India Roundup: No Visa, Lightning kills 20, Arrested for spying, China pneumonia scare

No visa

Starting from December 1, Malaysia will provide a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian and Chinese citizens, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This move aligns Malaysia with recent initiatives by Thailand and Sri Lanka aimed at boosting tourism by offering visa-free entry. Presently, eight ASEAN countries already enjoy the 30-day visa-free entry for purposes such as social visits, tourism, and business.

Lightning kills 20

Unseasonal rainfall in the western state of Gujarat has resulted in the tragic deaths of twenty individuals due to lightning strikes. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) official reported a total of 20 rain-related fatalities from various regions of Gujarat. The deaths were attributed to lightning strikes during the unexpected rainfall that occurred in the state on Sunday.

Arrested for spying

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh Police has apprehended two individuals on suspicion of espionage and involvement in terror financing, allegedly working for the Pakistani intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The ATS released a statement indicating that they received information about individuals receiving funds from questionable sources, which were believed to be utilized for terrorist activities and espionage.

China pneumonia scare

The government has urged states and Union territories to reassess their public health and hospital preparedness in light of a sudden surge in cases in China linked to a mysterious pneumonia outbreak. The Union Ministry has instructed them to enhance medical infrastructure, encompassing hospital beds, influenza drugs and vaccines, medical oxygen, antibiotics, personal protective equipment, testing kits, and reagents, the operational status of oxygen plants and ventilators, and infection control practices in health facilities.