Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to Moscow since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, with a clear message that New Delhi wants to support a peaceful and stable region. As he meets with President Putin at the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, the focus will be on economic agendas. In other news, an ambush on an Army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir has left five soldiers dead and five others injured, while a Supreme Court ruling on a leaked NEET UG 2024 exam may result in a retest. Meanwhile, a Mumbai hit-and-run case has revealed new details about the accused allegedly switching seats with his driver after hitting and dragging a woman on their vehicle for nearly one-and-a-half kilometres.
India-Russia Relations Amidst the Ukraine Conflict: Economic Focus and Peace-Seeking
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his first visit to Moscow since the commencement of the Russia-Ukraine war, signaling India's unwavering commitment to a peaceful and stable region. The 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit between Modi and President Vladimir Putin showcased the nations' shared interests in economic cooperation.
Economic Agenda at the Center
India and Russia have long enjoyed robust economic ties, and the summit focused on further strengthening these relations. The leaders discussed key areas of collaboration, including energy, trade, investment, and technology. India has emerged as a significant market for Russian oil and gas, and the two countries agreed to explore new avenues for cooperation in these sectors.
Peace and Stability: India's Stance
Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, India has maintained a neutral stance, urging both Russia and Ukraine to resolve the crisis through diplomatic channels. Modi reiterated India's position during his meeting with Putin, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence and dialogue. New Delhi's diplomatic efforts have been widely appreciated, as it seeks to mediate between the two warring nations.
Troubling Incidents in India
While the summit in Moscow progressed, India faced other challenges at home. An ambush on an Army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir left five soldiers dead and several injured. The attack, allegedly carried out by militants, highlighted the ongoing security concerns in the region.
In a separate incident, a Supreme Court ruling on a leaked NEET UG 2024 exam paper sparked controversy. The court ordered the National Examination Board to re-evaluate specific questions that had been compromised. This decision raised questions about the integrity of the medical entrance exam system.
Mumbai Hit-and-Run Case: New Developments
A shocking hit-and-run case in Mumbai took a bizarre turn as it was revealed that the accused had allegedly switched seats with his driver after hitting and dragging a woman for nearly a kilometer and a half. The victim succumbed to her injuries, and the incident sparked outrage and demands for stringent action against the perpetrators.
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A man has been arrested for allegedly starting the Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles, which has burned over 800 acres of land. Locals caught the suspect near Ybarra Road and notified authorities, leading to his arrest five miles away from the fire's starting point. As officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire, the death toll from various blazes around Los Angeles has reached ten, with many more expected as the fires continue to rage. Meanwhile, thousands of firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the massive wildfires.
In a tragic incident on Wednesday evening, a stampede near Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, killed six devotees and caused injuries to many others. The stampede occurred during preparations for the annual Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam festival, known for its special access to Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple. Despite efforts by officials to manage the crowds and distribute tokens, the overwhelming number of devotees resulted in a stampede-like situation. An inquiry has been launched to review safety protocols and ensure better crowd management in the upcoming days of the festival.
The sudden and rapid spread of wildfires in Los Angeles County has resulted in at least five deaths, the destruction of over 5,300 structures, and forced evacuation orders for nearly 180,000 residents. Despite the efforts of firefighters, the blazes continue to rage on, with experts predicting that the impact of climate change will continue to exacerbate the situation. The affected areas have been described as resembling a "bomb dropping", with looting and theft on the rise as residents flee their homes with only the bare essentials.
Satish is mourning the loss of his wife Lavanya, who tragically died in a stampede at the revered Tirumala temple during the annual pilgrimage. Lavanya had excitedly shared a selfie with her family and friends from the queue for tokens, moments before the stampede occurred. Reports reveal that the incident was triggered by an elderly woman who required medical attention, causing chaos and a surge of devotees towards the gates. The tragedy has shaken the thousands who had gathered for the auspicious occasion.
The fierce wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed the lives of at least five people and destroyed thousands of structures, causing widespread chaos and devastation. As President Biden declares a state of emergency and deploys additional resources to combat the flames, firefighters are hopeful as calmer winds aid containment efforts. However, for many residents, the devastating news of their destroyed homes has come via mobile alerts or television broadcasts, adding to the emotional toll of this tragic event. Meanwhile, California authorities are reminding hotels to uphold laws on fair lodging rates as thousands seek temporary shelter from the fires. The unsettling sight of a mountain lion and its cubs fleeing the fire paints a vivid picture of the terrifying reality facing the affected communities.
At least six people were killed and dozens were injured in a stampede at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred as devotees gathered in large numbers to receive tokens for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival. The Chief Minister has ordered an inquiry into the incident and will visit the temple on Thursday to announce ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.
Donyi Polo Vidya Niketan (DPVN), a school based in Pasighat, has established a 'Sanskar Kendra' in Rani village of East Siang district, providing free education to children who cannot attend regular school. This initiative is aimed at promoting holistic development and growth among underprivileged children and was inaugurated by Rani Head Gaon Bura and other community leaders. The DPVN emphasized the importance of empowering the youth through education and values, and this 'Sanskar Kendra' is a significant step towards achieving that goal.
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A shocking incident unfolded on a public bus in Pune, as a brave woman took matters into her own hands after being harassed by a drunk man. The video of her repeatedly slapping the man has gone viral on social media, with many praising her for standing up for herself. However, others have raised concerns about taking matters into one's own hands and the misuse of women empowerment. The incident has sparked a conversation about the prevalence of harassment faced by women on public transportation.
The highly anticipated Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2025 is just around the corner, and IIT Roorkee has finally released the Admit Cards for registered candidates on its official website. The detailed time table and schedule for the exam, which will be conducted in February 2025, has also been published. Candidates must choose their primary test paper and can opt for a second one from the listed combinations. Keep an eye out for any updates on the GATE 2025 website for additional test paper options.