Oil slipped to around $63 a barrel on Tuesday as concerns faded for now that rising tensions in the Middle East would escalate and hit oil supplies, compounding the impact of a weaker demand outlook.

Iran's capture of a British oil tanker late last week sparked concern about supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's supply flows. Crude rose more than 1% on Monday.

On Tuesday, Brent crude fell 40 cents to $62.86 a barrel by 1052 GMT. US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 20 cents to $56.02.

"The response of oil prices to the seizure of a British oil tanker by armed Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz has been amazingly muted so far," said Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank.

"It appears that the majority of market participants are convinced that there will be no open conflict between the West and Iran."

The tensions come as the United States aims to cut off Iran's oil exports and against the backdrop of supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries since the start of the year to prop up prices.

As part of that plan, the United States has sanctioned Chinese state-run energy company Zhuhai Zhenrong Co Ltd for allegedly violating restrictions imposed on Iran's oil sector.

But due to strong growth in supply from the United States and other non-OPEC producers, oil supply is exceeding demand, according to the International

A weaker outlook for oil demand due to slowing economic growth has weighed on prices, which are still up by 18% in 2019 helped by the OPEC-led Energy Agency, despite lower Iranian exports and OPEC's voluntary supply curbs supply pact.

"Although prices had been driven by supply developments in the first half of the year economic considerations are making oil bulls careful this month," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM.

Goldman Sachs on Sunday lowered its 2019 oil demand projection, joining other forecasters such as the IEA and OPEC in trimming its outlook for fuel use.

Oil may gain further support from expectations of another drop in US&nbsp;crude inventories in weekly reports due later on Tuesday and on Wednesday. Analysts expect a 3.4 million-barrel drop in crude stocks.

The American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, releases its inventory report at 2030 GMT.

Oil slipped to around $63 a barrel on Tuesday as concerns faded for now that rising tensions in the Middle East would escalate and hit oil supplies, compounding the impact of a weaker demand outlook.

Oil slipped to around $63 a barrel on Tuesday as concerns faded for now that rising tensions in the Middle East would escalate and hit oil supplies, compounding the impact of a weaker demand outlook. Iran's capture of a British oil tanker late last week sparked concern about supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's supply flows. Crude rose more than 1% on Monday. On Tuesday, Brent crude fell 40 cents to $62.86 a barrel by 1052 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 20 cents to $56.02. "The response of oil prices to the seizure of a British oil tanker by armed Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz has been amazingly muted so far," said Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank. "It appears that the majority of market participants are convinced that there will be no open conflict between the West and Iran." The tensions come as the United States aims to cut off Iran's oil exports and against the backdrop of supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries since the start of the year to prop up prices. As part of that plan, the United States has sanctioned Chinese state-run energy company Zhuhai Zhenrong Co Ltd for allegedly violating restrictions imposed on Iran's oil sector. But due to strong growth in supply from the United States and other non-OPEC producers, oil supply is exceeding demand, according to the International A weaker outlook for oil demand due to slowing economic growth has weighed on prices, which are still up by 18% in 2019 helped by the OPEC-led Energy Agency, despite lower Iranian exports and OPEC's voluntary supply curbs supply pact. "Although prices had been driven by supply developments in the first half of the year economic considerations are making oil bulls careful this month," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. Goldman Sachs on Sunday lowered its 2019 oil demand projection, joining other forecasters such as the IEA and OPEC in trimming its outlook for fuel use. Oil may gain further support from expectations of another drop in US crude inventories in weekly reports due later on Tuesday and on Wednesday. Analysts expect a 3.4 million-barrel drop in crude stocks. The American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, releases its inventory report at 2030 GMT.

Oil slips to around $63 as Iran concerns fades for now

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its order on a plea seeking annulment of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-birthday-maharashtra-chief-minister-office-team-donates-1-day-salary-to-chief-minister-relief-fund-237736">Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis</a>'s election to the state Assembly.

The plea alleged that Fadnavis had suppressed information about two pending criminal cases against him while filing nomination from Nagpur's South West Assembly constituency in 2009 and 2014.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose reserved the order after hearing arguments from the parties in the case.

The Bombay High Court had earlier dismissed the plea of one Satish Ukey seeking annulment of Fadanavis's election. Ukey later approached the apex court challenging the high court order.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its order on a plea seeking annulment of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's election to the state Assembly. The plea alleged that Fadnavis had suppressed information about two pending criminal cases against him while filing nomination from Nagpur's South West Assembly constituency in 2009 and 2014.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its order on a plea seeking annulment of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's election to the state Assembly. The plea alleged that Fadnavis had suppressed information about two pending criminal cases against him while filing nomination from Nagpur's South West Assembly constituency in 2009 and 2014. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose reserved the order after hearing arguments from the parties in the case. The Bombay High Court had earlier dismissed the plea of one Satish Ukey seeking annulment of Fadanavis's election. Ukey later approached the apex court challenging the high court order.

Supreme Court reserves order on plea against Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

Former foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Boris Johnson</a> was elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party on Tuesday, and will take over as prime minister when Theresa May steps down on Wednesday.

With the leadership campaign largely dominated by Brexit, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944">Johnson has set out little</a> in the way of firm policies, but below are some of his positions on key issues:

Iran

Johnson has said while the 2015 nuclear deal is looking "increasingly frail" and ways need to be found to constrain Iran's "disruptive behaviour", engaging with the Iranians and seeking to persuade them not to pursue a nuclear weapons programme is the right way forward.

He has so far shown little sign of moving closer to US President Donald Trump's more hardline approach, instead saying he agreed with the position taken by European countries to encourage a return to diplomacy. He has said he would not currently back military action.

"I am not going to pretend that the mullahs of Tehran are easy people to deal with or that they are anything other than a disruptive, dangerous, difficult regime, they certainly are," he said during a leadership debate earlier this month.

"But ... if you asked me whether I think we should now, were I to be prime minister now, would I be supporting military action against Iran? Then the answer is no."

Hong Kong

As protests erupted in the former British colony earlier this month over a proposed extradition bill, and a war of words ensued between Britain and China, Johnson told Reuters the people of Hong Kong were "within their rights to be very sceptical, very anxious" about the legislation.

"I do support them and I will happily speak up for them and back them every inch of the way. And I would stress to our friends in Beijing that the one country, two systems approach has worked, is working and should not be cast aside," he said.

Huawei

A final decision on whether to include China's Huawei in Britain's 5G telecoms network has been stalled by May stepping down. Johnson has said while there can be significant benefits to investment from other countries, he would not compromise Britain's national security infrastructure.

"You would not expect me as prime minister to do anything to compromise the ability of our fantastic intelligence services to share information as they do, particularly with our five eyes partners, so that is the principle that will guide us."

Relationship with the United States

Johnson is keen to maintain a strong relationship with the United States and British media have reported he is considering a visit to meet Trump early in his premiership.

His reluctance to antagonise Trump was evident earlier this month when he failed to defend Britain's ambassador to Washington after diplomatic memos in which Kim Darroch described Trump's administration as "inept" were leaked to a newspaper.

Instead Johnson said he had a good relationship with the White House and it was "very important that we should have a close friendship, a close partnership with the United States".

Johnson has since said Darroch told him the lacklustre support was a factor in his decision to resign.

During a leadership debate, Johnson did criticise Trump for his comments about four congresswomen but declined to describe the remarks as racist.

"If you are the leader of great multi-racial, multi-cultural society you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back to where they came from, that went out decades and decades ago and thank heavens for that so it is totally unacceptable," he said.

The economy

Johnson has vowed to spend billions of pounds on public services, infrastructure and tax cuts including promises to increase spending on education, transport, superfast broadband and police and end a public sector pay freeze.

He has said he will tap into the 27 billion pounds of "fiscal headroom" that has built up in the public finances, referring to the difference between the government's target for the budget deficit and its projected size.

"Believe me there is cash now available ... I'm prepared to borrow to finance certain great objectives but overall we will keep fiscal responsibility," he said.

British media have reported he is preparing an emergency budget including aggressive tax cuts, an overhaul of the stamp duty property tax and an assault on regulation if there is a no-deal Brexit.

During Johnson's time as mayor of London, he championed financial services but has been trying to rebuild ties with company executives after an expletive against business.

Tax cuts

Johnson has said there is room to make tax cuts and has pledged to raise the level at which the higher rate of income tax is paid. He also wants to raise the threshold at which people start to pay National Insurance.

"We should be raising thresholds of income tax – so that we help the huge numbers that have been captured in the higher rate by fiscal drag. We can go for much greater economic growth – and still be the cleanest, greenest society on earth," he said.

He has also said Britain should cut business taxes but has indicated internet giants could be forced to pay more.

"It's deeply unfair that high street businesses are paying tax through the nose ... whereas the internet giants, the FAANGs - Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google - are paying virtually nothing," he said.

Former foreign minister Boris Johnson was elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party on Tuesday, and will take over as prime minister when Theresa May steps down on Wednesday.

Former foreign minister Boris Johnson was elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party on Tuesday, and will take over as prime minister when Theresa May steps down on Wednesday. With the leadership campaign largely dominated by Brexit, Johnson has set out little in the way of firm policies, but below are some of his positions on key issues: Iran Johnson has said while the 2015 nuclear deal is looking "increasingly frail" and ways need to be found to constrain Iran's "disruptive behaviour", engaging with the Iranians and seeking to persuade them not to pursue a nuclear weapons programme is the right way forward. He has so far shown little sign of moving closer to US President Donald Trump's more hardline approach, instead saying he agreed with the position taken by European countries to encourage a return to diplomacy. He has said he would not currently back military action. "I am not going to pretend that the mullahs of Tehran are easy people to deal with or that they are anything other than a disruptive, dangerous, difficult regime, they certainly are," he said during a leadership debate earlier this month. "But ... if you asked me whether I think we should now, were I to be prime minister now, would I be supporting military action against Iran? Then the answer is no." Hong Kong As protests erupted in the former British colony earlier this month over a proposed extradition bill, and a war of words ensued between Britain and China, Johnson told Reuters the people of Hong Kong were "within their rights to be very sceptical, very anxious" about the legislation. "I do support them and I will happily speak up for them and back them every inch of the way. And I would stress to our friends in Beijing that the one country, two systems approach has worked, is working and should not be cast aside," he said. Huawei A final decision on whether to include China's Huawei in Britain's 5G telecoms network has been stalled by May stepping down. Johnson has said while there can be significant benefits to investment from other countries, he would not compromise Britain's national security infrastructure. "You would not expect me as prime minister to do anything to compromise the ability of our fantastic intelligence services to share information as they do, particularly with our five eyes partners, so that is the principle that will guide us." Relationship with the United States Johnson is keen to maintain a strong relationship with the United States and British media have reported he is considering a visit to meet Trump early in his premiership. His reluctance to antagonise Trump was evident earlier this month when he failed to defend Britain's ambassador to Washington after diplomatic memos in which Kim Darroch described Trump's administration as "inept" were leaked to a newspaper. Instead Johnson said he had a good relationship with the White House and it was "very important that we should have a close friendship, a close partnership with the United States". Johnson has since said Darroch told him the lacklustre support was a factor in his decision to resign. During a leadership debate, Johnson did criticise Trump for his comments about four congresswomen but declined to describe the remarks as racist. "If you are the leader of great multi-racial, multi-cultural society you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back to where they came from, that went out decades and decades ago and thank heavens for that so it is totally unacceptable," he said. The economy Johnson has vowed to spend billions of pounds on public services, infrastructure and tax cuts including promises to increase spending on education, transport, superfast broadband and police and end a public sector pay freeze. He has said he will tap into the 27 billion pounds of "fiscal headroom" that has built up in the public finances, referring to the difference between the government's target for the budget deficit and its projected size. "Believe me there is cash now available ... I'm prepared to borrow to finance certain great objectives but overall we will keep fiscal responsibility," he said. British media have reported he is preparing an emergency budget including aggressive tax cuts, an overhaul of the stamp duty property tax and an assault on regulation if there is a no-deal Brexit. During Johnson's time as mayor of London, he championed financial services but has been trying to rebuild ties with company executives after an expletive against business. Tax cuts Johnson has said there is room to make tax cuts and has pledged to raise the level at which the higher rate of income tax is paid. He also wants to raise the threshold at which people start to pay National Insurance. "We should be raising thresholds of income tax – so that we help the huge numbers that have been captured in the higher rate by fiscal drag. We can go for much greater economic growth – and still be the cleanest, greenest society on earth," he said. He has also said Britain should cut business taxes but has indicated internet giants could be forced to pay more. "It's deeply unfair that high street businesses are paying tax through the nose ... whereas the internet giants, the FAANGs - Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google - are paying virtually nothing," he said.

Boris Johnson's stance on Iran, Trump, Huawei and the economy

Indian shares settled lower for a fourth straight session on Tuesday, weighed down by losses in financial stocks, with State Bank of India closing at an over one-month low.

The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.13% lower at 11,331.05, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.13% at 37,982.74. Both closed at their lowest since mid-May.

State Bank of India dropped 2.5% and was the biggest percentage loser on both the indexes. The Nifty PSU Bank index fell 3.1%.

HDFC Bank Ltd, the country's biggest lender by market value, slipped 1.5% while its largest shareholder Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd fell 2.2%.

Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd was the top gainer, closing 3.1% higher.

Indian shares settled lower for a fourth straight session on Tuesday, weighed down by losses in financial stocks, with State Bank of India closing at an over one-month low.

Indian shares settled lower for a fourth straight session on Tuesday, weighed down by losses in financial stocks, with State Bank of India closing at an over one-month low. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.13% lower at 11,331.05, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.13% at 37,982.74. Both closed at their lowest since mid-May. State Bank of India dropped 2.5% and was the biggest percentage loser on both the indexes. The Nifty PSU Bank index fell 3.1%. HDFC Bank Ltd, the country's biggest lender by market value, slipped 1.5% while its largest shareholder Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd fell 2.2%. Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd was the top gainer, closing 3.1% higher.

Sensex, Nifty close lowest since mid-May, financials hurt most

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday tabled the third supplementary Budget with an additional outlay of Rs 13,594.87 crore for the current fiscal 2019-20.

The supplementary demands were tabled by Finance Minister Rajesh Agrawal before the state assembly in the presence of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/membership-drive-being-launched-from-up-matter-of-pride-for-state-yogi-adityanath-233648">Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath</a>.

The government had tabled annual Budget 2019-20 of Rs 4.79 lakh crore on February 9 with emphasis on developing infrastructure. An amount of Rs 1,824 crore was allocated for construction of expressways in the next few years.

For the construction of Gorakhpur link expressway, Rs 12.7 crore was allocated for paying the interest on loans taken from financial institutions.&nbsp;

Besides, an additional allocation of Rs 850 crore was made for the Purvanchal Expressway.

The amount of Rs 79 crore was allocated for constructing new bridges on various routes across the state and Rs 200 crore for carrying out works in the rural sector for widening roads.

In the supplementary budget, importance has been given to modernising madrasas in the state. The Yogi government has allocated Rs 20 crore for the same. At present, there are around 19,000 madrasas affiliated with the UP Madarsa Education Board, apart from 560 aided madrasas functioning in the region.

Besides, Rs 40 crore has been allocated for the construction and repair of high school and inter-college buildings in small districts.

The government has also stressed upon improving the health infrastructure and allocated Rs 15 crore. About Rs 5 crore will be given to Ayodhya, Shahjahanpur and Ferozabad districts each for improving medical services in the region.

The government presents a supplementary budget when the general Budget for government schemes is not enough. The supplementary Budget is presented by the Finance Minister with the consent of the Governor.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday tabled the third supplementary Budget with an additional outlay of Rs 13,594.87 crore for the current fiscal 2019-20. The supplementary demands were tabled by Finance Minister Rajesh Agrawal before the state assembly in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday tabled the third supplementary Budget with an additional outlay of Rs 13,594.87 crore for the current fiscal 2019-20. The supplementary demands were tabled by Finance Minister Rajesh Agrawal before the state assembly in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The government had tabled annual Budget 2019-20 of Rs 4.79 lakh crore on February 9 with emphasis on developing infrastructure. An amount of Rs 1,824 crore was allocated for construction of expressways in the next few years. For the construction of Gorakhpur link expressway, Rs 12.7 crore was allocated for paying the interest on loans taken from financial institutions. Besides, an additional allocation of Rs 850 crore was made for the Purvanchal Expressway. The amount of Rs 79 crore was allocated for constructing new bridges on various routes across the state and Rs 200 crore for carrying out works in the rural sector for widening roads. In the supplementary budget, importance has been given to modernising madrasas in the state. The Yogi government has allocated Rs 20 crore for the same. At present, there are around 19,000 madrasas affiliated with the UP Madarsa Education Board, apart from 560 aided madrasas functioning in the region. Besides, Rs 40 crore has been allocated for the construction and repair of high school and inter-college buildings in small districts. The government has also stressed upon improving the health infrastructure and allocated Rs 15 crore. About Rs 5 crore will be given to Ayodhya, Shahjahanpur and Ferozabad districts each for improving medical services in the region. The government presents a supplementary budget when the general Budget for government schemes is not enough. The supplementary Budget is presented by the Finance Minister with the consent of the Governor.

Yogi Adityanath government tables first supplementary budget of Rs 13,594 crore for 2019-20 in UP Assembly

While addressing the Lower House on Tuesday, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said that Padma Awards have not been conferred based on biasness or lobbying.

In a written reply, Rai also added, "The award is presented only to those who sacrifice and make efforts to do extraordinary works and establish themselves in the various streams to become an example for the society."

According to Rai, as many as "272 foreigners, Non- Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India and Persons of Indian Origin have been conferred Padma awards since its inception in 1954."

He also told the Lok Sabha that any person without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex is eligible for the Padma awards.&nbsp;

Serving government servants, including those working with public sector undertakings, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for the awards.&nbsp;

While addressing the Lower House on Tuesday, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said that Padma Awards have not been conferred based on biasness or lobbying.

While addressing the Lower House on Tuesday, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said that Padma Awards have not been conferred based on biasness or lobbying. In a written reply, Rai also added, "The award is presented only to those who sacrifice and make efforts to do extraordinary works and establish themselves in the various streams to become an example for the society." According to Rai, as many as "272 foreigners, Non- Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India and Persons of Indian Origin have been conferred Padma awards since its inception in 1954." He also told the Lok Sabha that any person without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex is eligible for the Padma awards. Serving government servants, including those working with public sector undertakings, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for the awards.

No biasness or lobbying in conferring Padma awards: Nityanand Rai

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Patiala and Sangrur.

The Chief Minister assessed the damage done to crops and other assets due to flooding caused by a breach in Ghaggar river catchment area, following torrential rains.

"The situation is not that good on both sides of the Ghaggar river. The water has gone up to Bathinda. Nobody expected that the water would come to this level by the end of July. Normally, the flooding occurs in August in Punjab but the rains have aggravated the situation in this month," the Chief Minister said.

Most of the flooding has occurred in the Ghaggar basin which gets impacted yearly by the monsoon rains. Captain Amarinder has assured that he will meet Central Water Commission (CWC) officials to address the flooding caused by the Ghaggar river.

"We are going to meet CWC officials to address the situation related to the Ghaggar river. In Patiala district, around 50,000 acres of land has been affected by the flood. In lower Ghaggar region, 10,000 acres have been affected," the Chief Minister added.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Patiala and Sangrur. The Chief Minister assessed the damage done to crops and other assets due to flooding caused by a breach in Ghaggar river catchment area, following torrential rains.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Patiala and Sangrur. The Chief Minister assessed the damage done to crops and other assets due to flooding caused by a breach in Ghaggar river catchment area, following torrential rains. "The situation is not that good on both sides of the Ghaggar river. The water has gone up to Bathinda. Nobody expected that the water would come to this level by the end of July. Normally, the flooding occurs in August in Punjab but the rains have aggravated the situation in this month," the Chief Minister said. Most of the flooding has occurred in the Ghaggar basin which gets impacted yearly by the monsoon rains. Captain Amarinder has assured that he will meet Central Water Commission (CWC) officials to address the flooding caused by the Ghaggar river. "We are going to meet CWC officials to address the situation related to the Ghaggar river. In Patiala district, around 50,000 acres of land has been affected by the flood. In lower Ghaggar region, 10,000 acres have been affected," the Chief Minister added.

Captain Amarinder Singh conducts aerial survey of flood-affected regions in the state

The government is planning to conduct a competition among states to encourage water conservation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The states that will perform better will get more funds from the Centre, he said. The plan was discussed at BJP`s parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament on Tuesday morning.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Joshi said: "There will be a healthy competition among the states. The states that will perform well in terms of water conservation will get more funds."Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat gave a presentation to the BJP MPs on how they can contribute towards water conservation in their respective constituencies.

Joshi also said that the government will promote the competition at block-level to ensure that "every drop of water is utilised".

The government`s plan to ensure drinking water to every household was also discussed at the meeting.

Joshi said that Home Minister Amit Shah briefed MPs about the celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi`s birth anniversary and on tree plantation at booth level.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not speak at the meeting, he said.

The government is planning to conduct a competition among states to encourage water conservation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday. The states that will perform better will get more funds from the Centre, he said.

The government is planning to conduct a competition among states to encourage water conservation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday. The states that will perform better will get more funds from the Centre, he said. The plan was discussed at BJP`s parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament on Tuesday morning. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Joshi said: "There will be a healthy competition among the states. The states that will perform well in terms of water conservation will get more funds."Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat gave a presentation to the BJP MPs on how they can contribute towards water conservation in their respective constituencies. Joshi also said that the government will promote the competition at block-level to ensure that "every drop of water is utilised". The government`s plan to ensure drinking water to every household was also discussed at the meeting. Joshi said that Home Minister Amit Shah briefed MPs about the celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi`s birth anniversary and on tree plantation at booth level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not speak at the meeting, he said.

Government planning competition among states to encourage water conservation

A level 4 fire broke&nbsp;out in Telephone Exchange building in Mumbai's Bandra on Monday afternoon.

Around 14 fire tenders were rushed to spot.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-trapped-as-fire-breaks-out-in-mtnl-building-in-mumbai-237684">fire is confined to the third and fourth floor</a>s in the nine-storey building.&nbsp;

According to the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, all 84 have been rescued from the terrace of the MTNL building.

Still few people are feared trapped inside the building and the rescue operations are underway.

Fire brigade personnel deployed a robot for the first time during firefighting operations in Mumbai on Monday.&nbsp;

The incident took place around 3:10 pm on Bandra West.

A fireman who was admitted to the hospital due to suffocation during the rescue operation is now stable.

A level 4 fire broke out in Telephone Exchange building in Mumbai's Bandra on Monday afternoon. Around 14 fire tenders were rushed to spot. The fire is confined to the third and fourth floors in the nine-storey building.

A level 4 fire broke out in Telephone Exchange building in Mumbai's Bandra on Monday afternoon. Around 14 fire tenders were rushed to spot. The fire is confined to the third and fourth floors in the nine-storey building. According to the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, all 84 have been rescued from the terrace of the MTNL building. Still few people are feared trapped inside the building and the rescue operations are underway. Fire brigade personnel deployed a robot for the first time during firefighting operations in Mumbai on Monday. The incident took place around 3:10 pm on Bandra West. A fireman who was admitted to the hospital due to suffocation during the rescue operation is now stable.

Mumbai's MTNL building fire: Fire brigade rescues all 84 from terrace

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-after-three-days-says-fire-hit-russian-submarine-was-nuclear-powered-233047">President Vladimir Putin</a> handed Russian citizenship to gas producer Novatek's veteran finance chief Mark Gyetvay on Monday, a move that could potentially help the US national bypass some sanctions restrictions.

US sanctions imposed on Russia in 2014 ban US nationals and companies from helping organise long-term funding for some major Russian firms, including Novatek.

The sanctions were imposed following Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

When the US and the EU imposed sanctions on Russia, executives with foreign passports at companies affected including Novatek - the country's largest non-state natural gas producer - and state bank VTB handed over responsibility for organising new debt or equity issuance to colleagues without EU or US passports.

Gyetvay, who has been Novatek's chief finance officer since 2003, acknowledged back in 2014 that he could no longer help his company raise new long-term financing.

US-born Gyetvay was awarded Russian citizenship in a presidential decree published on the Kremlin's website on Monday. Putin has previously granted citizenship to some other Western nationals working in top positions at Russian companies.

Gyetvay declined to comment on the decree.

President Vladimir Putin handed Russian citizenship to gas producer Novatek's veteran finance chief Mark Gyetvay on Monday, a move that could potentially help the US national bypass some sanctions restrictions.

President Vladimir Putin handed Russian citizenship to gas producer Novatek's veteran finance chief Mark Gyetvay on Monday, a move that could potentially help the US national bypass some sanctions restrictions. US sanctions imposed on Russia in 2014 ban US nationals and companies from helping organise long-term funding for some major Russian firms, including Novatek. The sanctions were imposed following Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. When the US and the EU imposed sanctions on Russia, executives with foreign passports at companies affected including Novatek - the country's largest non-state natural gas producer - and state bank VTB handed over responsibility for organising new debt or equity issuance to colleagues without EU or US passports. Gyetvay, who has been Novatek's chief finance officer since 2003, acknowledged back in 2014 that he could no longer help his company raise new long-term financing. US-born Gyetvay was awarded Russian citizenship in a presidential decree published on the Kremlin's website on Monday. Putin has previously granted citizenship to some other Western nationals working in top positions at Russian companies. Gyetvay declined to comment on the decree.

Putin gives Russian citizenship to Novatek's finance chief, a US national

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Monday locked in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-security-beefed-up-around-vidhana-soudha-ahead-of-trust-vote-237568">heated debate in the Assembly</a> over whether the vote on the confidence motion should be taken up tonight or tomorrow.

Leader of Oppositions BS Yeddyurappa demanded that the motion should be put to vote as "we are prepared to sit till midnight for the same" in the Assembly.

This was objected by the Congress MLAs, who started shouting slogans.

Congress MLA HK Patil informed the House about a pending court case and said that a debate should be done after this.

"After the Supreme Court takes a decision tomorrow, then it'll be right to speak and debate on this issue (trust vote)," Patil said.

However, his suggestion was strongly objected by Speaker KR Ramesh, who said, "Don't push me to a point where I will have to make a decision without asking you. The consequences will be disastrous."

Speaking in the Assembly, Madhu Swamy, MLA from Chiknayakanhalli constituency, stressed on trust vote, irrespective of presence or absence of rebel MLAs.

"It's not our duty to prove the numbers but it's their choice. It doesn't matter if the rebels will come or won't. SC is well aware of the no-confidence motion," he said.

"We could have questioned them but we didn't. We could have argued regarding the Whip applying to the rebels or not. But we didn't. We are against the matters, which are seized up in the SC," added Swamy.

Addressing the House after BJP lawmaker, Public Works Minister H D Revanna said: "CM had moved the trust vote motion. We're not dragging it but it's the BJP. We didn't go to the SC but it was the rebels. They said we cannot compel the MLAs to come for the Session and Siddaramaiah has spoken about our issues."

BJP lawmaker Madhu Swamy then urged the House to finish the trust vote by today itself.

"Please finish it today to save everyone's dignity," he said.

To this, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy responded sharply: "What do you mean by saving everyone's dignity? What have we done? We got to know everything about yourself this morning."

Later while speaking to reporters, Congress leader DK Shivakumar said, "The Speaker has served notice to rebel MLAs, giving them time till 11 am tomorrow. BJP is trying to convince them that they won't be disqualified and they will be made ministers. As per the Constitution of India, you can't be made a member once you are disqualified."

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Monday locked in a heated debate in the Assembly over whether the vote on the confidence motion should be taken up tonight or tomorrow.

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Monday locked in a heated debate in the Assembly over whether the vote on the confidence motion should be taken up tonight or tomorrow. Leader of Oppositions BS Yeddyurappa demanded that the motion should be put to vote as "we are prepared to sit till midnight for the same" in the Assembly. This was objected by the Congress MLAs, who started shouting slogans. Congress MLA HK Patil informed the House about a pending court case and said that a debate should be done after this. "After the Supreme Court takes a decision tomorrow, then it'll be right to speak and debate on this issue (trust vote)," Patil said. However, his suggestion was strongly objected by Speaker KR Ramesh, who said, "Don't push me to a point where I will have to make a decision without asking you. The consequences will be disastrous." Speaking in the Assembly, Madhu Swamy, MLA from Chiknayakanhalli constituency, stressed on trust vote, irrespective of presence or absence of rebel MLAs. "It's not our duty to prove the numbers but it's their choice. It doesn't matter if the rebels will come or won't. SC is well aware of the no-confidence motion," he said. "We could have questioned them but we didn't. We could have argued regarding the Whip applying to the rebels or not. But we didn't. We are against the matters, which are seized up in the SC," added Swamy. Addressing the House after BJP lawmaker, Public Works Minister H D Revanna said: "CM had moved the trust vote motion. We're not dragging it but it's the BJP. We didn't go to the SC but it was the rebels. They said we cannot compel the MLAs to come for the Session and Siddaramaiah has spoken about our issues." BJP lawmaker Madhu Swamy then urged the House to finish the trust vote by today itself. "Please finish it today to save everyone's dignity," he said. To this, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy responded sharply: "What do you mean by saving everyone's dignity? What have we done? We got to know everything about yourself this morning." Later while speaking to reporters, Congress leader DK Shivakumar said, "The Speaker has served notice to rebel MLAs, giving them time till 11 am tomorrow. BJP is trying to convince them that they won't be disqualified and they will be made ministers. As per the Constitution of India, you can't be made a member once you are disqualified."

Karnataka crisis: Ruling and Opposition MLAs lock horns over trust vote; Session to continue till midnight

Microsoft Corp said on Monday it was investing $1 billion in San Francisco-based OpenAI and that the two had formed a multi-year partnership to develop artificial intelligence supercomputing technologies on Microsoft's Azure cloud computing service.

OpenAI was founded in 2015 as a nonprofit with $1 billion in funding from Silicon Valley investors Sam Altman, Peter Thiel and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, among others. Earlier this year, the group created a related for-profit entity to take in outside investment.

Since its founding, OpenAI has employed artificial intelligence researchers to make advances in the field, such as teaching a robotic hand to perform human-like tasks entirely in software, cutting down the cost and time to train robots.

The group has also focused on the safety and social implications of AI, researching how computers can generate realistic news stories with little more than headline suggestions and warning researchers to consider how their work and algorithms might be misused by bad actors before publishing them.

OpenAI said the Microsoft investment would help it pursue "artificial general intelligence," or AGI. An AGI is the holy grail of the field and would mean the computing system can master a subject as well or better than the best humans in the world - and master more fields than any single human.

"We believe it's crucial that AGI is deployed safely and securely and that its economic benefits are widely distributed," Altman said in a statement. "We are excited about how deeply Microsoft shares this vision."

Microsoft said the two companies would jointly build new AI technologies on Microsoft's Azure cloud computing service. The two also said that OpenAI would move many, though not all, of its services to Azure and that Microsoft would be its "preferred" partner to commercialize new services.

The two parties declined to answer questions from Reuters about the terms of the deal. Earlier this year, OpenAI created a for-profit limited partnership to take outside investment. The for-profit entity is ultimately controlled by the nonprofit's board.

When OpenAI created the structure in March, it said investors who put money into the for-profit entity would have their returns capped and that the nonprofit's mission would take precedence over turning a profit.

Microsoft and OpenAI declined to answer questions about whether and how Microsoft's return on its $1 billion investment would be capped, or how any revenue and profits from jointly developed technologies would be shared.

The two firms also declined to say whether Microsoft's investment would be made in cash, or whether it would involve credits for the Azure cloud computing service.

Cloud computing services are a major cost for OpenAI, which spent $7.9 million on cloud computing in the 2017 tax year, or about a quarter of its total functional expenses for that year, according to filings with the US&nbsp;Internal Revenue Service.

Microsoft Corp said on Monday it was investing $1 billion in San Francisco-based OpenAI and that the two had formed a multi-year partnership to develop artificial intelligence supercomputing technologies on Microsoft's Azure cloud computing service.

Microsoft Corp said on Monday it was investing $1 billion in San Francisco-based OpenAI and that the two had formed a multi-year partnership to develop artificial intelligence supercomputing technologies on Microsoft's Azure cloud computing service. OpenAI was founded in 2015 as a nonprofit with $1 billion in funding from Silicon Valley investors Sam Altman, Peter Thiel and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, among others. Earlier this year, the group created a related for-profit entity to take in outside investment. Since its founding, OpenAI has employed artificial intelligence researchers to make advances in the field, such as teaching a robotic hand to perform human-like tasks entirely in software, cutting down the cost and time to train robots. The group has also focused on the safety and social implications of AI, researching how computers can generate realistic news stories with little more than headline suggestions and warning researchers to consider how their work and algorithms might be misused by bad actors before publishing them. OpenAI said the Microsoft investment would help it pursue "artificial general intelligence," or AGI. An AGI is the holy grail of the field and would mean the computing system can master a subject as well or better than the best humans in the world - and master more fields than any single human. "We believe it's crucial that AGI is deployed safely and securely and that its economic benefits are widely distributed," Altman said in a statement. "We are excited about how deeply Microsoft shares this vision." Microsoft said the two companies would jointly build new AI technologies on Microsoft's Azure cloud computing service. The two also said that OpenAI would move many, though not all, of its services to Azure and that Microsoft would be its "preferred" partner to commercialize new services. The two parties declined to answer questions from Reuters about the terms of the deal. Earlier this year, OpenAI created a for-profit limited partnership to take outside investment. The for-profit entity is ultimately controlled by the nonprofit's board. When OpenAI created the structure in March, it said investors who put money into the for-profit entity would have their returns capped and that the nonprofit's mission would take precedence over turning a profit. Microsoft and OpenAI declined to answer questions about whether and how Microsoft's return on its $1 billion investment would be capped, or how any revenue and profits from jointly developed technologies would be shared. The two firms also declined to say whether Microsoft's investment would be made in cash, or whether it would involve credits for the Azure cloud computing service. Cloud computing services are a major cost for OpenAI, which spent $7.9 million on cloud computing in the 2017 tax year, or about a quarter of its total functional expenses for that year, according to filings with the US Internal Revenue Service.

Microsoft to invest $1 billion in San Francisco-based OpenAI

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