as a pale imitation of who they are." "The idea that others define us and we need approval is an era that we need to put behind us," he added. "When we look at India at 75, we are not just looking at the 75 completed years, but 25 years ahead. What have we done, where have we faltered?" he said while talking about India at 75. Weighing in on the future of the country, Jaishankar said in the next 25 years, India should be at the next stage of globalisation, adding that the nation should be about capability building. ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs Democracy is global today because of India, says EAM Jaishankar pic.twitter.com/6xUx1iQ08H — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 27, 2022 × There was a time that in this part of the world we were the only democracy. We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field & must be fixated on outcomes & leveraging from international environment in coming years: EAM S Jaishankar on India's future course in next 25 yrs pic.twitter.com/amvfTumUIk — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2022 × WATCH | Madagascar FM calls Indo Pacific legitimate vision; bats for peaceful military cooperation with India × ALSO READ | Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory amid surge in COVID-19 cases He said that there was a time when this part of the "world we were the only democracy". "We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field and must be fixated on outcomes and leveraging from the international environment in coming years", Jaishankar noted. "There is a gut sense that democracy is the future," he said that one difference that he can pick is that Indians have asserted to the world that they are a democracy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Jaishankar: Better to engage with world on own terms than try to please it

<p>The rise in COVID-19 cases in India has caused a lot of concern among the experts and on Wednesday, Kerala became the latest state to make wearing masks compulsory in public.</p>

<p>The decision was taken after a review meeting chaired by the state’s health minister Veena George on Monday advised that the state needs to increase vigilance when it comes to social distancing and also put special emphasis on people wearing masks in public as the number of cases continue to rise.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-shows-key-ingredients-needed-for-life-on-earth-may-have-arrived-from-outer-space-474239" hreflang="en">Study shows key ingredients needed for life on earth may have arrived from outer space</a></p>

<p>An order was passed by the government which said that the mask mandate will be compulsory, and anyone found flouting the rules will be punished under the Disaster Management Act of India.</p>

<p>India has experienced a huge surge of cases and states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab have already passed mask mandates.</p>

<p>The Kerala government decided to lift most of its existing measures which were implemented to combat COVID-19 as cases fell massively. However, with the change in situation, all the rules are expected to come back and a fine on not wearing masks in public is also expected in the future.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-11-electrocuted-during-temple-chariot-procession-in-tamil-nadu-474176" hreflang="en">At least 11 electrocuted during temple chariot procession in Tamil Nadu</a></p>

<p>According to the official date provided by the Indian Health Ministry, 2927 cases were reported on Tuesday taking the total number of active patients in the country to 16,279.</p>

<p>The booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are available to the public and the country is looking to get a majority of their population vaccinated with the booster dose before the rumoured ‘fourth wave’ of the pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India's fight against COVID: Covaxin &amp; Corbevax gets green light</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-fight-against-covid-covaxin-corbevax-gets-green-light-474065/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


The rise in COVID-19 cases in India has caused a lot of concern among the experts and on Wednesday, Kerala became the latest state to make wearing masks compulsory in public.

The rise in COVID-19 cases in India has caused a lot of concern among the experts and on Wednesday, Kerala became the latest state to make wearing masks compulsory in public. The decision was taken after a review meeting chaired by the state’s health minister Veena George on Monday advised that the state needs to increase vigilance when it comes to social distancing and also put special emphasis on people wearing masks in public as the number of cases continue to rise. Also read | Study shows key ingredients needed for life on earth may have arrived from outer space An order was passed by the government which said that the mask mandate will be compulsory, and anyone found flouting the rules will be punished under the Disaster Management Act of India. India has experienced a huge surge of cases and states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab have already passed mask mandates. The Kerala government decided to lift most of its existing measures which were implemented to combat COVID-19 as cases fell massively. However, with the change in situation, all the rules are expected to come back and a fine on not wearing masks in public is also expected in the future. Also read | At least 11 electrocuted during temple chariot procession in Tamil Nadu According to the official date provided by the Indian Health Ministry, 2927 cases were reported on Tuesday taking the total number of active patients in the country to 16,279. The booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are available to the public and the country is looking to get a majority of their population vaccinated with the booster dose before the rumoured ‘fourth wave’ of the pandemic. WATCH | India's fight against COVID: Covaxin & Corbevax gets green light

Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory amid surge in COVID-19 cases

The United Nations General Assembly has now adopted a resolution that will require an explanation for exercising veto powers. Under the new mandate, every time a veto has been cast in the security council the assembly will be convened automatically within 10 working days.

UNGA adopts veto draft, India regrets lack of inclusivity

Heatwave stint in India continues as climate change is altering weather patterns

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the meeting, EU Chief and Indian PM Modi agreed to launch EU-India Trade and Technology council.

India, EU agree to launch trade & tech council during EU Commission Chief's India visit

Days after British PM Boris Johnson wrapped up his visit, EU chief landed in New Delhi for a two-day jam-packed schedule. India and the EU have launched a trade and technology council

India, EU agrees to establish trade and technology council

Madagascar FM Richard Randriamandrato spoke to WION on Climate Change. Watch this report to know more.

Madagascar FM Richard Randriamandrato speaks to WION on Climate Change

As covid-19 cases once again start to rise, India has opened vaccinations for children. Now, Covaxin & Corbevax vaccines gets green light for use.

India's fight against COVID: Covaxin & Corbevax gets green light

Fighting climate change is a global concern for all. IRENA Chief has now lauded India's efforts in combating Climate Change. Watch this report to know more.

Fighting Climate Change: IRENA Chief lauds India's efforts in combating Climate Change

Joe Biden said "India has its own problems" while talking about the ideological tussle between autocracies and the alliance of democracies. What problem is Biden talking about? How should India see this comment? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Biden says "India has its own problems"

Where on one side billionaire Elon musk is becoming the owner of Twitter his troubles in India relating to the selling of Tesla cars may not be over yet. India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari has said that Tesla should not import cars from china for sale in India.

India: Tesla shouldn't import cars from China, says India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari

Two years after the pandemic lull, the cheer of Ramzan returns to India's Kashmir valley. Mariam Wardak tells you more in this week's South Asia Diary.

South Asia Diary | Joy of Ramzan returns to Kashmir Valley

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott spoke to WION on the India-Australia free trade deal. Watch this report.

Free trade deal: Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaks to WION

EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen is currently in India to boost ties with India. On her last day of the visit, she spoke at Raisina dialogue in New Delhi, India.

EU Commission Chief in India: Ursula von der Leyen speaks at Raisina dialogue

EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen is currently in India to boost ties with India. On her last day of the visit, Indian External Affairs Minister spoke on EU Chief's India visit.

Raisina dialogue: Indian External Affairs Minister speaks on EU Chief's India visit

EU Commission Chief in India: Ursula von der Leyen holds bilateral with PM Modi

Fighting climate change is a global concern for all nations. EU Commission Chief is in India and watch this report to know more about India, EU's common climate challenges.

Fighting climate change: India, EU's common climate challenges

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the meeting, EU Chief and Indian PM Modi have agreed to launch EU-India Trade and Technology council.

Indian PM Modi & EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen agree to launch Trade and Technology council

France has elected a new leader and once again it is centrist Emmanuel Macron, he is the first French president to serve a second term in 20 years. The 44-year-old who came to power as France's youngest-ever president has comfortably defeated far-right rival Marine Le Pen. For more on this, we are joined by former Indian envoy to France Dr Mohan Kumar.

Macron wins second term, how will it affect India-France relations? | Dr Mohan Kumar Exclusive

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in India and today is her second day. She is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, the talks will likely focus on trade, security and climate.

EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen to meet EAM S. Jaishankar

European Commission chief Ursula Von der Leyen is on a two-day visit to India where she will be meeting top government officials in a bid to strengthen India-EU strategic partnership. This is Ursula's first visit to India as the president of the European Commission.

India: EU chief Ursula Von der Leyen arrives in India for 2-day visit

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