<p>MLAs in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh will not receive any pension if they defect to other parties, according to an amended bill passed in the State Assembly on Wednesday (Sep 4).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unprecedented move is aimed at tightening the noose around defectors who switch parties after elections to seek 'greener' pastures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced the&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pension of Members) Amendment Bill, 2024, which could set a precedent for other Indian states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A person shall not be entitled to a pension under the Act if he has been disqualified at any point of time under the tenth schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law)," reads the language of the bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Secton 6B of the bill stipulates that every legislator that has served for any period up to five years, is entitled to a pension of Rs 36,000 per month ($428). Additionally, every legislator will be given an extra pension of Rs 1,000 ($12) per month for every year in excess of the period of the first term.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/six-congress-mlas-disqualified-from-himachal-pradesh-assembly-for-cross-voting-bjp-695188https://www.wionews.com/videos/six-congress-mlas-disqualified-from-himachal-pradesh-assembly-for-cross-voting-bjp-695188"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Six Congress MLAs disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly for cross-voting BJP</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Congress MLAs disqualified</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in February this year, six Indian National Congress (INC) MLAs viz.,&nbsp;Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar were disqualified under the&nbsp;anti-defection law.</p>

<p>The Congress lawmakers defied the party whip and abstained from the assembly during the&nbsp;passing of the Budget for 2024-25 and discussions on a cut motion.</p>

<p>"Six MLAs, who contested on Congress symbol, attracted provisions of anti-defection law against themselves. I declare that the six people cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate effect," Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced at the time.</p>

<p>The petition to disqualify the MLAs was filed by Congress leader and parliamentary affairs Minister Harsh Wardhan Chauhan under the anti-defection law.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-political-crisis-speaker-disqualifies-6-congress-mlas-who-cross-voted-for-bjp-695045"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs who cross-voted for BJP</strong></a></p>

<p>All six MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) later which brought down the strength of the ruling party down to 33 from 39 in the now 68-member assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, referred to as the&nbsp;‘Anti-Defection Law’, is designed to prevent such opportunistic jumps by political leaders. It was passed by the Parliament in 1985.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


MLAs in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh will not receive any pension if they defect to other parties, according to an amended bill passed in the State Assembly on Wednesday (Sep 4).

MLAs in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh will not receive any pension if they defect to other parties, according to an amended bill passed in the State Assembly on Wednesday (Sep 4). The unprecedented move is aimed at tightening the noose around defectors who switch parties after elections to seek 'greener' pastures. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pension of Members) Amendment Bill, 2024, which could set a precedent for other Indian states. “A person shall not be entitled to a pension under the Act if he has been disqualified at any point of time under the tenth schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law)," reads the language of the bill. The Secton 6B of the bill stipulates that every legislator that has served for any period up to five years, is entitled to a pension of Rs 36,000 per month ($428). Additionally, every legislator will be given an extra pension of Rs 1,000 ($12) per month for every year in excess of the period of the first term. Watch | Six Congress MLAs disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly for cross-voting BJP × Congress MLAs disqualified Earlier in February this year, six Indian National Congress (INC) MLAs viz., Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar were disqualified under the anti-defection law. The Congress lawmakers defied the party whip and abstained from the assembly during the passing of the Budget for 2024-25 and discussions on a cut motion. "Six MLAs, who contested on Congress symbol, attracted provisions of anti-defection law against themselves. I declare that the six people cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate effect," Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced at the time. The petition to disqualify the MLAs was filed by Congress leader and parliamentary affairs Minister Harsh Wardhan Chauhan under the anti-defection law. Also read | Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs who cross-voted for BJP All six MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) later which brought down the strength of the ruling party down to 33 from 39 in the now 68-member assembly. Notably, the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, referred to as the ‘Anti-Defection Law’, is designed to prevent such opportunistic jumps by political leaders. It was passed by the Parliament in 1985. (With inputs from agencies)

No pension for MLAs who defect in India's Himachal Pradesh after passing of landmark bill

<p>The sex workers in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal,&nbsp;have refused to follow age-old traditions associated with Durga Puja -&nbsp;one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the wake of the gruesome rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month, there have been reports that the sex workers at Sonagchi (Asia's largest red-light district)&nbsp;have stopped the practice of&nbsp;sending soil, known as 'punya mati' for the preparation of Goddess Durga's idol for Durga Puja.</p>

<p>It is believed that soil from a sex worker's doorstep is virtuous, as it may have absorbed the purity and virtue of those who visit the sex workers.&nbsp;However, as it turns out, the tradition of sending the soil has been on halt for nearly five years, and not only due to the recent case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For years, the sex workers at Sonagachi have raised their voices against the&nbsp;injustice and violence they have faced while practising their profession.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is not a recent issue. For many years, the soil has not been provided. We still do not have acceptance of sex work as a profession in society. We have long been seeking recognition for sex work," one of the sex workers was quoted as saying by <em>Zee News</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sex workers said some people were selling the soil to idol makers, but the tradition states that it should be begged for and received as a blessing from them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sex workers said despite their many contributions to the festival, they were not acknowledged and did not get the "respect" they deserved from civil society.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite their situation, a significant number of Sonagachi workers took part in protests recently to demand justice for the doctor raped and murdered.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-victims-father-denies-responsibility-for-leaked-conversations-754670"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Victim's father denies responsibility for leaked conversations</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What is Durga Puja?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Durga Puja is an annual festival celebrated in September or October, most notably in Kolkata, but also in other parts of India and amongst the Bengali diaspora. It marks the 10-day worship of the Hindu mother goddess Durga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The festival is seen as the best instance of the public performance of religion and art and as a thriving ground for collaborative artists and designers.</p>

<p><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:684,&quot;w&quot;:662,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2560}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:684,&quot;w&quot;:662,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2560}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-west-bengal-assembly-approves-anti-rape-bill-with-full-support-from-opposition-755497">Kolkata horror: West Bengal assembly passes anti-rape bill with full support from opposition</a></strong></p>

<p>It&nbsp;is also characterised by large-scale installations and pavilions in urban areas, as well as by traditional Bengali drumming and veneration of the goddess.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The sex workers in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, have refused to follow age-old traditions associated with Durga Puja - one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in the state.

The sex workers in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, have refused to follow age-old traditions associated with Durga Puja - one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in the state. In the wake of the gruesome rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month, there have been reports that the sex workers at Sonagchi (Asia's largest red-light district) have stopped the practice of sending soil, known as 'punya mati' for the preparation of Goddess Durga's idol for Durga Puja. It is believed that soil from a sex worker's doorstep is virtuous, as it may have absorbed the purity and virtue of those who visit the sex workers. However, as it turns out, the tradition of sending the soil has been on halt for nearly five years, and not only due to the recent case. For years, the sex workers at Sonagachi have raised their voices against the injustice and violence they have faced while practising their profession. "This is not a recent issue. For many years, the soil has not been provided. We still do not have acceptance of sex work as a profession in society. We have long been seeking recognition for sex work," one of the sex workers was quoted as saying by Zee News. The sex workers said some people were selling the soil to idol makers, but the tradition states that it should be begged for and received as a blessing from them. The sex workers said despite their many contributions to the festival, they were not acknowledged and did not get the "respect" they deserved from civil society. Despite their situation, a significant number of Sonagachi workers took part in protests recently to demand justice for the doctor raped and murdered. Watch | Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Victim's father denies responsibility for leaked conversations × What is Durga Puja? Durga Puja is an annual festival celebrated in September or October, most notably in Kolkata, but also in other parts of India and amongst the Bengali diaspora. It marks the 10-day worship of the Hindu mother goddess Durga. The festival is seen as the best instance of the public performance of religion and art and as a thriving ground for collaborative artists and designers. Also read | Kolkata horror: West Bengal assembly passes anti-rape bill with full support from opposition It is also characterised by large-scale installations and pavilions in urban areas, as well as by traditional Bengali drumming and veneration of the goddess. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Why Sonagachi sex workers are avoiding age-old Durga Puja traditions?

<p>The Ukrainian armed forces are using 'flamethrower' drones to destroy Russian positions in the ongoing war, a new viral video has shown. While drone warfare has been an effective part of modern wars, especially since the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict where Azerbaijan showed its effective utilisation -- Ukraine has taken it a notch above.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video footage posted on Telegram and other social media platforms by&nbsp;Ukraine’s 108th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, an FPV drone can be seen blasting out flames where the Russian troops are believed to be positioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports suggest that the combat footage was&nbsp;filmed in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces are focusing their advance toward the city of Pokrovsk—a key logistical hub for Ukrainian forces.</p>

<p>According to experts, the video highlights the destructive capability of the modified drones as the thermite ignites upon contact, creating an inferno capable of smoking Russian positions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the below media)</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Eastern Ukraine, a Ukrainian drone drops molten thermite on a Russian-held treeline, setting it ablaze. <a href="https://t.co/LWKDj3NGpz">pic.twitter.com/LWKDj3NGpz</a></p>
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1830564527592624170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also watch | WION Pulse: Ukraine war-&nbsp;UK, Germany condemn Russian strikes on Poltava</strong></p>

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<p>The clip caught the attention of netizens who were truly astounded by the deadly innovation of the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This looks like science fiction. The drone war in Ukraine continues to evolve. Western militaries would be struggling to keep up with developments like this," said one user, while another added: "Drones are terrifying enough. But fire-dropping drones. Nightmare fuel!"</p>

<p>A third commented: "You think you've seen the last new creative use of combat drones and then."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-kyiv-plans-to-hold-indefinitely-hold-russian-territory-it-seized-says-zelensky-755654"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine war: Kyiv plans to indefinitely hold Russian territory it seized, says Zelensky</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>War continues</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, Ukraine launched a massive 158-drone attack against Russia, which sparked a large fire at a major oil refinery in Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia retaliated on Tuesday by launching two ballistic missiles that struck the Ukrainian city of Poltava and killed over 50 and injured 235.</p>

<p>A report by the news agency Associated Press said that this strike appeared to be one of the deadliest carried out by Russian forces since the war began on February 24, 2022.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</em></p>

<p><em>(More to follow)</em></p>


The Ukrainian armed forces are using 'flamethrower' drones to destroy Russian positions in the ongoing war, a new viral video has shown. While drone warfare has been an effective part of modern wars, especially since the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict where Azerbaijan showed its effective utilisation -- Ukraine has taken it a notch above.

The Ukrainian armed forces are using 'flamethrower' drones to destroy Russian positions in the ongoing war, a new viral video has shown. While drone warfare has been an effective part of modern wars, especially since the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict where Azerbaijan showed its effective utilisation -- Ukraine has taken it a notch above. In the video footage posted on Telegram and other social media platforms by Ukraine’s 108th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, an FPV drone can be seen blasting out flames where the Russian troops are believed to be positioned. Reports suggest that the combat footage was filmed in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces are focusing their advance toward the city of Pokrovsk—a key logistical hub for Ukrainian forces. According to experts, the video highlights the destructive capability of the modified drones as the thermite ignites upon contact, creating an inferno capable of smoking Russian positions. (Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the below media) Eastern Ukraine, a Ukrainian drone drops molten thermite on a Russian-held treeline, setting it ablaze. pic.twitter.com/LWKDj3NGpz — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 2, 2024 × Also watch | WION Pulse: Ukraine war- UK, Germany condemn Russian strikes on Poltava The clip caught the attention of netizens who were truly astounded by the deadly innovation of the war. "This looks like science fiction. The drone war in Ukraine continues to evolve. Western militaries would be struggling to keep up with developments like this," said one user, while another added: "Drones are terrifying enough. But fire-dropping drones. Nightmare fuel!" A third commented: "You think you've seen the last new creative use of combat drones and then." Also read | Ukraine war: Kyiv plans to indefinitely hold Russian territory it seized, says Zelensky War continues Earlier this week, Ukraine launched a massive 158-drone attack against Russia, which sparked a large fire at a major oil refinery in Moscow. Russia retaliated on Tuesday by launching two ballistic missiles that struck the Ukrainian city of Poltava and killed over 50 and injured 235. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that this strike appeared to be one of the deadliest carried out by Russian forces since the war began on February 24, 2022. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (More to follow)

Nightmare fuel! Ukraine using flame thrower drones to burn Russian positions - Video

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuideMSVqaR1HYx8" /></p>

<p>Dr Subhash Chandra, Chairman Emeritus, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL)&nbsp;has levelled serious allegations against SEBI chief, Madhabi Puri Buch, accusing her of corruption and unethical behaviour. Chandra alleged that the market regulator chief was the primary reason why the Sony-ZEEL merger fell through and that she attempted to damage the other sister companies as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yes, this was the main reason for the merger to set apart, and that is why I am questioning today that SEBI is supposed to protect the interest of minority shareholders, and she succeeded in pushing away Sony from getting merged with Zee," Chandra&nbsp;alleged.</p>

<p>The deal which was two years in the making and aimed to create one of the country's biggest media and entertainment businesses, could not be completed as SEBI cornered Chandra's son, Punit Goenka.</p>

<p>Chandra also accused Buch of even advising his son to distance himself from the media baron&nbsp;before summoning the duo for questioning.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bribe to settle the case</strong></h2>

<p>The former Rajya Sabha MP (Upper House of Indian Parliament) also spoke in detail about an incident from 2019 when he requested leaders in a boardroom to grant him time to repay loans. Chandra stated that without patience, both the lenders and investors, including mutual funds would lose money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He accused Buch of not extending the repayment period and imposing penalties on those who agreed to defer&nbsp;repayments. Chandra alleged that a bribe was demanded by one Manjit Singh — recommended to him by a bank’s chairperson, to settle the case. Singh, who was acting as a middleman, said he could&nbsp;resolve the matter with Buch and her husband for a "price".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hindenburg-vs-sebi-chief-credibility-crisis-staring-at-sebi-chief-753906"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hindenburg vs SEBI Chief: Credibility crisis staring at SEBI Chief?</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, in the recently released report by&nbsp;US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research, it was alleged that Buch and her husband worked together to hide her conflict of interest details regarding her investments abroad in Adani Group-linked funds. Buch transferred her investments to her husband so as to avoid regulatory hassles.<br />
<br />
“I am convinced that the SEBI chairperson is corrupt since she and her husband, whose combined income was around Rs 1 crore per annum before she assumed the position at Sebi, has now gone up to Rs 40-50 crore per annum," said Chandra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This needs to be investigated by the media and investigating agencies, including an analysis of the settled and compounded cases and the consultation fees paid by such corporates and received by the Sebi chairperson and her connected persons. These are many ways she and her husband extort money from corporates and stock market corrupt operators and fund managers."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sebi-chair-under-fire-from-congress-for-conflict-of-interest-linked-to-rs-168-crore-icici-bank-payments-755210"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;SEBI Chair under fire from Congress for Conflict of Interest, linked to Rs 16.8 crore ICICI Bank Payments</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Buch and Kochhar connection&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Zee Group patriarch&nbsp;also accused Buch of having relations with embattled ICICI chief Chanda Kochhar after Congress on Monday said the bank was paying salary to the SEBI chair.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"ICICI Bank and my investigation tells me that Madhabi Puri Buch and Chanda Kochhar at that time, were constantly on phone calls," he said, adding: "She was the very close person, and Chanda Kochhar was the one who was giving the money to her, which has been revealed today this morning, for crores of rupees, she was taking illegally from ICICI."</p>

<p>Chandra said he had&nbsp;taken a decision "not to cooperate with SEBI any further" as he intends to take legal action against Buch.</p>

<p>“I don’t want to subject myself to this investigation by a corrupt person. You may get me investigated by anybody, any third party, any independent."</p>

<p>The chairman emeritus of ZEEL added that he had written a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in this regard but was yet to receive a&nbsp;response.&nbsp;</p>


Dr Subhash Chandra, Chairman Emeritus, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has levelled serious allegations against SEBI chief, Madhabi Puri Buch, accusing her of corruption and unethical behaviour.

Dr Subhash Chandra, Chairman Emeritus, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has levelled serious allegations against SEBI chief, Madhabi Puri Buch, accusing her of corruption and unethical behaviour. Chandra alleged that the market regulator chief was the primary reason why the Sony-ZEEL merger fell through and that she attempted to damage the other sister companies as well. "Yes, this was the main reason for the merger to set apart, and that is why I am questioning today that SEBI is supposed to protect the interest of minority shareholders, and she succeeded in pushing away Sony from getting merged with Zee," Chandra alleged. The deal which was two years in the making and aimed to create one of the country's biggest media and entertainment businesses, could not be completed as SEBI cornered Chandra's son, Punit Goenka. Chandra also accused Buch of even advising his son to distance himself from the media baron before summoning the duo for questioning. Bribe to settle the case The former Rajya Sabha MP (Upper House of Indian Parliament) also spoke in detail about an incident from 2019 when he requested leaders in a boardroom to grant him time to repay loans. Chandra stated that without patience, both the lenders and investors, including mutual funds would lose money. He accused Buch of not extending the repayment period and imposing penalties on those who agreed to defer repayments. Chandra alleged that a bribe was demanded by one Manjit Singh — recommended to him by a bank’s chairperson, to settle the case. Singh, who was acting as a middleman, said he could resolve the matter with Buch and her husband for a "price". Watch | Hindenburg vs SEBI Chief: Credibility crisis staring at SEBI Chief? × Notably, in the recently released report by US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research, it was alleged that Buch and her husband worked together to hide her conflict of interest details regarding her investments abroad in Adani Group-linked funds. Buch transferred her investments to her husband so as to avoid regulatory hassles. “I am convinced that the SEBI chairperson is corrupt since she and her husband, whose combined income was around Rs 1 crore per annum before she assumed the position at Sebi, has now gone up to Rs 40-50 crore per annum," said Chandra. "This needs to be investigated by the media and investigating agencies, including an analysis of the settled and compounded cases and the consultation fees paid by such corporates and received by the Sebi chairperson and her connected persons. These are many ways she and her husband extort money from corporates and stock market corrupt operators and fund managers." Also read | SEBI Chair under fire from Congress for Conflict of Interest, linked to Rs 16.8 crore ICICI Bank Payments Buch and Kochhar connection The Zee Group patriarch also accused Buch of having relations with embattled ICICI chief Chanda Kochhar after Congress on Monday said the bank was paying salary to the SEBI chair. "ICICI Bank and my investigation tells me that Madhabi Puri Buch and Chanda Kochhar at that time, were constantly on phone calls," he said, adding: "She was the very close person, and Chanda Kochhar was the one who was giving the money to her, which has been revealed today this morning, for crores of rupees, she was taking illegally from ICICI." Chandra said he had taken a decision "not to cooperate with SEBI any further" as he intends to take legal action against Buch. “I don’t want to subject myself to this investigation by a corrupt person. You may get me investigated by anybody, any third party, any independent." The chairman emeritus of ZEEL added that he had written a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in this regard but was yet to receive a response.

Subhash Chandra accuses SEBI chair of corruption, blames her for Zee-Sony merger failure

<p>The&nbsp;Defence Acquisition Council&nbsp;(DAC), under the chairmanship of&nbsp;Defence Minister&nbsp;Rajnath Singh&nbsp;on Tuesday (Sep 3) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 1,44,716 crore ($17 billion)</p>

<p>Of the total cost of AoNs, 99 per cent is from Indigenous sources under the Buy (Indian) and Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories, the Ministry of Defence stated.</p>

<p>For the modernisation of the tank fleet of the&nbsp;Indian Army, the proposal for procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) has been cleared.</p>

<p>The FRCV will be a futuristic Main Battle Tank with superior mobility, all-terrain ability, multilayered protections, precision and lethal fires over and real-time situational awareness, the release stated.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-inks-2-pacts-with-us-during-visit-to-washington-755027"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inks 2 pacts with US during visit to Washington</strong></a></p>

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<p>The AoN was also accorded for procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars, which will detect and track aerial targets and provide firing solutions.</p>

<p>The proposal has also been approved for Forward Repair Team (Tracked) which has suitable cross-country mobility for carrying out in-situ repair during mechanised operations.</p>

<p>This equipment is designed and developed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, and is authorised for both mechanised Infantry Battalion and Armoured Regiment, the ministry said.</p>

<p>Three AoNs have been accorded to enhance the capabilities of the&nbsp;Indian Coast Guard&nbsp;(ICG).&nbsp;The procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels having high operational features in rough weather conditions and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels with advanced technology and enhanced long-range operations, will enhance the capability of ICG to carry out surveillance, patrolling of the maritime zone, search and rescue and disaster relief operations.</p>

<p>Towards the end of the meeting, the&nbsp;Defence Minister&nbsp;took a moment to honour the late&nbsp;Indian Coast Guard&nbsp;(ICG)&nbsp;DG Rakesh Pal, who was also a member of&nbsp;DAC. The DG passed away due to a heart attack in Chennai on August 18, 2024.</p>

<p>Rajnath Singh&nbsp;highlighted&nbsp;DG Rakesh Pal's remarkable contributions to the growth and expansion of ICG.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-soldier-critically-injured-following-terror-attack-on-army-camp-in-indias-jammu-755275"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Jammu incident in which Indian Army soldier died is not terror attack: Officials</strong></a></p>

<p>He conveyed heartfelt condolences, prayers and unwavering support on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to the bereaved family.</p>

<p>In a solemn tribute, all members of&nbsp;DAC&nbsp;then stood up to observe a moment of silence, paying their respects to the late&nbsp;DG Rakesh Pal&nbsp;whose legacy will continue to inspire.</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 Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (Sep 3) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 1,44,716 crore ($17 billion) Of the total cost of AoNs, 99 per cent is from Indigenous sources under the Buy (Indian) and Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories, the Ministry of Defence stated.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (Sep 3) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 1,44,716 crore ($17 billion) Of the total cost of AoNs, 99 per cent is from Indigenous sources under the Buy (Indian) and Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories, the Ministry of Defence stated. For the modernisation of the tank fleet of the Indian Army, the proposal for procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) has been cleared. The FRCV will be a futuristic Main Battle Tank with superior mobility, all-terrain ability, multilayered protections, precision and lethal fires over and real-time situational awareness, the release stated. Watch | Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inks 2 pacts with US during visit to Washington × The AoN was also accorded for procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars, which will detect and track aerial targets and provide firing solutions. The proposal has also been approved for Forward Repair Team (Tracked) which has suitable cross-country mobility for carrying out in-situ repair during mechanised operations. This equipment is designed and developed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, and is authorised for both mechanised Infantry Battalion and Armoured Regiment, the ministry said. Three AoNs have been accorded to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels having high operational features in rough weather conditions and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels with advanced technology and enhanced long-range operations, will enhance the capability of ICG to carry out surveillance, patrolling of the maritime zone, search and rescue and disaster relief operations. Towards the end of the meeting, the Defence Minister took a moment to honour the late Indian Coast Guard (ICG) DG Rakesh Pal, who was also a member of DAC. The DG passed away due to a heart attack in Chennai on August 18, 2024. Rajnath Singh highlighted DG Rakesh Pal's remarkable contributions to the growth and expansion of ICG. Also read | Jammu incident in which Indian Army soldier died is not terror attack: Officials He conveyed heartfelt condolences, prayers and unwavering support on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to the bereaved family. In a solemn tribute, all members of DAC then stood up to observe a moment of silence, paying their respects to the late DG Rakesh Pal whose legacy will continue to inspire. 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.

Indian government gives nod to procure military hardware worth $17 billion

<p>Mobile phones are not linked to brain and neck cancers, one of the biggest and most comprehensive studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), in association with the New Zealand Ministry of Health, has shown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For years, the common notion was that mobile phones emitting&nbsp;radio waves, a type of non-ionising radiation, could cause brain cancer or other forms of tumours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the review, which included 64 observational studies documenting the use of phones and its effect on the human body, published between 1994 and 2022 with participants from 22 countries, has stated clearly that there is no link between any type of cancer caused by mobile usage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We concluded the evidence does not show a link between mobile phones and brain cancer or other head and neck cancers.”</p>

<p>The review looked at cancers of the brain in adults and children, as well as cancer of the pituitary gland, salivary glands and leukaemias, and risks linked to mobile phone use, base stations, or transmitters, as well as occupational exposure.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the study clarified that there was no association with cancer even if a person used a mobile phone for 10 or more years (prolonged use). Importantly, the study shows despite the rise in the use of wireless technologies in recent years, there has been no rise in the incidence of brain cancers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“None of the major questions studied showed increased risks," said Mark Elwood, co-author of the study and professor of cancer epidemiology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/smartphone-trends-redefining-mobile-technology-737182"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Smartphone trends redefining mobile technology</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What was the previous consensus?</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, it was the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the WHO that classified radio wave exposure as a possible carcinogen to humans, way back in 2011.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The classification was largely based on limited evidence from human observational studies where&nbsp;people with brain cancer reported they used a mobile phone more than they actually did.</p>

<p>Observational studies are used by researchers to investigate long-term health effects in humans but the results can often be biased.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-wait-is-over-iphone-16-is-getting-launched-on-september-9-754350"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;The wait is over, iphone 16 is getting launched on September 9</strong></a></p>

<p>After the new study results, the researchers have called for&nbsp;classification to be re-evaluated as soon as possible given the new data since its last assessment in 2011.</p>

<p>Mobile phones, especially the modern ones, emit low-level radio waves, much below the safety limits. The study results are reassuring and should help in reducing&nbsp;the myths associated with their long-term usage, the experts added.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mobile phones are not linked to brain and neck cancers, one of the biggest and most comprehensive studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), in association with the New Zealand Ministry of Health, has shown.

Mobile phones are not linked to brain and neck cancers, one of the biggest and most comprehensive studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), in association with the New Zealand Ministry of Health, has shown. For years, the common notion was that mobile phones emitting radio waves, a type of non-ionising radiation, could cause brain cancer or other forms of tumours. However, the review, which included 64 observational studies documenting the use of phones and its effect on the human body, published between 1994 and 2022 with participants from 22 countries, has stated clearly that there is no link between any type of cancer caused by mobile usage. “We concluded the evidence does not show a link between mobile phones and brain cancer or other head and neck cancers.” The review looked at cancers of the brain in adults and children, as well as cancer of the pituitary gland, salivary glands and leukaemias, and risks linked to mobile phone use, base stations, or transmitters, as well as occupational exposure. Additionally, the study clarified that there was no association with cancer even if a person used a mobile phone for 10 or more years (prolonged use). Importantly, the study shows despite the rise in the use of wireless technologies in recent years, there has been no rise in the incidence of brain cancers. “None of the major questions studied showed increased risks," said Mark Elwood, co-author of the study and professor of cancer epidemiology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Watch | Smartphone trends redefining mobile technology × What was the previous consensus? Notably, it was the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the WHO that classified radio wave exposure as a possible carcinogen to humans, way back in 2011. The classification was largely based on limited evidence from human observational studies where people with brain cancer reported they used a mobile phone more than they actually did. Observational studies are used by researchers to investigate long-term health effects in humans but the results can often be biased. Also read | The wait is over, iphone 16 is getting launched on September 9 After the new study results, the researchers have called for classification to be re-evaluated as soon as possible given the new data since its last assessment in 2011. Mobile phones, especially the modern ones, emit low-level radio waves, much below the safety limits. The study results are reassuring and should help in reducing the myths associated with their long-term usage, the experts added. (With inputs from agencies)

Mobile phones do not cause brain cancer, biggest study conducted by WHO finds

<p>The Indian National Congress (INC) on Tuesday (Sep 3)&nbsp;intensified its attacks on Madhabi Puri Buch, a day after accusing her of&nbsp;receiving salary from ICICI Bank while serving as the SEBI chairperson, leading to a conflict of interest.</p>

<p>Congress, the country's largest opposition party, questioned how Buch's retiral benefits from her stint at the bank were more than the salary she drew.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"How can the retirement benefits be more than the salary she drew when she was with ICICI? Her average annual salary at ICICI was Rs 1.30 crore. However, her average pension and other retiral benefits turned out to be Rs 2.77 crore. How is it even possible?" questioned&nbsp;Congress leader Pawan Khera in a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a particular year which shows no salary (drawn by Buch). This technically ended her relationship with ICICI. But when she became a whole-time member of Sebi, this relationship resumed," Khera said.</p>

<p>"We now want to demand the Sebi to come out clean and respond to our charges."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/leading-industrialist-former-lawmaker-accuses-sebi-chief-of-hurting-investors-755521"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Leading Industrialist &amp; former lawmaker accuses SEBI chief of hurting investors</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Buch's Kochhar connection</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday, Dr Subhash Chandra, Chairman Emeritus, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL), also alleged that Buch had a connection with embattled former ICICI chairman&nbsp;Chanda Kochhar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"ICICI Bank and my investigation tells me that Madhabi Puri Buch and Chanda Kochhar at that time, were constantly on phone calls," said Chandra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She was the very close person, and Chanda Kochhar was the one who was giving the money to her, which has been revealed today this morning, for crores of rupees, she was taking illegally from ICICI."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-congress-slams-modi-questions-whether-the-pm-was-aware-of-sebi-chair-buchs-conflict-of-interest-755221"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Congress slams PM Modi, questions whether he was aware of SEBI chair Buch’s ‘conflict of interest’</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>ICICI Bank clarifies&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Congress raised the questions after ICICI Bank released a statement on Monday, clarifying&nbsp;it had paid no salary to Buch after her retirement.</p>

<p>"ICICI Bank or its group companies have not paid any salary or granted any ESOPs to Ms Madhabi Puri Buch after her retirement, other than her retiral benefits," said the bank.</p>

<p>"All the payments made to Ms Buch post her retirement had accrued to her during her employment phase with the ICICI Group. These payments comprise ESOPs and retiral benefits," the statement added.</p>

<p>The Indian market regulator has come under intense scrutiny ever since US-based short seller, Hindenburg Research, released a report alleging that Buch invested money in an obscure offshore fund that tied her to the Adani Group and its syphoning of funds case.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian National Congress (INC) on Tuesday (Sep 3) intensified its attacks on Madhabi Puri Buch, a day after accusing her of receiving salary from ICICI Bank while serving as the SEBI chairperson, leading to a conflict of interest.

The Indian National Congress (INC) on Tuesday (Sep 3) intensified its attacks on Madhabi Puri Buch, a day after accusing her of receiving salary from ICICI Bank while serving as the SEBI chairperson, leading to a conflict of interest. Congress, the country's largest opposition party, questioned how Buch's retiral benefits from her stint at the bank were more than the salary she drew. "How can the retirement benefits be more than the salary she drew when she was with ICICI? Her average annual salary at ICICI was Rs 1.30 crore. However, her average pension and other retiral benefits turned out to be Rs 2.77 crore. How is it even possible?" questioned Congress leader Pawan Khera in a press conference. "There is a particular year which shows no salary (drawn by Buch). This technically ended her relationship with ICICI. But when she became a whole-time member of Sebi, this relationship resumed," Khera said. "We now want to demand the Sebi to come out clean and respond to our charges." Watch | Leading Industrialist & former lawmaker accuses SEBI chief of hurting investors × Buch's Kochhar connection On Monday, Dr Subhash Chandra, Chairman Emeritus, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL), also alleged that Buch had a connection with embattled former ICICI chairman Chanda Kochhar. "ICICI Bank and my investigation tells me that Madhabi Puri Buch and Chanda Kochhar at that time, were constantly on phone calls," said Chandra. "She was the very close person, and Chanda Kochhar was the one who was giving the money to her, which has been revealed today this morning, for crores of rupees, she was taking illegally from ICICI." Also read | India: Congress slams PM Modi, questions whether he was aware of SEBI chair Buch’s ‘conflict of interest’ ICICI Bank clarifies Congress raised the questions after ICICI Bank released a statement on Monday, clarifying it had paid no salary to Buch after her retirement. "ICICI Bank or its group companies have not paid any salary or granted any ESOPs to Ms Madhabi Puri Buch after her retirement, other than her retiral benefits," said the bank. "All the payments made to Ms Buch post her retirement had accrued to her during her employment phase with the ICICI Group. These payments comprise ESOPs and retiral benefits," the statement added. The Indian market regulator has come under intense scrutiny ever since US-based short seller, Hindenburg Research, released a report alleging that Buch invested money in an obscure offshore fund that tied her to the Adani Group and its syphoning of funds case. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress intensifies attack on SEBI chief for receiving more retiral benefit than salary from ICICI Bank

<p>Salary packages as low as Rs 4 lakh ($4,764) have been offered to students during the recent placement season at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. The lowest package offered last year was around Rs 6 lakh ($7,146).&nbsp;</p>

<p>As many as 10 students are believed to have accepted job offers in the range of Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh per annum, according to a report in <em>Economic Times.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>The premier educational institute of the country saw 543 companies registering for placements, out of which 388 came to the campus while 364 made offers.</p>

<p>While the lowest salary package decreased, the average annual package experienced a slight increase of 7.7 per cent - rising from Rs 21.8 lakh ($25,965) in 2023 to Rs 23.5 lakh ($27,990) in 2024.</p>

<p>At the same time, the placement percentage hovered around the 75 mark, which was a seven per cent decrease from last year's placement rate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Most of the remaining unplaced students have identified avenues to be gainfully employed," a report by IIT-Bombay stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-are-tech-firms-reluctant-to-hire-from-iit-bombay-707840"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Are tech firms reluctant to hire from IIT Bombay?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Sector-wise hiring&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Cumulatively, 775 students secured job offers in multinational corporations in India, while 663 were placed in Indian firms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This year, we saw a 12 per cent increase in companies recruited from IIT Bombay. 78 international offers were accepted in both Phases of the IIT Bombay Placements for AY 2023-24, while 22 offers of above Rs 1 crore per year were accepted during this drive," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-tech-firm-valued-at-100mn-gives-away-33pc-ownership-to-staff-675944"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Tech firm valued at $100 million gives away 33 per cent ownership to staff</strong></a></p>

<p>The engineering and technology sector recruited the highest numbers of students, with 430 students securing entry-level positions in 106 core engineering companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>IT and tech hiring also saw a slight uptick compared to last year due to artificial intelligence and&nbsp;machine learning remaining the buzzwords of the year.&nbsp;However, consulting offers were considerably less this year, with only 29 companies recruiting 117 students.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The finance sector companies secured the services of 113 IIT-B graduates, while at least 17 design companies offered 33 jobs, which was lower than last year's numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the research and development segment, where companies are involved in&nbsp;chemical and mechanical research, energy efficiency solutions, semiconductors&nbsp;and research laboratories - a total of 36 organisations turned up and offered 97 positions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Salary packages as low as Rs 4 lakh ($4,764) have been offered to students during the recent placement season at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

Salary packages as low as Rs 4 lakh ($4,764) have been offered to students during the recent placement season at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. The lowest package offered last year was around Rs 6 lakh ($7,146). As many as 10 students are believed to have accepted job offers in the range of Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh per annum, according to a report in Economic Times. The premier educational institute of the country saw 543 companies registering for placements, out of which 388 came to the campus while 364 made offers. While the lowest salary package decreased, the average annual package experienced a slight increase of 7.7 per cent - rising from Rs 21.8 lakh ($25,965) in 2023 to Rs 23.5 lakh ($27,990) in 2024. At the same time, the placement percentage hovered around the 75 mark, which was a seven per cent decrease from last year's placement rate. "Most of the remaining unplaced students have identified avenues to be gainfully employed," a report by IIT-Bombay stated. Watch | Gravitas | Are tech firms reluctant to hire from IIT Bombay? × Sector-wise hiring Cumulatively, 775 students secured job offers in multinational corporations in India, while 663 were placed in Indian firms. "This year, we saw a 12 per cent increase in companies recruited from IIT Bombay. 78 international offers were accepted in both Phases of the IIT Bombay Placements for AY 2023-24, while 22 offers of above Rs 1 crore per year were accepted during this drive," it added. Also read | India: Tech firm valued at $100 million gives away 33 per cent ownership to staff The engineering and technology sector recruited the highest numbers of students, with 430 students securing entry-level positions in 106 core engineering companies. IT and tech hiring also saw a slight uptick compared to last year due to artificial intelligence and machine learning remaining the buzzwords of the year. However, consulting offers were considerably less this year, with only 29 companies recruiting 117 students. The finance sector companies secured the services of 113 IIT-B graduates, while at least 17 design companies offered 33 jobs, which was lower than last year's numbers. In the research and development segment, where companies are involved in chemical and mechanical research, energy efficiency solutions, semiconductors and research laboratories - a total of 36 organisations turned up and offered 97 positions. (With inputs from agencies)

Minimum salary package at IIT Bombay drops to $4,800 during placement season

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1852}">The United States may soon put forward a "take it or leave it" deal in front of Hamas and Israel. This comes after Israel on Sunday (Sep 1) discovered the bodies of six, including Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin taken hostage by Hamas on Oct 7.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:82,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1919}">As per a Washington Post report citing a senior US administration official, the US, along with Egypt and Qatar, has been discussing a deal, the failure of which could see America exit the negotiations.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:131,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1968}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:345,&quot;w&quot;:741,&quot;h&quot;:49,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2035}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-discovers-bodies-in-gaza-possible-hostages-from-oct-7-the-country-will-tremble-warn-angry-families-754927">IDF discovers bodies of six Oct 7 hostages in Gaza : 'The country will tremble,' warn angry families</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:164,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2001}">The "take it or leave it" deal is set to be presented in the next few weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:196,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2033}">"You can't keep negotiating this. This process has to be called at some point," said the official.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:232,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2069}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:232,&quot;w&quot;:587,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2069}">How will the </strong>discovery of&nbsp;<strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:232,&quot;w&quot;:587,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2069}">hostage remains impact the negotiations?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:277,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2114}">According to the official, the discovery of the hostage remains adds "urgency" to the deal.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:309,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2146}">"Does it derail the deal? No. If anything, it should add additional urgency in this closing phase, which we were already in," said the US official.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:309,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2146}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-confirms-israeli-american-hersh-goldberg-polin-among-gaza-hostage-remains-biden-condemns-hamas-754942" target="_blank">US confirms Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin among Gaza hostage remains, Biden condemns Hamas</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:359,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2196}">Last week's negotiations, as per&nbsp;reports, were primarily focused on which hostages would be freed in exchange for specific Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Three of the six hostages —&nbsp;Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat and Eden Yerushalmi — whose remains were found on Sunday were part of the list of people set to be released.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:443,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2280}">With this, as per the Washington Post, the negotiations have now taken on added complexity and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners would now need to be renegotiated.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:443,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2280}">The&nbsp;Israel Defense Forces and the US alleged that&nbsp;the six hostages were killed "execution style"&nbsp;by their Hamas&nbsp;captors "shortly before" they were discovered. This execution, as per a senior US administration official, "calls into question" the militant group's seriousness in the talks. According to the official, Hamas has remained stubborn during various parts of the negotiations, despite Israeli officials making concessions.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:493,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2330}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:493,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2330}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States may soon put forward a "take it or leave it" deal in front of Hamas and Israel. This comes after Israel on Sunday (Sep 1) discovered the bodies of six, including Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin taken hostage by Hamas on Oct 7.

The United States may soon put forward a "take it or leave it" deal in front of Hamas and Israel. This comes after Israel on Sunday (Sep 1) discovered the bodies of six, including Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin taken hostage by Hamas on Oct 7. As per a Washington Post report citing a senior US administration official, the US, along with Egypt and Qatar, has been discussing a deal, the failure of which could see America exit the negotiations. Also read | IDF discovers bodies of six Oct 7 hostages in Gaza : 'The country will tremble,' warn angry families The "take it or leave it" deal is set to be presented in the next few weeks. "You can't keep negotiating this. This process has to be called at some point," said the official. How will the discovery of hostage remains impact the negotiations? According to the official, the discovery of the hostage remains adds "urgency" to the deal. "Does it derail the deal? No. If anything, it should add additional urgency in this closing phase, which we were already in," said the US official. Also read | US confirms Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin among Gaza hostage remains, Biden condemns Hamas Last week's negotiations, as per reports, were primarily focused on which hostages would be freed in exchange for specific Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Three of the six hostages — Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat and Eden Yerushalmi — whose remains were found on Sunday were part of the list of people set to be released. With this, as per the Washington Post, the negotiations have now taken on added complexity and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners would now need to be renegotiated. The Israel Defense Forces and the US alleged that the six hostages were killed "execution style" by their Hamas captors "shortly before" they were discovered. This execution, as per a senior US administration official, "calls into question" the militant group's seriousness in the talks. According to the official, Hamas has remained stubborn during various parts of the negotiations, despite Israeli officials making concessions. (With inputs from agencies)

US finalising 'take it or leave it' deal for Israel-Hamas war

<p>Britain on Monday (Sep 2) said it would suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, citing a "clear risk" that they could be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law.</p>

<p>Foreign Secretary David Lammy told parliament that the partial ban covered items "which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza" against Hamas but did not include parts for the F-35 fighter jets.</p>

<p>The foreign minister announced a review looking at the arms sales shortly after Labour swept to power in a landslide general election victory over the Conservatives in July.</p>

<p>"It is with regret that I inform the House (of Commons) today the assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain UK arms exports to Israel, there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law," Lammy told lawmakers.</p>

<p>He stressed that the suspension was "not a determination of innocence or guilt" and that the situation would be kept under review.</p>

<p>"We have not and could not arbitrate on whether or not Israel has breached international humanitarian law," Lammy said, adding that Britain is "not an international court".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/change-in-policy-towards-israel-uk-drops-its-plan-to-challenge-netanyahus-arrest-744563"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Change in policy towards Israel? UK drops its plan to challenge Netanyahu's arrest warrant</strong></a></p>

<p>Lammy reiterated Britain's support for Israel to defend itself and stressed the suspension would not have a "material impact on Israel's security".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Britain's centre-left Labour government has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, and for the speeding up of aid deliveries into Gaza, since taking power on July 5.</p>

<p>It has followed the same approach to the conflict as the previous Conservative government, with Lammy and other ministers at pains to demand Hamas release the hostages seized in its October 7 attacks as part of any ceasefire.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-uk-foreign-minister-david-lammy-pushes-for-end-to-fighting-in-gaza-741178"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: UK foreign minister David Lammy pushes for end to fighting in Gaza</strong></a></p>

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<p>Some commentators have suggested, however, that Labour led by Keir Starmer -- a former human rights lawyer -- may take a tougher long-term stance towards Israel and how it conducts its military operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, the UK foreign ministry said it was "deeply" concerned by an Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank, urging it to "exercise restraint" and adhere to international law.</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>


Britain on Monday (Sep 2) said it would suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, citing a "clear risk" that they could be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law.

Britain on Monday (Sep 2) said it would suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, citing a "clear risk" that they could be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law. Foreign Secretary David Lammy told parliament that the partial ban covered items "which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza" against Hamas but did not include parts for the F-35 fighter jets. The foreign minister announced a review looking at the arms sales shortly after Labour swept to power in a landslide general election victory over the Conservatives in July. "It is with regret that I inform the House (of Commons) today the assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain UK arms exports to Israel, there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law," Lammy told lawmakers. He stressed that the suspension was "not a determination of innocence or guilt" and that the situation would be kept under review. "We have not and could not arbitrate on whether or not Israel has breached international humanitarian law," Lammy said, adding that Britain is "not an international court". Also read | Change in policy towards Israel? UK drops its plan to challenge Netanyahu's arrest warrant Lammy reiterated Britain's support for Israel to defend itself and stressed the suspension would not have a "material impact on Israel's security". Britain's centre-left Labour government has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, and for the speeding up of aid deliveries into Gaza, since taking power on July 5. It has followed the same approach to the conflict as the previous Conservative government, with Lammy and other ministers at pains to demand Hamas release the hostages seized in its October 7 attacks as part of any ceasefire. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: UK foreign minister David Lammy pushes for end to fighting in Gaza × Some commentators have suggested, however, that Labour led by Keir Starmer -- a former human rights lawyer -- may take a tougher long-term stance towards Israel and how it conducts its military operations. Last week, the UK foreign ministry said it was "deeply" concerned by an Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank, urging it to "exercise restraint" and adhere to international law. 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.

UK's Labour government to pause some arms sales to Israel. Know why

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<p>The problematic Boeing Starliner craft, supposed to return to Earth this weekend, has started emitting 'strange noises' while in space. This supposed anomaly was observed and notified by veteran NASA Astronaut and Starliner crew member Butch Wilmore, who flew on the craft along with Sunita Williams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Starliner, Boeing's under-development astronaut ferry, has been plagued with multiple issues. Owing to the risks involved, this very craft which ferried Williams and Wilmore, would be returning to earth on auto-pilot, without the duo. The American astronaut duo are to return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon Craft, sometime in February 2025, thereby extending their eight-day mission to eight months.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Boeing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Boeing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Starliner?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Starliner</a> haunted? Or is someone banging its door with a metal plate &amp; trying to enter?<br />
What's this weird noise that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASA</a> astronaut <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ButchWilmore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ButchWilmore</a> has been hearing from Starliner's speaker? Electronic/RF Interference?<br />
Listen carefully...☠️👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://t.co/JQGBenWZOc">pic.twitter.com/JQGBenWZOc</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1830299202246910383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>This noise, which emanated from Starliner's speakers has given rise to wild speculations and technical debates on the likely causes. From alien theories to ghost stories, sarcastic comments at Boeing, a few technical explanations, and a whole lot of theories are doing the rounds on social media.</p>

<h2><strong>What's the Starliner 'noise' all about?</strong></h2>

<p>Over the last three months, there's been a lot of trouble with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and it's been creating a buzz on the news and social media. However, what's cropped up now is literally 'noise'.</p>

<p>This weekend, from aboard the Starliner that's docked to the International Space Station, Butch Wilmore radioed the Mission Control at NASA"s Johnson Space Center, Houston: "I've got a question about Starliner. There's a strange noise coming through the speaker. I don't know what's making it."</p>

<p>Wilmore, while aboard the Starliner, is known to have made three attempts to relay the 'strange audio' to his ground controllers. The pinging noise was clearly captured on two of those attempts and the ground teams were heard acknowledging the same over the radio. A short audio clip of this conversation between Wilmore and Mission Control was made available online by Rob Dale, a Michigan-based meteorologist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Alright Butch, that one came through..." Mission control can be heard telling Wilmore. "It was kind of like a pulsing noise, almost like a sonar ping," they added. Some social media users pointed out that the sound resembled that of banging against a metallic surface.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/stuck-in-space-astronaut-reports-strange-noises-from-starliner-that-took-sunita-williams-to-space-watch-755174"><strong>Also read | Stuck in space: Astronaut reports 'strange noises' from Starliner that took Sunita Williams to space</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Are such 'strange noises' unprecedented ?</strong></h2>

<p>More than two decades ago, during China's maiden astronaut mission, lone Taikonaut Yang Liwei heard strange sounds while in his spacecraft.&nbsp;"Knocking an iron bucket with a wooden hammer," that's how he had described his experience from the year 2003.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was later learnt that the sound comes from tiny deformations in the space capsule's inner wall materials due to changes in pressure. "A change of capsule temperature would cause a change in air pressure, and the difference in pressure between the inner and outer walls of the capsule caused tiny deformations of the wall materials, producing the sound Dong! Dong! Dong!," it was revealed by Chinese researchers and spacecraft designers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How dangerous and worrisome are these noises?</strong></h2>

<p>Unlike the Chinese mission, the Starliner's 'strange noise' phenomenon is known to be emanating from the speakers, and not the spacecraft's body. Therefore, on the face of it, it appears not so worrisome. However, given the poor track record of Starliner and the saga that has been dragging on, anything is possible!</p>

<p>"There are several noises I'd prefer not to hear inside my spaceship, including this one that&nbsp;@Boeing Starliner is now making," veteran Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield said in a social media post.</p>

<p>This further adds to the reputational damage that Boeing has been suffering - for its vehicles that ply on earth and outside of earth.</p>

<h2><strong>Radio Frequency Interference or Audio Feedback</strong></h2>

<p>Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is a type of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that occurs when unwanted radio frequency signals disrupt the normal operation of electronic devices. This interference can be caused by various sources, both natural and human-made. Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, Wi-fi routers, and a plethora of other devices can cause some kind of RFI.</p>

<p>At the 400 km height at which the Space Station and the Starliner orbits, there are several satellites above and below, and there are multiple ground-based antennae sending signals to space. Radio frequency interference is among the likely scenarios when considering that the 'strange audio' has emanated from a speaker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Audio feedback, often heard as a high-pitched screeching sound, occurs when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker and re-amplifies it, creating a continuous and disturbing loop. This could be caused when a microphone is placed too close to a speaker when there are reflective surfaces that bounce sound back into the mic, or even when the mic and speaker are at high volume.</p>


The problematic Boeing Starliner craft, supposed to return to Earth this weekend, has started emitting 'strange noises' while in space. This supposed anomaly was observed and notified by veteran NASA Astronaut and Starliner crew member Butch Wilmore, who flew on the craft along with Sunita Williams.

The problematic Boeing Starliner craft, supposed to return to Earth this weekend, has started emitting 'strange noises' while in space. This supposed anomaly was observed and notified by veteran NASA Astronaut and Starliner crew member Butch Wilmore, who flew on the craft along with Sunita Williams. Starliner, Boeing's under-development astronaut ferry, has been plagued with multiple issues. Owing to the risks involved, this very craft which ferried Williams and Wilmore, would be returning to earth on auto-pilot, without the duo. The American astronaut duo are to return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon Craft, sometime in February 2025, thereby extending their eight-day mission to eight months. Is #Boeing #Starliner haunted? Or is someone banging its door with a metal plate & trying to enter? What's this weird noise that #NASA astronaut #ButchWilmore has been hearing from Starliner's speaker? Electronic/RF Interference? Listen carefully...☠️👇#space #science #tech pic.twitter.com/JQGBenWZOc — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) September 1, 2024 × This noise, which emanated from Starliner's speakers has given rise to wild speculations and technical debates on the likely causes. From alien theories to ghost stories, sarcastic comments at Boeing, a few technical explanations, and a whole lot of theories are doing the rounds on social media. What's the Starliner 'noise' all about? Over the last three months, there's been a lot of trouble with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and it's been creating a buzz on the news and social media. However, what's cropped up now is literally 'noise'. This weekend, from aboard the Starliner that's docked to the International Space Station, Butch Wilmore radioed the Mission Control at NASA"s Johnson Space Center, Houston: "I've got a question about Starliner. There's a strange noise coming through the speaker. I don't know what's making it." Wilmore, while aboard the Starliner, is known to have made three attempts to relay the 'strange audio' to his ground controllers. The pinging noise was clearly captured on two of those attempts and the ground teams were heard acknowledging the same over the radio. A short audio clip of this conversation between Wilmore and Mission Control was made available online by Rob Dale, a Michigan-based meteorologist. "Alright Butch, that one came through..." Mission control can be heard telling Wilmore. "It was kind of like a pulsing noise, almost like a sonar ping," they added. Some social media users pointed out that the sound resembled that of banging against a metallic surface. Also read | Stuck in space: Astronaut reports 'strange noises' from Starliner that took Sunita Williams to space Are such 'strange noises' unprecedented ? More than two decades ago, during China's maiden astronaut mission, lone Taikonaut Yang Liwei heard strange sounds while in his spacecraft. "Knocking an iron bucket with a wooden hammer," that's how he had described his experience from the year 2003. It was later learnt that the sound comes from tiny deformations in the space capsule's inner wall materials due to changes in pressure. "A change of capsule temperature would cause a change in air pressure, and the difference in pressure between the inner and outer walls of the capsule caused tiny deformations of the wall materials, producing the sound Dong! Dong! Dong!," it was revealed by Chinese researchers and spacecraft designers. How dangerous and worrisome are these noises? Unlike the Chinese mission, the Starliner's 'strange noise' phenomenon is known to be emanating from the speakers, and not the spacecraft's body. Therefore, on the face of it, it appears not so worrisome. However, given the poor track record of Starliner and the saga that has been dragging on, anything is possible! "There are several noises I'd prefer not to hear inside my spaceship, including this one that @Boeing Starliner is now making," veteran Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield said in a social media post. This further adds to the reputational damage that Boeing has been suffering - for its vehicles that ply on earth and outside of earth. Radio Frequency Interference or Audio Feedback Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is a type of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that occurs when unwanted radio frequency signals disrupt the normal operation of electronic devices. This interference can be caused by various sources, both natural and human-made. Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, Wi-fi routers, and a plethora of other devices can cause some kind of RFI. At the 400 km height at which the Space Station and the Starliner orbits, there are several satellites above and below, and there are multiple ground-based antennae sending signals to space. Radio frequency interference is among the likely scenarios when considering that the 'strange audio' has emanated from a speaker. Audio feedback, often heard as a high-pitched screeching sound, occurs when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker and re-amplifies it, creating a continuous and disturbing loop. This could be caused when a microphone is placed too close to a speaker when there are reflective surfaces that bounce sound back into the mic, or even when the mic and speaker are at high volume.

Explained: How dangerous is the 'strange noise' from Starliner?

<p>As many as two women pilgrims were reported dead while several others sustained injuries after a landslide destroyed the new track leading to the Vaishno Devi shrine in the northern Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday (Sep 2).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, Vishesh Paul Mahajan said that based on&nbsp;preliminary report, two women had died while a girl was grievously injured, according to news wire agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident took place near Panchi in the Reasi district at around 2:35 pm local time. Officials said a portion of an overhead iron structure was also damaged in the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is conducting relief and rescue operations with more devotees believed to be trapped under the debris.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Landslide hits Mata Vaishno Devi track in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir.<br />
<br />
One dead, another injured. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/P1rutIF0Ya">pic.twitter.com/P1rutIF0Ya</a></p>
— Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) <a href="https://twitter.com/vani_mehrotra/status/1830535690775654894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">वैष्णों देवी यात्रा मार्ग पर बड़ा हादसा.<br />
<br />
श्री माता वैष्णो देवी भवन मार्ग पर हेलीपैड के पास भूस्खलन, श्रद्धालुओं के फंसे होने की आशंका, लैंडस्लाइड में तीन श्रद्धालुओं के मौत की भी खबर.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaishnoDevi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaishnoDevi</a> <a href="https://t.co/26iNWNE55h">pic.twitter.com/26iNWNE55h</a></p>
— Kaushik Kanthecha (@Kaushikdd) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kaushikdd/status/1830548441505595565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The pilgrim route has been temporarily suspended in the wake of the landslide and the officials directed to clear the route.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wayanad-landslide-indian-armys-10-day-rescue-operation-748721"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Wayanad landslide: Indian army's 10 day rescue operation</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous incident&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On New Year's Day in 2022, around 12 people lost their lives while 20 others were injured after a stampede occurred due to heavy rush of devotees at the Vaishno Devi shrine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident happened near gate number three, which is located outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta Hills.</p>

<p>“An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of those, who died in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra; Rs 2 lakh for the injured," J&amp;K Lieutenant General Manoj Sinha announced at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/stampede-at-indias-vaishno-devi-shrine-12-lose-lives-20-get-hurt-441529"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Stampede at India’s Vaishno Devi shrine: 12 dead, 20 injured</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, every year, millions of pilgrims visit the Vaishno Devi Temple after completing an arduous trek to the top. Last year, as many as 9.35 million devotees visited the temple which broke the record set in 2013 when 9.324 million devotees had reached the shrine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vaishno Devi is believed to be one of the most important Shaktipeeths (sacred shrines spread across country) in India and according to religious texts, the skull of Goddess Sati fell here.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


As many as two women pilgrims were reported dead while several others sustained injuries after a landslide destroyed the new track leading to the Vaishno Devi shrine in the northern Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday (Sep 2).

As many as two women pilgrims were reported dead while several others sustained injuries after a landslide destroyed the new track leading to the Vaishno Devi shrine in the northern Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday (Sep 2). Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, Vishesh Paul Mahajan said that based on preliminary report, two women had died while a girl was grievously injured, according to news wire agency PTI. The incident took place near Panchi in the Reasi district at around 2:35 pm local time. Officials said a portion of an overhead iron structure was also damaged in the incident. The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is conducting relief and rescue operations with more devotees believed to be trapped under the debris. Landslide hits Mata Vaishno Devi track in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. One dead, another injured. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/P1rutIF0Ya — Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) September 2, 2024 × वैष्णों देवी यात्रा मार्ग पर बड़ा हादसा. श्री माता वैष्णो देवी भवन मार्ग पर हेलीपैड के पास भूस्खलन, श्रद्धालुओं के फंसे होने की आशंका, लैंडस्लाइड में तीन श्रद्धालुओं के मौत की भी खबर.#VaishnoDevi pic.twitter.com/26iNWNE55h — Kaushik Kanthecha (@Kaushikdd) September 2, 2024 × The pilgrim route has been temporarily suspended in the wake of the landslide and the officials directed to clear the route. Watch | Wayanad landslide: Indian army's 10 day rescue operation × Previous incident On New Year's Day in 2022, around 12 people lost their lives while 20 others were injured after a stampede occurred due to heavy rush of devotees at the Vaishno Devi shrine. The incident happened near gate number three, which is located outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta Hills. “An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of those, who died in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra; Rs 2 lakh for the injured," J&K Lieutenant General Manoj Sinha announced at the time. Also read | Stampede at India’s Vaishno Devi shrine: 12 dead, 20 injured Notably, every year, millions of pilgrims visit the Vaishno Devi Temple after completing an arduous trek to the top. Last year, as many as 9.35 million devotees visited the temple which broke the record set in 2013 when 9.324 million devotees had reached the shrine. Vaishno Devi is believed to be one of the most important Shaktipeeths (sacred shrines spread across country) in India and according to religious texts, the skull of Goddess Sati fell here. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Two pilgrims killed in landslide on Vaishno Devi route in Jammu and Kashmir

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1704}">The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday (Aug 31) night announced that its troops had located several bodies in the Gaza Strip. The United States has revealed that one of the dead hostages is&nbsp;an Israeli-American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1704}">In a statement, United States President Joe Biden&nbsp;confirmed that Polin was one of the six whose bodies were recovered by Israel.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1704}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-discovers-bodies-in-gaza-possible-hostages-from-oct-7-the-country-will-tremble-warn-angry-families-754927">IDF discovers bodies in Gaza, possibly of Oct 7 hostages: 'The country will tremble,' warn angry families</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:734,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2424}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:734,&quot;w&quot;:248,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2424}">White House statement</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:778,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2468}">"Earlier today, in a tunnel under the city of Rafah, Israeli forces recovered six bodies of hostages held by Hamas. We have now confirmed that one of the hostages killed by these vicious Hamas terrorists was an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin," said President Joe Biden in a White House press briefing.</p>

<p>As per the statement, 23-year-old Hersh was one of the "innocents" attending the music festival in Israel on Oct 7.</p>

<p>"He lost his arm helping friends and strangers during Hamas’ savage massacre. He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world," said Biden.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:844,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2534}">"It is as tragic as it is reprehensible. Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages," added the White House.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:844,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2534}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:179,&quot;w&quot;:798,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1869}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:179,&quot;w&quot;:717,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1869}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-kill-48-ahead-of-whos-polio-campaign-in-gaza-un-plans-to-vaccinate-640000-children-754914">Israeli strikes kill 48 ahead of WHO's polio campaign in Gaza; UN plans to vaccinate 640,000 children</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1704}"><strong>With broken hearts</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:81,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}">Meanwhile, the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin have also announced the death of&nbsp;their son.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:113,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1803}">"With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the death of their beloved son and brother, Hersh. The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy at this time," said&nbsp;the family in a post on Facebook.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1937}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:240,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1937}">'Abandonment is over'</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:290,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1980}">Even as the Israeli military warned people against spreading rumours, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an activist group that advocates for the relatives of abductees in Gaza, revealed its plans to announce major protests&nbsp;— to be held on Sunday (Sept 1).</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:455,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2145}">"Netanyahu abandoned the hostages. It is now a fact," said the group as the war approaches its 12th month.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:487,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2177}">According to the Times of Israel, the group vowed, "Starting tomorrow, the country will tremble."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:519,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2209}">"We call on the public to prepare. The country will grind to a halt. The abandonment is over," it added.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:734,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2424}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:896,&quot;w&quot;:256,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2586}">Hostages in Gaza</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:940,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:68,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2630}">The discovery of the hostage bodies comes days after the Israeli military rescued one live witness. Furthermore, in recent days, other bodies of captives were also returned from the Strip. According to reports, Gaza still holds 103 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, along with the bodies of 33 confirmed dead by the IDF.&nbsp;In late November, the militant group Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce,&nbsp;and four hostages were released before that.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1023,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2713}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1023,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2713}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday (Aug 31) night announced that its troops had located several bodies in the Gaza Strip. The United States has revealed that one of the dead hostages is an Israeli-American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday (Aug 31) night announced that its troops had located several bodies in the Gaza Strip. The United States has revealed that one of the dead hostages is an Israeli-American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin. In a statement, United States President Joe Biden confirmed that Polin was one of the six whose bodies were recovered by Israel. Also read | IDF discovers bodies in Gaza, possibly of Oct 7 hostages: 'The country will tremble,' warn angry families White House statement "Earlier today, in a tunnel under the city of Rafah, Israeli forces recovered six bodies of hostages held by Hamas. We have now confirmed that one of the hostages killed by these vicious Hamas terrorists was an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin," said President Joe Biden in a White House press briefing. As per the statement, 23-year-old Hersh was one of the "innocents" attending the music festival in Israel on Oct 7. "He lost his arm helping friends and strangers during Hamas’ savage massacre. He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world," said Biden. "It is as tragic as it is reprehensible. Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages," added the White House. Also read | Israeli strikes kill 48 ahead of WHO's polio campaign in Gaza; UN plans to vaccinate 640,000 children With broken hearts Meanwhile, the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin have also announced the death of their son. "With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the death of their beloved son and brother, Hersh. The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy at this time," said the family in a post on Facebook. 'Abandonment is over' Even as the Israeli military warned people against spreading rumours, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an activist group that advocates for the relatives of abductees in Gaza, revealed its plans to announce major protests — to be held on Sunday (Sept 1). "Netanyahu abandoned the hostages. It is now a fact," said the group as the war approaches its 12th month. According to the Times of Israel, the group vowed, "Starting tomorrow, the country will tremble." "We call on the public to prepare. The country will grind to a halt. The abandonment is over," it added. Hostages in Gaza The discovery of the hostage bodies comes days after the Israeli military rescued one live witness. Furthermore, in recent days, other bodies of captives were also returned from the Strip. According to reports, Gaza still holds 103 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, along with the bodies of 33 confirmed dead by the IDF. In late November, the militant group Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce, and four hostages were released before that. (With inputs from agencies)

US confirms Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin among Gaza hostage remains, Biden condemns Hamas

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1704}">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the Hamas on Sunday (Sep 1), as he vowed to "settle the score" with the militant group after the discovery of six hostages' bodies from a Gaza tunnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:64,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1754}">Speaking to the press, Netanyahu declared, "Those who kill hostages do not want a deal" and warned that Hamas leaders would be relentlessly pursued. He emphasised, "We will hunt you down, we will catch you and we will settle the score."</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:116,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1806}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:116,&quot;w&quot;:243,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1806}">Inconceivable brutality</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:160,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1850}">Netanyahu pointed at Hamas'&nbsp;"inconceivable brutality," and said, "We saw the inconceivable brutality of the Hamas murderers on October 7, and we have seen it again in the tunnels under Rafah."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:209,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1899}">"The fact that Hamas is continuing to perpetrate atrocities like those it carried out on October 7, requires us to do everything, so that it will not be able to perpetrate these atrocities again."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:258,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1948}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:345,&quot;w&quot;:741,&quot;h&quot;:49,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2035}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-discovers-bodies-in-gaza-possible-hostages-from-oct-7-the-country-will-tremble-warn-angry-families-754927">IDF discovers bodies of six Oct 7 hostages in Gaza : 'The country will tremble,' warn angry families</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:414,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2104}">"Citizens of Israel, our efforts to free our hostages are continuing constantly. Since December, Hamas has refused to hold genuine negotiations," he added.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:463,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2153}">He also accused Hamas of launching a deadly shooting attack near Hebron in the occupied West Bank.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:495,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2185}">"Citizens of Israel. We are fighting on all fronts against a brutal enemy who wants to murder us all. Only this morning, it murdered three police officers in Hebron,"&nbsp;Netanyahu said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:544,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2234}">His comments come amid escalating violence, as Israeli forces announced the retrieval of the bodies of six hostages, identified as&nbsp;Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:593,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2283}">According to an AFP report quoting a&nbsp;senior Hamas official, some of the six Israeli hostages had been "approved" for release in the event of a truce deal.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:642,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2332}">"Some of the names of the captives announced as found by the (Israeli) occupier… were part of the list of hostages to be released that Hamas had approved" in a proposed exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, the Hamas official said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:642,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2332}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-confirms-israeli-american-hersh-goldberg-polin-among-gaza-hostage-remains-biden-condemns-hamas-754942">US confirms Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin among Gaza hostage remains, Biden condemns Hamas</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:695,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:695,&quot;w&quot;:352,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}">Opposition calls for labour strike</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:739,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2429}">Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for drastic measures to pressure the government into securing the release of remaining hostages.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:788,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2478}">Lapid urged Israelis "whose heart was broken this morning" to participate in a major protest in Tel Aviv later on Sunday and appealed to the country's main labour union, businesses, and municipalities to strike.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:837,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2527}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:837,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2527}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the Hamas on Sunday (Sep 1), as he vowed to "settle the score" with the militant group after the discovery of six hostages' bodies from a Gaza tunnel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the Hamas on Sunday (Sep 1), as he vowed to "settle the score" with the militant group after the discovery of six hostages' bodies from a Gaza tunnel. Speaking to the press, Netanyahu declared, "Those who kill hostages do not want a deal" and warned that Hamas leaders would be relentlessly pursued. He emphasised, "We will hunt you down, we will catch you and we will settle the score." Inconceivable brutality Netanyahu pointed at Hamas' "inconceivable brutality," and said, "We saw the inconceivable brutality of the Hamas murderers on October 7, and we have seen it again in the tunnels under Rafah." "The fact that Hamas is continuing to perpetrate atrocities like those it carried out on October 7, requires us to do everything, so that it will not be able to perpetrate these atrocities again." Also read | IDF discovers bodies of six Oct 7 hostages in Gaza : 'The country will tremble,' warn angry families "Citizens of Israel, our efforts to free our hostages are continuing constantly. Since December, Hamas has refused to hold genuine negotiations," he added. He also accused Hamas of launching a deadly shooting attack near Hebron in the occupied West Bank. "Citizens of Israel. We are fighting on all fronts against a brutal enemy who wants to murder us all. Only this morning, it murdered three police officers in Hebron," Netanyahu said. His comments come amid escalating violence, as Israeli forces announced the retrieval of the bodies of six hostages, identified as Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino. According to an AFP report quoting a senior Hamas official, some of the six Israeli hostages had been "approved" for release in the event of a truce deal. "Some of the names of the captives announced as found by the (Israeli) occupier… were part of the list of hostages to be released that Hamas had approved" in a proposed exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, the Hamas official said. Also read | US confirms Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin among Gaza hostage remains, Biden condemns Hamas Opposition calls for labour strike Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for drastic measures to pressure the government into securing the release of remaining hostages. Lapid urged Israelis "whose heart was broken this morning" to participate in a major protest in Tel Aviv later on Sunday and appealed to the country's main labour union, businesses, and municipalities to strike. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu pledges to ‘settle the score’ with Hamas after bodies of six killed hostages found in Gaza

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1854}">The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday (Aug 31) night announced that its troops had located six bodies in the Gaza Strip. These bodies, as per AFP, are of hostages taken by the militant group Hamas on Oct 7.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:81,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1921}">The&nbsp;remains were recovered on Saturday "from an underground tunnel in the Rafah area" and formally identified in Israel,&nbsp;said the military.</p>

<p>Israel forces have named them as Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sergeant Ori Danino.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1970}">The discovery, which comes shortly after other bodies of captives were returned from Gaza, has added to growing outrage against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:179,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2019}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:179,&quot;w&quot;:798,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2019}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:179,&quot;w&quot;:717,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2019}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-kill-48-ahead-of-whos-polio-campaign-in-gaza-un-plans-to-vaccinate-640000-children-754914">Israeli strikes kill 48 ahead of WHO's polio campaign in Gaza; UN plans to vaccinate 640,000 children</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:214,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2054}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:214,&quot;w&quot;:240,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2054}">'Abandonment is over'</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:258,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2098}">Even as the Israeli military warned people against spreading rumours, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an activist group that advocates for the relatives of abductees in Gaza, revealed its plans to announce major protests&nbsp;— to be held on Sunday.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:324,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2164}">"Netanyahu abandoned the hostages. It is now a fact," said the group as the war approaches its 12th month.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:356,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2196}">According to the Times of Israel, the group vowed, "Starting tomorrow, the country will tremble."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:389,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2229}">"We call on the public to prepare. The country will grind to a halt. The abandonment is over," it added.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:421,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2261}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:421,&quot;w&quot;:802,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2261}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:421,&quot;w&quot;:802,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2261}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-and-gallant-exchange-fiery-words-after-israeli-pm-prioritises-stationing-troops-over-saving-hostages-754758">Netanyahu and Gallant exchange fiery words after Israeli PM prioritises stationing troops over saving hostages</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:470,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2310}">The opposition also slammed Netanyahu for focusing on insignificant issues even as "our sons and daughters are being abandoned and dying in captivity."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:519,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2359}">Opposition Leader Yair Lapid charged that "Not the Philadelphi Corridor nor the polio vaccines [in Gaza] interest him — just the coalition and preserving [the partnership with Bezalel] Smotrich and [Itamar] Ben Gvir."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:568,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2408}">"In the process, he is crushing the families and the nation of Israel," he added.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:603,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2443}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:603,&quot;w&quot;:256,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2443}">Israeli hostages in Gaza</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:647,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:68,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2487}">The discovery of the hostage bodies comes days after the Israeli military rescued one live witness. Furthermore, in recent days, other bodies of captives were also returned from the Strip. According to reports, Gaza still holds 103 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, along with the bodies of 33 confirmed dead by the IDF.&nbsp;In late November, the militant group Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce,&nbsp;and four hostages were released before that.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:730,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2570}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:730,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2570}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday (Aug 31) night announced that its troops had located six bodies in the Gaza Strip. These bodies, as per AFP, are of hostages taken by the militant group Hamas on Oct 7.

The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday (Aug 31) night announced that its troops had located six bodies in the Gaza Strip. These bodies, as per AFP, are of hostages taken by the militant group Hamas on Oct 7. The remains were recovered on Saturday "from an underground tunnel in the Rafah area" and formally identified in Israel, said the military. Israel forces have named them as Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sergeant Ori Danino. The discovery, which comes shortly after other bodies of captives were returned from Gaza, has added to growing outrage against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. Also read | Israeli strikes kill 48 ahead of WHO's polio campaign in Gaza; UN plans to vaccinate 640,000 children 'Abandonment is over' Even as the Israeli military warned people against spreading rumours, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an activist group that advocates for the relatives of abductees in Gaza, revealed its plans to announce major protests — to be held on Sunday. "Netanyahu abandoned the hostages. It is now a fact," said the group as the war approaches its 12th month. According to the Times of Israel, the group vowed, "Starting tomorrow, the country will tremble." "We call on the public to prepare. The country will grind to a halt. The abandonment is over," it added. Also read | Netanyahu and Gallant exchange fiery words after Israeli PM prioritises stationing troops over saving hostages The opposition also slammed Netanyahu for focusing on insignificant issues even as "our sons and daughters are being abandoned and dying in captivity." Opposition Leader Yair Lapid charged that "Not the Philadelphi Corridor nor the polio vaccines [in Gaza] interest him — just the coalition and preserving [the partnership with Bezalel] Smotrich and [Itamar] Ben Gvir." "In the process, he is crushing the families and the nation of Israel," he added. Israeli hostages in Gaza The discovery of the hostage bodies comes days after the Israeli military rescued one live witness. Furthermore, in recent days, other bodies of captives were also returned from the Strip. According to reports, Gaza still holds 103 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, along with the bodies of 33 confirmed dead by the IDF. In late November, the militant group Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce, and four hostages were released before that. (With inputs from agencies)

IDF discovers bodies of six Oct 7 hostages in Gaza : 'The country will tremble,' warn angry families

<p>A joint operation by American and Iraqi forces killed 15 members of the Islamic State group in western Iraq, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Friday (Aug 30).</p>

<p>The raid targeted Islamic State leaders and was carried out early Thursday morning, resulting "in the death of 15 ISIS operatives" with "no indication of civilian casualties," CENTCOM said on social media platform X.</p>

<p>It said the IS members were "armed with numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive 'suicide' belts," and that Iraqi forces were continuing "to further exploit the locations raided," only specifying that the operation occurred in "Western Iraq."</p>

<p>"ISIS remains a threat to the region, our allies, as well as our homeland. US CENTCOM alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists," it added.</p>

<p>The operation comes as Baghdad and Washington have been engaged in months of talks over the presence of anti-jihadist coalition forces in Iraq.<br />
<br />
<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>Despite Iraq's stated goal of a full withdrawal of the forces, no timeline has been made public.</p>

<p>The United States has some 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group.</p>

<p>Coalition forces have been targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire in both Iraq and Syria, as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza since early October has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.</p>

<p>Last winter, the Islamic Resistance of Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups, had claimed some 175 rocket and drone attacks against US troops in Iraq and Syria.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-carries-out-retaliatory-attacks-in-iraq-after-militants-target-military-base-leaving-three-injured-673548"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US carries out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after militants target military base leaving three injured</strong></a></p>

<p>US forces have carried out multiple retaliatory strikes against these militant factions in both countries.</p>

<p>Thursday's raid also comes just under a week after US forces killed a senior leader of an Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group in Syria.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


A joint operation by American and Iraqi forces killed 15 members of the Islamic State group in western Iraq, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Friday (Aug 30). The raid targeted Islamic State leaders and was carried out early Thursday morning, resulting "in the death of 15 ISIS operatives" with "no indication of civilian casualties," CENTCOM said on social media platform X.

A joint operation by American and Iraqi forces killed 15 members of the Islamic State group in western Iraq, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Friday (Aug 30). The raid targeted Islamic State leaders and was carried out early Thursday morning, resulting "in the death of 15 ISIS operatives" with "no indication of civilian casualties," CENTCOM said on social media platform X. It said the IS members were "armed with numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive 'suicide' belts," and that Iraqi forces were continuing "to further exploit the locations raided," only specifying that the operation occurred in "Western Iraq." "ISIS remains a threat to the region, our allies, as well as our homeland. US CENTCOM alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists," it added. The operation comes as Baghdad and Washington have been engaged in months of talks over the presence of anti-jihadist coalition forces in Iraq. Watch | US calls in Iraq to safeguard its troops amid new attacks × Despite Iraq's stated goal of a full withdrawal of the forces, no timeline has been made public. The United States has some 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group. Coalition forces have been targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire in both Iraq and Syria, as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza since early October has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East. Last winter, the Islamic Resistance of Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups, had claimed some 175 rocket and drone attacks against US troops in Iraq and Syria. Also read | US carries out retaliatory attacks in Iraq after militants target military base leaving three injured US forces have carried out multiple retaliatory strikes against these militant factions in both countries. Thursday's raid also comes just under a week after US forces killed a senior leader of an Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group in Syria. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US and Iraqi forces kill 15 IS operatives in early morning raid

<p>Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his company, Patanjali Ayurveda, have been issued notices by the Delhi High Court after a plea was filed, alleging that the brand's herbal tooth powder, 'Divya Manjan', contains non-vegetarian ingredients, despite being marketed as vegetarian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petition filed by advocate Yatin Sharma stated that the toothpaste packaging featured&nbsp;a green dot - typically associated with vegetarian products&nbsp;but the ingredient list included&nbsp;<em>Sepia officinalis </em>(common cuttlefish).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The toothpaste is manufactured by Divya Pharmacy, a subsidiary of Patanjali and is prominently marketed and sold in both offline and online stores.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petitioner also claimed that Ramdev in one of his YouTube videos stated that&nbsp;"Samudra fen," used in the product, is animal-based, despite the product being marketed as vegetarian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petitioner claimed that the unintentional consumption of a non-vegetarian product had caused him distress and demanded redressal of the issue while highlighting the importance of transparency and adherence to religious beliefs.</p>

<p>"The gravity and effectiveness of the court's order are seriously questioned in this matter, highlighting the need for urgent judicial intervention. The persistent disregard for the court's directives calls for decisive action to ensure compliance and uphold the integrity of the legal system," the plea stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from Patanjali and Baba Ramdev, the notice has also been issued to the Centre,&nbsp;the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as well as other related parties. The matter is slated to be heard again in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-misleading-marketing-needs-fix-in-india-714388" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Why misleading marketing needs fix in India</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-misleading-marketing-needs-fix-in-india-714388/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Previous missteps by Baba Ramdev and Patanjali</strong></h2>

<p>It was only earlier this month that the Supreme Court shut down&nbsp;contempt proceedings against Ramdev and his aide, Acharya Balkrishna after they tendered unconditional apology and an undertaking for producing misleading advertisements and claims about products.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The contempt case was filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against Patanjali's ads attacking allopathy and claiming that its 'Coronil' medicine could cure COVID-19.</p>

<p>After the case reached the apex court, the judges threatened to impose a penalty of $120,000 on Patanjali if it did not stop its practice of making false and misleading claims in advertisements.</p>

<p>In February, earlier this year, the court slapped an interim ban on ads of Patanjali for not adhering to the guidelines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was after Ramdev submitted apology affidavits,&nbsp;alongside the publication of apologies in multiple newspapers across the country that the court took a lenient stance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his company, Patanjali Ayurveda, have been issued notices by the Delhi High Court after a plea was filed, alleging that the brand's herbal tooth powder, 'Divya Manjan', contains non-vegetarian ingredients, despite being marketed as vegetarian.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his company, Patanjali Ayurveda, have been issued notices by the Delhi High Court after a plea was filed, alleging that the brand's herbal tooth powder, 'Divya Manjan', contains non-vegetarian ingredients, despite being marketed as vegetarian. The petition filed by advocate Yatin Sharma stated that the toothpaste packaging featured a green dot - typically associated with vegetarian products but the ingredient list included Sepia officinalis (common cuttlefish). The toothpaste is manufactured by Divya Pharmacy, a subsidiary of Patanjali and is prominently marketed and sold in both offline and online stores. The petitioner also claimed that Ramdev in one of his YouTube videos stated that "Samudra fen," used in the product, is animal-based, despite the product being marketed as vegetarian. The petitioner claimed that the unintentional consumption of a non-vegetarian product had caused him distress and demanded redressal of the issue while highlighting the importance of transparency and adherence to religious beliefs. "The gravity and effectiveness of the court's order are seriously questioned in this matter, highlighting the need for urgent judicial intervention. The persistent disregard for the court's directives calls for decisive action to ensure compliance and uphold the integrity of the legal system," the plea stated. Apart from Patanjali and Baba Ramdev, the notice has also been issued to the Centre, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as well as other related parties. The matter is slated to be heard again in November. Watch | Why misleading marketing needs fix in India Previous missteps by Baba Ramdev and Patanjali It was only earlier this month that the Supreme Court shut down contempt proceedings against Ramdev and his aide, Acharya Balkrishna after they tendered unconditional apology and an undertaking for producing misleading advertisements and claims about products. The contempt case was filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against Patanjali's ads attacking allopathy and claiming that its 'Coronil' medicine could cure COVID-19. After the case reached the apex court, the judges threatened to impose a penalty of $120,000 on Patanjali if it did not stop its practice of making false and misleading claims in advertisements. In February, earlier this year, the court slapped an interim ban on ads of Patanjali for not adhering to the guidelines. It was after Ramdev submitted apology affidavits, alongside the publication of apologies in multiple newspapers across the country that the court took a lenient stance. (With inputs from agencies)

Court issues notice to Baba Ramdev after petition claims non-vegetarian ingredient found in veg toothpaste

<p>Typhoon&nbsp;Shanshan, which made its landfall on Thursday (Aug 29)&nbsp;in Japan, has dumped heavy rain that left at least four people dead and dozens more injured and caused the suspension of flights and bullet train services.</p>

<p>The storm ripped through the southwestern Japanese island of Kyushu after making landfall on Thursday morning in Kagoshima prefecture. At least four people have been killed, more than 90 injured and one missing as of the early hours of Friday morning, according to local media outlet NHK.</p>

<p>Shanshan, the 10th typhoon of the year, has brought strong winds and torrential rain across large swathes of the country, disrupting businesses and transportation services.</p>

<p>Kokura Station, a major transportation hub in Kitakyushu City of northern Kyushu, used to be bustling with travellers. Now nearly all facilities here are shut down in the wake of Typhoon&nbsp;Shanshan.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/typhoon-shanshan-slams-japan-deadly-floods-in-gujarat-gravitas-754460"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Typhoon Shanshan Slams Japan | Deadly Floods in Gujarat | Gravitas</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Railway operators on Thursday halted all bullet trains for the Kyushu network and the Tokaido Shinkansen that runs between Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station. The West Kyushu Shinkansen also suspended operations on Thursday and Friday.</p>

<p>As a result of the powerful typhoon, passengers on the Tokyo-Hiroshima rail line were left stranded in train for nearly 13 hours. In the end, the train was cancelled and returned to Tokyo Station.</p>

<p>Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, two of the country's largest carriers, have cancelled 1,127 domestic flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday.</p>

<p>Local businesses also took a hit. Nearly all major supermarkets and shops in Kyushu have closed their doors. In the prefectures of Kagoshima and Miyazaki alone, about 2,400 outlets of Japan's top three convenience store chains have been forced to suspend businesses. Residents here are feeling the effects.</p>

<p>"I knew the typhoon was coming, but I didn't expect it to be so severe. Now stores are closed, and I don't know where to go for food. I’m supposed to return [to Chiba] on Saturday, but I'm really worried that the Shinkansen train service will be suspended because of the typhoon. It's so annoying," a man told CCTV.</p>

<p>According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the typhoon's centre was near Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu as of 22:00 local time Thursday as it was making its way northeast.</p>

<p>It is expected to sweep across Kyushu on Friday before continuing eastward toward the West Japan region on Saturday. The impact area of the typhoon is expected to expand further over the next two days.</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>


Typhoon Shanshan, which made its landfall on Thursday (Aug 29) in Japan, has dumped heavy rain that left at least four people dead and dozens more injured and caused the suspension of flights and bullet train services.

Typhoon Shanshan, which made its landfall on Thursday (Aug 29) in Japan, has dumped heavy rain that left at least four people dead and dozens more injured and caused the suspension of flights and bullet train services. The storm ripped through the southwestern Japanese island of Kyushu after making landfall on Thursday morning in Kagoshima prefecture. At least four people have been killed, more than 90 injured and one missing as of the early hours of Friday morning, according to local media outlet NHK. Shanshan, the 10th typhoon of the year, has brought strong winds and torrential rain across large swathes of the country, disrupting businesses and transportation services. Kokura Station, a major transportation hub in Kitakyushu City of northern Kyushu, used to be bustling with travellers. Now nearly all facilities here are shut down in the wake of Typhoon Shanshan. Watch | Typhoon Shanshan Slams Japan | Deadly Floods in Gujarat | Gravitas × Railway operators on Thursday halted all bullet trains for the Kyushu network and the Tokaido Shinkansen that runs between Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station. The West Kyushu Shinkansen also suspended operations on Thursday and Friday. As a result of the powerful typhoon, passengers on the Tokyo-Hiroshima rail line were left stranded in train for nearly 13 hours. In the end, the train was cancelled and returned to Tokyo Station. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, two of the country's largest carriers, have cancelled 1,127 domestic flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday. Local businesses also took a hit. Nearly all major supermarkets and shops in Kyushu have closed their doors. In the prefectures of Kagoshima and Miyazaki alone, about 2,400 outlets of Japan's top three convenience store chains have been forced to suspend businesses. Residents here are feeling the effects. "I knew the typhoon was coming, but I didn't expect it to be so severe. Now stores are closed, and I don't know where to go for food. I’m supposed to return [to Chiba] on Saturday, but I'm really worried that the Shinkansen train service will be suspended because of the typhoon. It's so annoying," a man told CCTV. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the typhoon's centre was near Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu as of 22:00 local time Thursday as it was making its way northeast. It is expected to sweep across Kyushu on Friday before continuing eastward toward the West Japan region on Saturday. The impact area of the typhoon is expected to expand further over the next two days. 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.

Typhoon Shanshan lashes Japan, killing four and injuring dozens

<p>In her first interview since being nominated as the presidential candidate for the Democratic party, Kamala Harris, alongside her VP pick, Tim Walz, reiterated that she would not change Biden's policy on arms for Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harris said she remains "unequivocal and unwavering” in her “commitment to Israel’s defence and its ability to defend itself” while adding: "That's not gonna change."</p>

<p>She says “far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed”, and that “we have got to get a deal done”.</p>

<p>"This war must end, and we must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out."</p>

<h2><strong>On Trump</strong></h2>

<p>Asked about Donald Trump questioning her racial identity, Harris shrugged it off saying it was part of the "same old tired playbook" and urged the CNN interviewer&nbsp;to move to the next segment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, it was last month that Trump questioned Harris' race during a panel hosted by the&nbsp;National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black," said Trump.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-latest-survey-gives-kamala-harris-a-boost-trump-leads-by-3-754122"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Latest survey gives Kamala Harris a boost, Trump leads by 3%</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Harris' stance on various policies&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Quizzed what she would do on her first day in the office, if elected, Harris did not list any specific steps, like signing executive actions or orders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Day one, it’s going to be about one, implementing my plan for what I call an opportunity economy. I’ve already laid out a number of proposals in that regard, which include what we’re going to do to bring down the cost of everyday goods, what we’re going to do to invest in America’s small businesses, what we’re going to do to invest in families.”</p>

<p>As for her reversals on fracking and decriminalising illegal border crossings, Harris said her 'values' had not changed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed,” she said.</p>

<p>“You mentioned the Green New Deal. I have always believed – and I have worked on it – that the climate crisis is real, that it is an urgent matter to which we should apply metrics that include holding ourselves to deadlines around time.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-says-wont-stop-fighting-for-student-debt-relief-after-supreme-court-blocks-bidens-save-plan-754347"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Kamala Harris says 'won't stop fighting' for student debt relief after Supreme Court blocks Biden's SAVE plan</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Appoint a Republican in cabinet</strong></h2>

<p>Harris said she was not against the idea of appointing a Republican in her cabinet as she believed in 'diversity of opinion'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think it’s really important. I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion. I think it’s important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences," said Harris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And I think it would be to the benefit of the American public to have a member of my cabinet who was a Republican," she added.</p>

<p>Harris also revealed that she learned about Biden stepping away from the prez race when she was with her family and just had pancakes and bacon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Questioned whether she asked for Biden’s endorsement, Harris said the president “was very clear that he was going to support me”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In her first interview since being nominated as the presidential candidate for the Democratic party, Kamala Harris, alongside her VP pick, Tim Walz, reiterated that she would not change Biden's policy on arms for Israel.

In her first interview since being nominated as the presidential candidate for the Democratic party, Kamala Harris, alongside her VP pick, Tim Walz, reiterated that she would not change Biden's policy on arms for Israel. Harris said she remains "unequivocal and unwavering” in her “commitment to Israel’s defence and its ability to defend itself” while adding: "That's not gonna change." She says “far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed”, and that “we have got to get a deal done”. "This war must end, and we must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out." On Trump Asked about Donald Trump questioning her racial identity, Harris shrugged it off saying it was part of the "same old tired playbook" and urged the CNN interviewer to move to the next segment. Notably, it was last month that Trump questioned Harris' race during a panel hosted by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). “She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black," said Trump. Watch | US Elections 2024: Latest survey gives Kamala Harris a boost, Trump leads by 3% × Harris' stance on various policies Quizzed what she would do on her first day in the office, if elected, Harris did not list any specific steps, like signing executive actions or orders. "Day one, it’s going to be about one, implementing my plan for what I call an opportunity economy. I’ve already laid out a number of proposals in that regard, which include what we’re going to do to bring down the cost of everyday goods, what we’re going to do to invest in America’s small businesses, what we’re going to do to invest in families.” As for her reversals on fracking and decriminalising illegal border crossings, Harris said her 'values' had not changed. “I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed,” she said. “You mentioned the Green New Deal. I have always believed – and I have worked on it – that the climate crisis is real, that it is an urgent matter to which we should apply metrics that include holding ourselves to deadlines around time.” Also read | Kamala Harris says 'won't stop fighting' for student debt relief after Supreme Court blocks Biden's SAVE plan Appoint a Republican in cabinet Harris said she was not against the idea of appointing a Republican in her cabinet as she believed in 'diversity of opinion'. "I think it’s really important. I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion. I think it’s important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences," said Harris. "And I think it would be to the benefit of the American public to have a member of my cabinet who was a Republican," she added. Harris also revealed that she learned about Biden stepping away from the prez race when she was with her family and just had pancakes and bacon. Questioned whether she asked for Biden’s endorsement, Harris said the president “was very clear that he was going to support me”. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris' 1st interview as Democrat prez candidate: From economy to Trump to Israel, here's what she said

<p>A 24-year-old man, distributing milk in the early hours of Thursday (Aug 29), died after a speeding SUV driven by a teenage boy knocked down his two-wheeler in Goregaon area here, police said.</p>

<p>The incident took place in Aarey Colony around 4 am.</p>

<p>Navin Vaishnaw died after a Mahindra Scorpio which was on the wrong side collided with his two-wheeler, said a police official.</p>

<p>The teenage driver tried to flee, but he was caught by police.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pune-porsche-case-bombay-hc-releases-pune-porsche-crash-minor-accused-735022"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pune Porsche case: Bombay HC releases Pune Porsche crash minor accused</strong></a></p>

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<p>As the accused driver is 17 years old, a case was also registered against the SUV owner Iqbal Jivani (48) and his son Mohammed Faz Iqbal Jivani (21), he said.</p>

<p>After hitting the two-wheeler, the SUV hit an electric pole. The teenage driver tried to flee, but he had sustained injuries and was caught by police.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-porsche-accident-17-year-old-boy-claims-family-driver-behind-deadly-crash-724722"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Pune Porsche accident: Teen, father now reportedly claim family driver was behind deadly crash</strong></a></p>

<p>His blood samples were sent to a laboratory to ascertain whether he was under the influence of alcohol, the official said.</p>

<p>Police were also investigating whether the accused had partied with his friends before the accident.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


A 24-year-old man, distributing milk in the early hours of Thursday (Aug 29), died after a speeding SUV driven by a teenage boy knocked down his two-wheeler in Goregaon area here, police said.

A 24-year-old man, distributing milk in the early hours of Thursday (Aug 29), died after a speeding SUV driven by a teenage boy knocked down his two-wheeler in Goregaon area here, police said. The incident took place in Aarey Colony around 4 am. Navin Vaishnaw died after a Mahindra Scorpio which was on the wrong side collided with his two-wheeler, said a police official. The teenage driver tried to flee, but he was caught by police. Watch | Pune Porsche case: Bombay HC releases Pune Porsche crash minor accused × As the accused driver is 17 years old, a case was also registered against the SUV owner Iqbal Jivani (48) and his son Mohammed Faz Iqbal Jivani (21), he said. After hitting the two-wheeler, the SUV hit an electric pole. The teenage driver tried to flee, but he had sustained injuries and was caught by police. Also read | Pune Porsche accident: Teen, father now reportedly claim family driver was behind deadly crash His blood samples were sent to a laboratory to ascertain whether he was under the influence of alcohol, the official said. Police were also investigating whether the accused had partied with his friends before the accident. 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.

India: Minor in speeding SUV runs over man in Mumbai's Goregaon

<p>External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made it clear that India is not in favour of having extended dialogue with Pakistan, adding that the actions of the neighbouring nation had consequences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar was speaking at a book launch event in the capital city of New Delhi, where he touched upon several topics, including the approach of the Narendra Modi government in dealing with Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences," said Jaishankar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So far as J&amp;K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of relationship we can contemplate with Pakistan...What I do want to say is that we are not passive, and whether events take a positive or a negative direction, either way, we will react," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Speaking on Pakistan at a book launch event in Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences. So far as J&amp;K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of… <a href="https://t.co/41ZSq9VQHs">pic.twitter.com/41ZSq9VQHs</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1829401657135837605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan: Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for militants attacks in Balochistan</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-baloch-liberation-army-claims-responsibility-for-militants-attacks-in-balochistan-753883/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi receives SCO invite</strong></h2>

<p>Jaishankar's statement comes a day after Pakistan said it was formally extending an invitation to the Indian prime minister for the upcoming&nbsp;Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, slated to be held in Islamabad in October.</p>

<p>"An invitation has also been sent to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi," said&nbsp;Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it is highly unlikely that PM Modi will travel to Pakistan, given the tense relations between New Delhi and Islamabad. The statement by Jaishankar further proved that India was not willing to go back on its strategy of keeping communication minimal with its Pakistani counterparts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-modi-to-travel-to-pakistan-islamabad-formally-invites-indian-leader-for-sco-summit-754370"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi to travel to Pakistan? Islamabad formally invites Indian leader for SCO summit</strong></a></p>

<p>PM Modi in his first term attempted to forge a working relationship with Pakistan but the continuous terror attacks from the other side forced him to take a much conservative position which resulted in New Delhi completely shunning Islamabad on all platforms.</p>

<p>The strategy opted during his second tenure as the PM has carried onto the current regime and might remain the de facto&nbsp;modus operandi for years to come. India has laid the preconditions for resumption of talks and that includes Pakistan not using 'terrorism' as a legitimate tool for diplomacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made it clear that India is not in favour of having extended dialogue with Pakistan, adding that the actions of the neighbouring nation had consequences.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made it clear that India is not in favour of having extended dialogue with Pakistan, adding that the actions of the neighbouring nation had consequences. Jaishankar was speaking at a book launch event in the capital city of New Delhi, where he touched upon several topics, including the approach of the Narendra Modi government in dealing with Pakistan. "The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences," said Jaishankar. "So far as J&K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of relationship we can contemplate with Pakistan...What I do want to say is that we are not passive, and whether events take a positive or a negative direction, either way, we will react," he added. #WATCH | Speaking on Pakistan at a book launch event in Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences. So far as J&K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of… pic.twitter.com/41ZSq9VQHs — ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2024 × Watch: Pakistan: Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for militants attacks in Balochistan PM Modi receives SCO invite Jaishankar's statement comes a day after Pakistan said it was formally extending an invitation to the Indian prime minister for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, slated to be held in Islamabad in October. "An invitation has also been sent to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi," said Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson. However, it is highly unlikely that PM Modi will travel to Pakistan, given the tense relations between New Delhi and Islamabad. The statement by Jaishankar further proved that India was not willing to go back on its strategy of keeping communication minimal with its Pakistani counterparts. Also read | PM Modi to travel to Pakistan? Islamabad formally invites Indian leader for SCO summit PM Modi in his first term attempted to forge a working relationship with Pakistan but the continuous terror attacks from the other side forced him to take a much conservative position which resulted in New Delhi completely shunning Islamabad on all platforms. The strategy opted during his second tenure as the PM has carried onto the current regime and might remain the de facto modus operandi for years to come. India has laid the preconditions for resumption of talks and that includes Pakistan not using 'terrorism' as a legitimate tool for diplomacy. (With inputs from agencies)

India's EAM Jaishankar declares 'era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan' over

<p>Three terrorists have been killed in the two ongoing encounters in North Kashmir's Kupwara district. Security forces launched major operations in areas close to the Line of Control on Wednesday (Aug 28) night. So far three terrorists have been killed in the gunfight, while security forces are carrying out searches at both places. There is a third encounter going on in the Rajouri district of Jammu region.</p>

<p>The first operation started in the Shamshu area of the Macchal sector in the Kupwara district. Security forces have neutralised two terrorists at the operation site. The operation is still in progress and due to bad weather, the search operation can take longer than expected.</p>

<p>"Based on intelligence inputs with respect to likely infiltration bids, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Machhal, Kupwara. Suspicious movement was observed in bad weather and was engaged with effective firing by own troops; two terrorists are likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress.," the Indian Army said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/terrorist-attack-in-jammu-kashmir-police-post-one-indian-army-personnel-injured-753034"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Terrorist attack in Jammu &amp; Kashmir Police post, one Indian Army personnel injured</strong></a></p>

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<p>The second operation was launched at the Tangdhar area of Kupwara. One terrorist has been killed at the said operation. Security forces said it was an infiltration bid which was foiled by the forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
''OP PHILLORA, TANGDHAR, Kupwara: Based on intelligence inputs regarding likely infiltration bids, a Joint anti-infiltration Operation was launched by #IndianArmy and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Tangdhar, Kupwara. One terrorist is likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress," the Indian army said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-army-deploys-500-special-forces-commandos-to-hunt-pakistani-terrorists-in-jk-742668"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India Army deploys 500 Special Forces commandos to hunt Pakistani terrorists in J&amp;K</strong></a></p>

<p>The third operation started during the intervening night in the Kheri Mohra Lathi area of Rajouri district. Security forces exchanged fire with around two to three terrorists in the area.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
''On 28-08-2024 at 2130 hrs, a search operation was launched by Security forces in the general area of village Kheri Mohra Lathi and Danthal area. During search operation at about 2345 hrs, a contact was established with terrorists and an exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces near Kheri Mohra area. Further details awaited," Jammu and Kashmir Police said&nbsp;</p>

<p>All the three operations are still on in Jammu and Kashmir. Security has been put on high alert on the LoC and international borders.</p>


Three terrorists have been killed in the two ongoing encounters in North Kashmir's Kupwara district. Security forces launched major operations in areas close to the Line of Control on Wednesday (Aug 28) night.

Three terrorists have been killed in the two ongoing encounters in North Kashmir's Kupwara district. Security forces launched major operations in areas close to the Line of Control on Wednesday (Aug 28) night. So far three terrorists have been killed in the gunfight, while security forces are carrying out searches at both places. There is a third encounter going on in the Rajouri district of Jammu region. The first operation started in the Shamshu area of the Macchal sector in the Kupwara district. Security forces have neutralised two terrorists at the operation site. The operation is still in progress and due to bad weather, the search operation can take longer than expected. "Based on intelligence inputs with respect to likely infiltration bids, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Machhal, Kupwara. Suspicious movement was observed in bad weather and was engaged with effective firing by own troops; two terrorists are likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress.," the Indian Army said in a statement. Watch | Terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir Police post, one Indian Army personnel injured × The second operation was launched at the Tangdhar area of Kupwara. One terrorist has been killed at the said operation. Security forces said it was an infiltration bid which was foiled by the forces. ''OP PHILLORA, TANGDHAR, Kupwara: Based on intelligence inputs regarding likely infiltration bids, a Joint anti-infiltration Operation was launched by #IndianArmy and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Tangdhar, Kupwara. One terrorist is likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress," the Indian army said. Also read | India Army deploys 500 Special Forces commandos to hunt Pakistani terrorists in J&K The third operation started during the intervening night in the Kheri Mohra Lathi area of Rajouri district. Security forces exchanged fire with around two to three terrorists in the area. ''On 28-08-2024 at 2130 hrs, a search operation was launched by Security forces in the general area of village Kheri Mohra Lathi and Danthal area. During search operation at about 2345 hrs, a contact was established with terrorists and an exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces near Kheri Mohra area. Further details awaited," Jammu and Kashmir Police said All the three operations are still on in Jammu and Kashmir. Security has been put on high alert on the LoC and international borders.

Jammu and Kashmir: 3 terrorists killed in 2 operations in Kupwara, another ongoing in Rajouri

<p>The incidents of student suicides has&nbsp;surpassed the population growth rate and overall suicide trends,&nbsp;an alarming report based on data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)&nbsp;on Wednesday (Aug 28) has revealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report titled&nbsp;"Student suicides: An epidemic sweeping India", released at the&nbsp;Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024 stated that&nbsp;student suicide cases surged by four per cent annually while&nbsp;overall suicide numbers increased by two per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The incidence of student suicides continues to surpass both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. Over the last decade, while the population of 0-24-year-olds reduced from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides increased from 6,654 to 13,044," the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-kota-factory-of-suicides-665512"><strong>Watch | Gravitas Plus: Kota factory of suicides</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Decadal rise in suicides&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Over the last decade (2013-22), around 104,000 student suicides were recorded which indicates a 64 per cent rise when compared to the prior decade (2013-12).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The southern states and union territories viz., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep had the highest proportion of all student suicides across the country at 29 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Maharashtra (1,764), Tamil Nadu (1,416), Madhya Pradesh (1,340), Uttar Pradesh (1,060) and Jharkhand (824) accounted for 49 per cent of total suicide cases across India.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajasthan, with the infamous Kota coaching city, where thousands of&nbsp;students relocate to crack engineering and medical entrance exams,&nbsp;is ranked 10th with 571 student suicides.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-teens-found-hanging-from-tree-in-indias-up-one-of-the-victims-father-claims-its-murder-753804"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Two teens found hanging from tree in India's UP, one of the victim's father claims it's murder</strong></a></p>

<p>The report highlighted that male students constituted more than half (53 per cent) of total student suicides in 2022. It added that between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by six per cent while female suicides increased by seven per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is important to acknowledge that the actual number of student suicides is likely underreported. This under-reporting can be attributed to several factors, including the social stigma surrounding suicide and the criminalisation of attempted and assisted suicide under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code," the report noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>Note: Get help &amp; support for suicide. </em></p>

<p><em>If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline. WION does not make any recommendations.</em></p>


The incidents of student suicides has surpassed the population growth rate and overall suicide trends, an alarming report based on data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on Wednesday (Aug 28) has revealed.

The incidents of student suicides has surpassed the population growth rate and overall suicide trends, an alarming report based on data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on Wednesday (Aug 28) has revealed. The report titled "Student suicides: An epidemic sweeping India", released at the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024 stated that student suicide cases surged by four per cent annually while overall suicide numbers increased by two per cent. "The incidence of student suicides continues to surpass both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. Over the last decade, while the population of 0-24-year-olds reduced from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides increased from 6,654 to 13,044," the report added. Watch | Gravitas Plus: Kota factory of suicides × Decadal rise in suicides Over the last decade (2013-22), around 104,000 student suicides were recorded which indicates a 64 per cent rise when compared to the prior decade (2013-12). The southern states and union territories viz., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep had the highest proportion of all student suicides across the country at 29 per cent. Notably, Maharashtra (1,764), Tamil Nadu (1,416), Madhya Pradesh (1,340), Uttar Pradesh (1,060) and Jharkhand (824) accounted for 49 per cent of total suicide cases across India. Rajasthan, with the infamous Kota coaching city, where thousands of students relocate to crack engineering and medical entrance exams, is ranked 10th with 571 student suicides. Also read | Two teens found hanging from tree in India's UP, one of the victim's father claims it's murder The report highlighted that male students constituted more than half (53 per cent) of total student suicides in 2022. It added that between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by six per cent while female suicides increased by seven per cent. "It is important to acknowledge that the actual number of student suicides is likely underreported. This under-reporting can be attributed to several factors, including the social stigma surrounding suicide and the criminalisation of attempted and assisted suicide under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code," the report noted. (With inputs from agencies) Note: Get help & support for suicide. If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline. WION does not make any recommendations.

More students are committing suicides in India than population growth rate: Report

<p>The United States on Wednesday (Aug 28) announced new&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians, urging greater accountability efforts by its ally Israel, which responded with anger to the move.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;were announced on the same day that Israel launched a wide-scale attack on the West Bank that it said killed nine Palestinian fighters, despite warnings by President Joe Biden's administration against expanding the war in Gaza.</p>

<p>"Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering, harms Israel's security and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.</p>

<p>"It is critical that the government of Israel hold accountable any individuals and entities responsible for violence against civilians in the West Bank," he said.</p>

<p>The latest sanction targets included Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli group that has supported the unauthorized settler outpost of Meitarim Farm in the south Hebron Hills.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-israel-launches-fresh-operations-in-west-bank-754069"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel war: Israel launches fresh operations in West Bank</strong></a></p>

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<p>Volunteers from the group earlier this year fenced off a village whose 250 Palestinian residents had all been forced to leave, the State Department said.</p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who relies on support from far-right politicians who advocate for the establishment of new settlements on Palestinian land, denounced the move.</p>

<p>"Israel views with utmost severity&nbsp;the imposition of&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on citizens of Israel. The issue is in a pointed discussion&nbsp;with the US," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.</p>

<p>Hashomer Yosh's website, using the biblical name for the West Bank, says the group helps "various farmers throughout Judea and Samaria, who bravely protect our lands and stand strong in the face of economic difficulties and frequent agricultural crime."</p>

<p>The Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.</p>

<p>The State Department also imposed&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against Yitzhak Levi Filant, who was accused of leading armed settlers in setting up roadblocks and patrols with a goal of attacking Palestinians.</p>

<p>Since Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza, Israeli forces have also stepped up operations in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and separated geographically from Gaza by Israeli territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least 640 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops or settlers since the start of the Gaza war, according to an AFP count based on Palestinian official figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Biden administration has repeatedly voiced concern to Netanyahu about settler violence and about the expansion of settlements, but has made little impact on the Israeli government's decision-making.</p>

<p>Last month, the United States imposed&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on Lehava, a group of more than 10,000 members, which the State Department described as the "largest violent extremist organization in Israel."</p>

<p>US&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;generally bar targets from the US financial system, leading Israeli banks to restrict dealings with sanctioned individuals for fear of repercussions.</p>

<p>The Biden administration, which has been pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, has held off on imposing&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on government ministers leading the settlement policy.</p>

<p>Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also heads civil affairs at the defence ministry, earlier this month approved a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem, saying he wanted to "fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The United States on Wednesday (Aug 28) announced new sanctions on West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians, urging greater accountability efforts by its ally Israel, which responded with anger to the move.

The United States on Wednesday (Aug 28) announced new sanctions on West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians, urging greater accountability efforts by its ally Israel, which responded with anger to the move. The sanctions were announced on the same day that Israel launched a wide-scale attack on the West Bank that it said killed nine Palestinian fighters, despite warnings by President Joe Biden's administration against expanding the war in Gaza. "Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering, harms Israel's security and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. "It is critical that the government of Israel hold accountable any individuals and entities responsible for violence against civilians in the West Bank," he said. The latest sanction targets included Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli group that has supported the unauthorized settler outpost of Meitarim Farm in the south Hebron Hills. Watch | Israel war: Israel launches fresh operations in West Bank × Volunteers from the group earlier this year fenced off a village whose 250 Palestinian residents had all been forced to leave, the State Department said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who relies on support from far-right politicians who advocate for the establishment of new settlements on Palestinian land, denounced the move. "Israel views with utmost severity the imposition of sanctions on citizens of Israel. The issue is in a pointed discussion with the US," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. Hashomer Yosh's website, using the biblical name for the West Bank, says the group helps "various farmers throughout Judea and Samaria, who bravely protect our lands and stand strong in the face of economic difficulties and frequent agricultural crime." The Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. The State Department also imposed sanctions against Yitzhak Levi Filant, who was accused of leading armed settlers in setting up roadblocks and patrols with a goal of attacking Palestinians. Since Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza, Israeli forces have also stepped up operations in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and separated geographically from Gaza by Israeli territory. At least 640 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops or settlers since the start of the Gaza war, according to an AFP count based on Palestinian official figures. The Biden administration has repeatedly voiced concern to Netanyahu about settler violence and about the expansion of settlements, but has made little impact on the Israeli government's decision-making. Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on Lehava, a group of more than 10,000 members, which the State Department described as the "largest violent extremist organization in Israel." US sanctions generally bar targets from the US financial system, leading Israeli banks to restrict dealings with sanctioned individuals for fear of repercussions. The Biden administration, which has been pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, has held off on imposing sanctions on government ministers leading the settlement policy. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also heads civil affairs at the defence ministry, earlier this month approved a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem, saying he wanted to "fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground." 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.

Netanyahu opposes US slapping new sanctions on Israeli settlers in West Bank

<p>The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday (Aug 29) said it had killed five more militants in a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank, taking the death toll to 14 in the second day of 'counter-terrorism' operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Following exchanges of fire, the forces eliminated five terrorists who had hidden inside a mosque in Tulkarem," the military said, having gunned down nine militants in&nbsp;simultaneous raids in several West Bank cities a day before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IDF said a well-known local commander named Mohammed Jaber, known as Abu Shujja who had been part of the Islamic Jihad militant group, was also killed in the operation.</p>

<p>Notably, Shujja was linked to several attacks on Israelis, including a deadly shooting in June. According to reports, he was planning more attacks before the Israeli forces allegedly neutralised him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Abu Shujaa, commander of the Tulkarem Brigade of the Al-Quds Brigades&nbsp;died along with several brothers of his brigade after a heroic battle against the soldiers of the (Israeli) occupation", the militant group confirmed in a statement.</p>

<p>There were reports that Shujja had been killed earlier this year but made a surprise appearance at the funeral of one of the militants where he was granted a heroic welcome from the crowd who hoisted him on their shoulders.&nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The terrorist Muhhamad Jabber, "Abu Shujaa”, was eliminated following exchanges of fire during counterterrorism operations in Tulkarm.<br />
<br />
Jabber, "Abu Shujaa”, was the head of a terrorist network in Nur Shams. Additionally, he was involved in carrying out numerous terrorist… <a href="https://t.co/0Z7Hv5OREc">pic.twitter.com/0Z7Hv5OREc</a></p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1829029336898322649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ever since the war broke out in October last year, violence has soared in the West Bank -- a&nbsp;Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and separated geographically from Gaza by Israeli territory. According to UN numbers, as many as 637 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the war against Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-israel-launches-fresh-operations-in-west-bank-754069" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel war: Israel launches fresh operations in West Bank</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-israel-launches-fresh-operations-in-west-bank-754069/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>US imposes sanctions</strong></h2>

<p>The incident comes a day after the United States imposed new sanctions on&nbsp;West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering, harms Israel's security and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-opposes-us-slapping-new-sanctions-on-israeli-settlers-in-west-bank-754151"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Netanyahu opposes US slapping new sanctions on Israeli settlers in West Bank</strong></a></p>

<p>The latest sanction targets included Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli group that has supported the unauthorised settler outpost of Meitarim Farm in the south Hebron Hills.</p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the US move and said the issue was raised in a discussion with the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday (Aug 29) said it had killed five more militants in a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank, taking the death toll to 14 in the second day of 'counter-terrorism' operations.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday (Aug 29) said it had killed five more militants in a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank, taking the death toll to 14 in the second day of 'counter-terrorism' operations. "Following exchanges of fire, the forces eliminated five terrorists who had hidden inside a mosque in Tulkarem," the military said, having gunned down nine militants in simultaneous raids in several West Bank cities a day before. The IDF said a well-known local commander named Mohammed Jaber, known as Abu Shujja who had been part of the Islamic Jihad militant group, was also killed in the operation. Notably, Shujja was linked to several attacks on Israelis, including a deadly shooting in June. According to reports, he was planning more attacks before the Israeli forces allegedly neutralised him. "Abu Shujaa, commander of the Tulkarem Brigade of the Al-Quds Brigades died along with several brothers of his brigade after a heroic battle against the soldiers of the (Israeli) occupation", the militant group confirmed in a statement. There were reports that Shujja had been killed earlier this year but made a surprise appearance at the funeral of one of the militants where he was granted a heroic welcome from the crowd who hoisted him on their shoulders. The terrorist Muhhamad Jabber, "Abu Shujaa”, was eliminated following exchanges of fire during counterterrorism operations in Tulkarm. Jabber, "Abu Shujaa”, was the head of a terrorist network in Nur Shams. Additionally, he was involved in carrying out numerous terrorist… pic.twitter.com/0Z7Hv5OREc — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 29, 2024 × Ever since the war broke out in October last year, violence has soared in the West Bank -- a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and separated geographically from Gaza by Israeli territory. According to UN numbers, as many as 637 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the war against Hamas. Watch | Israel war: Israel launches fresh operations in West Bank US imposes sanctions The incident comes a day after the United States imposed new sanctions on West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians. "Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering, harms Israel's security and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. Also read | Netanyahu opposes US slapping new sanctions on Israeli settlers in West Bank The latest sanction targets included Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli group that has supported the unauthorised settler outpost of Meitarim Farm in the south Hebron Hills. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the US move and said the issue was raised in a discussion with the White House. (With inputs from agencies)

West Bank raids: IDF kills 5 more Palestinian militants, including well-known local commander

<p>The risk of a regional war in the Middle East has lowered after Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy blows over the weekend, a top US general has claimed, according to a <em>Reuters </em>report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff flew to Israel hours after Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets from the southern region of Lebanon. Quizzed if the weekend clash, dubbed one of the biggest since the war began in October last year, lowered the&nbsp;near-term risk of a broader war, Brown replied: “Somewhat, yes."</p>

<p>"You had two things you knew were going to happen. One’s already happened. Now it depends on how the second is going to play out," he added, referring to Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“How Iran responds will dictate how Israel responds, which will dictate whether there is going to be a broader conflict or not.”</p>

<p>Iran-backed Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in the central regions of Israel, particularly targeting&nbsp;IDF intelligence units and the Mossad headquarters. However, on Sunday (Aug 25) early morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), launched a pre-emptive strike that took the sting out of the Hezbollah attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Israel's pre-emptive strikes, Hezbollah&nbsp;said it launched 'more than 320' Katyusha rockets while Israel claimed only 220 rockets and around 20 drones were fired.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-tensions-us-ready-to-defend-israel-in-fight-against-iran-proxies-748982" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran &amp; proxies</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-tensions-us-ready-to-defend-israel-in-fight-against-iran-proxies-748982/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>US better prepared to aid Israel</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Brown stated that even if Iran launched an all-out attack against Israel, the US was better prepared to aid Tel Aviv in defence than it was on April 13, earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, since the start of August, the Pentagon has moved warships, submarines and fighter jets to the Middle East to avoid escalation of a regional war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deploys-warships-and-fighters-jets-to-protect-israel-from-hamas-iran-and-hezbollah-triple-whammy-746730"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy</strong></a></p>

<p>Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging&nbsp;Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"&nbsp;Khamenei said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The risk of a regional war in the Middle East has lowered after Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy blows over the weekend, a top US general has claimed, according to a Reuters report.

The risk of a regional war in the Middle East has lowered after Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy blows over the weekend, a top US general has claimed, according to a Reuters report. Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff flew to Israel hours after Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets from the southern region of Lebanon. Quizzed if the weekend clash, dubbed one of the biggest since the war began in October last year, lowered the near-term risk of a broader war, Brown replied: “Somewhat, yes." "You had two things you knew were going to happen. One’s already happened. Now it depends on how the second is going to play out," he added, referring to Iran. “How Iran responds will dictate how Israel responds, which will dictate whether there is going to be a broader conflict or not.” Iran-backed Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in the central regions of Israel, particularly targeting IDF intelligence units and the Mossad headquarters. However, on Sunday (Aug 25) early morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), launched a pre-emptive strike that took the sting out of the Hezbollah attack. After Israel's pre-emptive strikes, Hezbollah said it launched 'more than 320' Katyusha rockets while Israel claimed only 220 rockets and around 20 drones were fired. Watch | Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran & proxies US better prepared to aid Israel Brown stated that even if Iran launched an all-out attack against Israel, the US was better prepared to aid Tel Aviv in defence than it was on April 13, earlier this year. Notably, since the start of August, the Pentagon has moved warships, submarines and fighter jets to the Middle East to avoid escalation of a regional war. Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Also read | US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel. “The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved," Khamenei said. “We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Risk of all-out war in Middle East lowered after Israel-Hezbollah clash? Top US general reveals...

<p>In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine, at least seven people were killed while dozens were wounded. Missiles and drones were fired into more than half of Ukraine's regions on Monday (Aug 26), confirmed the head of the country's Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk said.</p>

<p>Oleshchuk revealed that Moscow launched 127 missiles, of which 102 were intercepted while his forces also battled 109 drones projected&nbsp;into the Ukrainian territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video address, President Volodymyr Zelensky described it as one of the biggest "combined strikes" on Ukraine over the course of the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“And like most previous Russian strikes, this one is just as base, targeting critical civilian infrastructure,” he said.</p>

<p>Zelensky also urged the allies to supply Ukraine with long-range ammunition required to stop such strikes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Each of these strikes repeatedly reminds us of the critical need for long-range capabilities—to give our Defense Forces sufficient long-range weapons to destroy the terrorists precisely at the locations from which they launch their attacks."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The elimination of the consequences of the Russian strike is still ongoing. In total, over 120 missiles of various types and more than a hundred “Shaheds” were launched. The missile launch areas against Ukraine included, among others, the airspace of the Kursk and Belgorod… <a href="https://t.co/jXM3oNAadw">pic.twitter.com/jXM3oNAadw</a></p>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1828126588795527334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry in a statement said it had launched a “massive precision-guided weapons strike on critical energy infrastructure facilities”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-more-than-half-of-ukraine-targeted-753494"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: More than half of Ukraine targeted</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden condemns attack</strong></h2>

<p>US President Joe Biden condemned the attack and said the US, alongside all the allies will continue to&nbsp;support Ukraine despite Russia's increased aggression.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s continued war against Ukraine and its efforts to plunge the Ukrainian people into darkness. Let me be clear: Russia will never succeed in Ukraine, and the spirit of the Ukrainian people will never be broken," said Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-were-close-to-ceasefire-talks-until-this-happened-751074"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Russia and Ukraine were close to ceasefire talks until this happened...</strong></a></p>

<p>"I have re-prioritised US&nbsp;air defence exports so they are sent to Ukraine first. The United States also is surging energy equipment to Ukraine to repair its systems and strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s energy grid," he added.</p>

<p>The air attack comes in the backdrop of Ukrainian forces making major headways in the Kursk region. Earlier this month, Kyiv punched through the border in a surprise attack, ahead of possible talks regarding a ceasefire in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine, at least seven people were killed while dozens were wounded. Missiles and drones were fired into more than half of Ukraine's regions on Monday (Aug 26), confirmed the head of the country's Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk said.

In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine, at least seven people were killed while dozens were wounded. Missiles and drones were fired into more than half of Ukraine's regions on Monday (Aug 26), confirmed the head of the country's Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk said. Oleshchuk revealed that Moscow launched 127 missiles, of which 102 were intercepted while his forces also battled 109 drones projected into the Ukrainian territory. In a video address, President Volodymyr Zelensky described it as one of the biggest "combined strikes" on Ukraine over the course of the war. “And like most previous Russian strikes, this one is just as base, targeting critical civilian infrastructure,” he said. Zelensky also urged the allies to supply Ukraine with long-range ammunition required to stop such strikes. "Each of these strikes repeatedly reminds us of the critical need for long-range capabilities—to give our Defense Forces sufficient long-range weapons to destroy the terrorists precisely at the locations from which they launch their attacks." The elimination of the consequences of the Russian strike is still ongoing. In total, over 120 missiles of various types and more than a hundred “Shaheds” were launched. The missile launch areas against Ukraine included, among others, the airspace of the Kursk and Belgorod… pic.twitter.com/jXM3oNAadw — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 26, 2024 × Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry in a statement said it had launched a “massive precision-guided weapons strike on critical energy infrastructure facilities”. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: More than half of Ukraine targeted × Biden condemns attack US President Joe Biden condemned the attack and said the US, alongside all the allies will continue to support Ukraine despite Russia's increased aggression. "I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s continued war against Ukraine and its efforts to plunge the Ukrainian people into darkness. Let me be clear: Russia will never succeed in Ukraine, and the spirit of the Ukrainian people will never be broken," said Biden. Also read | Russia and Ukraine were close to ceasefire talks until this happened... "I have re-prioritised US air defence exports so they are sent to Ukraine first. The United States also is surging energy equipment to Ukraine to repair its systems and strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s energy grid," he added. The air attack comes in the backdrop of Ukrainian forces making major headways in the Kursk region. Earlier this month, Kyiv punched through the border in a surprise attack, ahead of possible talks regarding a ceasefire in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia launches 'biggest' air attack of war on Ukraine, 7 dead

<p>The political deadlock in France is nowhere near to being resolved after President Emmanuel Macron ruled out naming a left-wing government on Monday (Aug 26).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing threat to the "institutional stability" of the country, Macron said he would initiate fresh talks to find a new prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“My responsibility is that the country is not blocked nor weakened," said Macron in a statement, calling on&nbsp;"all political leaders to rise to the occasion by demonstrating a spirit of responsibility".</p>

<p>Macron added that a left-wing government&nbsp;"would be immediately censored by all the other groups represented in the National Assembly and&nbsp;the institutional stability of our country therefore requires us not to choose this option".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the left-wing parties had pushed Macron to name 37-year-old economist and civil servant Lucie Castets as prime minister. However, the president has remained steadfast in his defiance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Contrary to most opinion polls that predicted a sweep by Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party, the second round of the French parliamentary elections served a major twist in July.&nbsp;The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance&nbsp;won the most seats, beating both the far right and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-seven-weeks-after-the-elections-no-prime-minister-in-sight-752876"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;France: Seven weeks after the elections, no Prime Minister in sight</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What next for France?</strong></h2>

<p>The 577-seat National Assembly was left divided with NFP having over 190 seats, followed by Macron's centrist alliance at around 160 while the far-right was limited to 140 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, NFP,&nbsp;particularly the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) has demanded to form the government but Macron and his allies have vowed to vote the coalition down if any confidence vote takes place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon called for a strong response and urged the public and politicians to move a "motion for impeachment" against the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently,&nbsp;Gabriel Attal is serving as the caretaker government leader since the election results were announced in early July.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-from-a-banker-to-the-youngest-president-of-france-738657"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France</strong></a></p>

<p>For Macron, the outcome of the parliamentary elections, called three years ahead of schedule came as a surprise as he attempted to reshape the political landscape of France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president now has the task to steer France through its most severe political uncertainty in decades which appears to have been engineered by his 'snap' decision.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


The political deadlock in France is nowhere near to being resolved after President Emmanuel Macron ruled out naming a left-wing government on Monday (Aug 26). Citing threat to the "institutional stability" of the country, Macron said he would initiate fresh talks to find a new prime minister.

The political deadlock in France is nowhere near to being resolved after President Emmanuel Macron ruled out naming a left-wing government on Monday (Aug 26). Citing threat to the "institutional stability" of the country, Macron said he would initiate fresh talks to find a new prime minister. “My responsibility is that the country is not blocked nor weakened," said Macron in a statement, calling on "all political leaders to rise to the occasion by demonstrating a spirit of responsibility". Macron added that a left-wing government "would be immediately censored by all the other groups represented in the National Assembly and the institutional stability of our country therefore requires us not to choose this option". Notably, the left-wing parties had pushed Macron to name 37-year-old economist and civil servant Lucie Castets as prime minister. However, the president has remained steadfast in his defiance. Contrary to most opinion polls that predicted a sweep by Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party, the second round of the French parliamentary elections served a major twist in July. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance won the most seats, beating both the far right and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition. Watch | France: Seven weeks after the elections, no Prime Minister in sight × What next for France? The 577-seat National Assembly was left divided with NFP having over 190 seats, followed by Macron's centrist alliance at around 160 while the far-right was limited to 140 seats. Since then, NFP, particularly the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) has demanded to form the government but Macron and his allies have vowed to vote the coalition down if any confidence vote takes place. Meanwhile, LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon called for a strong response and urged the public and politicians to move a "motion for impeachment" against the president. Currently, Gabriel Attal is serving as the caretaker government leader since the election results were announced in early July. Also read | Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France For Macron, the outcome of the parliamentary elections, called three years ahead of schedule came as a surprise as he attempted to reshape the political landscape of France. The president now has the task to steer France through its most severe political uncertainty in decades which appears to have been engineered by his 'snap' decision. (With inputs from agencies)

Emmanuel Macron refuses to name left-wing government to lead France, citing 'institutional stability' threat

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1909}">The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, on Tuesday (August 27), successfully rescued Israeli-Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, who had been held by Hamas since October 7.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1962}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:302,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1962}">The daring rescue operation</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:113,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2007}">The operation, which took place in Rafah, was executed by Division 162, Brigade 401, Yahalom anti-tunnel special forces, and the Shayetet 13 naval commandos.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:163,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2057}">According to the Jerusalem Post, the hostage, identified as 52-year-old Farhan al-Qadi from Rahat, a mainly Arab town, is in good health and is currently undergoing additional health checks at an undisclosed hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2107}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:764,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2107}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:684,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2107}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risk-of-all-out-war-in-middle-east-lowered-after-israel-hezbollah-clash-top-us-general-reveals-753588">Risk of all-out war in Middle East lowered after Israel-Hezbollah clash? Top US general reveals...</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:249,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2143}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:249,&quot;w&quot;:290,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2143}">Israel's successful rescues</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:293,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2187}">This rescue marks the fourth successful operation to free live hostages from Hamas, though several previous missions have involved recovering the bodies of dozens of hostages killed by the militant group.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:343,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2237}">Al-Kaadi is the eighth live hostage to be rescued from Gaza. Notably, he is the first live hostage to be rescued from a tunnel, with previous rescues having occurred above ground.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:393,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2287}">With this, the number of remaining hostages has gone down to 108 from an initial count of 250.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:426,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2320}">Details regarding the operation, including any confrontation with Hamas forces, have not been shared by the IDF.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:458,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2352}">Both IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have praised the operation.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:491,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:491,&quot;w&quot;:797,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:491,&quot;w&quot;:717,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-france-against-intimidating-pavel-durov-telegram-ceos-custody-extended-till-aug-28-753699">Russia warns France against intimidating Pavel Durov; Telegram CEO's custody extended till Aug 28</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:523,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2417}">Halevi in a statement, said, "We do everything we can to save hostages. The IDF and the Shin Bet showed courage, determination, and taking initiative in a complex operation."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:573,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2467}">Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a statement on X, said "We are committed to seizing every opportunity to bring the hostages back to their homes."</p>

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<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:147,&quot;y&quot;:634,&quot;w&quot;:647,&quot;h&quot;:167,&quot;abs_x&quot;:180,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2528}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:152,&quot;y&quot;:634,&quot;w&quot;:637,&quot;h&quot;:167,&quot;abs_x&quot;:185,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2528}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:213,&quot;y&quot;:673,&quot;w&quot;:550,&quot;h&quot;:75,&quot;abs_x&quot;:246,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2567}" dir="ltr" lang="en">The IDF and ISA have rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi from Gaza where he was held hostage, and brought him to his family in Israel. This operation was part of the IDF’s daring and courageous activities conducted deep inside the Gaza strip.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:674,&quot;y&quot;:703,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:707,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2597}" />
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This operation joins a series of actions…</p>
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:570,&quot;y&quot;:761,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:603,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2655}" href="https://twitter.com/yoavgallant/status/1828414653510066647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:913,&quot;y&quot;:624,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:946,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2518}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:828,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2722}">Israeli campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called al-Qadi's rescue "miraculous" but pushed for a negotiated deal.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:860,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2754}">"However, we must remember that military operations alone cannot free the remaining hostages who have suffered 326 days of abuse and terror," it said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:910,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2804}">Insisting that only a ceasefire could ensure the return of other captives, the campaign group said, "A negotiated deal is the only way forward."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:960,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2854}">"We urgently call on the international community to maintain pressure on Hamas to accept the proposed deal and release all hostages," it added.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1010,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2904}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1010,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2904}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, on Tuesday (August 27), successfully rescued Israeli-Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, who had been held by Hamas since October 7.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, on Tuesday (August 27), successfully rescued Israeli-Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, who had been held by Hamas since October 7. The daring rescue operation The operation, which took place in Rafah, was executed by Division 162, Brigade 401, Yahalom anti-tunnel special forces, and the Shayetet 13 naval commandos. According to the Jerusalem Post, the hostage, identified as 52-year-old Farhan al-Qadi from Rahat, a mainly Arab town, is in good health and is currently undergoing additional health checks at an undisclosed hospital. Also read | Risk of all-out war in Middle East lowered after Israel-Hezbollah clash? Top US general reveals... Israel's successful rescues This rescue marks the fourth successful operation to free live hostages from Hamas, though several previous missions have involved recovering the bodies of dozens of hostages killed by the militant group. Al-Kaadi is the eighth live hostage to be rescued from Gaza. Notably, he is the first live hostage to be rescued from a tunnel, with previous rescues having occurred above ground. With this, the number of remaining hostages has gone down to 108 from an initial count of 250. Details regarding the operation, including any confrontation with Hamas forces, have not been shared by the IDF. Both IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have praised the operation. Also read | Russia warns France against intimidating Pavel Durov; Telegram CEO's custody extended till Aug 28 Halevi in a statement, said, "We do everything we can to save hostages. The IDF and the Shin Bet showed courage, determination, and taking initiative in a complex operation." Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a statement on X, said "We are committed to seizing every opportunity to bring the hostages back to their homes." The IDF and ISA have rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi from Gaza where he was held hostage, and brought him to his family in Israel. This operation was part of the IDF’s daring and courageous activities conducted deep inside the Gaza strip. This operation joins a series of actions… — יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) August 27, 2024 × Israeli campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called al-Qadi's rescue "miraculous" but pushed for a negotiated deal. "However, we must remember that military operations alone cannot free the remaining hostages who have suffered 326 days of abuse and terror," it said. Insisting that only a ceasefire could ensure the return of other captives, the campaign group said, "A negotiated deal is the only way forward." "We urgently call on the international community to maintain pressure on Hamas to accept the proposed deal and release all hostages," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli forces rescue 52-year-old hostage from Hamas' tunnel in Gaza; eighth live hostage rescue since Oct 7

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<p>United Nations aid operations in Gaza ground to a halt on Monday (Aug 26) after Israel issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where the UN operations centre was located, said a senior UN official.</p>

<p>The evacuation order came as the UN prepares to begin on Saturday a campaign to vaccinate an estimated 640,000 children in Gaza, where the World Health Organization (WHO) said a 10-month-old baby had been paralysed by the type 2 poliovirus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years.</p>

<p>"We're unable to deliver today with the conditions that we're in," said the senior UN&nbsp;official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "As of this morning, we're not operating in Gaza."</p>

<p>The United Nations had relocated its main operations centre for the Gaza Strip and most UN personnel to Deir Al-Balah, the official said, after Israel ordered the evacuation of Rafah in the south of Gaza several months ago.</p>

<p>"Where do we move now?" said the official, adding that UN staff had to be moved so quickly that equipment was left behind.</p>

<p>The Israeli military's humanitarian unit (COGAT) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>The senior UN official said UN staff on the ground had been directed to try and find a way to keep operating. He said UN operations had not been formally suspended.</p>

<p>"We're not leaving (Gaza) because the people need us there," the official said. "We're trying to balance the need of the population with the need for safety and security of the UN personnel."</p>

<p>Sam Rose, a senior field director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said UNRWA was still managing to deliver health and other services on Monday, but noted that while&nbsp;UNRWA operated differently to the rest of the UN system it still faced the same challenges.</p>

<p>"We are being squeezed into ever smaller areas of Gaza," he told reporters on Monday. "The humanitarian zone declared by Israel has shrunk. It's now about 11 per cent of the entire Gaza Strip. But this isn't 11 per cent of land that is fit for habitation, fit for services, fit for life."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-un-says-9-gaza-aid-members-may-have-been-involved-in-october-7-attack-747565"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: UN says 9 Gaza aid members may have been involved in October 7 attack</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Food aid halved</h2>

<p>The current war in the Gaza Strip began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen stormed into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.</p>

<p>Since then, Israel's military has levelled swathes of the Palestinian enclave, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.</p>

<p>"The humanitarian response here is being completely strangled and limiting our ability of what we can do," said Louise Wateridge, spokesperson for UNRWA in Gaza, on Monday.</p>

<p>The UN has long complained of obstacles to getting aid into Gaza - Israel inspects and approves all trucks - and says it is also struggling to distribute aid amid&nbsp;"total lawlessness" within the enclave of 2.3 million people, where a global hunger monitor last month said there is a high risk of famine.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-us-preparing-to-temporarily-remove-gaza-pier-heres-why-731893"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: 'US preparing to temporarily remove Gaza pier due to...'</strong></a></p>

<p>The UN World Food Program (WFP) said on Monday that in the past two months it "managed to bring in only half of the 24,000 metric tonnes of food aid required for operations serving 1.1 million people." WFP said it was hampered by worsening conflict, a limited number of border crossings and damaged roads.</p>

<p>Rose said that more than 3,000 people would work on the polio vaccination campaign that is due to start on Saturday.</p>

<p>"Over 1,000 of them drawn from UNRWA, which is essentially the largest primary health care provider left in the Gaza Strip. The vaccines have come in. We're calling for calm. We're calling for humanitarian pauses," he said.</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>


United Nations aid operations in Gaza ground to a halt on Monday (Aug 26) after Israel issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where the UN operations centre was located, said a senior UN official.

United Nations aid operations in Gaza ground to a halt on Monday (Aug 26) after Israel issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where the UN operations centre was located, said a senior UN official. The evacuation order came as the UN prepares to begin on Saturday a campaign to vaccinate an estimated 640,000 children in Gaza, where the World Health Organization (WHO) said a 10-month-old baby had been paralysed by the type 2 poliovirus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years. "We're unable to deliver today with the conditions that we're in," said the senior UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "As of this morning, we're not operating in Gaza." The United Nations had relocated its main operations centre for the Gaza Strip and most UN personnel to Deir Al-Balah, the official said, after Israel ordered the evacuation of Rafah in the south of Gaza several months ago. "Where do we move now?" said the official, adding that UN staff had to be moved so quickly that equipment was left behind. The Israeli military's humanitarian unit (COGAT) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The senior UN official said UN staff on the ground had been directed to try and find a way to keep operating. He said UN operations had not been formally suspended. "We're not leaving (Gaza) because the people need us there," the official said. "We're trying to balance the need of the population with the need for safety and security of the UN personnel." Sam Rose, a senior field director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said UNRWA was still managing to deliver health and other services on Monday, but noted that while UNRWA operated differently to the rest of the UN system it still faced the same challenges. "We are being squeezed into ever smaller areas of Gaza," he told reporters on Monday. "The humanitarian zone declared by Israel has shrunk. It's now about 11 per cent of the entire Gaza Strip. But this isn't 11 per cent of land that is fit for habitation, fit for services, fit for life." Watch | Israel-Hamas War: UN says 9 Gaza aid members may have been involved in October 7 attack × Food aid halved The current war in the Gaza Strip began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen stormed into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's military has levelled swathes of the Palestinian enclave, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. "The humanitarian response here is being completely strangled and limiting our ability of what we can do," said Louise Wateridge, spokesperson for UNRWA in Gaza, on Monday. The UN has long complained of obstacles to getting aid into Gaza - Israel inspects and approves all trucks - and says it is also struggling to distribute aid amid "total lawlessness" within the enclave of 2.3 million people, where a global hunger monitor last month said there is a high risk of famine. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: 'US preparing to temporarily remove Gaza pier due to...' The UN World Food Program (WFP) said on Monday that in the past two months it "managed to bring in only half of the 24,000 metric tonnes of food aid required for operations serving 1.1 million people." WFP said it was hampered by worsening conflict, a limited number of border crossings and damaged roads. Rose said that more than 3,000 people would work on the polio vaccination campaign that is due to start on Saturday. "Over 1,000 of them drawn from UNRWA, which is essentially the largest primary health care provider left in the Gaza Strip. The vaccines have come in. We're calling for calm. We're calling for humanitarian pauses," he said. 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.

UN halts aid operations in Gaza Strip after Israeli evacuation orders

<p>Japan has slammed the first-ever incursion of a Chinese aircraft into its airspace by calling it "unacceptable" and a&nbsp;"serious violation" of its sovereignty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incursion took place on Monday (Aug 26) for a two-minute period around 11:29 am (0229 GMT) near the uninhabited Danjo Islands, which prompted the Japanese authorities to scramble its fighter jets in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The violation of our country's airspace by Chinese military aircraft is not only a serious violation of our country's sovereignty, but also a threat to our safety, and we consider it utterly unacceptable,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a news conference.</p>

<p>The Danjo Islands are a group of&nbsp;small islets, located&nbsp;in the East China Sea off Japan's southern Nagasaki region, and are not disputed territory.</p>

<p>“We understand that this is the first confirmed and announced airspace incursion by a Chinese military aircraft since we started the anti-airspace incursion measures," he added.</p>

<p>Tokyo said China's military activities in recent years near its territory had started to increase, prompting the government to keep an even closer eye.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The government will continue to watch China's military activities with keen interest, and will take all possible measures to ensure vigilant surveillance and prevent airspace violations."</p>

<p>According to experts, China may have been probing Japan's air defence network and seeking intelligence as Tokyo extends&nbsp;its cooperation with the US and other countries in the volatile region.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-y-9-reconnaissance-plane-flew-over-japans-danjo-islands-753518"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China's Y-9 Reconnaissance Plane flew over Japan's Danjo Islands</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>China issues statement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>More than 24 hours after the incident, China issued a statement saying it had "no intention"&nbsp;of violating foreign airspace.</p>

<p>The statement came after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan arrived in Beijing on Tuesday. According to reports, the issue might be brought up as Japan is Washington's closest ally in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incursion comes against the backdrop of Chinese vessels and their repeated maritime provocations near disputed islands in the East China Sea - escalating regional tension.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-broadcaster-nhk-apologises-for-staffer-claiming-senkaku-islands-as-chinese-territory-751978"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Japanese broadcaster NHK apologises for staffer claiming Senkaku Islands as ‘Chinese territory’</strong></a></p>

<p>Prior to Monday's incursion, China had sent its aircraft into&nbsp;Japanese territorial airspace on just two occasions.</p>

<p>The first instance came in 2012 when a&nbsp;propeller plane was detected, and another time in 2017 involving a small drone — occurred near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Notably, China claims the Senkaku Islands as its own and calls it&nbsp;the Diaoyu.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan has slammed the first-ever incursion of a Chinese aircraft into its airspace by calling it "unacceptable" and a "serious violation" of its sovereignty. The incursion took place on Monday (Aug 26) for a two-minute period around 11:29 am (0229 GMT) near the uninhabited Danjo Islands, which prompted the Japanese authorities to scramble its fighter jets in the region.

Japan has slammed the first-ever incursion of a Chinese aircraft into its airspace by calling it "unacceptable" and a "serious violation" of its sovereignty. The incursion took place on Monday (Aug 26) for a two-minute period around 11:29 am (0229 GMT) near the uninhabited Danjo Islands, which prompted the Japanese authorities to scramble its fighter jets in the region. “The violation of our country's airspace by Chinese military aircraft is not only a serious violation of our country's sovereignty, but also a threat to our safety, and we consider it utterly unacceptable,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a news conference. The Danjo Islands are a group of small islets, located in the East China Sea off Japan's southern Nagasaki region, and are not disputed territory. “We understand that this is the first confirmed and announced airspace incursion by a Chinese military aircraft since we started the anti-airspace incursion measures," he added. Tokyo said China's military activities in recent years near its territory had started to increase, prompting the government to keep an even closer eye. “The government will continue to watch China's military activities with keen interest, and will take all possible measures to ensure vigilant surveillance and prevent airspace violations." According to experts, China may have been probing Japan's air defence network and seeking intelligence as Tokyo extends its cooperation with the US and other countries in the volatile region. Watch | China's Y-9 Reconnaissance Plane flew over Japan's Danjo Islands × China issues statement More than 24 hours after the incident, China issued a statement saying it had "no intention" of violating foreign airspace. The statement came after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan arrived in Beijing on Tuesday. According to reports, the issue might be brought up as Japan is Washington's closest ally in the region. The incursion comes against the backdrop of Chinese vessels and their repeated maritime provocations near disputed islands in the East China Sea - escalating regional tension. Also read | Japanese broadcaster NHK apologises for staffer claiming Senkaku Islands as ‘Chinese territory’ Prior to Monday's incursion, China had sent its aircraft into Japanese territorial airspace on just two occasions. The first instance came in 2012 when a propeller plane was detected, and another time in 2017 involving a small drone — occurred near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Notably, China claims the Senkaku Islands as its own and calls it the Diaoyu. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan slams China for incursion of military aircraft into its territory, Beijing responds

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