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In an unfortunate incident, six people,&nbsp;including two pilots were killed in a helicopter crash in North India's Uttarakhand on Tuesday. The helicopter was carrying pilgrims from the holy Hindu site of Kedarnath to&nbsp;Guptkashi.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),&nbsp;the regulatory body for civil aviation in India said the accident might have occurred due to bad weather.&nbsp;

“A Bell 407 helicopter VT-RPN belonging to a Delhi based NSOP holder M/s Aryan Aviation has crashed on way from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, possibly due to bad weather. Total number of passengers six and one Pilot were on board," said DGCA, based on preliminary info.&nbsp;

Prime Minister's Office released a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where he paid his condolences.&nbsp;

"Anguished by the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families: PM @narendramodi"

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Anguished by the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1582279921959043073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia took to Twitter to state the centre was in touch with the Uttarakhand government regarding the crash.&nbsp;

"The helicopter crash in Kedarnath is extremely unfortunate. We are in touch with the State government to ascertain the magnitude of the loss and are constantly monitoring the situation," tweeted&nbsp;Scindia.&nbsp;

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The helicopter crash in Kedarnath is extremely unfortunate. We are in touch with the State government to ascertain the magnitude of the loss, and are constantly monitoring the situation.
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JM_Scindia/status/1582261985676169217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"Received the tragic news&nbsp;of some casualties in an unfortunate helicopter crash at Garuda Garud Chatti near Kedarnath. SDRF and district administration teams have reached the spot for relief and rescue work. A detailed inquiry has been ordered into this tragic incident," tweeted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.&nbsp;

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केदारनाथ के समीप गरुड़ चट्टी में दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण हेलीकॉप्टर क्रैश में कुछ लोगों के हताहत होने का अत्यंत दु:खद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ है। राहत और बचाव कार्य हेतु SDRF और जिला प्रशासन की टीम घटनास्थल पर पहुंच चुकी है। इस दु:खद घटना के विस्तृत जांच के आदेश दे दिए गए है।
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) <a href="https://twitter.com/pushkardhami/status/1582271074741682177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Notably, Kedarnath is part of the 'Char Dham' yatra that is undertaken by Hindus. Apart from Kedarnath, the circuit has Yamunotri, Gangotri and Badrinath as other sites.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In an unfortunate incident, six people, including two pilots were killed in a helicopter crash in North India's Uttarakhand on Tuesday. The helicopter was carrying pilgrims from the holy Hindu site of Kedarnath to Guptkashi.

In an unfortunate incident, six people, including two pilots were killed in a helicopter crash in North India's Uttarakhand on Tuesday. The helicopter was carrying pilgrims from the holy Hindu site of Kedarnath to Guptkashi. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body for civil aviation in India said the accident might have occurred due to bad weather. “A Bell 407 helicopter VT-RPN belonging to a Delhi based NSOP holder M/s Aryan Aviation has crashed on way from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, possibly due to bad weather. Total number of passengers six and one Pilot were on board," said DGCA, based on preliminary info. Prime Minister's Office released a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where he paid his condolences. "Anguished by the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families: PM @narendramodi" Anguished by the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 18, 2022 × Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia took to Twitter to state the centre was in touch with the Uttarakhand government regarding the crash. "The helicopter crash in Kedarnath is extremely unfortunate. We are in touch with the State government to ascertain the magnitude of the loss and are constantly monitoring the situation," tweeted Scindia. The helicopter crash in Kedarnath is extremely unfortunate. We are in touch with the State government to ascertain the magnitude of the loss, and are constantly monitoring the situation. — Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) October 18, 2022 × "Received the tragic news of some casualties in an unfortunate helicopter crash at Garuda Garud Chatti near Kedarnath. SDRF and district administration teams have reached the spot for relief and rescue work. A detailed inquiry has been ordered into this tragic incident," tweeted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. केदारनाथ के समीप गरुड़ चट्टी में दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण हेलीकॉप्टर क्रैश में कुछ लोगों के हताहत होने का अत्यंत दु:खद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ है। राहत और बचाव कार्य हेतु SDRF और जिला प्रशासन की टीम घटनास्थल पर पहुंच चुकी है। इस दु:खद घटना के विस्तृत जांच के आदेश दे दिए गए है। — Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) October 18, 2022 × Notably, Kedarnath is part of the 'Char Dham' yatra that is undertaken by Hindus. Apart from Kedarnath, the circuit has Yamunotri, Gangotri and Badrinath as other sites. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Six people, including two pilots die in a helicopter crash in Kedarnath

A diplomatic storm is brewing between Turkey and Greece over migrants. 92 migrants were found without clothes along their border. The two are now trading barbs & accusing each other of being inhumane.

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Imran Khan has turned the tables by winning 6 out of 8 seats in Pakistan by-polls. He is selling the victory as a referendum on his popularity. Has this set the stage for his comeback?

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“There is no longer any doubt where Israel should stand in this bloody conflict. The time has come for Ukraine to receive military aid as well, just as the US and NATO countries provide,” says Israel's minister.

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Russia-Ukraine war | 'No doubt where Israel stands in this conflict'

Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook has been ordered by the UK&nbsp;antitrust watchdog&nbsp;Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to sell GIPHY Inc. This is the second instance when Meta has been ordered to sell the popular gif library.&nbsp;

Meta conceded the defeat and said it was disappointed by the decision.&nbsp;

“We are disappointed by the CMA’s decision but accept today’s ruling as the final word on the matter.&nbsp;We are grateful to the Giphy team during this uncertain time for their business, and wish them every success,” said a Meta spokesperson.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Stuart McIntosh, chair of the independent inquiry into the buyout said,&nbsp;“This deal would significantly reduce competition in two markets. It has already resulted in the removal of a potential challenger in the UK display ad market, while also giving Meta the ability to further increase its substantial market power in social media."

“The only way this can be addressed is by the sale of Giphy. This will promote innovation in digital advertising, and also ensure UK social media users continue to benefit from access to Giphy.”

As reported by WION, the watchdog, in November last year issued the first order to Meta citing the deal could harm the competitors. Reportedly, Meta bought GIPHY in 2020 for an estimated $400 million to integrate it with its other platforms viz. Instagram and WhatsApp.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-owner-meta-asked-to-sell-giphy-by-british-regulator-432991">Read more:&nbsp;Facebook-owner Meta asked to sell Giphy by British regulator</a>

However, CMA feared that the deal could limit other social media platforms' access to GIFs, which, in turn, would have made those sites less attractive to users.&nbsp;

"Without action, it will also allow Facebook to increase its significant market power in social media even further, through controlling competitors' access to Giphy GIFs," said Stuart McIntosh, who headed an inquiry into the buyout.&nbsp;

However, after the order, Meta decided to appeal the decision and went to&nbsp;Competition Appeal Tribunal in January, earlier this year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-appeals-british-regulators-ruling-that-asked-facebook-to-sell-giphy-442512">Read more:&nbsp;Meta appeals British regulator's ruling that asked Facebook to sell Giphy</a>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH&nbsp;WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook has been ordered by the UK antitrust watchdog Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to sell GIPHY Inc. This is the second instance when Meta has been ordered to sell the popular gif library.

Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook has been ordered by the UK antitrust watchdog Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to sell GIPHY Inc. This is the second instance when Meta has been ordered to sell the popular gif library. Meta conceded the defeat and said it was disappointed by the decision. “We are disappointed by the CMA’s decision but accept today’s ruling as the final word on the matter. We are grateful to the Giphy team during this uncertain time for their business, and wish them every success,” said a Meta spokesperson. Meanwhile, Stuart McIntosh, chair of the independent inquiry into the buyout said, “This deal would significantly reduce competition in two markets. It has already resulted in the removal of a potential challenger in the UK display ad market, while also giving Meta the ability to further increase its substantial market power in social media." “The only way this can be addressed is by the sale of Giphy. This will promote innovation in digital advertising, and also ensure UK social media users continue to benefit from access to Giphy.” As reported by WION, the watchdog, in November last year issued the first order to Meta citing the deal could harm the competitors. Reportedly, Meta bought GIPHY in 2020 for an estimated $400 million to integrate it with its other platforms viz. Instagram and WhatsApp. Read more: Facebook-owner Meta asked to sell Giphy by British regulator However, CMA feared that the deal could limit other social media platforms' access to GIFs, which, in turn, would have made those sites less attractive to users. "Without action, it will also allow Facebook to increase its significant market power in social media even further, through controlling competitors' access to Giphy GIFs," said Stuart McIntosh, who headed an inquiry into the buyout. However, after the order, Meta decided to appeal the decision and went to Competition Appeal Tribunal in January, earlier this year. Read more: Meta appeals British regulator's ruling that asked Facebook to sell Giphy (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Meta ordered to sell GIPHY for the second time by UK antitrust watchdog

After a gap of 25 years, India is hosting an Interpol meeting. The 90th edition of the Interpol General Assembly meeting is currently being held in the nation's capital, New Delhi.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, speaking at the meeting which is being attended by 195 countries, the Indian Prime Minister in his speech said that India is a case study for the world in upholding diversity and democracy.

"In upholding diversity and democracy, India is a case study for the world. Over the last 99 years, Interpol has connected police organizations globally in 195 countries. This is despite differences in the legal framework."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-non-local-labourers-killed-in-south-kashmir-attack-police-arrests-two-let-terrorists-526356" hreflang="en">Two non-local labourers killed in South Kashmir attack, police arrests two LeT terrorists</a>

Calling attention to the fact that 2023 marks the 100th year anniversary of the organisation, Modi said "The Interpol is approaching a historic milestone."&nbsp;

"Terrorism has developed a new form of online radicalism and digital fraud. All countries are working on developing strategies to address this form of terrorism," he said&nbsp;adding&nbsp;that "This is a call for universal cooperation to make the world a better place. India is one of the top contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Operations. From climate targets to COVID vaccines, India has shown the willingness to take the lead in any crisis."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-six-people-including-two-pilots-die-in-a-helicoper-crash-in-kedarnath-526359" hreflang="en">India: Six people, including two pilots die in a helicoper crash in Kedarnath</a>

As per ANI, he also lauded the global police forces stating that they are the frontline responders during any crisis in the world.

The four-day event is being held from October 18-21 in New Delhi. 195 member countries are participating in the gathering of Ministers, police and intelligence chiefs of countries and heads of national central bureaus, and senior police officers are attending the event.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After a gap of 25 years, India is hosting an Interpol meeting. The 90th edition of the Interpol General Assembly meeting is currently being held in the nation's capital, New Delhi.

After a gap of 25 years, India is hosting an Interpol meeting. The 90th edition of the Interpol General Assembly meeting is currently being held in the nation's capital, New Delhi. On Tuesday, speaking at the meeting which is being attended by 195 countries, the Indian Prime Minister in his speech said that India is a case study for the world in upholding diversity and democracy. "In upholding diversity and democracy, India is a case study for the world. Over the last 99 years, Interpol has connected police organizations globally in 195 countries. This is despite differences in the legal framework." Also read | Two non-local labourers killed in South Kashmir attack, police arrests two LeT terrorists Calling attention to the fact that 2023 marks the 100th year anniversary of the organisation, Modi said "The Interpol is approaching a historic milestone." "Terrorism has developed a new form of online radicalism and digital fraud. All countries are working on developing strategies to address this form of terrorism," he said adding that "This is a call for universal cooperation to make the world a better place. India is one of the top contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Operations. From climate targets to COVID vaccines, India has shown the willingness to take the lead in any crisis." Also read | India: Six people, including two pilots die in a helicoper crash in Kedarnath As per ANI, he also lauded the global police forces stating that they are the frontline responders during any crisis in the world. The four-day event is being held from October 18-21 in New Delhi. 195 member countries are participating in the gathering of Ministers, police and intelligence chiefs of countries and heads of national central bureaus, and senior police officers are attending the event. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Safe, secure world is shared responsibility; India a leader 'in upholding diversity and democracy': PM Modi 

A day after Chinese President Xi Jinping headlined the opening of the 20th CPC congress and made rather aggressive remarks on Taiwan, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that China is on a “much faster timeline” in its plan to annex Taiwan.&nbsp;

“Instead of sticking with the status quo that was established in a positive way, [Beijing has made] a fundamental decision that the status quo is no longer acceptable, and Beijing is determined to pursue reunification on a much faster timeline,” said Blinken while in a conversation with&nbsp;Condoleezza Rice, former secretary of state at Stanford University.&nbsp;

“If peaceful means didn’t work then would employ coercive means, and possibly if coercive means don’t work then maybe forceful means to achieve its objective. That is what is profoundly disrupting the status quo and creating tremendous tensions.”

As reported by WION, Xi Jinping on Sunday, in his&nbsp;once-in-a-five-year addresses at the congress said the Taiwan matter was for the Chinese people only to decide.

“The resolution of the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, to be decided by the Chinese people," said Xi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-never-renounce-force-says-xi-jinping-on-taiwan-during-the-party-congress-525795">Read more:&nbsp;'Will never renounce option to use force in Taiwan', says Xi Jinping during the CPC's 20th congress</a>

The CCP leader added that China reserves the option of “taking all measures necessary” against separatist forces.

“We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort. But, we will never promise to renounce the use of force. And we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.”

Xi also lauded his government's approach despite Taiwan's secessionist forces attempting to break away from China.&nbsp;

"In the face of serious provocations by the Taiwan independence separatists and the interference of external force, we resolutely carried out major struggles against separatism and interference, demonstrating our firm determination and strong ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and oppose Taiwan independence force."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xis-third-term-to-strengthen-authoritarian-regime-in-china-report-525781" target="_blank">Read more: Xi’s third term to strengthen authoritarian regime in China: Report</a>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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A day after Chinese President Xi Jinping headlined the opening of the 20th CPC congress and made rather aggressive remarks on Taiwan, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that China is on a “much faster timeline” in its plan to annex Taiwan.

A day after Chinese President Xi Jinping headlined the opening of the 20th CPC congress and made rather aggressive remarks on Taiwan, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that China is on a “much faster timeline” in its plan to annex Taiwan. “Instead of sticking with the status quo that was established in a positive way, [Beijing has made] a fundamental decision that the status quo is no longer acceptable, and Beijing is determined to pursue reunification on a much faster timeline,” said Blinken while in a conversation with Condoleezza Rice, former secretary of state at Stanford University. “If peaceful means didn’t work then would employ coercive means, and possibly if coercive means don’t work then maybe forceful means to achieve its objective. That is what is profoundly disrupting the status quo and creating tremendous tensions.” As reported by WION, Xi Jinping on Sunday, in his once-in-a-five-year addresses at the congress said the Taiwan matter was for the Chinese people only to decide. “The resolution of the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, to be decided by the Chinese people," said Xi. Read more: 'Will never renounce option to use force in Taiwan', says Xi Jinping during the CPC's 20th congress The CCP leader added that China reserves the option of “taking all measures necessary” against separatist forces. “We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort. But, we will never promise to renounce the use of force. And we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.” Xi also lauded his government's approach despite Taiwan's secessionist forces attempting to break away from China. "In the face of serious provocations by the Taiwan independence separatists and the interference of external force, we resolutely carried out major struggles against separatism and interference, demonstrating our firm determination and strong ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and oppose Taiwan independence force." Read more: Xi’s third term to strengthen authoritarian regime in China: Report (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

A day after CPC congress, US says China moving 'much faster' to annex Taiwan

The Communist Party Congress in China is ready to hand President Xi Jinping, a third five-year term. In that backdrop, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has highlighted the importance of cooperation with China especially on issues such as climate change and global health.

Blinken stresses cooperation with China on climate, global health

Two migrant laborers were killed in Kashmir when terrorists threw grenades at their home, this comes after a person was killed by terrorists in the same Shopian district last week. The laborers hailed from northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Two migrant laborers shot dead in Shopian in south Kashmir

France is bracing for a nationwide transport strike as the country's government and the unions remain in a deadlock over fuel shortages in the country. The French trade unions are also asking for higher salaries amid decades-high inflation.

France: Leading trade unions call for strikes amidst soaring inflation

Land acquisition has been completed for India's second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, revealed a top government official. Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the vice president of Tamil Nadu State Council for Science & Technology and the former director, ISRO Satellite Center said the work on building the new spaceport may start anytime.

Land acquisition has been completed for India's second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, revealed a top government official. Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the vice president of Tamil Nadu State Council for Science & Technology and the former director, ISRO Satellite Center said the work on building the new spaceport may start anytime. He was optimistic about the emergence of a space ecosystem around the new spaceport in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin district. Sriharikota offers various advantages as an ideal launch site. Situated on the east coast and at a position nearer to the equator, rockets launched from here are aided by the additional velocity of Earth's West-East rotation. This effect of this rotation is felt closest to the equator and is almost nil at the earth's poles. This effect mainly benefits launches into equatorial orbits. Read more: Why is India building a new spaceport in Tamil Nadu? Dr Annadurai was speaking at the international conclave titled “Space Technology: The Next Business Frontier” hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) by the US Consulate General and the Indian Space Association (ISpA). "It is predicted that 10,000 satellites will be launched in the next ten years. They are meant to perform functions ranging from communications, radars, optical sensors, remote sensing etc.," said Prof. Rajeev Jyoti, Director Technical, IN-SPACe, Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre. He elaborated by referring to the trend of the global space sector moving from the large satellites in geostationary orbit to developing small satellite constellations for low earth orbit. “Land acquisition for India’s 2nd spaceport (Kulasekarapattinam, #TamilNadu )has been completed, work may begin soon” Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, VP TN Council Sci&Tech, Fmr Director, URSC #isro He emphasises- #india can capitalise on demand for small sat lunches from 2nd spaceport pic.twitter.com/uJdsgzxlOg — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 18, 2022 × Urging the Indian industry and private sector to take forward the country's space programme, he said that solutions had to be developed for space debris mitigation, as space was getting increasingly crowded. Referring to the new rules of the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), he said that defunct space objects (debris) had to now be removed within five years, as opposed to the earlier 25-year time period for the same. Adding to the prospects for India in the era of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, Dr Annadurai added that the new SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket holds huge potential. He emphasised how the rocket would be able to perform to its full payload capability, once it is launched from the upcoming spaceport in Tamil Nadu's Kulasekarapattinam. Currently, India carries out all rocket launch activity from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Land acquisition complete for India's 2nd spaceport, work may begin soon, says former ISRO Director

More than a decade ago Xi Jinping embarked upon a dream to make China a footballing giant. For the next few years, China became this incredible destination where famous footballers, at the fag end of their career, travelled for one last paycheque. The result? Neither did the footballing landscape of China&nbsp;improve, nor did Xi's dream come true. However, what did come out was a strategy of poaching talent from abroad.

Using a similar modus-operandi, China is now luring retired British military pilots to its shores by handing them handsome sums of money. The main aim is to use their expertise to level up the military which lacks the required experience.

"It is a lucrative package that is being offered to people. Money is a strong motivator.&nbsp;Some of the packages are thought to be as much as $270,000," a western official was quoted as saying by&nbsp;BBC.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-united-front-chinas-magic-weapon-305239">Read more:&nbsp;The United Front: China's magic weapon</a>

Reportedly, China is attempting to learn the ways of the western militaries, in case a conflict with Taiwan comes to heed. Most of the pilots are being recruited through headhunters, with a flying academy based in South Africa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwans-air-force-flexes-its-muscles-taiwanese-fear-chinese-aggression-508709">WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan's air force flexes its muscles | Taiwanese fear Chinese aggression</a>

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According to the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), the pilots lured by China appear to have flown Typhoons, Jaguars, Harriers and Tornados

The sources say that the British military first became aware of the issue, back in 2019 when a small batch of former military pilots was hired. After the pandemic struck, the movement was stopped as air travel became next to possible. However, since then, China has quietly ramped up its hiring process yet again.&nbsp;

"We've seen it ramp up significantly. Current serving personnel are being targeted but none are thought to have accepted," said the official.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chinas-air-force-decoded-how-plaaf-is-evolving-its-tactical-strategy-425500">Read more:&nbsp;China's Air Force decoded: How PLAAF is evolving its tactical strategy</a>

However, the MoD maintains there is no evidence that the pilots have leaked some sensitive information to Beijing.&nbsp;

"All serving and former personnel are already subject to the Official Secrets Act, and we are reviewing the use of confidentiality contracts and non-disclosure agreements across Defence, while the new National Security Bill will create additional tools to tackle contemporary security challenges - including this one."

China is infamous for reverse engineering Western tech for its military. Similarly, its United Font workers routinely steal IPs which makes the hiring of ex-military pilots a dangerous precedent.

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies) 
 
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More than a decade ago Xi Jinping embarked upon a dream to make China a footballing giant. For the next few years, China became this incredible destination where famous footballers, at the fag end of their career, travelled for one last paycheque.

More than a decade ago Xi Jinping embarked upon a dream to make China a footballing giant. For the next few years, China became this incredible destination where famous footballers, at the fag end of their career, travelled for one last paycheque. The result? Neither did the footballing landscape of China improve, nor did Xi's dream come true. However, what did come out was a strategy of poaching talent from abroad. Using a similar modus-operandi, China is now luring retired British military pilots to its shores by handing them handsome sums of money. The main aim is to use their expertise to level up the military which lacks the required experience. "It is a lucrative package that is being offered to people. Money is a strong motivator. Some of the packages are thought to be as much as $270,000," a western official was quoted as saying by BBC. Read more: The United Front: China's magic weapon Reportedly, China is attempting to learn the ways of the western militaries, in case a conflict with Taiwan comes to heed. Most of the pilots are being recruited through headhunters, with a flying academy based in South Africa. WATCH | Taiwan's air force flexes its muscles | Taiwanese fear Chinese aggression × According to the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), the pilots lured by China appear to have flown Typhoons, Jaguars, Harriers and Tornados The sources say that the British military first became aware of the issue, back in 2019 when a small batch of former military pilots was hired. After the pandemic struck, the movement was stopped as air travel became next to possible. However, since then, China has quietly ramped up its hiring process yet again. "We've seen it ramp up significantly. Current serving personnel are being targeted but none are thought to have accepted," said the official. Read more: China's Air Force decoded: How PLAAF is evolving its tactical strategy However, the MoD maintains there is no evidence that the pilots have leaked some sensitive information to Beijing. "All serving and former personnel are already subject to the Official Secrets Act, and we are reviewing the use of confidentiality contracts and non-disclosure agreements across Defence, while the new National Security Bill will create additional tools to tackle contemporary security challenges - including this one." China is infamous for reverse engineering Western tech for its military. Similarly, its United Font workers routinely steal IPs which makes the hiring of ex-military pilots a dangerous precedent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China luring former British pilots with hefty paycheques to help its military: Report

Rising sea levels and devastating floods are wreaking havoc in Bangladesh. Living constantly under the threat of dislocation, residents in the low-lying coastal areas are facing an existential threat.

WION Climate Tracker | Bangladesh floods: Homes, lives, savings wiped away in nature's fury

Poll results in Britain has come up that could shock the Tories. It has indicated that the Conservative party might face an electoral wipeout if the country went to polls tomorrow leaving the Labour Party in charge here as PM Liz Truss faces fears of being ousted.

UK poll of polls predict a change in leadership; could Labour Party win the majority?

India is hosting the 90th Interpol General Assembly from October 18th. Representatives of the 195 member countries are expected to participate in the annual meeting. Taiwan was forced to withdraw from Interpol in 1984 and cannot be a part of the global fight against international crime. Can its participation help build a safer world? Watch our special report.

Can Taiwan's participation in Interpol help build a safer world?

At present millions of people around the globe cannot afford to eat while others are suffering from malnutrition. As a result of climate change and failing crop production, now the United Nations food and agriculture organization says that 80% of the world's poorest people live in rural areas.

WION Climate Tracker: People in Kenya struggle to feed their families due to drought

Conservationists from Wildlife charity World Wildlife Fund and the London Zoo are warning of a massive loss of global animal biodiversity. Their joint reports published on Thursday says that monitoring groups have recorded a drop in animal population.

WION Climate Tracker: World Wildlife fund highlights 10 priority areas

China's economic woes are worsening. The local fiscal shortfall is posing growth risks. Policymakers are facing stern tests as recession risks rise.

China's economic woes: Local fiscal shortfall poses growth risks

Have a look at India's gold market. Gold prices are currently nearing a one-month low. The prices are expected to remain in a narrow range.

India gold market: Gold prices near one-month low

Fascinated by the metabolism of bears, scientists are conducting studies to treat insulin resistance and diabetes in humans.

WION Fineprint | Bears: Fat, inactive yet healthy?

Ninety-two migrants were allegedly forced to cross the Evros river from Turkey into Greece and were later discovered virtually naked and beaten. Greece has blamed Turkey for the incident it described as a "shame on civilisation."

In the most recent of several accusations regarding migration between the neighbours, Greek Minister of Civil Protection Takis Theodorikakos charged Turkey with "instrumentalising unlawful immigration."

Speaking to Skai Television, he claimed that many migrants told Frontex, the organisation in charge of monitoring EU borders, that "three Turkish army vehicles had transferred them" to the river, which serves as a natural boundary. The migrants were found with "visible injuries".

Ankara has vehemently refuted the accusations, instead blaming Athens for the "inhuman" situation, reported AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-begins-military-drills-amid-speculations-over-north-korean-nuclear-test-525969" hreflang="en">South Korea begins military drills as fears loom over North Korean nuclear test</a>

Taking to Twitter Fahrettin Altun top press aide for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "We urge Greece to abandon its harsh treatment of refugees as soon as possible, to cease its baseless and false charges against Turkey".

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We urge Greece to abandon its harsh treatment of refugees as soon as possible, to cease its baseless and false charges against Türkiye, and to deliver the dignity of government.
— Fahrettin Altun (@fahrettinaltun) <a href="https://twitter.com/fahrettinaltun/status/1581690761430462464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"With these futile and ridiculous efforts, Greece has shown once again to the entire world that it does not respect the dignity of refugees by posting these oppressed people's pictures it has deported after extorting their personal possessions," he added in another tweet.

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With these futile and ridiculous efforts, Greece has shown once again to the entire world that it does not respect the dignity of refugees by posting these oppressed people’s pictures it has deported after extorting their personal possessions.
— Fahrettin Altun (@fahrettinaltun) <a href="https://twitter.com/fahrettinaltun/status/1581690757206798338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As per AFP, in the past, NGOs and the media have frequently accused Athens of forcefully attempting to push migrants back into Turkey on several occasions; however, Athens has consistently refuted these claims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-and-his-truth-social-app-broke-federal-securities-laws-alleges-whistleblower-525971" hreflang="en">Donald Trump and his Truth Social app broke federal securities laws alleges whistleblower</a>

In a tweet, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR too expressed its "deep" distress&nbsp;at the horrifying accounts and pictures of 92 persons who were reportedly discovered at the Greek-Turkish land border "stripped of their clothes".

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UNHCR is deeply distressed by the shocking reports and images of 92 people, who were reported to have been found at the Greek-Turkish land border, stripped of their clothes. 
 
We condemn such cruel and degrading treatment and call for a full investigation into this incident.
— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) <a href="https://twitter.com/Refugees/status/1581649909824237568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

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Ninety-two migrants were allegedly forced to cross the Evros river from Turkey into Greece and were later discovered virtually naked and beaten. Greece has blamed Turkey for the incident it described as a "shame on civilisation.

Ninety-two migrants were allegedly forced to cross the Evros river from Turkey into Greece and were later discovered virtually naked and beaten. Greece has blamed Turkey for the incident it described as a "shame on civilisation." In the most recent of several accusations regarding migration between the neighbours, Greek Minister of Civil Protection Takis Theodorikakos charged Turkey with "instrumentalising unlawful immigration." Speaking to Skai Television, he claimed that many migrants told Frontex, the organisation in charge of monitoring EU borders, that "three Turkish army vehicles had transferred them" to the river, which serves as a natural boundary. The migrants were found with "visible injuries". Ankara has vehemently refuted the accusations, instead blaming Athens for the "inhuman" situation, reported AFP. Also read | South Korea begins military drills as fears loom over North Korean nuclear test Taking to Twitter Fahrettin Altun top press aide for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "We urge Greece to abandon its harsh treatment of refugees as soon as possible, to cease its baseless and false charges against Turkey". We urge Greece to abandon its harsh treatment of refugees as soon as possible, to cease its baseless and false charges against Türkiye, and to deliver the dignity of government. — Fahrettin Altun (@fahrettinaltun) October 16, 2022 × "With these futile and ridiculous efforts, Greece has shown once again to the entire world that it does not respect the dignity of refugees by posting these oppressed people's pictures it has deported after extorting their personal possessions," he added in another tweet. With these futile and ridiculous efforts, Greece has shown once again to the entire world that it does not respect the dignity of refugees by posting these oppressed people’s pictures it has deported after extorting their personal possessions. — Fahrettin Altun (@fahrettinaltun) October 16, 2022 × As per AFP, in the past, NGOs and the media have frequently accused Athens of forcefully attempting to push migrants back into Turkey on several occasions; however, Athens has consistently refuted these claims. Also read | Donald Trump and his Truth Social app broke federal securities laws alleges whistleblower In a tweet, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR too expressed its "deep" distress at the horrifying accounts and pictures of 92 persons who were reportedly discovered at the Greek-Turkish land border "stripped of their clothes". UNHCR is deeply distressed by the shocking reports and images of 92 people, who were reported to have been found at the Greek-Turkish land border, stripped of their clothes. We condemn such cruel and degrading treatment and call for a full investigation into this incident. — UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) October 16, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UNHCR 'deeply distressed' by reports of 92 naked migrants at Greece-Turkey border as neighbours exchange blame

The Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government approval ratings have fallen due to the party's link with Unification Church and this comes after the government has failed to manage the inflation. Kishida's cabinet witnessed a fall in the support from 40% to 35%, which is the lowest.

Shinzo Abe assassination: Japan PM Fumio Kishida orders probe into unification church

Liz Truss could lose her place as the UK's Prime Minister. Her chance of staying on look bleak. So who could become her successor?

WION Fineprint | Who are the contenders to replace Truss as the UK PM?

As the tensions are rising, South Korea is now working to enhance its readiness and strengthen its surveillance capabilities as the troops kicked off their annual Hoguk defence drills on October 17. In other news, Will Wilkerson told US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that Trump's Social app violated federal securities laws. Meanwhile, Despite Vladimir Putin's declaration that his military mobilisation is coming to an end and that the has no plans to recruit any more people, conscript catchers have begun executing sneaky raids in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Finally, The Imran Khan-led PTI wins majority of seats in by-elections.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-begins-military-drills-amid-speculations-over-north-korean-nuclear-test-525969">South Korea begins military drills amid speculations over North Korean nuclear test</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/17/304192-south-and-north-korean-guard-posts.png" />

The drills are designed to boost their ability to respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.&nbsp;

The Hoguk defence drills come after a series of military exercises by South Korea in recent weeks, including joint activities with the United States and Japan. It is due to end on Saturday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-and-his-truth-social-app-broke-federal-securities-laws-alleges-whistleblower-525971">Donald Trump and his Truth Social app broke federal securities laws alleges whistleblower</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/17/304195-new-wion-1.png" />

According to Wilkerson, "fraudulent misrepresentations... in violation of federal securities laws." were used by the company in its attempts to raise more than $1 billion through a special purpose acquisition company (Spac).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cannon-fodder-for-putins-war-in-ukraine-russias-conscript-catchers-snatch-men-off-the-streets-525966">'Cannon fodder' for Putin's war in Ukraine: Russia's conscript catchers snatch men off the streets</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/12/303206-00032l694j.jpg" />

At a news conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin stated that the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-partial-military-mobilisation-exactly-518528">partial mobilisation</a>" he had previously promised, which the defence minister claimed was intended to bring in 300,000 soldiers, was nearing its conclusion and would be over in two weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khans-pti-wins-six-seats-in-national-assembly-in-by-elections-upsets-ruling-government-525974">Pakistan by-elections: Imran Khan-led PTI wins majority of seats, victory upsets ruling government</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/17/304199-00032ju68l.jpg" />

Despite PTI's nine MNAs in the lower house, for general seats and two for reserved seats, resigning for women, the party claimed its victory.

Watch |&nbsp;Iran Anti-Hijab protests: Biden allows his comments to incite chaos and terror, says President Raisi

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As the tensions are rising, South Korea is now working to enhance its readiness and strengthen its surveillance capabilities as the troops kicked off their annual Hoguk defence drills on October 17.

As the tensions are rising, South Korea is now working to enhance its readiness and strengthen its surveillance capabilities as the troops kicked off their annual Hoguk defence drills on October 17. In other news, Will Wilkerson told US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that Trump's Social app violated federal securities laws. Meanwhile, Despite Vladimir Putin's declaration that his military mobilisation is coming to an end and that the has no plans to recruit any more people, conscript catchers have begun executing sneaky raids in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Finally, The Imran Khan-led PTI wins majority of seats in by-elections. Click on the headlines to read more: South Korea begins military drills amid speculations over North Korean nuclear test The drills are designed to boost their ability to respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. The Hoguk defence drills come after a series of military exercises by South Korea in recent weeks, including joint activities with the United States and Japan. It is due to end on Saturday. Donald Trump and his Truth Social app broke federal securities laws alleges whistleblower According to Wilkerson, "fraudulent misrepresentations... in violation of federal securities laws." were used by the company in its attempts to raise more than $1 billion through a special purpose acquisition company (Spac). 'Cannon fodder' for Putin's war in Ukraine: Russia's conscript catchers snatch men off the streets At a news conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin stated that the "partial mobilisation" he had previously promised, which the defence minister claimed was intended to bring in 300,000 soldiers, was nearing its conclusion and would be over in two weeks. Pakistan by-elections: Imran Khan-led PTI wins majority of seats, victory upsets ruling government Despite PTI's nine MNAs in the lower house, for general seats and two for reserved seats, resigning for women, the party claimed its victory. Watch | Iran Anti-Hijab protests: Biden allows his comments to incite chaos and terror, says President Raisi

Morning news brief: South Korea begins military drills, Khan-led PTI wins in by-elections, and more 

By any account, $1 trillion seems huge. That's the scale of budget shortfalls facing Chinese provinces, reducing their fiscal firepower to fund infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and raising risks for the world's second-biggest economy in 2023.

By any account, $1 trillion seems huge. That's the scale of budget shortfalls facing Chinese provinces, reducing their fiscal firepower to fund infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and raising risks for the world's second-biggest economy in 2023. The timing couldn't be worse for policymakers in Beijing, as the economy wobbles under the weight of global recession risks, surging commodity costs, rising geopolitical tension and widespread COVID-19 lockdowns at home, spoiling the backdrop of a once-in-five-years congress of the ruling Communist Party that got underway on Sunday. Local governments have long been a pump-primer of China's growth, but declining state land sales revenue in the wake of an ongoing crackdown on debt in the sector has severely eroded their financial power; a situation exacerbated this year by China's feeble growth, weak tax income and crippling COVID restrictions. Local governments must also make debt payments in coming months, portending more financial pain and limiting their ability to meet Beijing's requests to boost spending. Already, many of them have resorted to cutting salaries, reducing headcounts, lowering subsidies and even imposing disproportionately hefty fines to meet budget shortfalls. In the first eight months, China's 31 provincial-level regions reported a gap between general public revenue and expenditure totalling 6.74 trillion yuan ($948 billion). That's the widest for the period since at least 2012, Reuters calculations from local government data in the past decade showed, with the populous provinces of Sichuan, Henan, Hunan and Guangdong suffering the largest shortfalls. In the same period, government land sales, counted separately, tumbled 28.5 per cent year-on-year to $467 billion (3.37 trillion yuan), adding urgency to the need to restore the financial health of indebted real estate firms. "With the slower growth this year, we expect fiscal deficits for regional and local governments will remain substantial, reflecting the property slowdown and lingering effects of the coronavirus shock," said Jennifer A. Wong, an analyst at Moody's, which expects 2022 economic growth to slow to 3.5 per cent from 8.1 per cent in 2021. In the past, shortfalls were largely offset by transfer payments from the central government and carryover funds from previous years, but analysts say cooling economic growth may limit any such help this time around. Policymakers will also be wary of picking up the fiscal slack with large-scale monetary stimulus as a wave of global interest rate hikes to rein in red-hot inflation has sent US bond yields soaring, widening the yield gap between US and Chinese debt. Debt stress Treasury bond quotas could be increased so that some of them could be transferred to local governments to ease their fiscal stress, said Luo Zhiheng, chief macroeconomic analyst at Yuekai Securities. However, they face a squeeze on their already tight cash flows as maturing local government debts peak in 2023 for the 2021-2025 period, Luo warned. Combined with some maturing debts of local government financing vehicles (LGFVs) - investment companies that build infrastructure projects - this year and the next will be most stressful for local governments, he said. Around $52 billion (380 billion yuan) of onshore LGFV bonds from economically weaker provinces are due for repayment in the next 12 months, according to a Moody's report in August. Such fiscal constraints, together with weakening exports, doubts over a consumption revival and external uncertainties including the Ukraine war, would add pressure on policymakers to shore up the economy in 2023, said Nie Wen, a Shanghai-based economist at Hwabao Trust. Nie is forecasting GDP growth of 5.5 per cent next year, assuming few or no COVID-19 disruptions, better than the broad 3.2 per cent consensus for this year but still lagging behind the pre-pandemic 6 per cent pace in 2019. 'Heavy burden' Highlighting the pressure on finances, the provinces of Shandong, Shanxi, Henan, Zhejiang as well as the municipality of Tianjin said they had all shed budgeted headcounts at government agencies in recent months. Moreover, some grass-roots market regulators have even imposed excessively high fines on small businesses to boost revenue. According to financial media outlet Yicai, local governments' revenue from fines and confiscations jumped 10.4 per cent in January-July year-on-year. Additional spending on containing COVID outbreaks has also strained local government finances. The fiscal stress is cutting into some households' income, a red flag for consumption and broader growth. "My annual income was slashed by 27 per cent to around 80,000 yuan last year, due to the very heavy local fiscal burden," an employee surnamed Gao at a government agency in Chongqing told Reuters. "Our leaders were very anxious these days as they said the current fiscal allocation is not enough at all. As there is no way out, they have had to ask the local government fiscal department for money." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China faces a shortfall of $1 trillion to fund infrastructure & growth projects

A combination of sheer arrogance and negligence&nbsp;has led to the death of four people on the Purvanchal Expressway in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the four friends were travelling in a BMW car at speeds as high as 230 km/hr to Delhi when they rammed into a container truck. One of the co-passenger in the car started a Facebook Live where he showed the&nbsp;car racing through the highway with others excitedly saying that the speedometer may next breach the 300 km/hr mark.

The friends constantly egged the driver to chase the 300&nbsp;km/hr mark and told him to not brake and keep at it.&nbsp;

However, in what can be termed as a prophecy coming true, moments before the disaster, one of the friends can he heard saying "charo marenge (all four of us will die)". Soon enough, tragedy strikes and the four men die on the spot.

After the news of the accident was communicated, the police and&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) officials reached the spot, only to find the&nbsp;pummeled car in a heap and the blood-smeared bodies of the passengers and driver, squished beyond range for a naked-eye identification.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/4-killed-as-truck-bmw-collide-on-purvanchal-expressway-526069">WATCH |&nbsp;4 killed as truck, BMW collide on Purvanchal Expressway</a>

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So far, the authorities have identified three of the four people. The car was reportedly being driven by 35-year-old Dr Anand Prakash who was a professor in a medical college in the Eastern Indian state of Bihar and resided in the city of Dehri. Akhilesh Singh (35), and Deepak Kumar (37) are the other two deceased while the identity of the fourth is yet to be confirmed.&nbsp;

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, deaths by road accidents in India have increased by almost 17 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ncrb-report-terms-delhi-as-the-most-unsafe-metropolitan-city-for-women-511482">India: NCRB report terms Delhi as the most unsafe metropolitan city for women</a>

In 2021, 155,000&nbsp;died in accidents on Indian roads, up from 133,000 in 2020, when much of the year saw a nationwide lockdown. Total&nbsp;road accidents reported were 403,000 in 2021, up from 354,000 the year before.

The highest number of road accidents every year is attributed to negligent driving and speeding.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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A combination of sheer arrogance and negligence has led to the death of four people on the Purvanchal Expressway in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Reportedly, the four friends were travelling in a BMW car at speeds as high as 230 km/hr to Delhi when they rammed into a container truck.

A combination of sheer arrogance and negligence has led to the death of four people on the Purvanchal Expressway in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Reportedly, the four friends were travelling in a BMW car at speeds as high as 230 km/hr to Delhi when they rammed into a container truck. One of the co-passenger in the car started a Facebook Live where he showed the car racing through the highway with others excitedly saying that the speedometer may next breach the 300 km/hr mark. The friends constantly egged the driver to chase the 300 km/hr mark and told him to not brake and keep at it. However, in what can be termed as a prophecy coming true, moments before the disaster, one of the friends can he heard saying "charo marenge (all four of us will die)". Soon enough, tragedy strikes and the four men die on the spot. After the news of the accident was communicated, the police and Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) officials reached the spot, only to find the pummeled car in a heap and the blood-smeared bodies of the passengers and driver, squished beyond range for a naked-eye identification. WATCH | 4 killed as truck, BMW collide on Purvanchal Expressway × So far, the authorities have identified three of the four people. The car was reportedly being driven by 35-year-old Dr Anand Prakash who was a professor in a medical college in the Eastern Indian state of Bihar and resided in the city of Dehri. Akhilesh Singh (35), and Deepak Kumar (37) are the other two deceased while the identity of the fourth is yet to be confirmed. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, deaths by road accidents in India have increased by almost 17 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020. Read more: India: NCRB report terms Delhi as the most unsafe metropolitan city for women In 2021, 155,000 died in accidents on Indian roads, up from 133,000 in 2020, when much of the year saw a nationwide lockdown. Total road accidents reported were 403,000 in 2021, up from 354,000 the year before. The highest number of road accidents every year is attributed to negligent driving and speeding. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Four die in a car accident trying to breach the 300 kmph speed barrier

Big win is being projected for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan in the Sunday by-polls that were conducted on eight national assembly and three provincial assembly seats. Trends show Imran Khan and his party candidates maintaining lead in at least eight constituencies.

Pakistan by-poll trends depicts big win for former PM Imran Khan

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