India stomped ahead of Japan and emerged as the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, stated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in an official statement on Wednesday (September 25).

The ministry emphasised that this success was driven by the country's dynamic growth, its expanding economy, youthful population and solidification of its position as the region's leading force.

The shift in ranking also reflects the increasing geopolitical stature of the country.

"In a major shift, India surpassed Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, reflecting its increasing geopolitical stature," the ministry announced.

<h2>India's rise gets marked on API&nbsp;</h2>

Australia’s Lowy Institute think tank publishes the annual Asia Power Index, which measures resources and influence for assessing the countries' relative power in Asia.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-economy-to-grow-at-71-in-fy25-moodys-analytics-761683">Indian economy to grow at 7.1% in FY25: Moody’s Analytics</a>

The report takes into consideration 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific, from Pakistan to Russia to as far as the Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

“India is rising, although a tad bit slowly. India has overtaken Japan to become the third-ranked power in Asia, but its clout remains below the potential promised by its resources,” stated the survey report.

“The Asia Power Index shows that New Delhi still has limited ability to project power and influence east of the Malacca Strait. However, the fact that its influence remains well below the level promised by its resources suggests it still has ample potential for further growth as a major power,” it added.

<h2>Ministry emphasises on India's growing influence&nbsp;</h2>

The ministry stated that India's gradual rise and growing influence in the region has been clearly reflected in the 2024 Asia Power Index.

"India has shown remarkable post-pandemic economic recovery, contributing to a 4.2-point rise in its Economic Capability. India's massive population and strong GDP growth reinforce its standing as the world's third-largest economy in PPP terms," the ministry stated.

Watch:&nbsp;Why Is India Not Taking A Tougher Stand On Crimes Against Bangladeshi Hindus?

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Meanwhile, commenting on the report, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri said that this is the reflection of the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"India's rise is no accident. This is the direct result of Prime Minister Modi's aggressive diplomatic strategy and his bold ambitions to reshape India's place in the world. Without his leadership, India would still be languishing behind, but today, we see a nation on the verge of superpower status," Puri said, as per a press release on NaMo app.

(With input from agencies)

India stomped ahead of Japan and emerged as the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, stated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in an official statement on Wednesday (September 25).

India stomped ahead of Japan and emerged as the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, stated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in an official statement on Wednesday (September 25). The ministry emphasised that this success was driven by the country's dynamic growth, its expanding economy, youthful population and solidification of its position as the region's leading force. The shift in ranking also reflects the increasing geopolitical stature of the country. "In a major shift, India surpassed Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, reflecting its increasing geopolitical stature," the ministry announced. India's rise gets marked on API Australia’s Lowy Institute think tank publishes the annual Asia Power Index, which measures resources and influence for assessing the countries' relative power in Asia. Also Read: Indian economy to grow at 7.1% in FY25: Moody’s Analytics The report takes into consideration 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific, from Pakistan to Russia to as far as the Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and the United States. “India is rising, although a tad bit slowly. India has overtaken Japan to become the third-ranked power in Asia, but its clout remains below the potential promised by its resources,” stated the survey report. “The Asia Power Index shows that New Delhi still has limited ability to project power and influence east of the Malacca Strait. However, the fact that its influence remains well below the level promised by its resources suggests it still has ample potential for further growth as a major power,” it added. Ministry emphasises on India's growing influence The ministry stated that India's gradual rise and growing influence in the region has been clearly reflected in the 2024 Asia Power Index. "India has shown remarkable post-pandemic economic recovery, contributing to a 4.2-point rise in its Economic Capability. India's massive population and strong GDP growth reinforce its standing as the world's third-largest economy in PPP terms," the ministry stated. Watch: Why Is India Not Taking A Tougher Stand On Crimes Against Bangladeshi Hindus? Meanwhile, commenting on the report, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri said that this is the reflection of the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "India's rise is no accident. This is the direct result of Prime Minister Modi's aggressive diplomatic strategy and his bold ambitions to reshape India's place in the world. Without his leadership, India would still be languishing behind, but today, we see a nation on the verge of superpower status," Puri said, as per a press release on NaMo app. (With input from agencies)

India rises in Asia Power Index, clinches third spot after surpassing Japan

Defending champion Taylor&nbsp;Fritz&nbsp;won his Japan Open first-round match on Tuesday (Oct 17) and said he felt "motivated and ready to play" after lightening his load ahead of the tournament. The American has been one of the busiest players on the ATP Tour this season but he has taken his foot off the gas since the US Open, appearing in only the Laver Cup and Shanghai Masters.

He beat Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-3 to kick off the defence of his Tokyo title and said it was "probably an advantage that I might be less burnt-out".

After the US Open, I think I had played the most matches of anyone on tour," said&nbsp;Fritz, the number one seed in Tokyo. "I thought it made sense to start the Asia swing in Shanghai. I feel motivated and ready to play."&nbsp;World number 10&nbsp;Fritz&nbsp;beat fellow American Frances Tiafoe in last year's Japan Open final and has won six career titles.

He is the highest-ranked American in the world and overcame an early setback to dispatch Norrie in his Tokyo opener.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rugby-all-blacks-ardie-savea-opens-up-on-joining-kobe-steelers-in-japan-league-665132">Rugby: All Blacks' Ardie Savea opens up on joining Kobe Steelers in Japan league</a>

"I was holding easily and then out of nowhere he broke me, so it was a tough spot to be in," said&nbsp;Fritz.

"I feel like I played a couple of really good points to break and I played the bigger, more important points better in the return games.

"I definitely upped my level."

Fritz&nbsp;was joined in the next round by American Ben Shelton, who beat Japan's Taro Daniel 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). Australia's number four seed Alex de Minaur also progressed with a 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/1) win over Britain's Jack Draper.

Australia's Alexei Popyrin eliminated Russian number seven seed Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-2.

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Defending champion Taylor Fritz won his Japan Open first-round match on Tuesday (Oct 17) and said he felt "motivated and ready to play" after lightening his load ahead of the tournament.

Defending champion Taylor Fritz won his Japan Open first-round match on Tuesday (Oct 17) and said he felt "motivated and ready to play" after lightening his load ahead of the tournament. The American has been one of the busiest players on the ATP Tour this season but he has taken his foot off the gas since the US Open, appearing in only the Laver Cup and Shanghai Masters. He beat Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-3 to kick off the defence of his Tokyo title and said it was "probably an advantage that I might be less burnt-out". After the US Open, I think I had played the most matches of anyone on tour," said Fritz, the number one seed in Tokyo. "I thought it made sense to start the Asia swing in Shanghai. I feel motivated and ready to play." World number 10 Fritz beat fellow American Frances Tiafoe in last year's Japan Open final and has won six career titles. He is the highest-ranked American in the world and overcame an early setback to dispatch Norrie in his Tokyo opener. Also Read: Rugby: All Blacks' Ardie Savea opens up on joining Kobe Steelers in Japan league "I was holding easily and then out of nowhere he broke me, so it was a tough spot to be in," said Fritz. "I feel like I played a couple of really good points to break and I played the bigger, more important points better in the return games. "I definitely upped my level." Fritz was joined in the next round by American Ben Shelton, who beat Japan's Taro Daniel 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). Australia's number four seed Alex de Minaur also progressed with a 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/1) win over Britain's Jack Draper. Australia's Alexei Popyrin eliminated Russian number seven seed Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-2. 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.

Tennis: Taylor Fritz starts Japan Open defence with win against Cameron Norrie

The final Republican debate will feature leading candidates seeking nomination for the election of the United States' president. As former Vice President Mike Pence dropped out of the race, there will be fewer people on the stage on Wednesday at 08:00 pm EST in Miami.

The final Republican debate will feature leading candidates seeking nomination for the election of the United States' president. As former Vice President Mike Pence dropped out of the race, there will be fewer people on the stage on Wednesday at 08:00 pm EST in Miami. Here's everything you need to know about the third Republican presidential primary debate. Who will participate in the third Republican debate? Five Republican candidates have qualified for the third debate, according to their campaigns. They are: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. However, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has not confirmed the qualified candidates yet. The previous debate lineup included Pence, who terminated his election campaign last weekend. North Dakota Governor Burgum made the second stage of the debate but hasn't said if he's reached the higher threshold for the third edition. ALSO READ | Health, emergency, financial services hit in Australia as telecom giant Optus suffers outage, now restored Will Donald Trump participate in the third Republican debate? Former US President Donald Trump did not attend the first two Republican debates, saying he saw no point given his massive polling lead. Due to the same reason, he might not participate in the third debate as well. After the second Republican debate, Chris LaCivita, the senior adviser to Donald Trump, said, "President Trump stated that he would not attend the debates." He added, "Plural ... And that's his position until it's not." In his campaign, Trump urged the RNC to cancel the third debate, indicating that the party should focus on defeating Democrats in the 2024 elections. How to watch the third Republican debate NBC News will host the two-hour-long debate. Thus, the third Republican debate will be live on NBC's TV streaming and digital platforms. "Nightly News" anchor Lester Holt, "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker and Hugh Hewitt, the host of "The Hugh Hewitt Show" on Salem Radio Network, will moderate the third Republican debate. Salem Radio Network and the Republican Jewish Coalition are the selected debate partners by the Republican National Committee. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County will host the third Republican debate. People watching outside the United States can watch the debate live on Sky News Network channels. An alternative option is to stream the third debate through Sling TV. In India, the third Republican debate will start at 06:30 am IST. (With inputs from agencies)

Third GOP Debate: Check date, time, venue, candidates, how to watch & all you need to know

There have been significant projections for the Indian economy, and they will significantly advance India's global aspirations. The Indian Bank SBI predicts that by 2027 to 2028, India's economy will be in the top three in the globe. According to SBI's most recent eco-rap, India is also projected to overtake China as the third-largest economy in the world.

India likely to be the world's third largest economy by 2027-28

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed interest in seeking a third term amidst calls for him to quit over the 'partygate' scandal,&nbsp;the country's cost of living crisis and inflation.

When Johnson was asked if he would like to serve a full second term in office —till 2028 or 2029—he responded, “At the moment I'm thinking actively about the third term and what could happen then, but I will review that when I get to it,” according to BBC.

Johnson made these comments on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Intare Conference centre in Kigali, Rwanda.

If he remains in power beyond 2031, Johnson would beat Margaret Thatcher’s record as the longest continuously serving British prime minister since Robert Banks Jenkinson, the Earl of Liverpool, who was in office from 1812 to 1827.

But Johnson’s bullish demand belies the party’s performance in the recent by-poll elections and his barely surviving the vote of confidence in Parliament.

On Friday, Conservative candidates lost two parliamentary by-elections held to replace former Conservative incumbents who had to step down, one after being convicted of sexual assault and the other for watching pornography in the House of Commons.

Following the results,&nbsp;party co-chairman Oliver Dowden resigned, saying "someone must take responsibility".

Earlier this month, Johnson survived a vote of confidence by Conservative lawmakers in which 41 per cent of MPs voted to oust him. He is also under investigation for intentionally misleading parliament.

According to experts, the by-election results reflect the larger mood of the public who are miffed with Johnson’s gross mismanagement and for being involved and holding several lockdown parties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-emotionally-charged-painting-offers-glimpse-into-private-childhood-world-of-uk-pm-johnson-491962">This emotionally charged painting offers glimpse into private childhood world of UK PM Johnson</a>

Britain is also in the midst of its deepest cost-of-living crisis in decades, with inflation at a 40-year high.

Johnson told reporters that he did not expect to have to fight another internal challenge from within his party and blamed the by-election defeats partly on months of media reporting of lockdown parties at the heart of government.

“People were fed up of hearing about things I had stuffed up, or allegedly stuffed up, or whatever, this endless - completely legitimate, but endless - churn of news,” he said.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;a Tory MP has told BBC that he wants the rules changed so that Johnson could face another confidence vote.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed interest in seeking a third term amidst calls for him to quit over the 'partygate' scandal, the country's cost of living crisis and inflation.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed interest in seeking a third term amidst calls for him to quit over the 'partygate' scandal, the country's cost of living crisis and inflation. When Johnson was asked if he would like to serve a full second term in office —till 2028 or 2029—he responded, “At the moment I'm thinking actively about the third term and what could happen then, but I will review that when I get to it,” according to BBC. Johnson made these comments on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Intare Conference centre in Kigali, Rwanda. If he remains in power beyond 2031, Johnson would beat Margaret Thatcher’s record as the longest continuously serving British prime minister since Robert Banks Jenkinson, the Earl of Liverpool, who was in office from 1812 to 1827. But Johnson’s bullish demand belies the party’s performance in the recent by-poll elections and his barely surviving the vote of confidence in Parliament. On Friday, Conservative candidates lost two parliamentary by-elections held to replace former Conservative incumbents who had to step down, one after being convicted of sexual assault and the other for watching pornography in the House of Commons. Following the results, party co-chairman Oliver Dowden resigned, saying "someone must take responsibility". Earlier this month, Johnson survived a vote of confidence by Conservative lawmakers in which 41 per cent of MPs voted to oust him. He is also under investigation for intentionally misleading parliament. According to experts, the by-election results reflect the larger mood of the public who are miffed with Johnson’s gross mismanagement and for being involved and holding several lockdown parties. Also read | This emotionally charged painting offers glimpse into private childhood world of UK PM Johnson Britain is also in the midst of its deepest cost-of-living crisis in decades, with inflation at a 40-year high. Johnson told reporters that he did not expect to have to fight another internal challenge from within his party and blamed the by-election defeats partly on months of media reporting of lockdown parties at the heart of government. “People were fed up of hearing about things I had stuffed up, or allegedly stuffed up, or whatever, this endless - completely legitimate, but endless - churn of news,” he said. Meanwhile, a Tory MP has told BBC that he wants the rules changed so that Johnson could face another confidence vote. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amidst calls for resignation, UK PM Johnson says ‘actively thinking about third term’

For the third time in a row, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi topped the ‘Global Leader Approval’ with 72 per cent rating, leaving behind global leaders including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron.

For the third time in a row, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi topped the ‘Global Leader Approval’ with 72 per cent rating, leaving behind global leaders including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron. These ratings are released by American research firm - Morning Consult, with the highest 70 per cent approval ratings. Global Leader Approval: Among All Adults https://t.co/wRhUGstJrS Modi: 72% López Obrador: 64% Draghi: 57% Kishida: 47% Scholz: 42% Biden: 41% Moon: 41% Morrison: 41% Trudeau: 41% Sánchez: 37% Bolsonaro: 36% Macron: 35% Johnson: 30% *Updated 02/03/22 pic.twitter.com/h51SXXBAFj — Morning Consult (@MorningConsult) February 6, 2022 × After PM Modi, comes Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador with 64 per cent. He is followed by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi at 57 per cent, Fumio Kishida at 47 per cent and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at 42 per cent. PM Modi is also ahead of US President Joe Biden who is at 41 per cent which is the same as South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Also read | Indian delegation to visit Pakistan in March for Indus Commission meet The Morning Consult conducts this survey every week and offers a real-time insight into the shifting political dynamics. The firm provides the latest data on 13 countries. These surveys are analysed in each country by age, gender and region. Earlier also in November last year, PM Modi had topped the rating list. Following is the list of approval ratings of global leaders in comparison with Prime Minister Modi: Narendra Modi: 72% López Obrador: 64% Mario Draghi: 57% Fumio Kishida: 47% Olaf cholz: 42% Joe Biden: 41% Moon Jae-in: 41% Scott Morrison: 41% Justin rudeau: 41% Pedro Sánchez: 37% Jair Bolsonaro: 36% Emmanuel Macron: 35% Boris Johnson: 30%

Indian Prime Minister Modi tops ‘Global Leader Approval’ ratings for the third time

After getting a shot from one of three batches of Moderna vaccines identified as contaminated, a third man has died in Japan. Authorities say no causal link has yet been found. &nbsp;

After having his second shot on August 11, the 49-year-old man died the following day. The only known health issue of the man was an allergy to buckwheat, said the health ministry on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Booster shot: Do we really need one?

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According to the ministry, it is yet to establish if the latest fatality was linked to the vaccine as it had said in the previous two deaths. &nbsp;

The three batches, which were manufactured under contract by Moderna in Spain, were found to have fragments of stainless steel. It had forced the recall of 1.63 million doses of the Moderna vaccine on August 26. &nbsp;

The shot, which the man had, came from the same batches. The company is yet to comment on the most recent fatality.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-life-expectancy-drops-amid-covid-19-battle-411304" hreflang="en">Italy's life expectancy drops amid COVID-19 battle</a>

Last week, it issued a joint statement with local distributor Takeda Pharmaceutical, saying, “The rare presence of stainless steel particles in the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine does not pose an undue risk to patient safety and it does not adversely affect the benefit/risk profile of the product.” &nbsp;

Last month, two men, who were in their 30s with no underlying health conditions, had died within days of getting their second dose of the Moderna vaccine.&nbsp;

After getting a shot from one of three batches of Moderna vaccines identified as contaminated, a third man has died in Japan. Authorities say no causal link has yet been found.

After getting a shot from one of three batches of Moderna vaccines identified as contaminated, a third man has died in Japan. Authorities say no causal link has yet been found. After having his second shot on August 11, the 49-year-old man died the following day. The only known health issue of the man was an allergy to buckwheat, said the health ministry on Monday. Watch | Gravitas: Booster shot: Do we really need one? × According to the ministry, it is yet to establish if the latest fatality was linked to the vaccine as it had said in the previous two deaths. The three batches, which were manufactured under contract by Moderna in Spain, were found to have fragments of stainless steel. It had forced the recall of 1.63 million doses of the Moderna vaccine on August 26. The shot, which the man had, came from the same batches. The company is yet to comment on the most recent fatality. Also Read: Italy's life expectancy drops amid COVID-19 battle Last week, it issued a joint statement with local distributor Takeda Pharmaceutical, saying, “The rare presence of stainless steel particles in the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine does not pose an undue risk to patient safety and it does not adversely affect the benefit/risk profile of the product.” Last month, two men, who were in their 30s with no underlying health conditions, had died within days of getting their second dose of the Moderna vaccine.

Moderna’s contaminated Covid vaccine may have led to third death in Japan

Spain may be forced to hold a third round of elections, acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned on Tuesday after his Socialist rival refused to back his efforts to form a government. 
 
Spain has been without a fully functioning government for more than seven months following two inconclusive polls, leaving it in political limbo in a sensitive economic and political period. But even as parties reiterate the crucial need for a stable government after repeat elections in June, none appear ready as yet to overcome their differences and seal a coalition deal, including Socialist party chief Pedro Sanchez. 
 
&quot;If Mr Sanchez continues to say no, we will go to repeat elections,&quot; Rajoy, whose conservative Popular Party (PP) came first in June polls and who has therefore been tasked by the king to form a coalition or minority government, told reporters. &quot;A country that holds three elections in a year, or one in which its political leaders are incapable of agreeing, will not see its reputation improve,&quot; he said, adding it would be an &quot;absurdity&quot;. 
 
Spain is currently ruled by a caretaker conservative government with limited room for manoeuvre just as it needs to take urgent steps to reduce its deficit, establish a budget for the coming year and address a growing separatist movement in the Catalonia region. 
 
The country&#39;s political paralysis started after elections on December 20 failed to give any party an absolute parliamentary majority, as upstart groupings Ciudadanos and Podemos shook up Spain&#39;s long-established two-party system. 
 
Fed up with years of crisis-sparked austerity and repeated corruption scandals, millions of Spaniards tasked the two upstarts to revitalise the country. But efforts to forge a coalition were unsuccessful as rival parties were unable to overcome their differences, prompting repeat elections in June with a similar result. 
 
Rajoy&#39;s PP, in power since 2011, won the June 26 vote but fell short of an absolute majority, winning 137 seats out of 350. He has since been tasked by the king to form a coalition or minority government, which he will have to push through a parliamentary vote of confidence. 
 
In order to do so, Rajoy will need an absolute majority in the vote. If he fails, a second vote will be held in which he would only need a simple majority. 
 
But Sanchez, whose Socialist party came second in June elections and whose 85 seats would give any Rajoy-led government proposal a significant boost in a parliamentary vote refuses to back him. &quot;We are not going to back something we want to change... the left will not back the right,&quot; Sanchez told reporters after meeting the acting prime minister. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
However, he appeared to leave the door open for the possibility that the Socialists would abstain in a vote of confidence, saying that the party&#39;s leadership committee would have the ultimate say in whether the grouping changes its posture or not. 
 
Several high-ranking members of the Socialist party, including former prime minister Felipe Gonzalez, have pushed for an abstention to let a minority government led by Rajoy through, and thus end the political paralysis. And a high-ranking Socialist party source, who refuses to be named, has said an abstention in the second parliamentary vote is the most likely scenario. 
 
Rajoy is also due to meet Albert Rivera, the chief of centre-right upstart Ciudadanos, on Wednesday as his search for support continues.&nbsp;Rivera has said his party would be willing to abstain in the vote of confidence, but with just 32 seats, that would not be enough to push Rajoy&#39;s government proposal through. 
 
(AFP)

The country has been without a fully functional government for more than seven months following two inconclusive polls

Spain may be forced to hold a third round of elections, acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned on Tuesday after his Socialist rival refused to back his efforts to form a government. Spain has been without a fully functioning government for more than seven months following two inconclusive polls, leaving it in political limbo in a sensitive economic and political period. But even as parties reiterate the crucial need for a stable government after repeat elections in June, none appear ready as yet to overcome their differences and seal a coalition deal, including Socialist party chief Pedro Sanchez. "If Mr Sanchez continues to say no, we will go to repeat elections," Rajoy, whose conservative Popular Party (PP) came first in June polls and who has therefore been tasked by the king to form a coalition or minority government, told reporters. "A country that holds three elections in a year, or one in which its political leaders are incapable of agreeing, will not see its reputation improve," he said, adding it would be an "absurdity". Spain is currently ruled by a caretaker conservative government with limited room for manoeuvre just as it needs to take urgent steps to reduce its deficit, establish a budget for the coming year and address a growing separatist movement in the Catalonia region. The country's political paralysis started after elections on December 20 failed to give any party an absolute parliamentary majority, as upstart groupings Ciudadanos and Podemos shook up Spain's long-established two-party system. Fed up with years of crisis-sparked austerity and repeated corruption scandals, millions of Spaniards tasked the two upstarts to revitalise the country. But efforts to forge a coalition were unsuccessful as rival parties were unable to overcome their differences, prompting repeat elections in June with a similar result. Rajoy's PP, in power since 2011, won the June 26 vote but fell short of an absolute majority, winning 137 seats out of 350. He has since been tasked by the king to form a coalition or minority government, which he will have to push through a parliamentary vote of confidence. In order to do so, Rajoy will need an absolute majority in the vote. If he fails, a second vote will be held in which he would only need a simple majority. But Sanchez, whose Socialist party came second in June elections and whose 85 seats would give any Rajoy-led government proposal a significant boost in a parliamentary vote refuses to back him. "We are not going to back something we want to change... the left will not back the right," Sanchez told reporters after meeting the acting prime minister. However, he appeared to leave the door open for the possibility that the Socialists would abstain in a vote of confidence, saying that the party's leadership committee would have the ultimate say in whether the grouping changes its posture or not. Several high-ranking members of the Socialist party, including former prime minister Felipe Gonzalez, have pushed for an abstention to let a minority government led by Rajoy through, and thus end the political paralysis. And a high-ranking Socialist party source, who refuses to be named, has said an abstention in the second parliamentary vote is the most likely scenario. Rajoy is also due to meet Albert Rivera, the chief of centre-right upstart Ciudadanos, on Wednesday as his search for support continues. Rivera has said his party would be willing to abstain in the vote of confidence, but with just 32 seats, that would not be enough to push Rajoy's government proposal through. (AFP)

Spain PM warns third round of elections possible as deadlock continues

Mumbai: Cotton stocks in India, the world&#39;s biggest producer, are likely to fall by a third to 4.3 million bales at the end of 2015/16 season as drought slashes output to the lowest level in six years, a senior government official said. 
 
Lower stockpiles will limit India&#39;s exports in the next marketing year starting from Oct. 1 and support global prices that have risen to a two-year high on Wednesday. 
 
India&#39;s production fell 12.4 percent from a year ago to 33.8 million bales in the in the current year, the lowest level since 2009/10, Textile Commissioner Kavita Gupta said on Wednesday following a meeting of the state-run Cotton Advisory Board. 
 
Stockpiles were depleted after drought and pest attacks reduced yields, while exports rose 17.8 percent to 6.8 million bales, she said. 
 
The country mainly exports the fibre to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam and China. 
 
Local cotton prices have jumped 32 percent in just two months due to dwindling supplies, forcing India to import cotton from Pakistan. 
 
&quot;A large amount of imported cotton is expected to land in July. It will help in moderating prices,&quot; Gupta said. 
 
For 2016/17 marketing year Indian farmers have cultivated cotton on 6.79 million hectares as at July 8, down 23 percent from a year ago, farm ministry data showed. 
 
Gupta said sowing is likely to pick up in coming weeks as monsoon rains have covered the whole of India. 
 
Cotton planting in India is likely to fall to the lowest in seven years in the 2016/2017 marketing season as farmers switch to other crops. 
 
(1 Indian bale = 170 kilograms) 
 
(Reuters)

Drought this year has slashed output to the lowest level in six years

Mumbai: Cotton stocks in India, the world's biggest producer, are likely to fall by a third to 4.3 million bales at the end of 2015/16 season as drought slashes output to the lowest level in six years, a senior government official said. Lower stockpiles will limit India's exports in the next marketing year starting from Oct. 1 and support global prices that have risen to a two-year high on Wednesday. India's production fell 12.4 percent from a year ago to 33.8 million bales in the in the current year, the lowest level since 2009/10, Textile Commissioner Kavita Gupta said on Wednesday following a meeting of the state-run Cotton Advisory Board. Stockpiles were depleted after drought and pest attacks reduced yields, while exports rose 17.8 percent to 6.8 million bales, she said. The country mainly exports the fibre to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam and China. Local cotton prices have jumped 32 percent in just two months due to dwindling supplies, forcing India to import cotton from Pakistan. "A large amount of imported cotton is expected to land in July. It will help in moderating prices," Gupta said. For 2016/17 marketing year Indian farmers have cultivated cotton on 6.79 million hectares as at July 8, down 23 percent from a year ago, farm ministry data showed. Gupta said sowing is likely to pick up in coming weeks as monsoon rains have covered the whole of India. Cotton planting in India is likely to fall to the lowest in seven years in the 2016/2017 marketing season as farmers switch to other crops. (1 Indian bale = 170 kilograms) (Reuters)

Indian cotton stockpiles to fall by a third as output plunges

India, powered by seamer Jasprit Bumrah&#39;s 4-22, crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in third and final One-day International (ODI) series whitewash at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. 
 
Zimbabwe made five changes for the third and final ODI, but it made no difference as they were bowled out for 123. 
 
India required less than 22 overs to chase a target of 124, as Lokesh Rahul made an unbeaten 63 and Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with 55 not out. 
 
The two teams begin a three-match Twenty20 international series at the same venue on Saturday. 
 
(AFP)

KL Rahul made an unbeaten 63, Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with a 55 not out

India, powered by seamer Jasprit Bumrah's 4-22, crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in third and final One-day International (ODI) series whitewash at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Zimbabwe made five changes for the third and final ODI, but it made no difference as they were bowled out for 123. India required less than 22 overs to chase a target of 124, as Lokesh Rahul made an unbeaten 63 and Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with 55 not out. The two teams begin a three-match Twenty20 international series at the same venue on Saturday. (AFP)

India thrash Zimbabwe in third ODI, win series 3-0

Boys are slightly more likely to be sexually abused than girls in South&nbsp;Africa, where a third of all children have experienced some form of sexual abuse in their lifetime, according to the first-ever national study of child maltreatment.

Nearly 37 percent of boys and 34 percent of girls have been sexually abused by the age of 17, either physically or in non-physical ways - such as being forced to watch sexual acts, look at genitalia or explicit material.

Girls were more likely to have been sexually abused physically and boys more likely to have experienced non-contact sexual abuse, researchers said in the study published on Tuesday.

&quot;Even though the forms the abuse takes may differ it can nonetheless be equally harmful to the victim and should be treated just as seriously,&quot; Ian Welle-Skitt, spokesman for UBS Optimus Foundation which commissioned the research.

&quot;This study puts South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;in line with the rest of the world, and challenges the myth that South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;is a more violent society than others,&quot; Welle-Skitt&nbsp;told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

A similar study carried out in Switzerland by UBS Optimus Foundation found that abuse between peers and cyber-abuse was higher there than in South&nbsp;Africa.

There were more than 350,000 cases of sexual abuse among children in South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;last year, according to researchers from the University of Cape Town, and the Cape Town-based Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention, who carried out the study.

Only 31 percent of girls and no boys reported sexual abuse to the police. Young males were especially reluctant to report any form of abuse, the researchers found.

&quot;The sexual abuse and maltreatment of children is preventable, but until now, a lack of data has hindered the development of systems needed to protect and support children,&quot; researchers&nbsp;said.

The study found that when parents knew who their children spent time with and where, they were less likely to become victims of sexual abuse.&nbsp;A&nbsp;supportive relationship between parents and their daughters also significantly lowered the risk for girls.

The researchers&nbsp;recommended that teachers be trained in school safety and that children have classes on sex, gender and violence.&nbsp;They also found substance abuse played an important role.

&quot;Since parental substance misuse is associated with sexual abuse of children, one key preventive strategy is to make substance abuse treatment programmes far more widely available and accessible than they are at present,&quot; the researchers said.

A third of all children in the country have experienced some form of sexual abuse in their lifetime

Boys are slightly more likely to be sexually abused than girls in South Africa, where a third of all children have experienced some form of sexual abuse in their lifetime, according to the first-ever national study of child maltreatment. Nearly 37 percent of boys and 34 percent of girls have been sexually abused by the age of 17, either physically or in non-physical ways - such as being forced to watch sexual acts, look at genitalia or explicit material. Girls were more likely to have been sexually abused physically and boys more likely to have experienced non-contact sexual abuse, researchers said in the study published on Tuesday. "Even though the forms the abuse takes may differ it can nonetheless be equally harmful to the victim and should be treated just as seriously," Ian Welle-Skitt, spokesman for UBS Optimus Foundation which commissioned the research. "This study puts South Africa in line with the rest of the world, and challenges the myth that South Africa is a more violent society than others," Welle-Skitt told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. A similar study carried out in Switzerland by UBS Optimus Foundation found that abuse between peers and cyber-abuse was higher there than in South Africa. There were more than 350,000 cases of sexual abuse among children in South Africa last year, according to researchers from the University of Cape Town, and the Cape Town-based Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention, who carried out the study. Only 31 percent of girls and no boys reported sexual abuse to the police. Young males were especially reluctant to report any form of abuse, the researchers found. "The sexual abuse and maltreatment of children is preventable, but until now, a lack of data has hindered the development of systems needed to protect and support children," researchers said. The study found that when parents knew who their children spent time with and where, they were less likely to become victims of sexual abuse. A supportive relationship between parents and their daughters also significantly lowered the risk for girls. The researchers recommended that teachers be trained in school safety and that children have classes on sex, gender and violence. They also found substance abuse played an important role. "Since parental substance misuse is associated with sexual abuse of children, one key preventive strategy is to make substance abuse treatment programmes far more widely available and accessible than they are at present," the researchers said.

In South Africa, boys more likely to be sexually abused than girls: researchers

London, May 28 (IANS) Would-be mothers please take note! Prenatal exposure to harmful air-borne pollutants can likely increase the risk of stillbirth during the pregnancy`s third trimester, finds a new study based on `suggestive evidence.` 
 
 
According to the researchers, nearly 2.6 million children worldwide were stillborn at 28 weeks or more in 2015, with the wide geographical variation in prevalence suggesting that most of these deaths were preventable. 
 
&quot;Stillbirth is one of the most neglected tragedies in global health today,&quot; said Marie Pedersen from University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
WHO rejects call for Olympics to moved due to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZikaVirus?src=hash">#ZikaVirus</a> <a href="https://t.co/dXLSk0wBCx">https://t.co/dXLSk0wBCx</a>
&mdash; dna (@dna) <a href="https://twitter.com/dna/status/736460787665883137">May 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
The findings showed that specifically, a 4 microgram per cubic meter (&micro;g/m3) increase in exposure to small particulate matter of less than 2.5 in diameter (PM2.5) was associated with a 2 percent increased risk of stillbirth. 
 
Further, particles less than or equal to 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone also showed to increase stillbirth risks. 
 
&quot;The existing evidence is suggestive of causality for air pollution and stillbirth without precise identification of the timing of exposure,&quot; Pedersen added. 
 
For the study, published online in Occupational &amp; Environmental Medicine, the reviewed 13 studies, which found an association between exposure to air pollution -- particularly during the third term of pregnancy -- and a heightened risk of stillbirth. 
 
&quot;With the limited studies on the relevant topic, our review suggests strong priorities for future research. If the evidence of an association between ambient air population and stillbirth is confirmed in future studies, it would be of major public health importance,&quot; Pedersen noted. 
 
--IANS

Would-be mothers please take note! Prenatal exposure to harmful air-borne pollutants can likely increase the risk of stillbirth during the pregnancy`s third trimester, finds a new study based on `suggestive evidence

London, May 28 (IANS) Would-be mothers please take note! Prenatal exposure to harmful air-borne pollutants can likely increase the risk of stillbirth during the pregnancy`s third trimester, finds a new study based on `suggestive evidence.` According to the researchers, nearly 2.6 million children worldwide were stillborn at 28 weeks or more in 2015, with the wide geographical variation in prevalence suggesting that most of these deaths were preventable. "Stillbirth is one of the most neglected tragedies in global health today," said Marie Pedersen from University of Copenhagen in Denmark. WHO rejects call for Olympics to moved due to #ZikaVirus https://t.co/dXLSk0wBCx — dna (@dna) May 28, 2016 The findings showed that specifically, a 4 microgram per cubic meter (µg/m3) increase in exposure to small particulate matter of less than 2.5 in diameter (PM2.5) was associated with a 2 percent increased risk of stillbirth. Further, particles less than or equal to 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone also showed to increase stillbirth risks. "The existing evidence is suggestive of causality for air pollution and stillbirth without precise identification of the timing of exposure," Pedersen added. For the study, published online in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, the reviewed 13 studies, which found an association between exposure to air pollution -- particularly during the third term of pregnancy -- and a heightened risk of stillbirth. "With the limited studies on the relevant topic, our review suggests strong priorities for future research. If the evidence of an association between ambient air population and stillbirth is confirmed in future studies, it would be of major public health importance," Pedersen noted. --IANS

Air pollution may up stillbirth risk during third trimester

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