The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned for three months public interest litigation (PIL) seeking direction to allow non-resident Indians to vote through postal or e-ballots during elections in India.

A Bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta adjourned the case after the advocate appearing for the petitioner sought adjournment on the ground that Bill to allow NRIs to vote is likely to be passed in the ongoing session of Parliament.

The court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by Nagender Chindam, chairman of London-based Pravasi Bharat organisation, and other NRIs including Shamsheer V P.

The petitions stated that 114 countries, including 20 Asian nations, have adopted external voting, which could be held by setting up polling booths at diplomatic missions or through postal, proxy or electronic voting.

The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned for three months public interest litigation (PIL) seeking direction to allow non-resident Indians to vote through postal or e-ballots during elections in India.

The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned for three months public interest litigation (PIL) seeking direction to allow non-resident Indians to vote through postal or e-ballots during elections in India. A Bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta adjourned the case after the advocate appearing for the petitioner sought adjournment on the ground that Bill to allow NRIs to vote is likely to be passed in the ongoing session of Parliament. The court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by Nagender Chindam, chairman of London-based Pravasi Bharat organisation, and other NRIs including Shamsheer V P. The petitions stated that 114 countries, including 20 Asian nations, have adopted external voting, which could be held by setting up polling booths at diplomatic missions or through postal, proxy or electronic voting.

Supreme Court adjourns PIL on direction to allow NRIs to vote through postal, e-ballots

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain public interest litigations (PILs) pertaining to the treatment of children suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur and asked the petitioners to approach the Patna High Court.

"Encephalitis has broken out. Was this done intentionally by someone? What can we do? These are not matters we can hear," a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta said.

The advocates for the petition argued that 57 per cent posts of doctors were vacant in Bihar, to which the court said, "the health ministry is looking into this".

"What do you want? That we open it up and try to fill up posts of doctors? We are trying to fill up posts of judges and you see where we have got with that. There's a shortage of doctors, there's a shortage of judges, MPs, water and sunlight. What all do we look at?" the bench asked.

The petition, filed by Advocates Manohar Pratap and Sanpreet Singh Ajmani, sought direction to the Centre and Bihar to constitute a fact-finding committee to determine the role of persons or entities' negligence in the treatment of children.

The petitioners had also asked Bihar government to grant compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the surviving members of the families of those who died due to the negligence of the state machinery.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those who died of AES.

Encephalitis is a viral disease that causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headache.

According to official data, as many as 176 children had lost their lives due to AES in the state.

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain public interest litigations (PILs) pertaining to the treatment of children suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur and asked the petitioners to approach the Patna High Court.

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain public interest litigations (PILs) pertaining to the treatment of children suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur and asked the petitioners to approach the Patna High Court. "Encephalitis has broken out. Was this done intentionally by someone? What can we do? These are not matters we can hear," a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta said. The advocates for the petition argued that 57 per cent posts of doctors were vacant in Bihar, to which the court said, "the health ministry is looking into this". "What do you want? That we open it up and try to fill up posts of doctors? We are trying to fill up posts of judges and you see where we have got with that. There's a shortage of doctors, there's a shortage of judges, MPs, water and sunlight. What all do we look at?" the bench asked. The petition, filed by Advocates Manohar Pratap and Sanpreet Singh Ajmani, sought direction to the Centre and Bihar to constitute a fact-finding committee to determine the role of persons or entities' negligence in the treatment of children. The petitioners had also asked Bihar government to grant compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the surviving members of the families of those who died due to the negligence of the state machinery. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those who died of AES. Encephalitis is a viral disease that causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headache. According to official data, as many as 176 children had lost their lives due to AES in the state.

Supreme Court refuses to entertain pleas on treatment of children suffering from AES in Bihar

Sri Lanka customs Tuesday ordered the return of container loads of hazardous mortuary and clinical waste illegally imported into the island from Britain under the cover of metal recycling.

Customs officials said the racket dating back to 2017 was uncovered after the Colombo port complained last week that an importer had abandoned 111 containers which were emanating a huge stink.

A total of 241 containers had been imported since 2017 and 130 of them had been taken to a free-trade zone ostensibly for recycling and re-export, customs spokesman Sunil Jayaratne told AFP.

"We are taking immediate action to order the re-export of the 111 containers abandoned at the port," Jayaratne said.

"The other 130 which had already been cleared from the port will be dealt under environmental and other laws."

He said the 130 containers were stuffed with used mattresses and plastic and clinical waste imported in violation of international laws governing the shipping of hazardous material.

A Sri Lankan businessman who imported the containers would be liable for criminal prosecution if he failed to re-export them to Britain, from where they originated, Jayaratne said.

An official at the finance ministry, which is responsible for the customs department, said it would take up the issue with British authorities for exporting hazardous cargo without first checking if Sri Lanka was willing to accept it.

"This is a well-organised racket that has been going on since 2017," said the official, speaking anonymously because he was not authorised to talk to the media.

The 111 containers are believed to contain mortuary waste including human organs and had been unloaded and exposed to the elements for the past two years.

The 130 containers taken to a free-trade zone near Colombo International Airport were contaminating water and polluting the air in the area, he said.

Sri Lanka's pushback on imported trash came as Indonesia and the Philippines returned shipments of foreign rubbish to their originating ports.

Indonesia announced two weeks ago it was sending more than 210 tonnes of garbage back to Australia and Canada has agreed to accept 69 containers of rubbish it had shipped to the Philippines between 2013 and 2014.

Sri Lanka customs Tuesday ordered the return of container loads of hazardous mortuary and clinical waste illegally imported into the island from Britain under the cover of metal recycling.

Sri Lanka customs Tuesday ordered the return of container loads of hazardous mortuary and clinical waste illegally imported into the island from Britain under the cover of metal recycling. Customs officials said the racket dating back to 2017 was uncovered after the Colombo port complained last week that an importer had abandoned 111 containers which were emanating a huge stink. A total of 241 containers had been imported since 2017 and 130 of them had been taken to a free-trade zone ostensibly for recycling and re-export, customs spokesman Sunil Jayaratne told AFP. "We are taking immediate action to order the re-export of the 111 containers abandoned at the port," Jayaratne said. "The other 130 which had already been cleared from the port will be dealt under environmental and other laws." He said the 130 containers were stuffed with used mattresses and plastic and clinical waste imported in violation of international laws governing the shipping of hazardous material. A Sri Lankan businessman who imported the containers would be liable for criminal prosecution if he failed to re-export them to Britain, from where they originated, Jayaratne said. An official at the finance ministry, which is responsible for the customs department, said it would take up the issue with British authorities for exporting hazardous cargo without first checking if Sri Lanka was willing to accept it. "This is a well-organised racket that has been going on since 2017," said the official, speaking anonymously because he was not authorised to talk to the media. The 111 containers are believed to contain mortuary waste including human organs and had been unloaded and exposed to the elements for the past two years. The 130 containers taken to a free-trade zone near Colombo International Airport were contaminating water and polluting the air in the area, he said. Sri Lanka's pushback on imported trash came as Indonesia and the Philippines returned shipments of foreign rubbish to their originating ports. Indonesia announced two weeks ago it was sending more than 210 tonnes of garbage back to Australia and Canada has agreed to accept 69 containers of rubbish it had shipped to the Philippines between 2013 and 2014.

Sri Lanka orders return of smuggled British garbage

Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev has died from injuries sustained in a fight in Maryland, the Russian boxing federation announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"Maxim Dadashev has died in the United States following injuries sustained during his fight with Subriel Matias," the federation said in a statement.

The 28-year-old underwent emergency brain surgery in Washington after his super-lightweight bout with Puerto Rican Matias on Friday was stopped in the 11th round by his cornerman James "Buddy" McGirt.

Dadashev, known as "Mad Max", was unable to walk to the dressing room and was immediately hospitalised.

Doctors operated to relieve pressure from swelling on his brain.

"Right now, he's in critical condition, but the doctor told me that he's stable," Dadashev's strength and conditioning coach, Donatas Janusevicius, had told ESPN after the operation.

McGirt said after the fight he "couldn't convince" his fighter to stop, but opted to throw in the towel when he saw him "getting hit with more and more clean shots as the fight went on".

"One punch can change a whole guy's life," McGirt said.

Russian boxing chief Umar Kremlev told Russian media that Dadashev's body would be repatriated home and that his family would receive financial aid.

Dadashev took an unbeaten 13-0 record into the 140-pound non-title fight.

Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev has died from injuries sustained in a fight in Maryland, the Russian boxing federation announced on Tuesday. "Maxim Dadashev has died in the United States following injuries sustained during his fight with Subriel Matias," the federation said in a statement.

Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev has died from injuries sustained in a fight in Maryland, the Russian boxing federation announced on Tuesday. "Maxim Dadashev has died in the United States following injuries sustained during his fight with Subriel Matias," the federation said in a statement. The 28-year-old underwent emergency brain surgery in Washington after his super-lightweight bout with Puerto Rican Matias on Friday was stopped in the 11th round by his cornerman James "Buddy" McGirt. Dadashev, known as "Mad Max", was unable to walk to the dressing room and was immediately hospitalised. Doctors operated to relieve pressure from swelling on his brain. "Right now, he's in critical condition, but the doctor told me that he's stable," Dadashev's strength and conditioning coach, Donatas Janusevicius, had told ESPN after the operation. McGirt said after the fight he "couldn't convince" his fighter to stop, but opted to throw in the towel when he saw him "getting hit with more and more clean shots as the fight went on". "One punch can change a whole guy's life," McGirt said. Russian boxing chief Umar Kremlev told Russian media that Dadashev's body would be repatriated home and that his family would receive financial aid. Dadashev took an unbeaten 13-0 record into the 140-pound non-title fight.

Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev dies after sustaining injuries in US bout

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala accepted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grateful-for-opportunity-to-govern-kumaraswamy-after-losing-trust-vote-in-karnataka-assembly-238017">H D Kumaraswamy`s resignation</a> on Tuesday night and asked him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister till the new government takes over.

Accepting the resignation with immediate effect, the Governor, in his letter to Kumaraswamy, wrote, "Until alternative arrangements are made kindly continue as a caretaker Chief Minister. It is needless to state that no executive decisions be taken during this period."&nbsp;

Right after the defeat of the Congress-JD(S) government in the trust vote in the Assembly, Kumaraswamy had proceeded to the Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation.

Earlier, BJP state president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-the-victory-of-democracy-bs-yeddyurappa-on-winning-trust-vote-in-karnataka-assembly-238012">BS Yeddyurappa</a> said, "It is the victory of democracy. People were fed up with the H D Kumaraswamy government. I want to assure the people of Karnataka that a new era of development will start now onwards."

The confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat.

Watch:&nbsp;Congress-JD(S) govt falls as Kumaraswamy loses trust vote

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This brought an end to the 12-day high-voltage political drama which had begun in the state with the resignation of over a dozen rebel MLAs to Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala accepted H D Kumaraswamy`s resignation on Tuesday night and asked him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister till the new government takes over.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala accepted H D Kumaraswamy`s resignation on Tuesday night and asked him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister till the new government takes over. Accepting the resignation with immediate effect, the Governor, in his letter to Kumaraswamy, wrote, "Until alternative arrangements are made kindly continue as a caretaker Chief Minister. It is needless to state that no executive decisions be taken during this period." Right after the defeat of the Congress-JD(S) government in the trust vote in the Assembly, Kumaraswamy had proceeded to the Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation. Earlier, BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa said, "It is the victory of democracy. People were fed up with the H D Kumaraswamy government. I want to assure the people of Karnataka that a new era of development will start now onwards." The confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat. Watch: Congress-JD(S) govt falls as Kumaraswamy loses trust vote This brought an end to the 12-day high-voltage political drama which had begun in the state with the resignation of over a dozen rebel MLAs to Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala accepts Kumaraswamy's resignation after Congress-JD(S) loses trust vote

The European Union (EU) is ready to hit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/huawei-first-half-revenue-up-about-30-despite-us-ban-237956">United States with extra tariffs</a> on goods worth 35 billion euros if Washington slaps duties on its cars, its trade chief said Tuesday.

The warning by EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom came as she said a plan by Europe and the United States to reach a limited trade deal was at a standstill.

Malmstrom's stark statement to newly elected MEPs in Brussels was a reminder that transatlantic tensions remained high despite Washington's trade war with China dominating attention.&nbsp;

"We will not accept any managed trade, quotas or voluntary export restraints and, if there were to be tariffs, we would have a rebalancing list," Malmstrom told a committee meeting in European Parliament.

"It is already basically prepared worth 35 billion euros. I hope we don't have to use that one," she said.

US President Donald Trump is still considering imposing punishing duties on automobile imports on national security grounds -- a justification that Malmstrom said was wildly unfounded.

"We welcome the decision by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-against-oil-companies-illegal-china-237917">US not to impose yet duties</a> on cars and car parts," she said.&nbsp;

"But of course the very notion that European cars can be a national security threat to the US is, of course, absurd," she added.

The comments were made almost a year to the day after European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and Trump thrashed out a trade truce in the White House.

This followed a bitter round of tit-for-tat tariffs, that remain in place, after the US sparked the row by imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium from Europe.

Negotiating a limited trade deal was the heart of the truce, but Malmstrom said the US was unwilling to move forward with talks.

"The United States are not ready to start them if agriculture is not included which is a red line for us," she said.

"So for the moment nothing happens here," she said.

The European Union (EU) is ready to hit the United States with extra tariffs on goods worth 35 billion euros if Washington slaps duties on its cars, its trade chief said Tuesday.

The European Union (EU) is ready to hit the United States with extra tariffs on goods worth 35 billion euros if Washington slaps duties on its cars, its trade chief said Tuesday. The warning by EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom came as she said a plan by Europe and the United States to reach a limited trade deal was at a standstill. Malmstrom's stark statement to newly elected MEPs in Brussels was a reminder that transatlantic tensions remained high despite Washington's trade war with China dominating attention. "We will not accept any managed trade, quotas or voluntary export restraints and, if there were to be tariffs, we would have a rebalancing list," Malmstrom told a committee meeting in European Parliament. "It is already basically prepared worth 35 billion euros. I hope we don't have to use that one," she said. US President Donald Trump is still considering imposing punishing duties on automobile imports on national security grounds -- a justification that Malmstrom said was wildly unfounded. "We welcome the decision by the US not to impose yet duties on cars and car parts," she said. "But of course the very notion that European cars can be a national security threat to the US is, of course, absurd," she added. The comments were made almost a year to the day after European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and Trump thrashed out a trade truce in the White House. This followed a bitter round of tit-for-tat tariffs, that remain in place, after the US sparked the row by imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium from Europe. Negotiating a limited trade deal was the heart of the truce, but Malmstrom said the US was unwilling to move forward with talks. "The United States are not ready to start them if agriculture is not included which is a red line for us," she said. "So for the moment nothing happens here," she said.

European Union threatens duties on 35 billion euros in US goods

The date for filing income tax returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2019-20 has been extended to August 31, 2019, said the government in a statement on Tuesday.

"The due date for filing of income tax returns for Assessment Year 2019-20 is 31.07.2019 for certain categories of taxpayers. Upon consideration of the matter, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extends the 'due date' for filing of Income Tax Returns from 31st July, 2019 to 31st August, 2019 in respect of the said categories of taxpayers," said Surabhi Ahluwalia, Commissioner of Income Tax, Media and Technical Policy, in a statement.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman&nbsp;proposed in the Budget to make PAN and Aadhaar interchangeable and allow those who do not have PAN to file income tax returns by simply quoting their Aadhaar number and also use it wherever they are required to quote PAN.&nbsp;

Sitharaman said more than 120 crore Indians now have Aadhaar and the proposal aims at ease and convenience of taxpayers.

At the same time, pre-filed tax returns will be made available to taxpayers which will contain details of salary income, capital gains from securities, bank interests, dividends and tax deductions.

"This will not only significantly reduce the time taken to file a tax return, but will also ensure accuracy of reporting of income and taxes," said Sitharaman.

(With inputs from agencies)

The date for filing income tax returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2019-20 has been extended to August 31, 2019, said the government in a statement on Tuesday.

The date for filing income tax returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2019-20 has been extended to August 31, 2019, said the government in a statement on Tuesday. "The due date for filing of income tax returns for Assessment Year 2019-20 is 31.07.2019 for certain categories of taxpayers. Upon consideration of the matter, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extends the 'due date' for filing of Income Tax Returns from 31st July, 2019 to 31st August, 2019 in respect of the said categories of taxpayers," said Surabhi Ahluwalia, Commissioner of Income Tax, Media and Technical Policy, in a statement. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed in the Budget to make PAN and Aadhaar interchangeable and allow those who do not have PAN to file income tax returns by simply quoting their Aadhaar number and also use it wherever they are required to quote PAN. Sitharaman said more than 120 crore Indians now have Aadhaar and the proposal aims at ease and convenience of taxpayers. At the same time, pre-filed tax returns will be made available to taxpayers which will contain details of salary income, capital gains from securities, bank interests, dividends and tax deductions. "This will not only significantly reduce the time taken to file a tax return, but will also ensure accuracy of reporting of income and taxes," said Sitharaman. (With inputs from agencies)

Deadline to file income tax returns extended till August 31

A massive fire broke out in a chemical godown in Thane's Bhiwandi here on Tuesday.

Firefighters rushed to spot to douse the fire. No causalities were reported so far.

Further details in this regard are awaited.

This comes hours after three godowns were gutted after a major fire broke out at a rubber storage facility in Bhiwandi.

The fire, which broke out at Dapora Prenana compound at around 2 am, engulfed a nearby chemical godown and subsequentially spread to another godown adjacent to it.

Residents of nearby buildings said they heard loud noises of chemical drums blasting in the storage facility.

A bike parked outside one of the buildings was razed in the fire.

A massive fire broke out in a chemical godown in Thane's Bhiwandi here on Tuesday. Firefighters rushed to spot to douse the fire. No causalities were reported so far.

A massive fire broke out in a chemical godown in Thane's Bhiwandi here on Tuesday. Firefighters rushed to spot to douse the fire. No causalities were reported so far. Further details in this regard are awaited. This comes hours after three godowns were gutted after a major fire broke out at a rubber storage facility in Bhiwandi. The fire, which broke out at Dapora Prenana compound at around 2 am, engulfed a nearby chemical godown and subsequentially spread to another godown adjacent to it. Residents of nearby buildings said they heard loud noises of chemical drums blasting in the storage facility. A bike parked outside one of the buildings was razed in the fire.

Maharashtra: Fire breaks out in chemical godown in Thane

Karnataka BJP president B S Yeddyurappa on Tuesday night expressed satisfaction with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989">defeat of H D Kumaraswamy</a> led Congress- JD(S) government in the Assembly.

"It is the victory of democracy. People were fed up with the H D Kumaraswamy government. I want to assure the people of Karnataka, that a new era of development will start now onwards," Yeddyurappa said.

Earlier today, the confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat.

This brought an end to the 12-day high tension political drama which had been going on in the state with the BJP on one side and the Congress-JD(S) on the other.

Yeddyurappa added that the BJP led government which is about to be formed in the state will focus on the farmers and ensure their happiness.

"Farmers were suffering due to drought and other factors. We assure the farmers, we will give them more importance to ensure they live happily and take appropriate decisions as early as possible," Yeddyurappa added.

The BJP supporters have started celebrating at the party's state office in Bengaluru after HD Kumaraswamy led Congress-JD(S) coalition government lost trust vote in the assembly.

Kumaraswamy has sought an appointment with Governor Vajubhai Vala to tender his resignation.

&nbsp;

Karnataka BJP president B S Yeddyurappa on Tuesday night expressed satisfaction with the defeat of H D Kumaraswamy led Congress- JD(S) government in the Assembly.

Karnataka BJP president B S Yeddyurappa on Tuesday night expressed satisfaction with the defeat of H D Kumaraswamy led Congress- JD(S) government in the Assembly. "It is the victory of democracy. People were fed up with the H D Kumaraswamy government. I want to assure the people of Karnataka, that a new era of development will start now onwards," Yeddyurappa said. Earlier today, the confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat. This brought an end to the 12-day high tension political drama which had been going on in the state with the BJP on one side and the Congress-JD(S) on the other. Yeddyurappa added that the BJP led government which is about to be formed in the state will focus on the farmers and ensure their happiness. "Farmers were suffering due to drought and other factors. We assure the farmers, we will give them more importance to ensure they live happily and take appropriate decisions as early as possible," Yeddyurappa added. The BJP supporters have started celebrating at the party's state office in Bengaluru after HD Kumaraswamy led Congress-JD(S) coalition government lost trust vote in the assembly. Kumaraswamy has sought an appointment with Governor Vajubhai Vala to tender his resignation.

It is the victory of democracy: BS Yeddyurappa on winning trust vote in Karnataka Assembly

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut its projection for India's economic growth by 0.3 percentage points to 7 per cent for the fiscal year 2019-20 owing to the "weaker-than-expected outlook" for the domestic demand.

The growth is expected to rise to 7.2 per cent points in FY21, down by the projected growth rate of 7.5 in the earlier report.

"India's economy is set to grow at 7.0 per cent in 2019, picking up to 7.2 per cent in 2020. The downward revision of 0.3 percentage point for both years reflects a weaker-than-expected outlook for domestic demand," the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its World Economic Update.

Similarly, the global growth forecast for FY20 has been cut down by 0.1 per cent points to 3.2. This is the fourth consecutive time that the global growth forecast has been lowered.

Among the factors cited by the report for the lower growth forecast includes increased trade and technology tensions between the United States and China, prolonged uncertainty on Brexit, and weaker-than-expected activity in emerging market and developing economies.

"Among emerging market and developing economies, the first-quarter GDP in China was stronger than forecast, but indicators for the second quarter suggest a weakening of activity. Elsewhere in emerging Asia, as well as in Latin America, activity has disappointed," the report read.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut its projection for India's economic growth by 0.3 percentage points to 7 per cent for the fiscal year 2019-20 owing to the "weaker-than-expected outlook" for the domestic demand.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut its projection for India's economic growth by 0.3 percentage points to 7 per cent for the fiscal year 2019-20 owing to the "weaker-than-expected outlook" for the domestic demand. The growth is expected to rise to 7.2 per cent points in FY21, down by the projected growth rate of 7.5 in the earlier report. "India's economy is set to grow at 7.0 per cent in 2019, picking up to 7.2 per cent in 2020. The downward revision of 0.3 percentage point for both years reflects a weaker-than-expected outlook for domestic demand," the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its World Economic Update. Similarly, the global growth forecast for FY20 has been cut down by 0.1 per cent points to 3.2. This is the fourth consecutive time that the global growth forecast has been lowered. Among the factors cited by the report for the lower growth forecast includes increased trade and technology tensions between the United States and China, prolonged uncertainty on Brexit, and weaker-than-expected activity in emerging market and developing economies. "Among emerging market and developing economies, the first-quarter GDP in China was stronger than forecast, but indicators for the second quarter suggest a weakening of activity. Elsewhere in emerging Asia, as well as in Latin America, activity has disappointed," the report read.

International Monetary Fund cuts India's GDP growth forecast to 7% for fiscal year 2019-20

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM</a>

Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-know-one-thing-that-hong-kong-is-chinas-hong-kong-do-not-interference-foreign-ministry-237930">US should know one thing that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, do not interfere: Foreign ministry</a>

China said on Tuesday that US officials were behind violent chaos in Hong Kong and warned against interference, following a series of protests in the city, including bloody clashes on the weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944">Boris Johnson: A divisive politician with 'do or die' pledge over Brexit</a>

Boris Johnson was on Tuesday elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party, winning the race to be the country's next prime minister. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, spent the last month crossing the country seeking to win over the fewer than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-recall-sunil-narine-and-kieron-pollard-for-t20s-against-india-chris-gayle-opts-out-237928">West Indies recall Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for T20s against India, Chris Gayle opts out</a>

West Indies have turned to experience with the recall on Tuesday of veteran duo Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for the first two T20s against India next month.

Explosive hitter Pollard was left out of the West Indies team for the recent 50-over World Cup and played his last T20 in India last November.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-against-oil-companies-illegal-china-237917">US sanctions against oil companies illegal: China</a>

China on Tuesday called US sanctions against Chinese companies "illegal", a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he was putting a leading oil importer on a blacklist.

Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister. US should know one thing that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, do not interfere: Foreign ministry China said on Tuesday that US officials were behind violent chaos in Hong Kong and warned against interference, following a series of protests in the city, including bloody clashes on the weekend. Boris Johnson: A divisive politician with 'do or die' pledge over Brexit Boris Johnson was on Tuesday elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party, winning the race to be the country's next prime minister. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, spent the last month crossing the country seeking to win over the fewer than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader. West Indies recall Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for T20s against India, Chris Gayle opts out West Indies have turned to experience with the recall on Tuesday of veteran duo Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for the first two T20s against India next month. Explosive hitter Pollard was left out of the West Indies team for the recent 50-over World Cup and played his last T20 in India last November. US sanctions against oil companies illegal: China China on Tuesday called US sanctions against Chinese companies "illegal", a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he was putting a leading oil importer on a blacklist.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Indonesia&nbsp;plans to close its eastern island of Komodo to the public next year in a bid to conserve rare Komodo dragons, the largest living species of lizard, a provincial official said on Tuesday.

The island is part of Komodo National Park, a conservation area between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores visited by more than 176,000 tourists from all over the world in 2018.

As well as the beautiful beaches and scenery, many visitors came to see the dragons, only found in the wild in eastern&nbsp;Indonesia.

"We have to save Komodo dragons from extinction, that's the point," Josef Nae Soi, deputy governor of the province of East Nusa Tenggara, told Reuters.

Even after the closure of the island, where about 1,700 of the animals are estimated to live, others in the national park that are home to Komodo dragons, such as the islands of Rinca and Padar, will stay open, he said.

Closing the island to tourists aims to avert interference and cut the risk of poaching to allow a recovery in the numbers of the animals' preferred prey, such as deer, buffalo and wild boar.

"People come wanting to see... how (the dragons) mate, how they lay their eggs, how they hatch, and how the young Komodos fight for their life," Soi said.

The island could reopen a year later, but it was planned to be a premium tourist destination, he said.

Media had previously suggested the province planned to charge tourists an entrance fee of $500, but Soi said no fee had been decided.

Plans to limit visitors have sparked controversy in the island's tourism industry as well as among residents who depend on visitors for their livelihood.

Soi acknowledged some resistance but said President Joko Widodo approved the plan and authorities were holding talks with local leaders on how best to relocate residents.

"We want Komodo island to be intended for conservation," Widodo was quoted on the website of the cabinet secretary as saying after a visit to the nearby island of Rinca last week. "If you can't afford it, you don't need to go there."

Indonesia plans to close its eastern island of Komodo to the public next year in a bid to conserve rare Komodo dragons, the largest living species of lizard, a provincial official said on Tuesday.

Indonesia plans to close its eastern island of Komodo to the public next year in a bid to conserve rare Komodo dragons, the largest living species of lizard, a provincial official said on Tuesday. The island is part of Komodo National Park, a conservation area between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores visited by more than 176,000 tourists from all over the world in 2018. As well as the beautiful beaches and scenery, many visitors came to see the dragons, only found in the wild in eastern Indonesia. "We have to save Komodo dragons from extinction, that's the point," Josef Nae Soi, deputy governor of the province of East Nusa Tenggara, told Reuters. Even after the closure of the island, where about 1,700 of the animals are estimated to live, others in the national park that are home to Komodo dragons, such as the islands of Rinca and Padar, will stay open, he said. Closing the island to tourists aims to avert interference and cut the risk of poaching to allow a recovery in the numbers of the animals' preferred prey, such as deer, buffalo and wild boar. "People come wanting to see... how (the dragons) mate, how they lay their eggs, how they hatch, and how the young Komodos fight for their life," Soi said. The island could reopen a year later, but it was planned to be a premium tourist destination, he said. Media had previously suggested the province planned to charge tourists an entrance fee of $500, but Soi said no fee had been decided. Plans to limit visitors have sparked controversy in the island's tourism industry as well as among residents who depend on visitors for their livelihood. Soi acknowledged some resistance but said President Joko Widodo approved the plan and authorities were holding talks with local leaders on how best to relocate residents. "We want Komodo island to be intended for conservation," Widodo was quoted on the website of the cabinet secretary as saying after a visit to the nearby island of Rinca last week. "If you can't afford it, you don't need to go there."

Indonesia to close island in bid to save Komodo dragons

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