India Roundup: Bomb threat, Indians in Kenya, Modi to visit Russia
London-bound Air India flight gets fake bomb threat
A London-bound Air India flight from Cochin, a city in southwest India received a bomb threat, but it turned out to be a hoax. The suspect, a 29-year-old man, has been apprehended. The flight was thoroughly checked and cleared for departure. The suspect, along with his wife and daughter, has been handed over to the police for further questioning, local media Hindustan Times reports.
Half of India’s population physically unfit
A Lancet study found that half of India's adult population does not meet WHO's guidelines for physical activity. The prevalence of physical inactivity has increased sharply, especially among women. Cultural factors and lack of outdoor spaces contribute to this trend. Women in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have lower physical activity levels than men, as reported by the Indian Express.
Indians in Kenya advised amid violent protest
The Indian consulate in Kenya has advised Indian nationals living in the East African nation to limit non-essential movement due to violent protests against proposed tax hikes. At least five protestors were killed and over 150 injured in Nairobi. According to local news channel NDTV, Indians have been urged to follow local news and updates from the Indian consulate.
World Inequality Report
The World Inequality Report found that 90% of billionaire wealth in India is held by the upper castes, with no representation from Scheduled Tribes. This inequality is reflected in the overall wealth distribution, where upper castes hold 55% of the national wealth. Caste continues to influence access to education, healthcare, and credit, leading to further economic disparities. India's income and wealth inequality has increased dramatically, with the top 1% now controlling 40% of total wealth. This makes India one of the most unequal countries globally, with the bottom 50% holding only 15% of national income and 6.4% of total wealth.
Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Moscow for the India-Russia annual summit, the highest institutionalised dialogue mechanism between the two countries. The visit, which is expected to take place in the second week of July, could be Modi's first bilateral visit since assuming office for his third consecutive term. The summit will be his first to Russia since the Ukraine invasion after he last visited the Eurasian nation in 2019. The visit is expected to take place days after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan which Modi has decided to skip, the Times of India reports.
