In what is being hailed as a step towards gender equality, brides in Bangladesh will no longer have to declare if they are `virgins` on marriage certificates, as per a High Court ruling.

According to Bangladesh`s Muslim marriage and divorce laws, a bride currently needs to select from amongst three options on a marriage certificate which are `kumari` (means virgin), widow or divorced, according to CNN. However, the same is not required of men.

Three rights groups had filed a petition against the term in 2014. They had described the practice to be discriminatory.

As per the ruling, the word `kumari` will be replaced with `unmarried`. The other two options will remain the same.

As for grooms, they will now be required to disclose their marital status as well.

However, the full version of the ruling will be released in October. The Bangladeshi government`s compliance with the court order also remains unclear.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In what is being hailed as a step towards gender equality, brides in Bangladesh will no longer have to declare if they are `virgins` on marriage certificates, as per a High Court ruling.

In what is being hailed as a step towards gender equality, brides in Bangladesh will no longer have to declare if they are `virgins` on marriage certificates, as per a High Court ruling. According to Bangladesh`s Muslim marriage and divorce laws, a bride currently needs to select from amongst three options on a marriage certificate which are `kumari` (means virgin), widow or divorced, according to CNN. However, the same is not required of men. Three rights groups had filed a petition against the term in 2014. They had described the practice to be discriminatory. As per the ruling, the word `kumari` will be replaced with `unmarried`. The other two options will remain the same. As for grooms, they will now be required to disclose their marital status as well. However, the full version of the ruling will be released in October. The Bangladeshi government`s compliance with the court order also remains unclear.

'Virgin' to be removed from marriage certificates in Bangladesh

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Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday announced that the cabinet has approved 75 new medical colleges to be established in the country by the year 2022, which will create an additional 15,700 MBBS seats.

Javadekar was addressing the media at a cabinet briefing in Delhi.

"Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we took several important decisions today. One of the decision was to approve 75 new medical colleges. It will cost around Rs 24 thousand crores and create an additional 15 thousand new seats in MBBS," the union minister said.

He said that these institutes will be set up in under-served areas where there are no medical colleges.

"In the last five years, over 45 thousand new seats have been created in MBBS and PG. This is the biggest ever expansion of medical education facilities throughout the world," Javadekar said.&nbsp;
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Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday announced that the cabinet has approved 75 new medical colleges to be established in the country by the year 2022, which will create an additional 15,700 MBBS seats.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday announced that the cabinet has approved 75 new medical colleges to be established in the country by the year 2022, which will create an additional 15,700 MBBS seats. Javadekar was addressing the media at a cabinet briefing in Delhi. "Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we took several important decisions today. One of the decision was to approve 75 new medical colleges. It will cost around Rs 24 thousand crores and create an additional 15 thousand new seats in MBBS," the union minister said. He said that these institutes will be set up in under-served areas where there are no medical colleges. "In the last five years, over 45 thousand new seats have been created in MBBS and PG. This is the biggest ever expansion of medical education facilities throughout the world," Javadekar said.

Cabinet approves 75 new medical colleges to be established by 2022

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-confirms-parliament-suspension-until-october-14-246215">British PM Johnson confirms parliament suspension until October 14</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday confirmed&nbsp;parliament suspension until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-briefs-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-on-kashmir-discusses-upcoming-visit-of-pm-modi-to-russia-246240">Jaishankar briefs Russian foreign minister Lavrov on Kashmir; discusses upcoming visit of PM Modi to Russia</a>

India's&nbsp;external affairs minister S Jaishankar&nbsp;who is on a two-day India visit to Moscow held "intensive and focused" bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in the Russian capital during which he briefed him about abrogation of Article 370.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/governor-satya-pal-malik-outlines-jks-economic-plan-announces-50000-government-jobs-for-youth-246247">Governor Satya Pal Malik outlines J&amp;K's economic plan; announces 50,000 government jobs for youth</a>

Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K) Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday announced 50,000 jobs were available in the&nbsp;J&amp;K administration&nbsp;as he appealed to the youth to get involved.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-outlaw-six-single-use-plastic-products-on-october-2-sources-246233">India set to outlaw six single-use plastic products on October 2: Sources</a>

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-imran-khan-completes-one-year-in-power-pakistans-fiscal-deficit-on-three-decade-high-246246">As Imran Khan completes one year in power, Pakistan's fiscal deficit on three-decade high</a>

The annual fiscal&nbsp;deficit of Pakistan&nbsp;rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between revenues and expenditures of the federal government.

British PM Johnson confirms parliament suspension until October 14 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday confirmed parliament suspension until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan.

British PM Johnson confirms parliament suspension until October 14 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday confirmed parliament suspension until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan. Jaishankar briefs Russian foreign minister Lavrov on Kashmir; discusses upcoming visit of PM Modi to Russia India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar who is on a two-day India visit to Moscow held "intensive and focused" bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in the Russian capital during which he briefed him about abrogation of Article 370. Governor Satya Pal Malik outlines J&K's economic plan; announces 50,000 government jobs for youth Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday announced 50,000 jobs were available in the J&K administration as he appealed to the youth to get involved. India set to outlaw six single-use plastic products on October 2: Sources India is set to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted. As Imran Khan completes one year in power, Pakistan's fiscal deficit on three-decade high The annual fiscal deficit of Pakistan rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between revenues and expenditures of the federal government.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-acting-against-interests-of-country-union-minister-r-k-singh-243060">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi </a>on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan for instigating violence in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that all matters related to the region are India's internal issues with no room for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-likens-rahul-gandhi-congress-to-pakistan-23338">Pakistan</a>'s interference.

The former Congress president in a series of tweets&nbsp;said that he disagrees with the government on many issues but made it clear that aspects related to Jammu and Kashmir are India's internal matter.

"I disagree with this government&nbsp;on many issues. But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India's internal issue and&nbsp;there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it," Rahul said in a tweet.&nbsp;

"There is violence in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world," Rahul Gandhi wrote in another tweet.

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There is violence in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1166556116555317250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Centre had revoked Article 370 of the Constitution earlier last month&nbsp;and had reorganised the region into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.&nbsp;

In the past month, Pakistan has made desperate attempts to internationalise the issue but ended up being isolated at every forum with nations acknowledging Jammu and Kashmir to be New Delhi's internal matter.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan for instigating violence in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that all matters related to the region are India's internal issues with no room for Pakistan's interference.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan for instigating violence in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that all matters related to the region are India's internal issues with no room for Pakistan's interference. The former Congress president in a series of tweets said that he disagrees with the government on many issues but made it clear that aspects related to Jammu and Kashmir are India's internal matter. "I disagree with this government on many issues. But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India's internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it," Rahul said in a tweet. "There is violence in Jammu & Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world," Rahul Gandhi wrote in another tweet. There is violence in Jammu & Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 28, 2019 × The Centre had revoked Article 370 of the Constitution earlier last month and had reorganised the region into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. In the past month, Pakistan has made desperate attempts to internationalise the issue but ended up being isolated at every forum with nations acknowledging Jammu and Kashmir to be New Delhi's internal matter.

Kashmir India's internal matter, no room for Pakistan to interfere: Rahul Gandhi

The annual fiscal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-budget-deficit-widens-to-89-of-gdp-in-201819-245958">deficit of Pakistan</a> rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19.

The fiscal deficit is a difference between revenues and expenditures of the federal government.

The deficit increased to 8.9 per cent of Pakistan`s gross domestic product in the year that ended in June.The fiscal deficit was 6.6 per cent last year, reported Dawn.

In June 2019, the government had announced that it intends to keep the deficit at 7.1 per cent of GDP, whereas the target at the start of the year was 4.9 per cent.

"I have never seen such a high fiscal deficit in my career," said Dr Ashfaque Hassan Khan, a former economic adviser.

The deficit amounts Pakistani rupee Rs 3.445 trillion, highest since 1979-80 as per past Pakistan Economic Surveys.The figure which depicts the dire situation of Pakistan`s economy coincided with the completion of Imran Khan`-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government completion of first one year in power.

Imran Khan rose to power with the promise to improve the economic situation of the country.The government last month had increased the price of petrol and diesel by Pakistan Rs 5.15 per litre and Rs 5.65 per litre, respectively. While petrol will cost Rs 117.83 a litre, a litre of diesel will be Rs 132.4, Geo News reported.

Apart from the hike in petrol and diesel prices, kerosene oil and light diesel have now become costlier by Rs 5.38 and Rs 8.90. The new prices for kerosene and light diesel are Rs 132.47 and Rs 103.84, respectively.

The government had also ordered a rollback of the prices of `naan` and `roti`. Currently, the rates of naan are ranging between Rs 12 to Rs 15 in different cities, while roti is available at Rs 10 to Rs 12 a piece.

As Pakistan continues to battle a ballooning balance-of-payment crisis, several countries including China and Qatar, have provided bailout packages to the country.

The International Monetary Fund approved a bailout package of US $6 billion for Pakistan in May. Earlier this month, Islamabad received US $991.4 million, the first tranche of the loan from the global moneylender.&nbsp;

The annual fiscal deficit of Pakistan rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between revenues and expenditures of the federal government.

The annual fiscal deficit of Pakistan rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between revenues and expenditures of the federal government. The deficit increased to 8.9 per cent of Pakistan`s gross domestic product in the year that ended in June.The fiscal deficit was 6.6 per cent last year, reported Dawn. In June 2019, the government had announced that it intends to keep the deficit at 7.1 per cent of GDP, whereas the target at the start of the year was 4.9 per cent. "I have never seen such a high fiscal deficit in my career," said Dr Ashfaque Hassan Khan, a former economic adviser. The deficit amounts Pakistani rupee Rs 3.445 trillion, highest since 1979-80 as per past Pakistan Economic Surveys.The figure which depicts the dire situation of Pakistan`s economy coincided with the completion of Imran Khan`-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government completion of first one year in power. Imran Khan rose to power with the promise to improve the economic situation of the country.The government last month had increased the price of petrol and diesel by Pakistan Rs 5.15 per litre and Rs 5.65 per litre, respectively. While petrol will cost Rs 117.83 a litre, a litre of diesel will be Rs 132.4, Geo News reported. Apart from the hike in petrol and diesel prices, kerosene oil and light diesel have now become costlier by Rs 5.38 and Rs 8.90. The new prices for kerosene and light diesel are Rs 132.47 and Rs 103.84, respectively. The government had also ordered a rollback of the prices of `naan` and `roti`. Currently, the rates of naan are ranging between Rs 12 to Rs 15 in different cities, while roti is available at Rs 10 to Rs 12 a piece. As Pakistan continues to battle a ballooning balance-of-payment crisis, several countries including China and Qatar, have provided bailout packages to the country. The International Monetary Fund approved a bailout package of US $6 billion for Pakistan in May. Earlier this month, Islamabad received US $991.4 million, the first tranche of the loan from the global moneylender.

As Imran Khan completes one year in power, Pakistan's fiscal deficit on three-decade high

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Thursday apprised the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed against former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case.&nbsp;

"The money laundering case is very sensitive. We cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed. I request the court to examine the report given in sealed cover," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said in the court.&nbsp;

He said laundering was the global phenomenon, which affects the integrity and economy of a country.

"In the money laundering case, we would be dealing with very intelligent people, stupid men cannot do laundering. For the investigation, you have to go with information which can get among the offenders of laundering. These offences are not committed in heat of the moment, they are cleverly crafted. Most of the laundering is a digital operation," Mehta said.&nbsp;

He said that money laundering is "not like rape where forensics can collect bloodstains", adding that it becomes very difficult to unravel how actually money laundering took place.&nbsp;

Emphasising that the probe agency has a statutory right to arrest, "Whether custodial interrogation is necessary or not, it has to be decided by the Special Court. An arrest is done by people of higher rank, a Director, on the basis of materials we have in possession, recorded reasons, and after the accused must be informed about the reason of arrest."

The Solicitor General said the ED has the material in its possession against Chidambaram, which gives them the power to arrest.&nbsp;

"The ED received the material, like records from banks all over the world. In this case, the statute provides that probe report should be sent to neutral adjudicatory authority, in a sealed cover, to avoid investigating agency tampering with them. These are statutory checks and balances provided in Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002."

In 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him. The top court was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) moved by Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court order denying him anticipatory bail in the ED case.&nbsp;

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Thursday apprised the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed against former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Thursday apprised the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed against former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case. "The money laundering case is very sensitive. We cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed. I request the court to examine the report given in sealed cover," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said in the court. He said laundering was the global phenomenon, which affects the integrity and economy of a country. "In the money laundering case, we would be dealing with very intelligent people, stupid men cannot do laundering. For the investigation, you have to go with information which can get among the offenders of laundering. These offences are not committed in heat of the moment, they are cleverly crafted. Most of the laundering is a digital operation," Mehta said. He said that money laundering is "not like rape where forensics can collect bloodstains", adding that it becomes very difficult to unravel how actually money laundering took place. Emphasising that the probe agency has a statutory right to arrest, "Whether custodial interrogation is necessary or not, it has to be decided by the Special Court. An arrest is done by people of higher rank, a Director, on the basis of materials we have in possession, recorded reasons, and after the accused must be informed about the reason of arrest." The Solicitor General said the ED has the material in its possession against Chidambaram, which gives them the power to arrest. "The ED received the material, like records from banks all over the world. In this case, the statute provides that probe report should be sent to neutral adjudicatory authority, in a sealed cover, to avoid investigating agency tampering with them. These are statutory checks and balances provided in Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002." In 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him. The top court was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) moved by Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court order denying him anticipatory bail in the ED case.

ED can't share probe details till chargesheet is filed against Chidambaram in INX Media case: Solicitor General tells Supreme Court

Equity benchmark indices traded with a negative bias on Wednesday amid weak domestic and global cues with heavy selling pressure witnessed in metal and automobile stocks.

The BSE S&amp;P Sensex closed 189 points or 0.5 per cent lower at 37,452 while the Nifty 50 edged lower by 59 points to 11,046.At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), most sectoral indices were in the red with Nifty metal down by 3.3 per cent, auto by 1.8 per cent, private banks by 1.4 per cent and pharma by 0.9 per cent.&nbsp;

However, Nifty realty gained by 2.4 per cent and IT by 1.3 per cent.

Among stocks, private lender Yes Bank tumbled by 7.13 per cent to close at Rs 59.90 per share after Moody`s Investors Service downgraded its long-term foreign-currency issuer rating to Ba3 from Ba1.

Kalpataru Power Transmission was down by 5.3 per cent after the company said that the World Bank had issued it a notice over alleged irregularities in its Africa business.

Metal stocks were in the red with Tata Steel down by 4.3 per cent, JSW Steel by 3.8 per cent and Vedanta by 3.7 per cent. Auto majors Tata Motors slipped by 3 per cent, Maruti by 2.6 per cent and Mahindra &amp; Mahindra by 2.4 per cent.

However, HCL Technologies, Infosys, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Bharti Infratel, and Eicher Motors gained between 1.9 and 2.7 per cent each.

The overall market sentiment was weak as India Ratings cuts FY20 GDP forecast to a six-year low at 6.7 per cent as compared to the earlier estimates of 7.3 per cent.

It said last week`s stimulus package by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is unlikely to revive growth and may only offer support in the medium term.

Meanwhile, Asian shares witnessed cautious gains as deeper worries about the global economy and trade kept a lid on investor sentiment.Japan`s Nikkei rose by 0.11 per cent and Korea`s KOSPI by 0.86 per cent.&nbsp;

MSCI`s broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.06 per cent due to lower Chinese markets. Hong Kong`s Hang Seng slipped by nearly 0.2 per cent.

Market experts say the trade dispute between the United States and China -- now in its second year -- is straining the global economy, forcing policymakers to respond with interest rate cuts and stimulus measures to bolster growth.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Equity benchmark indices traded with a negative bias on Wednesday amid weak domestic and global cues with heavy selling pressure witnessed in metal and automobile stocks.

Equity benchmark indices traded with a negative bias on Wednesday amid weak domestic and global cues with heavy selling pressure witnessed in metal and automobile stocks. The BSE S&P Sensex closed 189 points or 0.5 per cent lower at 37,452 while the Nifty 50 edged lower by 59 points to 11,046.At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), most sectoral indices were in the red with Nifty metal down by 3.3 per cent, auto by 1.8 per cent, private banks by 1.4 per cent and pharma by 0.9 per cent. However, Nifty realty gained by 2.4 per cent and IT by 1.3 per cent. Among stocks, private lender Yes Bank tumbled by 7.13 per cent to close at Rs 59.90 per share after Moody`s Investors Service downgraded its long-term foreign-currency issuer rating to Ba3 from Ba1. Kalpataru Power Transmission was down by 5.3 per cent after the company said that the World Bank had issued it a notice over alleged irregularities in its Africa business. Metal stocks were in the red with Tata Steel down by 4.3 per cent, JSW Steel by 3.8 per cent and Vedanta by 3.7 per cent. Auto majors Tata Motors slipped by 3 per cent, Maruti by 2.6 per cent and Mahindra & Mahindra by 2.4 per cent. However, HCL Technologies, Infosys, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Bharti Infratel, and Eicher Motors gained between 1.9 and 2.7 per cent each. The overall market sentiment was weak as India Ratings cuts FY20 GDP forecast to a six-year low at 6.7 per cent as compared to the earlier estimates of 7.3 per cent. It said last week`s stimulus package by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is unlikely to revive growth and may only offer support in the medium term. Meanwhile, Asian shares witnessed cautious gains as deeper worries about the global economy and trade kept a lid on investor sentiment.Japan`s Nikkei rose by 0.11 per cent and Korea`s KOSPI by 0.86 per cent. MSCI`s broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.06 per cent due to lower Chinese markets. Hong Kong`s Hang Seng slipped by nearly 0.2 per cent. Market experts say the trade dispute between the United States and China -- now in its second year -- is straining the global economy, forcing policymakers to respond with interest rate cuts and stimulus measures to bolster growth.

Sensex falls 189 points on weak global cues, Yes Bank plunges 7% on Moody's negative outlook

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-bid-to-curb-plastic-pollution-pepsi-and-coca-cola-sever-ties-with-plastics-industry-association-239706">plastic </a>bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-highlights-indias-efforts-for-sustainable-future-at-g-7-summit-245808">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, who is leading efforts to scrap such plastics by 2022, is set to launch the campaign with a ban on as many as six items on October 2, the birth anniversary of independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, two officials said.

These include plastic bags, cups, plates, small bottles, straws and certain types of sachets, said the officials, who asked not to be identified, in line with government policy.

"The ban will be comprehensive and will cover manufacturing, usage and import of such items," one official said.

India's environment and housing ministries, the two main ministries leading the drive, did not respond to emails from Reuters to seek comment.

In an Independence Day speech on August 15, Modi had urged people and government agencies to "take the first big step" on October 2 towards freeing India of single-use plastic.

Concerns are growing worldwide about plastic pollution, with a particular focus on the oceans, where nearly 50 per cent&nbsp;of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, studies show.

The European Union plans to ban single-use plastic items such as straws, forks, knives and cotton buds by 2021.

China's commercial hub of Shanghai is gradually reining in use of single-use plastics in catering, and its island province of Hainan has already vowed to completely eliminate single-use plastic by 2025.

India lacks an organised system for management of plastic waste, leading to widespread littering across its towns and cities.

The ban on the first six items of single-use plastics will clip 5 per cent&nbsp;to 10 per cent&nbsp;from India's annual consumption of about 14 million tonnes of plastic, the first official said.

Penalties for violations of the ban will probably take effect after an initial six-month period to allow people time to adopt alternatives, officials said.

Some Indian states have already outlawed polythene bags.

The federal government also plans tougher environmental standards for plastic products and will insist on the use of recyclable plastic only, the first source said.

It will also ask e-commerce companies to cut back on plastic packaging that makes up nearly 40 per cent&nbsp;of India's annual plastic consumption, officials say.

Cheap smartphones and a surge in the number of internet users have boosted orders for e-commerce companies, such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc's Flipkart, which wrap their wares - from books and medicines to cigarettes and cosmetics - in plastic, pushing up consumption.

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted.

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is leading efforts to scrap such plastics by 2022, is set to launch the campaign with a ban on as many as six items on October 2, the birth anniversary of independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, two officials said. These include plastic bags, cups, plates, small bottles, straws and certain types of sachets, said the officials, who asked not to be identified, in line with government policy. "The ban will be comprehensive and will cover manufacturing, usage and import of such items," one official said. India's environment and housing ministries, the two main ministries leading the drive, did not respond to emails from Reuters to seek comment. In an Independence Day speech on August 15, Modi had urged people and government agencies to "take the first big step" on October 2 towards freeing India of single-use plastic. Concerns are growing worldwide about plastic pollution, with a particular focus on the oceans, where nearly 50 per cent of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, studies show. The European Union plans to ban single-use plastic items such as straws, forks, knives and cotton buds by 2021. China's commercial hub of Shanghai is gradually reining in use of single-use plastics in catering, and its island province of Hainan has already vowed to completely eliminate single-use plastic by 2025. India lacks an organised system for management of plastic waste, leading to widespread littering across its towns and cities. The ban on the first six items of single-use plastics will clip 5 per cent to 10 per cent from India's annual consumption of about 14 million tonnes of plastic, the first official said. Penalties for violations of the ban will probably take effect after an initial six-month period to allow people time to adopt alternatives, officials said. Some Indian states have already outlawed polythene bags. The federal government also plans tougher environmental standards for plastic products and will insist on the use of recyclable plastic only, the first source said. It will also ask e-commerce companies to cut back on plastic packaging that makes up nearly 40 per cent of India's annual plastic consumption, officials say. Cheap smartphones and a surge in the number of internet users have boosted orders for e-commerce companies, such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc's Flipkart, which wrap their wares - from books and medicines to cigarettes and cosmetics - in plastic, pushing up consumption.

India set to outlaw six single-use plastic products on October 2: Sources

In a tacit deterrence to Pakistan against any misadventure or war, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu while speaking at an event in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday said that India will not attack anybody but if someone attacks India, it will give a fitting reply that they will not forget in their lifetime.

"Why is the acquisition of all these weapons and technologies? Why DRDO? Why Navy, Army and other Defence forces. It`s because others attack us. All Tom, Dick and Harry attack us. We will not attack anybody, I can assure you but if anybody attacks us, we will give them a fitting reply that they will not forget in their lifetime," said Venkaiah Naidu.

"We are not war-mongers but are peace-loving citizens. We know peace is the prerequisite for progress. If there is tension you cannot have the attention. We are aware of it but if somebody wants to create tension and one of our neighbour is aiding, abetting, funding, training terrorists continuously without realising the damage they are doing to humanity and damage they are doing to themselves in the coming future. We do not want to interfere in anybody`s internal affairs we also want others to not interfere in our internal matter," said Naidu in reference to Jammu and Kashmir.

"What is there to discuss about Kashmir. Kashmir is an integral part of India. From 1954 onwards elections are held, Chief Ministers are elected, there is elected governments at the state, Member of Parliaments are elected. What remains to be discussed is PoK that they should handover," said Naidu.

While speaking in Islamabad on Monday, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan is ready for every kind of war, in the wake of simmering tensions in the region over India`s historic move to withdraw the special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

In a tacit deterrence to Pakistan against any misadventure or war, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu while speaking at an event in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday said that India will not attack anybody but if someone attacks India, it will give a fitting reply that they will not forget in their lifetime.

In a tacit deterrence to Pakistan against any misadventure or war, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu while speaking at an event in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday said that India will not attack anybody but if someone attacks India, it will give a fitting reply that they will not forget in their lifetime. "Why is the acquisition of all these weapons and technologies? Why DRDO? Why Navy, Army and other Defence forces. It`s because others attack us. All Tom, Dick and Harry attack us. We will not attack anybody, I can assure you but if anybody attacks us, we will give them a fitting reply that they will not forget in their lifetime," said Venkaiah Naidu. "We are not war-mongers but are peace-loving citizens. We know peace is the prerequisite for progress. If there is tension you cannot have the attention. We are aware of it but if somebody wants to create tension and one of our neighbour is aiding, abetting, funding, training terrorists continuously without realising the damage they are doing to humanity and damage they are doing to themselves in the coming future. We do not want to interfere in anybody`s internal affairs we also want others to not interfere in our internal matter," said Naidu in reference to Jammu and Kashmir. "What is there to discuss about Kashmir. Kashmir is an integral part of India. From 1954 onwards elections are held, Chief Ministers are elected, there is elected governments at the state, Member of Parliaments are elected. What remains to be discussed is PoK that they should handover," said Naidu. While speaking in Islamabad on Monday, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan is ready for every kind of war, in the wake of simmering tensions in the region over India`s historic move to withdraw the special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

If anybody attacks us, we will give them reply they won't forget in lifetime: Venkaiah Naidu

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-bats-for-strong-laws-to-curb-mob-lynching-246180">BSP chief Mayawati </a>was on Wednesday unanimously re-elected as the national president of the party at a special meeting in Lucknow.

Senior office-bearers of the party`s central executive committee, state party units and party representatives from all over the country were present at the meeting.

The main agenda of the meeting, held at the BSP office in Lucknow, was the election of party chief in accordance with the party constitution.&nbsp;

After completion of various formalities, it was announced that Mayawati has been unanimously re-elected as party chief.&nbsp;

Mayawati has been a four-time Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a member of both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

BSP chief Mayawati was on Wednesday unanimously re-elected as the national president of the party at a special meeting in Lucknow. Senior office-bearers of the party`s central executive committee, state party units and party representatives from all over the country were present at the meeting.

BSP chief Mayawati was on Wednesday unanimously re-elected as the national president of the party at a special meeting in Lucknow. Senior office-bearers of the party`s central executive committee, state party units and party representatives from all over the country were present at the meeting. The main agenda of the meeting, held at the BSP office in Lucknow, was the election of party chief in accordance with the party constitution. After completion of various formalities, it was announced that Mayawati has been unanimously re-elected as party chief. Mayawati has been a four-time Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a member of both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

Mayawati re-elected as Bahujan Samaj Party chief

<div class="content" itemprop="articleBody">
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday called for redrawing the Indian map which shows not only <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-been-changing-demography-of-pok-gilgit-baltistan-activists-240014">Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK)</a> as its territory but also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gilgit-baltistan-in-open-letter-says-pakistan-only-an-assumed-supervisor-236089">Gilgit-Baltistan</a>.

"When we speak of our boundaries, they are not our boundaries. We have boundaries far beyond them. I say when we redraw Indian map, we should include not just PoK but also Gilgit-Baltistan," he said during an event in Delhi.

Listing out schemes and infrastructure projects implemented by the Centre in the border villages of Jammu and Kashmir, the minister said that he would want to bring in people of 'opposite ideology' and debate with them.

"It is a matter of research why these people curse the Army that protects them. Today, we are in a position to question them... Why should we waste our resources on protection of those who are enemies of the nation," asked Singh.

Giving a blueprint of how to ensure that local residents of the border areas who are considered the first line of defence stay intact, RSS Sah Sarkaryavah Krishna Gopal said the onus of this lies on those living in the cities.

"The onus to ensure that the first line of defence of boundaries -- the locals -- remain intact lies on the rest of India. You need to ensure you visit them and provide your services. The government cannot do it alone," said the senior RSS functionary.

The RSS is rooting for a strong bond with the bordering regions of the country, asking citizens to visit these areas regularly and be vigilant as the government alone cannot be tasked with protecting national sovereignty.

Gopal said the people from the rest of the country need to provide their services to them even if they do not ask for. "Treat these 11,000 villages as pilgrimages, donate and serve, they will be yours," he said.
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Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday called for redrawing the Indian map which shows not only Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as its territory but also Gilgit-Baltistan.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday called for redrawing the Indian map which shows not only Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as its territory but also Gilgit-Baltistan. "When we speak of our boundaries, they are not our boundaries. We have boundaries far beyond them. I say when we redraw Indian map, we should include not just PoK but also Gilgit-Baltistan," he said during an event in Delhi. Listing out schemes and infrastructure projects implemented by the Centre in the border villages of Jammu and Kashmir, the minister said that he would want to bring in people of 'opposite ideology' and debate with them. "It is a matter of research why these people curse the Army that protects them. Today, we are in a position to question them... Why should we waste our resources on protection of those who are enemies of the nation," asked Singh. Giving a blueprint of how to ensure that local residents of the border areas who are considered the first line of defence stay intact, RSS Sah Sarkaryavah Krishna Gopal said the onus of this lies on those living in the cities. "The onus to ensure that the first line of defence of boundaries -- the locals -- remain intact lies on the rest of India. You need to ensure you visit them and provide your services. The government cannot do it alone," said the senior RSS functionary. The RSS is rooting for a strong bond with the bordering regions of the country, asking citizens to visit these areas regularly and be vigilant as the government alone cannot be tasked with protecting national sovereignty. Gopal said the people from the rest of the country need to provide their services to them even if they do not ask for. "Treat these 11,000 villages as pilgrimages, donate and serve, they will be yours," he said.

Redraw Indian map with PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to reopen high schools from Wednesday in the areas of Kashmir where restrictions have already been lifted, an official release said.

At a joint press briefing here by Director Information and Public Relations, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar, Director School Education Kashmir, Muhammad Younis Malik and Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Haseeb Mughal said that the government has decided to reopen high schools in the areas where restrictions have been removed.

Several restrictions were imposed in Jammu and Kashmir as a "precautionary measure" earlier this month when the Centre scrapped the state`s special status under Article 370 and bifurcated it into two union territories.

The government said that day time restrictions have been lifted from 81 police station areas and it would be eased out in ten more police station areas by Thursday.

"The police stations where restrictions were lifted include north Kashmir`s Hajin, Kreeri, Dangiwacha and Vilgam. In south Kashmir, the police stations include Anantnag, Kulgam, Tral and Shopian. Similarly, in central Kashmir, the police stations where restrictions have been removed include Nishat, Shergari, Beerwah and Chrar-e-Sharief," read the statement."

No major law and order incident was reported from anywhere across the Valley," it said.

The government said that the landlines are being restored in the areas where restrictions have been lifted with 15 more exchanges having been operationalised across the Valley.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to reopen high schools from Wednesday in the areas of Kashmir where restrictions have already been lifted, an official release said.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to reopen high schools from Wednesday in the areas of Kashmir where restrictions have already been lifted, an official release said. At a joint press briefing here by Director Information and Public Relations, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar, Director School Education Kashmir, Muhammad Younis Malik and Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Haseeb Mughal said that the government has decided to reopen high schools in the areas where restrictions have been removed. Several restrictions were imposed in Jammu and Kashmir as a "precautionary measure" earlier this month when the Centre scrapped the state`s special status under Article 370 and bifurcated it into two union territories. The government said that day time restrictions have been lifted from 81 police station areas and it would be eased out in ten more police station areas by Thursday. "The police stations where restrictions were lifted include north Kashmir`s Hajin, Kreeri, Dangiwacha and Vilgam. In south Kashmir, the police stations include Anantnag, Kulgam, Tral and Shopian. Similarly, in central Kashmir, the police stations where restrictions have been removed include Nishat, Shergari, Beerwah and Chrar-e-Sharief," read the statement." No major law and order incident was reported from anywhere across the Valley," it said. The government said that the landlines are being restored in the areas where restrictions have been lifted with 15 more exchanges having been operationalised across the Valley.

High schools to reopen in areas where restrictions have been lifted: J&K administration

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