Indian ambassador to the UAE Abdulnasser Alshaali spoke to WION's Chief Diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal expressed his admiration for India's G20 meeting presidency. The ambassador stated that the UAE was honoured to attend the meeting at India's invitation.

UAE Ambassador Abdulnasser Alshaali on India-UAE relationship: Exciting things coming up

At the Karnataka State Open University in India's Southern State, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce the creation of the International Big Cats Alliance and present the most recent data on the nation's tiger population. The IBCA will concentrate on the preservation and protection of seven of the world's largest big cats.

Indian PM Modi to launch International Big Cat Bloc today

There have been two terror attacks in Israel, rockets have been fired into Israel from Gaza and Lebanon. The Israeli armed forces have struck strategic locations in Gaza and Lebanon. Two Israeli sisters lost their lives in West Bank. Tensions, terror attacks and violence grips the country now. Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

Fresh terror attacks and violence grips Israel | This World

Donald Trump has been indicted for his role in paying hush money to an adult film star, according to people familiar with the matter, in a case that marks the first-ever criminal prosecution of a former U.S. president. At issue are events that date back nearly seven years, to the final stretch of Mr. Trump's 2016 campaign.

The Donald Trump Hush Money Saga | This World

China has launched military exercises around Taiwan that will last for three days. The move comes days after a meeting in California between Taiwan president Tsai Ing-Wen and US House speaker Kevin McCarthy.

'Stern warning': China's wargames after meeting between U.S. House Speaker and Taiwan President

Moscow on Friday formally charged jailed Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, informed Russian state news agency TASS. The filing of formal charges means that a criminal probe is underway in the case, according to the Russian legal system

The publication said it was informed about the charges by&nbsp;Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, but it was unclear if the action was taken during a court hearing.&nbsp;

“The FSB investigation charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country. He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia," TASS quoted sources as saying.&nbsp;

<h2>Gershkovich's arrest</h2>

Gershkovich was arrested by FSB last month in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Reportedly, the journalist's driver had dropped him off at a restaurant and two hours later his phone was found switched off. According to reports,&nbsp;Gershkovich was covering a story in&nbsp;Yekaterinburg when FSB picked up and detained him.

The initial version stated that he was arrested for acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evan-gershkovich-us-journalist-arrested-by-russia-appeals-against-detention-578738">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Evan Gershkovich, US journalist arrested by Russia, appeals against detention</a>

<h2>Blinken calls up Lavrov</h2>

After the controversy snowballed, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart&nbsp;Sergei Lavrov and demanded the immediate release of&nbsp;Gershkovich.&nbsp;

Blinken took to his Twitter account to share the update. He informed that alongside Gershkovich, Washington also batted for the release of US citizen Paul Whelan.&nbsp;

"I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan," tweeted Blinken.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-asks-russia-to-let-evan-gershkovich-go-577830">WATCH |&nbsp;Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go</a>

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Later, the Russian side released a statement and said the US was trying to politicise the issue.&nbsp;

“Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation," read the statement by the Russian foreign ministry.

"It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political colouring.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Moscow on Friday formally charged jailed Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, informed Russian state news agency TASS. The filing of formal charges means that a criminal probe is underway in the case, according to the Russian legal system The publication said it was informed about the charges by Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, but it was unclear if the action was taken during a court hearing.

Moscow on Friday formally charged jailed Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, informed Russian state news agency TASS. The filing of formal charges means that a criminal probe is underway in the case, according to the Russian legal system The publication said it was informed about the charges by Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, but it was unclear if the action was taken during a court hearing. “The FSB investigation charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country. He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia," TASS quoted sources as saying. Gershkovich's arrest Gershkovich was arrested by FSB last month in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Reportedly, the journalist's driver had dropped him off at a restaurant and two hours later his phone was found switched off. According to reports, Gershkovich was covering a story in Yekaterinburg when FSB picked up and detained him. The initial version stated that he was arrested for acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex". ALSO READ | Evan Gershkovich, US journalist arrested by Russia, appeals against detention Blinken calls up Lavrov After the controversy snowballed, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and demanded the immediate release of Gershkovich. Blinken took to his Twitter account to share the update. He informed that alongside Gershkovich, Washington also batted for the release of US citizen Paul Whelan. "I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan," tweeted Blinken. WATCH | Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go × Later, the Russian side released a statement and said the US was trying to politicise the issue. “Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation," read the statement by the Russian foreign ministry. "It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political colouring.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moscow formally charges US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage

Much to US and Russia’s dismay, India’s defence imports are shrinking year-on-year and it's because of the emergence of the Indian defence industry! India will spend 2.71 Lakh Crores on defence equipment in FY23 and 99% procurement will be made from the Indian Defence Industry. Watch how India is reducing its defence imports and positioning itself as a strategic defence exporter on Game Plan with Shivan Chanana.

Rise of the Indian Defence Industry | Exports cross ₹130 Billion, imports down 11%

Russia has warned the west to finalise the historic grain deal with Ukraine unless barriers to its agricultural exports are lifted. The Ukraine war is still raging, but its effects on the global economy are suddenly taking the stage.

Russia threatens to pull the trigger on Black Sea grain deal

China has stated that it will conduct military drills for three days near Taiwan. The action comes days after Taiwan President Tsai and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met in California; this meeting took place in spite of China's concerns.

China announces military drills around Taiwan after Tsai-McCarthy meet

To eliminate Islamist militants, the Pakistani government has chosen to begin a new nationwide military campaign. The action was revealed by the nation's National Security committee on Friday. The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and key military officials were present.

Pakistan: National Security Committee to launch new military operation against militants

A pilot had a dilemma when he sensed a snake crawling up his back; as a result of his heroic actions, the South African pilot is now hailed as a hero.

South Africa: Pilot experiences real 'snakes on a plane' moment

Following a New York Times report that classified War documents with covert U.S. NATO plans to assist the Ukrainian military were leaked on social media platforms, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with some of the nation's top security brass to discuss how to prevent leaks of military information.

Ukraine Prez Zelensky meets security brass to discuss ways to prevent leaks of military information

2013: China launched its $1 trillion+ Belt & Road Initiative 2023: Unrest in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka Waning influence in Africa Trade war with the U.S. And a crippling Chinese economy facing a debt crisis Is the BRI collapsing? Watch WION Wideangle.

Losing Momentum: China’s belt & road initiative

At least 20 migrants have gone missing off the coast of Tunisia, as they tried to cross the treacherous Mediterranean to Italy, the judicial officials informed on Saturday.

At least 20 migrants have gone missing off the coast of Tunisia, as they tried to cross the treacherous Mediterranean to Italy, the judicial officials informed on Saturday. The authorities said their boat sank while trying to Although the coast guard managed to rescue 17 others from the same boat off the southern city of Sfax, the others were still untraceable. Of the 17 saved, two are in critical condition, said Sfax court judge Faouzi Masmousdi. Recent months have seen a great influx of migrants using Tunisia as the main departure point to enter Europe. earlier most migrants attempting to leave the conflict-ridden zones of Africa and the Middle East used to take the Libya route to enter the continent. Notably, Tunisia's coast lies just 150 kilometres (90 miles) from the Italian island of Lampedusa which makes it a lucrative option for the migrants to take the additional risk. ALSO READ | Tunisia boat tragedy: 14 people from sub-Saharan Africa nations drown, 54 rescued Over 14,000 migrants have been either intercepted or rescued in the first three months of the year trying to enter Europe. The number is five times the figures recorded during the same period last year. “Coast guard patrols prevent 501 clandestine attempts to cross the maritime border and rescued 14,406 [refugees] including 13,138 from sub-Saharan African countries,” informed the government. ALSO WATCH | Italy Boat Tragedy: 63 bodies found, 36 still missing × Notably, this is not the first instance when an illegal boat crossing has gone awry for the migrants. Earlier this year, the Tunisian authorities discovered a sunken boat with 14 dead bodies while rescuing 54. "Coast guard patrols intercepted a group whose boat had sunk, rescuing 54 people of various sub-Saharan African nationalities, and recovering 14 bodies," read a statement released at the time. However, seeing the large influx of migrants, Tunisia President Kais Saied in February ordered officials to take "urgent measures" to tackle irregular migration, claiming that "a criminal plot" was underway to change Tunisia's demography. ALSO READ | Tunisia’s interior minister, a close aide of President Saied, resigns Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar pleaded the international community that his country needed funding and equipment to better protect its borders. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

At least 20 migrants missing after boat drowns off Tunisian coast, 17 rescued

Iran is stepping up its attempts to further rein in the increasing number&nbsp;of women defying the nation's compulsory dress code. As per the police, Iranian authorities are installing cameras in public places and thoroughfares to identify and penalise unveiled women. Violators will reportedly receive "warning text messages as to the consequences," said the police.

Police have called on owners of businesses to "seriously monitor the observance of societal norms with their diligent inspections."

The move, as per the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news agency and other state media, is aimed at "preventing resistance against the hijab law."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-without-hijab-to-be-prosecuted-without-mercy-warns-irans-judiciary-chief-578029">Women without hijab to be prosecuted ‘without mercy’, warns Iran’s judiciary chief</a>

Since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran's morality police last September, a growing number of Iranian women have been ditching the&nbsp;veil.&nbsp;

As per the Iranian media reports, such resistance "tarnishes" Iran’s spiritual image and spreads insecurity.

Amini was reportedly detained for allegedly violating the nation's hijab rules. Since then, violent protests have rocked Iran, which have been violently put down by the nation's security forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-man-attacks-two-women-with-yoghurt-for-not-wearing-hijab-in-iran-578172">WATCH | Man attacks two women with yoghurt for not wearing hijab in Iran, all three arrested</a>

However, women are still widely seen defying the obligatory dress code; roaming around unveiled in malls, restaurants, shops, etc.

A March 30 statement by Iran's Interior Ministry described the veil as "one of the civilisational foundations of the Iranian nation" and "one of the practical principles of the Islamic Republic." It added that there would be no retreat on the issue and urged citizens to confront unveiled women. Under Iran's Islamic Sharia law, which was imposed after the 1979 revolution, Iranian women are mandated to cover their hair. Violators have faced public rebuke, fines, or arrest.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Iran is stepping up its attempts to further rein in the increasing number of women defying the nation's compulsory dress code. As per the police, Iranian authorities are installing cameras in public places and thoroughfares to identify and penalise unveiled women.

Iran is stepping up its attempts to further rein in the increasing number of women defying the nation's compulsory dress code. As per the police, Iranian authorities are installing cameras in public places and thoroughfares to identify and penalise unveiled women. Violators will reportedly receive "warning text messages as to the consequences," said the police. Police have called on owners of businesses to "seriously monitor the observance of societal norms with their diligent inspections." The move, as per the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news agency and other state media, is aimed at "preventing resistance against the hijab law." Also read | Women without hijab to be prosecuted ‘without mercy’, warns Iran’s judiciary chief Since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran's morality police last September, a growing number of Iranian women have been ditching the veil. As per the Iranian media reports, such resistance "tarnishes" Iran’s spiritual image and spreads insecurity. Amini was reportedly detained for allegedly violating the nation's hijab rules. Since then, violent protests have rocked Iran, which have been violently put down by the nation's security forces. Also read | WATCH | Man attacks two women with yoghurt for not wearing hijab in Iran, all three arrested However, women are still widely seen defying the obligatory dress code; roaming around unveiled in malls, restaurants, shops, etc. A March 30 statement by Iran's Interior Ministry described the veil as "one of the civilisational foundations of the Iranian nation" and "one of the practical principles of the Islamic Republic." It added that there would be no retreat on the issue and urged citizens to confront unveiled women. Under Iran's Islamic Sharia law, which was imposed after the 1979 revolution, Iranian women are mandated to cover their hair. Violators have faced public rebuke, fines, or arrest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran installs cameras in public places to identify, penalise women defying hijab laws

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Saturday stopped a bill passed by the Senate last month that aimed to limit the powers of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP). Alvi cited that the proposed bill was above and beyond the jurisdiction of the legislative body.

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Saturday stopped a bill passed by the Senate last month that aimed to limit the powers of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP). Alvi cited that the proposed bill was above and beyond the jurisdiction of the legislative body. The president posted a detailed reply on Twitter wherein he shared why thought it fit and proper to return the bill. He added there was a need for consideration of certain aspects after 'vetting' the bill. “President Dr Arif Alvi has returned the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023 for reconsideration to the Parliament as per the provisions of the Article 75 of the Constitution, stating that the Bill prima-facie travels beyond the competence of the Parliament and can be assailed as a colourable legislation," tweeted the president. "The Supreme Court of Pakistan is an independent institution as visualized by the founding fathers that in the State of Pakistan ‘independence of the judiciary shall be fully secured’. With such an objective in view, Article 191 was incorporated and the Supreme Court was kept out of the law-making authority of the Parliament." President Dr Arif Alvi has returned the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023 for reconsideration to the Parliament as per the provisions of the Article 75 of the Constitution, stating that the Bill prima-facie travels beyond the competence of the Parliament - pic.twitter.com/SM7HXVVa5Q — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 8, 2023 × WATCH | Pakistan's Senate passes bill to limit top judge's power × Notably, the legislation was approved by the federal cabinet last month on March 28. A day later the National Assembly also passed it after a few amendments. The Senate gave its final approval and the bill went to the president for assent. However, justifying the legislation, the law minister Azam Nazir Tarar said it was time for a change in the judiciary. “As time passes, to run institutions, you have to go through various periods [and] face various conducts. Law never stands still. You have to keep a margin for changes in the law so that the law can function according to the needs of the people in the present age,” said Tarar. Bill divides Pakistan civil society Ever since the legislation was mooted, it has divided the lawmakers as well as the common folks in the country. The detractors argue that the bill attempts to take away the powers of the judiciary akin to the way Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu tried recently. Meanwhile, the supporters believe that the passing of the bill was in line with what most bar associations had been demanding to free up the judicial process. Now, that the bill has been returned, the parliamentarians will have to discuss it yet again in a joint session. If they send it back to the president for his assent, he will have 10 days to sign it. Failing to do so in the stipulated period will mean that the bill has passed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan president Arif Alvi returns bill aiming to curtail CJP's powers

Israeli police stormed the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, one of Islam’s holiest sites. Despite condemnations from the Arab and Muslim world, clashes continue.

Another Ramadan, another Al-Aqsa clash | The West Asia Post

Romanian farmers protested the impact of Ukrainian grain imports on the domestic market by taking to the streets. Across the nation, thousands of farmers blocked roads and borders with tractors, trucks, and other machinery.

Romanian farmers demand fair compensation from EU

India's president, Droupadi Murmur, flew in a Sukhoi 30 MKI aircraft of the Indian Air Force, making her the third head of state overall and the second female head of state in India to do so.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu to fly in fighter jet

In an effort to increase demand, Elon Musk's electric car company, Tesla, has lowered prices by two to six percent for the fifth time this year. However, experts warn that this discount drive could harm company profitability pricing.

New price cuts by EV-maker Tesla to boost demand

In the U.S. abortion rights debate, federal judges in two states made conflicting orders on Friday that could significantly affect access to a commonly used abortion medication in the nation.

Texas judge suspends approval of widely-used mifepristone drug

The South Korean foreign minister is on his first official visit to New Delhi. On Friday, South Korean foreign minister Park Jin held talks with his Indian counterpart Subhramanyam Jaishankar. Park held discussions on the Indo-Pacific.

S. Jaishankar holds bilateral meet with South Korean Foreign Minister | 50 years of diplomatic ties

In the capital city of Tel Aviv, an Italian tourist was killed in a car-ramming incident. Authorities are calling it a terror attack. The attacker rammed his car into a group of people near a popular sea-side park. At least seven others were injured.

1 dead, 5 injured in car-ramming attack in Israel

Pakistan to launch operation against militants, decision comes amid severe crisis

North Korea has claimed that it has successfully tested a second underwater nuclear-capable drone. This is the third test of underwater drone that Pyongyang has claimed to have conducted in less than three weeks.

North Korea: Pyongyang claims another successful underwater drone test

Did you know that everything regarding electric vehicles is currently driving innovation, from creating eco-friendly automobiles to making the manufacturing process more environmentally friendly? Due to its manufacturing process, Tesla earns eight times more money per vehicle than Toyota does.

Toyota to revamp its electric vehicles infrastructure

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed the central government's ban on the telecast of the Malayalam language channel 'MediaOne', ruling that "national security claims can't be made out of thin hair." A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud observed that the State can't impose unreasonable restrictions on the press as such an action would have chilling effects on press freedom.

The top court alleged that the State is using national security as a tool to deny citizens remedies that are provided under the law.

"National security claims cannot be made out of thin air, there must be material facts backing it," said the bench.

The bench also set aside a Kerala High Court&nbsp;order, which had upheld the Centre's ban on the channel on "security grounds."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-embraces-open-source-software-to-boost-tech-industry-amid-layoffs-579487">India embraces open-source software to boost tech industry amid layoffs</a>

Kerala's ruling party and opposition leaders have both welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to quash the ban and said the order gives hope to people fighting to protect democratic principles and the Constitution.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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I welcome the SupremeCourt decision revoking the ban on Malayalam TV channel <a href="https://twitter.com/MediaOne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MediaOne</a>. "National security can't deny people their rights... it was raised by the MHA in a cavalier manner," said the SC:<a href="https://t.co/pFqCnz2tQ8">https://t.co/pFqCnz2tQ8</a> 
The judgement robustly affirms press freedom. Shabash!
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1643502516301119488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Thiruvananthapuram MP&nbsp;Shashi Tharoor took to Twitter and applauded the move. He said: "I welcome the SupremeCourt decision revoking the ban on Malayalam TV channel @MediaOne."

"The judgement robustly affirms press freedom. Shabash!," added the Congress leader. MediaOne editor Pramod Raman also posted a tweet saying, "Thanks to all".

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— Pramod Raman (@PramodRaman10) <a href="https://twitter.com/PramodRaman10/status/1643507092823904256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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India's apex court said that a channel's critical views on government policies cannot be termed as anti-establishment and that an independent press is necessary for a robust democracy.

It said the "press has a duty to speak truth to power and present citizens with hard facts enabling them to make choices that propel democracy in the right direction. The restriction on freedom of press compels citizens to think along the same tangent."

"Homogenised views on issues that range from socio-economic polity to political ideologies would pose great dangers to democracy," added the bench. It also said that "non-renewal of license for a channel is a restriction on the right to freedom of speech."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-man-kills-his-12th-wife-after-being-stopped-from-drinking-reports-579461">Indian man kills his 12th wife after being stopped from drinking: Reports</a>

The top court, as per PTI, also said that the government's non-disclosure of reasons for the denial of security reasons and disclosure only to the court in sealed cover amounted to a violation of the principles of natural justice. "Sealed cover procedure cannot be introduced to cover harms that cannot be remedied by public immunity proceedings," said the bench.&nbsp;It further said courts should appoint an amicus curiae to assess the claims of confidentiality and assist the court in coming out with a reasoned order.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India's Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed the central government's ban on the telecast of the Malayalam language channel 'MediaOne', ruling that "national security claims can't be made out of thin hair.

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed the central government's ban on the telecast of the Malayalam language channel 'MediaOne', ruling that "national security claims can't be made out of thin hair." A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud observed that the State can't impose unreasonable restrictions on the press as such an action would have chilling effects on press freedom. The top court alleged that the State is using national security as a tool to deny citizens remedies that are provided under the law. "National security claims cannot be made out of thin air, there must be material facts backing it," said the bench. The bench also set aside a Kerala High Court order, which had upheld the Centre's ban on the channel on "security grounds." Also read | India embraces open-source software to boost tech industry amid layoffs Kerala's ruling party and opposition leaders have both welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to quash the ban and said the order gives hope to people fighting to protect democratic principles and the Constitution. I welcome the SupremeCourt decision revoking the ban on Malayalam TV channel @MediaOne. "National security can't deny people their rights... it was raised by the MHA in a cavalier manner," said the SC:https://t.co/pFqCnz2tQ8 The judgement robustly affirms press freedom. Shabash! — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 5, 2023 × Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor took to Twitter and applauded the move. He said: "I welcome the SupremeCourt decision revoking the ban on Malayalam TV channel @MediaOne." "The judgement robustly affirms press freedom. Shabash!," added the Congress leader. MediaOne editor Pramod Raman also posted a tweet saying, "Thanks to all". എല്ലാവർക്കും നന്ദി! pic.twitter.com/T9apdKxvkg — Pramod Raman (@PramodRaman10) April 5, 2023 × India's apex court said that a channel's critical views on government policies cannot be termed as anti-establishment and that an independent press is necessary for a robust democracy. It said the "press has a duty to speak truth to power and present citizens with hard facts enabling them to make choices that propel democracy in the right direction. The restriction on freedom of press compels citizens to think along the same tangent." "Homogenised views on issues that range from socio-economic polity to political ideologies would pose great dangers to democracy," added the bench. It also said that "non-renewal of license for a channel is a restriction on the right to freedom of speech." Also read | Indian man kills his 12th wife after being stopped from drinking: Reports The top court, as per PTI, also said that the government's non-disclosure of reasons for the denial of security reasons and disclosure only to the court in sealed cover amounted to a violation of the principles of natural justice. "Sealed cover procedure cannot be introduced to cover harms that cannot be remedied by public immunity proceedings," said the bench. It further said courts should appoint an amicus curiae to assess the claims of confidentiality and assist the court in coming out with a reasoned order. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'National security claims cannot be made out of thin air': Indian SC quashes centre's ban on MediaOne

The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture & governance. India holds the presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. India's G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, speaks to WION.

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China is not pleased with the meeting of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. For the second day in running, Beijing sent its warships and aircraft off the Taiwan coast to intimidate the island country and its allies.

China is not pleased with the meeting of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. For the second day in running, Beijing sent its warships and aircraft off the Taiwan coast to intimidate the island country and its allies. According to Taiwan's defence ministry, three Chinese warships were found circling the island while a fighter jet and anti-submarine helicopter were seen lurking dangerously close to the island's air defence identification zone. Prior to the meeting on Wednesday, China had placed a fleet of ships led by the Shandong aircraft carrier. The fleet led by the aircraft carrier passed through the Bashi Channel separating Taiwan from the Philippines and then into waters to Taiwan's southeast. Subsequently, Washington also deployed its USS Nimitz aircraft some 400 nautical miles (740.8 km) off eastern Taiwan. The island nation's Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng confirmed the position of Nimitz while carefully avoiding claims that it was deployed due to the presence of the Shandong. WATCH | US House Speaker McCarthy meets Taiwan's President Tsai, China vows 'resolute' response China sanctions Reagan library Apart from flexing military muscles as pressure tactics, Beijing is also using diplomatic routes to assert itself. According to reports, Xi Jinping's government has imposed sanctions against the Ronald Regan Presidential Library — the venue of the rare, high-level meeting between Tsai and McCarthy. John Heubusch, former executive director of the Reagan Foundation; Joanne M. Drake, chief administrative officer of the Reagan Foundation have been also named in the sanctions list and any property or financial assets belonging to them or the library in China would be frozen. Apart from the Reagan Library, the Hudson Institute think tank and its director and chair of the board of directors have also been put under sanctions. Tsai had accepted a leadership award from the Hudson Institute as part of her trip to the US. ALSO READ | US, Chinese aircraft carriers flex muscles near Taiwan coast after Tsai's meeting with US House speaker Tsai completes the historic trip Despite the Chinese threat of action, Tsai went ahead with the meeting and even released statements, seemingly targeting Beijing. “It is no secret that today the peace we have maintained and the democracy which (we) have worked hard to build are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Tsai in remarks alongside McCarthy. The meeting was extremely significant as McCarthy became the senior most US figure to meet a Taiwanese leader on American soil in decades A miffed China released a statement immediately after and said, “We will take resolute measures to punish the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and their actions, and resolutely safeguard our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China sanctions Reagan library, stations warship, aircraft near Taiwan after Tsai-McCarthy meet

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