News updates: India has given Buddha to the world, not war, says PM to Indians in Austria

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Austria visit to Mumbai's hit-and-run case, and from Bihar's bridge collapse to bypolls in seven states, catch all the latest news updates here

PM Modi interacts with Indian community in Austria. "Democracy connects both the nations; liberty, rule of law are our shared values," he said to Indians in Austria. "India has given Buddha to the world, not war. It means India has always given peace and prosperity to the world," PM Modi further said.
 

China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that India has no right to carry out development in the area it calls South Tibet, responding to a Reuters report on New Delhi's plans to speed up hydropower projects in the border state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that India plans to spend $1 billion to expedite the construction of 12 hydropower stations in the northeastern Himalayan state.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, on Wednesday sacked Rajesh Shah, whose son Mihir Shah was allegedly involved in the BMW hit-and-run, as the party's deputy leader. A one-line notice by Shiv Sena secretary Sanjay More said Rajesh Shah has been relieved from the post of the party's deputy leader.

Bihar witnessed another bridge collapse on Wednesday, making it the 13th such incident in the state in a span of three weeks, according to a PTI report. The bridge collapsed at Mahishi village in Saharsa district earlier in the day, he said. It might be a small bridge or causeway. There were no reports of any injury or fatality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined dinner hosted by Austria Chancellor Karl Nehammer, where he was greeted by members of the Indian diaspora. PM Modi landed in Austria on Wednesday where he was welcomed by Indian Ambassador to Austria Shambhu Kumaran and Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. 

Polling for the Assembly by-polls has started for 13 Assembly constituencies across seven states. The polling process that started at 7 am will conclude at 6 pm. Assembly by-polls are being held in West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh; Bihar; Tamil Nadu; and Madhya Pradesh.