Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sounded the poll bugle for his party BJP. In Bulandshahr, a small city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, India's opposition is in a state of disarray. It begs the question: Is India's general election over before it has even begun?

Gravitas: PM Modi sounds poll bugle from Bulandshahr as Opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A falls apart

Ahead of the much anticipated 'Pran Pratishtha', consecration ceremony, of the Ram Temple in India's Uttar Pradesh, over 500 statues representing the life of lord Ram are being prepared in Ayodhya's Ramsevakpuram.

These statues, according to news agency ANI, will grace the corridor leading to the Ram Temple.

Notably, the new idol of Lord Ram was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on Thursday afternoon (Jan 18), a priest associated with the consecration ceremony confirmed it to news agency PTI.

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The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said that this was executed amid the chanting of prayers.&nbsp;

The 51-inch idol, designed and developed by Arun Yogiraj, was brought to the temple on Wednesday night.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-mere-artwork-says-pm-modi-as-he-releases-commemorative-postage-stamps-on-ram-temple-681309">PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple</a>

<h2>Half-day for banks, central government offices on Jan 22</h2>

Meanwhile, the Indian government on Thursday declared a half-day for all the central government offices on Jan 22 for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple.

"The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya will be celebrated on January 22, 2024 across India. To enable employees to participate in the celebrations, it has been decided that all central government offices, central institutions and central industrial establishments throughout India will be closed for half-day till 14:30 hours on January 22," according to a memo by the Department of Personnel and Training.

The banks across the country will also be closed for half-day for the 'Pran Pratishtha' in line with central government offices.

Watch | Ram Mandir: Grand preparations in Ayodhya for Ram temple consecration

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<h2>PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple</h2>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative postage stamps along with a book of stamps dedicated to Lord Ram by countries across the globe on Thursday (Jan 18).

The components of the design, according to the officials, include the Ram temple, the 'chaupai' (verse) 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', the sun, Saryu river and sculptures in and around the temple.

The six released commemorative stamps comprise key figures and symbols associated with Lord Ram's narrative including Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri.

Over 20 countries including the USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and Cambodia, and even organisations like the United Nations, issued stamps for the 48-page book.

PM Modi said that the postal stamps were not just pieces of paper or mere artwork but were mediums that would take the historical event to future generations.

"The postal stamps are mediums to take ideas, history and the historical moment (around the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya) to the future generations. Sending postage stamps is like sending a piece of history. These postal stamps are not just pieces of paper or mere artwork. They are miniature epics and artworks in their own right," he said.

The Indian prime minister will attend the ceremony scheduled on Monday (Jan 22) at the temple in Ayodhya, which is expected to open for the public the very next day.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of the much anticipated 'Pran Pratishtha', consecration ceremony, of the Ram Temple in India's Uttar Pradesh, over 500 statues representing the life of lord Ram are being prepared in Ayodhya's Ramsevakpuram.

Ahead of the much anticipated 'Pran Pratishtha', consecration ceremony, of the Ram Temple in India's Uttar Pradesh, over 500 statues representing the life of lord Ram are being prepared in Ayodhya's Ramsevakpuram. These statues, according to news agency ANI, will grace the corridor leading to the Ram Temple. Notably, the new idol of Lord Ram was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on Thursday afternoon (Jan 18), a priest associated with the consecration ceremony confirmed it to news agency PTI. #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: More than 500 statues are being prepared in Ayodhya's Ramsevakpuram, representing the life of lord Ram. These statues will grace the corridor leading to the Ram Temple. pic.twitter.com/jGa4USKQCp — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2024 × The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said that this was executed amid the chanting of prayers. The 51-inch idol, designed and developed by Arun Yogiraj, was brought to the temple on Wednesday night. Also read: PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple Half-day for banks, central government offices on Jan 22 Meanwhile, the Indian government on Thursday declared a half-day for all the central government offices on Jan 22 for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple. "The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya will be celebrated on January 22, 2024 across India. To enable employees to participate in the celebrations, it has been decided that all central government offices, central institutions and central industrial establishments throughout India will be closed for half-day till 14:30 hours on January 22," according to a memo by the Department of Personnel and Training. The banks across the country will also be closed for half-day for the 'Pran Pratishtha' in line with central government offices. Watch | Ram Mandir: Grand preparations in Ayodhya for Ram temple consecration × PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative postage stamps along with a book of stamps dedicated to Lord Ram by countries across the globe on Thursday (Jan 18). The components of the design, according to the officials, include the Ram temple, the 'chaupai' (verse) 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', the sun, Saryu river and sculptures in and around the temple. The six released commemorative stamps comprise key figures and symbols associated with Lord Ram's narrative including Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri. Over 20 countries including the USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and Cambodia, and even organisations like the United Nations, issued stamps for the 48-page book. PM Modi said that the postal stamps were not just pieces of paper or mere artwork but were mediums that would take the historical event to future generations. "The postal stamps are mediums to take ideas, history and the historical moment (around the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya) to the future generations. Sending postage stamps is like sending a piece of history. These postal stamps are not just pieces of paper or mere artwork. They are miniature epics and artworks in their own right," he said. The Indian prime minister will attend the ceremony scheduled on Monday (Jan 22) at the temple in Ayodhya, which is expected to open for the public the very next day. (With inputs from agencies)

Ram Temple consecration ceremony: More than 500 statues representing life of Lord Ram to grace temple corridor

Ahead of the Ayodhya temple consecration, prices of air tickets to the city have skyrocketed. The tourism board is expecting a footfall of 300,000 tourists every day in the coming months.

Gravitas | Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration: Prices for flight tickets to Ayodhya skyrocket

Future-ready Artificial Intelligence (AI) surveillance is likely to be introduced for the security of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, where pilgrim footfalls are expected to increase sizeably post January 22 inauguration. Besides AI surveillance, 11,000 state police and paramilitary forces are likely to be deployed for the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla.

Ayodhya Ram Temple: AI-powered surveillance system to detect suspicious patterns at inauguration

Sculpture by Arun Yogiraj to adorn the Ram Mandir. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ex- Karnataka CM confirms the selection. But, what the temple trust is confused about is will there be a Black or a White idol?

Impasse over choice of Ram Lalla idol: Temple trust may decide on black or white idol by January 14

In a major reshuffle ahead of the 2024 general elections in India, the Congress party appointed Sachin Pilot as the general secretary in charge of Chhattisgarh, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was removed as the&nbsp;party in-charge of Uttar Pradesh.

Priyanka has been replaced by Avinash Pande&nbsp;as the general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh.

The Congress released a statement on the significant development saying that Vadra will now be a general secretary "without any assigned portfolio".

The move comes two days after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), party's highest decision-making body, was chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-jaishankar-rakes-up-extremism-after-hate-crime-at-hindu-temple-in-us-672834">‘Extremists should not be given space’: India’s Jaishankar reacts to vandalism at Hindu temple in US</a>

<h2>Other developments</h2>

Meanwhile, Ramesh Chennithala was appointed as AICC in-charge of Maharashtra.

Deepa Dasmunshi was appointed as the General Secretary of the Kerala, Lakshadweep and additional charge of Telangana Congress units.&nbsp;

Congress leader GA Mir is the general secretary in charge of Jharkhand with the additional charge of West Bengal, the party said in a statement.

On the other hand, senior leaders Jairam Ramesh, K C Venugopal, Mukul Wasnik and Randeep Singh Surjewala will continue as general secretaries&nbsp;of communication,&nbsp; organisation,&nbsp;Gujarat and Karnataka, respectively.

Bhawar Jitendra Singh was given an additional charge of Madhya Pradesh. Milind Deora and Vijay Inder Singla were appointed as joint treasurers of the party, while Deepak Babaria holds the charge of Delhi and the additional charge of Haryana.

The statement further said that the appointments were made with immediate effect.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major reshuffle ahead of the 2024 general elections in India, the Congress party appointed Sachin Pilot as the general secretary in charge of Chhattisgarh, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was removed as the party in-charge of Uttar Pradesh.

In a major reshuffle ahead of the 2024 general elections in India, the Congress party appointed Sachin Pilot as the general secretary in charge of Chhattisgarh, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was removed as the party in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka has been replaced by Avinash Pande as the general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh. The Congress released a statement on the significant development saying that Vadra will now be a general secretary "without any assigned portfolio". The move comes two days after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), party's highest decision-making body, was chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Also read: ‘Extremists should not be given space’: India’s Jaishankar reacts to vandalism at Hindu temple in US Other developments Meanwhile, Ramesh Chennithala was appointed as AICC in-charge of Maharashtra. Deepa Dasmunshi was appointed as the General Secretary of the Kerala, Lakshadweep and additional charge of Telangana Congress units. Congress leader GA Mir is the general secretary in charge of Jharkhand with the additional charge of West Bengal, the party said in a statement. On the other hand, senior leaders Jairam Ramesh, K C Venugopal, Mukul Wasnik and Randeep Singh Surjewala will continue as general secretaries of communication, organisation, Gujarat and Karnataka, respectively. Bhawar Jitendra Singh was given an additional charge of Madhya Pradesh. Milind Deora and Vijay Inder Singla were appointed as joint treasurers of the party, while Deepak Babaria holds the charge of Delhi and the additional charge of Haryana. The statement further said that the appointments were made with immediate effect. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress relieves Priyanka Gandhi as UP in-charge, Sachin Pilot gets key role ahead of polls

India's political party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has invited trouble after one of its MPs Dayanidhi Maran's video, which the party claims is old, went viral on social media.

In the video, Maran allegedly said that the Hindi-speaking people who hail from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar construct houses, clean roads and toilets in Tamil Nadu, after learning Tamil.&nbsp;

"Only because they (people here) studied English, today they earn fat salaries in IT companies. They say 'Hindi Hindi'. You know well who build buildings. Those who study only Hindi in Bihar build houses for us in Tamil Nadu, sweep roads and clean toilets," he said in the video that took the internet by storm.

He then went on to cite the example of Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who is a native of Tamil Nadu saying that had he learnt only Hindi language, he would have ended up being employed in the construction sector as a worker.

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I.N.D.I Alliance leader and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran says Hindi speakers from UP and Bihar come and clean toilets in TN. 
Rahul Gandhi and Nitish Kumar must clarify, if this is the stated position of the Congress and JDU too. 
I.N.D.I Alliance’s divisive agenda is out in full force… <a href="https://t.co/i4wwLbYisW">pic.twitter.com/i4wwLbYisW</a>
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1738828917555757521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Tamil Nadu's ruling Dravidian party has long championed the study of Tamil and English languages.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hijab-or-no-hijab-in-karnataka-educational-institutes-cm-siddaramaiah-clarifies-his-mysuru-speech-673027">Hijab or no hijab in Karnataka educational institutes? CM Siddaramaiah clarifies his Mysuru speech</a>

<h2>Controversial remarks spark controversy&nbsp;</h2>

Maran's remarks sparked a political row and drew criticism from other political parties.

Condemning the comments made in the video, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "This is condemnable. Leaders from other states, irrespective of which party they belong to, should avoid making such remarks. This country is one. We respect people from other states and we expect the same. Such remarks should not be made."

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to his official X handle and said in a post that making such derogatory remarks had become a habit of the DMK party.

Many leaders one after the other make such comments and earlier they attacked Sanatan Dharma too, he said.

"But the reason why Congress party and other parties of INDIA alliance are not saying anything is because, perhaps, they are all in it together," he added.

Tamil Nadu BJP Vice-president Naryananan Thirupathy said, though it was an old remark, it shows the 'true colours' of DMK leaders who use abusive, and derogatory language against north Indians.

"It is not a matter of surprise at all. It is happening now, in the present. It has also happened in the past. The DMK will continue it in the future as well," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's political party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has invited trouble after one of its MPs Dayanidhi Maran's video, which the party claims is old, went viral on social media.

India's political party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has invited trouble after one of its MPs Dayanidhi Maran's video, which the party claims is old, went viral on social media. In the video, Maran allegedly said that the Hindi-speaking people who hail from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar construct houses, clean roads and toilets in Tamil Nadu, after learning Tamil. "Only because they (people here) studied English, today they earn fat salaries in IT companies. They say 'Hindi Hindi'. You know well who build buildings. Those who study only Hindi in Bihar build houses for us in Tamil Nadu, sweep roads and clean toilets," he said in the video that took the internet by storm. He then went on to cite the example of Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who is a native of Tamil Nadu saying that had he learnt only Hindi language, he would have ended up being employed in the construction sector as a worker. I.N.D.I Alliance leader and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran says Hindi speakers from UP and Bihar come and clean toilets in TN. Rahul Gandhi and Nitish Kumar must clarify, if this is the stated position of the Congress and JDU too. I.N.D.I Alliance’s divisive agenda is out in full force… pic.twitter.com/i4wwLbYisW — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 24, 2023 × Tamil Nadu's ruling Dravidian party has long championed the study of Tamil and English languages. Also read: Hijab or no hijab in Karnataka educational institutes? CM Siddaramaiah clarifies his Mysuru speech Controversial remarks spark controversy Maran's remarks sparked a political row and drew criticism from other political parties. Condemning the comments made in the video, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "This is condemnable. Leaders from other states, irrespective of which party they belong to, should avoid making such remarks. This country is one. We respect people from other states and we expect the same. Such remarks should not be made." BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to his official X handle and said in a post that making such derogatory remarks had become a habit of the DMK party. Many leaders one after the other make such comments and earlier they attacked Sanatan Dharma too, he said. "But the reason why Congress party and other parties of INDIA alliance are not saying anything is because, perhaps, they are all in it together," he added. Tamil Nadu BJP Vice-president Naryananan Thirupathy said, though it was an old remark, it shows the 'true colours' of DMK leaders who use abusive, and derogatory language against north Indians. "It is not a matter of surprise at all. It is happening now, in the present. It has also happened in the past. The DMK will continue it in the future as well," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: DMK MP sparks political row with ‘Bihar, UP people clean toilets’ remark, Tejashwi Yadav reacts

Amit Chaudhary's life took a harrowing turn at the age of 18 when he found himself wrongly accused in a crime he didn't commit. In 2011, he was framed for the murder of two constables in Meerut and falsely labelled a gangster.

Then chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, ordered his immediate arrest, making him one of the 17 accused in the case. Facing severe charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the National Security Act, Chaudhary endured two years behind bars.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bsp-chief-mayawati-chooses-akash-anand-her-nephew-as-her-successor-668120">Also read |&nbsp;India: BSP chief Mayawati chooses Akash Anand, her nephew as her successor</a>

<h2>Murder accused turned lawyer</h2>

Instead of succumbing to the adversity, Chaudhary turned it into an opportunity. He utilised his time in jail to study law and prove his innocence.

A farmer's son from Kirthal village in Baghpat, he faced temptations from notorious gangsters in Muzaffarnagar jail, including Anil Dujana and Vicky Tyagi.

However, the jailor's intervention allowed him to stay in a different barrack away from these influences.

Released on bail in 2013, Chaudhary embarked on a journey to clear his name and pursued legal studies, achieving academic milestones, including a BA, LLB, and LLM.

Armed with legal knowledge, he took charge of his own case, standing as his own lawyer.

In a recent court decision, 13 people, including Chaudhary, were exonerated due to the prosecution's failure to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

The court concluded that the offense of criminal conspiracy to kill constables Krishanpal and Amit Kumar and loot their rifles was not substantiated.

Also watch |&nbsp;India: DRDO pauses missile testing off Odisha coast to save lives of Olive Ridley sea turtles

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While the real orchestrators faced different fates, with Sumit Kail killed in a 2013 encounter, Neetu receiving a life sentence, and Dharmendra succumbing to cancer, Chaudhary remains resilient.

Although his dreams of joining the Army were shattered, he now aspires to pursue a PhD in criminal justice, viewing his experience as a calling to advocate for the unjustly accused.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amit Chaudhary's life took a harrowing turn at the age of 18 when he found himself wrongly accused in a crime he didn't commit. In 2011, he was framed for the murder of two constables in Meerut and falsely labelled a gangster.

Amit Chaudhary's life took a harrowing turn at the age of 18 when he found himself wrongly accused in a crime he didn't commit. In 2011, he was framed for the murder of two constables in Meerut and falsely labelled a gangster. Then chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, ordered his immediate arrest, making him one of the 17 accused in the case. Facing severe charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the National Security Act, Chaudhary endured two years behind bars. Also read | India: BSP chief Mayawati chooses Akash Anand, her nephew as her successor Murder accused turned lawyer Instead of succumbing to the adversity, Chaudhary turned it into an opportunity. He utilised his time in jail to study law and prove his innocence. A farmer's son from Kirthal village in Baghpat, he faced temptations from notorious gangsters in Muzaffarnagar jail, including Anil Dujana and Vicky Tyagi. However, the jailor's intervention allowed him to stay in a different barrack away from these influences. Released on bail in 2013, Chaudhary embarked on a journey to clear his name and pursued legal studies, achieving academic milestones, including a BA, LLB, and LLM. Armed with legal knowledge, he took charge of his own case, standing as his own lawyer. In a recent court decision, 13 people, including Chaudhary, were exonerated due to the prosecution's failure to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The court concluded that the offense of criminal conspiracy to kill constables Krishanpal and Amit Kumar and loot their rifles was not substantiated. Also watch | India: DRDO pauses missile testing off Odisha coast to save lives of Olive Ridley sea turtles While the real orchestrators faced different fates, with Sumit Kail killed in a 2013 encounter, Neetu receiving a life sentence, and Dharmendra succumbing to cancer, Chaudhary remains resilient. Although his dreams of joining the Army were shattered, he now aspires to pursue a PhD in criminal justice, viewing his experience as a calling to advocate for the unjustly accused. (With inputs from agencies)

From murder accused to advocate, this Indian man studied law to fight his own case

Indian goods are gradually replacing Chinese products on American shelves. Made-in-India is gaining more traction in the U.S. and it's happening at China's expense. American imports from India surged by 44% between 2018 and 2022.

India's Diwali economy explained

Turn your home into a sustainable and environmentally friendly zone this Diwali with these trending decor ideas.

Eco-friendly Diwali decoration ideas for home

India’s apex court chastised the government of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;on Monday (September 25) a month after disturbing video from the city of Muzaffarnagar went viral where a primary school teacher can be seen telling students to slap a classmate of the Muslim faith.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The purported video of the incident showed students lining up to slap their Muslim classmate for not learning the multiplication tables as the teacher – identified as Tripta Tyagi – instigates them. Tyagi, who is also the owner of Neha Public School, can also be heard making some problematic, communal comments.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/disturbing-video-emerges-indian-teacher-instigates-students-to-slap-muslim-classmate-watch-629332">Disturbing video emerges: Teacher in India prods students to slap Muslim classmate. Watch</a>

The video sparked outrage on the internet as well as from various quarters, including political parties and child rights organisations and the teacher had been booked under IPC sections 323 and 504 based on a complaint from the boy’s family.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Very serious issue’</h2>

The Supreme Court deemed the incident a “prima facie failure” to comply with the Right To Education (RTE) Act.

It slammed the Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;government, saying that if the allegations are true, it must “shock the conscience of the state government.”

The court also raised questions about the delay in the registration of the FIR and the omission of allegations made by the victim’s father, which included communal targeting.

The SC bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal raised a “serious objection” to the manner in which the FIR was registered.&nbsp;

The FIR was filed on September 6, nearly two weeks after the incident and did not include the alleged “objectionable comments against a particular religion” that the teacher made, as per the boy’s father. The judge also questioned the absence of the transcript of the video in the FIR.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-teacher-booked-for-alleged-communal-remarks-inciting-students-to-slap-muslim-classmate-629535">India: Teacher booked for alleged communal remarks, inciting students to slap muslim classmate</a>

The justices said there was a “direct violation” of the child’s fundamental right to get compulsory and quality education under the RTE Act which also prohibits physical and mental harassment of students and discrimination on the basis of religion and caste.&nbsp;

“This is a very serious issue. Teacher telling Teacher telling students to hit a classmate because they belong to a particular community! Is this quality education? State must take responsibility of the education of the child. If the allegations are true, this should shock the conscience of the state,” Justice Oka told Solicitor General KM Nataraj, representing the UP government.&nbsp;

“There cannot be quality education if a student is penalised only on the grounds of his or her religion. Thus, there is a prima facie failure by the state government to comply with the mandates of the RTE Act and the rules framed thereunder,” the court added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/co-ower-of-fact-checking-website-booked-for-disclosing-identity-of-muslim-boy-slapped-by-classmates-629953">Co-owner of fact-checking website booked for disclosing identity of Muslim boy slapped by classmates&nbsp;</a>

The SC has directed the state government to immediately appoint a senior IPS to monitor the investigation of the case and sought a report from the UP government on the implementation of the RTE Act in relation to the case.&nbsp;

They have also directed counselling for the victim child as well as for the children who were allegedly asked to assault their classmate by the teacher.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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India’s apex court chastised the government of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Monday (September 25) a month after disturbing video from the city of Muzaffarnagar went viral where a primary school teacher can be seen telling students to slap a classmate of the Muslim faith.

India’s apex court chastised the government of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Monday (September 25) a month after disturbing video from the city of Muzaffarnagar went viral where a primary school teacher can be seen telling students to slap a classmate of the Muslim faith. What happened? The purported video of the incident showed students lining up to slap their Muslim classmate for not learning the multiplication tables as the teacher – identified as Tripta Tyagi – instigates them. Tyagi, who is also the owner of Neha Public School, can also be heard making some problematic, communal comments. ALSO READ | Disturbing video emerges: Teacher in India prods students to slap Muslim classmate. Watch The video sparked outrage on the internet as well as from various quarters, including political parties and child rights organisations and the teacher had been booked under IPC sections 323 and 504 based on a complaint from the boy’s family. ‘Very serious issue’ The Supreme Court deemed the incident a “prima facie failure” to comply with the Right To Education (RTE) Act. It slammed the Uttar Pradesh government, saying that if the allegations are true, it must “shock the conscience of the state government.” The court also raised questions about the delay in the registration of the FIR and the omission of allegations made by the victim’s father, which included communal targeting. The SC bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal raised a “serious objection” to the manner in which the FIR was registered. The FIR was filed on September 6, nearly two weeks after the incident and did not include the alleged “objectionable comments against a particular religion” that the teacher made, as per the boy’s father. The judge also questioned the absence of the transcript of the video in the FIR. ALSO READ | India: Teacher booked for alleged communal remarks, inciting students to slap muslim classmate The justices said there was a “direct violation” of the child’s fundamental right to get compulsory and quality education under the RTE Act which also prohibits physical and mental harassment of students and discrimination on the basis of religion and caste. “This is a very serious issue. Teacher telling Teacher telling students to hit a classmate because they belong to a particular community! Is this quality education? State must take responsibility of the education of the child. If the allegations are true, this should shock the conscience of the state,” Justice Oka told Solicitor General KM Nataraj, representing the UP government. “There cannot be quality education if a student is penalised only on the grounds of his or her religion. Thus, there is a prima facie failure by the state government to comply with the mandates of the RTE Act and the rules framed thereunder,” the court added. ALSO READ | Co-owner of fact-checking website booked for disclosing identity of Muslim boy slapped by classmates The SC has directed the state government to immediately appoint a senior IPS to monitor the investigation of the case and sought a report from the UP government on the implementation of the RTE Act in relation to the case. They have also directed counselling for the victim child as well as for the children who were allegedly asked to assault their classmate by the teacher. (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.

India: Supreme Court slams UP govt, police over slapping of Muslim boy by classmates

In the wake of torrential rain, severe thunderstorms and widespread water logging, the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is now grappling with a series of challenges. The nation's fury has claimed at least 28 lives forcing the state government to declare a red alert on Tuesday.

Heavy rains flood India's Uttar Pradesh: Death toll climbs to 28

In the wake of torrential rains, severe thunderstorms and widespread water logging, the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is grappling with a series of challenges. The nature's fury has claimed at least 29 lives, forcing the state government to declare a red alert.

Heavy rains flood India’s Uttar Pradesh: Death toll climbs to 29

Nearly a year after the horrific incident involving the gang rape and murder of two minor Dalit sisters, a significant development has happened in the case.

A POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court has delivered verdicts and sentences against the perpetrators, with two individuals receiving life imprisonment and two others being sentenced to six years in jail.

The heinous crime had shocked the nation, prompting an intensive investigation that led to these recent legal outcomes.

<h2>Verdicts and sentences</h2>

After a thorough trial led by Additional District Judge (ADJ) Rahul Singh, four individuals were found guilty on multiple charges in relation to the gruesome killing of the two sisters, as reported by NDTV.

The victims' lifeless bodies were discovered hanging from a tree in a sugarcane field near a village in Nighasan.

The court identified Junaid and Sunil alias Chhotu as the main culprits, pronouncing them guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including kidnapping (section 363), gang-rape of a minor (section 376D A), murder (section 302), and causing hurt (section 323), among others. Furthermore, relevant sections of the POCSO Act were applied to their convictions.

Sunil and Zunaid, deemed responsible for the most severe offences, were each sentenced to life imprisonment.

Additionally, they were ordered to pay fines amounting to ₹46,000 each ($553).&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the court handed down a six-year rigorous imprisonment to Karimuddin and Arif, along with fines of ₹5,000 each&nbsp;($60.11), based on their conviction under section 201 of the IPC for causing the disappearance of evidence. This judicial decision reflects an attempt to dispense proportional justice considering the severity of their respective roles in the crime.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-punjab-police-bust-second-terror-module-in-two-days-five-terrorists-arrested-625383">India: Punjab Police bust second terror module in two days, five arrested</a>

<h2>Background and investigation</h2>

The&nbsp;incident occurred on September 14, 2022, when the two young Dalit sisters were abducted, subjected to harrowing gang rape, and subsequently murdered.

The crime sent shockwaves throughout the region and ignited outrage across the nation. Prompt action was taken, leading to the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) assigned to unravel the truth behind the gruesome act.

The SIT diligently pursued its investigation and apprehended a total of six suspects in connection with the crime. Notably, two of the accused were identified as minors, which added a complex dimension to the legal proceedings.

The SIT successfully concluded its investigation, resulting in the submission of a comprehensive charge sheet to the special POCSO court on September 28, 2022.

Also watch |&nbsp;Independence Day special: This company in Delhi makes flags for India's border areas

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<h2>Ongoing legal proceedings</h2>

While the recent verdicts have brought some closure to this distressing case, certain legal proceedings remain ongoing. The judgement for a minor accused, whose trial was also conducted within the POCSO court due to their age falling between 16 to 18 years, is anticipated to be delivered at a later date. Furthermore, the trial of a sixth teenager accused is currently in progress within the juvenile justice board, highlighting the intricate and multifaceted nature of the legal proceedings pertaining to this deeply unsettling crime.

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Nearly a year after the horrific incident involving the gang rape and murder of two minor Dalit sisters, a significant development has happened in the case. A POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court has delivered verdicts and sentences against the perpetrators, with two individuals receiving life imprisonment and two others being sentenced to six years in jail.

Nearly a year after the horrific incident involving the gang rape and murder of two minor Dalit sisters, a significant development has happened in the case. A POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court has delivered verdicts and sentences against the perpetrators, with two individuals receiving life imprisonment and two others being sentenced to six years in jail. The heinous crime had shocked the nation, prompting an intensive investigation that led to these recent legal outcomes. Verdicts and sentences After a thorough trial led by Additional District Judge (ADJ) Rahul Singh, four individuals were found guilty on multiple charges in relation to the gruesome killing of the two sisters, as reported by NDTV. The victims' lifeless bodies were discovered hanging from a tree in a sugarcane field near a village in Nighasan. The court identified Junaid and Sunil alias Chhotu as the main culprits, pronouncing them guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including kidnapping (section 363), gang-rape of a minor (section 376D A), murder (section 302), and causing hurt (section 323), among others. Furthermore, relevant sections of the POCSO Act were applied to their convictions. Sunil and Zunaid, deemed responsible for the most severe offences, were each sentenced to life imprisonment. Additionally, they were ordered to pay fines amounting to ₹46,000 each ($553). Meanwhile, the court handed down a six-year rigorous imprisonment to Karimuddin and Arif, along with fines of ₹5,000 each ($60.11), based on their conviction under section 201 of the IPC for causing the disappearance of evidence. This judicial decision reflects an attempt to dispense proportional justice considering the severity of their respective roles in the crime. Also read | India: Punjab Police bust second terror module in two days, five arrested Background and investigation The incident occurred on September 14, 2022, when the two young Dalit sisters were abducted, subjected to harrowing gang rape, and subsequently murdered. The crime sent shockwaves throughout the region and ignited outrage across the nation. Prompt action was taken, leading to the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) assigned to unravel the truth behind the gruesome act. The SIT diligently pursued its investigation and apprehended a total of six suspects in connection with the crime. Notably, two of the accused were identified as minors, which added a complex dimension to the legal proceedings. The SIT successfully concluded its investigation, resulting in the submission of a comprehensive charge sheet to the special POCSO court on September 28, 2022. Also watch | Independence Day special: This company in Delhi makes flags for India's border areas Ongoing legal proceedings While the recent verdicts have brought some closure to this distressing case, certain legal proceedings remain ongoing. The judgement for a minor accused, whose trial was also conducted within the POCSO court due to their age falling between 16 to 18 years, is anticipated to be delivered at a later date. Furthermore, the trial of a sixth teenager accused is currently in progress within the juvenile justice board, highlighting the intricate and multifaceted nature of the legal proceedings pertaining to this deeply unsettling crime. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lakhimpur Kheri case: 2 men sentenced to life in prison for rape, murder of Dalit sisters

UP Goverment Plans To Deport Illegal Rohingya Immigrants. Over 9,000 individuals suspected to be Rohingyas have been living illegally in different districts of UP. They are suspected to enter Indian territory through North-Eastern states. The process of identifying and verifying their status is currently underway.

India's Uttar Pradesh plans to deport illegal Rohingya immigrants

According to media reports, the son of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s Datia district is among those arrested for allegedly gang-raping and sexually assaulting two sisters.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The alleged incident took place in the state’s Datia district where four people have been accused of gang-raping a 19-year-old and sexually assaulting her 17-year-old sister. The rape survivor, later, tried to commit suicide by hanging herself but was rescued and taken to the hospital.&nbsp;

According to the police, the alleged gang rape and sexual assault took place on Friday afternoon when the two sisters were returning home from school. The accused, reportedly, forcefully took them in a car to the house of another accused.&nbsp;The four men then allegedly gang-raped&nbsp;the woman.&nbsp;

“The two survivors were returning from school on Friday afternoon when three accused threatened them and took them to the house of BJP leader Ramkishore Yadav,” said the Superintendent of Police (Datia), Pradeep Sharma, on Saturday.&nbsp;

He added, “The four accused raped the woman in front of her minor sister. They also sexually harassed the girl. The accused threatened the survivors with dire consequences if they informed anyone about the assault, and let them leave.”

When the two survivors reached home, the woman tried to kill herself but was rescued by family members who then approached the police, said Sharma, quoting the complaint filed by the 19-year-old’s younger sister.&nbsp;

According to the police, the woman is undergoing treatment at the Jhansi Medical College in the neighbouring Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and her condition is stable.&nbsp;

<h2>About those accused</h2>

So far, three of those accused (one adult and two minors), including the politician’s son, have been arrested. The police have announced a reward of Rs 10,000 ($122) for finding the fourth accused, who is reported to be on the run.&nbsp;

The police have identified Dhruv Rai, son of BJP’s Unnao mandal president Kishan Rai, as the prime suspect, based on the First Information Report (FIR) registered in the case. The three accused have been reported to be his friends.&nbsp;

<h2>Incident sparks protest</h2>

The alleged incident also sparked a large protest after family members and locals of the survivors were reportedly seen outside the police station demanding action against the people who have been arrested.&nbsp;

The survivor’s brother also accused the police of not registering the complaint “for hours” and alleged that it was only after they protested that officials took action.&nbsp;

<h2>BJP’s reaction to the accusations</h2>

In a statement, on Sunday, BJP’s Datia district unit president Surendra Budholia called the incident unfortunate and said the police were yet to record the victim’s statement. If the victim names the BJP office-bearer’s son&nbsp;in her police statement, the party will serve a notice to him and take further action, reported PTI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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According to media reports, the son of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s Datia district is among those arrested for allegedly gang-raping and sexually assaulting two sisters.

According to media reports, the son of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s Datia district is among those arrested for allegedly gang-raping and sexually assaulting two sisters. What happened? The alleged incident took place in the state’s Datia district where four people have been accused of gang-raping a 19-year-old and sexually assaulting her 17-year-old sister. The rape survivor, later, tried to commit suicide by hanging herself but was rescued and taken to the hospital. According to the police, the alleged gang rape and sexual assault took place on Friday afternoon when the two sisters were returning home from school. The accused, reportedly, forcefully took them in a car to the house of another accused. The four men then allegedly gang-raped the woman. “The two survivors were returning from school on Friday afternoon when three accused threatened them and took them to the house of BJP leader Ramkishore Yadav,” said the Superintendent of Police (Datia), Pradeep Sharma, on Saturday. He added, “The four accused raped the woman in front of her minor sister. They also sexually harassed the girl. The accused threatened the survivors with dire consequences if they informed anyone about the assault, and let them leave.” When the two survivors reached home, the woman tried to kill herself but was rescued by family members who then approached the police, said Sharma, quoting the complaint filed by the 19-year-old’s younger sister. According to the police, the woman is undergoing treatment at the Jhansi Medical College in the neighbouring Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and her condition is stable. About those accused So far, three of those accused (one adult and two minors), including the politician’s son, have been arrested. The police have announced a reward of Rs 10,000 ($122) for finding the fourth accused, who is reported to be on the run. The police have identified Dhruv Rai, son of BJP’s Unnao mandal president Kishan Rai, as the prime suspect, based on the First Information Report (FIR) registered in the case. The three accused have been reported to be his friends. Incident sparks protest The alleged incident also sparked a large protest after family members and locals of the survivors were reportedly seen outside the police station demanding action against the people who have been arrested. The survivor’s brother also accused the police of not registering the complaint “for hours” and alleged that it was only after they protested that officials took action. BJP’s reaction to the accusations In a statement, on Sunday, BJP’s Datia district unit president Surendra Budholia called the incident unfortunate and said the police were yet to record the victim’s statement. If the victim names the BJP office-bearer’s son in her police statement, the party will serve a notice to him and take further action, reported PTI. (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.

India: BJP leader’s son arrested for alleged sexual assault of sisters in Madhya Pradesh

Floods, heatwave, rain: Extreme weather events wreak havoc across Indian cities

India's north and east are scorched by a severe heat wave. As a result of the extreme heat, approximately 100 people have died in the past three days in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Hospitals are overflowing with patients who are suffering from symptoms related to the heat.

India: Temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius in U.P and Bihar

Delhi might get some relief from the scorching heat in the next few days. The India Meteorological Department has predicted light rains and thunderstorms over the national capital due to Cyclone Biparjoy.

Delhi might get some relief from the scorching heat in the next few days. The India Meteorological Department has predicted light rains and thunderstorms over the national capital due to Cyclone Biparjoy. Strong winds and heavy rains hit the Gujarat coast on Thursday. Private forecasting agency Skymet Weather said, "The national capital might receive light rains under the influence of Cyclone Biparjoy, which is gaining steam in the Arabian Sea." Delhi might receive light rains and thundershowers with gusty winds on June 18 and 19. Meanwhile, most of North and East India shall continue to reel under the heatwave for the next five days. Furthermore, heavy rainfall will continue in most parts of northwest India due to the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy. Here's the IMD forecast for the next five days. IMD Forecast: Next Five Days Weather Updates Northeast India According to the latest forecast, northeast India shall receive light to heavy rainfall during the next five days. Arunachal Pradesh might witness heavy rains till June 17. The weather forecast has also predicted heavy showers in Assam and Meghalaya till June 18. East India Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar might witness light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds during the next five days. Northwest India According to the weather forecast for the next five days, isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand might witness light to moderate and scattered to fairly widespread rainfall. IMD has also predicted thunder squalls and hailstorms at places over Uttarakhand on June 18 and 19. "Light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls are very likely at isolated places over southwest Rajasthan on June 16 and 17; and southeast Rajasthan on June 17 and 18," IMD said. Heatwave Warning Heatwave conditions might persist in isolated areas over Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh over the next five days, according to IMD. Warm nighttime temperatures shall continue in isolated pockets in East Uttar Pradesh and East Madhya Pradesh until June 17. Heatwave conditions are also expected to prevail across Gangetic West Bengal and Bihar over the next four days, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the next three days, and Southeast Uttar Pradesh and East Madhya Pradesh over the next two days. Hot and humid conditions are very also likely over Tamil Nadu and Rayalaseema during the next two days. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Weather Update: Heatwave to continue in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh; Delhi to witness light rains, says IMD forecast

In another incident raising questions on the law and order situation in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, a gangster Sanjiv Maheshwari Jiva was shot down dead outside a courtroom while two cops sustained injuries, as per media reports.&nbsp;

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As per media reports, the shooter was dressed under the guise of a lawyer when he opened fire on the gangster. Later, the attacker was nabbed by Lucknow Police and has been identified as Vijay Yadav.

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Jiva is a close aide of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the 1991 Awadhesh Rai murder case on Monday. Rai is the&nbsp;elder brother of the leader of the Indian opposition Congress Ajay Rai. He was shot dead outside his house at Maldiya in Varanasi city when he was aged 30.&nbsp;

Further details into the incident are awaited. The incident took place when Jiva was brought to the Lucknow court in view of a criminal case filed against him.

Media reports suggest that the killed gangster was booked in many other criminal cases. Two cops present at the shooting scene also sustained injuries and were taken to Civil Hospital in UP.&nbsp;

Rahul Raj, DCP, Lucknow in a statement to ANI news agency said, "Sanjiv Maheshwari Jiva was shot today and has died. Our two constables also sustained injuries &amp; they are out of danger and are undergoing treatment. I've been told that the accused has been arrested."&nbsp;

According to Joint Commissioner of Police Upendra Kumar Agarwal, a child also sustained injuries and was moved to a trauma centre.

"One prisoner who was brought for the hearing at the Court has been shot and a police officer was also shot. They have been sent to hospital," Nilabja Choudhary, Joint Commissioner of Police, Lucknow said pertaining to the gunfire incident at Lucknow civil court.&nbsp;

<h2>Political opponents trade barbs with ruling BJP&nbsp;</h2>

The chief of Samajwadi Party (SP) Akhilesh Yadav also spoke up targeting the ruling government in India's largest populated area. He took a jibe at the current law and order situation in the state raising questions on the recent firing incident in Lucknow civil court.&nbsp;

"Is it a democracy? The question is not who is being killed but the question is that one is being killed where security is the highest," he said.&nbsp;

Watch | Taylor Swift flaunts Rs 8K bangles from an Indian brand in her music video 'Karma'

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Earlier, on the night of 15 April, a jailed gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead when the duo were escorted to a hospital. Both were killed at point-blank range by two people who were reportedly posing as media personnel.&nbsp;

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In another incident raising questions on the law and order situation in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, a gangster Sanjiv Maheshwari Jiva was shot down dead outside a courtroom while two cops sustained injuries, as per media reports.

In another incident raising questions on the law and order situation in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, a gangster Sanjiv Maheshwari Jiva was shot down dead outside a courtroom while two cops sustained injuries, as per media reports. Also Read | Indian cabinet approves third revival package of $11 bn for BSNL As per media reports, the shooter was dressed under the guise of a lawyer when he opened fire on the gangster. Later, the attacker was nabbed by Lucknow Police and has been identified as Vijay Yadav. Also Read | France gives thumbs down to NATO’s plans of opening liaison office in Japan Jiva is a close aide of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the 1991 Awadhesh Rai murder case on Monday. Rai is the elder brother of the leader of the Indian opposition Congress Ajay Rai. He was shot dead outside his house at Maldiya in Varanasi city when he was aged 30. Further details into the incident are awaited. The incident took place when Jiva was brought to the Lucknow court in view of a criminal case filed against him. Media reports suggest that the killed gangster was booked in many other criminal cases. Two cops present at the shooting scene also sustained injuries and were taken to Civil Hospital in UP. Rahul Raj, DCP, Lucknow in a statement to ANI news agency said, "Sanjiv Maheshwari Jiva was shot today and has died. Our two constables also sustained injuries & they are out of danger and are undergoing treatment. I've been told that the accused has been arrested." According to Joint Commissioner of Police Upendra Kumar Agarwal, a child also sustained injuries and was moved to a trauma centre. "One prisoner who was brought for the hearing at the Court has been shot and a police officer was also shot. They have been sent to hospital," Nilabja Choudhary, Joint Commissioner of Police, Lucknow said pertaining to the gunfire incident at Lucknow civil court. Political opponents trade barbs with ruling BJP The chief of Samajwadi Party (SP) Akhilesh Yadav also spoke up targeting the ruling government in India's largest populated area. He took a jibe at the current law and order situation in the state raising questions on the recent firing incident in Lucknow civil court. "Is it a democracy? The question is not who is being killed but the question is that one is being killed where security is the highest," he said. Watch | Taylor Swift flaunts Rs 8K bangles from an Indian brand in her music video 'Karma' × Earlier, on the night of 15 April, a jailed gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead when the duo were escorted to a hospital. Both were killed at point-blank range by two people who were reportedly posing as media personnel. 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. ×

India: Gangster Sanjiv Maheshwari shot dead outside UP court, attacker arrested

Chapters based on the Mughal empire have been chucked out from the history syllabus of Class 12 students studying in CBSE and UP boards of India, as per reports by various media outlets.

The country's top advisory body for Centre and state on school education, NCERT, has reportedly revised the history syllabus and removed the chapters titled 'Kings and Chronicles' and the 'The Mughal Courts' from the medieval History textbooks of CBSE for Class 12, said a top official.

The revised class 12 history textbooks of NCERT will be adopted by the government schools in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in which the chapters on Mughal courts have been reportedly deleted.

Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT strongly denied the claims that chapters on Mughals were dropped.

"It's a lie. (Chapters on) Mughals have not been dropped. There was a rationalisation process last year because due to COVID, there was pressure on students everywhere...Expert committees examined the books from std 6-12. They recommended that if this chapter is dropped, it won't affect the knowledge of the children and an unnecessary burden can be removed...The debate is unnecessary. Those who don't know, can check the textbooks..." he said.

"We are working as per NEP (National Education Policy) 2020. This is a transition phase. NEP 2020 speaks of reducing the content load. We are implementing it. NCF (National Curriculum Framework) for school education is being formed, it will be finalised soon. Textbooks will be printed in 2024 as per NEP. We have not dropped anything right now," he added.

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In the chapters currently under discussion,&nbsp;the students were taught about “Akbarnama” (the official chronicle of the reign of Akbar) and “Badshah Nama” (chronicle of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan), the composition of manuscripts, capitals and courts, Mughal rulers and their empire.

"We teach our students using NCERT books...whatever is there in the revised edition will be followed," said Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak.

Additional Chief Secretary (basic and secondary education) Deepak Kumar earlier said, "We follow NCERT books and whatever is available in the revised edition, we will follow it in state schools from 2023-24 session.”

Similarly, chapters like the ‘Central Islamic lands’, ‘Confrontation of cultures’ and ‘The Industrial Revolution’ were also reportedly removed from the history textbook of Class 11 titled ‘Themes In World History'.

Meanwhile, NCERT has also revised class 12 Political Science books, pulling out chapters like 'Rise of Popular Movements', which is about the Socialist and Communist parties' rise in India and 'Era of One-Party Dominance', which talks about the rule of Congress in the post-independence era.

WATCH | ChatGPT catches CBSE attention; India's National Exam Board adds ChatGPT in list of unfair means

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NCERT's senior official said that they will implement the revised syllabus this year (2023-24). Speaking about the changes, Maharishi Patanjali Vidya Mandir's principal Alpona Dey earlier said, “NCERT books are being updated as per the provisions of the new National Education Policy (NEP)-2020. New content is being added by removing topics that have become irrelevant. Changes in the syllabus were made from time to time which was a good thing.”

A lot of these changes in the syllabus were announced in 2022 when CBSE was rationalising its syllabi for students in April.

In a note, the NCERT listed the changes and said, "The content of the textbooks has been rationalised for various reasons, including overlapping with similar content in other subject areas in the same class, similar content included in the lower or higher classes on the same subject.”&nbsp;

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Chapters based on the Mughal empire have been chucked out from the history syllabus of Class 12 students studying in CBSE and UP boards of India, as per reports by various media outlets.

Chapters based on the Mughal empire have been chucked out from the history syllabus of Class 12 students studying in CBSE and UP boards of India, as per reports by various media outlets. The country's top advisory body for Centre and state on school education, NCERT, has reportedly revised the history syllabus and removed the chapters titled 'Kings and Chronicles' and the 'The Mughal Courts' from the medieval History textbooks of CBSE for Class 12, said a top official. The revised class 12 history textbooks of NCERT will be adopted by the government schools in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in which the chapters on Mughal courts have been reportedly deleted. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT strongly denied the claims that chapters on Mughals were dropped. "It's a lie. (Chapters on) Mughals have not been dropped. There was a rationalisation process last year because due to COVID, there was pressure on students everywhere...Expert committees examined the books from std 6-12. They recommended that if this chapter is dropped, it won't affect the knowledge of the children and an unnecessary burden can be removed...The debate is unnecessary. Those who don't know, can check the textbooks..." he said. "We are working as per NEP (National Education Policy) 2020. This is a transition phase. NEP 2020 speaks of reducing the content load. We are implementing it. NCF (National Curriculum Framework) for school education is being formed, it will be finalised soon. Textbooks will be printed in 2024 as per NEP. We have not dropped anything right now," he added. ALSO READ | Common University Entrance Test (CUET): What does India aim to achieve with this new system? In the chapters currently under discussion, the students were taught about “Akbarnama” (the official chronicle of the reign of Akbar) and “Badshah Nama” (chronicle of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan), the composition of manuscripts, capitals and courts, Mughal rulers and their empire. "We teach our students using NCERT books...whatever is there in the revised edition will be followed," said Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak. Additional Chief Secretary (basic and secondary education) Deepak Kumar earlier said, "We follow NCERT books and whatever is available in the revised edition, we will follow it in state schools from 2023-24 session.” Similarly, chapters like the ‘Central Islamic lands’, ‘Confrontation of cultures’ and ‘The Industrial Revolution’ were also reportedly removed from the history textbook of Class 11 titled ‘Themes In World History'. Meanwhile, NCERT has also revised class 12 Political Science books, pulling out chapters like 'Rise of Popular Movements', which is about the Socialist and Communist parties' rise in India and 'Era of One-Party Dominance', which talks about the rule of Congress in the post-independence era. WATCH | ChatGPT catches CBSE attention; India's National Exam Board adds ChatGPT in list of unfair means NCERT's senior official said that they will implement the revised syllabus this year (2023-24). Speaking about the changes, Maharishi Patanjali Vidya Mandir's principal Alpona Dey earlier said, “NCERT books are being updated as per the provisions of the new National Education Policy (NEP)-2020. New content is being added by removing topics that have become irrelevant. Changes in the syllabus were made from time to time which was a good thing.” A lot of these changes in the syllabus were announced in 2022 when CBSE was rationalising its syllabi for students in April. In a note, the NCERT listed the changes and said, "The content of the textbooks has been rationalised for various reasons, including overlapping with similar content in other subject areas in the same class, similar content included in the lower or higher classes on the same subject.” (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: No Mughal history in Class 12 NCERT textbooks, top official denies reports

A video of an official from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh which is reeling from floods is making rounds on social media and has drawn criticism from many. The official in question is the state’s Ambedkar Nagar District Magistrate (DM), Samuel Paul, who is heard saying that the government is not running a door-to-door service like Zomato, while addressing flood-hit locals.&nbsp;

The DM in the clip is referring to India’s restaurant aggregator and food delivery company Zomato which provides door-to-door service. “If you need, you will be provided with chlorine tablets, and a doctor will come to see when one falls sick, this is the reason why flood posts (baadh chowki) are established. We are not running any Zomato service, the government is not running Zomato.”

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Earlier this week in a high-level meeting the state’s chief minister &nbsp;Yogi Adityanath, ordered to keep the District Control Room operational 24×7 under the Joint Magistrate level officers for relief and rehabilitation work in all the districts affected by heavy rains and floods, the media reported. In the past few days, the state has witnessed heavy rains across several regions and reportedly flood water started to enter people’s homes.&nbsp;

The CM also instructed officials in multiple districts including Ambedkar Nagar to stay alert for the possibility of floods. “Immediate help should be provided to the common people in the flood-affected areas. There should be no delay in the distribution of relief packets. There should be adequate arrangements for lighting etc. in relief camps,” said the UP CM in a statement.&nbsp;

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A video of an official from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh which is reeling from floods is making rounds on social media and has drawn criticism from many. The official in question is the state’s Ambedkar Nagar District Magistrate (DM), Samuel Paul, who is heard saying that the government is not running a door-to-door service like Zomato, while addressing flood-hit locals.

A video of an official from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh which is reeling from floods is making rounds on social media and has drawn criticism from many. The official in question is the state’s Ambedkar Nagar District Magistrate (DM), Samuel Paul, who is heard saying that the government is not running a door-to-door service like Zomato, while addressing flood-hit locals. The DM in the clip is referring to India’s restaurant aggregator and food delivery company Zomato which provides door-to-door service. “If you need, you will be provided with chlorine tablets, and a doctor will come to see when one falls sick, this is the reason why flood posts (baadh chowki) are established. We are not running any Zomato service, the government is not running Zomato.” You will stay at home and expect us to deliver there? The government is not running Zomato service: UP's Ambedkar Nagar District Magistrate Samuel Paul M. Video via @sengarlivepic.twitter.com/YccvDwQX5a — Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) October 13, 2022 × Earlier this week in a high-level meeting the state’s chief minister Yogi Adityanath, ordered to keep the District Control Room operational 24×7 under the Joint Magistrate level officers for relief and rehabilitation work in all the districts affected by heavy rains and floods, the media reported. In the past few days, the state has witnessed heavy rains across several regions and reportedly flood water started to enter people’s homes. The CM also instructed officials in multiple districts including Ambedkar Nagar to stay alert for the possibility of floods. “Immediate help should be provided to the common people in the flood-affected areas. There should be no delay in the distribution of relief packets. There should be adequate arrangements for lighting etc. in relief camps,” said the UP CM in a statement. (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.

WATCH: ‘Govt is not running Zomato, says district official to flood-hit locals in India, draws criticism

At least 26 people, mostly women and children have died in a road accident in the Kanpur district of India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. Indian PM Narendra Modi has announced compensation for families of deceased.

26 dead, 9 injured in a road accident in India's Northern state of Uttar Pradesh

As per an official of the Archaeological Survey of India,&nbsp;Artefacts&nbsp;dating back to 1600-2000 BC including weapons made of copper and pieces of pottery have been found&nbsp;in the Mainpuri district of&nbsp;India's Uttar Pradesh, reported PTI.

According to&nbsp;Raj Kumar Patel,&nbsp;ASI's Superintending Archaeologist of Agra Circle, the location where the objects were found in the&nbsp;Ganeshpura village of Kurawali tehsil belonged to the&nbsp;chalcolithic period, also known as the&nbsp;copper age.

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&nbsp;A&nbsp;farmer had found&nbsp;the ochre colour pottery, anthropomorphic figures and the copper weapons in a field on June 10.

"Initially, he tried to hide these thinking that he got some precious objects," PTI&nbsp;quoted the official from the Archaeological Survey of India.

The official also added that&nbsp;police and the local administration recovered the objects from him later.

Watch |&nbsp;Six-metre long whale found dead on a beach in Panama

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Patel told PTI, "We stayed for about eight days in the village and carried out a scientific investigation of the field from where the objects were found. It was found that the weapons and other objects found are 3800-4000 years old and belong to the chalcolithic or copper age. The weapons are of made pure copper."

The weapons included some swords measuring close to one metre long and harpoons of multiple&nbsp;types. Among the ones found, one&nbsp;of the harpoons has four edges.

Experts claim that according to the size of the objects, the weapons were seemingly used by&nbsp;warriors or the army.

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According to Vasant Kumar Swarnkar, spokesperson of the Archaeological Survey of India, "such artefacts are typically&nbsp;found in the Ganga-Yamuna doab."

"Our investigation is on and only after proper investigation, we would be able to speak more on the findings," PTI quoted Swarnkar.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per an official of the Archaeological Survey of India, Artefacts dating back to 1600-2000 BC including weapons made of copper and pieces of pottery have been found in the Mainpuri district of India's Uttar Pradesh, reported PTI.

As per an official of the Archaeological Survey of India, Artefacts dating back to 1600-2000 BC including weapons made of copper and pieces of pottery have been found in the Mainpuri district of India's Uttar Pradesh, reported PTI. According to Raj Kumar Patel, ASI's Superintending Archaeologist of Agra Circle, the location where the objects were found in the Ganeshpura village of Kurawali tehsil belonged to the chalcolithic period, also known as the copper age. Also read | Preserved for centuries: Tortoise and her egg found in new Pompeii excavations A farmer had found the ochre colour pottery, anthropomorphic figures and the copper weapons in a field on June 10. "Initially, he tried to hide these thinking that he got some precious objects," PTI quoted the official from the Archaeological Survey of India. The official also added that police and the local administration recovered the objects from him later. Watch | Six-metre long whale found dead on a beach in Panama Patel told PTI, "We stayed for about eight days in the village and carried out a scientific investigation of the field from where the objects were found. It was found that the weapons and other objects found are 3800-4000 years old and belong to the chalcolithic or copper age. The weapons are of made pure copper." The weapons included some swords measuring close to one metre long and harpoons of multiple types. Among the ones found, one of the harpoons has four edges. Experts claim that according to the size of the objects, the weapons were seemingly used by warriors or the army. Also read | Scientists decode secret of eternal youth: Be born as turtle According to Vasant Kumar Swarnkar, spokesperson of the Archaeological Survey of India, "such artefacts are typically found in the Ganga-Yamuna doab." "Our investigation is on and only after proper investigation, we would be able to speak more on the findings," PTI quoted Swarnkar. (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.

Copper age weapons, pottery found in India's Uttar Pradesh

Polling on all Assembly seats in Punjab and 59 constituencies for the third phase of Uttar Pradesh elections began&nbsp;at 7 am on Sunday.&nbsp;

In Punjab, over 2.14 crore voters will decide the fate of 1304 candidates in the fray from 117 constituencies. The state is witnessing a multi-corner contest this time with Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, and the coalition of Bharatiya Janata Party-former chief minister Amarinder Singh`s Punjab Lok Congress party as key players.

CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who is the Congress`s chief ministerial face, is contesting from two seats Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur. Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is facing SAD`s Bikram Singh Majithia, AAP`s Jeevanjyot Kaur and BJP`s Jagmohan Singh Raju in Amritsar (East).

AAP Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur and party`s CM face Bhagwant Mann is contesting from Dhuri seat. Punjab Lok Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh is seeking re-election from the Patiala constituency.Five-time Chief Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal is in the fray from the Lambi seat while SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is in the electoral contest from Jalalabad.&nbsp;

The BJP has pitted its Punjab unit chief Ashwani Kumar Sharma from the Pathankot constituency.In the third phase of Uttar Pradesh polls, 59 assembly seats across 16 districts are going to the polls on Sunday. As many as 627 candidates are in the fray. Over 2.16 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 25,794 polling places and 15,557 polling stations in the third phase of Assembly elections.Among the key constituencies where polling began today include Karhal where former chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is contesting his maiden Assembly election.&nbsp;

The BJP has pitted Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice Satya Pal Singh Baghel against Akhilesh Yadav.Akhilesh`s uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) supremo Shivpal Singh Yadav is contesting from Jaswantnagar seat.Elections in Uttar Pradesh are being held in seven phases and will conclude on March 7. Besides UP, polling for assembly elections in Goa and Uttarakhand has recently concluded. Manipur will go to the polls in two phases- on February 28 and March 5. The counting of votes in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur will take place on March 10.

Polling on all Assembly seats in Punjab and 59 constituencies for the third phase of Uttar Pradesh elections began at 7 am on Sunday. In Punjab, over 2.14 crore voters will decide the fate of 1304 candidates in the fray from 117 constituencies.

Polling on all Assembly seats in Punjab and 59 constituencies for the third phase of Uttar Pradesh elections began at 7 am on Sunday. In Punjab, over 2.14 crore voters will decide the fate of 1304 candidates in the fray from 117 constituencies. The state is witnessing a multi-corner contest this time with Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, and the coalition of Bharatiya Janata Party-former chief minister Amarinder Singh`s Punjab Lok Congress party as key players. CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who is the Congress`s chief ministerial face, is contesting from two seats Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur. Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is facing SAD`s Bikram Singh Majithia, AAP`s Jeevanjyot Kaur and BJP`s Jagmohan Singh Raju in Amritsar (East). AAP Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur and party`s CM face Bhagwant Mann is contesting from Dhuri seat. Punjab Lok Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh is seeking re-election from the Patiala constituency.Five-time Chief Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal is in the fray from the Lambi seat while SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is in the electoral contest from Jalalabad. The BJP has pitted its Punjab unit chief Ashwani Kumar Sharma from the Pathankot constituency.In the third phase of Uttar Pradesh polls, 59 assembly seats across 16 districts are going to the polls on Sunday. As many as 627 candidates are in the fray. Over 2.16 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 25,794 polling places and 15,557 polling stations in the third phase of Assembly elections.Among the key constituencies where polling began today include Karhal where former chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is contesting his maiden Assembly election. The BJP has pitted Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice Satya Pal Singh Baghel against Akhilesh Yadav.Akhilesh`s uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) supremo Shivpal Singh Yadav is contesting from Jaswantnagar seat.Elections in Uttar Pradesh are being held in seven phases and will conclude on March 7. Besides UP, polling for assembly elections in Goa and Uttarakhand has recently concluded. Manipur will go to the polls in two phases- on February 28 and March 5. The counting of votes in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur will take place on March 10.

Assembly elections 2022: Polling begins in Punjab, 59 UP seats

Voting has started in Indian states of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Goa on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The polling is being carried out for 55 Assembly seats in UP and 40 seats in Goa. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/marvellous-accomplishment-in-2022s-maiden-mission-isro-puts-three-satellites-into-orbit-successfully-453091" hreflang="en">Marvellous accomplishment: In 2022's maiden mission, ISRO puts three satellites into orbit successfully</a>

It is the second phase of the Assembly elections in UP and is being held in nine districts. In this phase, around 586 candidates are in the fray. The elections are being conducted for seats spread across Bareilly, Moradabad, Sambhal, Saharanpur, Bijnor, Amroha, Budaun, Rampur and Shahjahanpur. &nbsp;

Polling is being done in seven phases in Uttar Pradesh. Additional Chief Electoral Officer Brahmdev Ram Tripathi said all the necessary arrangements have been made to ensure free, fair, transparent and Covid-safe polling. &nbsp;

In Goa, 301 candidates are contesting polls, the officials said. For the convenience of female voters, over 100 'all-women' polling booths have been set up in the state. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/industrialist-rahul-bajaj-cremated-with-full-state-honours-in-pune-453073" hreflang="en">Industrialist Rahul Bajaj cremated with full state honours in Pune</a>

The voting began at 7 am and will end at 6 pm. In the coastal state, the elections are being held in a single phase, the officials said. Around 11 lakh people are eligible to cast votes in the state. &nbsp;

The results of the elections will be declared on March 10. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Voting has started in Indian states of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Goa on Monday. The polling is being carried out for 55 Assembly seats in UP and 40 seats in Goa. Also Read: Marvellous accomplishment: In 2022's maiden mission, ISRO puts three satellites into orbit successfully It is the second phase of the Assembly elections in UP and is being held in nine districts.

Voting has started in Indian states of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Goa on Monday. The polling is being carried out for 55 Assembly seats in UP and 40 seats in Goa. Also Read: Marvellous accomplishment: In 2022's maiden mission, ISRO puts three satellites into orbit successfully It is the second phase of the Assembly elections in UP and is being held in nine districts. In this phase, around 586 candidates are in the fray. The elections are being conducted for seats spread across Bareilly, Moradabad, Sambhal, Saharanpur, Bijnor, Amroha, Budaun, Rampur and Shahjahanpur. Polling is being done in seven phases in Uttar Pradesh. Additional Chief Electoral Officer Brahmdev Ram Tripathi said all the necessary arrangements have been made to ensure free, fair, transparent and Covid-safe polling. In Goa, 301 candidates are contesting polls, the officials said. For the convenience of female voters, over 100 'all-women' polling booths have been set up in the state. Also Read: Industrialist Rahul Bajaj cremated with full state honours in Pune The voting began at 7 am and will end at 6 pm. In the coastal state, the elections are being held in a single phase, the officials said. Around 11 lakh people are eligible to cast votes in the state. The results of the elections will be declared on March 10. (With inputs from agencies)

UP, Goa Assembly Polls 2022: Polling underway in two Indian states; 55 seats in UP, 40 in Goa up for grabs

The family of a 45-year-old Indian man got the shock of their lives. The man who was declared dead after being involved in a road accident was discovered to be still alive after spending the night in the morgue freezer.&nbsp;

Srikesh Kumar was taken to a clinic in critical condition after being hit by a motorbike in Moradabad, east of the Indian capital, New Delhi.&nbsp;

He was transported to a private medical facility where a doctor declared him dead upon arrival. Following this, he was transported to a government hospital for a post-mortem on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/44-americans-dont-want-children-say-the-world-is-too-bleak-431121" hreflang="en">44% Americans don't want children, say the world is too 'bleak'</a>

"The emergency medical officer examined him. He did not find any signs of life and hence declared him dead," said Rajendra Kumar, the hospital's medical superintendent.

Police were informed, and his body was placed in the morgue freezer until his family arrived six hours later, according to the doctor.&nbsp;

One of Kumar's relatives noticed that he was moving. In a video that went viral, she is heard saying, something along the lines of 'He's not dead. How did this happen? Look, he's breathing.'

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A 45-year-old man, who was declared 'dead' by doctors, was found alive despite spending a night in the freezer of a hospital morgue in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UP</a>’s Moradabad<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UttarPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UttarPradesh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Moradabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Moradabad</a> <a href="https://t.co/iLnTl6VWDi">pic.twitter.com/iLnTl6VWDi</a>
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"When a police team and his family came over to initiate the paperwork for the autopsy, he was found alive," he added.&nbsp;

The 45-year-old is undergoing further treatment, but is still in a coma, according to Rajendra Kumar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-raining-cash-people-grab-free-money-as-dollars-spill-from-truck-on-to-us-freeway-430994" hreflang="en">It's raining cash! People grab free money as dollars spill from truck on to US freeway</a>

"This is nothing short of a miracle," he added.

Currently, an investigation is being conducted to determine how the doctors made the mistake of declaring him dead.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of this video.

The family of a 45-year-old Indian man got the shock of their lives. The man who was declared dead after being involved in a road accident was discovered to be still alive after spending the night in the morgue freezer.

The family of a 45-year-old Indian man got the shock of their lives. The man who was declared dead after being involved in a road accident was discovered to be still alive after spending the night in the morgue freezer. Srikesh Kumar was taken to a clinic in critical condition after being hit by a motorbike in Moradabad, east of the Indian capital, New Delhi. He was transported to a private medical facility where a doctor declared him dead upon arrival. Following this, he was transported to a government hospital for a post-mortem on Friday. Also read | 44% Americans don't want children, say the world is too 'bleak' "The emergency medical officer examined him. He did not find any signs of life and hence declared him dead," said Rajendra Kumar, the hospital's medical superintendent. Police were informed, and his body was placed in the morgue freezer until his family arrived six hours later, according to the doctor. One of Kumar's relatives noticed that he was moving. In a video that went viral, she is heard saying, something along the lines of 'He's not dead. How did this happen? Look, he's breathing.' A 45-year-old man, who was declared 'dead' by doctors, was found alive despite spending a night in the freezer of a hospital morgue in #UP’s Moradabad#UttarPradesh #Moradabad pic.twitter.com/iLnTl6VWDi — Journalist Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) November 22, 2021 × "When a police team and his family came over to initiate the paperwork for the autopsy, he was found alive," he added. The 45-year-old is undergoing further treatment, but is still in a coma, according to Rajendra Kumar. Also read | It's raining cash! People grab free money as dollars spill from truck on to US freeway "This is nothing short of a miracle," he added. Currently, an investigation is being conducted to determine how the doctors made the mistake of declaring him dead. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of this video.

Watch | Back from the dead: Man found alive after night in a morgue freezer

A Zika virus case has been reported in India's Kanpur district, a health official said on Sunday. He said a warrant officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) was diagnosed with the infection on Saturday, the first in Kanpur.

Chief Medical Officer Nepal Singh said that the IAF officer was suffering from fever for the past several days and was admitted to the Air Force Hospital in the district.

Following mysterious symptoms in the case, the blood sample was collected and sent to Pune for proper examination which confirmed that the patient was Zika virus positive, he said, adding the report was received on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-both-kashmir-jammu-will-get-developed-together-says-indian-home-minister-amit-shah-at-rally-423530">Also read |&nbsp;Now, both Kashmir, Jammu will get developed together, says Indian Home Minister Amit Shah at rally</a>

Twenty-two more samples of persons who came in contact with the patient and those who have the same symptoms have also been sent for examination, Singh said.

Health and civic bodies' officials have been put on alert to deal with the situation. Besides, several teams have also been tasked to check the spread of the virus in the district, officials said.

A Zika virus case has been reported in India's Kanpur district, a health official said on Sunday. He said a warrant officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) was diagnosed with the infection on Saturday, the first in Kanpur.

A Zika virus case has been reported in India's Kanpur district, a health official said on Sunday. He said a warrant officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) was diagnosed with the infection on Saturday, the first in Kanpur. Chief Medical Officer Nepal Singh said that the IAF officer was suffering from fever for the past several days and was admitted to the Air Force Hospital in the district. Following mysterious symptoms in the case, the blood sample was collected and sent to Pune for proper examination which confirmed that the patient was Zika virus positive, he said, adding the report was received on Saturday. Also read | Now, both Kashmir, Jammu will get developed together, says Indian Home Minister Amit Shah at rally Twenty-two more samples of persons who came in contact with the patient and those who have the same symptoms have also been sent for examination, Singh said. Health and civic bodies' officials have been put on alert to deal with the situation. Besides, several teams have also been tasked to check the spread of the virus in the district, officials said.

First Zika virus case detected in India's UP state, says report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in an event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar on the auspicious occasion of Ashwin Poornima on Wednesday.

Eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia and ambassadors of various countries will take part in the Abhidhamma Day event.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/namal-rajapaksa-100-lankan-buddhist-clergy-at-inauguration-of-kushinagar-international-airport-421269">&nbsp;Namal Rajapaksa, 100+ Lankan Buddhist clergy at inauguration of Kushinagar international airport</a>

Union Ministry of Culture, International Buddhist Confederation in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh has organised the event.

A Sri Lankan delegation consisting of 123 delegates including a 12-member Holy Relic entourage led by current Mahanayaka of Waskaduwa Temple is attending the event with Holy Relics.

The delegation also comprises of Anunayakas (deputy heads) of all four Nikatas (orders) of Buddhism in Sri Lanka i.e., Asgiriya, Amarapura, Ramanya, Malwatta as well as 5 ministers of the Government of Sri Lanka led by Cabinet Minister Namal Rajapakshe.

The highlight of the event is the Exposition of Holy Buddha Relic being brought from Waskaduwa Subuddhi Rajvihara Temple, Sri Lanka by the Mahanayaka of the temple.

The Prime Minister will offer prayers to the Holy Relic and also visit the Mahaparinirvana temple to offer flowers and chivar to the reclining statue of Buddha. The ancient city of Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautama Buddha, where he attained Mahaparinirvana after his death. It is among the most important pilgrim spots for Buddhists since ancient times.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-man-wants-covid-certificate-without-pm-modis-picture-422025">Indian man wants Covid certificate without PM Modi's picture</a>

The inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Kushinagar International Airport is an important landmark connecting the Buddhist- pilgrimage- holy sites for Buddhists around the world.

The Prime Minister will also do 'Chivar Dana'&nbsp;to monks from Sri Lanka and other countries attending the event. Chivar refers to a "monk's robe". The period after three-month-long Varshavas, observed as a retreat by monks and nuns by staying in vihara during rainy season, is a time of giving, for the laity to express gratitude to Sangh. "Lay Buddhists bring donations to temples, especially new robes for the monks and nuns. Also the gift of the atthaparikara (in Sri Lanka it is known as Atapirikara) - the Eight Requisites - is part of the offerings. However, dana of Chivara can also be given on other occasions," the release said.

The Prime Minister has offered Chivar and Sangha Dana on several occasions both in India and abroad.

He had offered it at Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka temple, Colombo in 2014, sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya to senior monks from various countries in October 2015 and Vesak Buddha Poornima Diwas event in 2018 at New Delhi to senior monks and nuns from various countries.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-deletes-tweet-that-called-pm-modi-illiterate-422052">Congress deletes tweet that called PM Modi 'illiterate'</a>

Paintings of Ajanta Frescos, Buddhist sutra calligraphy, Buddhist artefacts excavated from Vadnagar and other sites in Gujarat will also be exhibited.

The PM will also view an exhibition of recreation paintings of Ajanta cave frescos by late MR Pimpare of Aurangabad. The exhibition also comprises Buddhist calligraphy of Sutras by noted calligrapher Jamyang Dorjee of Sikkim.

The works of Buddhist art and artefacts excavated from various sites of Gujarat showcases the span of Buddhism in India and the various sources of origins from where it travelled and spread to different directions in the world.

"Vadnagar once thrived with a large Buddhist Vihara where ancient travellers described seeing a congregation of 10,000 Buddhist monks. The exhibition is curated by Ms Kshipra," the release said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in an event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar on the auspicious occasion of Ashwin Poornima on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in an event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar on the auspicious occasion of Ashwin Poornima on Wednesday. Eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia and ambassadors of various countries will take part in the Abhidhamma Day event. Also Read | Namal Rajapaksa, 100+ Lankan Buddhist clergy at inauguration of Kushinagar international airport Union Ministry of Culture, International Buddhist Confederation in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh has organised the event. A Sri Lankan delegation consisting of 123 delegates including a 12-member Holy Relic entourage led by current Mahanayaka of Waskaduwa Temple is attending the event with Holy Relics. The delegation also comprises of Anunayakas (deputy heads) of all four Nikatas (orders) of Buddhism in Sri Lanka i.e., Asgiriya, Amarapura, Ramanya, Malwatta as well as 5 ministers of the Government of Sri Lanka led by Cabinet Minister Namal Rajapakshe. The highlight of the event is the Exposition of Holy Buddha Relic being brought from Waskaduwa Subuddhi Rajvihara Temple, Sri Lanka by the Mahanayaka of the temple. The Prime Minister will offer prayers to the Holy Relic and also visit the Mahaparinirvana temple to offer flowers and chivar to the reclining statue of Buddha. The ancient city of Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautama Buddha, where he attained Mahaparinirvana after his death. It is among the most important pilgrim spots for Buddhists since ancient times. Also Read | Indian man wants Covid certificate without PM Modi's picture The inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Kushinagar International Airport is an important landmark connecting the Buddhist- pilgrimage- holy sites for Buddhists around the world. The Prime Minister will also do 'Chivar Dana' to monks from Sri Lanka and other countries attending the event. Chivar refers to a "monk's robe". The period after three-month-long Varshavas, observed as a retreat by monks and nuns by staying in vihara during rainy season, is a time of giving, for the laity to express gratitude to Sangh. "Lay Buddhists bring donations to temples, especially new robes for the monks and nuns. Also the gift of the atthaparikara (in Sri Lanka it is known as Atapirikara) - the Eight Requisites - is part of the offerings. However, dana of Chivara can also be given on other occasions," the release said. The Prime Minister has offered Chivar and Sangha Dana on several occasions both in India and abroad. He had offered it at Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka temple, Colombo in 2014, sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya to senior monks from various countries in October 2015 and Vesak Buddha Poornima Diwas event in 2018 at New Delhi to senior monks and nuns from various countries. Also Read | Congress deletes tweet that called PM Modi 'illiterate' Paintings of Ajanta Frescos, Buddhist sutra calligraphy, Buddhist artefacts excavated from Vadnagar and other sites in Gujarat will also be exhibited. The PM will also view an exhibition of recreation paintings of Ajanta cave frescos by late MR Pimpare of Aurangabad. The exhibition also comprises Buddhist calligraphy of Sutras by noted calligrapher Jamyang Dorjee of Sikkim. The works of Buddhist art and artefacts excavated from various sites of Gujarat showcases the span of Buddhism in India and the various sources of origins from where it travelled and spread to different directions in the world. "Vadnagar once thrived with a large Buddhist Vihara where ancient travellers described seeing a congregation of 10,000 Buddhist monks. The exhibition is curated by Ms Kshipra," the release said.

A boost to Buddhist pilgrimage: PM Modi to inaugurate Kushinagar airport

Britain's interior minister on Sunday said MPs' security would be beefed up, after a lawmaker was stabbed to death as he held a public meeting with constituents, in the second such attack in five years.

Veteran Conservative MP David Amess, 69, was talking with voters at a church in the small town of Leigh-on-Sea, east of London, when he was killed on Friday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-conservative-mp-dies-after-getting-stabbed-multiple-times-suspect-arrested-421026">UK: Conservative MP dies after getting stabbed multiple times; Suspect arreste</a>d

The attack has spread fear among MPs, coming just over five years after the similar killing of Labour MP Jo Cox in the febrile run-up to the Brexit referendum.

Police have said they are investigating "a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism". The investigation is being led by Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has ordered a review of security measures for lawmakers and told Sky News that "we need to close any gaps" in security provision for MPs, whose work includes regular meetings with constituents, called "surgeries".

She said that police and parliamentary authorities were implementing "immediate changes and measures that are actively being put in place, and discussed with MPs".

This includes MPs sharing information on their whereabouts with police. Close protection at surgeries was also "in consideration right now", she added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="With lawmaker’s killing, the UK confronts a new episode of terrorism">With lawmaker’s killing, the UK confronts a new episode of terrorism</a>

The Sunday Telegraph reported that uniformed police were guarding some surgeries following the attack, which prompted calls from some MPs for a pause in face-to-face meetings.

Police said late on Saturday that detectives had until Friday to question the suspected attacker after he was detained under the Terrorism Act, which allowed them to extend his detention.&nbsp;

He has not been charged.

British media, citing unnamed official sources, identified the suspect as Ali Harbi Ali.&nbsp;

Reports said he was a British national of Somali descent who had been referred to Prevent, the UK's official counter-terrorist scheme for those thought to be at risk of radicalisation.

Ali is believed not have spent long on the programme, which is voluntary, and was never formally a "subject of interest" to MI5, the domestic security agency, said the BBC.

The Prevent programme is currently under independent review.

"We want to ensure it (the Prevent programme) is fit for purpose, robust, doing the right thing, but importantly, learning lessons," Patel told Sky News.

'Fast-paced investigation'&nbsp;

Detectives said they have been carrying out searches at three addresses in the London area in a "fast-paced investigation".

Police and security services believe the suspected attacker acted alone and was "self-radicalised", The Sunday Times reported, while adding he may have been inspired by Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda-linked Islamists in Somalia.

Ali's father, named as Harbi Ali Kullane and said to be a former adviser to the prime minister of Somalia, confirmed to The Sunday Times that his son was in custody, adding: "I'm feeling very traumatised."&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-visits-church-where-british-lawmaker-david-amess-was-stabbed-to-death-421323">UK PM Boris Johnson visits church where British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death&nbsp;</a>

Patel nevertheless stressed to the BBC that, "We have the best security and intelligence agencies in the world."

The government stepped up security for MPs following the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, 41, who was shot and stabbed outside her constituency meeting near Leeds, northern England.

House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in The Observer wrote that "we need to take stock" and review whether security measures introduced after Cox's murder are "adequate to safeguard members, staff and constituents, especially during surgeries".

Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative MP who tried to save a stabbed police officer during a 2017 terror attack near the Houses of Parliament, on Saturday urged a temporary pause in face-to-face meetings with constituents, until the security review is complete.

Britain's interior minister on Sunday said MPs' security would be beefed up, after a lawmaker was stabbed to death as he held a public meeting with constituents, in the second such attack in five years.

Britain's interior minister on Sunday said MPs' security would be beefed up, after a lawmaker was stabbed to death as he held a public meeting with constituents, in the second such attack in five years. Veteran Conservative MP David Amess, 69, was talking with voters at a church in the small town of Leigh-on-Sea, east of London, when he was killed on Friday. Also Read | UK: Conservative MP dies after getting stabbed multiple times; Suspect arrested The attack has spread fear among MPs, coming just over five years after the similar killing of Labour MP Jo Cox in the febrile run-up to the Brexit referendum. Police have said they are investigating "a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism". The investigation is being led by Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command. Home Secretary Priti Patel has ordered a review of security measures for lawmakers and told Sky News that "we need to close any gaps" in security provision for MPs, whose work includes regular meetings with constituents, called "surgeries". She said that police and parliamentary authorities were implementing "immediate changes and measures that are actively being put in place, and discussed with MPs". This includes MPs sharing information on their whereabouts with police. Close protection at surgeries was also "in consideration right now", she added. Also Read | With lawmaker’s killing, the UK confronts a new episode of terrorism The Sunday Telegraph reported that uniformed police were guarding some surgeries following the attack, which prompted calls from some MPs for a pause in face-to-face meetings. Police said late on Saturday that detectives had until Friday to question the suspected attacker after he was detained under the Terrorism Act, which allowed them to extend his detention. He has not been charged. British media, citing unnamed official sources, identified the suspect as Ali Harbi Ali. Reports said he was a British national of Somali descent who had been referred to Prevent, the UK's official counter-terrorist scheme for those thought to be at risk of radicalisation. Ali is believed not have spent long on the programme, which is voluntary, and was never formally a "subject of interest" to MI5, the domestic security agency, said the BBC. The Prevent programme is currently under independent review. "We want to ensure it (the Prevent programme) is fit for purpose, robust, doing the right thing, but importantly, learning lessons," Patel told Sky News. 'Fast-paced investigation' Detectives said they have been carrying out searches at three addresses in the London area in a "fast-paced investigation". Police and security services believe the suspected attacker acted alone and was "self-radicalised", The Sunday Times reported, while adding he may have been inspired by Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda-linked Islamists in Somalia. Ali's father, named as Harbi Ali Kullane and said to be a former adviser to the prime minister of Somalia, confirmed to The Sunday Times that his son was in custody, adding: "I'm feeling very traumatised." Also Read | UK PM Boris Johnson visits church where British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death Patel nevertheless stressed to the BBC that, "We have the best security and intelligence agencies in the world." The government stepped up security for MPs following the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, 41, who was shot and stabbed outside her constituency meeting near Leeds, northern England. House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in The Observer wrote that "we need to take stock" and review whether security measures introduced after Cox's murder are "adequate to safeguard members, staff and constituents, especially during surgeries". Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative MP who tried to save a stabbed police officer during a 2017 terror attack near the Houses of Parliament, on Saturday urged a temporary pause in face-to-face meetings with constituents, until the security review is complete.

UK says will beef up MPs' security after MP killed

Seven children have died due to viral fever in India's northern Agra district, Uttar Pradesh,&nbsp;so far in September, a senior officer said on Sunday.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Arun Kumar Srivastav also dismissed reports stating that two children succumbed to dengue in Fatehpur Sikri.

Talking to PTI, Srivastav said seven children have succumbed to viral fever in Agra so far this month.

While a 14-year-old boy died in Chachiha village on Sunday morning, two siblings died in Fatehpur Sikri's Rasoolpur village on Saturday evening, he said.

Two deaths were reported from Giriraj Dham Colony under Itimad-ud-Daulah police station area and one death was reported from Nunhai locality on Thursday. One child died in Khadia village of Khandoli, he added.

"The peculiar thing about this fever is that we are getting very little time for treatment and people are dying quickly," the CMO claimed.

Srivastav dismissed reports claiming that dengue was the cause of the two deaths reported from Rasoolpur and said that the children died due to viral fever.

The CMO said Agra has reported 61 dengue cases so far this year. While 41 patients have recovered, 20 are undergoing treatment at government hospitals.

He appealed to people to immediately visit a government hospital or a community health centre in case they experience symptoms like high fever, vomiting and dizziness.

On steps being taken by the administration for the prevention of dengue, Srivastav said the health department is organising awareness and medical camps in villages and cities and fogging is being carried out.

Stagnant water is being cleared in villages and other areas, he said.

The officer also urged people to not allow water to collect inside or around their homes and suggested that they cover themselves fully when they step out.&nbsp;

Seven children have died due to viral fever in India's northern Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, so far in September, a senior officer said on Sunday. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Arun Kumar Srivastav also dismissed reports stating that two children succumbed to dengue in Fatehpur Sikri.

Seven children have died due to viral fever in India's northern Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, so far in September, a senior officer said on Sunday. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Arun Kumar Srivastav also dismissed reports stating that two children succumbed to dengue in Fatehpur Sikri. Talking to PTI, Srivastav said seven children have succumbed to viral fever in Agra so far this month. While a 14-year-old boy died in Chachiha village on Sunday morning, two siblings died in Fatehpur Sikri's Rasoolpur village on Saturday evening, he said. Two deaths were reported from Giriraj Dham Colony under Itimad-ud-Daulah police station area and one death was reported from Nunhai locality on Thursday. One child died in Khadia village of Khandoli, he added. "The peculiar thing about this fever is that we are getting very little time for treatment and people are dying quickly," the CMO claimed. Srivastav dismissed reports claiming that dengue was the cause of the two deaths reported from Rasoolpur and said that the children died due to viral fever. The CMO said Agra has reported 61 dengue cases so far this year. While 41 patients have recovered, 20 are undergoing treatment at government hospitals. He appealed to people to immediately visit a government hospital or a community health centre in case they experience symptoms like high fever, vomiting and dizziness. On steps being taken by the administration for the prevention of dengue, Srivastav said the health department is organising awareness and medical camps in villages and cities and fogging is being carried out. Stagnant water is being cleared in villages and other areas, he said. The officer also urged people to not allow water to collect inside or around their homes and suggested that they cover themselves fully when they step out.

7 children have succumbed to viral fever in India's northern UP state so far in Sept: Official

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