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<p>Three rockets were fired at a base housing US troops at&nbsp;Baghdad&nbsp;International Airport in Iraq on Tuesday (oct 1), causing no casualties, two security sources told AFP.</p>

<p>"The Victory Base at&nbsp;Baghdad&nbsp;Airport was targeted with three rockets, two of which were shot down by the base's special defences, while the third fell near the headquarters of the Counter Terrorism Service Command," a security source said.</p>

<p>A second security source confirmed the report, noting that there were no casualties and that the rockets did not affect air traffic.</p>

<p>The attack comes as the war in Gaza and Israeli strikes and ground raids in Lebanon threaten to spill over into a regional conflict.</p>

<p>Since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7, militant factions have targeted bases in Iraq and Syria housing US troops over Washington's military support for Israel.</p>

<p>Washington has repeatedly responded with airstrikes on faction headquarters in both countries.</p>

<p>The United States has about 2,500 troops in Iraq and about 900 in neighbouring Syria as part of the coalition it established in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group. The coalition also includes forces from other countries, including Britain and France.</p>

<p>Armed Iraqi factions loyal to Iran demanded the withdrawal of those troops.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-calls-in-iraq-to-safeguard-its-troops-amid-new-attacks-715508"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US calls in Iraq to safeguard its troops amid new attacks</strong></a></p>

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<p>Washington and&nbsp;Baghdad&nbsp;announced Friday that the international coalition would end its decade-long military mission in Iraq within a year.</p>

<p>But the joint statement and US officials did not say how many US troops would remain in Iraq.</p>

<p>After a decline in militant attacks in recent months, rockets were fired in August at the Ain al-Assad base in western Iraq, injuring seven Americans.</p>

<p>And in September, Washington said the US diplomatic complex in&nbsp;Baghdad&nbsp;was attacked by Iran-aligned militias operating in Iraq.</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>


Three rockets were fired at a base housing US troops at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq on Tuesday (oct 1), causing no casualties, two security sources told AFP.

Three rockets were fired at a base housing US troops at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq on Tuesday (oct 1), causing no casualties, two security sources told AFP. "The Victory Base at Baghdad Airport was targeted with three rockets, two of which were shot down by the base's special defences, while the third fell near the headquarters of the Counter Terrorism Service Command," a security source said. A second security source confirmed the report, noting that there were no casualties and that the rockets did not affect air traffic. The attack comes as the war in Gaza and Israeli strikes and ground raids in Lebanon threaten to spill over into a regional conflict. Since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7, militant factions have targeted bases in Iraq and Syria housing US troops over Washington's military support for Israel. Washington has repeatedly responded with airstrikes on faction headquarters in both countries. The United States has about 2,500 troops in Iraq and about 900 in neighbouring Syria as part of the coalition it established in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group. The coalition also includes forces from other countries, including Britain and France. Armed Iraqi factions loyal to Iran demanded the withdrawal of those troops. Watch | US calls in Iraq to safeguard its troops amid new attacks × Washington and Baghdad announced Friday that the international coalition would end its decade-long military mission in Iraq within a year. But the joint statement and US officials did not say how many US troops would remain in Iraq. After a decline in militant attacks in recent months, rockets were fired in August at the Ain al-Assad base in western Iraq, injuring seven Americans. And in September, Washington said the US diplomatic complex in Baghdad was attacked by Iran-aligned militias operating in Iraq. 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.

Rockets fired at US military base in Baghdad amid Israeli ground raids in Lebanon

<p>The Israeli military said several projectiles were fired Tuesday from across the border into the country's northern areas after Israel began targeted ground raids against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.</p>

<p>The projectiles were fired after sirens sounded in the Metula and Avivim areas, the military said, adding that some of the projectiles were intercepted while others fell in open areas.</p>

<p>Police said one projectile hit a road near the central town of Kfar Kassen, wounding a man who was struck by shrapnel and treated by emergency services.</p>

<p>The cross-border fire from Lebanon came as Israel launched what it called limited ground operations in southern Lebanon and also targeted south Beirut, Damascus and Gaza amid a flurry of fighting.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Operation 'Northern Arrows' Now Underway</strong></p>

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<p>Early Tuesday, Israel's military said its forces, backed by air strikes and artillery, carried out "targeted ground raids" on Hezbollah positions in settlements along the border.</p>

<p>It said the targets posed an "immediate threat" to northern Israeli communities, and warned Lebanese civilians against driving in a southern zone along the border.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Iran-backed militant outfit said it had twice targeted Israeli troop movements in Metula in northern Israel, after IDF announced the start of a "limited" cross-border ground operation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supports-israels-ground-operation-in-lebanon-warns-iran-not-to-intervene-763358"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US supports Israel's ground operation in Lebanon, warns Iran not to intervene</strong></a></p>

<p>The group targeted "a movement of enemy soldiers in Metula with artillery shells", it said in a statement. In another, it said it had targeted a "gathering of enemy soldiers" in the same area with rockets.</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 Israeli military said several projectiles were fired Tuesday from across the border into the country's northern areas after Israel began targeted ground raids against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military said several projectiles were fired Tuesday from across the border into the country's northern areas after Israel began targeted ground raids against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. The projectiles were fired after sirens sounded in the Metula and Avivim areas, the military said, adding that some of the projectiles were intercepted while others fell in open areas. Police said one projectile hit a road near the central town of Kfar Kassen, wounding a man who was struck by shrapnel and treated by emergency services. The cross-border fire from Lebanon came as Israel launched what it called limited ground operations in southern Lebanon and also targeted south Beirut, Damascus and Gaza amid a flurry of fighting. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Operation 'Northern Arrows' Now Underway × Early Tuesday, Israel's military said its forces, backed by air strikes and artillery, carried out "targeted ground raids" on Hezbollah positions in settlements along the border. It said the targets posed an "immediate threat" to northern Israeli communities, and warned Lebanese civilians against driving in a southern zone along the border. Meanwhile, the Iran-backed militant outfit said it had twice targeted Israeli troop movements in Metula in northern Israel, after IDF announced the start of a "limited" cross-border ground operation. Also read | US supports Israel's ground operation in Lebanon, warns Iran not to intervene The group targeted "a movement of enemy soldiers in Metula with artillery shells", it said in a statement. In another, it said it had targeted a "gathering of enemy soldiers" in the same area with rockets. 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.

Projectiles fired into north Israel hours after start of ground operation in Lebanon, claims military

<p>The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Oct 1) said any religious structure, be it a temple or dargah (mosque), must go if it encroaches on roads or railway tracks, adding that public safety was paramount.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The apex court was hearing a batch of pleas alleging that&nbsp;properties, including of those accused of crime, were being demolished in several states.</p>

<p>"We are a secular country and our direction will be for all, irrespective of religion or community. If there is any religious structure in the middle of the road, be it gurudwara or dargah or temple, it cannot obstruct the public," the two-judge bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan said.</p>

<p>Justice Gavai declared that the court would not intervene in the case of encroachments into public lands, streets and roads. He clarified&nbsp;that the SC has no intention to protect encroachments on public roads, streets, or footpaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court has long maintained that&nbsp;no property should be demolished without its approval, except in cases where the structures are illegal and located on public roads or footpaths.</p>

<p>It also extended its previous stay on demolitions and reserved the judgment. Last month, the court, issuing a stern warning to state government said that&nbsp;even a single case of unlawful demolition goes against the principles of the Indian Constitution.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan refugee crisis: Bulldozer razes homes of Afghan refugees in Pakistan</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Bulldozer justice&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The case came to light after state governments across the country indulged in 'bulldozer justice' where properties belonging to people accused of crimes were destroyed even before they had gone through the legal system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Justice Gavai made it clear that somebody being an accused or convict is no ground to demolish their home.</p>

<p>“We make it clear that there should be proper notice, chance of hearing in case somebody is found to be in violation of building laws,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-be-demolished-even-if-hes-a-convict-supreme-court-on-bulldozer-justice-755204"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'House can't be demolished even if person is a convict': Supreme Court on 'bulldozer justice'</strong></a></p>

<p>Justice Viswanathan added that even in unauthorised structures, 10 to 15 days should be given for the occupants to find an alternative home.</p>

<p>The judge suggested&nbsp;videographing the demolition so that the jurisdictional court would later on know whether the measure was proportionate.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Oct 1) said any religious structure, be it a temple or dargah (mosque), must go if it encroaches on roads or railway tracks, adding that public safety was paramount.

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Oct 1) said any religious structure, be it a temple or dargah (mosque), must go if it encroaches on roads or railway tracks, adding that public safety was paramount. The apex court was hearing a batch of pleas alleging that properties, including of those accused of crime, were being demolished in several states. "We are a secular country and our direction will be for all, irrespective of religion or community. If there is any religious structure in the middle of the road, be it gurudwara or dargah or temple, it cannot obstruct the public," the two-judge bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan said. Justice Gavai declared that the court would not intervene in the case of encroachments into public lands, streets and roads. He clarified that the SC has no intention to protect encroachments on public roads, streets, or footpaths. The court has long maintained that no property should be demolished without its approval, except in cases where the structures are illegal and located on public roads or footpaths. It also extended its previous stay on demolitions and reserved the judgment. Last month, the court, issuing a stern warning to state government said that even a single case of unlawful demolition goes against the principles of the Indian Constitution. Also watch | Pakistan refugee crisis: Bulldozer razes homes of Afghan refugees in Pakistan Bulldozer justice The case came to light after state governments across the country indulged in 'bulldozer justice' where properties belonging to people accused of crimes were destroyed even before they had gone through the legal system. Justice Gavai made it clear that somebody being an accused or convict is no ground to demolish their home. “We make it clear that there should be proper notice, chance of hearing in case somebody is found to be in violation of building laws,” he said. Also read | 'House can't be demolished even if person is a convict': Supreme Court on 'bulldozer justice' Justice Viswanathan added that even in unauthorised structures, 10 to 15 days should be given for the occupants to find an alternative home. The judge suggested videographing the demolition so that the jurisdictional court would later on know whether the measure was proportionate. (With inputs from agencies)

'Temple or mosques, they have to go': Indian SC on encroachment and bulldozer justice

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<p>The death toll from powerful storm Helene jumped to at least 93 on Sunday, with one county in North Carolina alone reporting 30 deaths, authorities said, as rescuers battled to reach people in need across the southeastern United States.</p>

<p>The storm response took on a political tinge after President Joe Biden and the two candidates vying to replace him, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, announced plans to soon visit hard-hit areas, some of them in key battleground states in the November election.</p>

<p>High winds and torrential rain pummeled towns and cities across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Homes were destroyed, roads flooded out and power cut off to millions.</p>

<p>"We're hearing (of) significant infrastructure damage to water systems, communication, roads, critical transportation routes, as well as several homes that have been just destroyed by this," the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Deanne Criswell, said Sunday.</p>

<p>At least 93 people were killed in the extreme weather -- 37 in North Carolina, 25 in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, two in Tennessee and one in Virginia, according to tallies from local authorities compiled by AFP. That total was expected to rise.</p>

<p>"We have another devastating update. We now have 30 confirmed losses due to the storm," Quentin Miller, the sheriff in North Carolina's Buncombe County, which includes the tourist city of Asheville, told a briefing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Flood warnings remained in effect in parts of western North Carolina, amid fears of potential dam failures.</p>

<p>Conditions were expected to improve in the affected areas by around Tuesday, National Weather Service director Ken Graham said.</p>

<p>Nearly 2.2 million households remained without power on Sunday, according to tracker poweroutage.us.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Department of Energy official Matt Targuagno said that crews were working hard to restore electricity but warned it would be "a complex, multi-day response."</p>

<p>Thousands of people continued to seek assistance in shelters run by the American Red Cross, organization official Jennifer Pipa said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Hurricane Helene Aftermath: Death toll rises</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hurricane-helene-aftermath-death-toll-up-56-762864/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Bridges washed away</strong></h2>

<p>Helene blew into Florida's northern Gulf shore as a huge Category Four hurricane with winds of 140 miles (225 kilometers) per hour.</p>

<p>Even as it weakened, it wreaked havoc.</p>

<p>North Carolina saw some of the worst of the flooding, with Governor Roy Cooper saying rescuers were being forced to airlift supplies in some areas due to damaged or flooded roads.</p>

<p>"I don't know that anybody could be fully prepared for the amount of flooding and landslides that they are experiencing right now," Criswell said on CBS, adding that more search and rescue teams were being deployed.</p>

<p>William Ray, director of the state's emergency management department, warned that conditions were still extremely dangerous.</p>

<p>Hundreds of roads across the region remained closed, with several bridges washed away by floodwaters.</p>

<p>Four major interstate highways were closed across North Carolina and Tennessee, with "multiple" bridges still out, said Kristin White of the US Department of Transportation.</p>

<p>Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina each had more than 100 road closures, she added.</p>

<p>In the Georgia city of Valdosta, the storm ripped the roofs off buildings, and left road intersections a tangle of felled utility poles and trees.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strange-blue-blob-appears-in-the-centre-of-hurricane-helene-leaves-netizens-baffled-762960"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Strange blue blob appears in the centre of Hurricane Helene, leaves netizens baffled</strong></a></p>

<p>"The wind started really hitting, like, felt branches and pieces of the roof hitting the side of the building and hitting the windows," said Valdosta resident Steven Mauro.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And then we were looking out and then literally this whole street, just everything went black."</p>

<p>Trump, the Republican former president seeking another term, will visit Valdosta on Monday for a briefing on the disaster, his campaign said.</p>

<p>Biden, who has approved federal aid for several states in the wake of the disaster, intends to travel to hard-hit areas this week, "as soon as it will not disrupt emergency response operations," the White House said Sunday, later adding that Harris would do the same.</p>

<p>"We will stand with these communities for as long as it takes to make sure that they are able to recover and rebuild," Harris said Sunday evening at a campaign rally in Las Vegas.</p>

<p>Biden was scheduled to speak about the post-storm response from the White House on Monday.</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 death toll from powerful storm Helene jumped to at least 93 on Sunday, with one county in North Carolina alone reporting 30 deaths, authorities said, as rescuers battled to reach people in need across the southeastern United States.

The death toll from powerful storm Helene jumped to at least 93 on Sunday, with one county in North Carolina alone reporting 30 deaths, authorities said, as rescuers battled to reach people in need across the southeastern United States. The storm response took on a political tinge after President Joe Biden and the two candidates vying to replace him, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, announced plans to soon visit hard-hit areas, some of them in key battleground states in the November election. High winds and torrential rain pummeled towns and cities across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Homes were destroyed, roads flooded out and power cut off to millions. "We're hearing (of) significant infrastructure damage to water systems, communication, roads, critical transportation routes, as well as several homes that have been just destroyed by this," the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Deanne Criswell, said Sunday. At least 93 people were killed in the extreme weather -- 37 in North Carolina, 25 in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, two in Tennessee and one in Virginia, according to tallies from local authorities compiled by AFP. That total was expected to rise. "We have another devastating update. We now have 30 confirmed losses due to the storm," Quentin Miller, the sheriff in North Carolina's Buncombe County, which includes the tourist city of Asheville, told a briefing. Flood warnings remained in effect in parts of western North Carolina, amid fears of potential dam failures. Conditions were expected to improve in the affected areas by around Tuesday, National Weather Service director Ken Graham said. Nearly 2.2 million households remained without power on Sunday, according to tracker poweroutage.us. US Department of Energy official Matt Targuagno said that crews were working hard to restore electricity but warned it would be "a complex, multi-day response." Thousands of people continued to seek assistance in shelters run by the American Red Cross, organization official Jennifer Pipa said. Watch: Hurricane Helene Aftermath: Death toll rises Bridges washed away Helene blew into Florida's northern Gulf shore as a huge Category Four hurricane with winds of 140 miles (225 kilometers) per hour. Even as it weakened, it wreaked havoc. North Carolina saw some of the worst of the flooding, with Governor Roy Cooper saying rescuers were being forced to airlift supplies in some areas due to damaged or flooded roads. "I don't know that anybody could be fully prepared for the amount of flooding and landslides that they are experiencing right now," Criswell said on CBS, adding that more search and rescue teams were being deployed. William Ray, director of the state's emergency management department, warned that conditions were still extremely dangerous. Hundreds of roads across the region remained closed, with several bridges washed away by floodwaters. Four major interstate highways were closed across North Carolina and Tennessee, with "multiple" bridges still out, said Kristin White of the US Department of Transportation. Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina each had more than 100 road closures, she added. In the Georgia city of Valdosta, the storm ripped the roofs off buildings, and left road intersections a tangle of felled utility poles and trees. Also read | Strange blue blob appears in the centre of Hurricane Helene, leaves netizens baffled "The wind started really hitting, like, felt branches and pieces of the roof hitting the side of the building and hitting the windows," said Valdosta resident Steven Mauro. "And then we were looking out and then literally this whole street, just everything went black." Trump, the Republican former president seeking another term, will visit Valdosta on Monday for a briefing on the disaster, his campaign said. Biden, who has approved federal aid for several states in the wake of the disaster, intends to travel to hard-hit areas this week, "as soon as it will not disrupt emergency response operations," the White House said Sunday, later adding that Harris would do the same. "We will stand with these communities for as long as it takes to make sure that they are able to recover and rebuild," Harris said Sunday evening at a campaign rally in Las Vegas. Biden was scheduled to speak about the post-storm response from the White House on Monday. 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.

Hurricane Helene: Death toll rises to 93 as Harris, Trump announce plans to visit hard-hit areas

<p>Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud was not impressed when a petitioner used an informal tone while addressing him during a Supreme Court hearing on Monday (Sep 30). The petitioner's use of 'yeah' to address the bench irked CJI who said he was "allergic" to the expression, adding that they were not sitting in a "coffee shop".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The apex court was hearing a petition filed in 2018 which sought an in-house inquiry against former CJI Ranjan Gogoi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But is it an Article 32 plea? How can you file a PIL with a judge as a respondent," CJI Chandrachud asked the lawyer. Article 32 of the Indian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to seek constitutional remedies when their fundamental rights are violated.</p>

<p>"Yeah, yeah the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi. I was asked to file a curative," the lawyer replied&nbsp;before being cut short by the CJI, who said,&nbsp;"This is not a coffee shop! what is this yeah yeah. I am very allergic to this yeah yeah. This cannot be allowed."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ganesh-chaturthi-2024-pm-modi-performs-ganapati-puja-at-cjis-residence-757930"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: PM Modi performs Ganapati puja at CJI's residence</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Plea cannot be filed</strong></h2>

<p>After schooling the petitioner, the CJI&nbsp; also told him that Justice Gogoi was a former judge of the Supreme Court and that such a plea could not be filed against him.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Justice Gogoi was a former judge of this court and you cannot file a plea like this against a judge and seek an in-house enquiry because you did not succeed before the bench," he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/judiciary-compromised-section-of-netizens-fume-after-pm-modi-celebrates-ganesh-chaturthi-at-cjis-residence-757973"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Judiciary compromised': Section of netizens fume after PM Modi celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi at CJI's residence</strong></a></p>

<p>The petitioner argued by explaining the background of the case.</p>

<p>"But Justice Gogoi dismissed my plea relying on the statement which I had challenged for being illegal. I had no fault, I had requested CJI Thakur to move my review plea before a bench conversant with labour laws... but that did not happen and it was dismissed."</p>

<p>The CJI after discussing the matter, instructed the petitioner to remove retired Justice Gogoi's name from the petition.&nbsp;"The registry will look at the petition," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud was not impressed when a petitioner used an informal tone while addressing him during a Supreme Court hearing on Monday (Sep 30).

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud was not impressed when a petitioner used an informal tone while addressing him during a Supreme Court hearing on Monday (Sep 30). The petitioner's use of 'yeah' to address the bench irked CJI who said he was "allergic" to the expression, adding that they were not sitting in a "coffee shop". The apex court was hearing a petition filed in 2018 which sought an in-house inquiry against former CJI Ranjan Gogoi. "But is it an Article 32 plea? How can you file a PIL with a judge as a respondent," CJI Chandrachud asked the lawyer. Article 32 of the Indian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to seek constitutional remedies when their fundamental rights are violated. "Yeah, yeah the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi. I was asked to file a curative," the lawyer replied before being cut short by the CJI, who said, "This is not a coffee shop! what is this yeah yeah. I am very allergic to this yeah yeah. This cannot be allowed." Watch | Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: PM Modi performs Ganapati puja at CJI's residence × Plea cannot be filed After schooling the petitioner, the CJI also told him that Justice Gogoi was a former judge of the Supreme Court and that such a plea could not be filed against him. "Justice Gogoi was a former judge of this court and you cannot file a plea like this against a judge and seek an in-house enquiry because you did not succeed before the bench," he said. Also read | 'Judiciary compromised': Section of netizens fume after PM Modi celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi at CJI's residence The petitioner argued by explaining the background of the case. "But Justice Gogoi dismissed my plea relying on the statement which I had challenged for being illegal. I had no fault, I had requested CJI Thakur to move my review plea before a bench conversant with labour laws... but that did not happen and it was dismissed." The CJI after discussing the matter, instructed the petitioner to remove retired Justice Gogoi's name from the petition. "The registry will look at the petition," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Chief Justice of India irked by use of 'yeah, yeah' in court, scolds petitioner, 'This is not a coffee shop'

<p>Israeli security agencies had the opportunity to kill Hamas chief&nbsp;Yahya Sinwar but decided against it, fearing for the lives of the hostages currently in the militant outfit's captivity, a report in <em>The Jerusalem Post</em>, citing&nbsp;<em>N12 news </em>has claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report stated that Sinwar had surrounded himself with the hostages and was using them as human shields to avoid being gunned down by the Israeli forces. Sinwar is believed to be hiding in the tunnels under Gaza.</p>

<p>According to media reports, Sinwar has secured his hiding place after learning about an Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah chief, Hassan Nasrallah in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report comes in the backdrop of reports claiming that Tel Aviv was investigating the possibility of Sinwar being dead as he was incommunicado for a relatively long time. Tel Aviv has reiterated that Sinwar's death might be the final nail in the coffin for Hamas which has faced significant losses in its top hierarchy in the recent weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sinwar succeeded&nbsp;Ismail Haniyeh as Hamas chief after the latter was assassinated in Iran. Haniyeh was allegedly neutralised by Israel using an explosive device that was smuggled into the guesthouse he was staying at&nbsp;in Tehran.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-conflict-nasrallahs-death-a-heavy-blow-to-hezbollah-763038"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Nasrallah's Death a Heavy Blow To Hezbollah</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Sinwar?</strong></h2>

<p>Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar is seen as one of the&nbsp;uncompromising top officials of Hamas. In the early 1980s, Sinwar was repeatedly arrested by Israel because of his involvement in anti-occupation activism held at the Islamic University in Gaza.</p>

<p>After completing his graduation, Sinwar set up a network of fighters who were trained for armed resistance against Israel. Later, this group became the well-known Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas.</p>

<p>Alongside now-killed Mohammed Deif, the head of&nbsp;Qassam Brigades, Sinwar planned the October 7 attacks, whose foundations were set in place after IDF carried out a raid on Al Aqsa mosque in May 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-confirms-hamas-military-leader-deifs-death-in-airstrike-day-after-haniyehs-assassination-746225" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel confirms Hamas military leader Deif’s death in airstrike, day after Haniyeh's assassination</strong></a></p>

<p>In the 23 years he spent in Israel's jail, Sinwar learnt Hebrew and also got well-versed in Israel's political affairs. In 2011, he was released as part of the prisoner exchange deal in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released from Hamas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli security agencies had the opportunity to kill Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar but decided against it, fearing for the lives of the hostages currently in the militant outfit's captivity, a report in The Jerusalem Post, citing N12 news has claimed.

Israeli security agencies had the opportunity to kill Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar but decided against it, fearing for the lives of the hostages currently in the militant outfit's captivity, a report in The Jerusalem Post, citing N12 news has claimed. The report stated that Sinwar had surrounded himself with the hostages and was using them as human shields to avoid being gunned down by the Israeli forces. Sinwar is believed to be hiding in the tunnels under Gaza. According to media reports, Sinwar has secured his hiding place after learning about an Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah chief, Hassan Nasrallah in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. The report comes in the backdrop of reports claiming that Tel Aviv was investigating the possibility of Sinwar being dead as he was incommunicado for a relatively long time. Tel Aviv has reiterated that Sinwar's death might be the final nail in the coffin for Hamas which has faced significant losses in its top hierarchy in the recent weeks. Sinwar succeeded Ismail Haniyeh as Hamas chief after the latter was assassinated in Iran. Haniyeh was allegedly neutralised by Israel using an explosive device that was smuggled into the guesthouse he was staying at in Tehran. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Nasrallah's Death a Heavy Blow To Hezbollah × Who is Sinwar? Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar is seen as one of the uncompromising top officials of Hamas. In the early 1980s, Sinwar was repeatedly arrested by Israel because of his involvement in anti-occupation activism held at the Islamic University in Gaza. After completing his graduation, Sinwar set up a network of fighters who were trained for armed resistance against Israel. Later, this group became the well-known Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas. Alongside now-killed Mohammed Deif, the head of Qassam Brigades, Sinwar planned the October 7 attacks, whose foundations were set in place after IDF carried out a raid on Al Aqsa mosque in May 2021. Also read | Israel confirms Hamas military leader Deif’s death in airstrike, day after Haniyeh's assassination In the 23 years he spent in Israel's jail, Sinwar learnt Hebrew and also got well-versed in Israel's political affairs. In 2011, he was released as part of the prisoner exchange deal in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released from Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel passed on the opportunity to eliminate Hamas chief Sinwar. Here's why

<p>The third and last phase of the assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir is to be held on Tuesday (Oct 1). All the preparations have been made and ample security arrangements have been put in place, especially in the areas close to the Line of Control (LoC). Areas like Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Kathua and Udhampur close to the LoC and international border will also see polling amid tight security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 3.9 million electors are eligible to vote across 40 Assembly Constituencies and 415 candidates in the fray. The Election Commission of India has established 5060 polling stations with 240 special polling stations across seven districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>16 assembly constituencies will go to vote in the Kashmir Division, while 24 assembly constituencies will see voter participation in Jammu. In total, more than 20,000 Polling staff will be deployed on duty for the third phase election.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/war-of-words-between-bjp-and-congress-over-kharges-will-stay-alive-until-indian-pm-modi-is-ousted-remark-763116"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;War of words between BJP and Congress over Kharge's 'will stay alive until Indian PM Modi is ousted' remark</strong></a></p>

<p>Among 3.9 million eligible to exercise their franchise,&nbsp;there are over two million male voters, 1.9 million female voters and 57 third-gender voters. As many as 190,000 youths between the age of 18-19 years, along with 35,860 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and 32,953 elderly voters above the age of 85 are also eligible to exercise their franchise in this phase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There will be 50 polling booths managed by women, known as Pink Polling Stations, 43 polling stations manned by specially-abled persons and 40 polling stations manned by youths. Also, there will be 45 green polling stations in order to spread messages about environmental concerns and 33 Unique Polling stations. 29 polling stations are established near the LOC/ IB for residents residing there.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Jammu &amp; Kashmir Election: 239 Candidates Contest In Second Phase Of Assembly Polls</strong></p>

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<p>The important candidates in the fray in the last phase of assembly elections are&nbsp;Sajad Gani Lone of the People's Conference, Muzaffar Hussain Baig as Independent, Raman Bhalla from Congress and Tara Chand from Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The election commission is also making sure to use the technology. Webcasting of Polling stations and GPS for vehicles has been done in almost&nbsp;All Polling stations.&nbsp;&nbsp;They will have CCTV-type cameras for live webcasting to control rooms established at the district and CEO offices. Cameras will be positioned in such a way so that they don’t violate the secrecy of the vote. The voting will take place from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm IST.&nbsp;</p>


The third and last phase of the assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir is to be held on Tuesday (Oct 1). All the preparations have been made and ample security arrangements have been put in place, especially in the areas close to the Line of Control (LoC).

The third and last phase of the assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir is to be held on Tuesday (Oct 1). All the preparations have been made and ample security arrangements have been put in place, especially in the areas close to the Line of Control (LoC). Areas like Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Kathua and Udhampur close to the LoC and international border will also see polling amid tight security. Around 3.9 million electors are eligible to vote across 40 Assembly Constituencies and 415 candidates in the fray. The Election Commission of India has established 5060 polling stations with 240 special polling stations across seven districts. 16 assembly constituencies will go to vote in the Kashmir Division, while 24 assembly constituencies will see voter participation in Jammu. In total, more than 20,000 Polling staff will be deployed on duty for the third phase election. Also read | War of words between BJP and Congress over Kharge's 'will stay alive until Indian PM Modi is ousted' remark Among 3.9 million eligible to exercise their franchise, there are over two million male voters, 1.9 million female voters and 57 third-gender voters. As many as 190,000 youths between the age of 18-19 years, along with 35,860 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and 32,953 elderly voters above the age of 85 are also eligible to exercise their franchise in this phase. There will be 50 polling booths managed by women, known as Pink Polling Stations, 43 polling stations manned by specially-abled persons and 40 polling stations manned by youths. Also, there will be 45 green polling stations in order to spread messages about environmental concerns and 33 Unique Polling stations. 29 polling stations are established near the LOC/ IB for residents residing there. Watch | Jammu & Kashmir Election: 239 Candidates Contest In Second Phase Of Assembly Polls × The important candidates in the fray in the last phase of assembly elections are Sajad Gani Lone of the People's Conference, Muzaffar Hussain Baig as Independent, Raman Bhalla from Congress and Tara Chand from Congress. The election commission is also making sure to use the technology. Webcasting of Polling stations and GPS for vehicles has been done in almost All Polling stations. They will have CCTV-type cameras for live webcasting to control rooms established at the district and CEO offices. Cameras will be positioned in such a way so that they don’t violate the secrecy of the vote. The voting will take place from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm IST.

Jammu & Kashmir set for third phase of elections, security on high alert near LoC polling stations

<p>US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the reporters as he was boarding his Air Force One for Washington, Biden reflected on the situation and said he will inform about his talk with Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yes, I will be talking to him. And I'll tell you what I say to him when I talk to him," the US president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden added that an "all-out war" scenario must be avoided at all costs.</p>

<p>“It has to be.&nbsp;We really have to avoid it.&nbsp;We have already taken precautions relative to our embassies and personnel who want to leave. But, we're not there yet, but we're working like hell with the French and many others to avoid [more] war," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even after Nasrallah's death, Israel has not eased on the strikes in Lebanon. Tens of thousands of Lebanese citizens have been forced to seek shelter in safer pastures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel had&nbsp;"settled the account" with a "mass murderer".</p>

<p>"We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bibi&nbsp;revealed that he had personally&nbsp;issued the directive to neutralise Nasrallah as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he was allowed to live.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-netanyahu-no-choice-but-to-target-nasrallah-762881" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War | Netanyahu: No Choice But To Target Nasrallah</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-netanyahu-no-choice-but-to-target-nasrallah-762881/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Nasrallah's death&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday (Sep 28), the Israeli military said that Nasrallah was eliminated during Friday's strikes, which targeted the suburbs of Beirut.</p>

<p>"Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorise the world," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-leader-hassan-nasrallah-apparent-target-of-israeli-strikes-in-lebanons-beirut-who-is-he-762708" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hassan Nasrallah: What you should know about the Hezbollah leader Israel says it has killed</strong></a></p>

<p>Hezbollah also confirmed the death of its leader later in the day with Iran, known for backing the militant outfit, issuing a statement and vowing to avenge the loss.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, more than 80 bombs were dropped by Israel within a few minutes to kill Nasrallah and his aides. After Nasrallah's death, reports claim that his cousin Hashem Safieddine may take the reins of the group.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario.

US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario. Speaking to the reporters as he was boarding his Air Force One for Washington, Biden reflected on the situation and said he will inform about his talk with Netanyahu. "Yes, I will be talking to him. And I'll tell you what I say to him when I talk to him," the US president said. Biden added that an "all-out war" scenario must be avoided at all costs. “It has to be. We really have to avoid it. We have already taken precautions relative to our embassies and personnel who want to leave. But, we're not there yet, but we're working like hell with the French and many others to avoid [more] war," he added. Even after Nasrallah's death, Israel has not eased on the strikes in Lebanon. Tens of thousands of Lebanese citizens have been forced to seek shelter in safer pastures. Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel had "settled the account" with a "mass murderer". "We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," said Netanyahu. Bibi revealed that he had personally issued the directive to neutralise Nasrallah as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he was allowed to live. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War | Netanyahu: No Choice But To Target Nasrallah Nasrallah's death On Saturday (Sep 28), the Israeli military said that Nasrallah was eliminated during Friday's strikes, which targeted the suburbs of Beirut. "Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorise the world," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Also read | Hassan Nasrallah: What you should know about the Hezbollah leader Israel says it has killed Hezbollah also confirmed the death of its leader later in the day with Iran, known for backing the militant outfit, issuing a statement and vowing to avenge the loss. Notably, more than 80 bombs were dropped by Israel within a few minutes to kill Nasrallah and his aides. After Nasrallah's death, reports claim that his cousin Hashem Safieddine may take the reins of the group. (With inputs from agencies)

'We're working like hell': Biden on avoiding all-out war in Middle East after Israeli strikes

<p>A US couple from the state of Arkansas&nbsp;has been charged after they attempted to sell their baby boy for $1,000 and cans of beer, according to the filed court documents. The parents, identified as&nbsp;Darien Urban (21) and Shalene Ehlers (20), signed a letter granting custody of their kid and handed him off to another person.</p>

<p>Both Urban and Ehlers were arrested by the Benton County Sheriff's Office earlier this month. They are facing felony charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to negotiate the&nbsp;relinquishment of a minor for adoption.</p>

<p>Detective Wes Grube, who is leading the investigation, said the couple self-wrote the twisted contract letter with a&nbsp;“no changing ya’lls mind" clause.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I, Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers, are signing our rights over to [Cody Martin] of our baby for $1,000 on 9/21/24," read the letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“After signing this there will be no changing y’all two’s minds and to never contact again," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the arrest took place after the Hide Away Campground manager contacted law enforcement agencies to report that the couple was attempting to sell their baby to a resident onsite, identified as Ricky Crawford.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/child-marriage-americas-secret-problem-716808"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Child Marriage: America's secret problem</strong></a></p>

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<p>Court documents state that&nbsp;Crawford had earlier visited Urban and Ehlers and offered to take the baby for the night in exchange for several cans of beer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Crawford, heavily intoxicated and slurred in his speech, later told the cops that he took the baby from the duo, then gave him to Martin, who was staying in a camper onsite as he was “concerned about the welfare” of the child.</p>

<p>Urban and Ehlers approached Martin afterwards and offered to sell the baby for $1,000. Martin said although an agreement was drafted, no money was exchanged at the time.&nbsp;He stated that he would arrange for a cashier’s check for $1,000.</p>

<p>According to an&nbsp;affidavit cited by WREG News Channel 3, another witness named&nbsp;Felicia Ayers, noted a strong ammonia and fecal odour coming from the baby, who had a dirty diaper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After changing the baby, she observed severe diaper rash, blisters and swelling, and documented the injuries with photographs.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/widow-gives-birth-to-miracle-baby-nine-months-after-tragic-death-of-husband-760921"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Widow gives birth to 'miracle' baby nine months after husband’s tragic death on honeymoon</strong></a></p>

<p>This wasn't the couple's first rodeo with the law. Urban has a rap sheet which includes&nbsp;two counts of felony theft received&nbsp;in Bentonville in 2024 and a misdemeanour domestic battery charge in Rogers in 2023.</p>

<p>Urban was still serving his three-year probation at the time of being detained. Meanwhile, Ehlers was arrested for misdemeanour shoplifting in Fayetteville in 2024.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A US couple from the state of Arkansas has been charged after they attempted to sell their baby boy for $1,000 and cans of beer, according to the filed court documents.

A US couple from the state of Arkansas has been charged after they attempted to sell their baby boy for $1,000 and cans of beer, according to the filed court documents. The parents, identified as Darien Urban (21) and Shalene Ehlers (20), signed a letter granting custody of their kid and handed him off to another person. Both Urban and Ehlers were arrested by the Benton County Sheriff's Office earlier this month. They are facing felony charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to negotiate the relinquishment of a minor for adoption. Detective Wes Grube, who is leading the investigation, said the couple self-wrote the twisted contract letter with a “no changing ya’lls mind" clause. “I, Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers, are signing our rights over to [Cody Martin] of our baby for $1,000 on 9/21/24," read the letter. “After signing this there will be no changing y’all two’s minds and to never contact again," it added. Notably, the arrest took place after the Hide Away Campground manager contacted law enforcement agencies to report that the couple was attempting to sell their baby to a resident onsite, identified as Ricky Crawford. Watch | Child Marriage: America's secret problem × Court documents state that Crawford had earlier visited Urban and Ehlers and offered to take the baby for the night in exchange for several cans of beer. Crawford, heavily intoxicated and slurred in his speech, later told the cops that he took the baby from the duo, then gave him to Martin, who was staying in a camper onsite as he was “concerned about the welfare” of the child. Urban and Ehlers approached Martin afterwards and offered to sell the baby for $1,000. Martin said although an agreement was drafted, no money was exchanged at the time. He stated that he would arrange for a cashier’s check for $1,000. According to an affidavit cited by WREG News Channel 3, another witness named Felicia Ayers, noted a strong ammonia and fecal odour coming from the baby, who had a dirty diaper. After changing the baby, she observed severe diaper rash, blisters and swelling, and documented the injuries with photographs. Also read | Widow gives birth to 'miracle' baby nine months after husband’s tragic death on honeymoon This wasn't the couple's first rodeo with the law. Urban has a rap sheet which includes two counts of felony theft received in Bentonville in 2024 and a misdemeanour domestic battery charge in Rogers in 2023. Urban was still serving his three-year probation at the time of being detained. Meanwhile, Ehlers was arrested for misdemeanour shoplifting in Fayetteville in 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

US couple arrested for allegedly selling their baby for cans of beer and $1,000

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<p>Austrians began voting on Sunday (Sep 29) in a general election that could see the far-right narrowly beat the conservatives for a historic win in the Alpine EU nation.</p>

<p>The Freedom Party (FPOe), which topped several pre-election opinion polls, has been in government several times but has never topped a national vote, though even if it wins, it is uncertain whether it would be able to form a government.</p>

<p>Since sharp-tongued Herbert Kickl took over the graft-tainted party in 2021, it has seen its popularity rebound on voter anger over migration, inflation and COVID-19 restrictions, in line with far-right parties elsewhere in Europe.</p>

<p>"I want to vote for Kickl from the bottom of my heart. He needs to solve the problem of migration," Angela Erstic, 69, a doctor, told <em>AFP </em>at a final FPOe rally in central Vienna late Friday.</p>

<p>Cementing the FPOe's image as an anti-establishment party, Kickl, 55, has campaigned on slogans, such as "Courageously try something new". The party now stands at 27 per cent of support in opinion polls.</p>

<p>The ruling conservative People's Party (OevP) has been lagging behind, but its leader, Chancellor Karl Nehammer, 51, has managed to narrow the gap in recent weeks.</p>

<p>Promising "stability instead of chaos", the OeVP is at 25 per cent support in the latest polls.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/austrian-parliamentary-polls-far-right-freedom-party-leads-in-opinion-polls-761281"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Austrian Parliamentary Polls: Far Right Freedom Party Leads In Opinion Polls</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>'Different this time'</h2>

<p>Polling booths began opening at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and the last ones are due to close at 7:00 pm. Projections based on postal voting and vote count from stations that close earlier should be announced shortly after that.</p>

<p>More than 6.3 million people of Austria's nine million inhabitants are eligible to vote.</p>

<p>"It is a decisive election," Rachel Schwarzboeck, 74, an Austrian retiree with Jewish and Polish roots, told AFP, adding that she would not vote for the FPOe -- a party formed by former Nazis.</p>

<p>"I don't want a Nazi regime in power in Austria," she said.</p>

<p>Long a political force in Austria, the FPOe's first government involvement in 2000 under the conservatives set off widespread protests and sanctions from Brussels.</p>

<p>Since then, far-right parties have been on the rise throughout Europe, with outgoing governments largely on the defence after a series of crises, including the coronavirus pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>"This time it will be different, this time, we're going to come out on top in this election. This time, we will succeed," Kickl&nbsp;told a throng of cheering supporters in front of Vienna's main cathedral on Friday.</p>

<p>In his speech, he once again slammed EU sanctions against Russia, espoused the far-right concept of "remigration" that calls for expelling people of non-European ethnic backgrounds deemed to have failed to integrate, and raged against the outgoing government.</p>

<p>The conservative OeVP's support has plunged from more than 37 per cent in the last national election in 2019.</p>

<p>Their junior coalition partner, the Greens, now stand at eight per cent in opinion polls, or almost half that which they received in 2019.</p>

<h2>No 'people's chancellor'</h2>

<p>But analysts widely predict that even if the FPOe wins the most seats, it will not have enough seats or partners to form a government.</p>

<p>Nehammer has repeatedly reiterated his refusal to work under Kickl, who has called himself the future "Volkskanzler", the people's chancellor, as Adolf Hitler was termed in the 1930s.</p>

<p>Thwarting a Kickl chancellorship could be an unprecedented three-party coalition headed by the OeVP with the Social Democrats, who are polling at just above 20 per cent, and a third party, probably the liberal NEOS.</p>

<p>If the OeVP -- which has been part of every government since 1987 -- wins the most seats or performs almost as strongly as the FPOe, analysts see a possibility of a coalition with the far-right as a junior partner.</p>

<p>The two parties' views converge "on many subjects", and "creative solutions" could be found to deal with Kickl,&nbsp;Andreas Eisl, researcher at the Jacques Delors Institute, told AFP.</p>

<p>Both past OeVP-FPOe governments have been short-lived.</p>

<p>The last one, headed by charismatic then-OeVP leader Sebastian Kurz, collapsed over a spectacular FPOe corruption scandal in 2019, after just a year and a half in power.</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>


Austrians began voting on Sunday (Sep 29) in a general election that could see the far-right narrowly beat the conservatives for a historic win in the Alpine EU nation.

Austrians began voting on Sunday (Sep 29) in a general election that could see the far-right narrowly beat the conservatives for a historic win in the Alpine EU nation. The Freedom Party (FPOe), which topped several pre-election opinion polls, has been in government several times but has never topped a national vote, though even if it wins, it is uncertain whether it would be able to form a government. Since sharp-tongued Herbert Kickl took over the graft-tainted party in 2021, it has seen its popularity rebound on voter anger over migration, inflation and COVID-19 restrictions, in line with far-right parties elsewhere in Europe. "I want to vote for Kickl from the bottom of my heart. He needs to solve the problem of migration," Angela Erstic, 69, a doctor, told AFP at a final FPOe rally in central Vienna late Friday. Cementing the FPOe's image as an anti-establishment party, Kickl, 55, has campaigned on slogans, such as "Courageously try something new". The party now stands at 27 per cent of support in opinion polls. The ruling conservative People's Party (OevP) has been lagging behind, but its leader, Chancellor Karl Nehammer, 51, has managed to narrow the gap in recent weeks. Promising "stability instead of chaos", the OeVP is at 25 per cent support in the latest polls. Watch | Austrian Parliamentary Polls: Far Right Freedom Party Leads In Opinion Polls × 'Different this time' Polling booths began opening at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and the last ones are due to close at 7:00 pm. Projections based on postal voting and vote count from stations that close earlier should be announced shortly after that. More than 6.3 million people of Austria's nine million inhabitants are eligible to vote. "It is a decisive election," Rachel Schwarzboeck, 74, an Austrian retiree with Jewish and Polish roots, told AFP, adding that she would not vote for the FPOe -- a party formed by former Nazis. "I don't want a Nazi regime in power in Austria," she said. Long a political force in Austria, the FPOe's first government involvement in 2000 under the conservatives set off widespread protests and sanctions from Brussels. Since then, far-right parties have been on the rise throughout Europe, with outgoing governments largely on the defence after a series of crises, including the coronavirus pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "This time it will be different, this time, we're going to come out on top in this election. This time, we will succeed," Kickl told a throng of cheering supporters in front of Vienna's main cathedral on Friday. In his speech, he once again slammed EU sanctions against Russia, espoused the far-right concept of "remigration" that calls for expelling people of non-European ethnic backgrounds deemed to have failed to integrate, and raged against the outgoing government. The conservative OeVP's support has plunged from more than 37 per cent in the last national election in 2019. Their junior coalition partner, the Greens, now stand at eight per cent in opinion polls, or almost half that which they received in 2019. No 'people's chancellor' But analysts widely predict that even if the FPOe wins the most seats, it will not have enough seats or partners to form a government. Nehammer has repeatedly reiterated his refusal to work under Kickl, who has called himself the future "Volkskanzler", the people's chancellor, as Adolf Hitler was termed in the 1930s. Thwarting a Kickl chancellorship could be an unprecedented three-party coalition headed by the OeVP with the Social Democrats, who are polling at just above 20 per cent, and a third party, probably the liberal NEOS. If the OeVP -- which has been part of every government since 1987 -- wins the most seats or performs almost as strongly as the FPOe, analysts see a possibility of a coalition with the far-right as a junior partner. The two parties' views converge "on many subjects", and "creative solutions" could be found to deal with Kickl, Andreas Eisl, researcher at the Jacques Delors Institute, told AFP. Both past OeVP-FPOe governments have been short-lived. The last one, headed by charismatic then-OeVP leader Sebastian Kurz, collapsed over a spectacular FPOe corruption scandal in 2019, after just a year and a half in power. 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.

Austria goes to polls as far-right sets sight on historic win

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<p>Rescuers struggled on Saturday (Sep 28) with washed-out bridges and debris-strewn roads in the search for survivors of devastating Storm&nbsp;Helene, which killed at least 63 people across five states and caused massive power outages.</p>

<p>Helene&nbsp;slammed into Florida Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane and surged north, gradually weakening but leaving in its wake toppled trees, downed power lines and mudslide-wrecked homes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federal emergencies were declared in six states -- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee -- with more than 800 personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) deployed.</p>

<p>Now classified as a "post-tropical cyclone", the remnants of the storm are expected to continue inundating the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians through Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).</p>

<p>In affected communities across the eastern coast and midwest, storm victims and volunteers toting trash bags, mops and hammers tried to repair what they could and clean up the rest.</p>

<p>"There's only a couple businesses open. They have limited supply. So I'm just worried about families that have kids and stuff like that, getting somewhere to stay and have something to eat," said Steven Mauro, a resident of Valdosta, Georgia.</p>

<p>At least 24 people died in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, 10 in North Carolina and one in Virginia, according to local authorities and media tallied by AFP.</p>

<p>The National Weather Service said conditions would "continue to improve today following the catastrophic flooding over the past two days."</p>

<p>But it warned of possible "long-duration power outages."</p>

<p>"Main issue is the electrical power," said another man from Valdosta who declined to give his name. "With the whole town down, the traffic lights are out. So driving around... people should just stay home."</p>

<p>More than 2.6 million customers were still without electricity across 10 states from Florida in the southeast to Indiana in the midwest as of early Sunday morning, according to tracker poweroutage.us.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hurricane-helene-aftermath-death-toll-up-56-762864"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hurricane Helene Aftermath: Destruction and chaos</strong></a></p>

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<h2>'It breaks my heart'</h2>

<p>Helene&nbsp;blew into Florida's northern Gulf shore with powerful winds of 140 miles (225 kilometres) per hour. Even as it weakened into a post-tropical cyclone, it has wreaked havoc.</p>

<p>Record levels of flooding threatened to break several dams, but Tennessee emergency officials said Saturday that the Nolichucky Dam -- which had been close to breaching -- was no longer in danger of giving way and people downriver could return home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Massive flooding was reported in Asheville, in western North Carolina. Governor Ray Cooper called it "one of the worst storms in modern history" to hit his state.</p>

<p>There were reports of remote towns in the Carolina mountains without power or cell service, their roads washed away or buried by mudslides.</p>

<p>In Cedar Key, an island city of 700 people off Florida's Gulf Coast, several pastel-coloured wooden homes were destroyed by record storm surges and ferocious winds.</p>

<p>"I've lived here my whole life, and it breaks my heart to see it. We've not really been able to catch a break," said Gabe Doty, a Cedar Key official, referring to two other hurricanes in the past year.</p>

<p>In South Carolina, the dead included two firefighters, officials said.</p>

<p>Georgia's 17 deaths included an emergency responder, according to state officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Tennessee town of Erwin, more than 50 patients and staff trapped on a hospital roof by surging floodwaters had to be rescued by helicopters.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-helene-at-least-43-dead-in-five-states-4mn-homes-without-power-762796"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hurricane Helene: Disaster in five US states, millions of homes without power</strong></a></p>

<h2>'Overwhelming' damage</h2>

<p>In a statement Saturday, President Joe Biden called&nbsp;Helene's devastation "overwhelming."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden was briefed by FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell and Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall on&nbsp;"the tragic loss of life across the region," the White House said.</p>

<p>Criswell, who went to Florida on Saturday to survey damage, will visit Georgia on Sunday and North Carolina on Monday.</p>

<p>September has been an unusually wet month around the world, with scientists linking some extreme weather events to human-caused global warming.</p>

<p>The North Atlantic hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November, with most of the severe storms historically forming around the end of August or beginning of September.</p>

<p>Forecasters are carefully watching two more named storm systems expected next week: Joyce and Hurricane Isaac.</p>

<p>Isaac is expected to weaken into a powerful post-tropical cyclone by Sunday night or early Monday, while Joyce is expected to be a tropical storm for a couple more days, according to the NHC.</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>


Rescuers struggled on Saturday (Sep 28) with washed-out bridges and debris-strewn roads in the search for survivors of devastating Storm Helene, which killed at least 63 people across five states and caused massive power outages.

Rescuers struggled on Saturday (Sep 28) with washed-out bridges and debris-strewn roads in the search for survivors of devastating Storm Helene, which killed at least 63 people across five states and caused massive power outages. Helene slammed into Florida Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane and surged north, gradually weakening but leaving in its wake toppled trees, downed power lines and mudslide-wrecked homes. Federal emergencies were declared in six states -- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee -- with more than 800 personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) deployed. Now classified as a "post-tropical cyclone", the remnants of the storm are expected to continue inundating the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians through Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). In affected communities across the eastern coast and midwest, storm victims and volunteers toting trash bags, mops and hammers tried to repair what they could and clean up the rest. "There's only a couple businesses open. They have limited supply. So I'm just worried about families that have kids and stuff like that, getting somewhere to stay and have something to eat," said Steven Mauro, a resident of Valdosta, Georgia. At least 24 people died in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, 10 in North Carolina and one in Virginia, according to local authorities and media tallied by AFP. The National Weather Service said conditions would "continue to improve today following the catastrophic flooding over the past two days." But it warned of possible "long-duration power outages." "Main issue is the electrical power," said another man from Valdosta who declined to give his name. "With the whole town down, the traffic lights are out. So driving around... people should just stay home." More than 2.6 million customers were still without electricity across 10 states from Florida in the southeast to Indiana in the midwest as of early Sunday morning, according to tracker poweroutage.us. Watch | Hurricane Helene Aftermath: Destruction and chaos × 'It breaks my heart' Helene blew into Florida's northern Gulf shore with powerful winds of 140 miles (225 kilometres) per hour. Even as it weakened into a post-tropical cyclone, it has wreaked havoc. Record levels of flooding threatened to break several dams, but Tennessee emergency officials said Saturday that the Nolichucky Dam -- which had been close to breaching -- was no longer in danger of giving way and people downriver could return home. Massive flooding was reported in Asheville, in western North Carolina. Governor Ray Cooper called it "one of the worst storms in modern history" to hit his state. There were reports of remote towns in the Carolina mountains without power or cell service, their roads washed away or buried by mudslides. In Cedar Key, an island city of 700 people off Florida's Gulf Coast, several pastel-coloured wooden homes were destroyed by record storm surges and ferocious winds. "I've lived here my whole life, and it breaks my heart to see it. We've not really been able to catch a break," said Gabe Doty, a Cedar Key official, referring to two other hurricanes in the past year. In South Carolina, the dead included two firefighters, officials said. Georgia's 17 deaths included an emergency responder, according to state officials. In the Tennessee town of Erwin, more than 50 patients and staff trapped on a hospital roof by surging floodwaters had to be rescued by helicopters. Also read | Hurricane Helene: Disaster in five US states, millions of homes without power 'Overwhelming' damage In a statement Saturday, President Joe Biden called Helene's devastation "overwhelming." Biden was briefed by FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell and Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall on "the tragic loss of life across the region," the White House said. Criswell, who went to Florida on Saturday to survey damage, will visit Georgia on Sunday and North Carolina on Monday. September has been an unusually wet month around the world, with scientists linking some extreme weather events to human-caused global warming. The North Atlantic hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November, with most of the severe storms historically forming around the end of August or beginning of September. Forecasters are carefully watching two more named storm systems expected next week: Joyce and Hurricane Isaac. Isaac is expected to weaken into a powerful post-tropical cyclone by Sunday night or early Monday, while Joyce is expected to be a tropical storm for a couple more days, according to the NHC. 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.

Over 60 dead in Hurricane Helene's wake; massive power outages reported across 5 US states

<p>Former US president Donald Trump on Saturday (Sep 28) launched a scathing attack on his rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, by calling her "mentally impaired" and a "disaster".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump was addressing a crowd in&nbsp;Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he touched upon the issue of immigration after Harris discussed the subject a day earlier. The Republican leader blamed Harris for the current border situation where illegals were indiscriminately entering the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Joe Biden became mentally impaired. Kamala was born that way. She was born that way. And if you think about it, only a mentally disabled person could have allowed this to happen to our country. Anybody would know this," said Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I can’t even believe she’s being considered.&nbsp;She was considered, eight weeks ago, the worst vice president in history. A very dumb person. The fake news was calling her ‘dumb’, ‘stupid’, ‘didn’t have a chance’.”</p>

<p>This is not the first instance when Trump has launched ad hominem attacks on Harris. In July, he questioned Harris's racial identity during a panel with the&nbsp;National Association of Black Journalists.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: First interview of Harris' as Presidential candidate</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Harris arrives at US-Mexico border</strong></h2>

<p>Harris visited the US-Mexico border for the first time on Friday (Sep 27) since becoming the Democratic presidential candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The United States is a sovereign nation, and I believe we have a duty to set rules at our border and to enforce them.&nbsp;And I take that responsibility very seriously," Harris said&nbsp;after touring a section of the border wall in Cochise County.</p>

<p>“I will do more to secure our border, to reduce illegal border crossings. I will take further action to keep the border closed between ports of entry," she added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-to-prosecute-google-over-bad-stories-bias-favouring-kamala-harris-if-elected-in-2024-762702"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Trump vows to prosecute Google over 'bad stories' bias, favouring Kamala Harris if elected in 2024</strong></a></p>

<p>However, her visit did not go down well with the&nbsp;union repping US Border agents who claimed that the&nbsp;presidential hopeful “ignored the border problem she created".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Vice President Harris has ignored the border problem she created for over three years. She goes down there for 20 minutes for a photo op and decides to repeat some of the things the NPBC has said before. But again, where has she been the last 3 1/2 years?,” the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).</p>

<p>“VP Harris asserted in Arizona that CBP needed more resources. We have apprehended over 8 million illegal immigrants over the last 4 years and now you realise we need more help 38 days before the election.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former US president Donald Trump on Saturday (Sep 28) launched a scathing attack on his rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, by calling her "mentally impaired" and a "disaster".

Former US president Donald Trump on Saturday (Sep 28) launched a scathing attack on his rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, by calling her "mentally impaired" and a "disaster". Trump was addressing a crowd in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he touched upon the issue of immigration after Harris discussed the subject a day earlier. The Republican leader blamed Harris for the current border situation where illegals were indiscriminately entering the US. "Joe Biden became mentally impaired. Kamala was born that way. She was born that way. And if you think about it, only a mentally disabled person could have allowed this to happen to our country. Anybody would know this," said Trump. “I can’t even believe she’s being considered. She was considered, eight weeks ago, the worst vice president in history. A very dumb person. The fake news was calling her ‘dumb’, ‘stupid’, ‘didn’t have a chance’.” This is not the first instance when Trump has launched ad hominem attacks on Harris. In July, he questioned Harris's racial identity during a panel with the National Association of Black Journalists. Watch | US Elections 2024: First interview of Harris' as Presidential candidate × Harris arrives at US-Mexico border Harris visited the US-Mexico border for the first time on Friday (Sep 27) since becoming the Democratic presidential candidate. “The United States is a sovereign nation, and I believe we have a duty to set rules at our border and to enforce them. And I take that responsibility very seriously," Harris said after touring a section of the border wall in Cochise County. “I will do more to secure our border, to reduce illegal border crossings. I will take further action to keep the border closed between ports of entry," she added. Also read | Trump vows to prosecute Google over 'bad stories' bias, favouring Kamala Harris if elected in 2024 However, her visit did not go down well with the union repping US Border agents who claimed that the presidential hopeful “ignored the border problem she created". "Vice President Harris has ignored the border problem she created for over three years. She goes down there for 20 minutes for a photo op and decides to repeat some of the things the NPBC has said before. But again, where has she been the last 3 1/2 years?,” the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “VP Harris asserted in Arizona that CBP needed more resources. We have apprehended over 8 million illegal immigrants over the last 4 years and now you realise we need more help 38 days before the election.” (With inputs from agencies)

Trump calls Harris ‘mentally impaired’ in fresh rant, says ‘she was born that way’

<p>The US Secret Service has rejected claims that there was a "security lapse" in former president Barack Obama's protective detail after reports claimed that an armed individual was able to reach the Democrat leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A TMZ report had claimed that a security guard, working at the event in Los Angeles last weekend, approached the SUV transporting the former president without any interference from Secret Service agents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the unnamed guard told the tabloid that he saw Obama in the back of the vehicle using a laptop. The guard said he was armed at the time and quickly backed away once he recognised Obama.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The guard also claimed that Secret Service agents only approached him later to check his credentials and concealed weapon permit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Secret Service&nbsp;has claimed that the report was inaccurate and that there was no breach in the security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Secret Service cannot provide the details on our means and methods of protection, but we can confirm that at no time were any Secret Service protectees in the vehicle while the individual was walking down the alleyway. These claims are inaccurate,” a Secret Serice spokesperson was quoted as saying by <em>Newsweek.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Trump Assassination Bid: Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Secret Service under scrutiny</strong></h2>

<p>The Secret Service has been under heavy scrutiny ever since ex-US president Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt in Butler County, Pennsylvania in July. The would-be assassin, Matthew Crooks, had a clear shot at Trump, a little over a hundred yards away from the stage despite Secret Service agents being spread across the venue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A US senate committee investigating the July 13 assassination attempt revealed that security failures at the Pennsylvania rally were “foreseeable and preventable”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-arizona-campaign-office-shot-at-days-after-trump-assassination-bid-761705"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Kamala Harris' Arizona campaign office shot at, days after Trump assassination bid</strong></a></p>

<p>In a detailed report, the committee said the Secret Service failed to make clear decisions and inform local authorities about potential threats to the GOP presidential candidate.</p>

<p>The report said that the Secret Service failed to erect visual barriers around the rally’s venue, which could have blocked the shooter’s view of Trump and prevented the attempt on his life.</p>

<p>The Secret Service team also failed to provide answers about who – specifically – was responsible” for deciding the inner and outer perimeter of the rally. It was also not clear who made the decision to exclude the building, where the shooter settled himself&nbsp;and took aim.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US Secret Service has rejected claims that there was a "security lapse" in former president Barack Obama's protective detail after reports claimed that an armed individual was able to reach the Democrat leader.

The US Secret Service has rejected claims that there was a "security lapse" in former president Barack Obama's protective detail after reports claimed that an armed individual was able to reach the Democrat leader. A TMZ report had claimed that a security guard, working at the event in Los Angeles last weekend, approached the SUV transporting the former president without any interference from Secret Service agents. Notably, the unnamed guard told the tabloid that he saw Obama in the back of the vehicle using a laptop. The guard said he was armed at the time and quickly backed away once he recognised Obama. The guard also claimed that Secret Service agents only approached him later to check his credentials and concealed weapon permit. However, the Secret Service has claimed that the report was inaccurate and that there was no breach in the security. “The Secret Service cannot provide the details on our means and methods of protection, but we can confirm that at no time were any Secret Service protectees in the vehicle while the individual was walking down the alleyway. These claims are inaccurate,” a Secret Serice spokesperson was quoted as saying by Newsweek. Watch | Trump Assassination Bid: Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii × Secret Service under scrutiny The Secret Service has been under heavy scrutiny ever since ex-US president Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt in Butler County, Pennsylvania in July. The would-be assassin, Matthew Crooks, had a clear shot at Trump, a little over a hundred yards away from the stage despite Secret Service agents being spread across the venue. A US senate committee investigating the July 13 assassination attempt revealed that security failures at the Pennsylvania rally were “foreseeable and preventable”. Also read | Kamala Harris' Arizona campaign office shot at, days after Trump assassination bid In a detailed report, the committee said the Secret Service failed to make clear decisions and inform local authorities about potential threats to the GOP presidential candidate. The report said that the Secret Service failed to erect visual barriers around the rally’s venue, which could have blocked the shooter’s view of Trump and prevented the attempt on his life. The Secret Service team also failed to provide answers about who – specifically – was responsible” for deciding the inner and outer perimeter of the rally. It was also not clear who made the decision to exclude the building, where the shooter settled himself and took aim. (With inputs from agencies)

Was Obama's security detail breached by armed man? US Secret Service responds

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

IMF approves $7 billion loan for cash-strapped Pakistan

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Trump gunman Ryan Routh charged with attempted assassination by prosecutors

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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