<p>Tollywood star and Andhra Pradesh&nbsp;Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan will undergo 11-day ritualistic penance after reports emerged that the 'prasdam' (offering) at Sri Venkateswara Temple was adulterated with 'animal fats'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kalyan called the incident a "stain on the Hindu race", adding that those practising the faith needed to atone for the injustice done to Lord Balaji.&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>"Everyone who believes in Sanatana Dharma should atone for this terrible injustice done to Balaji, the god of Kaliyuga," he added.</p>

<p>The atonement period will start&nbsp;on Sunday (Sep 22),&nbsp;with Kalyan visiting&nbsp;Sri Dashavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Nambur. After the 11-day period, Kalyan&nbsp;will visit Tirupati and beg the god to 'wash away' his sins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The moment I came to know that the laddu prasadam contained animal remains, my mind was broken. Feeling guilty. As I am fighting for the welfare of the people, it hurts me that such trouble did not come to my attention in the beginning," said Kalyan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Janasena Party chief said he was pained that even the board members at Tirupati were unable to report about the adulterations being done to the 'laddoos', offered to millions of devotees who throng to the temple.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Only those who have no faith in God and no fear of sin indulge in such crimes. My pain is that even the board members and employees who are a part of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam system are not able to find out the mistakes there, even if they find out, they don't talk about it."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="te">ఏడుకొండలవాడా..! క్షమించు<br />
•11 రోజులపాటు ప్రాయశ్చిత్త దీక్ష<br />
అమృతతుల్యంగా... పరమ పవిత్రంగా భావించే తిరుమల లడ్డు ప్రసాదం- గత పాలకులు వికృత పోకడల ఫలితంగా అపవిత్రమైంది. జంతు అవశేషాలతో మాలిన్యమైంది. విశృంఖల మనస్కులే ఇటువంటి పాపానికి ఒడిగట్టగలరు. ఈ పాపాన్ని ఆదిలోనే పసిగట్టలేకపోవడం…</p>
— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PawanKalyan/status/1837500828497654099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 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"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What is the 'laddoo' controversy?</strong></h2>

<p>The controversy erupted after CM Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday (Sep 18) alleged that his predecessor 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>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><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tirupati-prasadam-row-indian-minister-calls-for-detailed-probe-into-andhra-cm-naidus-allegation-760385" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Indian minister calls for detailed probe into Andhra CM Naidu's allegation</strong></a></p>

<p>"The lab reports of samples that were sent for testing to the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat certify that beef tallow and animal fat, lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee that was supplied to Tirumala and also the S value is only 19.7," Reddy said in a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The uproar has led to&nbsp;Indian Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi calling for a detailed probe into the allegations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Tollywood star and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan will undergo 11-day ritualistic penance after reports emerged that the 'prasdam' (offering) at Sri Venkateswara Temple was adulterated with 'animal fats'.

Tollywood star and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan will undergo 11-day ritualistic penance after reports emerged that the 'prasdam' (offering) at Sri Venkateswara Temple was adulterated with 'animal fats'. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kalyan called the incident a "stain on the Hindu race", adding that those practising the faith needed to atone for the injustice done to Lord Balaji. "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. "Everyone who believes in Sanatana Dharma should atone for this terrible injustice done to Balaji, the god of Kaliyuga," he added. The atonement period will start on Sunday (Sep 22), with Kalyan visiting Sri Dashavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Nambur. After the 11-day period, Kalyan will visit Tirupati and beg the god to 'wash away' his sins. "The moment I came to know that the laddu prasadam contained animal remains, my mind was broken. Feeling guilty. As I am fighting for the welfare of the people, it hurts me that such trouble did not come to my attention in the beginning," said Kalyan. The Janasena Party chief said he was pained that even the board members at Tirupati were unable to report about the adulterations being done to the 'laddoos', offered to millions of devotees who throng to the temple. "Only those who have no faith in God and no fear of sin indulge in such crimes. My pain is that even the board members and employees who are a part of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam system are not able to find out the mistakes there, even if they find out, they don't talk about it." ఏడుకొండలవాడా..! క్షమించు •11 రోజులపాటు ప్రాయశ్చిత్త దీక్ష అమృతతుల్యంగా... పరమ పవిత్రంగా భావించే తిరుమల లడ్డు ప్రసాదం- గత పాలకులు వికృత పోకడల ఫలితంగా అపవిత్రమైంది. జంతు అవశేషాలతో మాలిన్యమైంది. విశృంఖల మనస్కులే ఇటువంటి పాపానికి ఒడిగట్టగలరు. ఈ పాపాన్ని ఆదిలోనే పసిగట్టలేకపోవడం… — Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) September 21, 2024 × Watch | Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity × What is the 'laddoo' controversy? The controversy erupted after CM Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday (Sep 18) alleged that his predecessor Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government allowed the use of substandard ingredients in the preparation of laddus, 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. Also read | Indian minister calls for detailed probe into Andhra CM Naidu's allegation "The lab reports of samples that were sent for testing to the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat certify that beef tallow and animal fat, lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee that was supplied to Tirumala and also the S value is only 19.7," Reddy said in a press conference. The uproar has led to Indian Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi calling for a detailed probe into the allegations. (With inputs from agencies)

Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to undergo 11-day penance after Tirupati 'laddoo' row

<p>US Vice President Kamala Harris launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump and the Republican Party, criticising them for their "hypocritical" stance on abortion.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Ukraine has banned the use of the Telegram app on official devices, citing concerns over potential Russian espionage.</p>

<p>In other news, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for the US&nbsp;for a three-day visit, where he will take part in the Quad summit and address the UN's Summit of the Future.</p>

<p><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:223,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Click on the headlines for more</strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:47,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1734}"><strong><a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:79,&quot;w&quot;:526,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1766}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harris-slams-hypocrite-trump-for-his-immoral-abortion-bans-how-dare-they-760573">Harris slams 'hypocrite' Trump for his 'immoral' abortion bans: 'How dare they...'</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}"><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/21/455926-new-wion-68.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

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<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:47,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1734}"><strong><a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:47,&quot;w&quot;:481,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1734}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-bans-telegram-on-official-devices-over-fears-of-spying-by-russia-760566">Ukraine bans Telegram on official devices over fears of spying by Russia</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:47,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1734}"><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/21/455922-untitled-design.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The Ukrainian government has banned the use of Telegram on&nbsp;official devices used by government officials, military personnel and critical workers because it believes its enemy Russia can spy on both messages and users, Ukraine's&nbsp;National Security and Defence Council said on Friday (Sept 20).</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-x-names-legal-representative-in-brazil-amid-ban-on-platform-760583">Elon Musk's X names legal representative in Brazil amid ban on platform</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/21/455932-untitled-design-1.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform X has named its legal representative in Brazil&nbsp;as the company battles a ruling that sought to shut down its operation in the country.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:79,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1766}"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-us-visit-live-updates-un-summit-for-the-future-new-york-global-diplomacy-leadership-760545"><strong>LIVE updates | PM Modi US Visit: Indian PM departs for America, will take part in Quad summit</strong></a></p>

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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for the United States on Saturday (Sep 21) for a three-day visit. During the visit, he will participate in the Quad summit, and address&nbsp;the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York.&nbsp;</p>

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US Vice President Kamala Harris launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump and the Republican Party, criticising them for their "hypocritical" stance on abortion.

US Vice President Kamala Harris launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump and the Republican Party, criticising them for their "hypocritical" stance on abortion. Meanwhile, Ukraine has banned the use of the Telegram app on official devices, citing concerns over potential Russian espionage. In other news, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for the US for a three-day visit, where he will take part in the Quad summit and address the UN's Summit of the Future. Click on the headlines for more Harris slams 'hypocrite' Trump for his 'immoral' abortion bans: 'How dare they...' Kamala Harris on Friday (Sep 20) launched a fierce critique of her political rival Donald Trump and the Republican Party, calling them "hypocrites" over their stance on abortion as the first votes were cast in the crucial 2024 US presidential election. Ukraine bans Telegram on official devices over fears of spying by Russia The Ukrainian government has banned the use of Telegram on official devices used by government officials, military personnel and critical workers because it believes its enemy Russia can spy on both messages and users, Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council said on Friday (Sept 20). Elon Musk's X names legal representative in Brazil amid ban on platform Billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform X has named its legal representative in Brazil as the company battles a ruling that sought to shut down its operation in the country. LIVE updates | PM Modi US Visit: Indian PM departs for America, will take part in Quad summit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for the United States on Saturday (Sep 21) for a three-day visit. During the visit, he will participate in the Quad summit, and address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York. Watch: Sri Lanka elections: Sri Lanka votes to elect nation's 10th President

Morning news brief: Harris slams 'hypocrite' Trump; Ukraine bans Telegram on official devices, and more

<p>A US soldier who crossed into North Korea last year pleaded guilty to desertion as part of a plea agreement Friday and was sentenced to 12 months of confinement, his lawyer said.</p>

<p>Because of good behavior and time served, the soldier was released, according to the lawyer.</p>

<p>Travis King was facing 14 charges related to him fleeing across the border from South Korea into the North in July 2023 while on a sightseeing tour of the Demilitarized Zone that divides the Korean Peninsula, and prior incidents.</p>

<p>But he pleaded guilty to just five -- desertion, assault on a noncommissioned officer, and three counts of disobeying an officer -- as part of a deal that was accepted on Friday by a military judge.</p>

<p>"The judge, under the terms of the plea deal, sentenced Travis to one year of confinement, reduction in rank to private (E-1), forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and a dishonourable discharge," a statement from King's attorney Franklin Rosenblatt said.</p>

<p>"With time already served and credit for good behavior, Travis is now free and will return home," the statement said.</p>

<p>"Travis King has faced significant challenges throughout his life, including a difficult upbringing, exposure to criminal environments, and struggles with mental health," Rosenblatt said. "All these factors have compounded the hardships he faced in the military."</p>

<p>In a statement, the US Army's Office of Special Trial Counsel confirmed King's guilty plea as part of a deal and said that "pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, all other charges and specifications were dismissed."</p>

<p>"The outcome of today's court martial is a fair and just result that reflects the seriousness of the offenses committed by Pvt. King," prosecutor Major Allyson Montgomery said in the statement.</p>

<p>At the time of the incident, King had been stationed in South Korea, and after a drunken bar fight and a stay in South Korean jail, he was supposed to fly back to Texas to face disciplinary hearings.</p>

<p>Instead of doing so, he walked out of the Seoul-area airport, joined a DMZ sightseeing trip and slipped over the fortified border where he was detained by the communist North's authorities.</p>

<p>Pyongyang had said that King had defected to North Korea to escape "mistreatment and racial discrimination in the US Army."</p>

<p>But after completing its investigation, North Korea "decided to expel" King in September for illegally intruding into its territory.</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&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A US soldier who crossed into North Korea last year pleaded guilty to desertion as part of a plea agreement Friday and was sentenced to 12 months of confinement, his lawyer said.

A US soldier who crossed into North Korea last year pleaded guilty to desertion as part of a plea agreement Friday and was sentenced to 12 months of confinement, his lawyer said. Because of good behavior and time served, the soldier was released, according to the lawyer. Travis King was facing 14 charges related to him fleeing across the border from South Korea into the North in July 2023 while on a sightseeing tour of the Demilitarized Zone that divides the Korean Peninsula, and prior incidents. But he pleaded guilty to just five -- desertion, assault on a noncommissioned officer, and three counts of disobeying an officer -- as part of a deal that was accepted on Friday by a military judge. "The judge, under the terms of the plea deal, sentenced Travis to one year of confinement, reduction in rank to private (E-1), forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and a dishonourable discharge," a statement from King's attorney Franklin Rosenblatt said. "With time already served and credit for good behavior, Travis is now free and will return home," the statement said. "Travis King has faced significant challenges throughout his life, including a difficult upbringing, exposure to criminal environments, and struggles with mental health," Rosenblatt said. "All these factors have compounded the hardships he faced in the military." In a statement, the US Army's Office of Special Trial Counsel confirmed King's guilty plea as part of a deal and said that "pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, all other charges and specifications were dismissed." "The outcome of today's court martial is a fair and just result that reflects the seriousness of the offenses committed by Pvt. King," prosecutor Major Allyson Montgomery said in the statement. At the time of the incident, King had been stationed in South Korea, and after a drunken bar fight and a stay in South Korean jail, he was supposed to fly back to Texas to face disciplinary hearings. Instead of doing so, he walked out of the Seoul-area airport, joined a DMZ sightseeing trip and slipped over the fortified border where he was detained by the communist North's authorities. Pyongyang had said that King had defected to North Korea to escape "mistreatment and racial discrimination in the US Army." But after completing its investigation, North Korea "decided to expel" King in September for illegally intruding into its territory. 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.

US soldier Travis King who entered North Korea pleads guilty to desertion, receives one-year sentence

<p>A truck belonging to the civic body in the western Indian city of Pune and a couple of two-wheelers fell into a massive sinkhole that abruptly appeared on Friday (Sep 20). The incident took place&nbsp;in the parking area of the City Post Office&nbsp;located in the crowded Samadhan Chowk of the Budhwar Peth area in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident caused alarm&nbsp;in the area but fortunately, there was no casualty as the driver of the truck managed to get out in the nick of time. Notably, the truck belonging to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), used to clean drainage lines, was parked when the ground, paved with interlocking cement blocks, gave way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As many as 20 personnel of the fire department and police were roped in for the rescue operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At 4.15 pm IST we received a call that at the City Post Office on Laxmi Road a truck fell after the road caved in. Our two fire vehicles reached the spot. We came to know that the truck was there to carry out drainage cleaning work," Fire Department PRO&nbsp;Nilesh Mahajan was quoted as saying by news agency <em>ANI.</em></p>

<p>"The driver jumped off the vehicle, so he is safe. Metro officials have arrived here. We have called JCB machines and cranes to pull the truck out. Our priority is to take out the vehicle. The pit might be 40-50 feet deep," he added.&nbsp;</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> | Maharashtra | A truck fell upside down in the premises of the city post office in the Budwar Peth area of Pune city after a portion of the premises caved in. The truck belongs to the Pune municipal corporation and was there for drainage cleaning work.<br />
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20 Jawans of the… <a href="https://t.co/YigRhM5iwS">pic.twitter.com/YigRhM5iwS</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1837115953886478532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Netizens react</strong></h2>

<p>Dramatic video of the incident has gone viral on social media with netizens calling out the corruption and lack of quality infrastructure from the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One user said, "Mother Earth is fighting back against corruption", while another questioned: "How can the roads be so hollow that they can’t even handle a single truck?"</p>

<p>A third commented: "All I can say is that Karma is a b***h. Common people have to travel on horrible roads. Hope that PMC will learn a lesson from this."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gurugram-accident-horrific-video-shows-bike-crashing-into-suv-coming-from-wrong-side-760260"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Gurugram accident: Horrific video shows bike crashing into SUV coming from wrong side</strong></a></p>

<p>Suhas Yadav, ward officer of the Kasba Vishrambaug ward office said an enquiry should be done on what led to the sinkhole developing in the middle of the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A truck belonging to the civic body in the western Indian city of Pune and a couple of two-wheelers fell into a massive sinkhole that abruptly appeared on Friday (Sep 20).

A truck belonging to the civic body in the western Indian city of Pune and a couple of two-wheelers fell into a massive sinkhole that abruptly appeared on Friday (Sep 20). The incident took place in the parking area of the City Post Office located in the crowded Samadhan Chowk of the Budhwar Peth area in the city. The incident caused alarm in the area but fortunately, there was no casualty as the driver of the truck managed to get out in the nick of time. Notably, the truck belonging to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), used to clean drainage lines, was parked when the ground, paved with interlocking cement blocks, gave way. As many as 20 personnel of the fire department and police were roped in for the rescue operation. "At 4.15 pm IST we received a call that at the City Post Office on Laxmi Road a truck fell after the road caved in. Our two fire vehicles reached the spot. We came to know that the truck was there to carry out drainage cleaning work," Fire Department PRO Nilesh Mahajan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. "The driver jumped off the vehicle, so he is safe. Metro officials have arrived here. We have called JCB machines and cranes to pull the truck out. Our priority is to take out the vehicle. The pit might be 40-50 feet deep," he added. #WATCH | Maharashtra | A truck fell upside down in the premises of the city post office in the Budwar Peth area of Pune city after a portion of the premises caved in. The truck belongs to the Pune municipal corporation and was there for drainage cleaning work. 20 Jawans of the… pic.twitter.com/YigRhM5iwS — ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2024 × Watch | Kanchanjunga Express Accident: India's Top Railway Safety Official Orders Probe × Netizens react Dramatic video of the incident has gone viral on social media with netizens calling out the corruption and lack of quality infrastructure from the authorities. One user said, "Mother Earth is fighting back against corruption", while another questioned: "How can the roads be so hollow that they can’t even handle a single truck?" A third commented: "All I can say is that Karma is a b***h. Common people have to travel on horrible roads. Hope that PMC will learn a lesson from this." Also read | Gurugram accident: Horrific video shows bike crashing into SUV coming from wrong side Suhas Yadav, ward officer of the Kasba Vishrambaug ward office said an enquiry should be done on what led to the sinkhole developing in the middle of the city. (With inputs from agencies)

Dramatic video shows civic body truck plunging into sinkhole in India's Pune - WATCH

<p>Hezbollah's top commander Ibrahim Aqil, alongside two others, were killed in a strike,&nbsp;carried out by Israel on Friday (Sep 20) evening. The strikes took place in Lebanon's capital city of Beirut and its&nbsp;southern suburbs dealing a huge blow to the militant outfit whose chief, Hassan Nasrallah had vowed revenge against Israel, only a day before in a televised address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aqil was the second-in-command of Hezbollah's armed forces, behind Fuad Shukr who was also killed in an Israeli strike in July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli military confirmed Aqil's death saying he alongside his troops had&nbsp;gathered underground when they were targeted and killed in an airstrike.</p>

<p>“They gathered underground, under a residential building, in the heart of the Dahiyeh, while using civilians as a human shield. They met to coordinate terror activities against Israeli civilians,” said Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the IDF, Aqil was planning to "raid Israeli territory, occupy the communities of the Galilee, murder and kill innocents, similar to what the Hamas terror organisation carried out in the murderous massacre on October 7".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-eu-west-bank-becoming-a-new-gaza-758718"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | EU: West Bank becoming a new Gaza</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Who was Ibrahim Aqil?</strong></h2>

<p>Ibrahim Aqil, also known as Tahsin, served in Hezbollah's&nbsp;highest military body, the Jihad Council. He also led the elite Radwan Force, the outfit's top military unit.</p>

<p>Formed after the 2006 Second Lebanon War, the Radwan Force was created to bolster Hezbollah’s offensive capabilities. The unit is primarily responsible for ground warfare, including high-risk missions such as infiltrating&nbsp;Israeli territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the 1980s, he was a principal member of Hezbollah's terrorist cell&nbsp;the Islamic Jihad Organisation, which claimed responsibility for the bombings of the American&nbsp;embassy in Beirut in April 1983, which killed 63 people, and the US&nbsp;Marine Corps barracks in October 1983, which killed 241 US&nbsp;personnel.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-hezbollah-commander-ibrahim-aqil-killed-in-israeli-strike-in-beirut-760479"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil killed in Israeli strike in Beirut</strong></a></p>

<p>In July 2015, the US&nbsp;Department of the Treasury listed Aqil as a Specially Designated National,&nbsp;for acting for or on behalf of Hezbollah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In April last year, on the 40th anniversary of the attack on the US embassy, Washington put a reward of $7 million on Aqil's head.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commenting on Aqil's death,&nbsp;White House national security spokesman John Kirby said he was “not aware” of Israel giving the US&nbsp;prior notice about the Beirut strike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"War is not inevitable up there at the Blue Line, and we're going to continue to do everything we can to try to prevent it," added Kirby.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Hezbollah's top commander Ibrahim Aqil, alongside two others, were killed in a strike, carried out by Israel on Friday (Sep 20) evening. The strikes took place in Lebanon's capital city of Beirut and its southern suburbs dealing a huge blow to the militant outfit whose chief, Hassan Nasrallah had vowed revenge against Israel, only a day before in a televised address.

Hezbollah's top commander Ibrahim Aqil, alongside two others, were killed in a strike, carried out by Israel on Friday (Sep 20) evening. The strikes took place in Lebanon's capital city of Beirut and its southern suburbs dealing a huge blow to the militant outfit whose chief, Hassan Nasrallah had vowed revenge against Israel, only a day before in a televised address. Aqil was the second-in-command of Hezbollah's armed forces, behind Fuad Shukr who was also killed in an Israeli strike in July. The Israeli military confirmed Aqil's death saying he alongside his troops had gathered underground when they were targeted and killed in an airstrike. “They gathered underground, under a residential building, in the heart of the Dahiyeh, while using civilians as a human shield. They met to coordinate terror activities against Israeli civilians,” said Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. According to the IDF, Aqil was planning to "raid Israeli territory, occupy the communities of the Galilee, murder and kill innocents, similar to what the Hamas terror organisation carried out in the murderous massacre on October 7". Watch | Israel-Hamas war | EU: West Bank becoming a new Gaza × Who was Ibrahim Aqil? Ibrahim Aqil, also known as Tahsin, served in Hezbollah's highest military body, the Jihad Council. He also led the elite Radwan Force, the outfit's top military unit. Formed after the 2006 Second Lebanon War, the Radwan Force was created to bolster Hezbollah’s offensive capabilities. The unit is primarily responsible for ground warfare, including high-risk missions such as infiltrating Israeli territory. In the 1980s, he was a principal member of Hezbollah's terrorist cell the Islamic Jihad Organisation, which claimed responsibility for the bombings of the American embassy in Beirut in April 1983, which killed 63 people, and the US Marine Corps barracks in October 1983, which killed 241 US personnel. Also read | Senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil killed in Israeli strike in Beirut In July 2015, the US Department of the Treasury listed Aqil as a Specially Designated National, for acting for or on behalf of Hezbollah. In April last year, on the 40th anniversary of the attack on the US embassy, Washington put a reward of $7 million on Aqil's head. Commenting on Aqil's death, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said he was “not aware” of Israel giving the US prior notice about the Beirut strike. "War is not inevitable up there at the Blue Line, and we're going to continue to do everything we can to try to prevent it," added Kirby. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Who was Ibrahim Aqil, chief of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, killed in Israeli strike

<p>The Bombay High Court on Friday (Sep 20) struck down the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules which sought to identify fake and false content on social media against the government by terming it 'unconstitutional'. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The matter was assigned to Justice AS Chandurkar as ‘tie-breaker judge’, after a division bench in January 2024 delivered a split verdict on the petitions challenging the amended IT rules.</p>

<p>Justice Chandurkar on Friday held that the rules violated constitutional provisions.</p>

<p>"I have considered the matter extensively. The impugned rules are violative of Article 14 (right to equality), 19 (freedom of speech and expression) and 19(1)(g) (freedom and right to profession) of the Constitution of India," the judge said.</p>

<p>The expression "fake, false and misleading" in the Rules was "vague and hence wrong" in the absence of any definition, he added.</p>

<p>With this ruling, the High Court allowed the petitions filed by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and others challenging the new rules, including the provision to set up a Fact Checking Unit (FCU) to identify fake or false content about the government.</p>

<p>The petitions against the IT Rules were referred to Justice Chandurkar after a division bench of Justices Gautam Patel and Neela Gokhale delivered a split verdict in January.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/anti-india-campaign-in-bangladesh-new-delhi-fact-checks-flooding-claim-752465"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Anti-India Campaign in Bangladesh: New Delhi Fact Checks Flooding Claim</strong></a></p>

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<p>While Justice Patel struck down the Rules, Justice Gokhale upheld them.</p>

<p>Justice Patel had said the Rules amounted to censorship, but Justice Gokhale had opined they did not have any 'chilling effect' on free speech as argued.</p>

<p>Justice Chandurkar on Friday said he agreed with the opinion given by Justice Patel (now retired).</p>

<p>On April 6, 2023, the Union government promulgated amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, including a provision for an FCU to flag fake, false or misleading online content related to the government.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-stays-indian-governments-notification-of-fact-check-unit-702602"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Supreme Court stays Indian government's notification of Fact Check Unit</strong></a></p>

<p>Under the IT Rules, if the FCU comes across any posts that are fake, false, and contain misleading facts about the business of the government, it would flag the same to social media intermediaries.</p>

<p>Once such a post is flagged, the intermediary has the option of either taking down the post or putting a disclaimer on the same.</p>

<p>In taking the second option, the intermediary loses its safe harbour/immunity and stands liable for legal action.</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 Bombay High Court on Friday (Sep 20) struck down the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules which sought to identify fake and false content on social media against the government by terming it 'unconstitutional'.

The Bombay High Court on Friday (Sep 20) struck down the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules which sought to identify fake and false content on social media against the government by terming it 'unconstitutional'. The matter was assigned to Justice AS Chandurkar as ‘tie-breaker judge’, after a division bench in January 2024 delivered a split verdict on the petitions challenging the amended IT rules. Justice Chandurkar on Friday held that the rules violated constitutional provisions. "I have considered the matter extensively. The impugned rules are violative of Article 14 (right to equality), 19 (freedom of speech and expression) and 19(1)(g) (freedom and right to profession) of the Constitution of India," the judge said. The expression "fake, false and misleading" in the Rules was "vague and hence wrong" in the absence of any definition, he added. With this ruling, the High Court allowed the petitions filed by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and others challenging the new rules, including the provision to set up a Fact Checking Unit (FCU) to identify fake or false content about the government. The petitions against the IT Rules were referred to Justice Chandurkar after a division bench of Justices Gautam Patel and Neela Gokhale delivered a split verdict in January. Watch | Anti-India Campaign in Bangladesh: New Delhi Fact Checks Flooding Claim × While Justice Patel struck down the Rules, Justice Gokhale upheld them. Justice Patel had said the Rules amounted to censorship, but Justice Gokhale had opined they did not have any 'chilling effect' on free speech as argued. Justice Chandurkar on Friday said he agreed with the opinion given by Justice Patel (now retired). On April 6, 2023, the Union government promulgated amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, including a provision for an FCU to flag fake, false or misleading online content related to the government. Also read | Supreme Court stays Indian government's notification of Fact Check Unit Under the IT Rules, if the FCU comes across any posts that are fake, false, and contain misleading facts about the business of the government, it would flag the same to social media intermediaries. Once such a post is flagged, the intermediary has the option of either taking down the post or putting a disclaimer on the same. In taking the second option, the intermediary loses its safe harbour/immunity and stands liable for legal action. 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.

Bombay HC quashes Indian government's bid to establish Fact-Checking Units

<p><strong>PM Modi's US trip itinerary:</strong> Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be embarking on a three-day trip to the US from Saturday (Sep 21)&nbsp;to Monday (Sep 23)&nbsp;where he will attend the fourth annual Quad Leaders' Summit, hosted by the United States President Joe Biden in his home residence of Wilmington, Delaware.</p>

<p>PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Biden as well as other&nbsp;leaders of the powerful alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There will be an opportunity to have a substantive engagement between the prime minister and President Biden, where they will have the opportunity to review the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a media briefing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a day of meetings, PM Modi will attend an evening reception before jetting off to New York from&nbsp;Philadelphia International Airport&nbsp;at night. Once in the Big Apple, PM Modi will rest and recover&nbsp;before addressing a gathering of the Indian diaspora on Sunday (Sep 22) at the&nbsp;Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, Nassau County on Long Island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later in the evening, he will hold a roundtable with the CEOs of the top companies, as has been the trend in his previous US visits. Building better entrepreneur connections has been one of the cornerstones of PM Modi's leadership in the last decade.</p>

<p>“PM Modi will also be attending a Business Roundtable with CEOs of leading US companies in the cutting-edge areas of Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology,” the MEA&nbsp;said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-to-meet-pm-modi-during-us-visit-calls-him-a-fantastic-man-759800"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Donald Trump to Meet PM Modi During US Visit, Calls Him 'A Fantastic Man'</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>UNGA address&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A day later, he will address the&nbsp;‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The theme of the Summit is 'Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow'. A few more bilateral meetings have also been fixed for PM Modi on the day, the details of which are yet to be provided.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although it has not been confirmed by the MEA, it is believed that former US President Donald Trump will be meeting the Indian PM.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-vows-to-restore-jks-statehood-promises-monetary-assistance-to-farmers-women-760118"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi vows to restore J&amp;K's statehood, promises monetary assistance to farmers, women</strong></a></p>

<p>The Republican leader earlier this week made the announcement while&nbsp;campaigning in Michigan. PM Modi is a "fantastic man", said Trump, at the same time calling India a "very big abuser" of trade ties.</p>

<p>"So when India, which is a very big abuser. He (Modi) happens to be coming to meet me next week, and Modi, he's fantastic. I mean, fantastic man. A lot of these leaders are fantastic."</p>

<p>After concluding the meetings, PM Modi will depart for New Delhi from the JFK International Airport on Monday evening, reaching the national capital on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


PM Modi's US trip itinerary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be embarking on a three-day trip to the US from Saturday (Sep 21) to Monday (Sep 23) where he will attend the fourth annual Quad Leaders' Summit, hosted by the United States President Joe Biden in his home residence of Wilmington, Delaware.

PM Modi's US trip itinerary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be embarking on a three-day trip to the US from Saturday (Sep 21) to Monday (Sep 23) where he will attend the fourth annual Quad Leaders' Summit, hosted by the United States President Joe Biden in his home residence of Wilmington, Delaware. PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Biden as well as other leaders of the powerful alliance. "There will be an opportunity to have a substantive engagement between the prime minister and President Biden, where they will have the opportunity to review the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a media briefing. After a day of meetings, PM Modi will attend an evening reception before jetting off to New York from Philadelphia International Airport at night. Once in the Big Apple, PM Modi will rest and recover before addressing a gathering of the Indian diaspora on Sunday (Sep 22) at the Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, Nassau County on Long Island. Later in the evening, he will hold a roundtable with the CEOs of the top companies, as has been the trend in his previous US visits. Building better entrepreneur connections has been one of the cornerstones of PM Modi's leadership in the last decade. “PM Modi will also be attending a Business Roundtable with CEOs of leading US companies in the cutting-edge areas of Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology,” the MEA said. Watch | Donald Trump to Meet PM Modi During US Visit, Calls Him 'A Fantastic Man' × UNGA address A day later, he will address the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The theme of the Summit is 'Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow'. A few more bilateral meetings have also been fixed for PM Modi on the day, the details of which are yet to be provided. Although it has not been confirmed by the MEA, it is believed that former US President Donald Trump will be meeting the Indian PM. Also read | PM Modi vows to restore J&K's statehood, promises monetary assistance to farmers, women The Republican leader earlier this week made the announcement while campaigning in Michigan. PM Modi is a "fantastic man", said Trump, at the same time calling India a "very big abuser" of trade ties. "So when India, which is a very big abuser. He (Modi) happens to be coming to meet me next week, and Modi, he's fantastic. I mean, fantastic man. A lot of these leaders are fantastic." After concluding the meetings, PM Modi will depart for New Delhi from the JFK International Airport on Monday evening, reaching the national capital on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi to embark on 3-day US trip: From Quad to UN Summit, here's what the schedule looks like

<p>A county sheriff was charged with murder Thursday after he allegedly shot and killed a district court judge in the southern US state of&nbsp;Kentucky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines was taken into custody in connection with a shooting at the Letcher County courthouse, the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper reported.</p>

<p>He was charged with one count of murder in the first degree, according to CBS News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spokesman for police told the outlet the shooting occurred after an argument between Stines and Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in the latter's office.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-hunt-armed-and-dangerous-suspect-after-kentucky-i-75-highway-shooting-leaves-several-injured-756757"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US: Police hunt 'armed and dangerous' suspect after Kentucky I-75 highway shooting leaves several injured</strong></a></p>

<p>Investigators have not yet announced a motive.</p>

<p>Kentucky&nbsp;Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the shooting in a post on X, formerly Twitter.</p>

<p>"Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon," Beshear said.</p>

<p>"There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow."</p>

<p>Gun violence is common in the United States, a country where there are more firearms than people.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-counting-the-cost-the-rising-numbers-in-us-gun-violence-666610"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Counting the Cost: The Rising Numbers in US Gun Violence</strong></a></p>

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<p>Earlier this month, a man shot and injured five people on a&nbsp;Kentucky&nbsp;highway. The gunman's body was found Wednesday after a 10-day manhunt.</p>

<p>Despite polls showing Americans favour more gun restrictions, a powerful gun rights lobby, constitutional protections and a passionate culture around firearm ownership mean that attempts to clamp down on gun rights are always met with stiff political resistance.</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>


A county sheriff was charged with murder Thursday after he allegedly shot and killed a district court judge in the southern US state of Kentucky. Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines was taken into custody in connection with a shooting at the Letcher County courthouse, the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper reported.

A county sheriff was charged with murder Thursday after he allegedly shot and killed a district court judge in the southern US state of Kentucky. Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines was taken into custody in connection with a shooting at the Letcher County courthouse, the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper reported. He was charged with one count of murder in the first degree, according to CBS News. A spokesman for police told the outlet the shooting occurred after an argument between Stines and Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in the latter's office. Also read | US: Police hunt 'armed and dangerous' suspect after Kentucky I-75 highway shooting leaves several injured Investigators have not yet announced a motive. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the shooting in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon," Beshear said. "There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow." Gun violence is common in the United States, a country where there are more firearms than people. Watch | Gravitas: Counting the Cost: The Rising Numbers in US Gun Violence × Earlier this month, a man shot and injured five people on a Kentucky highway. The gunman's body was found Wednesday after a 10-day manhunt. Despite polls showing Americans favour more gun restrictions, a powerful gun rights lobby, constitutional protections and a passionate culture around firearm ownership mean that attempts to clamp down on gun rights are always met with stiff political resistance. 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.

US sheriff charged for killing judge inside Kentucky courthouse

<p>Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has responded to the allegations that during&nbsp;his tenure, animal fat, including beef tallow was used to make&nbsp;Tirupati laddoos - given to devotees as an offering.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reddy called the lab report false and accused Telugu Desam Party&nbsp;(TDP) leader and incumbent CM Chandrababu Naidu of using "faith for politics". The YSR Congress Party leader added that the contentious products were found in the offering when Naidu&nbsp;was already the CM of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We got to know that the quality of ghee was bad and immediately informed the Chief Minister Naidu," Reddy said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The tender process occurs every six months, and the qualification criteria has not changed for decades. Suppliers must provide an NABL certificate and a product quality certificate. TTD collects samples from the ghee, and only products that pass certification are used. TDP is politicising religious matters. We have rejected the products in our regime 18 times," he further explained.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="te">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ncbn</a> 100 రోజుల అసమర్థ పాలనపై అందరూ దృష్టి పెట్టేసరికి.. నెయ్యి కల్తీ అంటూ డైవర్షన్ పాలిటిక్స్‌ను స్టార్ట్ చేశాడు<br />
<br />
దేవుడిని కూడా రాజకీయాల కోసం ఉపయోగించుకోవాలనే దుర్మార్గమైన మనస్తత్వం ఈ ప్రపంచ చరిత్రలో ఒక్క చంద్రబాబుకి మాత్రమే ఉంది<br />
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-<a href="https://twitter.com/ysjagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ysjagan</a> గారు, వైయస్‌ఆర్‌సీపీ అధ్యక్షులు… <a href="https://t.co/tL4WBFaKN1">pic.twitter.com/tL4WBFaKN1</a></p>
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<p>Reddy said he was writing a letter to the PM and Chief Justice of India&nbsp;to plead his case.<strong> </strong></p>

<p><strong>"</strong>Ultimately, at the end of the day, I myself am writing a letter to the Prime Minister. I am also writing a letter to the Chief Justice of India. I am explaining to them as to how Chandrababu Naidu twisted the facts and why action should be taken against him for having done so."</p>

<h2><strong>What is the 'laddoo' controversy?</strong></h2>

<p>The controversy erupted after Naidu on Wednesday (Sep 18) alleged that the Reddy-led government allowed the use of substandard ingredients in the preparation of laddus, which included animal fat and fish oil.</p>

<p>On Thursday (Sep 19), a lab report from&nbsp;Gujarat’s NDDB CALF lab, which confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow and fish oil in ghee samples went viral on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report, dated July 16, 2024, was presented by TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference.</p>

<p>"The lab reports of samples that were sent for testing to the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat certify that beef tallow and animal fat, lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee that was supplied to Tirumala and also the S value is only 19.7," Reddy said in a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tirupati-prasadam-row-indian-minister-calls-for-detailed-probe-into-andhra-cm-naidus-allegation-760385"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Indian minister calls for detailed probe into Andhra CM Naidu's allegation</strong></a></p>

<p>The uproar has led to&nbsp;Indian Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi calling for a detailed probe into the allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Whatever the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said is a very serious matter, it should be investigated in detail and whoever is guilty should be punished," said&nbsp;Joshi.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has responded to the allegations that during his tenure, animal fat, including beef tallow was used to make Tirupati laddoos - given to devotees as an offering.

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has responded to the allegations that during his tenure, animal fat, including beef tallow was used to make Tirupati laddoos - given to devotees as an offering. Reddy called the lab report false and accused Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and incumbent CM Chandrababu Naidu of using "faith for politics". The YSR Congress Party leader added that the contentious products were found in the offering when Naidu was already the CM of the state. "We got to know that the quality of ghee was bad and immediately informed the Chief Minister Naidu," Reddy said. "The tender process occurs every six months, and the qualification criteria has not changed for decades. Suppliers must provide an NABL certificate and a product quality certificate. TTD collects samples from the ghee, and only products that pass certification are used. TDP is politicising religious matters. We have rejected the products in our regime 18 times," he further explained. .@ncbn 100 రోజుల అసమర్థ పాలనపై అందరూ దృష్టి పెట్టేసరికి.. నెయ్యి కల్తీ అంటూ డైవర్షన్ పాలిటిక్స్‌ను స్టార్ట్ చేశాడు దేవుడిని కూడా రాజకీయాల కోసం ఉపయోగించుకోవాలనే దుర్మార్గమైన మనస్తత్వం ఈ ప్రపంచ చరిత్రలో ఒక్క చంద్రబాబుకి మాత్రమే ఉంది -@ysjagan గారు, వైయస్‌ఆర్‌సీపీ అధ్యక్షులు… pic.twitter.com/tL4WBFaKN1 — YSR Congress Party (@YSRCParty) September 20, 2024 × Reddy said he was writing a letter to the PM and Chief Justice of India to plead his case. "Ultimately, at the end of the day, I myself am writing a letter to the Prime Minister. I am also writing a letter to the Chief Justice of India. I am explaining to them as to how Chandrababu Naidu twisted the facts and why action should be taken against him for having done so." What is the 'laddoo' controversy? The controversy erupted after Naidu on Wednesday (Sep 18) alleged that the Reddy-led government allowed the use of substandard ingredients in the preparation of laddus, which included animal fat and fish oil. On Thursday (Sep 19), a lab report from Gujarat’s NDDB CALF lab, which confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow and fish oil in ghee samples went viral on social media. The report, dated July 16, 2024, was presented by TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference. "The lab reports of samples that were sent for testing to the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat certify that beef tallow and animal fat, lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee that was supplied to Tirumala and also the S value is only 19.7," Reddy said in a press conference. Also read | Indian minister calls for detailed probe into Andhra CM Naidu's allegation The uproar has led to Indian Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi calling for a detailed probe into the allegations. "Whatever the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said is a very serious matter, it should be investigated in detail and whoever is guilty should be punished," said Joshi. (With inputs from agencies)

Tirupati Prasadam row: Ex-Andhra CM Jagan Reddy says lab report false, blames Naidu for playing faith politics

<p>Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that if he were to lose the presidential election in November, it would be due to Jewish Americans not voting for him en masse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing an event on combating antisemitism and supporting Israel, Trump lamented&nbsp;that he was trailing his Democrat rival, Kamala Harris, among the community and its voters.</p>

<p>“If I don’t win this election,&nbsp;the Jewish people would have a lot to do with that if that happens because if 40 per cent, I mean, 60 per cent of the people are voting for the enemy – Israel, in my opinion, will cease to exist within two years,” Trump declared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I will put it to you very simply and gently: I really haven’t been treated right, but you haven’t been treated&nbsp;right, because you’re putting yourself in great danger,” he added.</p>

<p>The Republican leader said the Democratic Party had a&nbsp;“hold, or curse” on Jewish Americans and that he should be getting “100 per cent” of Jewish votes because of his policies on Israel.</p>

<p>“My promise to Jewish Americans is this: With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House.&nbsp;But in all fairness, I already am," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-warns-israel-will-be-gone-under-kamala-harris-756318"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Trump warns Israel will be ‘gone’ under Kamala Harris</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel won't exist: Trump</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when the former US president&nbsp;has attempted to galvanise the Jewish votes for his campaign. During the first presidential debate against Harris earlier this month, Trump went on an explosive tirade, claiming that Israel as the state we know today, will cease to exist if Harris came to power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She hates Israel. If she is President, I believe that Israel will not exist in two years from now," Trump said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also alleged that Harris "hated the Arab population"&nbsp;and that the Middle East was calm during his stint in the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/autonews/elon-musk-endorses-trump-but-employees-favor-harris-with-donations-760054"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Elon Musk endorses Trump, but employees favor Harris with donations</strong></a></p>

<p>On her part, Harris denied Trump's claims and said he was trying to "divide and distract from the reality".</p>

<p>"Israel has a right to defend itself... What we know is that this war must end, it must end immediately. We need a ceasefire deal, and we need the hostages out.”</p>

<p>Recent polls indicate that while the competition is close, Harris might be edging Trump in a few swings states, primarily due to her performance in the debate.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that if he were to lose the presidential election in November, it would be due to Jewish Americans not voting for him en masse.

Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that if he were to lose the presidential election in November, it would be due to Jewish Americans not voting for him en masse. Addressing an event on combating antisemitism and supporting Israel, Trump lamented that he was trailing his Democrat rival, Kamala Harris, among the community and its voters. “If I don’t win this election, the Jewish people would have a lot to do with that if that happens because if 40 per cent, I mean, 60 per cent of the people are voting for the enemy – Israel, in my opinion, will cease to exist within two years,” Trump declared. “I will put it to you very simply and gently: I really haven’t been treated right, but you haven’t been treated right, because you’re putting yourself in great danger,” he added. The Republican leader said the Democratic Party had a “hold, or curse” on Jewish Americans and that he should be getting “100 per cent” of Jewish votes because of his policies on Israel. “My promise to Jewish Americans is this: With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House. But in all fairness, I already am," he added. Watch | Trump warns Israel will be ‘gone’ under Kamala Harris × Israel won't exist: Trump This is not the first instance when the former US president has attempted to galvanise the Jewish votes for his campaign. During the first presidential debate against Harris earlier this month, Trump went on an explosive tirade, claiming that Israel as the state we know today, will cease to exist if Harris came to power. "She hates Israel. If she is President, I believe that Israel will not exist in two years from now," Trump said. He also alleged that Harris "hated the Arab population" and that the Middle East was calm during his stint in the White House. Also read | Elon Musk endorses Trump, but employees favor Harris with donations On her part, Harris denied Trump's claims and said he was trying to "divide and distract from the reality". "Israel has a right to defend itself... What we know is that this war must end, it must end immediately. We need a ceasefire deal, and we need the hostages out.” Recent polls indicate that while the competition is close, Harris might be edging Trump in a few swings states, primarily due to her performance in the debate. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says Jews would be to blame if he lost election, reiterates Israel may cease to exist if 'enemy' wins

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<p>China said Friday (Sep 20) that it would "gradually resume" importing seafood from Japan after imposing a blanket ban last year over the release of water from the disabled&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;nuclear plant.</p>

<p>In August 2023, Japan began discharging treated water from&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;into the Pacific Ocean in an operation it insists is safe, a view backed by the UN atomic agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The release, however, generated a fierce backlash from China, which branded it "selfish" and banned all Japanese seafood imports.</p>

<p>Beijing and Tokyo said Friday they had come to a consensus over the wastewater release that would allow China to phase the imports back in.</p>

<p>"China will begin to adjust the relevant measures based on scientific evidence and gradually resume imports of Japanese aquatic products that meet the regulation requirements and standards," Beijing's foreign ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>The ministry said officials from both sides recently conducted "multiple rounds of consultations" on the discharge from&nbsp;Fukushima.</p>

<p>It said Japan had committed to "fulfilling its obligations under international law, doing its utmost to avoid leaving (a) negative impact on human health and the environment, and conducting continuous evaluations of the impact on the marine environment and marine ecosystems".</p>

<p>Around the same time as Friday's announcement, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tokyo had informed Beijing of "its readiness to carry out additional monitoring of the... treated water, while the Chinese side has decided to... steadily restore imports of Japanese fishery products that meet certain standards".</p>

<p>The IAEA said in a statement that it would "coordinate with Japan and other stakeholders, including China, to ensure that the additional measures are implemented appropriately... to ensure that water discharge levels are, and will continue to be, in strict compliance and consistent with international safety standards".</p>

<p>In 2011, three reactors at the&nbsp;Fukushima-Daiichi facility in northeastern Japan went into meltdown following a massive earthquake and tsunami that killed around 18,000 people.</p>

<p>Since then, plant operator TEPCO has collected water contaminated as it cooled the wrecked reactors, along with groundwater and rain that has seeped in.</p>

<p>After China banned Japanese seafood imports over the wastewater release, Russia did the same in October as a "precautionary measure".</p>

<p>Russian news agency TASS on Wednesday (Sep 18) cited a top sanitary official as saying Moscow would maintain the embargo.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tokyo-electric-power-company-suspends-operations-at-fukushima-plant-759535"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Tokyo Electric Power Company Suspends Operations At Fukushima Plant</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Positions unchanged</strong></h2>

<p>Both China and Japan on Friday were keen to stress that there were limits to the consensus.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for Beijing's foreign ministry said China still "resolutely opposes the Japanese side's arbitrary discharge into the sea".</p>

<p>"This position has not changed," Mao Ning said at a regular press conference in the capital.</p>

<p>"The fact China and Japan have reached this consensus does not mean that the Chinese side will immediately resume imports of Japanese aquatic products in their entirety," she added.</p>

<p>Kishida, for his part, said Tokyo also remained resolute.</p>

<p>"Japan's position remains unchanged that the regulations should be scrapped immediately, and we will use this announcement to pave the way for the abolition of the regulations," he said.</p>

<p>The head of Japan's national association of fisheries groups said Friday that it took the announcement as "only the first step" towards a full resumption of imports.</p>

<p>"The Japanese government should remain fully aware of the plight of fishermen across the country who are affected by the total import suspension measures and continue to make every effort to lift the suspension as soon as possible," Masanobu Sakamoto said.</p>

<h2><strong>Bilateral tensions</strong></h2>

<p>Beijing and Tokyo are major trade partners, and China imported more than $500 million worth of seafood from Japan in 2022, according to customs data.</p>

<p>But the two countries are also perennial rivals in East Asia whose ties are freighted with the baggage of Japan's imperial past and China's more recent rise to superpower status.</p>

<p>The wastewater release has been a flashpoint recently, alongside squabbles over trade, territorial disputes and espionage allegations.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fukushima-disaster-japan-says-experts-met-in-china-to-ease-concerns-over-radioactive-water-706329"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Fukushima disaster: Japan says experts met in China to dispel concerns over radioactive water</strong></a></p>

<p>When a Chinese aircraft carrier this month sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time, Tokyo called the passage "totally unacceptable from the perspective of the security environment of Japan and the region".</p>

<p>A Japanese boy was also stabbed to death in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen this week, an attack that Beijing called an "individual case" but which prompted Kishida to demand an explanation.</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 said Friday (Sep 20) that it would "gradually resume" importing seafood from Japan after imposing a blanket ban last year over the release of water from the disabled Fukushima nuclear plant.

China said Friday (Sep 20) that it would "gradually resume" importing seafood from Japan after imposing a blanket ban last year over the release of water from the disabled Fukushima nuclear plant. In August 2023, Japan began discharging treated water from Fukushima into the Pacific Ocean in an operation it insists is safe, a view backed by the UN atomic agency. The release, however, generated a fierce backlash from China, which branded it "selfish" and banned all Japanese seafood imports. Beijing and Tokyo said Friday they had come to a consensus over the wastewater release that would allow China to phase the imports back in. "China will begin to adjust the relevant measures based on scientific evidence and gradually resume imports of Japanese aquatic products that meet the regulation requirements and standards," Beijing's foreign ministry said in a statement. The ministry said officials from both sides recently conducted "multiple rounds of consultations" on the discharge from Fukushima. It said Japan had committed to "fulfilling its obligations under international law, doing its utmost to avoid leaving (a) negative impact on human health and the environment, and conducting continuous evaluations of the impact on the marine environment and marine ecosystems". Around the same time as Friday's announcement, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tokyo had informed Beijing of "its readiness to carry out additional monitoring of the... treated water, while the Chinese side has decided to... steadily restore imports of Japanese fishery products that meet certain standards". The IAEA said in a statement that it would "coordinate with Japan and other stakeholders, including China, to ensure that the additional measures are implemented appropriately... to ensure that water discharge levels are, and will continue to be, in strict compliance and consistent with international safety standards". In 2011, three reactors at the Fukushima-Daiichi facility in northeastern Japan went into meltdown following a massive earthquake and tsunami that killed around 18,000 people. Since then, plant operator TEPCO has collected water contaminated as it cooled the wrecked reactors, along with groundwater and rain that has seeped in. After China banned Japanese seafood imports over the wastewater release, Russia did the same in October as a "precautionary measure". Russian news agency TASS on Wednesday (Sep 18) cited a top sanitary official as saying Moscow would maintain the embargo. Watch | Tokyo Electric Power Company Suspends Operations At Fukushima Plant × Positions unchanged Both China and Japan on Friday were keen to stress that there were limits to the consensus. A spokesperson for Beijing's foreign ministry said China still "resolutely opposes the Japanese side's arbitrary discharge into the sea". "This position has not changed," Mao Ning said at a regular press conference in the capital. "The fact China and Japan have reached this consensus does not mean that the Chinese side will immediately resume imports of Japanese aquatic products in their entirety," she added. Kishida, for his part, said Tokyo also remained resolute. "Japan's position remains unchanged that the regulations should be scrapped immediately, and we will use this announcement to pave the way for the abolition of the regulations," he said. The head of Japan's national association of fisheries groups said Friday that it took the announcement as "only the first step" towards a full resumption of imports. "The Japanese government should remain fully aware of the plight of fishermen across the country who are affected by the total import suspension measures and continue to make every effort to lift the suspension as soon as possible," Masanobu Sakamoto said. Bilateral tensions Beijing and Tokyo are major trade partners, and China imported more than $500 million worth of seafood from Japan in 2022, according to customs data. But the two countries are also perennial rivals in East Asia whose ties are freighted with the baggage of Japan's imperial past and China's more recent rise to superpower status. The wastewater release has been a flashpoint recently, alongside squabbles over trade, territorial disputes and espionage allegations. Also read | Fukushima disaster: Japan says experts met in China to dispel concerns over radioactive water When a Chinese aircraft carrier this month sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time, Tokyo called the passage "totally unacceptable from the perspective of the security environment of Japan and the region". A Japanese boy was also stabbed to death in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen this week, an attack that Beijing called an "individual case" but which prompted Kishida to demand an explanation. 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.

Fukushima disaster: China to resume seafood imports from Japan, a year after imposing blanket ban

<p>Further culling&nbsp;the freedom and choices of its citizens, the Taliban have allegedly purchased jammers from Iran to shut down independent television channels reporting on the regime's terrible ways, from reaching the masses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghanistan International Television (AITV) - one of the most prominent anti-establishment voices in the country has been forced to shut down broadcast for over a week due to the orbital jammers blocking its satellite stations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the Taliban sent disruptive signals from a ground station to the satellite, interfering with the channel;s broadcast. Between September 5 and 13, viewers saw a blank screen on their TV sets before the channel shifted to a different satellite frequency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I had received information in August from inside Kabul that the Taliban had purchased an extremely expensive jammer with the intention of using it against us,” AITV's&nbsp;executive editor Harun Najafizada told&nbsp;<em>The Independent</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This act of orbital jamming not only attacks press freedom but also violates international standards and highlights the Taliban’s increasing efforts to dismantle free expression and restrict Afghan citizens’ access to truthful information,” added&nbsp;Najafizada.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication stated that the Taliban obtained the Iranian orbital jammers earlier this year in May, with the rather expensive purchase confirmed&nbsp;by sources inside Kabul’s General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), the intelligence agency of the Taliban.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This interference and shutdown via orbital jammers will not be limited to just AITV but other international news channels which the Taliban doesn’t find fit under their interpretation of Sharia law, they want to implement their own state radio and television broadcast which praise the Supreme leader and his Talib ministers,” a source was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>Notably, after the death of 22-year-old Mahasa Amini in Iran last year and the subsequent protests, Tehran also jammed AITV's sister channel&nbsp;Iran International.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-taliban-responds-to-paks-fury-afghan-consulate-defends-actions-of-its-acting-consul-general-759806">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan Taliban Responds to Pak's Fury: Afghan Consulate Defends Actions Of Its Acting Consul General</a></strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Taliban to ban cricket: Reports</strong></h2>

<p>Having already banned women from participating in civil society by banning their education and restricting their movement outdoors, the Taliban is now coming for cricket as well - the one outlet of hope for the common Afghans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to several reports, the Supreme Leader of Afghanistan - Hibatullah Akhundzada has announced a gradual ban on cricket. However, there is no official confirmation regarding this; it is well-known that the Taliban spearheads Afghanistan.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/taliban-could-now-ban-all-forms-of-cricket-in-afghanistan-reports-759060"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Taliban could now ban all forms of cricket in Afghanistan: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p>Akhundzada is believed to be not happy with the sport due to its harmful effects.&nbsp;It is also being circulated on social media that playing cricket is against the Sharia Law.</p>

<p>There is a tussle between two factions in Afghanistan on the issue – one led by Akhunzada, and the other by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the brother of Anas Haqqani, who has invested heavily in Afghanistan cricket.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Further culling the freedom and choices of its citizens, the Taliban have allegedly purchased jammers from Iran to shut down independent television channels reporting on the regime's terrible ways, from reaching the masses.

Further culling the freedom and choices of its citizens, the Taliban have allegedly purchased jammers from Iran to shut down independent television channels reporting on the regime's terrible ways, from reaching the masses. Afghanistan International Television (AITV) - one of the most prominent anti-establishment voices in the country has been forced to shut down broadcast for over a week due to the orbital jammers blocking its satellite stations. According to reports, the Taliban sent disruptive signals from a ground station to the satellite, interfering with the channel;s broadcast. Between September 5 and 13, viewers saw a blank screen on their TV sets before the channel shifted to a different satellite frequency. “I had received information in August from inside Kabul that the Taliban had purchased an extremely expensive jammer with the intention of using it against us,” AITV's executive editor Harun Najafizada told The Independent. “This act of orbital jamming not only attacks press freedom but also violates international standards and highlights the Taliban’s increasing efforts to dismantle free expression and restrict Afghan citizens’ access to truthful information,” added Najafizada. The publication stated that the Taliban obtained the Iranian orbital jammers earlier this year in May, with the rather expensive purchase confirmed by sources inside Kabul’s General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), the intelligence agency of the Taliban. “This interference and shutdown via orbital jammers will not be limited to just AITV but other international news channels which the Taliban doesn’t find fit under their interpretation of Sharia law, they want to implement their own state radio and television broadcast which praise the Supreme leader and his Talib ministers,” a source was quoted as saying. Notably, after the death of 22-year-old Mahasa Amini in Iran last year and the subsequent protests, Tehran also jammed AITV's sister channel Iran International. Also read | Afghan Taliban Responds to Pak's Fury: Afghan Consulate Defends Actions Of Its Acting Consul General × Taliban to ban cricket: Reports Having already banned women from participating in civil society by banning their education and restricting their movement outdoors, the Taliban is now coming for cricket as well - the one outlet of hope for the common Afghans. According to several reports, the Supreme Leader of Afghanistan - Hibatullah Akhundzada has announced a gradual ban on cricket. However, there is no official confirmation regarding this; it is well-known that the Taliban spearheads Afghanistan. Also read | Taliban could now ban all forms of cricket in Afghanistan: Reports Akhundzada is believed to be not happy with the sport due to its harmful effects. It is also being circulated on social media that playing cricket is against the Sharia Law. There is a tussle between two factions in Afghanistan on the issue – one led by Akhunzada, and the other by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the brother of Anas Haqqani, who has invested heavily in Afghanistan cricket. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban bought Iranian jammers to block news channels critical of regime's terrible ways

<p>Junior doctors protesting the rape-murder of their colleague in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have called off the month-long strike and will be resuming the emergency services from Saturday (Sep 21).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On the 41st day of the protest, West Bengal Junior Doctors Front wants to say that we achieved a lot during our agitation, but many things remain unachieved. We made the Kolkata commissioner of police resign and the DME, DHS resign. But this doesn't mean the agitation is over. We will take it forward in a new way," the protesting doctors said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision was taken after a general body meeting was held on Thursday (Sep 19) where the doctors submitted a draft outlining key points from their discussions with the West Bengal government. The state's response is now awaited.</p>

<p>While essential services will be resuming, the Outpatient Department (OPD) and Occupational Therapy (OT) services will remain suspended.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are returning to work on Saturday and will resume essential services. OPD and OT services will remain suspended because we want to ensure that measures are taken to ensure the security of female colleagues," the protesting doctors said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the doctors will be organising a rally from Swasthya Bhawan (ground zero of the protests) to the CGO complex on Friday (Sep 20)&nbsp;to end the protest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kolkata-horror-cm-mamata-banerjee-agrees-to-indian-doctors-demands-removes-police-commissioner-759460" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata Horror: CM Mamata Banerjee agrees to Indian doctors’ demands, removes Police Commissioner</strong></a></p>

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<p>The healthcare machinery of the state had been hit badly in the last few weeks, with the doctors demanding justice for the trainee doctor who was brutally raped and murdered last month. However, with the floods aggravating the situation, the Mamata Banerjee government pleaded the doctors to return to work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the Mamata administration also accepted the&nbsp;resignation of Commissioner of Police, Vineet Goyal, after protesting doctors demanded it.</p>

<p><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:216,&quot;w&quot;:700,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2093}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:216,&quot;w&quot;:700,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2093}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-former-rg-kar-principal-sandip-ghoshs-polygraph-results-deceptive-says-cbi-759098">Kolkata horror: Former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh’s polygraph results 'deceptive', says CBI</a></strong></p>

<p>The state government has come under heavy scrutiny for its role in the case.<br />
<br />
The Supreme Court on&nbsp;Tuesday (Sep 17)&nbsp;said the details submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in its status report regarding the state's role in the case were "really disturbing" and that the court itself was troubled by it.</p>

<p>“I won’t give details of the day here because it will dislocate the investigation. We don’t want someone to take advantage of it as a technical issue later on. But what the CBI has revealed in its status report is really disturbing," Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud had said while presiding over a three-judge bench.</p>

<p>The CBI report highlighted the series of flaws in the investigation, including the fact that the victim's clothes were not even sent for the post-mortem. The bench came down heavily on the state and raised questions about evidence tampering and police complicity, leading to the arrest of the station house officer (SHO) of the area.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Junior doctors protesting the rape-murder of their colleague in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have called off the month-long strike and will be resuming the emergency services from Saturday (Sep 21).

Junior doctors protesting the rape-murder of their colleague in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have called off the month-long strike and will be resuming the emergency services from Saturday (Sep 21). "On the 41st day of the protest, West Bengal Junior Doctors Front wants to say that we achieved a lot during our agitation, but many things remain unachieved. We made the Kolkata commissioner of police resign and the DME, DHS resign. But this doesn't mean the agitation is over. We will take it forward in a new way," the protesting doctors said. The decision was taken after a general body meeting was held on Thursday (Sep 19) where the doctors submitted a draft outlining key points from their discussions with the West Bengal government. The state's response is now awaited. While essential services will be resuming, the Outpatient Department (OPD) and Occupational Therapy (OT) services will remain suspended. "We are returning to work on Saturday and will resume essential services. OPD and OT services will remain suspended because we want to ensure that measures are taken to ensure the security of female colleagues," the protesting doctors said. Notably, the doctors will be organising a rally from Swasthya Bhawan (ground zero of the protests) to the CGO complex on Friday (Sep 20) to end the protest. Watch | Kolkata Horror: CM Mamata Banerjee agrees to Indian doctors’ demands, removes Police Commissioner The healthcare machinery of the state had been hit badly in the last few weeks, with the doctors demanding justice for the trainee doctor who was brutally raped and murdered last month. However, with the floods aggravating the situation, the Mamata Banerjee government pleaded the doctors to return to work. Earlier this week, the Mamata administration also accepted the resignation of Commissioner of Police, Vineet Goyal, after protesting doctors demanded it. Also read | Kolkata horror: Former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh’s polygraph results 'deceptive', says CBI The state government has come under heavy scrutiny for its role in the case. The Supreme Court on Tuesday (Sep 17) said the details submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in its status report regarding the state's role in the case were "really disturbing" and that the court itself was troubled by it. “I won’t give details of the day here because it will dislocate the investigation. We don’t want someone to take advantage of it as a technical issue later on. But what the CBI has revealed in its status report is really disturbing," Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud had said while presiding over a three-judge bench. The CBI report highlighted the series of flaws in the investigation, including the fact that the victim's clothes were not even sent for the post-mortem. The bench came down heavily on the state and raised questions about evidence tampering and police complicity, leading to the arrest of the station house officer (SHO) of the area. (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata horror: Doctors call off month-long protest; to resume emergency services from Saturday

<p>Minutes after Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah delivered his first speech in the aftermath of pager and walkie-talkie explosions, Israel launched a full-scale attack in Lebanon by targeting the militant group's targets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed about the attack, adding that its aim was to 'bring security to northern Israel'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The IDF is currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to degrade Hezbollah’s terrorist capabilities and infrastructure," IDF said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them and used civilians as human shields—having turned southern Lebanon into a war zone. The IDF is operating to bring security to northern Israel in order to enable the return of residents to their homes and achieve war goals," it added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⭕️The IDF is currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to degrade Hezbollah’s terrorist capabilities and infrastructure.<br />
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For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them and used civilians as human shields—having turned southern Lebanon into…</p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1836769873042538964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Images and videos going viral on social media showed Israeli fighter jets breaking the sound barrier in the Lebanese territory, especially the capital city of Beirut.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Over Beirut Now <a href="https://t.co/Dzcd5Xz5ws">https://t.co/Dzcd5Xz5ws</a> <a href="https://t.co/YkflrFEw4k">pic.twitter.com/YkflrFEw4k</a></p>
—  𝓂𝒶𝓇𝒾𝑜🇱🇧🇬🇧🇦🇪 (@MarioLeb79) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioLeb79/status/1836775929684631959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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—  𝓂𝒶𝓇𝒾𝑜🇱🇧🇬🇧🇦🇪 (@MarioLeb79) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioLeb79/status/1836775356050612452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier in the day, IDF said it bombed&nbsp;six Hezbollah "terrorist infrastructure sites" and a weapons storage facility.</p>

<p>The air strikes hit Hezbollah targets in Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun and Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, as well as a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in the area of Khiam.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Lebanon walkie-talkie blasts: Hamas blames Israel for new wave of device explosions in Lebanon</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-walkie-talkie-blasts-hamas-blames-israel-for-new-wave-of-device-explosions-in-lebanon-760104/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>What did Nasrallah claim?</strong></h2>

<p>In his televised speech, Nasrallah stated that the planned explosions were a 'declaration of war', whilst adding that Hezbollah will&nbsp;prevent Tel Aviv&nbsp;from realising its new war objective to return Israeli citizens displaced from the border area in the north to their homes.</p>

<p>“Let me tell the Israeli government, the Israeli army and the Israeli people: You will not manage. I tell Prime Minister Netanyahu: You can do what you want, you will not manage," Nasrallah said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The only solution is to halt the aggression against the people of Gaza. No military escalation, no killings, no total war will return your settlers to the border area. You know it,” he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-chief-nasrallah-blames-israel-for-lebanon-blasts-calls-it-declaration-of-war-760175"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hezbollah chief Nasrallah blames Israel for Lebanon blasts, calls it 'declaration of war'</strong></a></p>

<p>Both Israel and Hezbollah have been flirting with an all-out war after the militant outfit's deputy leader Faud Shukr was killed in July by Israel in an air strike. The pager explosion saga may have been the final straw.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Minutes after Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah delivered his first speech in the aftermath of pager and walkie-talkie explosions, Israel launched a full-scale attack in Lebanon by targeting the militant group's targets.

Minutes after Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah delivered his first speech in the aftermath of pager and walkie-talkie explosions, Israel launched a full-scale attack in Lebanon by targeting the militant group's targets. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed about the attack, adding that its aim was to 'bring security to northern Israel'. "The IDF is currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to degrade Hezbollah’s terrorist capabilities and infrastructure," IDF said. "For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them and used civilians as human shields—having turned southern Lebanon into a war zone. The IDF is operating to bring security to northern Israel in order to enable the return of residents to their homes and achieve war goals," it added. ⭕️The IDF is currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to degrade Hezbollah’s terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them and used civilians as human shields—having turned southern Lebanon into… — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 19, 2024 × Images and videos going viral on social media showed Israeli fighter jets breaking the sound barrier in the Lebanese territory, especially the capital city of Beirut. Over Beirut Now https://t.co/Dzcd5Xz5ws pic.twitter.com/YkflrFEw4k —  𝓂𝒶𝓇𝒾𝑜🇱🇧🇬🇧🇦🇪 (@MarioLeb79) September 19, 2024 × Over Beirut now pic.twitter.com/phCGd1w6Oa —  𝓂𝒶𝓇𝒾𝑜🇱🇧🇬🇧🇦🇪 (@MarioLeb79) September 19, 2024 × Earlier in the day, IDF said it bombed six Hezbollah "terrorist infrastructure sites" and a weapons storage facility. The air strikes hit Hezbollah targets in Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun and Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, as well as a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in the area of Khiam. Watch | Lebanon walkie-talkie blasts: Hamas blames Israel for new wave of device explosions in Lebanon What did Nasrallah claim? In his televised speech, Nasrallah stated that the planned explosions were a 'declaration of war', whilst adding that Hezbollah will prevent Tel Aviv from realising its new war objective to return Israeli citizens displaced from the border area in the north to their homes. “Let me tell the Israeli government, the Israeli army and the Israeli people: You will not manage. I tell Prime Minister Netanyahu: You can do what you want, you will not manage," Nasrallah said. "The only solution is to halt the aggression against the people of Gaza. No military escalation, no killings, no total war will return your settlers to the border area. You know it,” he added. Also read | Hezbollah chief Nasrallah blames Israel for Lebanon blasts, calls it 'declaration of war' Both Israel and Hezbollah have been flirting with an all-out war after the militant outfit's deputy leader Faud Shukr was killed in July by Israel in an air strike. The pager explosion saga may have been the final straw. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel launches fresh strikes in Lebanon after Hezbollah chief’s speech, jets break sound barrier over Beirut

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in the Union territory. Addressing a rally at&nbsp;Katra in Reasi district, the PM also promised assistance schemes for farmers and women while training guns on the opposition.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have promised in Parliament that we will restore J&amp;K's statehood. The BJP will fulfil this commitment," said PM Modi.</p>

<p>The PM was addressing the gathering a day after the first phase of polls concluded in the UT. He promised Rs 10,000 ($120) annual assistance to farmers, Rs 18,000 ($215)&nbsp;annual assistance to&nbsp;the woman head of every family, and enhanced the health insurance from the existing Rs 5 lakh ($6,000) to Rs 7&nbsp;lakh ($8,367).</p>

<p>The PM also&nbsp;accused the opposition parties of trying to do Pakistan's bidding by claiming to revoke Article 370 if they gain the mandate in the election.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They [Opposition] are saying that they will bring back Article 370 here. They want to bring back the era of bloodshed," said PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Pakistan seems happy with the manifesto of the Congress and the National Conference. Pakistan's Defence Minister has openly supported it. The agenda of Congress and NC is the same as that of Pakistan," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explained-kashmir-question-article-370-story-from-kashmir-accession-to-parliaments-integration-668767" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Explained: Kashmir question &amp; Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explained-kashmir-question-article-370-story-from-kashmir-accession-to-parliaments-integration-668767/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan lauds NC-Congress</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi's statement came in the backdrop of&nbsp;Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif stating that Islamabad was on the same page with the&nbsp;poll alliance of Congress and National Conference on the issue of restoration of Article 370.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They (the alliance) have made it an election issue. Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu and Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A," Asif said in an interview with Geo News.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-rally-in-j-k-indian-pm-says-three-families-gave-only-fear-anarchy-to-valley-760066"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Modi rally in J-K: Indian PM says three families gave only fear, anarchy to Valley</strong></a></p>

<p>Led by the father-son duo of Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, NC has vowed to restore Article 370 while Congress has remained mum on the issue - not even mentioning it in its manifesto.</p>

<p>Asif's comments instantly drew the ire of Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah who called out the alliance, akin to PM Modi, for playing to Pakistani gallery.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in the Union territory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in the Union territory. Addressing a rally at Katra in Reasi district, the PM also promised assistance schemes for farmers and women while training guns on the opposition. "We have promised in Parliament that we will restore J&K's statehood. The BJP will fulfil this commitment," said PM Modi. The PM was addressing the gathering a day after the first phase of polls concluded in the UT. He promised Rs 10,000 ($120) annual assistance to farmers, Rs 18,000 ($215) annual assistance to the woman head of every family, and enhanced the health insurance from the existing Rs 5 lakh ($6,000) to Rs 7 lakh ($8,367). The PM also accused the opposition parties of trying to do Pakistan's bidding by claiming to revoke Article 370 if they gain the mandate in the election. "They [Opposition] are saying that they will bring back Article 370 here. They want to bring back the era of bloodshed," said PM Modi. "Pakistan seems happy with the manifesto of the Congress and the National Conference. Pakistan's Defence Minister has openly supported it. The agenda of Congress and NC is the same as that of Pakistan," he added. Watch | Explained: Kashmir question & Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration Pakistan lauds NC-Congress PM Modi's statement came in the backdrop of Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif stating that Islamabad was on the same page with the poll alliance of Congress and National Conference on the issue of restoration of Article 370. "They (the alliance) have made it an election issue. Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu and Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A," Asif said in an interview with Geo News. Also read | Modi rally in J-K: Indian PM says three families gave only fear, anarchy to Valley Led by the father-son duo of Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, NC has vowed to restore Article 370 while Congress has remained mum on the issue - not even mentioning it in its manifesto. Asif's comments instantly drew the ire of Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah who called out the alliance, akin to PM Modi, for playing to Pakistani gallery. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi vows to restore J&K's statehood, promises monetary assistance to farmers, women

<p>Rajiv Memani, Ernst and Young (EY)&nbsp;India chairman has claimed that EY&nbsp;employee Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant, did not die due to work pressure, despite the claims made by her mother in a letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Perayil's mother had penned a strongly-worded letter to the EY chief that has since gone viral on social media, shedding light on the toxic work culture prevailing in Indian corporate companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have around one lakh employees. There is no doubt each one has to work hard. Anna worked with us only for four months. She was allotted work like any other employee. We don’t believe that work pressure could have claimed her life…,” Memani was quoted as saying by <em>The Indian Express </em>newspaper.</p>

<p>Memani also wrote an email&nbsp;to employees in the aftermath of the controversy&nbsp;with a “do not forward” directive which eventually got leaked online.</p>

<p>"The fact that her journey with the firm was so short-lived - only four months - makes this tragedy even more poignant for all of us," Memani wrote in the leaked letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-gen-z-crippling-with-stress-at-work-564094"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Gen Z crippling with stress at work</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Family to not pursue legal action</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the uproar from all quarters, Perayil's father,&nbsp;Sibi Joseph&nbsp;said the family was not considering any legal action against EY.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My wife wrote the letter to the chairman to ensure that even though our daughter is gone, such a thing should not happen to any other person. We are not going to take any legal steps against the company also," said Joseph.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/eys-ex-employees-open-up-about-toxic-work-culture-as-annas-tragic-death-takes-country-by-storm-760132"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;EY's ex-employees open up about 'toxic work culture' as Anna's 'tragic death' takes country by storm</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>EY reacts&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the mother's letter, EY in a statement said, "Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us."</p>

<p>"While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so," the company added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian government has launched an investigation into the matter with&nbsp;Minister of State for Labour, Employment and MSME Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday&nbsp;(Sep 19) taking note of the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rajiv Memani, Ernst and Young (EY) India chairman has claimed that EY employee Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant, did not die due to work pressure, despite the claims made by her mother in a letter.

Rajiv Memani, Ernst and Young (EY) India chairman has claimed that EY employee Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant, did not die due to work pressure, despite the claims made by her mother in a letter. Perayil's mother had penned a strongly-worded letter to the EY chief that has since gone viral on social media, shedding light on the toxic work culture prevailing in Indian corporate companies. “We have around one lakh employees. There is no doubt each one has to work hard. Anna worked with us only for four months. She was allotted work like any other employee. We don’t believe that work pressure could have claimed her life…,” Memani was quoted as saying by The Indian Express newspaper. Memani also wrote an email to employees in the aftermath of the controversy with a “do not forward” directive which eventually got leaked online. "The fact that her journey with the firm was so short-lived - only four months - makes this tragedy even more poignant for all of us," Memani wrote in the leaked letter. Watch | Gravitas: Gen Z crippling with stress at work × Family to not pursue legal action Despite the uproar from all quarters, Perayil's father, Sibi Joseph said the family was not considering any legal action against EY. "My wife wrote the letter to the chairman to ensure that even though our daughter is gone, such a thing should not happen to any other person. We are not going to take any legal steps against the company also," said Joseph. Also read | EY's ex-employees open up about 'toxic work culture' as Anna's 'tragic death' takes country by storm EY reacts Reacting to the mother's letter, EY in a statement said, "Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us." "While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so," the company added. Meanwhile, the Indian government has launched an investigation into the matter with Minister of State for Labour, Employment and MSME Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday (Sep 19) taking note of the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

EY India chief says 'work pressure' did not cause Anna Perayil's tragic death

<p>Israel allegedly carried out the pager explosions in Lebanon, killing nine people, while injuring thousands on Tuesday (Sep 17), much earlier than planned after concerns arose that some Hezbollah members had grown suspicious of the devices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report in <em>Axios</em>, the original Israeli plan was to detonate the devices when an all-out war was underway with the Iran-backed militant outfit.</p>

<p>However, when Tel Aviv got a whiff that its secret operation may have been uncovered, it took the call to prepone the plan and detonate the devices.&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the go-ahead for the operation.</p>

<p>"It was a use it or lose it moment," one US official aware of the operation told the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>White House was reportedly made aware of the operation minutes before the pagers started exploding. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant called US&nbsp;Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and told him Israel was about to conduct an operation in Lebanon soon, but refused to give any specific details.</p>

<p>The pagers, reportedly manufactured by a Budapest-stationed BAC Consulting KFT BAC, based on the license of Taiwanese pager maker, Gold Apollo, were modified before being shipped to Lebanon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The explosives were implanted near the battery with a remote activations switch, allowing for a coordinated detonation. Some reports claim that a beep was sent seconds before the attack, forcing the owners of the pagers to take them out, thereby injuring them more grievously.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Lebanon Hezbollah pagers explosion: Lebanese Information Minister Calls It 'An Israel Aggression'</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-hezbollah-pagers-explosion-lebanese-information-minister-calls-it-an-israel-aggression-759872/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Biggest security breach</strong></h2>

<p>According to the militant outfit, it was one of&nbsp;the&nbsp;biggest ‘security breaches’ the group has faced since the Israel-Hamas war broke out.</p>

<p>"Israel will certainly receive its just punishment for this sinful aggression," Hezbollah said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iranian state media IRNA reported that Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was also injured in the explosions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack has completely destroyed the telecommunication apparatus of Hezbollah, meaning the militant outfit might be at its weakest if Israel decides to escalate its military offensive in Lebanon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-were-the-deadly-hezbollah-pager-explosions-carried-out-in-lebanon-759700"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Explained: How were the deadly Hezbollah pager explosions carried out in Lebanon?</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, a day after the pager explosions, a number of walkie-talkies also exploded in the region, leading to aspersions that Israel had more up its sleeve.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Lebanon's health ministry, 20 people were killed and more than 450 were injured on Wednesday in Beirut's suburbs and the Bekaa Valley.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</em></p>


Israel allegedly carried out the pager explosions in Lebanon, killing nine people, while injuring thousands on Tuesday (Sep 17), much earlier than planned after concerns arose that some Hezbollah members had grown suspicious of the devices.

Israel allegedly carried out the pager explosions in Lebanon, killing nine people, while injuring thousands on Tuesday (Sep 17), much earlier than planned after concerns arose that some Hezbollah members had grown suspicious of the devices. According to a report in Axios, the original Israeli plan was to detonate the devices when an all-out war was underway with the Iran-backed militant outfit. However, when Tel Aviv got a whiff that its secret operation may have been uncovered, it took the call to prepone the plan and detonate the devices. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the go-ahead for the operation. "It was a use it or lose it moment," one US official aware of the operation told the publication. White House was reportedly made aware of the operation minutes before the pagers started exploding. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant called US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and told him Israel was about to conduct an operation in Lebanon soon, but refused to give any specific details. The pagers, reportedly manufactured by a Budapest-stationed BAC Consulting KFT BAC, based on the license of Taiwanese pager maker, Gold Apollo, were modified before being shipped to Lebanon. The explosives were implanted near the battery with a remote activations switch, allowing for a coordinated detonation. Some reports claim that a beep was sent seconds before the attack, forcing the owners of the pagers to take them out, thereby injuring them more grievously. Watch: Lebanon Hezbollah pagers explosion: Lebanese Information Minister Calls It 'An Israel Aggression' Biggest security breach According to the militant outfit, it was one of the biggest ‘security breaches’ the group has faced since the Israel-Hamas war broke out. "Israel will certainly receive its just punishment for this sinful aggression," Hezbollah said. Iranian state media IRNA reported that Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was also injured in the explosions. The attack has completely destroyed the telecommunication apparatus of Hezbollah, meaning the militant outfit might be at its weakest if Israel decides to escalate its military offensive in Lebanon. Also read | Explained: How were the deadly Hezbollah pager explosions carried out in Lebanon? Notably, a day after the pager explosions, a number of walkie-talkies also exploded in the region, leading to aspersions that Israel had more up its sleeve. According to Lebanon's health ministry, 20 people were killed and more than 450 were injured on Wednesday in Beirut's suburbs and the Bekaa Valley. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Hezbollah pager explosions: Israel wanted to detonate devices later but was forced to act earlier. Know why

<p>Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif has said that Prime&nbsp; Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government was on the same page&nbsp;with the poll alliance of&nbsp;Congress and National Conference in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the issue of restoration of Article 370.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asif claimed there was a high chance that the coalition comes to power as the elections kicked off in the UT on Wednesday (Sep 18).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They (the alliance) have made it an election issue. Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu and Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A," Asif said in an interview with <em>Geo News.&nbsp;</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Hamid Mir’s Capital Talk on Geo News says, “Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu &amp; Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A”. Big statement amid assembly elections in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. <a href="https://t.co/vxEVFZI0BK">pic.twitter.com/vxEVFZI0BK</a></p>
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdityaRajKaul/status/1836607763721654519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Led by the father-son duo of Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, NC has vowed to restore Article 370 while Congress has remained mum on the issue - not even mentioning it in its manifesto. However, since the grand old party has forged a coalition with NC, many believe that the party had given its tacit support to the revocation of Article 370 if elected to power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explained-kashmir-question-article-370-story-from-kashmir-accession-to-parliaments-integration-668767"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Explained: Kashmir question &amp; Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Amit Shah slams Congress-NC, Pak defence minister&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Asif's comments instantly drew the ire of Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah who trained guns on the Congress-NC alliance and called them out for carrying out Pakistan's bidding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Pakistan’s defence minister’s statement about Congress and JKNC’s support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda," said Shah on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">पाकिस्तान के रक्षा मंत्री का आर्टिकल 370 और 35A पर कांग्रेस और JKNC के समर्थन की बात ने एक बार फिर कांग्रेस को एक्सपोज कर दिया है। इस बयान ने पुनः यह स्पष्ट कर दिया है कि कांग्रेस और पाकिस्तान के इरादे भी एक हैं और एजेंडा भी। पिछले कुछ वर्षों से राहुल गाँधी देशवासियों की भावनाओं…</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1836674300637766143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-rally-in-j-k-indian-pm-says-three-families-gave-only-fear-anarchy-to-valley-760066"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Modi rally in J-K: Indian PM says three families gave only fear, anarchy to Valley</strong></a></p>

<p>While BJP has been adamant on maintaining the status quo, the revocation of Article and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories has remained a prominent poll issue for NC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from NC,&nbsp;Mehbooba Mufti's PDP has also promised to roll back the clock on the issue if it is voted to power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif has said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government was on the same page with the poll alliance of Congress and National Conference in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the issue of restoration of Article 370.

Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif has said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government was on the same page with the poll alliance of Congress and National Conference in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the issue of restoration of Article 370. Asif claimed there was a high chance that the coalition comes to power as the elections kicked off in the UT on Wednesday (Sep 18). "They (the alliance) have made it an election issue. Pakistan and the National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu and Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A," Asif said in an interview with Geo News. #BREAKING: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Hamid Mir’s Capital Talk on Geo News says, “Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu & Kashmir to restore Article 370 and 35A”. Big statement amid assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/vxEVFZI0BK — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 19, 2024 × Led by the father-son duo of Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, NC has vowed to restore Article 370 while Congress has remained mum on the issue - not even mentioning it in its manifesto. However, since the grand old party has forged a coalition with NC, many believe that the party had given its tacit support to the revocation of Article 370 if elected to power. Watch | Explained: Kashmir question & Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration × Amit Shah slams Congress-NC, Pak defence minister Asif's comments instantly drew the ire of Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah who trained guns on the Congress-NC alliance and called them out for carrying out Pakistan's bidding. “Pakistan’s defence minister’s statement about Congress and JKNC’s support on Article 370 and 35A has once again exposed Congress. This statement has once again made it clear that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda," said Shah on X (formerly Twitter). "For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen," he added. पाकिस्तान के रक्षा मंत्री का आर्टिकल 370 और 35A पर कांग्रेस और JKNC के समर्थन की बात ने एक बार फिर कांग्रेस को एक्सपोज कर दिया है। इस बयान ने पुनः यह स्पष्ट कर दिया है कि कांग्रेस और पाकिस्तान के इरादे भी एक हैं और एजेंडा भी। पिछले कुछ वर्षों से राहुल गाँधी देशवासियों की भावनाओं… — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 19, 2024 × Also read | Modi rally in J-K: Indian PM says three families gave only fear, anarchy to Valley While BJP has been adamant on maintaining the status quo, the revocation of Article and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories has remained a prominent poll issue for NC. Apart from NC, Mehbooba Mufti's PDP has also promised to roll back the clock on the issue if it is voted to power. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K polls: Pakistan and Congress-NC have same agenda on Article 370, says Indian Home Minister Amit Shah

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Israel on Thursday (Sep 19) bombed specific locations in southern Lebanon in overnight attacks,&nbsp;and the Israeli&nbsp;military later said that it struck six Hezbollah "terrorist infrastructure sites" and a weapons storage facility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The air strikes hit Hezbollah targets in Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun and Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, as well as a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in the area of Khiam, the military said.</p>

<p>Israeli media reported that a number of Israeli civilians had been wounded by anti-tank missile fire from Lebanon, but there was no official confirmation.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Earlier, Israel&nbsp;said that it thwarted an Iran-backed assassination plot targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior leaders. The bombing comes just a day after radio devices used by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah exploded, leading to Lebanon's deadliest day since cross-border fighting started nearly a year ago, in parallel with Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:103,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1790}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:103,&quot;w&quot;:317,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1790}">Israel-Hezbollah tensions rise</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:147,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1834}">Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated dramatically, with the conflict between the two entities edging closer to a full-scale war following the sophisticated booby-trap attacks on Hezbollah's communication networks in southern Lebanon. Such a war, as per Reuters, was last fought 18 years ago.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:214,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1901}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:214,&quot;w&quot;:715,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1901}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:214,&quot;w&quot;:634,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1901}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-israels-unit-8200-secretive-cyber-warfare-arm-linked-to-hezbollah-pager-attacks-760034">What is Israel's Unit 8200? Secretive cyber warfare arm linked to Hezbollah pager attacks</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1934}">On Wednesday (Sep 18), Hezbollah's pagers, used to evade surveillance, detonated in a series of explosions, killing 12 people and injuring nearly 3,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:296,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1983}">While Israel hasn't commented directly on the attacks, reports suggest Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, was responsible.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:346,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2033}">Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon were bombarded by Israeli jets and artillery during the night. The army confirmed successful air strikes on Hezbollah targets in multiple locations in southern Lebanon, including Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun, and Kfarkela, as well as a weapons storage facility near Khiam.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:430,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2117}">Hezbollah, meanwhile, launched anti-tank missiles into Israel, most of which were intercepted. A number of civilians were wounded.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:430,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2117}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-explosions-japanese-firm-says-devices-used-in-recent-blasts-discontinued-around-10-years-ago-759959">Lebanon explosions: Japanese firm says devices used in recent blasts discontinued around 10 years ago</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:484,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2171}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:484,&quot;w&quot;:246,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2171}">Netanyahu murder plot</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:528,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2215}">This comes as on Thursday, Israeli security services announced the discovery of an Iranian-backed assassination attempt on PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the arrest of an Israeli businessman who had attended meetings in Iran.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:595,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2282}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:595,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2282}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel on Thursday (Sep 19) bombed specific locations in southern Lebanon in overnight attacks, and the Israeli military later said that it struck six Hezbollah "terrorist infrastructure sites" and a weapons storage facility.

Israel on Thursday (Sep 19) bombed specific locations in southern Lebanon in overnight attacks, and the Israeli military later said that it struck six Hezbollah "terrorist infrastructure sites" and a weapons storage facility. The air strikes hit Hezbollah targets in Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun and Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, as well as a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in the area of Khiam, the military said. Israeli media reported that a number of Israeli civilians had been wounded by anti-tank missile fire from Lebanon, but there was no official confirmation. Earlier, Israel said that it thwarted an Iran-backed assassination plot targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior leaders. The bombing comes just a day after radio devices used by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah exploded, leading to Lebanon's deadliest day since cross-border fighting started nearly a year ago, in parallel with Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel-Hezbollah tensions rise Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated dramatically, with the conflict between the two entities edging closer to a full-scale war following the sophisticated booby-trap attacks on Hezbollah's communication networks in southern Lebanon. Such a war, as per Reuters, was last fought 18 years ago. Also read | What is Israel's Unit 8200? Secretive cyber warfare arm linked to Hezbollah pager attacks On Wednesday (Sep 18), Hezbollah's pagers, used to evade surveillance, detonated in a series of explosions, killing 12 people and injuring nearly 3,000. While Israel hasn't commented directly on the attacks, reports suggest Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, was responsible. Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon were bombarded by Israeli jets and artillery during the night. The army confirmed successful air strikes on Hezbollah targets in multiple locations in southern Lebanon, including Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun, and Kfarkela, as well as a weapons storage facility near Khiam. Hezbollah, meanwhile, launched anti-tank missiles into Israel, most of which were intercepted. A number of civilians were wounded. Also read | Lebanon explosions: Japanese firm says devices used in recent blasts discontinued around 10 years ago Netanyahu murder plot This comes as on Thursday, Israeli security services announced the discovery of an Iranian-backed assassination attempt on PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the arrest of an Israeli businessman who had attended meetings in Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel strikes seven Hezbollah sites in Lebanon after Iran-backed plot to assassinate Netanyahu revealed

<p>Amid tight security arrangements, the polling for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began on Wednesday (Sep 18).&nbsp;In other news, shocking details continue to emerge from the Lebanon pager explosions that neutralised nine alleged Hezbollah militants on Tuesday (Sep 17).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-assembly-election-2024-phase-1-poll-live-voting-updates-eci-news-759593"><strong>LIVE | Jammu and Kashmir Elections Phase 1: Congress urges voters to remember 'travesty' of downgrade to UT</strong></a></p>

<p>As per the Election Commission of India, voting commenced at 7 am and will come to a close at 6 pm. In the first phase of elections, a total of 24 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir will go to polls. Of these, 16 seats are in the Kashmir region and 8 seats are in the Jammu region.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/18/455307-top-10-3.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-in-us-senate-block-passage-of-bill-that-wouldve-guaranteed-access-to-ivf-759610"><strong>Republicans in US Senate block passage of bill that would've guaranteed access to IVF</strong></a></p>

<p>A bill that sought to enshrine the right for American couples to avail of IVF treatments was blocked by Republicans in the US Senate on Tuesday (Sep 17). This comes just days after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump surprised voters by voicing his support for the procedure.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/18/455314-new-wion-50.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwanese-company-whose-pagers-exploded-in-lebanon-denies-manufacturing-them-759622"><strong>Taiwanese company whose pagers exploded in Lebanon denies manufacturing them</strong></a></p>

<p>Gold Apollo, the Taiwanese company whose pagers reportedly exploded in Lebanon, killing nine alleged Hezbollah fighters while injuring over 3,000, has claimed that it didn't make the devices, albeit had only licensed its name.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/18/455323-copy-of-untitled-13.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-consequential-presidents-get-shot-at-boasts-trump-after-second-assassination-attempt-759624"><strong>'Only consequential presidents get shot at,' boasts Trump after second assassination attempt</strong></a></p>

<p>The former US president who is vying for a second term in the White House while campaigning on Tuesday (Sep 17) boasted that "only consequential presidents get shot at".</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/18/455324-new-wion-51.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-pager-blasts-hezbollah-vows-to-punish-israel-after-blasts-759617"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel's pager blasts: Hezbollah vows to punish Israel after blasts</strong></a></p>

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Amid tight security arrangements, the polling for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began on Wednesday (Sep 18). In other news, shocking details continue to emerge from the Lebanon pager explosions that neutralised nine alleged Hezbollah militants on Tuesday (Sep 17).

Amid tight security arrangements, the polling for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began on Wednesday (Sep 18). In other news, shocking details continue to emerge from the Lebanon pager explosions that neutralised nine alleged Hezbollah militants on Tuesday (Sep 17). Click on headlines to read more: LIVE | Jammu and Kashmir Elections Phase 1: Congress urges voters to remember 'travesty' of downgrade to UT As per the Election Commission of India, voting commenced at 7 am and will come to a close at 6 pm. In the first phase of elections, a total of 24 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir will go to polls. Of these, 16 seats are in the Kashmir region and 8 seats are in the Jammu region. Republicans in US Senate block passage of bill that would've guaranteed access to IVF A bill that sought to enshrine the right for American couples to avail of IVF treatments was blocked by Republicans in the US Senate on Tuesday (Sep 17). This comes just days after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump surprised voters by voicing his support for the procedure. Taiwanese company whose pagers exploded in Lebanon denies manufacturing them Gold Apollo, the Taiwanese company whose pagers reportedly exploded in Lebanon, killing nine alleged Hezbollah fighters while injuring over 3,000, has claimed that it didn't make the devices, albeit had only licensed its name. 'Only consequential presidents get shot at,' boasts Trump after second assassination attempt The former US president who is vying for a second term in the White House while campaigning on Tuesday (Sep 17) boasted that "only consequential presidents get shot at". Watch | Israel's pager blasts: Hezbollah vows to punish Israel after blasts ×

Morning news brief: Jammu & Kashmir assembly polls; Lebanon pager explosions, and more

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Gaza health ministry has identified&nbsp;over 34,000 Palestinians that have been killed in the almost one-year-long, ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. It has published a 649-page exhaustive list of the victims.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1755}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:212,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1755}">Victims of Gaza war</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:113,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1800}">The list released by the Gaza health ministry contains the names, ages, genders, and ID numbers of more than 80 per cent or 34,344 victims of the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:162,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1849}">It also mentions 7,613 other people that have perished in the war, and whose bodies were received by the hospitals and morgues in the territory but whose identities are yet to be confirmed. The total death toll on the Palestinian side has crossed 41,000 as per reports.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1916}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:689,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1916}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwanese-company-whose-pagers-exploded-in-lebanon-denies-manufacturing-them-759622">Hezbollah Pager Explosion: Taiwanese company whose pagers exploded in Lebanon denies manufacturing them</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:279,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1966}">Among the dead are 169 babies who were born after the Hamas militant group's Oct 7 attack, and an over one-hundred-year-old man — born in 1922 — a survivor of more than a century of war and upheaval who didn't survive this war.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:350,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2037}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:350,&quot;w&quot;:545,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2037}">Gone too soon: Children killed in Israel-Hamas war</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:394,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2081}">The 649-page-long document lists the dead largely by age. It underlines the shockingly high toll of Israeli attacks on Palestinian children, with over a hundred pages of the list filled with victims under the age of 10.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:444,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2131}">Shockingly, the first adult name in the impossibly long list does not appear until page 215.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:444,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2131}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-shin-bet-thwarts-hezbollahs-remote-bombing-plot-targeting-former-security-chief-759582">Israel’s Shin Bet thwarts Hezbollah’s remote bombing plot targeting former security chief</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:476,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2163}">While the list contains names of both civilians and fighters, because of their age and gender, the majority of those dead can be identified as civilians. The list of dead Palestinians includes 11,355 children, 6,297 women and 2,955 people aged 60 or older. Among the men, surely many are civilians of fighting age who died in the ongoing war.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:564,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2251}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:564,&quot;w&quot;:340,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2251}">Israel refutes the high death toll</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:609,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2296}">Israel officials have repeatedly questioned the death toll and argue that the Hamas-controlled government and its officials are not providing reliable figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:659,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2346}">However, according to the reports, the doctors and the civil servants in the territory have proven the credibility of their records in previous wars. During the many conflicts between 2009 and 2021, a tally by the United Nations closely matched the ones from Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:726,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2413}">In May, Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for the UN secretary-general when questioned about the numbers had said,&nbsp;"Unfortunately, we have the sad experience of coordinating with the Ministry of Health on casualty figures every few years for large mass casualty incidents in Gaza; and in past times, their figures have proven to be generally accurate."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:810,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2497}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:810,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2497}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Gaza health ministry has identified over 34,000 Palestinians that have been killed in the almost one-year-long, ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. It has published a 649-page exhaustive list of the victims.

Gaza health ministry has identified over 34,000 Palestinians that have been killed in the almost one-year-long, ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. It has published a 649-page exhaustive list of the victims. Victims of Gaza war The list released by the Gaza health ministry contains the names, ages, genders, and ID numbers of more than 80 per cent or 34,344 victims of the war. It also mentions 7,613 other people that have perished in the war, and whose bodies were received by the hospitals and morgues in the territory but whose identities are yet to be confirmed. The total death toll on the Palestinian side has crossed 41,000 as per reports. Also read | Hezbollah Pager Explosion: Taiwanese company whose pagers exploded in Lebanon denies manufacturing them Among the dead are 169 babies who were born after the Hamas militant group's Oct 7 attack, and an over one-hundred-year-old man — born in 1922 — a survivor of more than a century of war and upheaval who didn't survive this war. Gone too soon: Children killed in Israel-Hamas war The 649-page-long document lists the dead largely by age. It underlines the shockingly high toll of Israeli attacks on Palestinian children, with over a hundred pages of the list filled with victims under the age of 10. Shockingly, the first adult name in the impossibly long list does not appear until page 215. Also read | Israel’s Shin Bet thwarts Hezbollah’s remote bombing plot targeting former security chief While the list contains names of both civilians and fighters, because of their age and gender, the majority of those dead can be identified as civilians. The list of dead Palestinians includes 11,355 children, 6,297 women and 2,955 people aged 60 or older. Among the men, surely many are civilians of fighting age who died in the ongoing war. Israel refutes the high death toll Israel officials have repeatedly questioned the death toll and argue that the Hamas-controlled government and its officials are not providing reliable figures. However, according to the reports, the doctors and the civil servants in the territory have proven the credibility of their records in previous wars. During the many conflicts between 2009 and 2021, a tally by the United Nations closely matched the ones from Gaza. In May, Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for the UN secretary-general when questioned about the numbers had said, "Unfortunately, we have the sad experience of coordinating with the Ministry of Health on casualty figures every few years for large mass casualty incidents in Gaza; and in past times, their figures have proven to be generally accurate." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: 215 of 649 pages are just children; Gaza health ministry releases names of victims

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Sep 18) approved the proposal for a 'One Nation One Election', in a step towards holding simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'One Nation, One Election'&nbsp;was&nbsp;one of the key promises made by PM Modi's&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;(BJP) in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections which were held earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The approval was granted after a report prepared by a high-level panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind was presented in front of the cabinet.</p>

<p>The panel&nbsp;in March this year recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ram Nath Kovind-led committee has not specified any period for rolling out simultaneous polls.</p>

<p>It has proposed the creation of an 'Implementation Group' to look into the execution of the panel's recommendations.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous instance&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Elections (to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of States) were mostly held simultaneously from 1951-52 to 1967, after which this cycle was broken.</p>

<p>Currently,&nbsp;elections are held almost every year and within a year too at different times which keeps the politicians more focused on winning elections, instead of working for the welfare of the public.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The panel is of the view that holding simultaneous polls will help save resources, spur development and social cohesion. It will also deepen the "foundations of the democratic rubric" and help realise the aspirations of "India that is Bharat".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-nation-one-election-explained-what-is-it-and-how-it-will-work-700187"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-nation-one-election-explained-what-is-it-and-how-it-will-work-700187/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

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<h2><strong>BJP batting for ONOE</strong></h2>

<p>The approval comes a day after Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, addressing a press conference to mark the 100 days of the third term of PM Modi said ONOE will be implemented within the current tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We plan to implement 'One Nation, One Election' in the present tenure of this government."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-led-nda-govt-in-india-to-implement-one-nation-one-election-within-its-current-tenure-report-758896"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;NDA govt to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India during current term: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>In his Independence Day address last month, PM Modi also made a strong pitch for 'One Nation, One Election', contending that frequent polls were creating hurdles in the country's progress.</p>

<p>"The nation has to come forward for 'One Nation, One Election'," Modi had said in his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.</p>

<p>According to reports, after the approval, the bill for ONOE is expected to be presented in the parliament during the winter session.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Sep 18) approved the proposal for a 'One Nation One Election', in a step towards holding simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Sep 18) approved the proposal for a 'One Nation One Election', in a step towards holding simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies. 'One Nation, One Election' was one of the key promises made by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections which were held earlier this year. The approval was granted after a report prepared by a high-level panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind was presented in front of the cabinet. The panel in March this year recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days. The Ram Nath Kovind-led committee has not specified any period for rolling out simultaneous polls. It has proposed the creation of an 'Implementation Group' to look into the execution of the panel's recommendations. Previous instance Elections (to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of States) were mostly held simultaneously from 1951-52 to 1967, after which this cycle was broken. Currently, elections are held almost every year and within a year too at different times which keeps the politicians more focused on winning elections, instead of working for the welfare of the public. The panel is of the view that holding simultaneous polls will help save resources, spur development and social cohesion. It will also deepen the "foundations of the democratic rubric" and help realise the aspirations of "India that is Bharat". Watch | 'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work × BJP batting for ONOE The approval comes a day after Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, addressing a press conference to mark the 100 days of the third term of PM Modi said ONOE will be implemented within the current tenure. "We plan to implement 'One Nation, One Election' in the present tenure of this government." Also read | NDA govt to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India during current term: Report In his Independence Day address last month, PM Modi also made a strong pitch for 'One Nation, One Election', contending that frequent polls were creating hurdles in the country's progress. "The nation has to come forward for 'One Nation, One Election'," Modi had said in his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. According to reports, after the approval, the bill for ONOE is expected to be presented in the parliament during the winter session. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi's cabinet approves One Nation One Election

<p>US-based kitchenware company Tupperware and its subsidaries have filed for bankruptcy after struggling to meet sales goals, ballooning losses and growing competition. The publically traded&nbsp;company filed&nbsp;for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and has asked the court for permission to start a sale process&nbsp;of the business.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to bankruptcy filings in the US&nbsp;Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, the 78-year-old firm listed $500 million-$1 billion in estimated assets and $1 billion-$10 billion in estimated liabilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company's shares have fallen by more than 50 per cent&nbsp;this week after reports that it was planning to file for bankruptcy.</p>

<p>"Over the last several years, the company's financial position has been severely impacted by the challenging macroeconomic environment," Chief Executive Officer Laurie Goldman said in a press release.</p>

<p>"As a result, we explored numerous strategic options and determined this is the best path forward. This process is meant to provide us with essential flexibility as we pursue strategic alternatives to support our transformation into a digital-first, technology-led company better positioned to serve our stakeholders."</p>

<p>The company, however, added that it will continue to serve the customers with its products while the bankruptcy proceedings are underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Whether you are a dedicated member of our Tupperware team, sell, cook with, or simply love our Tupperware products, you are a part of our Tupperware family. We plan to continue serving our valued customers with the high-quality products they love and trust throughout this process."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/economic-fallout-deepens-from-west-african-floods-759663"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Economic fallout deepens from West African floods</strong></a></p>

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<p>The decision to go bankrupt came about four years after Tupperware reported a fall in sales for six consecutive quarters since the third quarter of 2021.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian moms and Tupperware&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Tupperware brand has been synonymous with tiffin boxes and storage containers, especially in India where it is often mentioned in the popular discourse.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-food-delivery-giant-swiggy-prepares-for-ipo-filing-this-week-759062" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Indian food delivery giant Swiggy prepares for IPO filing this week</a></strong></p>

<p>Tupperware entered the Indian market in 1996 when most households were still wary of using plastic container. However, owing to its durability, versatility, easy-to-transport and spill-proof qualities, Tupperware soon became a household item.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The kitchenware company is instantly correlated to the Indian moms who scold their husbands and children anytime a Tupperware container is lost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the brand may not last long, its connection with millions will probably last. After all, everyone is still wary of losing their Tupperware.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US-based kitchenware company Tupperware and its subsidaries have filed for bankruptcy after struggling to meet sales goals, ballooning losses and growing competition.

US-based kitchenware company Tupperware and its subsidaries have filed for bankruptcy after struggling to meet sales goals, ballooning losses and growing competition. The publically traded company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and has asked the court for permission to start a sale process of the business. According to bankruptcy filings in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, the 78-year-old firm listed $500 million-$1 billion in estimated assets and $1 billion-$10 billion in estimated liabilities. The company's shares have fallen by more than 50 per cent this week after reports that it was planning to file for bankruptcy. "Over the last several years, the company's financial position has been severely impacted by the challenging macroeconomic environment," Chief Executive Officer Laurie Goldman said in a press release. "As a result, we explored numerous strategic options and determined this is the best path forward. This process is meant to provide us with essential flexibility as we pursue strategic alternatives to support our transformation into a digital-first, technology-led company better positioned to serve our stakeholders." The company, however, added that it will continue to serve the customers with its products while the bankruptcy proceedings are underway. "Whether you are a dedicated member of our Tupperware team, sell, cook with, or simply love our Tupperware products, you are a part of our Tupperware family. We plan to continue serving our valued customers with the high-quality products they love and trust throughout this process." Watch | Economic fallout deepens from West African floods × The decision to go bankrupt came about four years after Tupperware reported a fall in sales for six consecutive quarters since the third quarter of 2021. Indian moms and Tupperware The Tupperware brand has been synonymous with tiffin boxes and storage containers, especially in India where it is often mentioned in the popular discourse. Also read | Indian food delivery giant Swiggy prepares for IPO filing this week Tupperware entered the Indian market in 1996 when most households were still wary of using plastic container. However, owing to its durability, versatility, easy-to-transport and spill-proof qualities, Tupperware soon became a household item. The kitchenware company is instantly correlated to the Indian moms who scold their husbands and children anytime a Tupperware container is lost. While the brand may not last long, its connection with millions will probably last. After all, everyone is still wary of losing their Tupperware. (With inputs from agencies)

No more of Tupperware in your kitchen? Iconic utensil brand files for bankruptcy

<p>The New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh was involved in a confrontation outside the Canadian Parliament after someone accused him of being a "corrupted b*****d".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident took place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday (Sep 17) when Singh was around a pair of protesters.</p>

<p>"Are you voting non-confidence today?” said one, while another added,&nbsp;“Corrupted b*****d."</p>

<p>The video of the kerfuffle went viral on social media and showed a visibly angry Singh turning around and getting in one of the men's faces who addressed him using the vulgar term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Who said that?” Singh could be heard as saying as he walked back towards the hecklers. “You got something to say?”</p>

<p>After unsuccessfully asking the group to point towards the 'gentleman' who used the unsavoury language, Singh said,&nbsp;“You’re a coward, you’re not going to say it to my face,” before turning to walk away.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the NDP said that protesters gathered outside the parliament had been "intimidating" and "harassing" politicians, their staff and others.</p>

<p>"Jagmeet Singh does not tolerate bullies and does not condone violence," the spokesperson said in an email.</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>: Jagmeet Singh shows more aggression towards Canadian Citizens than he ever has towards Justin Trudeau.<br />
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Jagmeet Singh calls people cowards when he is the biggest coward of all!<br />
<br />
And I would say that to your face, Jimmy! <a href="https://t.co/7cRwQVlYpa">pic.twitter.com/7cRwQVlYpa</a></p>
— govt.exe is corrupt (@govt_corrupt) <a href="https://twitter.com/govt_corrupt/status/1836114363671023818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, three members of the&nbsp;Parliamentary Protective Service were around at the time of the confrontation but only intervened at the end.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-is-khalistan-supporter-jagmeet-singh-and-why-is-trudeau-dependent-on-him-to-be-in-power-639837"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Who is Khalistan supporter Jagmeet Singh</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Jagmeet breaks coalition&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Canadian political landscape was thrown into a tizzy after Singh's NDP withdrew its support to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NDP's support was crucial for the Liberal government, allowing it to maintain power through a confidence-and-supply agreement established in 2022. Singh's support to Trudeau's government had caused controversy as he allegedly supports the Khalistani separatist cause.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-is-canada-silently-surrendering-itself-to-khalistanis-270540"><strong>Also read | WION Edit: Is Canada silently surrendering itself to Khalistanis?</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said his party plans to put forward a non-confidence motion at the earliest possible opportunity in hopes of bringing down the Liberal government.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh was involved in a confrontation outside the Canadian Parliament after someone accused him of being a "corrupted b*****d".

The New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh was involved in a confrontation outside the Canadian Parliament after someone accused him of being a "corrupted b*****d". The incident took place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday (Sep 17) when Singh was around a pair of protesters. "Are you voting non-confidence today?” said one, while another added, “Corrupted b*****d." The video of the kerfuffle went viral on social media and showed a visibly angry Singh turning around and getting in one of the men's faces who addressed him using the vulgar term. “Who said that?” Singh could be heard as saying as he walked back towards the hecklers. “You got something to say?” After unsuccessfully asking the group to point towards the 'gentleman' who used the unsavoury language, Singh said, “You’re a coward, you’re not going to say it to my face,” before turning to walk away. A spokesperson for the NDP said that protesters gathered outside the parliament had been "intimidating" and "harassing" politicians, their staff and others. "Jagmeet Singh does not tolerate bullies and does not condone violence," the spokesperson said in an email. #WATCH: Jagmeet Singh shows more aggression towards Canadian Citizens than he ever has towards Justin Trudeau. Jagmeet Singh calls people cowards when he is the biggest coward of all! And I would say that to your face, Jimmy! pic.twitter.com/7cRwQVlYpa — govt.exe is corrupt (@govt_corrupt) September 17, 2024 × Notably, three members of the Parliamentary Protective Service were around at the time of the confrontation but only intervened at the end. Watch | Who is Khalistan supporter Jagmeet Singh × Jagmeet breaks coalition The Canadian political landscape was thrown into a tizzy after Singh's NDP withdrew its support to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government. The NDP's support was crucial for the Liberal government, allowing it to maintain power through a confidence-and-supply agreement established in 2022. Singh's support to Trudeau's government had caused controversy as he allegedly supports the Khalistani separatist cause. Also read | WION Edit: Is Canada silently surrendering itself to Khalistanis? Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said his party plans to put forward a non-confidence motion at the earliest possible opportunity in hopes of bringing down the Liberal government. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada: NDP's Jagmeet Singh involved in confrontation after being called 'corrupted b*****d' - VIDEO

<p>Ohio Senator&nbsp;JD Vance has revealed what Donald Trump told him over the phone after the&nbsp;former US president survived a second assassination attempt in as many months on Sunday (Sep 15).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vance, who was at his home in Cincinnati with kids, said Trump contacted him 10 minutes after the incident when the Secret Service agents had caught the would-be assassin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He [Trump] says, ‘JD, you’re not going to believe this, but they tried to do it again,’”&nbsp;Vance&nbsp;told the crowd at a Faith and Freedom Coalition event in Georgia.</p>

<p>“I said, ‘No, you’re joshing me. But, what’s going on here, sir?’”</p>

<p>Trump revealed that a gunman, who was later identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh of North Carolina, attempted to take him out using an AK-47 gun with a scope.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I was playing golf and the Secret Service found somebody who was trying to shoot me,” Vance said Trump told him.</p>

<p>Shocked by the news, Vance responded, “I said, ‘Oh my Lord sir, I’m so glad you’re okay.’”</p>

<p>Trump's vice president pick added that no assassination attempt had been made on the Democrat rivals while Trump narrowly survived both times.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The big difference between conservatives and liberals is that … no one has tried to kill Kamala Harris in the last couple of months, and two people now have tried to kill Donald Trump in the last couple of months,” Vance said.</p>

<p>“I’d say that’s pretty strong evidence that the left needs to tone down the rhetoric and needs to cut this crap out.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-assassination-bid-suspect-identified-as-ryan-wesley-routh-of-hawaii-759163"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Trump Assassination Bid: Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Trump blames Democrats</strong></h2>

<p>Talking to media after the incident, Trump blamed the Democrats and said their rhetoric had caused the repeated shootings against him.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Their [Democrats] rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country, and they are the ones that are destroying the country — both from the inside and out.”</p>

<p>“It is called the enemy from within,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-ryan-wesley-routh-the-man-who-attempted-to-assassinate-donald-trump-758918"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Who is Ryan Wesley Routh, the man who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, 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><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ohio Senator JD Vance has revealed what Donald Trump told him over the phone after the former US president survived a second assassination attempt in as many months on Sunday (Sep 15).

Ohio Senator JD Vance has revealed what Donald Trump told him over the phone after the former US president survived a second assassination attempt in as many months on Sunday (Sep 15). Vance, who was at his home in Cincinnati with kids, said Trump contacted him 10 minutes after the incident when the Secret Service agents had caught the would-be assassin. “He [Trump] says, ‘JD, you’re not going to believe this, but they tried to do it again,’” Vance told the crowd at a Faith and Freedom Coalition event in Georgia. “I said, ‘No, you’re joshing me. But, what’s going on here, sir?’” Trump revealed that a gunman, who was later identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh of North Carolina, attempted to take him out using an AK-47 gun with a scope. “I was playing golf and the Secret Service found somebody who was trying to shoot me,” Vance said Trump told him. Shocked by the news, Vance responded, “I said, ‘Oh my Lord sir, I’m so glad you’re okay.’” Trump's vice president pick added that no assassination attempt had been made on the Democrat rivals while Trump narrowly survived both times. “The big difference between conservatives and liberals is that … no one has tried to kill Kamala Harris in the last couple of months, and two people now have tried to kill Donald Trump in the last couple of months,” Vance said. “I’d say that’s pretty strong evidence that the left needs to tone down the rhetoric and needs to cut this crap out.” Watch | Trump Assassination Bid: Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii × Trump blames Democrats Talking to media after the incident, Trump blamed the Democrats and said their rhetoric had caused the repeated shootings against him. “Their [Democrats] rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country, and they are the ones that are destroying the country — both from the inside and out.” “It is called the enemy from within,” he added. Also read | Who is Ryan Wesley Routh, the man who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump Notably, 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. (With inputs from agencies)

JD Vance reveals what Donald Trump told him after surviving another assassination attempt

<p>The Indian government is unwilling to heed to USA's request to ban and block Russian state media network RT, formerly known as Russia Today, globally. While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is yet to issue an official statement, a government official told <em>The Hindu </em>that&nbsp;the&nbsp;matter “does not pertain to India” altogether.</p>

<p>Notably, the issue was discussed at a meeting between US Embassy officials and the MEA in the past fortnight.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kanwal Sibal, former Indian ambassador to Russia said banning media organisations showed “double standards” by the Western countries.</p>

<p>“This will be viewed as double standards by the Global South that they are trying to target. India will obviously not be responsive to such American pressure," Sibal told the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced sanctions against RT stating that the&nbsp;Russian state-backed media company was&nbsp;“functioning like a de facto arm" of Moscow's intelligence apparatus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Today, we’re exposing how Russia deploys similar tactics around the world,” Blinken said. “Russian weaponisation of disinformation to subvert and polarise free and open societies extends to every part of the world.”</p>

<p>“We urge every ally, every partner to start by treating RT’s activities as they do other intelligence activities by Russia within their borders,” Blinken added, with the UK and Canada launching the 'joint diplomatic campaign&nbsp;alongside.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-russia-summit-pm-modi-calls-russia-indias-all-weather-friend-739394"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India-Russia Summit: PM Modi calls Russia 'India's all-weather friend'</strong></a></p>

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<p>While New Delhi has seemingly refused to comply, Facebook owner Meta on Monday (Sep 16) said it was banning&nbsp;RT, Rossiya Segodnya and other Russian state media networks from its platforms. The Mark Zuckerberg-owned company said these outlets had employed&nbsp;deceptive tactics to carry out covert influence operations online.</p>

<p>"After careful consideration, we expanded our ongoing enforcement against Russian state media outlets. Rossiya Segodnya, RT and other related entities are now banned from our apps globally for foreign interference activity," the social media company said in a written statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indians-duped-into-joining-russian-army-return-home-says-were-treated-like-slaves-758677"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Indians 'duped' into joining Russian army return home, say were 'treated like slaves'</strong></a></p>

<p>Meta added that enforcement of the ban would roll out over the coming days. In addition to Facebook, Meta's apps include Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads. It remains interesting to see if RT is blacklisted on Indian Meta platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;RT criticised the US move and accused the White House of trying to prevent the broadcaster from operating as a journalistic organisation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government is unwilling to heed to USA's request to ban and block Russian state media network RT, formerly known as Russia Today, globally. While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is yet to issue an official statement, a government official told The Hindu that the matter “does not pertain to India” altogether.

The Indian government is unwilling to heed to USA's request to ban and block Russian state media network RT, formerly known as Russia Today, globally. While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is yet to issue an official statement, a government official told The Hindu that the matter “does not pertain to India” altogether. Notably, the issue was discussed at a meeting between US Embassy officials and the MEA in the past fortnight. Kanwal Sibal, former Indian ambassador to Russia said banning media organisations showed “double standards” by the Western countries. “This will be viewed as double standards by the Global South that they are trying to target. India will obviously not be responsive to such American pressure," Sibal told the publication. Last week US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced sanctions against RT stating that the Russian state-backed media company was “functioning like a de facto arm" of Moscow's intelligence apparatus. “Today, we’re exposing how Russia deploys similar tactics around the world,” Blinken said. “Russian weaponisation of disinformation to subvert and polarise free and open societies extends to every part of the world.” “We urge every ally, every partner to start by treating RT’s activities as they do other intelligence activities by Russia within their borders,” Blinken added, with the UK and Canada launching the 'joint diplomatic campaign alongside. Watch | India-Russia Summit: PM Modi calls Russia 'India's all-weather friend' × While New Delhi has seemingly refused to comply, Facebook owner Meta on Monday (Sep 16) said it was banning RT, Rossiya Segodnya and other Russian state media networks from its platforms. The Mark Zuckerberg-owned company said these outlets had employed deceptive tactics to carry out covert influence operations online. "After careful consideration, we expanded our ongoing enforcement against Russian state media outlets. Rossiya Segodnya, RT and other related entities are now banned from our apps globally for foreign interference activity," the social media company said in a written statement. Also read | Indians 'duped' into joining Russian army return home, say were 'treated like slaves' Meta added that enforcement of the ban would roll out over the coming days. In addition to Facebook, Meta's apps include Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads. It remains interesting to see if RT is blacklisted on Indian Meta platforms. Meanwhile, RT criticised the US move and accused the White House of trying to prevent the broadcaster from operating as a journalistic organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

India refuses to budge while US, Meta sanction and ban Russian state media network RT

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday (Sep 17) a significant expansion of his country's war objectives. Israel's war goals now include the return of northern residents who fled because of clashes with Hezbollah.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:82,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1769}">This comes as, nearly a year into the Gaza war, Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar on Monday (Sep 16) said that the militant group has prepared itself to fight a "long war".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:82,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1769}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-threatening-to-fire-defence-minister-gallant-once-again-reports-758940">Israeli PM Netanyahu threatening to fire Defence Minister Gallant once again: Reports</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:135,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1822}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:135,&quot;w&quot;:214,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1822}">Israel's war goals</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:180,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1867}">In a statement, PM Netanyahu's office said that the nation's political-security cabinet has "updated the goals of the war this evening so that they include the following section: the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1934}">Previously, on Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in conversation with a visiting US envoy, stressed that "military action" was the "only way left to ensure the return of Israel's northern communities to their homes".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:314,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2001}">Cross-border fire with Hezbollah, a key Hamas ally, has been intensifying since the conflict began on October 7. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been engaging in near-daily strikes with Israeli forces. Although the group has suggested it would stand down if a ceasefire in Gaza were reached, Israel insists that it cannot tolerate militants near its northern border.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:398,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2085}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:398,&quot;w&quot;:656,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2085}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:398,&quot;w&quot;:575,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2085}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-probably-killed-three-hostages-in-gaza-airstrikes-confirms-probe-758870">Israeli military ‘probably’ killed three hostages in Gaza airstrikes, confirms probe</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:434,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2121}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:434,&quot;w&quot;:177,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2121}">Hamas' long war</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:479,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2166}">Meanwhile, on the Gaza front, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar declared that the group is prepared for a long fight, backed by Iran-backed regional allies.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:528,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2215}">In a letter to Yemeni allies - the Houthis, Sinwar, who took over as Hamas leader last month after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, said: "We have prepared ourselves to fight a long war of attrition".&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:578,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2265}">Sinwar, as per AFP, also threatened that Iran-backed groups in Gaza and elsewhere in the region would "break the enemy's political will".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:628,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2315}">"Our combined efforts with you" and with groups in Lebanon and Iraq "will break this enemy and inflict defeat on it," said the Hamas leader.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:677,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2364}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:677,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2364}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday (Sep 17) a significant expansion of his country's war objectives. Israel's war goals now include the return of northern residents who fled because of clashes with Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday (Sep 17) a significant expansion of his country's war objectives. Israel's war goals now include the return of northern residents who fled because of clashes with Hezbollah. This comes as, nearly a year into the Gaza war, Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar on Monday (Sep 16) said that the militant group has prepared itself to fight a "long war". Also read | Israeli PM Netanyahu threatening to fire Defence Minister Gallant once again: Reports Israel's war goals In a statement, PM Netanyahu's office said that the nation's political-security cabinet has "updated the goals of the war this evening so that they include the following section: the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes." Previously, on Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in conversation with a visiting US envoy, stressed that "military action" was the "only way left to ensure the return of Israel's northern communities to their homes". Cross-border fire with Hezbollah, a key Hamas ally, has been intensifying since the conflict began on October 7. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been engaging in near-daily strikes with Israeli forces. Although the group has suggested it would stand down if a ceasefire in Gaza were reached, Israel insists that it cannot tolerate militants near its northern border. Also read | Israeli military ‘probably’ killed three hostages in Gaza airstrikes, confirms probe Hamas' long war Meanwhile, on the Gaza front, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar declared that the group is prepared for a long fight, backed by Iran-backed regional allies. In a letter to Yemeni allies - the Houthis, Sinwar, who took over as Hamas leader last month after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, said: "We have prepared ourselves to fight a long war of attrition". Sinwar, as per AFP, also threatened that Iran-backed groups in Gaza and elsewhere in the region would "break the enemy's political will". "Our combined efforts with you" and with groups in Lebanon and Iraq "will break this enemy and inflict defeat on it," said the Hamas leader. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza conflict: Israel updates its 'goals of war' as Hamas chief says group prepared to fight 'long war'

<p>US lawmakers and the Consulate General of India in New York have&nbsp;condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York. On Monday (Sep 16), images and videos surfaced on social media, showing the defaced temple with extremists painting slogans such as 'F**k Modi' and&nbsp;‘Modi is Terrorist’.&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&nbsp;law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act," the Indian consulate said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable ; The Consulate <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainNewYork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainNewYork</a> is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act.…</p>
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainNewYork/status/1835733692162965877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>'Bigotry and hate'</strong></h2>

<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>"There is too much hate! I am appalled by the hideous acts of vandalism targeting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville," said&nbsp;US Congressman Tom Suozzi.</p>

<p>"Such acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate are happening far too often because of inflammatory rhetoric by national leaders, extremism, and lack of accountability. Acts like these are un-American and contradict the core values of our nation."</p>

<p>Congressman Ro Khanna also reacted to the vandalism and sought accountability to avert similar incidents in future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Freedom of worship is a bedrock of our democracy. There is no place for acts of intimidation, harassment or violence," Khanna said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-8-hindu-idols-vandalised-by-miscreants-in-bangladeshs-faridpur-temple-758988"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;At least 8 Hindu idols vandalised by miscreants in Bangladesh's Faridpur temple</strong></a></p>

<p>After the incident, BAPS issued a statement, claiming that the act was 'aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Deeply saddened by the desecration of our BAPS Mandir in Melville, NY, an act aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus. Today, local, state &amp; federal leaders gathered to promote peace, respect &amp; unity. Guided by our faith, we stand united against hate with compassion &amp; solidarity," BAPS Public Affairs wrote on X.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hindu-temple-vandalised-again-in-canada-743592"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hindu temple vandalised again in Canada</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hindus demonised</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, members of a local church protested against the newly unveiled 90-foot bronze statue of Hindu god, Lord Hanuman, at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, roughly 35 km from Houston.</p>

<p>The leader of the church, Greg Gervais, called Lord Hanuman a 'demon god' in one of the viral Facebook videos as his followers gathered near the statue, praying and proselytising until one temple leader threatened to call the police.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US lawmakers and the Consulate General of India in New York have condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York. On Monday (Sep 16), images and videos surfaced on social media, showing the defaced temple with extremists painting slogans such as 'F**k Modi' and ‘Modi is Terrorist’.

US lawmakers and the Consulate General of India in New York have condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York. On Monday (Sep 16), images and videos surfaced on social media, showing the defaced temple with extremists painting slogans such as 'F**k Modi' and ‘Modi is Terrorist’. “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. The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable ; The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act.… — India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) September 16, 2024 × 'Bigotry and hate' 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". "There is too much hate! I am appalled by the hideous acts of vandalism targeting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville," said US Congressman Tom Suozzi. "Such acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate are happening far too often because of inflammatory rhetoric by national leaders, extremism, and lack of accountability. Acts like these are un-American and contradict the core values of our nation." Congressman Ro Khanna also reacted to the vandalism and sought accountability to avert similar incidents in future. "Freedom of worship is a bedrock of our democracy. There is no place for acts of intimidation, harassment or violence," Khanna said. Also read | At least 8 Hindu idols vandalised by miscreants in Bangladesh's Faridpur temple After the incident, BAPS issued a statement, claiming that the act was 'aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus'. "Deeply saddened by the desecration of our BAPS Mandir in Melville, NY, an act aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus. Today, local, state & federal leaders gathered to promote peace, respect & unity. Guided by our faith, we stand united against hate with compassion & solidarity," BAPS Public Affairs wrote on X. Watch | Gravitas: Hindu temple vandalised again in Canada × Hindus demonised Last month, members of a local church protested against the newly unveiled 90-foot bronze statue of Hindu god, Lord Hanuman, at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, roughly 35 km from Houston. The leader of the church, Greg Gervais, called Lord Hanuman a 'demon god' in one of the viral Facebook videos as his followers gathered near the statue, praying and proselytising until one temple leader threatened to call the police. (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers, Indian consulate react to vandalism at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1852}">Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, as per reports, met with the head of the New Hope party Gideon Sa'ar to negotiate a possible political settlement under which both of them will jointly appoint a new Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1922}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:441,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1922}">Agreement between Netanyahu and Sa'ar</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1967}">As per the Times of Israel, if rumours prove to be true and the prime minister decides to end the tenure of current Defence Minister Yoav Gallant,&nbsp;Sa'ar, a former ally turned rival, who is currently a member of the opposition,&nbsp;is expected to be appointed as his successor.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:197,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2034}">As part of this arrangement, Haaretz and Ynet reported that IDF chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi may find himself replaced. However, it is still uncertain whether Halevi will be forced out or asked to leave voluntarily from his IDF chief of staff post.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:264,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2101}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:264,&quot;w&quot;:695,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2101}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:264,&quot;w&quot;:695,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2101}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-initial-report-on-american-woman-aysenur-ezgi-eygis-death-doesnt-exonerate-troops-us-says-759287">Israel's initial report on American woman Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi's death doesn't exonerate troops, says US</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:314,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2151}">If not the defence minister, Sa'ar may be given the role of the foreign minister while Israel Katz takes over from Gallant, reported Channel 12. It also reported that New Hope MKs Ze'ev Elkin and Sharren Haskel may be offered ministerial portfolios.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:381,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2218}">The two have reportedly also decided that Sa'ar will have the power to veto and override any legislation pertaining to the judiciary before it is approved or promoted. However, Netanyahu won't need his consent for other actions pertaining to Netanyahu's judicial overhaul, like appointing or firing people.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:451,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:451,&quot;w&quot;:286,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}">Gallant's alleged dismissal</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:496,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2333}">This comes as on Monday (Sep 16) it was reported that Netanyahu was contemplating the dismissal of defence minister Yoav Gallant. As per reports, Gallant's opposition to Israel's large-scale operation in Lebanon was being used as a convenient pretext to replace him.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:496,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2333}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-conflict-israel-updates-its-goals-of-war-as-hamas-chief-says-group-prepared-to-fight-long-war-759251">Gaza conflict: Israel updates its 'goals of war' as Hamas chief says group prepared to fight 'long war'</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:563,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2400}">This would not be the first time Netanyahu has tried to fire Gallant. The two leaders have been at odds over a number of government policies and, more recently, the handling of the war in Gaza and the terms of a possible hostage release and ceasefire deal with Islamist militant group Hamas.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:630,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2467}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:630,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2467}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, as per reports, met with the head of the New Hope party Gideon Sa'ar to negotiate a possible political settlement under which both of them will jointly appoint a new Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, as per reports, met with the head of the New Hope party Gideon Sa'ar to negotiate a possible political settlement under which both of them will jointly appoint a new Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff. Agreement between Netanyahu and Sa'ar As per the Times of Israel, if rumours prove to be true and the prime minister decides to end the tenure of current Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Sa'ar, a former ally turned rival, who is currently a member of the opposition, is expected to be appointed as his successor. As part of this arrangement, Haaretz and Ynet reported that IDF chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi may find himself replaced. However, it is still uncertain whether Halevi will be forced out or asked to leave voluntarily from his IDF chief of staff post. Also read | Israel's initial report on American woman Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi's death doesn't exonerate troops, says US If not the defence minister, Sa'ar may be given the role of the foreign minister while Israel Katz takes over from Gallant, reported Channel 12. It also reported that New Hope MKs Ze'ev Elkin and Sharren Haskel may be offered ministerial portfolios. The two have reportedly also decided that Sa'ar will have the power to veto and override any legislation pertaining to the judiciary before it is approved or promoted. However, Netanyahu won't need his consent for other actions pertaining to Netanyahu's judicial overhaul, like appointing or firing people. Gallant's alleged dismissal This comes as on Monday (Sep 16) it was reported that Netanyahu was contemplating the dismissal of defence minister Yoav Gallant. As per reports, Gallant's opposition to Israel's large-scale operation in Lebanon was being used as a convenient pretext to replace him. Also read | Gaza conflict: Israel updates its 'goals of war' as Hamas chief says group prepared to fight 'long war' This would not be the first time Netanyahu has tried to fire Gallant. The two leaders have been at odds over a number of government policies and, more recently, the handling of the war in Gaza and the terms of a possible hostage release and ceasefire deal with Islamist militant group Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Netanyahu and Gideon Sa'ar to appoint new IDF chief: Reports

<p>Police in the north-western Indian state of Rajasthan arrested an individual on Monday (Sep 16) for allegedly tampering with the national flag (Tricolour) by drawing a "crescent moon and black star" on it and waving it during the&nbsp;Eid Milad procession in Kota.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting the authorities to act on the matter. Initially, three boys were detained,&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The incident took place in Anantpura during the procession. After a video of the flag went viral, we took action as per law,” said Dilip Kumar Saini, Additional SP, Kota City.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">National Flag of India distorted.<br />
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The video is said to be from Kota in Rajasthan. <a href="https://t.co/R2yVBD9fbc">pic.twitter.com/R2yVBD9fbc</a></p>
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AskAnshul/status/1835607226842509469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-india-got-her-tricolour-identity-the-story-of-indias-national-flag-159263"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;How India got her tricolour identity: The story of India’s national flag</strong></a></p>

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<p>Rajasthan Education Minister and MLA from Kota’s Ramganj Mandi, Madan Dilawar directed the authorities to take strict action in the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bajrang Dal and other Hindu outfits alleged that the incident was a planned conspiracy wherein the tampered flag was handed over to the minors.&nbsp;Yogendra Renwal, provincial convenor of Bajrang Dal, Kota, demanded that a case be lodged against those who planned the procession, according to a <em>PTI </em>report.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/national-flag-day-2024-6-facts-about-the-indian-tricolour-1721629372443"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;National Flag Day 2024: 6 Facts About the Indian Tricolour</strong></a></p>

<p>A similar incident was reported in the Saran district of the eastern state of Bihar. Police detained two persons for allegedly carrying the Tricolor with a 'crescent moon and star' in place of the Ashoka Chakra during a procession.</p>

<p>"A video went viral on social media showing a tricolour with a crescent moon and star symbol at its centre in place of the Ashoka Chakra, hoisted at a vehicle during Milad-un-Nabi procession," Saran police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The flag was immediately seized...All other accused will soon be arrested," the statement added.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the police issued a warning that anyone sharing the said video on social media would face strict action.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Police in the north-western Indian state of Rajasthan arrested an individual on Monday (Sep 16) for allegedly tampering with the national flag (Tricolour) by drawing a "crescent moon and black star" on it and waving it during the Eid Milad procession in Kota.

Police in the north-western Indian state of Rajasthan arrested an individual on Monday (Sep 16) for allegedly tampering with the national flag (Tricolour) by drawing a "crescent moon and black star" on it and waving it during the Eid Milad procession in Kota. The video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting the authorities to act on the matter. Initially, three boys were detained, “The incident took place in Anantpura during the procession. After a video of the flag went viral, we took action as per law,” said Dilip Kumar Saini, Additional SP, Kota City. National Flag of India distorted. The video is said to be from Kota in Rajasthan. pic.twitter.com/R2yVBD9fbc — Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) September 16, 2024 × Watch | How India got her tricolour identity: The story of India’s national flag × Rajasthan Education Minister and MLA from Kota’s Ramganj Mandi, Madan Dilawar directed the authorities to take strict action in the matter. Bajrang Dal and other Hindu outfits alleged that the incident was a planned conspiracy wherein the tampered flag was handed over to the minors. Yogendra Renwal, provincial convenor of Bajrang Dal, Kota, demanded that a case be lodged against those who planned the procession, according to a PTI report. Also read | National Flag Day 2024: 6 Facts About the Indian Tricolour A similar incident was reported in the Saran district of the eastern state of Bihar. Police detained two persons for allegedly carrying the Tricolor with a 'crescent moon and star' in place of the Ashoka Chakra during a procession. "A video went viral on social media showing a tricolour with a crescent moon and star symbol at its centre in place of the Ashoka Chakra, hoisted at a vehicle during Milad-un-Nabi procession," Saran police said. "The flag was immediately seized...All other accused will soon be arrested," the statement added. Interestingly, the police issued a warning that anyone sharing the said video on social media would face strict action. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Tricolour with crescent moon and star waved in Kota on Eid, police arrest 1 - VIDEO

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged his countrymen to engage in coitus&nbsp;during work breaks, in an attempt to reverse the country's declining birth rate, according to a report in&nbsp;<em>Metro.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>Russia's fertility rate&nbsp;of just 1.5 children per woman, significantly below the 2.1 replacement rate, required to maintain population stability has caused serious concerns. Additionally, more than one million, mainly younger, Russians have left the country ever since Putin's invasion of Ukraine started two years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The preservation of the Russian people is our highest national priority,” Putin was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>“The fate of Russia depends on how many of us there will be. It is a question of national importance," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar sentiments were echoed by&nbsp;Health Minister Dr Yevgeny Shestopalov who dismissed work as an excuse for not procreating.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Being very busy at work is not a valid reason, but a lame excuse. You can engage in procreation during breaks because life flies by too quickly,” said&nbsp;Shestopalov when quizzed about the younger population being overwhelmed by work and not having the energy to have sex.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous instance</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when Putin has sounded the alarm regarding Russia's population decline. In December last year, he urged Russian women to give birth to as many as eight children and make it a “norm” to create large families.</p>

<p>"Many of our ethnic groups have preserved the tradition of having strong multigenerational families with four, five, or even more children. Let us remember that Russian families, many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had seven, eight, or even more children," said Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-appeals-women-in-russia-to-give-birth-to-8-or-more-children-665065"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Putin appeals to Russian women to give birth to '8 or more' children</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Birth rate crisis&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Russia's birth rate has hit its lowest point since 1999 with the number of child births falling below 100,000 in the month of June this year. 599,600 children were born in Russia in the first half of 2024, which is 16,000 fewer than in the same period in 2023, according to statistics published by Rosstat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, 325,100 deaths were recorded between January and June which suggested an acceleration in the country's natural decline of population.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is catastrophic for the future of the nation," Kremlin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in July.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-birth-rate-drop-as-pet-ownership-rises-pets-to-outnumber-children-by-2030-749283"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China's birth rate drop as pet ownership rises; pets to outnumber children by 2030</strong></a></p>

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<p>Nina Ostanina, the head of the Committee for the Protection of Families said the citizens must organise themselves to conduct a "special demographic operation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, in Karelia, a northwest region of the county, authorities&nbsp;announced a childbirth incentivisation policy for its female college students. Regional lawmakers declared&nbsp;that females from local universities or colleges, under the age of 25, will be paid 100,000 rubles ($1,100) for giving birth to a healthy baby.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged his countrymen to engage in coitus during work breaks, in an attempt to reverse the country's declining birth rate, according to a report in Metro.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged his countrymen to engage in coitus during work breaks, in an attempt to reverse the country's declining birth rate, according to a report in Metro. Russia's fertility rate of just 1.5 children per woman, significantly below the 2.1 replacement rate, required to maintain population stability has caused serious concerns. Additionally, more than one million, mainly younger, Russians have left the country ever since Putin's invasion of Ukraine started two years ago. “The preservation of the Russian people is our highest national priority,” Putin was quoted as saying. “The fate of Russia depends on how many of us there will be. It is a question of national importance," he added. Similar sentiments were echoed by Health Minister Dr Yevgeny Shestopalov who dismissed work as an excuse for not procreating. "Being very busy at work is not a valid reason, but a lame excuse. You can engage in procreation during breaks because life flies by too quickly,” said Shestopalov when quizzed about the younger population being overwhelmed by work and not having the energy to have sex. Previous instance This is not the first instance when Putin has sounded the alarm regarding Russia's population decline. In December last year, he urged Russian women to give birth to as many as eight children and make it a “norm” to create large families. "Many of our ethnic groups have preserved the tradition of having strong multigenerational families with four, five, or even more children. Let us remember that Russian families, many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had seven, eight, or even more children," said Putin. Also read | Putin appeals to Russian women to give birth to '8 or more' children Birth rate crisis Russia's birth rate has hit its lowest point since 1999 with the number of child births falling below 100,000 in the month of June this year. 599,600 children were born in Russia in the first half of 2024, which is 16,000 fewer than in the same period in 2023, according to statistics published by Rosstat. Meanwhile, 325,100 deaths were recorded between January and June which suggested an acceleration in the country's natural decline of population. "This is catastrophic for the future of the nation," Kremlin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in July. Watch | China's birth rate drop as pet ownership rises; pets to outnumber children by 2030 × Nina Ostanina, the head of the Committee for the Protection of Families said the citizens must organise themselves to conduct a "special demographic operation". Notably, in Karelia, a northwest region of the county, authorities announced a childbirth incentivisation policy for its female college students. Regional lawmakers declared that females from local universities or colleges, under the age of 25, will be paid 100,000 rubles ($1,100) for giving birth to a healthy baby. (With inputs from agencies)

After appealing Russians to have 8 kids, Putin urges citizens to have sex during work break: Report

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