<p>US Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones‘ Infowars media platform will be auctioned off to pay for the $1.5 billion he has been ordered to cough up in damages to the&nbsp;family members of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a&nbsp;court hearing on Tuesday (Sep 24), US Bankruptcy Judge&nbsp;Christopher Lopez said he would approve the auctions that start in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Christopher Mattei, a lawyer for Sandy Hook families said Judge Lopez's decision was a significant step forward in holding the right-wing personality accountable for his actions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Alex Jones will no longer own or control the company he built. This brings the families closer to their goal of holding him accountable for the harm he has caused,"&nbsp;Mattei said in a statement.</p>

<p>Under the terms of the sale, anyone can bid for Infowars' assets, whether supporters or detractors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's very cut and dry that the assets of Free Speech Systems, the website, the equipment, the shopping cart, all that, can be sold. And they know full well that there are a bunch of patriot buyers, and then the operation can ease on,"&nbsp;Jones recently said on his show.</p>

<p>Despite losing the company, Jones had vowed to&nbsp;continue his talk shows through other means - possibly through a new website and on his personal social media handles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the previous court filings,&nbsp;Jones has about $9 million in personal assets and his company has about&nbsp;$6 million in cash on hand and about $1.2 million worth of inventory. He and his company already filed for bankruptcy in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alex-jones-claimed-2012-sandy-hook-school-massacre-as-staged-was-ordered-to-pay-15-bn-to-victims-539631"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Alex Jones claimed 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre as staged, ordered to pay $1.5 billion to victims</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Jones' conspiracy theory&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Jones was one of the most prominent conspiracy theorists, spreading lies about the school shooting where 20 children and six teachers were killed.</p>

<p>He accused the families of being actors and claimed that the shooting was a "hoax" as part of an elaborate plan to take away gun rights from American citizens.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/conspiracy-theorist-alex-jones-account-reinstated-on-x-after-being-banned-for-nearly-five-years-668232"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' account reinstated on X after being banned for nearly five years</strong></a></p>

<p>During the court trials in Texas and Connecticut, the families of the victims testified that they were traumatised by Jones' persistence with the lies and the hoax conspiracies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The families alleged that&nbsp;Jones' online legion of followers confronted them by claiming that the shooting never happened and that the kids never existed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, Jones has acknowledged that the Sandy Hook shooting was "100 per cent real".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Especially since I've met the parents. It's 100% real," Jones said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones‘ Infowars media platform will be auctioned off to pay for the $1.5 billion he has been ordered to cough up in damages to the family members of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

US Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones‘ Infowars media platform will be auctioned off to pay for the $1.5 billion he has been ordered to cough up in damages to the family members of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. During a court hearing on Tuesday (Sep 24), US Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez said he would approve the auctions that start in November. Christopher Mattei, a lawyer for Sandy Hook families said Judge Lopez's decision was a significant step forward in holding the right-wing personality accountable for his actions. "Alex Jones will no longer own or control the company he built. This brings the families closer to their goal of holding him accountable for the harm he has caused," Mattei said in a statement. Under the terms of the sale, anyone can bid for Infowars' assets, whether supporters or detractors. "It's very cut and dry that the assets of Free Speech Systems, the website, the equipment, the shopping cart, all that, can be sold. And they know full well that there are a bunch of patriot buyers, and then the operation can ease on," Jones recently said on his show. Despite losing the company, Jones had vowed to continue his talk shows through other means - possibly through a new website and on his personal social media handles. According to the previous court filings, Jones has about $9 million in personal assets and his company has about $6 million in cash on hand and about $1.2 million worth of inventory. He and his company already filed for bankruptcy in 2022. Watch | Alex Jones claimed 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre as staged, ordered to pay $1.5 billion to victims × Jones' conspiracy theory Jones was one of the most prominent conspiracy theorists, spreading lies about the school shooting where 20 children and six teachers were killed. He accused the families of being actors and claimed that the shooting was a "hoax" as part of an elaborate plan to take away gun rights from American citizens. Also read | Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' account reinstated on X after being banned for nearly five years During the court trials in Texas and Connecticut, the families of the victims testified that they were traumatised by Jones' persistence with the lies and the hoax conspiracies. The families alleged that Jones' online legion of followers confronted them by claiming that the shooting never happened and that the kids never existed. Since then, Jones has acknowledged that the Sandy Hook shooting was "100 per cent real". "Especially since I've met the parents. It's 100% real," Jones said. (With inputs from agencies)

Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars to be auctioned to pay off $1.5 billion lawsuit

<p>New York City (NYC)&nbsp;Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges after a corruption investigation, according to a report in the&nbsp;<em>NY Post.&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;Although the indictment is sealed and it is unclear what exact charges he will face, it is the first time that a sitting NYC mayor has been indicted in 170 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports state that the indictment relates to the allegations of the Turkish government illegally funnelling money unto his mayoral campaign in exchange for approval of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The law enforcement agencies are also seeking information about Adam's interaction with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan.</p>

<p>Adams has denied wrongdoing and said he had been made a target for standing his ground. He also vowed not to resign as the charges were "based on lies".</p>

<p>“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became,” Adams was quoted as saying by the <em>Post </em>after the indictment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The largest US city has been under a tumultuous period administration-wise for the last month. After the FBI agents seized&nbsp;Police Commissioner Edward Caban's phone, he resigned a week later on&nbsp;September&nbsp;12.&nbsp;Adams' chief legal adviser also resigned, saying she could "no longer effectively serve" in the position.</p>

<p>Reports suggest that the indictment could be unsealed on Thursday (Sep 26) by US Attorney Damian Williams with Adams expected to surrender to authorities early next week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-nyc-mayor-eric-adams-says-no-room-for-migrants-english-news-wion-553648" target="_blank"><b>WATCH |&nbsp;US: NYC Mayor Eric Adams says, 'No room for migrants' | English News | WION</b></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-nyc-mayor-eric-adams-says-no-room-for-migrants-english-news-wion-553648/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>AOC demands Adams' resignation</strong></h2>

<p>Adams appears to be losing favour amongst his party colleagues as well with US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling for his resignation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City," AOC wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City.<br />
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The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration.<br />
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For the good of the city, he should resign.…</p>
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC/status/1839020346957246939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrat-mayor-eric-adams-says-migrant-crisis-has-destroyed-new-york-city-calls-out-biden-administration-585078"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Democrat Mayor Eric Adams says migrant crisis has destroyed New York City, calls out Biden administration</strong></a></p>

<p>The bombshell indictment puts Adams' re-election campaign in a tizzy. Adams, who took as the 110th mayor of NYC three years ago on promise to rein in crime has been unable to deal with the migrant problem. His indictment might be the final nail in his political career as the NYC leader, experts argue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


New York City (NYC) Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges after a corruption investigation, according to a report in the NY Post.

New York City (NYC) Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges after a corruption investigation, according to a report in the NY Post. Although the indictment is sealed and it is unclear what exact charges he will face, it is the first time that a sitting NYC mayor has been indicted in 170 years. Reports state that the indictment relates to the allegations of the Turkish government illegally funnelling money unto his mayoral campaign in exchange for approval of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan. The law enforcement agencies are also seeking information about Adam's interaction with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan. Adams has denied wrongdoing and said he had been made a target for standing his ground. He also vowed not to resign as the charges were "based on lies". “I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became,” Adams was quoted as saying by the Post after the indictment. “If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.” The largest US city has been under a tumultuous period administration-wise for the last month. After the FBI agents seized Police Commissioner Edward Caban's phone, he resigned a week later on September 12. Adams' chief legal adviser also resigned, saying she could "no longer effectively serve" in the position. Reports suggest that the indictment could be unsealed on Thursday (Sep 26) by US Attorney Damian Williams with Adams expected to surrender to authorities early next week. WATCH | US: NYC Mayor Eric Adams says, 'No room for migrants' | English News | WION AOC demands Adams' resignation Adams appears to be losing favour amongst his party colleagues as well with US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling for his resignation. “I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City," AOC wrote on X. “The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign.” I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City. The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign.… — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) September 25, 2024 × Also read | Democrat Mayor Eric Adams says migrant crisis has destroyed New York City, calls out Biden administration The bombshell indictment puts Adams' re-election campaign in a tizzy. Adams, who took as the 110th mayor of NYC three years ago on promise to rein in crime has been unable to deal with the migrant problem. His indictment might be the final nail in his political career as the NYC leader, experts argue. (With inputs from agencies)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams indicted by grand jury in corruption probe, says won't resign

<p>The&nbsp;BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California was vandalised&nbsp;on Wednesday with anti-Hindu messages.&nbsp;For the second time in a month, a Hindu temple has been vandalised in the country with the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York also desecrated in a similar way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The messages plastered on the temple included phrases such as "Hindus go back", suggesting that Hindumisia was on the rise in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Less than 10 days after the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: "Hindus go back!" We stand united against hate with prayers for peace," the BAPS Public Affairs said in a post in X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Less than 10 days after the desecration of the <a href="https://twitter.com/BAPS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BAPS</a> Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: “Hindus go back!” We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.</p>
— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BAPS_PubAffairs/status/1838994965336031580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the&nbsp;Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, not only did the vandalisers deface the Hindu temple but they had also cut the water lines at the property.</p>

<p>After the desceration, the community leaders gathered for a prayer ceremony at the temple. The prayer was attended by California State Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen, Mayor of Elk Grove Bobbie Singh-Allen, Vice Mayor for City of Rancho Cordova Siri Pulipati and&nbsp;Police Chief for City of Rancho Cordova Matthew Tamay among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hindu-temple-vandalised-again-in-canada-743592" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hindu temple vandalised again in Canada</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hindu-temple-vandalised-again-in-canada-743592/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Previous incident</strong></h2>

<p>On September 16, images and videos surfaced on social media, showing the BAPS temple in New York was defaced with&nbsp;extremists painting slogans such as 'F**k Modi' and ‘Modi is Terrorist’.</p>

<p>The Consulate General of India in New York condemned the&nbsp;vandalism in a strongly-worded statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable; The Consulate General of India in New York is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act," the Indian consulate said in a post on X.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-8-hindu-idols-vandalised-by-miscreants-in-bangladeshs-faridpur-temple-758988" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;At least 8 Hindu idols vandalised by miscreants in Bangladesh's Faridpur temple</strong></a></p>

<p>US Congress leaders condemned the incident by calling it an act of "bigotry and hate" which was happening due to incendiary "rhetoric by national leaders".</p>

<p>After the incident, BAPS issued a statement, claiming that the act was 'aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California was vandalised on Wednesday with anti-Hindu messages. For the second time in a month, a Hindu temple has been vandalised in the country with the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York also desecrated in a similar way.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California was vandalised on Wednesday with anti-Hindu messages. For the second time in a month, a Hindu temple has been vandalised in the country with the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York also desecrated in a similar way. The messages plastered on the temple included phrases such as "Hindus go back", suggesting that Hindumisia was on the rise in the country. "Less than 10 days after the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: "Hindus go back!" We stand united against hate with prayers for peace," the BAPS Public Affairs said in a post in X. Less than 10 days after the desecration of the @BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: “Hindus go back!” We stand united against hate with prayers for peace. — BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 25, 2024 × According to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, not only did the vandalisers deface the Hindu temple but they had also cut the water lines at the property. After the desceration, the community leaders gathered for a prayer ceremony at the temple. The prayer was attended by California State Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen, Mayor of Elk Grove Bobbie Singh-Allen, Vice Mayor for City of Rancho Cordova Siri Pulipati and Police Chief for City of Rancho Cordova Matthew Tamay among others. Watch | Gravitas: Hindu temple vandalised again in Canada Previous incident On September 16, images and videos surfaced on social media, showing the BAPS temple in New York was defaced with extremists painting slogans such as 'F**k Modi' and ‘Modi is Terrorist’. The Consulate General of India in New York condemned the vandalism in a strongly-worded statement. “The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable; The Consulate General of India in New York is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act," the Indian consulate said in a post on X. Also read | At least 8 Hindu idols vandalised by miscreants in Bangladesh's Faridpur temple US Congress leaders condemned the incident by calling it an act of "bigotry and hate" which was happening due to incendiary "rhetoric by national leaders". After the incident, BAPS issued a statement, claiming that the act was 'aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus'. (With inputs from agencies)

'Hindumisia on rise in the US': Second BAPS temple vandalised in a month with anti-Hindu messages

<p>The International Monetary Fund's board (IMF) on Wednesday (Sep 25) approved a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for cash-strapped Pakistan, providing a critical boost to the country's struggling economy.</p>

<p>The development was announced by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) while a statement is expected from the IMF. The PMO said the premier expressed his satisfaction with the programme's approval.</p>

<p>"The implementation of economic reforms is going on rapidly, he said, adding that the government would continue to work hard to achieve goals related to economic development after achieving economic stability.</p>

<p>The prime minister said the increase in business activities and investment in the country was welcome and a testament to the hard work of the economic team, Dawn newspaper reported.</p>

<p>Along with the successes on the diplomatic front, the increase in remittances from Pakistanis living abroad is a reflection of their confidence in the government's policies, he said, adding that the government was grateful to the Pakistani community.</p>

<p>If the same hard work continues, God willing, this will be Pakistan's last IMF programme, Shehbaz said.</p>

<p>The $7 billion bailout package was approved after Pakistan promised to overhaul its agriculture income tax, transfer some fiscal responsibilities to provinces and take the most expensive loan in the nation's history, the Express Tribune reported.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imf-warns-of-challenges-ahead-for-pak-economy-725192"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;IMF warns of challenges ahead for Pak economy</strong></a></p>

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<p>The first tranche of $ 1.1 billion is likely to be released by September 30, 2024, Geo News reported.</p>

<p>The interest rate on loans is less than 5 per cent, according to sources in the Ministry of Finance, and the IMF may disburse the second installment within this fiscal year.</p>

<p>Confirming the development, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmed said that Islamabad would receive the first tranche of $ 1.10 billion, adding that the country has fulfilled all demands of the global lender, the report said.</p>

<p>PM Shehbaz, in a statement issued from the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, voiced satisfaction over the approval of the loan programme and thanked IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and her entire team.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-announces-sweeping-privatisation-plan-amid-imf-loan-negotiations-721431"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan announces sweeping privatisation plan amid IMF loan negotiations</strong></a></p>

<p>He also thanked the friendly countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, China, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for helping Pakistan secure the bailout package.</p>

<p>Saying that the implementation of economic reforms is vigorously underway, the premier said that the government would continue to work hard to achieve goals related to economic development after reaching stability.</p>

<p>The cash-strapped country had to undertake a slew of measures demanded by the IMF, including broadening the tax next, enforcing tax on agricultural income, and increasing the electricity and natural gas prices.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


The International Monetary Fund's board (IMF) on Wednesday (Sep 25) approved a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for cash-strapped Pakistan, providing a critical boost to the country's struggling economy.

The International Monetary Fund's board (IMF) on Wednesday (Sep 25) approved a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for cash-strapped Pakistan, providing a critical boost to the country's struggling economy. The development was announced by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) while a statement is expected from the IMF. The PMO said the premier expressed his satisfaction with the programme's approval. "The implementation of economic reforms is going on rapidly, he said, adding that the government would continue to work hard to achieve goals related to economic development after achieving economic stability. The prime minister said the increase in business activities and investment in the country was welcome and a testament to the hard work of the economic team, Dawn newspaper reported. Along with the successes on the diplomatic front, the increase in remittances from Pakistanis living abroad is a reflection of their confidence in the government's policies, he said, adding that the government was grateful to the Pakistani community. If the same hard work continues, God willing, this will be Pakistan's last IMF programme, Shehbaz said. The $7 billion bailout package was approved after Pakistan promised to overhaul its agriculture income tax, transfer some fiscal responsibilities to provinces and take the most expensive loan in the nation's history, the Express Tribune reported. Watch | IMF warns of challenges ahead for Pak economy × The first tranche of $ 1.1 billion is likely to be released by September 30, 2024, Geo News reported. The interest rate on loans is less than 5 per cent, according to sources in the Ministry of Finance, and the IMF may disburse the second installment within this fiscal year. Confirming the development, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmed said that Islamabad would receive the first tranche of $ 1.10 billion, adding that the country has fulfilled all demands of the global lender, the report said. PM Shehbaz, in a statement issued from the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, voiced satisfaction over the approval of the loan programme and thanked IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and her entire team. Also read | Pakistan announces sweeping privatisation plan amid IMF loan negotiations He also thanked the friendly countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, China, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for helping Pakistan secure the bailout package. Saying that the implementation of economic reforms is vigorously underway, the premier said that the government would continue to work hard to achieve goals related to economic development after reaching stability. The cash-strapped country had to undertake a slew of measures demanded by the IMF, including broadening the tax next, enforcing tax on agricultural income, and increasing the electricity and natural gas prices. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

IMF approves $7 billion loan for cash-strapped Pakistan

<p>Following Uttar Pradesh's lead, the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday (Sep 25) issued an order that requires shopkeepers and street vendors to display the owner's name for clear identification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>State public works minister and Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh, the son of six-time HP chief minister Virbhadra Singh, said the order was issued during a joint meeting with the&nbsp;Public Works, Urban Development, and Municipal Corporation.</p>

<p>“We met with the UD (Urban Development) and the Municipal Corporation. To make sure that hygienic food is sold, a decision has been taken for all the street vendors...especially those selling edible items,” Singh was quoted as saying by news wire agency <em>ANI.</em></p>

<p>Singh said the decision was taken after taking into consideration the apprehensions of the locals regarding the increase in a number of migrants in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“People expressed their concerns and doubts, and considering this, we have decided to implement a similar policy to that in UP, in which it has been made mandatory that vendors have to display their names and IDs... Every shopkeeper and street vendor has to display their identification."</p>

<p>In recent weeks, there have been multiple incidents where locals have protested against the illegal migrants with the videos going viral on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-rapti-river-water-flood-villages-in-northern-indias-uttar-pradesh-740585"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Rapti river water flood villages in Northern India's Uttar Pradesh</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous similar orders&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In July, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered eateries across the Kanwar Yatra route to display outside the establishment the names of the owners.</p>

<p>In Madhya Pradesh, BJP-ruled Ujjain Municipal Corporation also issued a directive asking shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments.</p>

<p>However, the Supreme Court took note of the issue and imposed an interim stay order on the directives.&nbsp;The bench said that while food sellers may be required to display information on the kind of food they serve, they cannot be forced to display the names of the owners.</p>

<p>"We deem it appropriate to pass an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, food sellers may be required to display kind of food, but must not be forced to display names of owners, staff employed," said the justices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UP government defended its order stating that the&nbsp;directive to name owners during the Kanwar Yatra was issued to ensure that the religious sentiments of pilgrims were not inadvertently hurt.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-cm-adityanath-orders-eateries-along-kanwar-yatra-routes-in-up-to-display-owners-names-742382" target="_blank">India: CM Yogi Adityanath orders eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes in UP to display owners' names</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday (Sep 24), two months after the court decision, CM Adityanath ordered the restaurants and eateries to&nbsp;prominently display the names and addresses of operators, proprietors, managers and staff.</p>

<p>“It is essential to thoroughly investigate food establishments such as dhabas and restaurants. A state-wide intensive campaign should be conducted to verify all employees, including the operators of these establishments. This verification process must be completed swiftly by a joint team comprising the Food Safety and Drug Administration, police, and local administration,” the statement added.</p>

<p>The administration&nbsp;has also directed the installation of CCTVs in hotels and restaurants and to ensure that the chefs and waiters wear masks and gloves.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Following Uttar Pradesh's lead, the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday (Sep 25) issued an order that requires shopkeepers and street vendors to display the owner's name for clear identification.

Following Uttar Pradesh's lead, the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday (Sep 25) issued an order that requires shopkeepers and street vendors to display the owner's name for clear identification. State public works minister and Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh, the son of six-time HP chief minister Virbhadra Singh, said the order was issued during a joint meeting with the Public Works, Urban Development, and Municipal Corporation. “We met with the UD (Urban Development) and the Municipal Corporation. To make sure that hygienic food is sold, a decision has been taken for all the street vendors...especially those selling edible items,” Singh was quoted as saying by news wire agency ANI. Singh said the decision was taken after taking into consideration the apprehensions of the locals regarding the increase in a number of migrants in the state. “People expressed their concerns and doubts, and considering this, we have decided to implement a similar policy to that in UP, in which it has been made mandatory that vendors have to display their names and IDs... Every shopkeeper and street vendor has to display their identification." In recent weeks, there have been multiple incidents where locals have protested against the illegal migrants with the videos going viral on social media. Watch | India: Rapti river water flood villages in Northern India's Uttar Pradesh × Previous similar orders In July, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered eateries across the Kanwar Yatra route to display outside the establishment the names of the owners. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP-ruled Ujjain Municipal Corporation also issued a directive asking shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments. However, the Supreme Court took note of the issue and imposed an interim stay order on the directives. The bench said that while food sellers may be required to display information on the kind of food they serve, they cannot be forced to display the names of the owners. "We deem it appropriate to pass an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, food sellers may be required to display kind of food, but must not be forced to display names of owners, staff employed," said the justices. The UP government defended its order stating that the directive to name owners during the Kanwar Yatra was issued to ensure that the religious sentiments of pilgrims were not inadvertently hurt. Also read | India: CM Yogi Adityanath orders eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes in UP to display owners' names On Tuesday (Sep 24), two months after the court decision, CM Adityanath ordered the restaurants and eateries to prominently display the names and addresses of operators, proprietors, managers and staff. “It is essential to thoroughly investigate food establishments such as dhabas and restaurants. A state-wide intensive campaign should be conducted to verify all employees, including the operators of these establishments. This verification process must be completed swiftly by a joint team comprising the Food Safety and Drug Administration, police, and local administration,” the statement added. The administration has also directed the installation of CCTVs in hotels and restaurants and to ensure that the chefs and waiters wear masks and gloves. (With inputs from agencies)

India: After Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh demands name of eatery owners to be displayed

<p>Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut has been sentenced to 15 days in jail by a Mumbai court in a defamation case filed by&nbsp;Medha Somaiya, wife of former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya.</p>

<p>The metropolitan magistrate in Mumbai's Mazgaon convicted Raut under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code whilst&nbsp;also imposing a fine of Rs 25,000 ($300) on him.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Raut reacts</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the news of the jail sentence, Raut said he was not surprised while insinuating that the country's judiciary was compromised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“How can people like us who raise their voices against corruption and other irregularities get a justice in a country when prime minister of the country goes to chief justice’s house to have Modaks during Ganpati festival?” said Raut.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maharashtra-house-speaker-rules-in-the-sena-vs-sena-dispute-678735"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Maharashtra house speaker rules in the Sena vs Sena dispute</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Somaiya allege in the petition?</strong></h2>

<p>Medha Somaiya filed the petition against the senior Shiv Sena leader in 2022, accusing him of hurling baseless and defamatory allegations. Raut claimed that Medha and her husband were involved in a Rs 100 crore scam related to the construction and&nbsp;maintenance of public toilets in Mira Bhayandar.</p>

<p>"I state that the accused Sanjay Raut is Executive Editor of Marathi Newspaper "SAAMNA" and is also the chief spokesman of Shiv Sena, a political party," Medha said in the initial complaint.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I say that the accused around 16th April, 2022 and thereafter made malicious and unwarranted mischievous statements against me in the media, the same which was printed, published and circulated to the general public at large through electronic and print media. The said malicious statements were also viral on social media platforms," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shiv-sena-mla-offers-rs-11-lakh-to-cut-off-congress-leader-rahul-gandhis-tongue-after-us-visit-comments-759175"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Shiv Sena MLA offers Rs 11 lakh to ‘cut off’ Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue after US visit comments</strong></a></p>

<p>Medha had also sought an unconditional apology and a permanent injunction against Raut, restraining him from publishing, circulating, and printing material defamatory to her, in the future.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kirit ka Kamal!<br />
<br />
2013-14:<br />
Kirit makes allegations agnst a company<br />
<br />
2016:<br />
Company Chief is probd by <a href="https://twitter.com/dir_ed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dir_ed</a><br />
<br />
2018-19:<br />
Yuvak Pratishthan gets HUGE donation frm d Very SAME compny.<br />
<br />
Aap Chronology samjhiye!<br />
<br />
BTW,Isn't ths a case of ED &amp; EOW invstgatn?<br />
<br />
I wil file a complnt soon! <a href="https://t.co/hpFMTaeUFG">pic.twitter.com/hpFMTaeUFG</a></p>
— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) <a href="https://twitter.com/rautsanjay61/status/1523487283600838668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Raut had alleged that the NGO run by the BJP leader received donations worth millions from&nbsp;companies under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut has been sentenced to 15 days in jail by a Mumbai court in a defamation case filed by Medha Somaiya, wife of former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya.

Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut has been sentenced to 15 days in jail by a Mumbai court in a defamation case filed by Medha Somaiya, wife of former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya. The metropolitan magistrate in Mumbai's Mazgaon convicted Raut under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code whilst also imposing a fine of Rs 25,000 ($300) on him. Raut reacts Reacting to the news of the jail sentence, Raut said he was not surprised while insinuating that the country's judiciary was compromised. “How can people like us who raise their voices against corruption and other irregularities get a justice in a country when prime minister of the country goes to chief justice’s house to have Modaks during Ganpati festival?” said Raut. Watch | Maharashtra house speaker rules in the Sena vs Sena dispute × What did Somaiya allege in the petition? Medha Somaiya filed the petition against the senior Shiv Sena leader in 2022, accusing him of hurling baseless and defamatory allegations. Raut claimed that Medha and her husband were involved in a Rs 100 crore scam related to the construction and maintenance of public toilets in Mira Bhayandar. "I state that the accused Sanjay Raut is Executive Editor of Marathi Newspaper "SAAMNA" and is also the chief spokesman of Shiv Sena, a political party," Medha said in the initial complaint. "I say that the accused around 16th April, 2022 and thereafter made malicious and unwarranted mischievous statements against me in the media, the same which was printed, published and circulated to the general public at large through electronic and print media. The said malicious statements were also viral on social media platforms," she added. Also read | Shiv Sena MLA offers Rs 11 lakh to ‘cut off’ Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue after US visit comments Medha had also sought an unconditional apology and a permanent injunction against Raut, restraining him from publishing, circulating, and printing material defamatory to her, in the future. Kirit ka Kamal! 2013-14: Kirit makes allegations agnst a company 2016: Company Chief is probd by @dir_ed 2018-19: Yuvak Pratishthan gets HUGE donation frm d Very SAME compny. Aap Chronology samjhiye! BTW,Isn't ths a case of ED & EOW invstgatn? I wil file a complnt soon! pic.twitter.com/hpFMTaeUFG — Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) May 9, 2022 × Raut had alleged that the NGO run by the BJP leader received donations worth millions from companies under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut sentenced to 15 days in jail in defamation case

<p>Addressing a special UN Security Council (UNSC) session on Tuesday (Sep 24) in New York, Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had already invited&nbsp;India to join the peace process to end the ongoing war.</p>

<p>Zelensky urged the powerful UN body to prepare for the second peace summit as the war supposedly enters its business end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And I invite all of you, all principle nations to join us in this process, all who truly respect the UN Charter. We invite China. We invite Brazil. I have already invited India," said Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We all know what needs to be done if we honestly look at the situation and truly want to stop Russia's war. Most importantly, act together, of course in unity, without creating new and unnecessary divisions of the world into blocks or regional groups," he added.</p>

<p>The first peace summit was held in Switzerland in June and saw the participation of 101 countries while more than 80 countries signed a&nbsp;declaration endorsing “principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-meets-ukrainian-president-zelensky-before-concluding-his-three-day-us-visit-761388"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;PM Modi Meets Ukrainian President Zelensky Before Concluding His Three-Day US Visit</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India stands for peace</strong></h2>

<p>India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has actively sought for a peaceful resolution to the war. During his meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, New Delhi reaffirmed its stance on the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Met President @ZelenskyyUa in New York. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of my visit to Ukraine last month to strengthen bilateral relations. Reiterated India’s support for early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and restoration of peace and stability," wrote PM Modi on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Met President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> in New York. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of my visit to Ukraine last month to strengthen bilateral relations. Reiterated India’s support for early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and restoration of peace and stability. <a href="https://t.co/YRGelX1Gl5">pic.twitter.com/YRGelX1Gl5</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1838337654850556211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>This was the third meeting between the two leaders in little over three months, with Zelensky stating that the two nations were developing their relations and "working together to strengthen cooperations across various fields.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to Monday's meeting, the two leaders had met in Kyiv last month when PM Modi arrived on a historic one-day visit which was the first ever by an Indian PM since the diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in 1992.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Addressing a special UN Security Council (UNSC) session on Tuesday (Sep 24) in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had already invited India to join the peace process to end the ongoing war.

Addressing a special UN Security Council (UNSC) session on Tuesday (Sep 24) in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had already invited India to join the peace process to end the ongoing war. Zelensky urged the powerful UN body to prepare for the second peace summit as the war supposedly enters its business end. "And I invite all of you, all principle nations to join us in this process, all who truly respect the UN Charter. We invite China. We invite Brazil. I have already invited India," said Zelensky. "We all know what needs to be done if we honestly look at the situation and truly want to stop Russia's war. Most importantly, act together, of course in unity, without creating new and unnecessary divisions of the world into blocks or regional groups," he added. The first peace summit was held in Switzerland in June and saw the participation of 101 countries while more than 80 countries signed a declaration endorsing “principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine". Watch | PM Modi Meets Ukrainian President Zelensky Before Concluding His Three-Day US Visit × India stands for peace India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has actively sought for a peaceful resolution to the war. During his meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, New Delhi reaffirmed its stance on the issue. "Met President @ZelenskyyUa in New York. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of my visit to Ukraine last month to strengthen bilateral relations. Reiterated India’s support for early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and restoration of peace and stability," wrote PM Modi on X (formerly Twitter). Met President @ZelenskyyUa in New York. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of my visit to Ukraine last month to strengthen bilateral relations. Reiterated India’s support for early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and restoration of peace and stability. pic.twitter.com/YRGelX1Gl5 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2024 × This was the third meeting between the two leaders in little over three months, with Zelensky stating that the two nations were developing their relations and "working together to strengthen cooperations across various fields. Prior to Monday's meeting, the two leaders had met in Kyiv last month when PM Modi arrived on a historic one-day visit which was the first ever by an Indian PM since the diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in 1992. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky says he 'already invited' India for 2nd peace summit to end war with Russia

The Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala's decision to fire a minister belonging to a junior partner party has thrown the ruling Coalition into a crisis. Watch in for more details!

Czech Republic: PM Petr Fiala Calls For New Candidate For Development Ministry

<p>Ryan Routh, the gunman who attempted to kill former US president Donald Trump near his golf&nbsp;course in Florida has been charged with 'attempted assassination' by the prosecutors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy, and we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop," said Attorney General Merrick Garland, adding that he would&nbsp;"use every available tool" to hold Routh accountable.</p>

<p>Routh has been remanded in custody ahead of the trial. He already faces up to 20 years in prison on two gun-related charges but faces a maximum life sentence if convicted on the new, more serious charge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The indictment stated that Routh "did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere" with a Secret Service special agent. He will return to court for another hearing next Monday (Sep 30), where he is expected to enter a plea deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case has been assigned to Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee who earlier this year dismissed a criminal case accusing the Republican leader of illegally keeping classified documents after leaving office.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-assassination-bid-suspect-identified-as-ryan-wesley-routh-of-hawaii-759163" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Trump Assassination Bid: Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-assassination-bid-suspect-identified-as-ryan-wesley-routh-of-hawaii-759163/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Chilling letter</strong></h2>

<p>The decision to charge Routh comes a day after a chilling letter was unveiled that he had written to an unnamed witness, months before the attack on Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the pre-written letter, addressed to "The World"&nbsp;Routh pre-empted a failed assassination attempt on the Republican leader.</p>

<p>"I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster.&nbsp;It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job,"&nbsp;the letter read.</p>

<p>Trump “ended relations with Iran like a child and now the Middle East has unravelled,” the letter added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-trump-assassination-attempt-suspect-ryan-routh-charged-with-gun-crimes-759227" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Second Trump assassination attempt: Suspect Ryan Routh charged with gun crimes</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Four rounds were fired at Routh</strong></h2>

<p>The Secret Service said its agents were accompanying&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;on the golf course when one who was securing holes ahead of&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;spotted a gun barrel in some bushes near the property line.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Multiple agents engaged Routh and&nbsp;fired at least four rounds at him.</p>

<p>The gunman then dropped his AK-47-style rifle, two backpacks, a GoPro camera and other items and fled in a black Nissan car. Routh was later taken into custody.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Trump blames Democrats for shooting</strong></h2>

<p>Talking to the media after the incident, Trump blamed the Democrats and said their rhetoric had caused the repeated shootings against him.</p>

<p>"This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was the second attempt on his life after a shooter nearly took him out during a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ryan Routh, the gunman who attempted to kill former US president Donald Trump near his golf course in Florida has been charged with 'attempted assassination' by the prosecutors.

Ryan Routh, the gunman who attempted to kill former US president Donald Trump near his golf course in Florida has been charged with 'attempted assassination' by the prosecutors. "The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy, and we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop," said Attorney General Merrick Garland, adding that he would "use every available tool" to hold Routh accountable. Routh has been remanded in custody ahead of the trial. He already faces up to 20 years in prison on two gun-related charges but faces a maximum life sentence if convicted on the new, more serious charge. The indictment stated that Routh "did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere" with a Secret Service special agent. He will return to court for another hearing next Monday (Sep 30), where he is expected to enter a plea deal. The case has been assigned to Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee who earlier this year dismissed a criminal case accusing the Republican leader of illegally keeping classified documents after leaving office. Watch | Trump Assassination Bid: Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii Chilling letter The decision to charge Routh comes a day after a chilling letter was unveiled that he had written to an unnamed witness, months before the attack on Trump. In the pre-written letter, addressed to "The World" Routh pre-empted a failed assassination attempt on the Republican leader. "I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job," the letter read. Trump “ended relations with Iran like a child and now the Middle East has unravelled,” the letter added. Also read | Second Trump assassination attempt: Suspect Ryan Routh charged with gun crimes Four rounds were fired at Routh The Secret Service said its agents were accompanying Trump on the golf course when one who was securing holes ahead of Trump spotted a gun barrel in some bushes near the property line. Multiple agents engaged Routh and fired at least four rounds at him. The gunman then dropped his AK-47-style rifle, two backpacks, a GoPro camera and other items and fled in a black Nissan car. Routh was later taken into custody. Trump blames Democrats for shooting Talking to the media after the incident, Trump blamed the Democrats and said their rhetoric had caused the repeated shootings against him. "This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you," it added. It was the second attempt on his life after a shooter nearly took him out during a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump gunman Ryan Routh charged with attempted assassination by prosecutors

<p>The Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday (Sep 25) closed the proceedings against&nbsp;a lower court judge after he made remarks, referring to a Muslim-dominated area as ‘mini-Pakistan'. A five-judge bench, Justices S Khanna, B R Gavai, S Kant, and H Roy, led by&nbsp;Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said the decision was taken after the judge apologised and&nbsp;in the wider interest of justice and dignity of the judiciary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The apex court had taken suo moto cognisance of the issue last week and called out&nbsp;Karnataka High Court judge&nbsp;Vedavyasachar Srishananda for his insensitive comment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No one can call any part of territory of India as Pakistan," CJI Chandrachud declared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is fundamentally against the territorial integrity of the nation. The answer to sunlight is more sunlight and not to suppress what happens in court. The answer is not to close it down."</p>

<p>The CJI said such observations may indicate personal biases which may be directed at a certain gender or community. Thus, judges should be wary of making&nbsp;patriarchal or misogynistic comments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We express our serious concern about observations on a certain gender or a community and such observations are liable to be construed in a negative light. We hope and trust that the responsibilities entrusted to all stakeholders are discharged without bias and caution," CJI added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did&nbsp;Srishananda comment?</strong></h2>

<p>During a recent hearing, Justice V Srishananda expressed his views on traffic conditions near the Mysore Road flyover in Bengaluru, where he made te contentious remark.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Go towards the Mysore Road Flyover, every autorickshaw has got 10 people. The Mysore Road Flyover from the market to Goripalya is in Pakistan, not in India. This is the reality.&nbsp;However strict an officer you send, he will be beaten. This is not on any channel.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-supreme-court-halts-orders-requiring-eateries-to-display-owner-names-along-kanwar-yatra-route-743038"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Supreme Court halts orders requiring eateries to display owner names along Kanwar Yatra route</strong></a></p>

<p>A video clip of the judge making the remarks went viral on social media which instantly brought him flak and the legal trouble.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another video showed Justice&nbsp;Srishananda telling a female lawyer that she seemed to know a lot about the "opposition party", so much so that she might be able to reveal the colour of their undergarments.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday (Sep 25) closed the proceedings against a lower court judge after he made remarks, referring to a Muslim-dominated area as ‘mini-Pakistan'.

The Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday (Sep 25) closed the proceedings against a lower court judge after he made remarks, referring to a Muslim-dominated area as ‘mini-Pakistan'. A five-judge bench, Justices S Khanna, B R Gavai, S Kant, and H Roy, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said the decision was taken after the judge apologised and in the wider interest of justice and dignity of the judiciary. The apex court had taken suo moto cognisance of the issue last week and called out Karnataka High Court judge Vedavyasachar Srishananda for his insensitive comment. "No one can call any part of territory of India as Pakistan," CJI Chandrachud declared. "It is fundamentally against the territorial integrity of the nation. The answer to sunlight is more sunlight and not to suppress what happens in court. The answer is not to close it down." The CJI said such observations may indicate personal biases which may be directed at a certain gender or community. Thus, judges should be wary of making patriarchal or misogynistic comments. "We express our serious concern about observations on a certain gender or a community and such observations are liable to be construed in a negative light. We hope and trust that the responsibilities entrusted to all stakeholders are discharged without bias and caution," CJI added. What did Srishananda comment? During a recent hearing, Justice V Srishananda expressed his views on traffic conditions near the Mysore Road flyover in Bengaluru, where he made te contentious remark. “Go towards the Mysore Road Flyover, every autorickshaw has got 10 people. The Mysore Road Flyover from the market to Goripalya is in Pakistan, not in India. This is the reality. However strict an officer you send, he will be beaten. This is not on any channel.” Also read | India: Supreme Court halts orders requiring eateries to display owner names along Kanwar Yatra route A video clip of the judge making the remarks went viral on social media which instantly brought him flak and the legal trouble. Another video showed Justice Srishananda telling a female lawyer that she seemed to know a lot about the "opposition party", so much so that she might be able to reveal the colour of their undergarments. (With inputs from agencies)

India: SC closes case against judge who called Muslim-majority area 'mini-Pakistan'

<p>Indian Police Service&nbsp;(IPS) officer Sarvashresth Tripathi has been appointed as the head of the&nbsp;Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the adulteration of the prasadam (offering) at the Tirupati temple, the Andhra Pradesh government confirmed on Tuesday (Sep 24).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The laddus given to the devotees as an offering at the temple have been alleged to contain animal fats, including beef tallow, which has caused uproar amongst the Hindu community across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tripathi will be joined by two more senior IPS officers,&nbsp;Gopinath Jetty,&nbsp;range deputy inspector general of police in Visakhapatnam and&nbsp;Harshavardhan Raju,&nbsp;district superintendent of police, Kadapa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tripathi, a 2006-batch IPS officer of the Andhra cadre is currently posted in Guntur as the inspector general of police. He had also worked in the recent assembly elections where the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) emerged victorious in an alliance with the Jana Sena Party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The SIT will reportedly not only look into circumstances that led to adulteration in the prasadam but also investigate&nbsp;into other irregularities that have allegedly taken place during the previous regime in the last five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tirupati-laddu-row-new-vendor-appointed-promises-of-purity-760801" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tirupati-laddu-row-new-vendor-appointed-promises-of-purity-760801/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>What is the&nbsp;controversy?</strong></h2>

<p>The controversy erupted after CM Chandrababu Naidu last week alleged that the&nbsp;Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government allowed the use of substandard ingredients in the preparation of laddus, which included animal fat and fish oil.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/andhra-deputy-cm-pawan-kalyan-to-undergo-11-day-penance-after-tirupati-laddoo-row-760820" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to undergo 11-day penance after Tirupati 'laddoo' row</strong></a></p>

<p>On Thursday (Sep 19), a lab report from&nbsp;Gujarat’s NDDB CALF lab confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow and fish oil in ghee samples. The report, dated July 16, 2024, was presented by TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference.</p>

<p>Some new reports have also claimed that devotees found&nbsp;tobacco in the prasadam offered to them. One such devotee named&nbsp;Donthu Padmavati, a resident of Khammam district said she discovered tobacco in the laddu when she went back home to share it with family and neighbours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday (Sep 23), a&nbsp;purification ritual was carried out in the temple to rid of the negative energies.&nbsp;The ritual called the Mahashanti Yagam was performed in strict accordance with the shastras (manual with rules) with an executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Shamala Rao, along with other officials and priests present.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sarvashresth Tripathi has been appointed as the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the adulteration of the prasadam (offering) at the Tirupati temple, the Andhra Pradesh government confirmed on Tuesday (Sep 24).

Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sarvashresth Tripathi has been appointed as the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the adulteration of the prasadam (offering) at the Tirupati temple, the Andhra Pradesh government confirmed on Tuesday (Sep 24). The laddus given to the devotees as an offering at the temple have been alleged to contain animal fats, including beef tallow, which has caused uproar amongst the Hindu community across the country. Tripathi will be joined by two more senior IPS officers, Gopinath Jetty, range deputy inspector general of police in Visakhapatnam and Harshavardhan Raju, district superintendent of police, Kadapa. Tripathi, a 2006-batch IPS officer of the Andhra cadre is currently posted in Guntur as the inspector general of police. He had also worked in the recent assembly elections where the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) emerged victorious in an alliance with the Jana Sena Party. The SIT will reportedly not only look into circumstances that led to adulteration in the prasadam but also investigate into other irregularities that have allegedly taken place during the previous regime in the last five years. Watch | Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity What is the controversy? The controversy erupted after CM Chandrababu Naidu last week alleged that the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government allowed the use of substandard ingredients in the preparation of laddus, which included animal fat and fish oil. Also read | Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to undergo 11-day penance after Tirupati 'laddoo' row On Thursday (Sep 19), a lab report from Gujarat’s NDDB CALF lab confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow and fish oil in ghee samples. The report, dated July 16, 2024, was presented by TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference. Some new reports have also claimed that devotees found tobacco in the prasadam offered to them. One such devotee named Donthu Padmavati, a resident of Khammam district said she discovered tobacco in the laddu when she went back home to share it with family and neighbours. On Monday (Sep 23), a purification ritual was carried out in the temple to rid of the negative energies. The ritual called the Mahashanti Yagam was performed in strict accordance with the shastras (manual with rules) with an executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Shamala Rao, along with other officials and priests present. (With inputs from agencies)

Tirupati prasadam row: IPS officer to head SIT probe appointed by Andhra government

<p>Antibiotics distributed to government hospitals in the western Indian city of Nagpur were nothing but talcum powder mixed with starch, a 1,200-page chargesheet filed in the spurious drugs supply case unearthed last year has revealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the chargesheet, the counterfeit antibiotics were made in a Haridwar-based laboratory of veterinary medicines. The fake medicines were supplied across India, including hospitals in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The money to buy the fake medicines came from hawala channels that the racketeers used to transfer hundreds&nbsp;of thousands of dollars from Mumbai to Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An individual named Hemant Muley has been registered as the main offender as he participated in the tender to supply fake medicines. Apart from him,&nbsp;Mihir Trivedi and Vijay Chaudhury have also been charged with the latter already in jail for another fraud case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chaudhury later named Saharanpur-based Robin Taneja alias Himanshu and Raman Taneja as his compadre in the operation.</p>

<p>"We reached the Haridwar veterinary laboratory of Amit Dhiman after the Taneja brothers named him. Dhiman was in jail after being arrested by Uttarakhand STF. He was later arrested in our case too," said IPS officer Anil Mhaske.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lab-grown-superbug-to-treat-sewage-water-in-australia-375928" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Lab grown superbug to treat sewage water in Australia</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lab-grown-superbug-to-treat-sewage-water-in-australia-375928/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>How was the fake medicine case busted?</strong></h2>

<p>The state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) busted the racket in December 2023 when&nbsp;around 21,600 Ciprofloxacin 500mg tablets were confiscated&nbsp;from the medicine stores under the Nagpur Civil Surgeon at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH).</p>

<p>“The samples were sent to the government laboratory for testing, and the results indicated a complete absence of medicinal value in the tablets. In response to the findings, we conducted a raid at the government store at IGGMC and seized a stock of 21,600 tablets,” the FDA said back then.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alarming-presence-of-superbugs-in-21-top-indian-hospitals-reveals-icmr-report-757767"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Alarming presence of superbugs in 21 top Indian hospitals, reveals ICMR report</strong></a><br />
<br />
The antibiotic tablets, intended for treating bacterial infections from urinary tract infections to pneumonia, were distributed in 2022 and 2023 in government-run civil hospitals across the district.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Antibiotics distributed to government hospitals in the western Indian city of Nagpur were nothing but talcum powder mixed with starch, a 1,200-page chargesheet filed in the spurious drugs supply case unearthed last year has revealed.

Antibiotics distributed to government hospitals in the western Indian city of Nagpur were nothing but talcum powder mixed with starch, a 1,200-page chargesheet filed in the spurious drugs supply case unearthed last year has revealed. According to the chargesheet, the counterfeit antibiotics were made in a Haridwar-based laboratory of veterinary medicines. The fake medicines were supplied across India, including hospitals in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. The money to buy the fake medicines came from hawala channels that the racketeers used to transfer hundreds of thousands of dollars from Mumbai to Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. An individual named Hemant Muley has been registered as the main offender as he participated in the tender to supply fake medicines. Apart from him, Mihir Trivedi and Vijay Chaudhury have also been charged with the latter already in jail for another fraud case. Chaudhury later named Saharanpur-based Robin Taneja alias Himanshu and Raman Taneja as his compadre in the operation. "We reached the Haridwar veterinary laboratory of Amit Dhiman after the Taneja brothers named him. Dhiman was in jail after being arrested by Uttarakhand STF. He was later arrested in our case too," said IPS officer Anil Mhaske. Watch | Lab grown superbug to treat sewage water in Australia How was the fake medicine case busted? The state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) busted the racket in December 2023 when around 21,600 Ciprofloxacin 500mg tablets were confiscated from the medicine stores under the Nagpur Civil Surgeon at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH). “The samples were sent to the government laboratory for testing, and the results indicated a complete absence of medicinal value in the tablets. In response to the findings, we conducted a raid at the government store at IGGMC and seized a stock of 21,600 tablets,” the FDA said back then. Also read | Alarming presence of superbugs in 21 top Indian hospitals, reveals ICMR report The antibiotic tablets, intended for treating bacterial infections from urinary tract infections to pneumonia, were distributed in 2022 and 2023 in government-run civil hospitals across the district. (With inputs from agencies)

Talcum powder mixed with starch used in antibiotics supplied to Indian government hospitals

<p>As Jammu and Kashmir will undergo the second phase of assembly polls on September 25, security has been tightened in the Rajouri district of the territory.</p>

<p>As safety measures, security personnel have been deployed in several areas and vehicles are being checked.</p>

<p>Elections in the second phase of assembly polls will be conducted on 26 assembly seats in six districts of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>The seats on which elections will be conducted are Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora and Gulabgarh (ST).</p>

<p>It will also be conducted on Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote - Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli and Mendhar (ST).</p>

<p>Notably, the second phase of elections will decide the fate of former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and NC leader Omar Abdullah, from both Budgam and Ganderbal seats.</p>

<p>Other prominent candidates in the fray include Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina from Nowshera assembly seat and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra from Central-Shalteng seat.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-kashmir-elections-2024-59-voter-turnout-in-phase-one-of-jk-assembly-election-759920"><strong>Watch | Jammu &amp; Kashmir Elections 2024: Historic Voter Turnout In Phase One of J&amp;K Assembly Election</strong></a></p>

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<p>National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Monday held an election rally in Ganderbal district amid ongoing assembly elections in the territory.</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the BJP-led government has already promised to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, and Congress Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is only repeating what the BJP had promised long back.</p>

<p>Attacking Rahul Gandhi, Singh said that the former is repeating the same thing in order to take credit by saying that it happened because he had put pressure on the government.</p>

<p>"You don't have a say in running your government. The orders are followed from Delhi. We wanted the statehood to return here before the elections, but we will definitely try that it does happen after the polls," said&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi while addressing a rally in Poonch on Monday (Sep 23).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-joins-farooq-abdullah-for-the-final-day-of-campaigning-in-2nd-phase-of-jk-assembly-elections-761233"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi joins Farooq Abdullah for the final day of campaigning in 2nd phase of J&amp;K assembly elections</strong></a></p>

<p>The first phase of voting was completed in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, with a voter turnout of 61.13 per cent registered across 24 constituencies in seven districts, as per the Election Commission.</p>

<p>Voting for the second and third phases in J-K will be held on September 25 and October 1 respectively. Vote counting will be conducted on October 8 along with the counting of votes in Haryana.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


As Jammu and Kashmir will undergo the second phase of assembly polls on September 25, security has been tightened in the Rajouri district of the territory. As safety measures, security personnel have been deployed in several areas and vehicles are being checked.

As Jammu and Kashmir will undergo the second phase of assembly polls on September 25, security has been tightened in the Rajouri district of the territory. As safety measures, security personnel have been deployed in several areas and vehicles are being checked. Elections in the second phase of assembly polls will be conducted on 26 assembly seats in six districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The seats on which elections will be conducted are Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora and Gulabgarh (ST). It will also be conducted on Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote - Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli and Mendhar (ST). Notably, the second phase of elections will decide the fate of former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and NC leader Omar Abdullah, from both Budgam and Ganderbal seats. Other prominent candidates in the fray include Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina from Nowshera assembly seat and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra from Central-Shalteng seat. Watch | Jammu & Kashmir Elections 2024: Historic Voter Turnout In Phase One of J&K Assembly Election × National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Monday held an election rally in Ganderbal district amid ongoing assembly elections in the territory. Earlier on Monday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the BJP-led government has already promised to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, and Congress Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is only repeating what the BJP had promised long back. Attacking Rahul Gandhi, Singh said that the former is repeating the same thing in order to take credit by saying that it happened because he had put pressure on the government. "You don't have a say in running your government. The orders are followed from Delhi. We wanted the statehood to return here before the elections, but we will definitely try that it does happen after the polls," said Rahul Gandhi while addressing a rally in Poonch on Monday (Sep 23). Also read | Rahul Gandhi joins Farooq Abdullah for the final day of campaigning in 2nd phase of J&K assembly elections The first phase of voting was completed in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, with a voter turnout of 61.13 per cent registered across 24 constituencies in seven districts, as per the Election Commission. Voting for the second and third phases in J-K will be held on September 25 and October 1 respectively. Vote counting will be conducted on October 8 along with the counting of votes in Haryana. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Jammu and Kashmir: Security heightened ahead of second phase of polling

<p>S Iswaran, an Indian-origin former transport minister and previously part of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in Singapore has pleaded guilty to receiving&nbsp;gifts such as concert tickets and golf clubs valued at 403,000 Singapore dollars ($312,000), graft and obstructing justice.</p>

<p>After pleading guilty, the prosecutors reduced the charges against Iswaran from 35 to five, according to local media reports.&nbsp;The remaining 30 charges will be taken into consideration for sentencing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the charge sheet filed earlier,&nbsp;Iswaran received tickets to English Premier League football matches, musicals, a flight on Ong's private plane and tickets to the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix as alleged bribes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the first ministerial corruption trial in Singapore in nearly half a century - reflecting the gravity of the situation Iswaran finds himself in. The last case was in 1986 when&nbsp;the national development minister was investigated for allegedly accepting bribes. The minister died before he could be charged in court.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Row over South Africa's Deputy President's lifestyle, Singapore Transport Minister under probe&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/row-over-south-africas-deputy-presidents-lifestyle-singapore-transport-minister-under-probe-wion-615052/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Singapore's no-corruption image&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, the island country pays its top officials among the world's highest public salaries and prides itself on low corruption.</p>

<p>According to the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, the Southeast Asian country is ranked as the fifth-least corrupt country in the world. Hence, allegations of corruption are taken extremely seriously.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iswaran was selected as an MP&nbsp;way back in 1997 and appointed to the cabinet in 2006. As the transport minister, his key focus area was to rebuild Singapore as an air hub in the aftermath of the pandemic and present the country as a maritime centre.</p>

<p>Iswaran also gained popularity for his role in bringing the Formula One night race to the country in 2008.</p>

<p>Prior to being involved in the legal troubles, Iswaran also served as Singapore’s minister-in-charge of trade relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-minister-subramaniam-iswaran-resigns-after-being-charged-in-rare-corruption-case-681122"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Singapore minister Subramaniam Iswaran resigns after being charged in rare corruption case</strong></a></p>

<p>He resigned from the party in January this year after Prime Minister&nbsp;Lee Hsien Loong had asked him to go on leave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I reject the allegations in the charges and will now focus on clearing my name. Given the circumstances, I feel it is right for me to resign from Cabinet, as a Member of Parliament and as a member of the PAP,” Iswaran said in the resignation letter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


S Iswaran, an Indian-origin former transport minister and previously part of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in Singapore has pleaded guilty to receiving gifts such as concert tickets and golf clubs valued at 403,000 Singapore dollars ($312,000), graft and obstructing justice.

S Iswaran, an Indian-origin former transport minister and previously part of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in Singapore has pleaded guilty to receiving gifts such as concert tickets and golf clubs valued at 403,000 Singapore dollars ($312,000), graft and obstructing justice. After pleading guilty, the prosecutors reduced the charges against Iswaran from 35 to five, according to local media reports. The remaining 30 charges will be taken into consideration for sentencing. According to the charge sheet filed earlier, Iswaran received tickets to English Premier League football matches, musicals, a flight on Ong's private plane and tickets to the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix as alleged bribes. This is the first ministerial corruption trial in Singapore in nearly half a century - reflecting the gravity of the situation Iswaran finds himself in. The last case was in 1986 when the national development minister was investigated for allegedly accepting bribes. The minister died before he could be charged in court. WATCH | Row over South Africa's Deputy President's lifestyle, Singapore Transport Minister under probe Singapore's no-corruption image Notably, the island country pays its top officials among the world's highest public salaries and prides itself on low corruption. According to the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, the Southeast Asian country is ranked as the fifth-least corrupt country in the world. Hence, allegations of corruption are taken extremely seriously. Iswaran was selected as an MP way back in 1997 and appointed to the cabinet in 2006. As the transport minister, his key focus area was to rebuild Singapore as an air hub in the aftermath of the pandemic and present the country as a maritime centre. Iswaran also gained popularity for his role in bringing the Formula One night race to the country in 2008. Prior to being involved in the legal troubles, Iswaran also served as Singapore’s minister-in-charge of trade relations. Also read | Singapore minister Subramaniam Iswaran resigns after being charged in rare corruption case He resigned from the party in January this year after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had asked him to go on leave. “I reject the allegations in the charges and will now focus on clearing my name. Given the circumstances, I feel it is right for me to resign from Cabinet, as a Member of Parliament and as a member of the PAP,” Iswaran said in the resignation letter. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin Singapore ex-minister S Iswaran pleads guilty in corruption case

<p>Indian Prime Minister met his Ukrainian counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Monday (Sep 23). The two leaders reaffirmed their stance for an early resolution of the war with the Indian PM showing readiness to assist in the efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was the third meeting between the two leaders in little over three months, with Zelensky stating that the two nations were developing their relations and "working together to strengthen cooperations across various fields. PM Modi took to his social media handles and posted about the meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Met President @ZelenskyyUa in New York. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of my visit to Ukraine last month to strengthen bilateral relations. Reiterated India’s support for early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and restoration of peace and stability," wrote PM Modi on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Met President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> in New York. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of my visit to Ukraine last month to strengthen bilateral relations. Reiterated India’s support for early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and restoration of peace and stability. <a href="https://t.co/YRGelX1Gl5">pic.twitter.com/YRGelX1Gl5</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1838337654850556211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is already the third bilateral meeting this year with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. We are actively developing our relations and working together to strengthen cooperation across various fields.<br />
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The main focus of our conversation was on enhancing… <a href="https://t.co/cn7ao2Qp3f">pic.twitter.com/cn7ao2Qp3f</a></p>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1838349327653081228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Prime Minister reiterated India’s clear, consistent and constructive approach in favour of a peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue as well as engagement between all stakeholders," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to Monday's meeting, the two leaders had met in Kyiv last month when PM Modi arrived on a historic one-day visit which was the first ever by an Indian PM since the diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in 1992&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modis-us-visit-indian-pm-modi-attends-tech-ceos-round-table-in-us-761042"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;PM Modi's US Visit: Indian PM Modi attends tech CEOs round table in US</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Zelensky's victory plan&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The meeting came a day after Kyiv stated that Zelensky was to present a "victory plan" to US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former prez, Donald Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Victory Plan envisages quick and concrete steps by our strategic partners - from now until the end of December," said Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-to-present-victory-plan-to-biden-harris-and-trump-during-us-visit-761147" target="_blank"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Zelensky to present victory plan to Biden, Harris and Trump during US visit</strong></a></p>

<p>When asked about Zelensky's initiative, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "We believe that one should not analyse media reports. If information about it appears in official sources we will of course scrutinise it. There is a lot of contradictory and unreliable information on it out there, so we are very cautious about this."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister met his Ukrainian counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Monday (Sep 23).

Indian Prime Minister met his Ukrainian counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Monday (Sep 23). The two leaders reaffirmed their stance for an early resolution of the war with the Indian PM showing readiness to assist in the efforts. This was the third meeting between the two leaders in little over three months, with Zelensky stating that the two nations were developing their relations and "working together to strengthen cooperations across various fields. PM Modi took to his social media handles and posted about the meeting. "Met President @ZelenskyyUa in New York. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of my visit to Ukraine last month to strengthen bilateral relations. Reiterated India’s support for early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and restoration of peace and stability," wrote PM Modi on X (formerly Twitter). Met President @ZelenskyyUa in New York. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of my visit to Ukraine last month to strengthen bilateral relations. Reiterated India’s support for early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and restoration of peace and stability. pic.twitter.com/YRGelX1Gl5 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2024 × This is already the third bilateral meeting this year with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi @narendramodi. We are actively developing our relations and working together to strengthen cooperation across various fields. The main focus of our conversation was on enhancing… pic.twitter.com/cn7ao2Qp3f — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 23, 2024 × "Prime Minister reiterated India’s clear, consistent and constructive approach in favour of a peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue as well as engagement between all stakeholders," it added. Prior to Monday's meeting, the two leaders had met in Kyiv last month when PM Modi arrived on a historic one-day visit which was the first ever by an Indian PM since the diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in 1992 Watch | PM Modi's US Visit: Indian PM Modi attends tech CEOs round table in US × Zelensky's victory plan The meeting came a day after Kyiv stated that Zelensky was to present a "victory plan" to US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former prez, Donald Trump. "The Victory Plan envisages quick and concrete steps by our strategic partners - from now until the end of December," said Zelensky. Also read: Zelensky to present victory plan to Biden, Harris and Trump during US visit When asked about Zelensky's initiative, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "We believe that one should not analyse media reports. If information about it appears in official sources we will of course scrutinise it. There is a lot of contradictory and unreliable information on it out there, so we are very cautious about this." (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi meets Ukraine's Zelensky in US, reaffirms India's commitment to resolution of war

<p>Ryan Routh, the would-be assassin of Donald Trump wrote a chilling letter months ago about a 'failed attempt' to kill the former US president, the court documents submitted on Monday (Sep 23) showed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the pre-written letter, addressed to "The World" and sent to an unnamed witness, months before the attack on Trump at the Florida golf course, Routh pre-empted a failed assassination attempt on the Republican leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the said witness told investigators that Routh had dropped off&nbsp;a box at their home&nbsp;"several months" beforehand, containing ammunition, a metal pipe, building materials, phones "and various letters."</p>

<p>"I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster.&nbsp;It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job,"&nbsp;the letter read.</p>

<p>Trump “ended relations with Iran like a child and now the Middle East has unravelled,” the letter added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The correspondence was presented to the court after Routh was arrested on September 15 when US Secret&nbsp;Service agents spotted him with a modified AK-47, attempting to take out Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The gunman's social media footprint showed that he actively talked about politics and&nbsp;exclusively donated to Democratic candidates, dating back to 2019.</p>

<p>In an interview with&nbsp;<em>The New York Times,&nbsp;</em>Routh claimed to have travelled to Ukraine to support the war effort and recruit Afghan soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a post in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he advocated for civilians to change the course of global conflicts.</p>

<p>In June 2020, Routh posted that while he supported Trump in 2016, he was left disappointed by his White House tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I and the world hoped that President Trump would be different and better than the candidate, but we all were greatly disappointment and it seems you are getting worse and devolving; are you retarded; I will be glad when you gone,” he wrote.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-assassination-bid-suspect-identified-as-ryan-wesley-routh-of-hawaii-759163" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Trump Assassination Bid: Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-assassination-bid-suspect-identified-as-ryan-wesley-routh-of-hawaii-759163/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Trump blames Democrats for shooting</strong></h2>

<p>Talking to the media after the incident, Trump blamed the Democrats and said their rhetoric had caused the repeated shootings against him.</p>

<p>"This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-trump-assassination-attempt-suspect-ryan-routh-charged-with-gun-crimes-759227"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Second Trump assassination attempt: Suspect Ryan Routh charged with gun crimes</strong></a></p>

<p>Trump blamed the Democrats and said their rhetoric had caused the repeated shootings against him. It was the second attempt on his life after a shooter nearly took him out during a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania.</p>

<p>While Routh was caught alive, the first gunman was killed by the Secret Service, but not before he killed a rallygoer while injuring few others.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ryan Routh, the would-be assassin of Donald Trump wrote a chilling letter months ago about a 'failed attempt' to kill the former US president, the court documents submitted on Monday (Sep 23) showed.

Ryan Routh, the would-be assassin of Donald Trump wrote a chilling letter months ago about a 'failed attempt' to kill the former US president, the court documents submitted on Monday (Sep 23) showed. In the pre-written letter, addressed to "The World" and sent to an unnamed witness, months before the attack on Trump at the Florida golf course, Routh pre-empted a failed assassination attempt on the Republican leader. Notably, the said witness told investigators that Routh had dropped off a box at their home "several months" beforehand, containing ammunition, a metal pipe, building materials, phones "and various letters." "I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job," the letter read. Trump “ended relations with Iran like a child and now the Middle East has unravelled,” the letter added. The correspondence was presented to the court after Routh was arrested on September 15 when US Secret Service agents spotted him with a modified AK-47, attempting to take out Trump. The gunman's social media footprint showed that he actively talked about politics and exclusively donated to Democratic candidates, dating back to 2019. In an interview with The New York Times, Routh claimed to have travelled to Ukraine to support the war effort and recruit Afghan soldiers. In a post in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he advocated for civilians to change the course of global conflicts. In June 2020, Routh posted that while he supported Trump in 2016, he was left disappointed by his White House tenure. “I and the world hoped that President Trump would be different and better than the candidate, but we all were greatly disappointment and it seems you are getting worse and devolving; are you retarded; I will be glad when you gone,” he wrote. Watch | Trump Assassination Bid: Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii Trump blames Democrats for shooting Talking to the media after the incident, Trump blamed the Democrats and said their rhetoric had caused the repeated shootings against him. "This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you," it added. Also read | Second Trump assassination attempt: Suspect Ryan Routh charged with gun crimes Trump blamed the Democrats and said their rhetoric had caused the repeated shootings against him. It was the second attempt on his life after a shooter nearly took him out during a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. While Routh was caught alive, the first gunman was killed by the Secret Service, but not before he killed a rallygoer while injuring few others. (With inputs from agencies)

'I will offer $150,000 to...: Gunman Routh wrote about failed assassination bid against Trump months ago

<p>Sri Lanka's newly-elected President&nbsp;Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said that he didn't want Colombo to be 'sandwiched' between India and China as the two heavyweights of the region attempt to assert themselves on the geostrategically important island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;National People’s Power (NPP) leader said he wanted to foster a balanced relationship in what was a clear foreign policy vision for the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We don’t want Sri Lanka to be sandwiched, especially between China and India. Both countries are valued friends and, under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners. We also want to maintain relations with the EU, the Middle East and Africa,” said&nbsp;Dissanayake in a September 3 interview.</p>

<p>“There are many power camps within a multipolar system. We won’t be a part of that geopolitical fight, nor will we be aligned with any party,” he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-election-wickremesinghe-says-handing-over-beloved-child-of-sri-lanka-761038" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka Election: Wickremesinghe says Handing Over 'Beloved Child Of Sri Lanka'</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-election-wickremesinghe-says-handing-over-beloved-child-of-sri-lanka-761038/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Dissanayake takes oath</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday (Sep 23),&nbsp;Dissanayake took oath as the 10th president of the country in a&nbsp;swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. He emerged victorious&nbsp;over his closest rival, Sajith Premadasa, by a margin of approximately 10 percentage points after a historic second round of counting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to congratulate&nbsp; Dissanayake.&nbsp;Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote: “Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR.”</p>

<p>"I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/anuradisanayake?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anuradisanayake</a>, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for…</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1837920363684274264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Soon after, Chinese President Xi Jinping also congratulated&nbsp;Dissanayake, whilst hoping to broaden cooperation with Sri Lanka under the Belt and Road Infrastructure (BRI).</p>

<p>"I attach great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations and am willing to work with Mr President to continue our traditional friendship (and) enhance mutual political trust," Xi said in a message to Dissanayake, according to state broadcaster CCTV.</p>

<p>Dissanayake takes over the presidency at a critical time when Sri Lanka needs its economy to regenerate two years after the Marxist leader was at the forefront of the protests, which drove the Rajapaksas out of power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sri Lanka's newly-elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said that he didn't want Colombo to be 'sandwiched' between India and China as the two heavyweights of the region attempt to assert themselves on the geostrategically important island nation.

Sri Lanka's newly-elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said that he didn't want Colombo to be 'sandwiched' between India and China as the two heavyweights of the region attempt to assert themselves on the geostrategically important island nation. The National People’s Power (NPP) leader said he wanted to foster a balanced relationship in what was a clear foreign policy vision for the country. “We don’t want Sri Lanka to be sandwiched, especially between China and India. Both countries are valued friends and, under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners. We also want to maintain relations with the EU, the Middle East and Africa,” said Dissanayake in a September 3 interview. “There are many power camps within a multipolar system. We won’t be a part of that geopolitical fight, nor will we be aligned with any party,” he added. Watch | Sri Lanka Election: Wickremesinghe says Handing Over 'Beloved Child Of Sri Lanka' Dissanayake takes oath On Monday (Sep 23), Dissanayake took oath as the 10th president of the country in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. He emerged victorious over his closest rival, Sajith Premadasa, by a margin of approximately 10 percentage points after a historic second round of counting. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Dissanayake. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote: “Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR.” "I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region," he added. Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 × Soon after, Chinese President Xi Jinping also congratulated Dissanayake, whilst hoping to broaden cooperation with Sri Lanka under the Belt and Road Infrastructure (BRI). "I attach great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations and am willing to work with Mr President to continue our traditional friendship (and) enhance mutual political trust," Xi said in a message to Dissanayake, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Dissanayake takes over the presidency at a critical time when Sri Lanka needs its economy to regenerate two years after the Marxist leader was at the forefront of the protests, which drove the Rajapaksas out of power. (With inputs from agencies)

‘We expect them...’: Sri Lanka’s new President Anura Dissanayake hints who he’ll pick between India and China

<p>In the second phase of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, Over 25.78 lakh voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates in the fray for 26 assembly constituencies. The second phase of the Legislative Assembly will cover 26 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) across six districts of J&amp;K, including Ganderbal, Srinagar and Budgam in Kashmir Division, Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu Division.</p>

<p>The second phase of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will see some of the most prominent faces in fray including the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah, APNI Party chief Altaf Bukhari, Congress state president Tariq Hameed Karra, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi of PDP and Ravindra Raina, state president BJP.</p>

<p>Beerwah Budgam<br />
<br />
1. Omar Abdullah (NC)<br />
2. Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi (PDP)</p>

<p>Central Shalteng<br />
<br />
1. Tariq Hameed Karra (Cong)<br />
2. Muhammad Irafn Shah (Independent) NC Rebel<br />
3. Abdul Qayum Bhat (PDP)&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eidgah<br />
<br />
1. Arif Majeed Pampore (BJP)<br />
2. Mohammad Khurshid Alam (PDP)<br />
3. Mubarik Gul (NC)</p>

<p>Channa Pora<br />
<br />
1. Altaf Bukhari (Apni Party)<br />
2. Mohammed Iqbal Trumboo (PDP)<br />
3. Mushtaq Guroo (NC)</p>

<p>Ganderbal</p>

<p>1. Sarjan Ahmad Wagay (IND)<br />
2. Omar Abudllah (NC)<br />
3. Ishfaq Ahmed Sheikh (IND)<br />
4. Bashir Ahmad Mir (PDP)</p>

<p>Habba Kadal&nbsp;<br />
<br />
1. Arif Irshad Laigroo (PDP)&nbsp;<br />
2. Sanjay Saraj (RLJP)&nbsp;<br />
3. Muzzafar Shah (ANC)&nbsp;<br />
4. Ashok Kumar Bhat (BJP)&nbsp;<br />
5. Shameena Firdous (NC)</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-kashmir-elections-2024-59-voter-turnout-in-phase-one-of-jk-assembly-election-759920" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Jammu &amp; Kashmir Elections 2024: Historic Voter Turnout In Phase One of J&amp;K Assembly Election</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-kashmir-elections-2024-59-voter-turnout-in-phase-one-of-jk-assembly-election-759920/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>In Kashmir division, 15 Assembly Constituencies are up for election, viz., Kangan, Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, 26-Central Shalteng, Budgam; Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-I-Sharief and Chadoora. Whereas in Jammu division, 11 Assembly Constituencies which include Gulabgarh, Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote- Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri, Budhal, Thannamandi, Surankote, Poonch Havel and Mendhar will go to polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the latest electoral rolls, 25,78,099 &nbsp;lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballot in this phase, comprising 13,12,730 &nbsp;lakh male voters, 12,65,316 &nbsp;lakh female voters and 53 third-gender voters. Underlining the significance of the role played by the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in strengthening the democracy, as many as 1,20,612 &nbsp;lakh voters aged 18 to 19 are eligible to vote in phase II of the Assembly Elections. Among these, 11,294 are male and 10,065 are female first-time voters.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-security-heightened-ahead-of-second-phase-of-polling-761407"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir: Security heightened ahead of second phase of polling</strong></a></p>

<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) has established 3,502 polling stations with 100 per cent webcasting across 26 Assembly Constituencies. These include 1,056 Urban Polling stations and 2,446 Rural Polling stations.</p>

<p>To enhance voter participation, 157 special polling stations have been established in the second phase including 26 polling booths managed by women as Pink Polling Stations, 26 polling stations manned by specially-abled persons, 26 polling stations manned by youths, 31 Border polling stations, 26 green polling stations and 22 Unique Polling stations. The voting will take place from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm IST</p>


In the second phase of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, Over 25.78 lakh voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates in the fray for 26 assembly constituencies.

In the second phase of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, Over 25.78 lakh voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates in the fray for 26 assembly constituencies. The second phase of the Legislative Assembly will cover 26 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) across six districts of J&K, including Ganderbal, Srinagar and Budgam in Kashmir Division, Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu Division. The second phase of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will see some of the most prominent faces in fray including the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah, APNI Party chief Altaf Bukhari, Congress state president Tariq Hameed Karra, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi of PDP and Ravindra Raina, state president BJP. Beerwah Budgam 1. Omar Abdullah (NC) 2. Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi (PDP) Central Shalteng 1. Tariq Hameed Karra (Cong) 2. Muhammad Irafn Shah (Independent) NC Rebel 3. Abdul Qayum Bhat (PDP) Eidgah 1. Arif Majeed Pampore (BJP) 2. Mohammad Khurshid Alam (PDP) 3. Mubarik Gul (NC) Channa Pora 1. Altaf Bukhari (Apni Party) 2. Mohammed Iqbal Trumboo (PDP) 3. Mushtaq Guroo (NC) Ganderbal 1. Sarjan Ahmad Wagay (IND) 2. Omar Abudllah (NC) 3. Ishfaq Ahmed Sheikh (IND) 4. Bashir Ahmad Mir (PDP) Habba Kadal 1. Arif Irshad Laigroo (PDP) 2. Sanjay Saraj (RLJP) 3. Muzzafar Shah (ANC) 4. Ashok Kumar Bhat (BJP) 5. Shameena Firdous (NC) Watch | Jammu & Kashmir Elections 2024: Historic Voter Turnout In Phase One of J&K Assembly Election In Kashmir division, 15 Assembly Constituencies are up for election, viz., Kangan, Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, 26-Central Shalteng, Budgam; Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-I-Sharief and Chadoora. Whereas in Jammu division, 11 Assembly Constituencies which include Gulabgarh, Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote- Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri, Budhal, Thannamandi, Surankote, Poonch Havel and Mendhar will go to polls. According to the latest electoral rolls, 25,78,099 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballot in this phase, comprising 13,12,730 lakh male voters, 12,65,316 lakh female voters and 53 third-gender voters. Underlining the significance of the role played by the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in strengthening the democracy, as many as 1,20,612 lakh voters aged 18 to 19 are eligible to vote in phase II of the Assembly Elections. Among these, 11,294 are male and 10,065 are female first-time voters. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Security heightened ahead of second phase of polling The Election Commission of India (ECI) has established 3,502 polling stations with 100 per cent webcasting across 26 Assembly Constituencies. These include 1,056 Urban Polling stations and 2,446 Rural Polling stations. To enhance voter participation, 157 special polling stations have been established in the second phase including 26 polling booths managed by women as Pink Polling Stations, 26 polling stations manned by specially-abled persons, 26 polling stations manned by youths, 31 Border polling stations, 26 green polling stations and 22 Unique Polling stations. The voting will take place from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm IST

Jammu & Kashmir: Big names in fray for 26 assembly seats in second phase of polls

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidTLDaAZEKuzIo" /></p>

<p>Courts in&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;and Venezuela issued warrants for the arrests of each other's presidents on Monday amid a showdown between "anarcho-capitalist" leader Javier Milei and socialist strongman Nicolas Maduro.</p>

<p>Venezuela was first off the mark with its warrant for&nbsp;Argentina's Milei over what it called the "theft" of a Venezuelan plane seized in Buenos Aires for alleged sanctions violations.</p>

<p>A court in Caracas also issued warrants for&nbsp;Argentina's Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and Karina Milei, the president's sister and presidential advisor.</p>

<p>In a tit-for-tat measure hours later, an&nbsp;Argentine&nbsp;court ordered the arrest of Venezuela's Maduro and dozens of aides for crimes against humanity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Significantly, the court also asked international police organisation Interpol to issue a red notice for their capture, local media reported.</p>

<p>The federal court in Buenos Aires accused Venezuela's leaders of organising the kidnap and torture of Venezuelan citizens, the reports added.</p>

<p>The court invoked the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows countries to prosecute certain serious crimes regardless of where they took place.</p>

<p>Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello is among those sought.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-us-plot-to-destabilise-maduro-government-758884"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Venezuela: 'US plot to destabilise Maduro government'</strong></a></p>

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<h2>Polar opposites</h2>

<p>Venezuela has repeatedly locked horns with&nbsp;Argentina, where Milei, a vocal critic of Maduro-style socialism, took office last December.</p>

<p>Argentina&nbsp;was among dozens of countries not to recognise Maduro's claim of reelection victory in a July 28 vote which the opposition said it can prove he stole.</p>

<p>Argentina&nbsp;-- whose embassy in Caracas is sheltering Venezuelan opposition officials -- was among seven Latin American countries with which Caracas severed ties after the election.</p>

<p>The arrest warrant issued by Venezuela for Milei relates to a cargo plane owned by Venezuelan company Emtrasur, which was seized after landing in&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;in June 2022, before Milei took office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An&nbsp;Argentine&nbsp;judge then granted a request for the United States to seize the plane on grounds that laws were broken when Iran sold it to Venezuela. Both countries are under US sanctions.</p>

<p>Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice on Monday accused Milei of aggravated robbery, unlawful detention and "unlawful interference with the operational safety of civil aviation."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-warns-venezuelan-dissidents-of-tun-tun-operations-calls-against-use-of-whatsapp-747539"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Maduro warns Venezuelan dissidents of 'tun-tun operations', calls against use of WhatsApp</strong></a></p>

<p>The arrest warrant was seen as largely symbolic, as it is unlikely Milei will set foot in Venezuela, which is the only country where the warrant applies.</p>

<p>Maduro's regime has lashed out repeatedly over the past week at its critics, notably accusing the United States of plotting to overthrow late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez's handpicked successor.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></strong></p>


Courts in Argentina and Venezuela issued warrants for the arrests of each other's presidents on Monday amid a showdown between "anarcho-capitalist" leader Javier Milei and socialist strongman Nicolas Maduro.

Courts in Argentina and Venezuela issued warrants for the arrests of each other's presidents on Monday amid a showdown between "anarcho-capitalist" leader Javier Milei and socialist strongman Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela was first off the mark with its warrant for Argentina's Milei over what it called the "theft" of a Venezuelan plane seized in Buenos Aires for alleged sanctions violations. A court in Caracas also issued warrants for Argentina's Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and Karina Milei, the president's sister and presidential advisor. In a tit-for-tat measure hours later, an Argentine court ordered the arrest of Venezuela's Maduro and dozens of aides for crimes against humanity. Significantly, the court also asked international police organisation Interpol to issue a red notice for their capture, local media reported. The federal court in Buenos Aires accused Venezuela's leaders of organising the kidnap and torture of Venezuelan citizens, the reports added. The court invoked the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows countries to prosecute certain serious crimes regardless of where they took place. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello is among those sought. Watch | Venezuela: 'US plot to destabilise Maduro government' × Polar opposites Venezuela has repeatedly locked horns with Argentina, where Milei, a vocal critic of Maduro-style socialism, took office last December. Argentina was among dozens of countries not to recognise Maduro's claim of reelection victory in a July 28 vote which the opposition said it can prove he stole. Argentina -- whose embassy in Caracas is sheltering Venezuelan opposition officials -- was among seven Latin American countries with which Caracas severed ties after the election. The arrest warrant issued by Venezuela for Milei relates to a cargo plane owned by Venezuelan company Emtrasur, which was seized after landing in Argentina in June 2022, before Milei took office. An Argentine judge then granted a request for the United States to seize the plane on grounds that laws were broken when Iran sold it to Venezuela. Both countries are under US sanctions. Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice on Monday accused Milei of aggravated robbery, unlawful detention and "unlawful interference with the operational safety of civil aviation." Also read | Maduro warns Venezuelan dissidents of 'tun-tun operations', calls against use of WhatsApp The arrest warrant was seen as largely symbolic, as it is unlikely Milei will set foot in Venezuela, which is the only country where the warrant applies. Maduro's regime has lashed out repeatedly over the past week at its critics, notably accusing the United States of plotting to overthrow late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez's handpicked successor. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Argentina court orders arrest of Venezuela's Maduro in a tit-for-tat move

<p>While the controversy surrounding the presence of animal fat in prasadam (offering) at the Tirupati temple in India's Andhra Pradesh had barely died down, a devotee has now claimed that she&nbsp;found&nbsp;tobacco in the laddoo offered at the temple.</p>

<p>The devotee, Donthu Padmavati, a resident of&nbsp;Khammam district, said she found tobacco in the prasadam during her visit to the Temple last week. She had brought the laddoos home to share with family and neighbours when she made the shocking discovery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As I was about to distribute the laddoo, I was horrified to find pieces of tobacco wrapped in a small paper.&nbsp;The prasadam is supposed to be sacred, and to find such contamination is heartbreaking," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development, if true, adds to the recent revelations and raises serious questions on the integrity of the temple board, under whose nose, adulterated products have found their way into the offerings - revered by the millions of devotees visiting the holy site.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the below media</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's really heartbreaking to see the affairs of Tirumala Tirupati Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple 💔<br />
<br />
Amber (Tobacco/Gutka) cover is found in Tirumala Laddu Prasada of a devotee<br />
<br />
Recently a few friends of mine who had travelled to the temple for darshan have found cigarette buds… <a href="https://t.co/Lobqh8S3U9">pic.twitter.com/Lobqh8S3U9</a></p>
— Karnataka Weather (@Bnglrweatherman) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bnglrweatherman/status/1838171484067598381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tirupati-laddu-row-new-vendor-appointed-promises-of-purity-760801" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Purification ritual</strong></h2>

<p>The incident came to light after a purification ritual was carried out in the temple as reports claimed that prasadam prepared in the kitchen was adulterated with animal fats, including beef tallows.</p>

<p>The ritual called the Mahashanti Yagam was performed in strict accordance with the shastras (manual with rules) on Monday (Sep 23) early morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Shamala Rao, along with other officials and priests, participated in the&nbsp;purification ritual.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/andhra-deputy-cm-pawan-kalyan-to-undergo-11-day-penance-after-tirupati-laddoo-row-760820" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to undergo 11-day penance after Tirupati 'laddoo' row</strong></a></p>

<p>The controversy erupted after Chief Minister&nbsp;Chandrababu Naidu last week alleged that his predecessor Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government allowed the use of substandard ingredients in the preparation of laddoos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A lab report from Gujarat’s NDDB CALF lab confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow and fish oil in ghee samples.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


While the controversy surrounding the presence of animal fat in prasadam (offering) at the Tirupati temple in India's Andhra Pradesh had barely died down, a devotee has now claimed that she found tobacco in the laddoo offered at the temple.

While the controversy surrounding the presence of animal fat in prasadam (offering) at the Tirupati temple in India's Andhra Pradesh had barely died down, a devotee has now claimed that she found tobacco in the laddoo offered at the temple. The devotee, Donthu Padmavati, a resident of Khammam district, said she found tobacco in the prasadam during her visit to the Temple last week. She had brought the laddoos home to share with family and neighbours when she made the shocking discovery. "As I was about to distribute the laddoo, I was horrified to find pieces of tobacco wrapped in a small paper. The prasadam is supposed to be sacred, and to find such contamination is heartbreaking," she said. The development, if true, adds to the recent revelations and raises serious questions on the integrity of the temple board, under whose nose, adulterated products have found their way into the offerings - revered by the millions of devotees visiting the holy site. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the below media It's really heartbreaking to see the affairs of Tirumala Tirupati Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple 💔 Amber (Tobacco/Gutka) cover is found in Tirumala Laddu Prasada of a devotee Recently a few friends of mine who had travelled to the temple for darshan have found cigarette buds… pic.twitter.com/Lobqh8S3U9 — Karnataka Weather (@Bnglrweatherman) September 23, 2024 × Watch | Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity Purification ritual The incident came to light after a purification ritual was carried out in the temple as reports claimed that prasadam prepared in the kitchen was adulterated with animal fats, including beef tallows. The ritual called the Mahashanti Yagam was performed in strict accordance with the shastras (manual with rules) on Monday (Sep 23) early morning. Executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Shamala Rao, along with other officials and priests, participated in the purification ritual. Also read | Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to undergo 11-day penance after Tirupati 'laddoo' row The controversy erupted after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu last week alleged that his predecessor Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government allowed the use of substandard ingredients in the preparation of laddoos. A lab report from Gujarat’s NDDB CALF lab confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow and fish oil in ghee samples. (With inputs from agencies)

Tirupati prasadam row: Devotee claims tobacco found in laddoo after animal fat - Watch

<p>SpaceX plans to launch about five uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in two years, CEO Elon Musk said on Sunday (Sep 23) in a post on social media platform X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Musk had said that the first Starships to Mars would launch in two years "when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens."</p>

<p>The CEO on Sunday said that the first crewed mission timeline will depend upon the success of the uncrewed flights. If the uncrewed missions land safely, crewed missions will be launched in four years. However, in case of challenges, crewed missions will be postponed by another two years, Musk said.</p>

<p>Musk, known for providing changing timelines on Starship's readiness, said earlier this year that the first uncrewed starship to land on Mars would be within five years, with the first people landing on Mars within seven years.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;SpaceX's Polaris dawn mission makes splashdown</strong></p>

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<p>In June, a Starship rocket survived a fiery, hypersonic return from space and achieved a breakthrough landing demonstration in the Indian Ocean, completing a full test mission around the globe on the rocket's fourth try.</p>

<p>Musk is counting on Starship to fulfil his goal of producing a large, multipurpose next-generation spacecraft capable of sending people and cargo to the moon later this decade, and ultimately flying to Mars.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-spacex-sued-for-15-million-by-cards-against-humanity-over-alleged-trespassing-on-texas-land-760932"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Elon Musk's SpaceX sued for $15 million by Cards Against Humanity over alleged trespassing on Texas land</strong></a></p>

<p>NASA earlier this year delayed Artemis 3 mission and its first crewed moon landing in half a century using SpaceX's Starship, to September 2026. It was previously planned for late 2025, NASA said.</p>

<p>Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa in June cancelled a private mission around the moon he had paid for, which was to have used SpaceX's Starship, citing schedule uncertainties in the rocket's development.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


SpaceX plans to launch about five uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in two years, CEO Elon Musk said on Sunday (Sep 23) in a post on social media platform X. Earlier this month, Musk had said that the first Starships to Mars would launch in two years "when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens.

SpaceX plans to launch about five uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in two years, CEO Elon Musk said on Sunday (Sep 23) in a post on social media platform X. Earlier this month, Musk had said that the first Starships to Mars would launch in two years "when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens." The CEO on Sunday said that the first crewed mission timeline will depend upon the success of the uncrewed flights. If the uncrewed missions land safely, crewed missions will be launched in four years. However, in case of challenges, crewed missions will be postponed by another two years, Musk said. Musk, known for providing changing timelines on Starship's readiness, said earlier this year that the first uncrewed starship to land on Mars would be within five years, with the first people landing on Mars within seven years. Watch | SpaceX's Polaris dawn mission makes splashdown × In June, a Starship rocket survived a fiery, hypersonic return from space and achieved a breakthrough landing demonstration in the Indian Ocean, completing a full test mission around the globe on the rocket's fourth try. Musk is counting on Starship to fulfil his goal of producing a large, multipurpose next-generation spacecraft capable of sending people and cargo to the moon later this decade, and ultimately flying to Mars. Also read | Elon Musk's SpaceX sued for $15 million by Cards Against Humanity over alleged trespassing on Texas land NASA earlier this year delayed Artemis 3 mission and its first crewed moon landing in half a century using SpaceX's Starship, to September 2026. It was previously planned for late 2025, NASA said. Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa in June cancelled a private mission around the moon he had paid for, which was to have used SpaceX's Starship, citing schedule uncertainties in the rocket's development. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

SpaceX to send 5 uncrewed Starships to Mars in 2 years, claims Elon Musk

<p>China's Deep Blue Aerospace said on Sunday (Sep 22) that its first-of-its-kind reusable kerosene-fuelled rocket, Nebula-1, failed to complete a high-altitude vertical recovery test flight in the country's northern region of Inner Mongolia, crashing at the final stage.</p>

<p>The private rocket startup's spacecraft completed 10 of its 11 tasks, the company said in a statement, with its three thrusters igniting as usual and launching the Nebula-1 high into the sky. Two of its engines then disengaged, as planned, and the rocket began its descent.</p>

<p>But as the Nebula-1 was re-approaching its launch pad, its landing system failed and it touched down too hard, resulting in the rocket's top portion snapping off as it fell to its side and fire damage to its exterior, pictures of the test showed.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-space-rocket-blows-up-causes-massive-fireball-736905"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: China space rocket blows up, causes massive fireball</strong></a></p>

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<p>Investors and rocket developers have said alternative fuels such as kerosene, methane and liquid oxygen could help slash costs and enable rockets to be launched in a cleaner and more efficient way.</p>

<p>Several private Chinese rocket startups have tested various spacecraft over the past year, aiming to prepare their products for the increasing demand in China's expanding commercial space industry, amid growing competition to form a constellation of satellites as an alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


China's Deep Blue Aerospace said on Sunday (Sep 22) that its first-of-its-kind reusable kerosene-fuelled rocket, Nebula-1, failed to complete a high-altitude vertical recovery test flight in the country's northern region of Inner Mongolia, crashing at the final stage.

China's Deep Blue Aerospace said on Sunday (Sep 22) that its first-of-its-kind reusable kerosene-fuelled rocket, Nebula-1, failed to complete a high-altitude vertical recovery test flight in the country's northern region of Inner Mongolia, crashing at the final stage. The private rocket startup's spacecraft completed 10 of its 11 tasks, the company said in a statement, with its three thrusters igniting as usual and launching the Nebula-1 high into the sky. Two of its engines then disengaged, as planned, and the rocket began its descent. But as the Nebula-1 was re-approaching its launch pad, its landing system failed and it touched down too hard, resulting in the rocket's top portion snapping off as it fell to its side and fire damage to its exterior, pictures of the test showed. Watch | Gravitas: China space rocket blows up, causes massive fireball × Investors and rocket developers have said alternative fuels such as kerosene, methane and liquid oxygen could help slash costs and enable rockets to be launched in a cleaner and more efficient way. Several private Chinese rocket startups have tested various spacecraft over the past year, aiming to prepare their products for the increasing demand in China's expanding commercial space industry, amid growing competition to form a constellation of satellites as an alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China's first-of-its-kind reusable kerosene-powered rocket fails test flight

<p>A cleansing ritual was performed at the Tirupati temple in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on Monday (Sep 23) after reports claimed that the 'prasadam' (offering) was adulterated with animal fats, including beef tallows.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ritual called&nbsp;the <em>Mahashanti Yagam&nbsp;</em>was performed in strict accordance with the <em>shastras </em>(manual with rules). Eight temple priests,&nbsp;guided by&nbsp;three Agama Shastra advisors led the cleansing ritual that started around 5:40 am local time and concluded within two hours. Notably,&nbsp;Agama advisors are Vedic scholars who oversee temple rituals.</p>

<p>Executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Shamala Rao, along with other officials and priests, participated in the&nbsp;purification ritual.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ritual was performed a day after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu&nbsp;ordered an SIT probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making the consecrated laddoos.</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> | Andhra Pradesh: TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) organised a Maha Shanti Homam in the wake of Laddu Prasadam row.<br />
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Executive officer of Tirumala Tirupathi Devastanam (TTD) Shamala Rao and other officials of the Board participated in the Homamam along with the… <a href="https://t.co/Gkh7JFeljT">pic.twitter.com/Gkh7JFeljT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1838045453587468306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tirupati-laddu-row-new-vendor-appointed-promises-of-purity-760801" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tirupati-laddu-row-new-vendor-appointed-promises-of-purity-760801/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Penance&nbsp;by Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday (Sep 21). Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan announced that he was undertaking an 11-day&nbsp;ritualistic penance to atone for the use of contentious ingredients in the temple kitchen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kalyan called the incident a "stain on the Hindu race", adding that those practising the 'Sanatan Dharma' needed to stand up now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Tirumala Laddu Prasadam, which is considered to be sacred,&nbsp;has become impure as a result of the depraved tendencies of the past rulers. Contaminated with animal remains. Only open minds can succumb to such sin. Not being able to detect this sin in the beginning is a stain on the Hindu race," said Kalyan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/andhra-deputy-cm-pawan-kalyan-to-undergo-11-day-penance-after-tirupati-laddoo-row-760820"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to undergo 11-day penance after Tirupati 'laddoo' row</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What is the&nbsp;controversy?</strong></h2>

<p>The controversy erupted after CM Chandrababu Naidu last week alleged that his predecessor Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government allowed the use of substandard ingredients in the preparation of laddoos, which included animal fat and fish oil.</p>

<p>On Thursday (Sep 19), a lab report from&nbsp;Gujarat’s NDDB CALF lab confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow and fish oil in ghee samples. The report, dated July 16, 2024, was presented by TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A cleansing ritual was performed at the Tirupati temple in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on Monday (Sep 23) after reports claimed that the 'prasadam' (offering) was adulterated with animal fats, including beef tallows.

A cleansing ritual was performed at the Tirupati temple in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on Monday (Sep 23) after reports claimed that the 'prasadam' (offering) was adulterated with animal fats, including beef tallows. The ritual called the Mahashanti Yagam was performed in strict accordance with the shastras (manual with rules). Eight temple priests, guided by three Agama Shastra advisors led the cleansing ritual that started around 5:40 am local time and concluded within two hours. Notably, Agama advisors are Vedic scholars who oversee temple rituals. Executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Shamala Rao, along with other officials and priests, participated in the purification ritual. The ritual was performed a day after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu ordered an SIT probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making the consecrated laddoos. #WATCH | Andhra Pradesh: TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) organised a Maha Shanti Homam in the wake of Laddu Prasadam row. Executive officer of Tirumala Tirupathi Devastanam (TTD) Shamala Rao and other officials of the Board participated in the Homamam along with the… pic.twitter.com/Gkh7JFeljT — ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2024 × Watch | Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity Penance by Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan On Saturday (Sep 21). Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan announced that he was undertaking an 11-day ritualistic penance to atone for the use of contentious ingredients in the temple kitchen. Kalyan called the incident a "stain on the Hindu race", adding that those practising the 'Sanatan Dharma' needed to stand up now. "Tirumala Laddu Prasadam, which is considered to be sacred, has become impure as a result of the depraved tendencies of the past rulers. Contaminated with animal remains. Only open minds can succumb to such sin. Not being able to detect this sin in the beginning is a stain on the Hindu race," said Kalyan. Also read | Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to undergo 11-day penance after Tirupati 'laddoo' row What is the controversy? The controversy erupted after CM Chandrababu Naidu last week alleged that his predecessor Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government allowed the use of substandard ingredients in the preparation of laddoos, which included animal fat and fish oil. On Thursday (Sep 19), a lab report from Gujarat’s NDDB CALF lab confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow and fish oil in ghee samples. The report, dated July 16, 2024, was presented by TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference. (With inputs from agencies)

Tirupati prasadam row: Temple board conducts purification ritual after animal fat found in laddoos

<p>Amid the heat of the US presidential election, which has seen both factions launch vicious attacks and insults, Donald Trump was seen sharing a warm moment with his grandchildren at a recent rally in North Carolina.</p>

<p>The former president was joined by his grandkids, Luke and Carolina, children of Eric and Lara Trump on the stage as he spoke to the rallygoers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We also have a very important member of my family. Far more important than Eric or Lara,” Trump joked on stage. “And her name is Carolina.”</p>

<p>"And she's beautiful and she's sweet and she doesn't know how evil life is," he added. "Can I ask Carolina to come up? Is that possible?"</p>

<p>A few moments later, Trump introduced Luke to the crowd as well by inviting him on stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Would anybody like to meet Luke? Her brother? Luke, come on up,” the former president said. After Trump whispered something into his grandchild's ear, Luke urged the crowd to 'vote for grandpa'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump revealed that he asked Luke to say something else.</p>

<p>“I whispered into his ear, so cute, I said, ‘Say MAGA,’” the presidential candidate said. “He said, ‘Vote for grandpa.’”</p>

<p>“He didn’t care what I said and that was actually much better,” Trump added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Trump introduced his 5-year-old granddaughter Carolina to the North Carolina rally crowd, saying, “She's beautiful and she’s sweet and she doesn’t know how evil life is.”<br />
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Carolina’s message for the audience? “Make America Great Again!”<br />
<br />
Smart kid.<a href="https://t.co/oHp6GBnbZv">pic.twitter.com/oHp6GBnbZv</a></p>
— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jules31415/status/1837738013599699106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's grandkid at RNC</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, during the&nbsp;Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee in July,&nbsp;Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump also took centre stage and moved the audience with an emotional speech.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 17-year-old Kai said she wanted Americans to know “the side of my grandpa that people don’t often see.”Her speech detailed sweet little mentions, reflecting Trump as “just a normal grandpa.”</p>

<p>"My grandpa has been through hell because of many people, and he's still standing. Grandpa, you are such an inspiration," Kai said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rejects-second-tv-presidential-debate-with-harris-says-it-is-too-late-760799"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Trump rejects second TV presidential debate with Harris, says it is 'too late'</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Trump's final attempt&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Trump has made it clear that he will not seek to run for president again if he loses the upcoming election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No, I don't. I think that that will be, that will be it. I don't see that at all." However, Trump did express his hopes for a positive outcome at the polls on November 5, saying he aimed to be "successful" on election day.</p>

<p>Trump has also refused to take part in a second debate against Kamal Harris, claiming that it was too late and that voters had already made up their minds.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid the heat of the US presidential election, which has seen both factions launch vicious attacks and insults, Donald Trump was seen sharing a warm moment with his grandchildren at a recent rally in North Carolina.

Amid the heat of the US presidential election, which has seen both factions launch vicious attacks and insults, Donald Trump was seen sharing a warm moment with his grandchildren at a recent rally in North Carolina. The former president was joined by his grandkids, Luke and Carolina, children of Eric and Lara Trump on the stage as he spoke to the rallygoers. “We also have a very important member of my family. Far more important than Eric or Lara,” Trump joked on stage. “And her name is Carolina.” "And she's beautiful and she's sweet and she doesn't know how evil life is," he added. "Can I ask Carolina to come up? Is that possible?" A few moments later, Trump introduced Luke to the crowd as well by inviting him on stage. “Would anybody like to meet Luke? Her brother? Luke, come on up,” the former president said. After Trump whispered something into his grandchild's ear, Luke urged the crowd to 'vote for grandpa'. Trump revealed that he asked Luke to say something else. “I whispered into his ear, so cute, I said, ‘Say MAGA,’” the presidential candidate said. “He said, ‘Vote for grandpa.’” “He didn’t care what I said and that was actually much better,” Trump added. Trump introduced his 5-year-old granddaughter Carolina to the North Carolina rally crowd, saying, “She's beautiful and she’s sweet and she doesn’t know how evil life is.” Carolina’s message for the audience? “Make America Great Again!” Smart kid.pic.twitter.com/oHp6GBnbZv — Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) September 22, 2024 × Trump's grandkid at RNC Notably, during the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee in July, Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump also took centre stage and moved the audience with an emotional speech. The 17-year-old Kai said she wanted Americans to know “the side of my grandpa that people don’t often see.”Her speech detailed sweet little mentions, reflecting Trump as “just a normal grandpa.” "My grandpa has been through hell because of many people, and he's still standing. Grandpa, you are such an inspiration," Kai said. Also read | Trump rejects second TV presidential debate with Harris, says it is 'too late' Trump's final attempt Trump has made it clear that he will not seek to run for president again if he loses the upcoming election. "No, I don't. I think that that will be, that will be it. I don't see that at all." However, Trump did express his hopes for a positive outcome at the polls on November 5, saying he aimed to be "successful" on election day. Trump has also refused to take part in a second debate against Kamal Harris, claiming that it was too late and that voters had already made up their minds. (With inputs from agencies)

'Vote for grandpa': Donald Trump shares endearing moment with his grandkids during rally - WATCH

<p>Israel is investigating the possibility of Yahya Sinwar being dead as the&nbsp;Hamas's Gaza-based chief has been incommunicado for a relatively long time, a report in <em>The Times of Israel </em>citing several Hebrew media outlets&nbsp;has claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel Defense Force (IDF) Military Intelligence Directorate has claimed that Sinwar may have been killed in strikes in Gaza. However, there wasn't sufficient&nbsp;non-circumstantial evidence to prove this, while the Shin Bet agency believes he may be alive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sources quoted by Haaretz said Israel has in recent months bombed tunnels in areas where Sinwar was suspected to be hiding, but there is no clear indication that he has been hit and he could be purposely keeping a low profile," the report noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alongside now-killed Mohammed Deif, the head of&nbsp;Qassam Brigades, Sinwar planned the October 7 attacks, whose foundations were set in place after IDF carried out a raid on Al Aqsa mosque in May 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-chief-haniyehs-assassination-iran-orders-attack-on-israel-report-746163" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination: Iran orders attack on Israel: Report</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-chief-haniyehs-assassination-iran-orders-attack-on-israel-report-746163/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Sinwar replaces Haniyeh</strong></h2>

<p>Sinwar succeeded&nbsp;Ismail Haniyeh after the latter was killed in Iran. Haniyeh was allegedly neutralised by Israel using an explosive device that was smuggled into the guesthouse he was staying at a guesthouse in Tehran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the bomb was hidden in the guesthouse months ago and triggered when Haniyeh was staying there on his trip to attend the inauguration of new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-after-hunting-haniyeh-israel-on-prowl-for-sinwar-but-theres-a-catch-753291"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: After hunting Haniyeh, Israel on prowl for Sinwar but there's a catch</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Who is Sinwar?</strong></h2>

<p>Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar is seen as one of the&nbsp;uncompromising top officials of Hamas. In the early 1980s, Sinwar was repeatedly arrested by Israel because of his involvement in anti-occupation activism held at the Islamic University in Gaza.</p>

<p>After completing his graduation, Sinwar set up a network of fighters who were trained for armed resistance against Israel. Later, this group became the well-known Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas.</p>

<p>In the 23 years he spent in Israel's jail, Sinwar learnt Hebrew and also got well-versed in Israel's political affairs. In 2011, he was released as part of the prisoner exchange deal in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released from Hamas.</p>

<p>For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, killing Sinwar would help send a message that Hamas' top leadership had been completely wiped out - making it easier for him to end the military campaign in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel is investigating the possibility of Yahya Sinwar being dead as the Hamas's Gaza-based chief has been incommunicado for a relatively long time, a report in The Times of Israel citing several Hebrew media outlets has claimed.

Israel is investigating the possibility of Yahya Sinwar being dead as the Hamas's Gaza-based chief has been incommunicado for a relatively long time, a report in The Times of Israel citing several Hebrew media outlets has claimed. Israel Defense Force (IDF) Military Intelligence Directorate has claimed that Sinwar may have been killed in strikes in Gaza. However, there wasn't sufficient non-circumstantial evidence to prove this, while the Shin Bet agency believes he may be alive. "Sources quoted by Haaretz said Israel has in recent months bombed tunnels in areas where Sinwar was suspected to be hiding, but there is no clear indication that he has been hit and he could be purposely keeping a low profile," the report noted. Alongside now-killed Mohammed Deif, the head of Qassam Brigades, Sinwar planned the October 7 attacks, whose foundations were set in place after IDF carried out a raid on Al Aqsa mosque in May 2021. Watch | Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination: Iran orders attack on Israel: Report Sinwar replaces Haniyeh Sinwar succeeded Ismail Haniyeh after the latter was killed in Iran. Haniyeh was allegedly neutralised by Israel using an explosive device that was smuggled into the guesthouse he was staying at a guesthouse in Tehran. According to reports, the bomb was hidden in the guesthouse months ago and triggered when Haniyeh was staying there on his trip to attend the inauguration of new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: After hunting Haniyeh, Israel on prowl for Sinwar but there's a catch Who is Sinwar? Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar is seen as one of the uncompromising top officials of Hamas. In the early 1980s, Sinwar was repeatedly arrested by Israel because of his involvement in anti-occupation activism held at the Islamic University in Gaza. After completing his graduation, Sinwar set up a network of fighters who were trained for armed resistance against Israel. Later, this group became the well-known Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas. In the 23 years he spent in Israel's jail, Sinwar learnt Hebrew and also got well-versed in Israel's political affairs. In 2011, he was released as part of the prisoner exchange deal in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released from Hamas. For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, killing Sinwar would help send a message that Hamas' top leadership had been completely wiped out - making it easier for him to end the military campaign in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel probing if Sinwar is dead owing to Hamas chief being incommunicado: Report

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Sep 21) attended the Quad Summit at US President Joe Biden's&nbsp;home residence in Wilmington, Delaware where he firmed up a multi-billion drone deal with Washington while assuring about the future of the powerful alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his opening remarks alongside Biden, Australian Prime Minister Antony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi highlighted how the alliance had come so far since the first official summit in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It gives me immense pleasure to participate at this Quad Summit during my third term. Under your leadership, the first summit (QUAD) of 2021 was organised. In such a short time, we have expanded our cooperation in an unprecedented way in every direction,” PM Modi said.</p>

<p>“You have played a very important role in this. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your strong commitment and contribution to Quad," he added.</p>

<p>"Our message is clear- the Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement. I once again greet President Biden and all my colleagues. We will be happy to organize the Quad Leaders Summit in India in 2025," he added, expressing India’s readiness to host the next Quad Summit in 2025.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-summit-indian-pm-modi-meets-us-japanese-and-australian-leaders-760796"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Quad Summit: Indian PM Modi meets US, Japanese and Australian leaders</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Talks fruitful&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi also remarked about his talks with President Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Summit, terming it as "extremely fruitful".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I thank President Biden for hosting me at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting," said PM Modi in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I thank President Biden for hosting me at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting. <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> <a href="https://t.co/WzWW3fudTn">pic.twitter.com/WzWW3fudTn</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1837580216492798096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Biden lauded his Indian counterpart for his ability to 'find new areas of cooperation'.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history.<br />
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Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different. <a href="https://t.co/TdcIpF23mV">pic.twitter.com/TdcIpF23mV</a></p>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1837561205025653025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>A US-India joint statement&nbsp;highlighted key areas of cooperation, including defence, economic, clean energy, global health, and development.</p>

<p>These areas include agreements on defence procurement, aviation, clean energy, public health, and cultural property protection.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modis-us-visit-security-beefed-up-amid-threats-from-pro-khalistan-elements-760723"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi’s US visit: Security beefed up amid threats from pro-Khalistan elements</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, the procurement of&nbsp;31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian drones by New Delhi was also discussed during the meeting. India has been in the process of acquiring the drones in a nearly $3 billion deal which will help it heighten the&nbsp;surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the frontier with China.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Sep 21) attended the Quad Summit at US President Joe Biden's home residence in Wilmington, Delaware where he firmed up a multi-billion drone deal with Washington while assuring about the future of the powerful alliance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Sep 21) attended the Quad Summit at US President Joe Biden's home residence in Wilmington, Delaware where he firmed up a multi-billion drone deal with Washington while assuring about the future of the powerful alliance. During his opening remarks alongside Biden, Australian Prime Minister Antony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi highlighted how the alliance had come so far since the first official summit in 2021. "It gives me immense pleasure to participate at this Quad Summit during my third term. Under your leadership, the first summit (QUAD) of 2021 was organised. In such a short time, we have expanded our cooperation in an unprecedented way in every direction,” PM Modi said. “You have played a very important role in this. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your strong commitment and contribution to Quad," he added. "Our message is clear- the Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement. I once again greet President Biden and all my colleagues. We will be happy to organize the Quad Leaders Summit in India in 2025," he added, expressing India’s readiness to host the next Quad Summit in 2025. Watch | Quad Summit: Indian PM Modi meets US, Japanese and Australian leaders × Talks fruitful PM Modi also remarked about his talks with President Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Summit, terming it as "extremely fruitful". "I thank President Biden for hosting me at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting," said PM Modi in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). I thank President Biden for hosting me at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting. @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/WzWW3fudTn — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2024 × Meanwhile, Biden lauded his Indian counterpart for his ability to 'find new areas of cooperation'. The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history. Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different. pic.twitter.com/TdcIpF23mV — President Biden (@POTUS) September 21, 2024 × A US-India joint statement highlighted key areas of cooperation, including defence, economic, clean energy, global health, and development. These areas include agreements on defence procurement, aviation, clean energy, public health, and cultural property protection. Also read | PM Modi’s US visit: Security beefed up amid threats from pro-Khalistan elements Notably, the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian drones by New Delhi was also discussed during the meeting. India has been in the process of acquiring the drones in a nearly $3 billion deal which will help it heighten the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the frontier with China. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi assures of Quad's future as India prepares to host Summit in 2025

<p>The US has handed over to India 297 antiquities during the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said on Sunday (Sep 22).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Official sources said the illicit trafficking of cultural property is a longstanding issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history, and India has been particularly hit.</p>

<p>“Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India," PM Modi said on X (formerly Twitter).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties.<br />
<br />
I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> <a href="https://t.co/0jziIYZ1GO">pic.twitter.com/0jziIYZ1GO</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1837688252670923099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Some of the notable antiquities handed over are:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Apsara in sandstone from Central India belonging to 10-11th century C</li>
	<li>Jain Tirthankar in bronze from Central India belonging to 15-16th century CE</li>
	<li>Terracotta vase from Eastern India belonging to 3-4th century CE</li>
	<li>Stone Sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE-1st century CE</li>
	<li>Lord Ganesha in Bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE</li>
	<li>Standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from North India belonging 15-16th century CE</li>
	<li>Lord Krishna in bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE</li>
	<li>Lord Karthikeya in granite from South India belonging to 13-14th century CE</li>
</ul>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-how-india-is-pushing-for-the-return-of-stolen-antiquities-618501"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: How India is pushing for the return of stolen antiquities</strong></a></p>

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<p>With this, the total number of ancient items recovered by India since 2014 has gone to 640, officials said, adding the number returned from the USA alone will be 578.</p>

<p>Apart from the current visit, the earlier visits of Modi to the USA have also been particularly fruitful in return of antiquities to India.</p>

<p>Officials said during his visit to the US in 2021, 157 antiquities were handed over by the US government, including the exquisite bronze Nataraja statue from the 12th century CE. Also, a few days after his US visit in 2023, 105 antiquities were returned to India.</p>

<p>India’s successful recoveries extend beyond the USA, with 16 artefacts being returned from the UK, 40 from Australia among others, they noted.</p>

<p>In stark contrast only one artefact was returned to India between 2004 and 2013, they said.</p>

<p>Further, in July 2024, on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee, in New Delhi, India and the United States signed the first ever ‘Cultural Property Agreement’ to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/met-museum-to-return-antiquities-to-india-as-part-of-1414-objects-to-be-sent-by-us-652582"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Met Museum to return antiquities to India as part of 1,414 objects to be sent by US</strong></a></p>

<p>The spectacular achievement over the last ten years demonstrates the government’s resolve to reclaim India’s stolen treasures and preserve its cultural heritage for future generations, they said.</p>

<p>Modi’s personal bond with global leaders has played a pivotal role in securing these returns.</p>

<p>His proactive approach has led to the recovery of significant artefacts, including revered sculptures and idols, reaffirming India’s cultural identity, they added.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


The US has handed over to India 297 antiquities during the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said on Sunday (Sep 22). Official sources said the illicit trafficking of cultural property is a longstanding issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history, and India has been particularly hit.

The US has handed over to India 297 antiquities during the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said on Sunday (Sep 22). Official sources said the illicit trafficking of cultural property is a longstanding issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history, and India has been particularly hit. “Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India," PM Modi said on X (formerly Twitter). Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. @POTUS @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/0jziIYZ1GO — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 × Some of the notable antiquities handed over are: Apsara in sandstone from Central India belonging to 10-11th century C Jain Tirthankar in bronze from Central India belonging to 15-16th century CE Terracotta vase from Eastern India belonging to 3-4th century CE Stone Sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE-1st century CE Lord Ganesha in Bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE Standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from North India belonging 15-16th century CE Lord Krishna in bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE Lord Karthikeya in granite from South India belonging to 13-14th century CE Watch | Gravitas Plus: How India is pushing for the return of stolen antiquities × With this, the total number of ancient items recovered by India since 2014 has gone to 640, officials said, adding the number returned from the USA alone will be 578. Apart from the current visit, the earlier visits of Modi to the USA have also been particularly fruitful in return of antiquities to India. Officials said during his visit to the US in 2021, 157 antiquities were handed over by the US government, including the exquisite bronze Nataraja statue from the 12th century CE. Also, a few days after his US visit in 2023, 105 antiquities were returned to India. India’s successful recoveries extend beyond the USA, with 16 artefacts being returned from the UK, 40 from Australia among others, they noted. In stark contrast only one artefact was returned to India between 2004 and 2013, they said. Further, in July 2024, on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee, in New Delhi, India and the United States signed the first ever ‘Cultural Property Agreement’ to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA. Also read | Met Museum to return antiquities to India as part of 1,414 objects to be sent by US The spectacular achievement over the last ten years demonstrates the government’s resolve to reclaim India’s stolen treasures and preserve its cultural heritage for future generations, they said. Modi’s personal bond with global leaders has played a pivotal role in securing these returns. His proactive approach has led to the recovery of significant artefacts, including revered sculptures and idols, reaffirming India’s cultural identity, they added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Lord Ganesha, Krishna artefacts among 297 antiquities handed over to India by US during PM Modi's trip

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<p>France finally got a new government Saturday (Sep 21) in a shift to the right, as left-wing protesters took to the streets to denounce what they say is a denial of July's election results.</p>

<p>The cabinet announced by French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;and led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier comes 11 weeks after an inconclusive parliamentary election.</p>

<p>Barnier's first major task will be to submit a 2025 budget plan addressing France's financial situation, which the prime minister this week called "very serious".</p>

<p>Conservative Barnier is best known internationally for leading the European Union's Brexit negotiations with the UK.</p>

<p>More recently, he has had the difficult job of submitting a cabinet for&nbsp;Macron's approval that has the best chance of surviving a no-confidence motion in parliament.</p>

<p>Talks on the distribution of the 39 cabinet posts continued right up to Saturday's official announcement, insiders said, with moments of high tension between the president and his prime minister.</p>

<p>Opposition politicians from the left have already announced they will challenge his government with a confidence motion.</p>

<p>In the July election, a left-wing bloc called the New Popular Front (NFP) won the most parliamentary seats of any political bloc, but not enough for an overall majority.</p>

<p>Macron&nbsp;argued that the left would be unable to muster enough support to form a government that would not immediately be brought down in parliament.</p>

<p>He turned instead to Barnier to lead a government drawing mostly on parliamentary support from&nbsp;Macron's allies, as well as from the conservative Republicans (LR) and the centrist groups.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-barnier-meets-leaders-from-all-political-parties-758271"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;France: Barnier meets leaders from all political parties</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'No future'</strong></h2>

<p>Macron&nbsp;was counting too, on a neutral stance from the far right -- but the leader of the National Rally (RN) Jordan Bardella was quick to condemn the composition of the new government.</p>

<p>It marked "a return to Macronism" and so had "no future whatsoever", he said Saturday.</p>

<p>At the other end of the political spectrum, far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon called the new lineup "a government of the general election losers".</p>

<p>France, he said, should "get rid" of the government "as soon as possible". His party threatened to "increase popular pressure" on the government.</p>

<p>Socialist party chairman Oliver Faure dismissed Barnier's cabinet as "a reactionary government that gives democracy the finger".</p>

<p>"An unnatural government against nature," was the verdict of Marine Tondelier, leader of The Ecologists party.</p>

<p>Among the new faces in key cabinet posts are Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mass-rape-case-accused-man-a-father-of-three-admits-to-sexual-assault-of-gisele-pelicot-760285"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;France mass rape case: Accused man, a father of three, admits to sexual assault of Gisele Pelicot</strong></a></p>

<p>Conservative Bruno Retailleau takes over at the interior ministry. His portfolio covers immigration and his right-wing credentials have created unease even in&nbsp;Macron's own camp.</p>

<p>Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, a close&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;ally, has kept his job.</p>

<p>The difficult job of submitting a budget plan to parliament next month falls to 33-year-old Antoine Armand, the new finance minister. He has previously served as head of parliament's economic affairs commission.</p>

<p>But Greenpeace condemned the appointments of Republican Annie Genevard and Macronist Agnes Pannier-Runacher to the agriculture and climate briefs respectively.</p>

<p>"We need radical and ambitious action to tackle the climate and social crises, but this government already seems stuck in the outdated logic of the old world," said its executive director for France Jean-Francois Julliard.</p>

<p>The only left-of-centre politician is&nbsp;little-known former Socialist Didier Migaud, named justice minister.</p>

<h2><strong>Street protests</strong></h2>

<p>Even before the announcement, thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities Saturday to protest.</p>

<p>They were objecting to a cabinet they say does not reflect the outcome of the parliamentary election. The new government has nobody from inside the NFP bloc.</p>

<p>"I am here because this outcome does not correspond to how people voted," said Violette Bourguignon, 21, demonstrating in Paris.</p>

<p>"I am worried and I'm angry. What is the point of having an election at all?" she said.</p>

<p>Barnier is to address parliament with a key policy speech on October 1.</p>

<p>He then has the urgent task of submitting a budget plan to the National Assembly aimed at controlling France's rising budget deficit and debt mountain -- the first major test of his administration.</p>

<p>France was placed on a formal procedure for violating European Union budgetary rules before Barnier was picked as head of government.</p>

<p>France's public-sector deficit is projected to reach around 5.6 per cent of GDP this year and go over six per cent in 2025. EU rules set a three-percent ceiling on deficits.</p>

<p>"I am discovering that the country's budgetary situation is very serious," Barnier said in a statement to AFP Wednesday, adding that the situation required "more than just pretty statements".</p>

<p>The new cabinet's first meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


France finally got a new government Saturday (Sep 21) in a shift to the right, as left-wing protesters took to the streets to denounce what they say is a denial of July's election results.

France finally got a new government Saturday (Sep 21) in a shift to the right, as left-wing protesters took to the streets to denounce what they say is a denial of July's election results. The cabinet announced by French President Emmanuel Macron and led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier comes 11 weeks after an inconclusive parliamentary election. Barnier's first major task will be to submit a 2025 budget plan addressing France's financial situation, which the prime minister this week called "very serious". Conservative Barnier is best known internationally for leading the European Union's Brexit negotiations with the UK. More recently, he has had the difficult job of submitting a cabinet for Macron's approval that has the best chance of surviving a no-confidence motion in parliament. Talks on the distribution of the 39 cabinet posts continued right up to Saturday's official announcement, insiders said, with moments of high tension between the president and his prime minister. Opposition politicians from the left have already announced they will challenge his government with a confidence motion. In the July election, a left-wing bloc called the New Popular Front (NFP) won the most parliamentary seats of any political bloc, but not enough for an overall majority. Macron argued that the left would be unable to muster enough support to form a government that would not immediately be brought down in parliament. He turned instead to Barnier to lead a government drawing mostly on parliamentary support from Macron's allies, as well as from the conservative Republicans (LR) and the centrist groups. Watch | France: Barnier meets leaders from all political parties × 'No future' Macron was counting too, on a neutral stance from the far right -- but the leader of the National Rally (RN) Jordan Bardella was quick to condemn the composition of the new government. It marked "a return to Macronism" and so had "no future whatsoever", he said Saturday. At the other end of the political spectrum, far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon called the new lineup "a government of the general election losers". France, he said, should "get rid" of the government "as soon as possible". His party threatened to "increase popular pressure" on the government. Socialist party chairman Oliver Faure dismissed Barnier's cabinet as "a reactionary government that gives democracy the finger". "An unnatural government against nature," was the verdict of Marine Tondelier, leader of The Ecologists party. Among the new faces in key cabinet posts are Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Also read | France mass rape case: Accused man, a father of three, admits to sexual assault of Gisele Pelicot Conservative Bruno Retailleau takes over at the interior ministry. His portfolio covers immigration and his right-wing credentials have created unease even in Macron's own camp. Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, a close Macron ally, has kept his job. The difficult job of submitting a budget plan to parliament next month falls to 33-year-old Antoine Armand, the new finance minister. He has previously served as head of parliament's economic affairs commission. But Greenpeace condemned the appointments of Republican Annie Genevard and Macronist Agnes Pannier-Runacher to the agriculture and climate briefs respectively. "We need radical and ambitious action to tackle the climate and social crises, but this government already seems stuck in the outdated logic of the old world," said its executive director for France Jean-Francois Julliard. The only left-of-centre politician is little-known former Socialist Didier Migaud, named justice minister. Street protests Even before the announcement, thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities Saturday to protest. They were objecting to a cabinet they say does not reflect the outcome of the parliamentary election. The new government has nobody from inside the NFP bloc. "I am here because this outcome does not correspond to how people voted," said Violette Bourguignon, 21, demonstrating in Paris. "I am worried and I'm angry. What is the point of having an election at all?" she said. Barnier is to address parliament with a key policy speech on October 1. He then has the urgent task of submitting a budget plan to the National Assembly aimed at controlling France's rising budget deficit and debt mountain -- the first major test of his administration. France was placed on a formal procedure for violating European Union budgetary rules before Barnier was picked as head of government. France's public-sector deficit is projected to reach around 5.6 per cent of GDP this year and go over six per cent in 2025. EU rules set a three-percent ceiling on deficits. "I am discovering that the country's budgetary situation is very serious," Barnier said in a statement to AFP Wednesday, adding that the situation required "more than just pretty statements". The new cabinet's first meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Macron appoints new right-wing French government, 3 months after poll results

<p>The Sri Lankan presidential election is going down to the wire. For the first time in the island country's history, the vote counting has&nbsp;gone into the second round after no single candidate managed to win 50 per cent plus one vote needed to emerge victorious.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Sri Lanka follows the&nbsp;first-past-the-post system in which voters are allowed to choose three candidates, with the candidate&nbsp;securing at least 50 per cent&nbsp;or more of the overall vote declared the winner.&nbsp;If no candidate gets 50 per cent in the first round, there is a legal provision for a run-off between the two frontrunners.</p>

<p>Since 1982, all of Sri Lanka's eight presidential elections have seen the winner emerge in the first round of counting. However, this year's poll has been described as one of the closest as it comes in the aftermath of Sri Lanka going through one of its worst economic crises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While early results showed&nbsp;Marxist-leaning leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake out of the blocks quickly, his lead slowly dwindled,&nbsp;setting the stage for a fascinating second round of counting.</p>

<p>As of the last update, Dissanayake was leading with 39.65 per cent of the vote.&nbsp;Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa was in second place with 34.09 per cent&nbsp;of the total vote.</p>

<p>The Sri Lanka Election Commission added that all the remaining candidates, including&nbsp;President Ranil Wickremesinghe, had been disqualified.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-presidential-election-who-do-people-trust-for-island-nations-future-760803"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Who do people trust for island nation's future</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is&nbsp;Dissanayake?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dissanayake, the frontrunner to win the election, contested as a candidate for the National People's Power (NPP) alliance, which includes his Marxist-leaning Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna Party (JVP) that has traditionally backed stronger state intervention, lower taxes&nbsp;and more closed market economic policies.</p>

<p>NPP has proposed to break away from the cycle of corruption and mismanagement that has plagued the island nation for years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-presidential-election-anura-kumara-dissanayake-grabs-early-lead-to-become-president-760825"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Sri Lanka presidential election: All candidates eliminated except Dissanayake, Premadasa</strong></a></p>

<p>As for his economic policies,&nbsp;Dissanayake has vowed not to scrap the&nbsp;country's unpopular four-year $2.9 billion IMF (International Monetary Fund) bailout agreement but said he would renegotiate it.</p>

<p>"Our plan is to engage with the IMF and introduce certain amendments. We will not tear up the IMF programme. It is a binding document, but there is a provision to renegotiate," party politburo member Bimal Ratnayake told the news agency <em>AFP</em>.</p>

<p>Notably,&nbsp;Dissanayake has&nbsp;pledged to reduce income taxes that were doubled by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and slash sales taxes on food and medicines.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Sri Lankan presidential election is going down to the wire. For the first time in the island country's history, the vote counting has gone into the second round after no single candidate managed to win 50 per cent plus one vote needed to emerge victorious.

The Sri Lankan presidential election is going down to the wire. For the first time in the island country's history, the vote counting has gone into the second round after no single candidate managed to win 50 per cent plus one vote needed to emerge victorious. Notably, Sri Lanka follows the first-past-the-post system in which voters are allowed to choose three candidates, with the candidate securing at least 50 per cent or more of the overall vote declared the winner. If no candidate gets 50 per cent in the first round, there is a legal provision for a run-off between the two frontrunners. Since 1982, all of Sri Lanka's eight presidential elections have seen the winner emerge in the first round of counting. However, this year's poll has been described as one of the closest as it comes in the aftermath of Sri Lanka going through one of its worst economic crises. While early results showed Marxist-leaning leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake out of the blocks quickly, his lead slowly dwindled, setting the stage for a fascinating second round of counting. As of the last update, Dissanayake was leading with 39.65 per cent of the vote. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa was in second place with 34.09 per cent of the total vote. The Sri Lanka Election Commission added that all the remaining candidates, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, had been disqualified. Watch | Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Who do people trust for island nation's future × Who is Dissanayake? Dissanayake, the frontrunner to win the election, contested as a candidate for the National People's Power (NPP) alliance, which includes his Marxist-leaning Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna Party (JVP) that has traditionally backed stronger state intervention, lower taxes and more closed market economic policies. NPP has proposed to break away from the cycle of corruption and mismanagement that has plagued the island nation for years. Also read | Sri Lanka presidential election: All candidates eliminated except Dissanayake, Premadasa As for his economic policies, Dissanayake has vowed not to scrap the country's unpopular four-year $2.9 billion IMF (International Monetary Fund) bailout agreement but said he would renegotiate it. "Our plan is to engage with the IMF and introduce certain amendments. We will not tear up the IMF programme. It is a binding document, but there is a provision to renegotiate," party politburo member Bimal Ratnayake told the news agency AFP. Notably, Dissanayake has pledged to reduce income taxes that were doubled by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and slash sales taxes on food and medicines. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka presidential poll: Counting heads to ‘historic’ second round as Marxist candidate leads

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Quad Summit at the latter's Wilmington, Delaware, home on Saturday (Sep 21).&nbsp;A US-India joint statement highlighted key areas of cooperation, including defence, clean energy, global health, and development.</p>

<p>Among the important topics, the two leaders&nbsp;discussed the setting up of a new semiconductor fabrication&nbsp;plant in Kolkata.</p>

<p>The new plant will be established with support from the India Semiconductor Mission as well as a strategic technology partnership between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"President Biden and Prime Minister Modi hailed a watershed arrangement to establish a new semiconductor fabrication plant focused on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics for national security, next-generation telecommunications, and green energy applications," the White House said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a fact sheet issued after the high-stakes talks, Biden welcomed the procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian drones which will help boost India’s surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.</p>

<p>India has been in the process of acquiring the drones in a nearly $3 billion deal which will help it heighten the&nbsp;surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the frontier with China.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-summit-indian-pm-modi-meets-us-japanese-and-australian-leaders-760796" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Quad Summit: Indian PM Modi meets US, Japanese and Australian leaders</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Economic&nbsp;ties&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The two leaders signed an MoU between the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Small Business Administration for promoting cooperation between US and Indian small and medium-sized enterprises.</p>

<p>The MoU provides for building economic ties through capacity-building workshops in areas such as trade and export finance, technology and digital trade, green economy and trade facilitation.</p>

<p>US-India Global Digital Development Partnership was also launched during the meet&nbsp;which aims to bring together US&nbsp;and Indian private sector companies, technology and resources to deploy the responsible use of emerging digital technologies in Asia and Africa.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-assures-of-quads-future-as-india-prepares-to-host-summit-in-2025-760795"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi assures of Quad's future as India prepares to host Summit in 2025</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Indo-Pacific security&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) has also been started to monitor and secure the waters in the tumultuous region and&nbsp;enforce the laws whilst deterring unlawful behaviour. India will be hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025.</p>

<p>President Biden added that the US supports initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India’s important voice, including permanent membership for India in a reformed UN Security Council.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Quad Summit at the latter's Wilmington, Delaware, home on Saturday (Sep 21).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Quad Summit at the latter's Wilmington, Delaware, home on Saturday (Sep 21). A US-India joint statement highlighted key areas of cooperation, including defence, clean energy, global health, and development. Among the important topics, the two leaders discussed the setting up of a new semiconductor fabrication plant in Kolkata. The new plant will be established with support from the India Semiconductor Mission as well as a strategic technology partnership between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force. "President Biden and Prime Minister Modi hailed a watershed arrangement to establish a new semiconductor fabrication plant focused on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics for national security, next-generation telecommunications, and green energy applications," the White House said in a statement. In a fact sheet issued after the high-stakes talks, Biden welcomed the procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian drones which will help boost India’s surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. India has been in the process of acquiring the drones in a nearly $3 billion deal which will help it heighten the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the frontier with China. Watch | Quad Summit: Indian PM Modi meets US, Japanese and Australian leaders Economic ties The two leaders signed an MoU between the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Small Business Administration for promoting cooperation between US and Indian small and medium-sized enterprises. The MoU provides for building economic ties through capacity-building workshops in areas such as trade and export finance, technology and digital trade, green economy and trade facilitation. US-India Global Digital Development Partnership was also launched during the meet which aims to bring together US and Indian private sector companies, technology and resources to deploy the responsible use of emerging digital technologies in Asia and Africa. Also read | PM Modi assures of Quad's future as India prepares to host Summit in 2025 Indo-Pacific security A new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) has also been started to monitor and secure the waters in the tumultuous region and enforce the laws whilst deterring unlawful behaviour. India will be hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. President Biden added that the US supports initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India’s important voice, including permanent membership for India in a reformed UN Security Council. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi meets Biden: From setting up of semiconductor plant to shoring up drone deal, here's what happened

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<p>India is investigating the business practices of US streaming giant&nbsp;Netflix's local operations, including allegations of visa violations and racial discrimination, according to a government email sent to a former executive.</p>

<p>The details of India's investigation were included in a July 20 email, reviewed by <em>Reuters</em>, which was written by a home ministry official to&nbsp;Netflix's former director of business and legal affairs for India, Nandini Mehta, who left the company in 2020.</p>

<p>"This is regarding visa and tax violations concerns regarding the business practices of&nbsp;Netflix&nbsp;in India," wrote Indian official Deepak Yadav from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) of the home ministry in New Delhi.</p>

<p>"We have received certain details in this regard w.r.t (with respect to) the stated company's conduct, visa violation, illegal structures, tax evasion and other malpractices including incidents of racial discrimination that company has been engaged in while conducting its business in India," he added.</p>

<p>In an emailed statement, Mehta said she is pursuing a lawsuit in US against&nbsp;Netflix&nbsp;for alleged wrongful termination as well as racial and gender discrimination - charges the company denies.</p>

<p>Mehta said she welcomed the Indian investigation and hopes the authorities make their findings public, but did not elaborate on the allegations made by the government.</p>

<p>Yadav declined to comment, saying he was not authorized to speak to media. The FRRO and India's home ministry did not respond to Reuters queries.</p>

<p>A&nbsp;Netflix&nbsp;spokesperson said the company was "unaware of an investigation by the Indian government."</p>

<p>The Indian official's email shows growing scrutiny of&nbsp;Netflix&nbsp;in India, where it has roughly 10 million users and which it considers a growth market where companies target affluent people in the nation of 1.4 billion people.</p>

<p>Over the years, the US streaming giant has developed more local content featuring Bollywood actors.</p>

<p>It has also often faced heat in India over its content deemed insensitive by some users. This month, it was forced to add new disclaimers to an Indian series about a plane hijack after social media outrage and government anger over what they said was Muslim hijackers being shown as Hindus.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netflixs-revenue-reality-check-617768"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Netflix’s revenue reality check</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Seeking documents, US lawsuit</strong></h2>

<p>While it is known that&nbsp;Netflix&nbsp;has since 2023 faced an Indian tax demand - which it is challenging - the existence of a broader investigation into allegations including visa compliance and racial discrimination has not been previously reported.</p>

<p>The Indian government's email did not elaborate which agencies are looking at issues concerning&nbsp;Netflix. The FRRO works closely with home ministry's Intelligence Bureau, the domestic intelligence agency, and is the main agency looking into foreigners' visa compliance and permissions to visit so-called "sensitive" regions.</p>

<p>Last year, India accused Chinese smartphone player Vivo and its Indian affiliates for breaching visa rules by visiting certain "sensitive" regions without permission. India classifies parts of certain states such as Jammu &amp; Kashmir in the north and Sikkim in the east as restricted areas.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ic-814-row-has-netflix-added-disclaimer-only-for-its-indian-audience-user-on-x-call-out-ott-platform-755958"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;IC 814 row: Has Netflix added disclaimer ONLY for its Indian audience? User on X calls out OTT platform</strong></a></p>

<p>The FRRO also acts as a liaison in matters related to foreigners with other government offices.</p>

<p>Mehta worked at the company's Los Angeles and Mumbai offices from April 2018 to April 2020, her LinkedIn profile shows.</p>

<p>The Indian government email asked her to provide "details/documents" as she was a former legal executive of the company.</p>

<p>In 2021, Mehta sued&nbsp;Netflix&nbsp;in Los Angeles County Superior Court in California for alleged wrongful termination and racial and gender discrimination, among other things, US court filings show.</p>

<p>Netflix&nbsp;has in UScourt denied "each and every allegation" and said in its statement that Mehta was fired for repeatedly using her corporate credit card for tens of thousands of dollars in personal expenses.</p>

<p>Mehta said she will "continue to fight for justice." Her case is set for a status hearing on Monday in Los Angeles.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


India is investigating the business practices of US streaming giant Netflix's local operations, including allegations of visa violations and racial discrimination, according to a government email sent to a former executive.

India is investigating the business practices of US streaming giant Netflix's local operations, including allegations of visa violations and racial discrimination, according to a government email sent to a former executive. The details of India's investigation were included in a July 20 email, reviewed by Reuters, which was written by a home ministry official to Netflix's former director of business and legal affairs for India, Nandini Mehta, who left the company in 2020. "This is regarding visa and tax violations concerns regarding the business practices of Netflix in India," wrote Indian official Deepak Yadav from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) of the home ministry in New Delhi. "We have received certain details in this regard w.r.t (with respect to) the stated company's conduct, visa violation, illegal structures, tax evasion and other malpractices including incidents of racial discrimination that company has been engaged in while conducting its business in India," he added. In an emailed statement, Mehta said she is pursuing a lawsuit in US against Netflix for alleged wrongful termination as well as racial and gender discrimination - charges the company denies. Mehta said she welcomed the Indian investigation and hopes the authorities make their findings public, but did not elaborate on the allegations made by the government. Yadav declined to comment, saying he was not authorized to speak to media. The FRRO and India's home ministry did not respond to Reuters queries. A Netflix spokesperson said the company was "unaware of an investigation by the Indian government." The Indian official's email shows growing scrutiny of Netflix in India, where it has roughly 10 million users and which it considers a growth market where companies target affluent people in the nation of 1.4 billion people. Over the years, the US streaming giant has developed more local content featuring Bollywood actors. It has also often faced heat in India over its content deemed insensitive by some users. This month, it was forced to add new disclaimers to an Indian series about a plane hijack after social media outrage and government anger over what they said was Muslim hijackers being shown as Hindus. Watch | Netflix’s revenue reality check × Seeking documents, US lawsuit While it is known that Netflix has since 2023 faced an Indian tax demand - which it is challenging - the existence of a broader investigation into allegations including visa compliance and racial discrimination has not been previously reported. The Indian government's email did not elaborate which agencies are looking at issues concerning Netflix. The FRRO works closely with home ministry's Intelligence Bureau, the domestic intelligence agency, and is the main agency looking into foreigners' visa compliance and permissions to visit so-called "sensitive" regions. Last year, India accused Chinese smartphone player Vivo and its Indian affiliates for breaching visa rules by visiting certain "sensitive" regions without permission. India classifies parts of certain states such as Jammu & Kashmir in the north and Sikkim in the east as restricted areas. Also read | IC 814 row: Has Netflix added disclaimer ONLY for its Indian audience? User on X calls out OTT platform The FRRO also acts as a liaison in matters related to foreigners with other government offices. Mehta worked at the company's Los Angeles and Mumbai offices from April 2018 to April 2020, her LinkedIn profile shows. The Indian government email asked her to provide "details/documents" as she was a former legal executive of the company. In 2021, Mehta sued Netflix in Los Angeles County Superior Court in California for alleged wrongful termination and racial and gender discrimination, among other things, US court filings show. Netflix has in UScourt denied "each and every allegation" and said in its statement that Mehta was fired for repeatedly using her corporate credit card for tens of thousands of dollars in personal expenses. Mehta said she will "continue to fight for justice." Her case is set for a status hearing on Monday in Los Angeles. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Netflix being probed for racial discrimination, visa violations by Indian government

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