Britain's Prince William has taken a commercial no-frills flight to visit his grandmother Queen Elizabeth, winning plaudits and favourable comparisons to his brother Harry after the younger sibling was criticised for using private jets.

William, wife Kate and their children took a Flybe flight to Aberdeen en route to Queen Elizabeth's Scottish summer residence in Balmoral.

British newspapers said the flight cost 73 pounds a ticket ($89.16) and published pictures of William carrying the family's luggage by hand to the plane.

"We were delighted to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their family on board one of our flights again, this time when they flew from Norwich to Aberdeen with our franchise partner, Eastern Airways," British regional airline Flybe said in a statement.

Kensington Palace declined to comment on the flight.

The trip came after high profile criticism of William's brother Harry over his use of private jets to take trips with wife Meghan.

Singer Elton John defended Harry and Meghan after they took a private jet to stay with him in southern France. John said he had paid for the jet for security reasons and had also paid for carbon offsetting of the flights.

British media criticised Harry and Meghan as hypocrites for their use of private jets while also campaigning on environmental issues, the latest episode in the couple's increasingly difficult relationship with the British media.

William's use of a commercial flight was held up as a shining example to his brother in the newspapers, with the front page of the Sun newspaper declaring "Wills gives Harry a flying lesson."

Britain's Prince William has taken a commercial no-frills flight to visit his grandmother Queen Elizabeth, winning plaudits and favourable comparisons to his brother Harry after the younger sibling was criticised for using private jets.

Britain's Prince William has taken a commercial no-frills flight to visit his grandmother Queen Elizabeth, winning plaudits and favourable comparisons to his brother Harry after the younger sibling was criticised for using private jets. William, wife Kate and their children took a Flybe flight to Aberdeen en route to Queen Elizabeth's Scottish summer residence in Balmoral. British newspapers said the flight cost 73 pounds a ticket ($89.16) and published pictures of William carrying the family's luggage by hand to the plane. "We were delighted to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their family on board one of our flights again, this time when they flew from Norwich to Aberdeen with our franchise partner, Eastern Airways," British regional airline Flybe said in a statement. Kensington Palace declined to comment on the flight. The trip came after high profile criticism of William's brother Harry over his use of private jets to take trips with wife Meghan. Singer Elton John defended Harry and Meghan after they took a private jet to stay with him in southern France. John said he had paid for the jet for security reasons and had also paid for carbon offsetting of the flights. British media criticised Harry and Meghan as hypocrites for their use of private jets while also campaigning on environmental issues, the latest episode in the couple's increasingly difficult relationship with the British media. William's use of a commercial flight was held up as a shining example to his brother in the newspapers, with the front page of the Sun newspaper declaring "Wills gives Harry a flying lesson."

Britain's Prince William and Kate fly commercial to see Queen, win plaudits

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said he was "appalled" to hear a recent statement made by UK MP Tan Dhesi regarding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

"My attention has been drawn to a recent statement made by Tan Dhesi, a British MP from Slough about Article 370. I am appalled. If my attention was drawn to this prior to our meeting, there would have been no meeting," Hardeep Singh tweeted.

Puri's remarks were backed by the chairman of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Foreign Affairs Department Vijay Chauthaiwale.

"Thanks a lot Mr @HardeepSPuri. Mr @TanDhesi, you cannot take anti-India stand in UK and then keep it under the wraps while visiting India," Vijay Chauthaiwale said.

Recently, Dhesi had met Puri and Union Minister Som Prakash where he had called for increasing frequency of flights between India and the UK.

Earlier this month, Dhesi had lauded UK's opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn for his comments on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the scrapping of special status.

"The situation in Kashmir is deeply disturbing. Human rights abuses taking place are unacceptable. The rights of the Kashmiri people must be respected and UN resolutions implemented," Corbyn had said.

India has made it clear to the international community that its recent decision on Jammu and Kashmir is strictly an "internal matter".

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said he was "appalled" to hear a recent statement made by UK MP Tan Dhesi regarding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said he was "appalled" to hear a recent statement made by UK MP Tan Dhesi regarding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. "My attention has been drawn to a recent statement made by Tan Dhesi, a British MP from Slough about Article 370. I am appalled. If my attention was drawn to this prior to our meeting, there would have been no meeting," Hardeep Singh tweeted. Puri's remarks were backed by the chairman of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Foreign Affairs Department Vijay Chauthaiwale. "Thanks a lot Mr @HardeepSPuri. Mr @TanDhesi, you cannot take anti-India stand in UK and then keep it under the wraps while visiting India," Vijay Chauthaiwale said. Recently, Dhesi had met Puri and Union Minister Som Prakash where he had called for increasing frequency of flights between India and the UK. Earlier this month, Dhesi had lauded UK's opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn for his comments on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the scrapping of special status. "The situation in Kashmir is deeply disturbing. Human rights abuses taking place are unacceptable. The rights of the Kashmiri people must be respected and UN resolutions implemented," Corbyn had said. India has made it clear to the international community that its recent decision on Jammu and Kashmir is strictly an "internal matter".

Appalled by UK MP's statement on Article 370: Union minister Hardeep Puri

Encouraged by the changing situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the repeal of Article 370, Savitribai Phule Pune University is planning to set up an educational centre in Kashmir Valley.

A proposal to the same effect was approved by the university's administration on Friday. It will be sent to the state government to seek its permission to open the new centre, the university said in a communique.

"The meeting of administration of Savitribai Phule Pune University happened today in which Rajesh Pandey, a member, moved a proposal that with changing situation in Kashmir, the university should set up an educational centre in Kashmir and seek permission for same the proposal should be sent to state government," the university's Vice-Chancellor said.

The proposal was approved by all the members of the administration, the VC added.

The central government stripped Jammu and Kashmir of the special status granted under Article 370&nbsp;of the Constitution and bifurcated it into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh on August 5.&nbsp;

Encouraged by the changing situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the repeal of Article 370, Savitribai Phule Pune University is planning to set up an educational centre in Kashmir Valley.

Encouraged by the changing situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the repeal of Article 370, Savitribai Phule Pune University is planning to set up an educational centre in Kashmir Valley. A proposal to the same effect was approved by the university's administration on Friday. It will be sent to the state government to seek its permission to open the new centre, the university said in a communique. "The meeting of administration of Savitribai Phule Pune University happened today in which Rajesh Pandey, a member, moved a proposal that with changing situation in Kashmir, the university should set up an educational centre in Kashmir and seek permission for same the proposal should be sent to state government," the university's Vice-Chancellor said. The proposal was approved by all the members of the administration, the VC added. The central government stripped Jammu and Kashmir of the special status granted under Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcated it into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh on August 5.

Pune University planning to set up educational centre in Kashmir

England batting coach Graham Thorpe said they will not give up hope of saving the third test against Australia, but a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-england-post-lowest-total-against-australia-since-1948-245161">woeful batting display from the hosts</a> on Friday left them with a mountain to climb to regain the Ashes.

Trailing 1-0 in the series and replying to Australia’s far from daunting first-innings total of 179, England’s key batsmen fell cheaply, several chasing aggressive shots, as the hosts were bowled out for 67 at Headingley.

That total was their 12th lowest of all time in tests and lowest against Australia since 1948.

Joe Denly was the only player to reach double figures, top-scoring with 12 runs -- the lowest top score for an England batsman in test history.

Australia, who as holders need one more win to retain the Ashes, lost six wickets themselves on a remarkable second day in Leeds, but Marnus Labuschagne (53 not out) steered them to a lead of 283, which seems beyond a woefully out-of-form England.

"The game is not over from this position," Thorpe said. "If we can knock them over in the morning we are in with a chance.

"There have been scores of over 300 chased down here before. We have to believe."

One-day focus

In the one-day format, England won the World Cup on home soil last month, with many of the same players who have played in the Ashes.

Yet England's euphoric fans were brought crashing down to earth in the first test innings following that triumph, after they were bowled out for 85 by Ireland, who were playing only their third-ever test match.

Six of the top seven who took to the field in that first innings capitulation, started at Headingley in the third Ashes Test.

"The Australian bowlers did well but our batsmen helped them," former England great Ian Botham said. "There were some woeful shots.

Jason Roy averaged over 63 in the World Cup, firing four half-centuries and one 100, including 85 against Australia in the semi-final, but was again out attacking a ball he did not need to at Headingley.

Stokes, England’s World Cup final hero, was another guilty of a wild, needless shot when being dismissed.

England’s batsmen still seem to be playing with a one-day format focus. Forty of their 67 runs came as boundaries and nine batsmen hit at least one four.

Stokes was out for eight off 13 balls and Roy nine of 15. In comparison, Australia's Labuschagne played much more test-like innings, leaving the balls he needed to, making an unbeaten 53 off 139 balls.

Batting order uncertainty

England's issue may not be with personnel, but more where their batsmen are playing in the order.

Roy has opened the batting in six of his seven test knocks so far, averaging nine in those innings. In the one innings when he batted at three, he scored 72.

Root is another who has suffered from a move up the order to accommodate others. The England captain averages 48 from 60 innings at number four, but just 19.80 in this Ashes series batting at three, including back-to-back ducks in his last two innings.

"I don't like Joe Root at three, he's a number four," former England opener Michael Vaughan told the BBC. "You know he's going to be in so early in this team, he's basically an opener.

"Root is England's best player. Put him at four. Virat Kohli - where does he bat? Steve Smith - where does he bat?

"It's only one position but it is a huge difference."

England batting coach Graham Thorpe said they will not give up hope of saving the third test against Australia, but a woeful batting display from the hosts on Friday left them with a mountain to climb to regain the Ashes.

England batting coach Graham Thorpe said they will not give up hope of saving the third test against Australia, but a woeful batting display from the hosts on Friday left them with a mountain to climb to regain the Ashes. Trailing 1-0 in the series and replying to Australia’s far from daunting first-innings total of 179, England’s key batsmen fell cheaply, several chasing aggressive shots, as the hosts were bowled out for 67 at Headingley. That total was their 12th lowest of all time in tests and lowest against Australia since 1948. Joe Denly was the only player to reach double figures, top-scoring with 12 runs -- the lowest top score for an England batsman in test history. Australia, who as holders need one more win to retain the Ashes, lost six wickets themselves on a remarkable second day in Leeds, but Marnus Labuschagne (53 not out) steered them to a lead of 283, which seems beyond a woefully out-of-form England. "The game is not over from this position," Thorpe said. "If we can knock them over in the morning we are in with a chance. "There have been scores of over 300 chased down here before. We have to believe." One-day focus In the one-day format, England won the World Cup on home soil last month, with many of the same players who have played in the Ashes. Yet England's euphoric fans were brought crashing down to earth in the first test innings following that triumph, after they were bowled out for 85 by Ireland, who were playing only their third-ever test match. Six of the top seven who took to the field in that first innings capitulation, started at Headingley in the third Ashes Test. "The Australian bowlers did well but our batsmen helped them," former England great Ian Botham said. "There were some woeful shots. Jason Roy averaged over 63 in the World Cup, firing four half-centuries and one 100, including 85 against Australia in the semi-final, but was again out attacking a ball he did not need to at Headingley. Stokes, England’s World Cup final hero, was another guilty of a wild, needless shot when being dismissed. England’s batsmen still seem to be playing with a one-day format focus. Forty of their 67 runs came as boundaries and nine batsmen hit at least one four. Stokes was out for eight off 13 balls and Roy nine of 15. In comparison, Australia's Labuschagne played much more test-like innings, leaving the balls he needed to, making an unbeaten 53 off 139 balls. Batting order uncertainty England's issue may not be with personnel, but more where their batsmen are playing in the order. Roy has opened the batting in six of his seven test knocks so far, averaging nine in those innings. In the one innings when he batted at three, he scored 72. Root is another who has suffered from a move up the order to accommodate others. The England captain averages 48 from 60 innings at number four, but just 19.80 in this Ashes series batting at three, including back-to-back ducks in his last two innings. "I don't like Joe Root at three, he's a number four," former England opener Michael Vaughan told the BBC. "You know he's going to be in so early in this team, he's basically an opener. "Root is England's best player. Put him at four. Virat Kohli - where does he bat? Steve Smith - where does he bat? "It's only one position but it is a huge difference."

Ashes 2019: England defiant but test batting woes leave hosts on the brink

Ishant Sharma took five wickets, including three in seven balls, as India firmly gained the upper hand over West Indies on the second day of the first test in Antigua on Friday.

Sharma (5-42) rattled through West Indies' middle order late in the day, turning the match perhaps decisively in favour of the visitors.

West Indies were 189-8 at stumps in their first innings, still, 108 runs behind in reply to India's 297 total.

Sharma's first five-wicket haul in more than a year began when he caught-and-bowled obdurate opener Kraigg Brathwaite for 14.

He later dismissed Roston Chase (48) and then sent Shai Hope (24), Shimron Hetymer (35) and Kemar Roach (0) packing in a devastating seven-ball purple patch.

West Indies will be frustrated that all of their recognised batsmen got starts, but nobody managed a half-century.

Earlier, India resumed on 203-6, before Sharma contributed 19 runs of a 60-run eighth-wicket partnership with Ravindra Jadeja that helped the visitors to what looked like a pretty good total by the end of the day.

Jadeja was the last man out, for 58, the second-highest scorer behind number five Ajinkya Rahane's 81.

Opening bowlers Roach (4-66) and Shannon Gabriel (3-71) combined for seven wickets.

The match is the first of a two-test series between the teams that is part of the new World Test Championship.

Ishant Sharma took five wickets, including three in seven balls, as India firmly gained the upper hand over West Indies on the second day of the first test in Antigua on Friday.

Ishant Sharma took five wickets, including three in seven balls, as India firmly gained the upper hand over West Indies on the second day of the first test in Antigua on Friday. Sharma (5-42) rattled through West Indies' middle order late in the day, turning the match perhaps decisively in favour of the visitors. West Indies were 189-8 at stumps in their first innings, still, 108 runs behind in reply to India's 297 total. Sharma's first five-wicket haul in more than a year began when he caught-and-bowled obdurate opener Kraigg Brathwaite for 14. He later dismissed Roston Chase (48) and then sent Shai Hope (24), Shimron Hetymer (35) and Kemar Roach (0) packing in a devastating seven-ball purple patch. West Indies will be frustrated that all of their recognised batsmen got starts, but nobody managed a half-century. Earlier, India resumed on 203-6, before Sharma contributed 19 runs of a 60-run eighth-wicket partnership with Ravindra Jadeja that helped the visitors to what looked like a pretty good total by the end of the day. Jadeja was the last man out, for 58, the second-highest scorer behind number five Ajinkya Rahane's 81. Opening bowlers Roach (4-66) and Shannon Gabriel (3-71) combined for seven wickets. The match is the first of a two-test series between the teams that is part of the new World Test Championship.

Ishant Sharma takes five wickets, India on top against West Indies

At least two people&nbsp;died and five more were critically injured in a building collapse incident in Bhiwandi city near Mumbai in the early&nbsp;hours of Saturday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: 2 dead and 5 injured in the Bhiwandi building collapse. Rescue operations underway. <a href="https://t.co/Q3CmwdM95K">https://t.co/Q3CmwdM95K</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1165073464945860611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ashok Rankhamb, Commissioner of Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation said that the building was in a dilapidated state and was being vacated when the incident took place.

"People had informed us that the building may collapse. I along with officers reached the spot and asked to vacate the building. People had vacated the building but then some people went inside to pick their luggage. Meanwhile, the building came down. It is an 8-year-old building and was built illegally. An investigation will be done," the commissioner said.

Disaster Management Officer Santosh Kadam said that fire brigade and personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are&nbsp;carrying out an operation to rescue people trapped in the debris.

(With inputs from ANI)

At least two people died and five more were critically injured in a building collapse incident in Bhiwandi city near Mumbai in the early hours of Saturday. #UPDATE: 2 dead and 5 injured in the Bhiwandi building collapse.

At least two people died and five more were critically injured in a building collapse incident in Bhiwandi city near Mumbai in the early hours of Saturday. #UPDATE: 2 dead and 5 injured in the Bhiwandi building collapse. Rescue operations underway. https://t.co/Q3CmwdM95K — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019 × Ashok Rankhamb, Commissioner of Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation said that the building was in a dilapidated state and was being vacated when the incident took place. "People had informed us that the building may collapse. I along with officers reached the spot and asked to vacate the building. People had vacated the building but then some people went inside to pick their luggage. Meanwhile, the building came down. It is an 8-year-old building and was built illegally. An investigation will be done," the commissioner said. Disaster Management Officer Santosh Kadam said that fire brigade and personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are carrying out an operation to rescue people trapped in the debris. (With inputs from ANI)

At least two dead, five injured after building collapses in Bhiwandi city near Mumbai

Scientists confirm 'Noctiluca Scintillans' caused blue glow in Chennai beaches

Ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/om-birla-from-grassroots-politician-to-lok-sabha-speaker-228583">Biju Janata Dal (BJD)</a> will launch its membership drive on September 2 to strengthen the party's base ahead of the civic body polls in Odisha.

BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday formed a state-level committee to monitor and coordinate the membership drive.

The committee consists of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-jammu-kashmir-situation-section-144-imposed-security-tightened-in-state-240732">Rajya Sabha MP Prasanna Acharya</a>, MLAs Debiprasad Mishra, Pratap Keshari Deb, Pradeep Panigrahi, Pranab Prakash Das and Pramila Mallick, and former legislator Sanjay Kumar Das Burma.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had also launched its membership campaign in July to strengthen its base in the coastal state. 
&nbsp;

Ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will launch its membership drive on September 2 to strengthen the party's base ahead of the civic body polls in Odisha. BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday formed a state-level committee to monitor and coordinate the membership drive.

Ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will launch its membership drive on September 2 to strengthen the party's base ahead of the civic body polls in Odisha. BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday formed a state-level committee to monitor and coordinate the membership drive. The committee consists of Rajya Sabha MP Prasanna Acharya, MLAs Debiprasad Mishra, Pratap Keshari Deb, Pradeep Panigrahi, Pranab Prakash Das and Pramila Mallick, and former legislator Sanjay Kumar Das Burma. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had also launched its membership campaign in July to strengthen its base in the coastal state.

Odisha: Biju Janata Dal to launch membership drive in September

District administration on Saturday announced that helicopter services were temporarily suspended in the Arakot region after two helicopters crashed in the area in the last four days.

The helicopters were being used to carry relief material to flood-hit Arakot village situated in the Mori block of the district.&nbsp;

One helicopter had crash-landed near a river in the Tikochi area on Friday injuring the people on board, including the pilot and co-pilot.

Earlier, three people had lost their lives after another helicopter had crashed in the region on Wednesday.&nbsp;

'What caused the helicopter to crash?' is yet to be ascertained.&nbsp;

Several teams of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local authorities have been carrying out rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected region.&nbsp;

At least 15 people have lost their lives while 20 people are still missing following the cloud-burst and floods that crippled the region.&nbsp;

District administration on Saturday announced that helicopter services were temporarily suspended in the Arakot region after two helicopters crashed in the area in the last four days.

District administration on Saturday announced that helicopter services were temporarily suspended in the Arakot region after two helicopters crashed in the area in the last four days. The helicopters were being used to carry relief material to flood-hit Arakot village situated in the Mori block of the district. One helicopter had crash-landed near a river in the Tikochi area on Friday injuring the people on board, including the pilot and co-pilot. Earlier, three people had lost their lives after another helicopter had crashed in the region on Wednesday. 'What caused the helicopter to crash?' is yet to be ascertained. Several teams of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local authorities have been carrying out rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected region. At least 15 people have lost their lives while 20 people are still missing following the cloud-burst and floods that crippled the region.

Helicopter services suspended in Uttarakhand's flood-hit Arakot

Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Centre has fulfilled the dreams of the country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by integrating Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Union.

"We have fulfilled Sardar Patel's dream by making Jammu and Kashmir an inseparable part of India," Shah said addressing IPS probationers at the passing out parade at the Sardar Vallabhbhai National Police Academy in Hyderabad.

Emphasising on the revocation of Art 370, Shah said: "Your (IPS probationers) work has started today. It is an important step as it comes at a time when Article 370 has been abolished under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jammu and Kashmir has become an integral part of India."

BJP chief urged the officer to work in accordance with the Constitution. "Challenges will come to your way and you will get perplexed when you may get orders that may seem unconstitutional but please always work in accordance with the Constitution. Politicians get a chance to work for five years, while you get a chance to serve the country for 30 years," he said.

Congratulating the newly minted IPS officers, he said: "Just becoming an officer cannot be a goal but to take the country to new heights should be your aim."

"An individual's happiness should not be our aim. It should be a prosperous, educated and safe India," he added.

Shah's address comes on a day when a delegation of opposition leaders including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is visiting Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir in order to see the ground reality, days after the Centre abrogated Article 370 from the region.

Parties like Congress, CPI, DMK, RJD, TMC, NCP and JD(S) will be the part of the opposition all-party delegation.

Opposition leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, KC Venugopal, Sitaram Yechury, D Raja, Tiruchi Siva, Manoj Jha, Dinesh Trivedi, Majeed Memon and Kupendra Reddy will be the part of the delegation.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Centre has fulfilled the dreams of the country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by integrating Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Union.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Centre has fulfilled the dreams of the country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by integrating Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Union. "We have fulfilled Sardar Patel's dream by making Jammu and Kashmir an inseparable part of India," Shah said addressing IPS probationers at the passing out parade at the Sardar Vallabhbhai National Police Academy in Hyderabad. Emphasising on the revocation of Art 370, Shah said: "Your (IPS probationers) work has started today. It is an important step as it comes at a time when Article 370 has been abolished under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jammu and Kashmir has become an integral part of India." BJP chief urged the officer to work in accordance with the Constitution. "Challenges will come to your way and you will get perplexed when you may get orders that may seem unconstitutional but please always work in accordance with the Constitution. Politicians get a chance to work for five years, while you get a chance to serve the country for 30 years," he said. Congratulating the newly minted IPS officers, he said: "Just becoming an officer cannot be a goal but to take the country to new heights should be your aim." "An individual's happiness should not be our aim. It should be a prosperous, educated and safe India," he added. Shah's address comes on a day when a delegation of opposition leaders including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is visiting Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir in order to see the ground reality, days after the Centre abrogated Article 370 from the region. Parties like Congress, CPI, DMK, RJD, TMC, NCP and JD(S) will be the part of the opposition all-party delegation. Opposition leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, KC Venugopal, Sitaram Yechury, D Raja, Tiruchi Siva, Manoj Jha, Dinesh Trivedi, Majeed Memon and Kupendra Reddy will be the part of the delegation.

Fulfilled Sardar Patel's dream by making Jammu and Kashmir inseparable part of India: Amit Shah on abrogation of Article 370

The former finance minister of India and veteran BJP leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arun-jaitley-bjps-original-chanakya-245280">Arun Jaitley passed away on Saturday</a>. He was 66.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) released an official statement to confirm the sad demise. Earlier, AIIMS&nbsp;sources said that Jaitley's health had deteriorated. 
&nbsp; 
Jaitley was admitted to the AIIMS on August 9. He was undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the country's premier medical institution.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Delhi: Former Union Minister and Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley passes away at AIIMS. <a href="https://t.co/pmr4xiyqYV">pic.twitter.com/pmr4xiyqYV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1165158985223172096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/life-and-times-of-arun-jaitley-an-impeccable-strategist-and-bjps-precious-diamond-245285">Jaitley held important portfolios</a> during the first tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government. 
&nbsp; 
Jaitley was not keeping well for some time. He did not even contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election citing health reasons. In February, Piyush Goyal had to present the interim budget as Jaitley was in&nbsp;US&nbsp;for treatment. 
&nbsp; 
After Modi government retained power after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Jaitley wrote to Prime Minister Modi, saying he would not take up any responsibility in the government due to his deteriorating health condition.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-former-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-passes-away-at-66-245288/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;A lawyer by profession, he had been an important part of Narendra Modi's Cabinet during his first term as prime minister. He held finance and defence portfolios, and often acted as the government's chief troubleshooter. 
&nbsp; 
He had undergone renal transplant on May 14 last year. In September 2014, he underwent bariatric surgery to correct the weight he had gained because of a long-standing diabetic condition.

&nbsp;

The former finance minister of India and veteran BJP leader Arun Jaitley passed away on Saturday. He was 66. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) released an official statement to confirm the sad demise.

The former finance minister of India and veteran BJP leader Arun Jaitley passed away on Saturday. He was 66. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) released an official statement to confirm the sad demise. Earlier, AIIMS sources said that Jaitley's health had deteriorated. Jaitley was admitted to the AIIMS on August 9. He was undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the country's premier medical institution. Delhi: Former Union Minister and Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley passes away at AIIMS. pic.twitter.com/pmr4xiyqYV — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019 × Jaitley held important portfolios during the first tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government. Jaitley was not keeping well for some time. He did not even contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election citing health reasons. In February, Piyush Goyal had to present the interim budget as Jaitley was in US for treatment. After Modi government retained power after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Jaitley wrote to Prime Minister Modi, saying he would not take up any responsibility in the government due to his deteriorating health condition. A lawyer by profession, he had been an important part of Narendra Modi's Cabinet during his first term as prime minister. He held finance and defence portfolios, and often acted as the government's chief troubleshooter. He had undergone renal transplant on May 14 last year. In September 2014, he underwent bariatric surgery to correct the weight he had gained because of a long-standing diabetic condition.

Former finance minister Arun Jaitley passes away at 66

Life and times of Arun Jaitley: An impeccable strategist and BJP's 'precious diamond'

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Riya Gupta

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.