Eighty-eight people have died across 14 districts of flood-battered Kerala while 40 are missing, authorities said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

As per official data recorded till 9 am today, 34 people have sustained injuries in the natural calamity.

Torrential rains over the last few days in the state have led to many deaths and caused landslides in some districts. Malappuram is the worst hit with the highest death toll of 29.

As many as 1,332 relief camps are currently operational in the state.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has left from Thiruvananthapuram and will visit flood-affected areas of Wayanad and Malappuram later in the day.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted "cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers" for the next five days in the state.

Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in several areas across the state in past few days with daily lives of residents taking a hit.&nbsp;

Eighty-eight people have died across 14 districts of flood-battered Kerala while 40 are missing, authorities said on Tuesday. As per official data recorded till 9 am today, 34 people have sustained injuries in the natural calamity.

Eighty-eight people have died across 14 districts of flood-battered Kerala while 40 are missing, authorities said on Tuesday. As per official data recorded till 9 am today, 34 people have sustained injuries in the natural calamity. Torrential rains over the last few days in the state have led to many deaths and caused landslides in some districts. Malappuram is the worst hit with the highest death toll of 29. As many as 1,332 relief camps are currently operational in the state. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has left from Thiruvananthapuram and will visit flood-affected areas of Wayanad and Malappuram later in the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted "cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers" for the next five days in the state. Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in several areas across the state in past few days with daily lives of residents taking a hit.

Flood fury in Kerala kills 88 people, 40 missing

Equity benchmark indices were in the negative territory during early hours on Tuesday with IT, pharma and auto gauges showing most losses.

At 10:15 am, the BSE S&amp;P Sensex was down 181 points at 37,400 while the Nifty 50 edged lower by 48 points to 11,062. At the National Stock Exchange, all sectoral indices were in the red except for realty and metal.

Among stocks, power utility major NTPC slipped by 4.4 per cent to trade at Rs 116.10 per share while Bharti Airtel was down by 4.2 per cent.

The other prominent losers were Britannia, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra, Tech Mahindra, Maruti, HDFC, Infosys, Cipla and ITC.

However, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries surged 9.2 per cent to trade at Rs 1,269.65 per share, a day after the company said at its AGM that it will sell 20 per cent stake in its oils to chemicals (O2C) business to Saudi Aramco for 75 billion dollars.

Indiabulls Housing Finance gained by over 11 per cent to trade at Rs 561.70 per share. Bharat Petroleum Corporation was up by 2.3 per cent, Sun Pharma and Tata Motors by 2 per cent each.

Meanwhile, Asian shares slumped as fears about a drawn out US-China war and protests in Hong Kong drove investors to safe harbours like bonds and.&nbsp;

MSCI`s broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan was down by 1 per cent and Chinese stocks fell by 0.8 per cent.

Hong Kong`s main market index tumbled by more than 1 per cent to a seven-month low. Japan`s Nikkei also took a hit of 1.5 per cent while stocks in Singapore shed 1.1 per cent after the government slashed its full-year economic growth forecasts. 
&nbsp;

Equity benchmark indices were in the negative territory during early hours on Tuesday with IT, pharma and auto gauges showing most losses. At 10:15 am, the BSE S&P Sensex was down 181 points at 37,400 while the Nifty 50 edged lower by 48 points to 11,062.

Equity benchmark indices were in the negative territory during early hours on Tuesday with IT, pharma and auto gauges showing most losses. At 10:15 am, the BSE S&P Sensex was down 181 points at 37,400 while the Nifty 50 edged lower by 48 points to 11,062. At the National Stock Exchange, all sectoral indices were in the red except for realty and metal. Among stocks, power utility major NTPC slipped by 4.4 per cent to trade at Rs 116.10 per share while Bharti Airtel was down by 4.2 per cent. The other prominent losers were Britannia, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tech Mahindra, Maruti, HDFC, Infosys, Cipla and ITC. However, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries surged 9.2 per cent to trade at Rs 1,269.65 per share, a day after the company said at its AGM that it will sell 20 per cent stake in its oils to chemicals (O2C) business to Saudi Aramco for 75 billion dollars. Indiabulls Housing Finance gained by over 11 per cent to trade at Rs 561.70 per share. Bharat Petroleum Corporation was up by 2.3 per cent, Sun Pharma and Tata Motors by 2 per cent each. Meanwhile, Asian shares slumped as fears about a drawn out US-China war and protests in Hong Kong drove investors to safe harbours like bonds and. MSCI`s broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan was down by 1 per cent and Chinese stocks fell by 0.8 per cent. Hong Kong`s main market index tumbled by more than 1 per cent to a seven-month low. Japan`s Nikkei also took a hit of 1.5 per cent while stocks in Singapore shed 1.1 per cent after the government slashed its full-year economic growth forecasts.

Equity indices in negative zone, Reliance gains over 9% post AGM

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Columnist Shobhaa De on Monday rubbished the claims made by former Pakistan envoy to India Abdul Basit that he had influenced her to write the 2016 article where she "advocated plebiscite" in Kashmir in the aftermath of Burhan Wani's death.

Speaking to ANI, De said that the only time she ever met Basit was during the Jaipur Literature Festival in January 2019, when the former envoy attempted to make a conversation at a "publishing party" but was "almost as good as asked to leave".

"The only time I met him, or rather he came and imposed himself and intruded into a small group was in January of this year at the Jaipur lit fest at a publishing party. He came and joined a small group, attempted a conversation, was snubbed and almost as good as asked to leave," said De.

"In those three minutes, yes, he tried to bring in various issues but the only issue that actually chased him away was China. That was the first and last time I ever encountered this man," she added.

In an interview with a Pakistani blogger Farhan Virk, Basit had said that he had managed to influence "prominent" columnist Shobhaa De to write the 2016 article titled "Burhan Wani is dead but he'll live on till we find out what Kashmir really wants".

Watch video

Abdul Basit: Influenced Shobhaa de to write against India

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De called Basit's statement "dangerous, malicious, and unfair to anybody who believes in the truth", adding that she is "deeply insulted and upset that he could dare to say something like that about a person who has built her career on credibility and positive good journalism for over 40 years."&nbsp;
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Columnist Shobhaa De on Monday rubbished the claims made by former Pakistan envoy to India Abdul Basit that he had influenced her to write the 2016 article where she "advocated plebiscite" in Kashmir in the aftermath of Burhan Wani's death.

Columnist Shobhaa De on Monday rubbished the claims made by former Pakistan envoy to India Abdul Basit that he had influenced her to write the 2016 article where she "advocated plebiscite" in Kashmir in the aftermath of Burhan Wani's death. Speaking to ANI, De said that the only time she ever met Basit was during the Jaipur Literature Festival in January 2019, when the former envoy attempted to make a conversation at a "publishing party" but was "almost as good as asked to leave". "The only time I met him, or rather he came and imposed himself and intruded into a small group was in January of this year at the Jaipur lit fest at a publishing party. He came and joined a small group, attempted a conversation, was snubbed and almost as good as asked to leave," said De. "In those three minutes, yes, he tried to bring in various issues but the only issue that actually chased him away was China. That was the first and last time I ever encountered this man," she added. In an interview with a Pakistani blogger Farhan Virk, Basit had said that he had managed to influence "prominent" columnist Shobhaa De to write the 2016 article titled "Burhan Wani is dead but he'll live on till we find out what Kashmir really wants". Watch video Abdul Basit: Influenced Shobhaa de to write against India × De called Basit's statement "dangerous, malicious, and unfair to anybody who believes in the truth", adding that she is "deeply insulted and upset that he could dare to say something like that about a person who has built her career on credibility and positive good journalism for over 40 years."

Shobhaa De rubbishes Basit's claims that he influenced her to write Kashmir article

G Vivekananda, who recently joined BJP, has compared Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao with Muhammad bin Tughlaq and accused him of demolishing the state Secretariat.

"BJP is a national party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the path of prosperity. The state of Telangana was formed on the basis of a democratic Telangana for the benefit of its people. The way KCR is performing as the Chief Minister with the sole intention of his family`s progress, there is a family rule in Telangana. There is a dictatorship in Telangana," Vivekananda told ANI in Hyderabad.

"It is opposed by the people. In the last Parliament elections, TRS lost seven seats of MP, because of the dictatorial behaviour of KCR. The Cabinet was not formed for two months. He is demolishing the Secretariat, which is an asset of the state and built for 100 years just because KCR wants to be like Tughlaq (Sultan of Delhi from 1325 to 1351). We are all opposing it," he added.

Vivekananda went on to add that Rao is "diverting all the money to an irrigational project, which was only worth Rs 30,000 crore and in the name of redesigning he increased the amount to Rs 1 lakh crore. There is a need for the BJP and the leaders who have worked for getting Telangana to see that KCR is out of his job... He has distributed the money from the commissions of Kaleshwaram project across the country thinking that he can form a federal front and become the Deputy Prime Minister."

Vivekananda joined the BJP on August 9. He was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from Peddapalli constituency.

K Laxman, Telangana BJP unit president, told ANI, "Vivekananda, who hails from a strong political family of Congress, was instrumental in the Congress` performance in the state. He has joined the BJP along with his followers from Karimnagar district."

"It clearly shows that the trend is in favor of the BJP. People have seen all the parties. TRS, in the name of Telangana, came to power but it has now become a family rule -- totally corrupt and dictatorial. People want a change, which can only be delivered by the BJP."

Laxman said, "When people like Vivekananda join BJP, it is a clear indication of Congress losing its hope. People do not vote for the Congress because after winning, they all join TRS ... Telangana wants a democratic rule. The family rule must be put to an end. That can only be done by the BJP."&nbsp;

G Vivekananda, who recently joined BJP, has compared Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao with Muhammad bin Tughlaq and accused him of demolishing the state Secretariat.

G Vivekananda, who recently joined BJP, has compared Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao with Muhammad bin Tughlaq and accused him of demolishing the state Secretariat. "BJP is a national party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the path of prosperity. The state of Telangana was formed on the basis of a democratic Telangana for the benefit of its people. The way KCR is performing as the Chief Minister with the sole intention of his family`s progress, there is a family rule in Telangana. There is a dictatorship in Telangana," Vivekananda told ANI in Hyderabad. "It is opposed by the people. In the last Parliament elections, TRS lost seven seats of MP, because of the dictatorial behaviour of KCR. The Cabinet was not formed for two months. He is demolishing the Secretariat, which is an asset of the state and built for 100 years just because KCR wants to be like Tughlaq (Sultan of Delhi from 1325 to 1351). We are all opposing it," he added. Vivekananda went on to add that Rao is "diverting all the money to an irrigational project, which was only worth Rs 30,000 crore and in the name of redesigning he increased the amount to Rs 1 lakh crore. There is a need for the BJP and the leaders who have worked for getting Telangana to see that KCR is out of his job... He has distributed the money from the commissions of Kaleshwaram project across the country thinking that he can form a federal front and become the Deputy Prime Minister." Vivekananda joined the BJP on August 9. He was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from Peddapalli constituency. K Laxman, Telangana BJP unit president, told ANI, "Vivekananda, who hails from a strong political family of Congress, was instrumental in the Congress` performance in the state. He has joined the BJP along with his followers from Karimnagar district." "It clearly shows that the trend is in favor of the BJP. People have seen all the parties. TRS, in the name of Telangana, came to power but it has now become a family rule -- totally corrupt and dictatorial. People want a change, which can only be delivered by the BJP." Laxman said, "When people like Vivekananda join BJP, it is a clear indication of Congress losing its hope. People do not vote for the Congress because after winning, they all join TRS ... Telangana wants a democratic rule. The family rule must be put to an end. That can only be done by the BJP."

BJP leader accuses KCR of destroying Secretariat, compares him with Tughlaq

A case was registered against unidentified miscreants for vandalizing the statue of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee in Shahpur town of Bhilwara district on Monday.

"The effigy of Mukherjee was vandalised by unidentified persons late night on Sunday. Teams have been formed to investigate the matter," Shahpura police station in-charge, Bhajan Lal told ANI.

District collector Rajendra Bhatt, police officer Harendra Magawar and other officials also conducted a recce of the area.

According to locals, the statue was vandalised after the abrogation of the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir."Mukherjee was the first person to protest against the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This could be the reason why it was demolished," said a local.&nbsp;

A case was registered against unidentified miscreants for vandalizing the statue of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee in Shahpur town of Bhilwara district on Monday.

A case was registered against unidentified miscreants for vandalizing the statue of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee in Shahpur town of Bhilwara district on Monday. "The effigy of Mukherjee was vandalised by unidentified persons late night on Sunday. Teams have been formed to investigate the matter," Shahpura police station in-charge, Bhajan Lal told ANI. District collector Rajendra Bhatt, police officer Harendra Magawar and other officials also conducted a recce of the area. According to locals, the statue was vandalised after the abrogation of the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir."Mukherjee was the first person to protest against the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This could be the reason why it was demolished," said a local.

Statue of Syama Prasad Mukherjee vandalised in Rajasthan

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jk-decision-will-have-no-impact-on-line-of-actual-control-india-to-china-242545">India and China</a> on Monday signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreed to organise 100 activities in the coming months in the domain of film and broadcasting in bid to further strengthen the cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The four agreements were signed following the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism (HLM) on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges, chaired by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-meets-chinese-vice-president-discusses-strengthening-of-ties-242397">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a> and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

The two countries agreed to promote cultural exchanges for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, organization of cultural activities and management of archaeological heritage sites.

They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of traditional medicine, where both India and China have a rich knowledge accumulated over centuries, with the objective of promoting the development of these medicines in the healthcare system of the two countries.

"Third, we agreed to promote exchanges between our National Sports Associations, sportspersons and youth for strengthening cooperation on international sports events," Jaishankar said at a joint press conference with Wang held in Beijing.

"Lastly, we agreed on the cooperation in Museum Management for promoting collaboration between Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan and the National Museum, New Delhi in the field of exhibitions, protection and restoration of collections and archaeological excavations for Museums," the foreign minister said.

During the second HLM meeting, China made clear its concerns over the recent tensions between India and Pakistan and also conveyed its "principled position" on the issue of sovereignty, an apparent reference to its opposition to India's decision on Ladakh.

"Regarding the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, we made clear China's concerns. On the issues involving China's sovereignty interest, we also stated China's principled position," said Jaishankar. 
During the joint press conference, the two leaders announced a range of new initiatives, including expanding facilities for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.

Jaishankar said China had made suggestions about expanding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. "Some suggestions were made by the Chinese side to expand Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and we are deeply appreciative of these initiatives," he said.

In turn, Wang said that China and Tibet government are working to improve facilities for Kailash pilgrims.

"The Chinese government and local government, in particular, have been working to provide facilities and that pathway has increasingly become a pathway of friendship. And today officials proposed that we can co-produce a documentary on pilgrims so that we can tell a good story of our traditional friendship," Wang said.

"Another example is that to carry forward Dr. (Dwarkanath) Kotnis and advocate the internationalism that he represents. China-India have put together a joint medical team on a regular basis. The medical workers will go to remote areas in both countries to provide treatment of the local people and promote their fitness and wellness. It is our hope that the agencies over here can follow on that intuitive and help us spread our story of friendship today," he added.

In addition, the two countries agreed to minimise their differences to strengthen people to people exchanges.

"We (India and China) both believe that to strengthen people to people exchanges we need to be inclusive and build common ground while minimising differences," said Wang. "It is even more important that we join hand to write a new chapter so that our two civilisations co-exist in harmony," Wang said.

Referring to India's trade deficit with China, Yi said China appreciates India's concerns over trade imbalances and "stands ready to continue to provide facilities for Indian exports". The two countries, he said, need to think more broadly and expand cooperation in fields of investment, industrial production, tourism and border issues.

Wang added that the two countries need to firmly push back unilateralism, protectionism and bullying with concrete action and firmly uphold the purpose and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations.

Other than this, the two leaders discussed the full gamut of issues relating to the international situation, regional aspects and the bilateral relations including the visit of President Xi Jinping to India for the second informal summit later this year and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.

Jaishankar stressed that "the future of the India-China relationship will obviously depend on mutual sensitivity to each other's core concerns".

"It is natural, both as neighbours and large developing economies that there would be issues in our ties. Properly managing differences is therefore vital. As agreed by the leaders in Astana, differences should not become disputes. That is how India-China relations can remain a factor of stability in an uncertain world," he said.

Later in the day, Jaishankar and Wang jointly inaugurated the 'India-China Film Week', marking the commemoration of 100 activities that would be organised in the coming months in the domain of film and broadcasting.&nbsp;
</div>

India and China on Monday signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreed to organise 100 activities in the coming months in the domain of film and broadcasting in bid to further strengthen the cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

India and China on Monday signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreed to organise 100 activities in the coming months in the domain of film and broadcasting in bid to further strengthen the cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries. The four agreements were signed following the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism (HLM) on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges, chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The two countries agreed to promote cultural exchanges for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, organization of cultural activities and management of archaeological heritage sites. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of traditional medicine, where both India and China have a rich knowledge accumulated over centuries, with the objective of promoting the development of these medicines in the healthcare system of the two countries. "Third, we agreed to promote exchanges between our National Sports Associations, sportspersons and youth for strengthening cooperation on international sports events," Jaishankar said at a joint press conference with Wang held in Beijing. "Lastly, we agreed on the cooperation in Museum Management for promoting collaboration between Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan and the National Museum, New Delhi in the field of exhibitions, protection and restoration of collections and archaeological excavations for Museums," the foreign minister said. During the second HLM meeting, China made clear its concerns over the recent tensions between India and Pakistan and also conveyed its "principled position" on the issue of sovereignty, an apparent reference to its opposition to India's decision on Ladakh. "Regarding the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, we made clear China's concerns. On the issues involving China's sovereignty interest, we also stated China's principled position," said Jaishankar. During the joint press conference, the two leaders announced a range of new initiatives, including expanding facilities for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims. Jaishankar said China had made suggestions about expanding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. "Some suggestions were made by the Chinese side to expand Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and we are deeply appreciative of these initiatives," he said. In turn, Wang said that China and Tibet government are working to improve facilities for Kailash pilgrims. "The Chinese government and local government, in particular, have been working to provide facilities and that pathway has increasingly become a pathway of friendship. And today officials proposed that we can co-produce a documentary on pilgrims so that we can tell a good story of our traditional friendship," Wang said. "Another example is that to carry forward Dr. (Dwarkanath) Kotnis and advocate the internationalism that he represents. China-India have put together a joint medical team on a regular basis. The medical workers will go to remote areas in both countries to provide treatment of the local people and promote their fitness and wellness. It is our hope that the agencies over here can follow on that intuitive and help us spread our story of friendship today," he added. In addition, the two countries agreed to minimise their differences to strengthen people to people exchanges. "We (India and China) both believe that to strengthen people to people exchanges we need to be inclusive and build common ground while minimising differences," said Wang. "It is even more important that we join hand to write a new chapter so that our two civilisations co-exist in harmony," Wang said. Referring to India's trade deficit with China, Yi said China appreciates India's concerns over trade imbalances and "stands ready to continue to provide facilities for Indian exports". The two countries, he said, need to think more broadly and expand cooperation in fields of investment, industrial production, tourism and border issues. Wang added that the two countries need to firmly push back unilateralism, protectionism and bullying with concrete action and firmly uphold the purpose and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. Other than this, the two leaders discussed the full gamut of issues relating to the international situation, regional aspects and the bilateral relations including the visit of President Xi Jinping to India for the second informal summit later this year and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. Jaishankar stressed that "the future of the India-China relationship will obviously depend on mutual sensitivity to each other's core concerns". "It is natural, both as neighbours and large developing economies that there would be issues in our ties. Properly managing differences is therefore vital. As agreed by the leaders in Astana, differences should not become disputes. That is how India-China relations can remain a factor of stability in an uncertain world," he said. Later in the day, Jaishankar and Wang jointly inaugurated the 'India-China Film Week', marking the commemoration of 100 activities that would be organised in the coming months in the domain of film and broadcasting.

India, China sign four MoUs, agree to organise 100 activities

As many as 43 people died, while three remained missing on Monday in the Pune division as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-flood-21-relief-teams-de-requisitioned-after-situation-turns-normal-in-kolhapur-sangli-districts-242480">incessant rainfall</a> continued to batter Maharashtra, an official statement said.

A statement from the Divisional Commissioner Office in Pune revealed that over four lakh people were evacuated from as many as 584 villages to safer places due to floods in the five districts of Pune division.

To cater the people who were rescued, 596 temporary shelter camps were also set up, the officials said.&nbsp;

"Forty-six villages of Pune division are still completely cut off due to floods. 105 units of different agencies along with 164 boats are still deployed in Kolhapur and Sangli district. 66 bridges of five districts are still closed due to floods and waterlogging," said the officials in a statement.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had, on Saturday, visited the flood-affected Kolhapur and Sangli, to take stock of the situation.

85 teams of National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Territorial Army, Indian Navy and Indian Army are currently deployed in Sangli and Kolhapur districts for rescue efforts.

Also, more than 300 medical teams are working in Sangli, Kolhapur and Satara districts.&nbsp;

As many as 43 people died, while three remained missing on Monday in the Pune division as incessant rainfall continued to batter Maharashtra, an official statement said.

As many as 43 people died, while three remained missing on Monday in the Pune division as incessant rainfall continued to batter Maharashtra, an official statement said. A statement from the Divisional Commissioner Office in Pune revealed that over four lakh people were evacuated from as many as 584 villages to safer places due to floods in the five districts of Pune division. To cater the people who were rescued, 596 temporary shelter camps were also set up, the officials said. "Forty-six villages of Pune division are still completely cut off due to floods. 105 units of different agencies along with 164 boats are still deployed in Kolhapur and Sangli district. 66 bridges of five districts are still closed due to floods and waterlogging," said the officials in a statement. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had, on Saturday, visited the flood-affected Kolhapur and Sangli, to take stock of the situation. 85 teams of National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Territorial Army, Indian Navy and Indian Army are currently deployed in Sangli and Kolhapur districts for rescue efforts. Also, more than 300 medical teams are working in Sangli, Kolhapur and Satara districts.

43 dead, 3 missing as flood continues to batter Maharashtra

Irked by P Chidambaram's remarks on the abrogation of Article 370, a Muslim Youth Association of the district has announced a cash reward for anyone who blackens the Congress leader's face.

Muslim Youth Association chief Mohammad Aamir Rashid said Rs 21,000 will be given to anyone who blackens the former home minister's face.

"His comment is detrimental to Hindu-Muslim unity. I will give any individual Rs 21,000 from my Eidi (cash received in the form of gift during Eid celebrations) for blackening his face," Rashid said.

Chidambaram had claimed that the BJP would not have touched Article 370 if Kashmir was a Hindu-dominated region.

"If there was a Hindu majority in Kashmir, the BJP wouldn't have touched (Article 370). Because of the Islamic majority, the BJP did it," he had said on August 11.

"I say it's true there were thousands of people gathered against the abolition of 370... tear gas...shooting. All of that is true," the Congress leader added.

Attacking the Centre, Chidambaram had said people who don't know 72 years of history abolished Article 370 with "muscle power."

"Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India. There is no doubt. If there is a doubt, it's for BJP only. The people who don't know 72 years of history have done it (370) with muscle power," he said.&nbsp;

Irked by P Chidambaram's remarks on the abrogation of Article 370, a Muslim Youth Association of the district has announced a cash reward for anyone who blackens the Congress leader's face.

Irked by P Chidambaram's remarks on the abrogation of Article 370, a Muslim Youth Association of the district has announced a cash reward for anyone who blackens the Congress leader's face. Muslim Youth Association chief Mohammad Aamir Rashid said Rs 21,000 will be given to anyone who blackens the former home minister's face. "His comment is detrimental to Hindu-Muslim unity. I will give any individual Rs 21,000 from my Eidi (cash received in the form of gift during Eid celebrations) for blackening his face," Rashid said. Chidambaram had claimed that the BJP would not have touched Article 370 if Kashmir was a Hindu-dominated region. "If there was a Hindu majority in Kashmir, the BJP wouldn't have touched (Article 370). Because of the Islamic majority, the BJP did it," he had said on August 11. "I say it's true there were thousands of people gathered against the abolition of 370... tear gas...shooting. All of that is true," the Congress leader added. Attacking the Centre, Chidambaram had said people who don't know 72 years of history abolished Article 370 with "muscle power." "Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India. There is no doubt. If there is a doubt, it's for BJP only. The people who don't know 72 years of history have done it (370) with muscle power," he said.

Irked by Article 370 remark, Muslim leader announces reward for blackening Chidambaram's face

After the Parliament cleared the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/full-text-of-presidents-resolution-to-revoke-article-370-in-jammu-and-kashmir-240833">Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill </a>to&nbsp;scrap Article 370 of the Constitution and convert Jammu and Kashmir in two Union Territories, the Bharatiya Janata Party is now working to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-delimitation-dogra-group-demands-8-seats-for-jammu-region-225188"> delimit the state's assembly</a>.

The Election Commission has initiated a meeting to discuss different aspects of delimitation of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

The BJP in the state&nbsp;has been raising the issue of reorganisation of the state so that Jammu gets a larger share of seats in the 87-member state assembly.

As of now, Kashmir region has 46 seats followed by Jammu region with 37 and Ladakh with four.

&nbsp;

After the Parliament cleared the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill to scrap Article 370 of the Constitution and convert Jammu and Kashmir in two Union Territories, the Bharatiya Janata Party is now working to delimit the state's assembly.

After the Parliament cleared the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill to scrap Article 370 of the Constitution and convert Jammu and Kashmir in two Union Territories, the Bharatiya Janata Party is now working to delimit the state's assembly. The Election Commission has initiated a meeting to discuss different aspects of delimitation of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The BJP in the state has been raising the issue of reorganisation of the state so that Jammu gets a larger share of seats in the 87-member state assembly. As of now, Kashmir region has 46 seats followed by Jammu region with 37 and Ladakh with four.

Election Commission begins meeting to discuss delimitation of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly

US President Donald Trump has made it very clear that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">his offer to mediate between India and Pakistan</a> on the Kashmir issue is not on the table anymore after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">New Delhi rejected it</a>, India ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, said on Monday (local time).

"President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan. Since India has not accepted his offer, the president has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore," the Indian envoy said in an interview with Bret Baier of Fox News.

"It has been the United States long-standing policy. The United Nations Secretary-General was also very clear that this issue has to be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan in keeping with the agreements-- the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore declaration-- that the two countries had signed.This is not an issue that needs to be settled with a third party and President Trump has clarified it," Shringla added.

Tensions simmered between the two neighbours following New Delhi`s historic decision to abrogate Article 370 that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and transform it into Union Territories, with effect from October 31.

Rattled by India`s decision, Pakistan had initiated a series of measures against its neighbour, including the downgrading of bilateral ties and suspension of cross-border communication of railways and bus services.

Followingly, India had urged Pakistan to review its decision but the request was refuted by Islamabad.

Referring to the ongoing crisis in the region, Shringla stated, "India`s decision is an administrative one. It is the 12th time that India is taking such reorganisation of states. It does not in any way impinge on the borders of Jammu and Kashmir or the international borders and it is, therefore, an internal matter of India."

"We have taken this decision because we have found that over 70 years the level of development in the state has been hampered due to the special status that it enjoyed, which was, in any case, a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution. And now the intention is to ensure good governance and socio-economic justice reaches the state," he added.

In the wake of India`s decision, Pakistan has also urged the international community, including groups such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, to interfere in the matter and called for restraint against the so-called "illegal aggression" of New Delhi in the region

US President Donald Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue is not on the table anymore after New Delhi rejected it, India ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, said on Monday (local time).

US President Donald Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue is not on the table anymore after New Delhi rejected it, India ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, said on Monday (local time). "President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan. Since India has not accepted his offer, the president has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore," the Indian envoy said in an interview with Bret Baier of Fox News. "It has been the United States long-standing policy. The United Nations Secretary-General was also very clear that this issue has to be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan in keeping with the agreements-- the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore declaration-- that the two countries had signed.This is not an issue that needs to be settled with a third party and President Trump has clarified it," Shringla added. Tensions simmered between the two neighbours following New Delhi`s historic decision to abrogate Article 370 that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and transform it into Union Territories, with effect from October 31. Rattled by India`s decision, Pakistan had initiated a series of measures against its neighbour, including the downgrading of bilateral ties and suspension of cross-border communication of railways and bus services. Followingly, India had urged Pakistan to review its decision but the request was refuted by Islamabad. Referring to the ongoing crisis in the region, Shringla stated, "India`s decision is an administrative one. It is the 12th time that India is taking such reorganisation of states. It does not in any way impinge on the borders of Jammu and Kashmir or the international borders and it is, therefore, an internal matter of India." "We have taken this decision because we have found that over 70 years the level of development in the state has been hampered due to the special status that it enjoyed, which was, in any case, a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution. And now the intention is to ensure good governance and socio-economic justice reaches the state," he added. In the wake of India`s decision, Pakistan has also urged the international community, including groups such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, to interfere in the matter and called for restraint against the so-called "illegal aggression" of New Delhi in the region

Trump's Kashmir mediation offer not on table anymore: Indian envoy

The United States government launched an investigation Saturday into the apparent suicide in his prison cell of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Attorney General Bill Barr said he was "appalled" to hear of the death and had instructed the Department of Justice's inspector general to probe its circumstances. The FBI is also investigating Epstein's death.

"Mr Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered," Barr said in a statement.

Epstein, 66, had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.&nbsp;

Epstein, who denied the charges and faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted, was denied bail last month in a New York court because he was deemed a flight risk.

He was discovered unresponsive in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York around 6:30 am (1030 GMT) on Saturday, the US Department of Justice said.

Epstein was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The New York Times and other media quoted officials as saying Epstein hanged himself.&nbsp;

His death comes just over two weeks after the 66-year-old was found unconscious in his cell with marks on his neck after an apparent suicide attempt.

It is not clear whether Epstein was on suicide watch following the first attempt.&nbsp;

The United States government launched an investigation Saturday into the apparent suicide in his prison cell of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The United States government launched an investigation Saturday into the apparent suicide in his prison cell of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Attorney General Bill Barr said he was "appalled" to hear of the death and had instructed the Department of Justice's inspector general to probe its circumstances. The FBI is also investigating Epstein's death. "Mr Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered," Barr said in a statement. Epstein, 66, had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. Epstein, who denied the charges and faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted, was denied bail last month in a New York court because he was deemed a flight risk. He was discovered unresponsive in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York around 6:30 am (1030 GMT) on Saturday, the US Department of Justice said. Epstein was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The New York Times and other media quoted officials as saying Epstein hanged himself. His death comes just over two weeks after the 66-year-old was found unconscious in his cell with marks on his neck after an apparent suicide attempt. It is not clear whether Epstein was on suicide watch following the first attempt.

First FBI, now Justice Department probing Jeffrey Epstein death

The death toll from a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in eastern Myanmar rose to at least 41, an official said late Saturday, as emergency workers continued for a second night their desperate search through thick mud for the scores feared missing.

A huge brown gash on the hillside marked where the deluge of mud flooded onto Ye Pyar Kone village in Mon state on Friday, wiping out 27 homes.

Search and rescue teams worked through Friday night and into late Saturday, using excavators and their bare hands to recover bodies from the deep sludge.&nbsp;

"The death toll has risen to 41," township administrator Zaw Moe Aung told AFP on Saturday.

Some farm animals, like cows and goats, were found alive, but "there are no humans left alive," he said, adding that the search operations will push through for a second night.&nbsp;

So far, 47 people have been injured while officials believe that about 80 people could still be missing.&nbsp;

Myanmar is battered annually by a monsoon season which strikes countries across Southeast Asia, leaving tens of thousands displaced from flooded homes and setting off deadly landslides.

Aerial pictures of Ye Pyar Kone village showed shattered remnants of rooftops and other debris from the houses strewn next to trucks knocked over by the force of the onslaught.

Its hillside temple was left inundated, leaving the pagoda's golden spire peeking out from beneath the mud.

Htay Htay Win, 32, told AFP that two of her daughters and five other relatives had still not been found.

She only survived because she had left her home minutes earlier to look at the flooding nearby.

"I heard a huge noise and turned round to see my home being hit by the mud," she said, crying.

- Mud and water -

Rescue workers on Saturday continued to carry out excavated bodies wrapped in plastic to waiting ambulances, wading through pools of water and ankle-deep sludge.

Crying relatives of the missing watched on helpless under a steady torrent of rain, as nearby floodwaters edged closer to the village.&nbsp;

Tin Htay, who escaped with his family from their home, described his efforts to rescue others trapped by the mud.

"I dragged a woman and two children from a car but I could not reach two other people, so I had to leave them," the 30-year-old said.

Emergency crews had to unblock the main highway from Yangon to Mawlamyine, buried under six feet (1.8 metres) of sludge.

Torrential downpours have burst riverbanks across the country while coastal communities have been warned of higher tides.

In the town of Shwegyin in eastern Bago region, residents waded out through waist-deep waters or waited to be rescued by boat after the Sittaung river burst its banks, swallowing entire homes.

Around 89,000 people have been displaced by floods in recent weeks, although many have since been able to return home, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Vietnam has also experienced heavy flooding this week with at least eight people killed in the country's central highlands and rescuers using a zipline to carry dozens of others to safety.

The death toll from a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in eastern Myanmar rose to at least 41, an official said late Saturday, as emergency workers continued for a second night their desperate search through thick mud for the scores feared missing.

The death toll from a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in eastern Myanmar rose to at least 41, an official said late Saturday, as emergency workers continued for a second night their desperate search through thick mud for the scores feared missing. A huge brown gash on the hillside marked where the deluge of mud flooded onto Ye Pyar Kone village in Mon state on Friday, wiping out 27 homes. Search and rescue teams worked through Friday night and into late Saturday, using excavators and their bare hands to recover bodies from the deep sludge. "The death toll has risen to 41," township administrator Zaw Moe Aung told AFP on Saturday. Some farm animals, like cows and goats, were found alive, but "there are no humans left alive," he said, adding that the search operations will push through for a second night. So far, 47 people have been injured while officials believe that about 80 people could still be missing. Myanmar is battered annually by a monsoon season which strikes countries across Southeast Asia, leaving tens of thousands displaced from flooded homes and setting off deadly landslides. Aerial pictures of Ye Pyar Kone village showed shattered remnants of rooftops and other debris from the houses strewn next to trucks knocked over by the force of the onslaught. Its hillside temple was left inundated, leaving the pagoda's golden spire peeking out from beneath the mud. Htay Htay Win, 32, told AFP that two of her daughters and five other relatives had still not been found. She only survived because she had left her home minutes earlier to look at the flooding nearby. "I heard a huge noise and turned round to see my home being hit by the mud," she said, crying. - Mud and water - Rescue workers on Saturday continued to carry out excavated bodies wrapped in plastic to waiting ambulances, wading through pools of water and ankle-deep sludge. Crying relatives of the missing watched on helpless under a steady torrent of rain, as nearby floodwaters edged closer to the village. Tin Htay, who escaped with his family from their home, described his efforts to rescue others trapped by the mud. "I dragged a woman and two children from a car but I could not reach two other people, so I had to leave them," the 30-year-old said. Emergency crews had to unblock the main highway from Yangon to Mawlamyine, buried under six feet (1.8 metres) of sludge. Torrential downpours have burst riverbanks across the country while coastal communities have been warned of higher tides. In the town of Shwegyin in eastern Bago region, residents waded out through waist-deep waters or waited to be rescued by boat after the Sittaung river burst its banks, swallowing entire homes. Around 89,000 people have been displaced by floods in recent weeks, although many have since been able to return home, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Vietnam has also experienced heavy flooding this week with at least eight people killed in the country's central highlands and rescuers using a zipline to carry dozens of others to safety.

Myanmar landslide kills 41, many more feared missing

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Punitipandey

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