Congress is likely to decide the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Goa Assembly within the next two days, former state chief minister Digambar Kamat said on Sunday.

"Congress will decide the Leader of Opposition maybe within two days," he told ANI. The monsoon session of the Assembly will start tomorrow.

Kamat's remarks came after 10 Congress MLAs, including Chandrakant Kavlekar who was the LoP, had joined BJP on Thursday.

Kavlekar, along with two other Congress rebels -- Jennifer Monserrate and Filipe Nery Rodrigues, and BJP MLA Michael Lobo, were appointed ministers on Saturday. However, the portfolios of the new ministers have not been allocated.

Kavlekar was made the Deputy Chief Minister, replacing Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai, whose party withdrew support to the BJP government in the state.

Three GFP MLAs, including Sardesai, and an Independent were removed from the Pramod Sawant ministry.

With the 10 MLAs switching over, the strength of Congress in the 40-member House has reduced to a mere five.

Congress is likely to decide the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Goa Assembly within the next two days, former state chief minister Digambar Kamat said on Sunday.

Congress is likely to decide the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Goa Assembly within the next two days, former state chief minister Digambar Kamat said on Sunday. "Congress will decide the Leader of Opposition maybe within two days," he told ANI. The monsoon session of the Assembly will start tomorrow. Kamat's remarks came after 10 Congress MLAs, including Chandrakant Kavlekar who was the LoP, had joined BJP on Thursday. Kavlekar, along with two other Congress rebels -- Jennifer Monserrate and Filipe Nery Rodrigues, and BJP MLA Michael Lobo, were appointed ministers on Saturday. However, the portfolios of the new ministers have not been allocated. Kavlekar was made the Deputy Chief Minister, replacing Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai, whose party withdrew support to the BJP government in the state. Three GFP MLAs, including Sardesai, and an Independent were removed from the Pramod Sawant ministry. With the 10 MLAs switching over, the strength of Congress in the 40-member House has reduced to a mere five.

Congress likely to decide LoP in Goa Assembly in next two days: Digambar Kamat

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has given a Zero Hour notice in the Rajya Sabha for Monday on the issue of "Centre using government agencies to target opponents".

Since recently, the issue of Centre using government agencies against the opposition leaders have been raised by various parties on several occasions.

In February, the opposition parties including AAP, Trinamool Congres, Telugu Desam Party, and Congress had jointly opposed the move to arrest then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav had also supported West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her "Save the Constitution" dharna for nearly twelve hours amid the ongoing faceoff between the Kolkata Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

On June 21, Singh had given a Zero Hour notice in the Hosue over increasing crime rates in Delhi.

The Zero Hour denotes the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament. During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory prior ten days notice.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has given a Zero Hour notice in the Rajya Sabha for Monday on the issue of "Centre using government agencies to target opponents".

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has given a Zero Hour notice in the Rajya Sabha for Monday on the issue of "Centre using government agencies to target opponents". Since recently, the issue of Centre using government agencies against the opposition leaders have been raised by various parties on several occasions. In February, the opposition parties including AAP, Trinamool Congres, Telugu Desam Party, and Congress had jointly opposed the move to arrest then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav had also supported West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her "Save the Constitution" dharna for nearly twelve hours amid the ongoing faceoff between the Kolkata Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On June 21, Singh had given a Zero Hour notice in the Hosue over increasing crime rates in Delhi. The Zero Hour denotes the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament. During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory prior ten days notice.

AAP MP gives Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over 'Centre using agencies to target opponents'

Nineteen per cent of US Twitter users follow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-companies-leaving-china-that-is-why-they-want-make-a-deal-trump-236190">President Donald Trump</a> on the social platform, and a majority of those people approve of his job performance, a survey showed Monday.

The Pew Research Center report suggests Trump's @realDonaldTrump account -- with more than 60 million followers worldwide -- has succeeded in developing an audience largely favourable to his comments, which often generate controversy.

The report is based on a survey of 2,388 US adults who use Twitter and gave Pew permission to review their personal public-facing accounts, between December 2018 and July 2019.

Roughly three in 10 Republican adult Twitter users follow Trump, compared with 13 per cent of Democrats, Pew said.

Among users who follow Trump, 54 per cent approved of his job performance as of late 2018, compared with 24 per cent of users who don't follow the president.

Despite the large following, Trump's direct reach on Twitter is still limited, according to Pew: only 22 per cent of all US adults use the service, its surveys found.

And Trump's reach on Twitter remains below that of former president Barack Obama, who connects with 26 per cent of the platform's users, Pew researchers found.

The news comes with Trump drawing fire for a series of tweets interpreted as attacking four progressive Democratic congresswomen of colour -- calling on them to "go back" to their own countries, even though all are US citizens.

Trump's comments were branded "racist" and "xenophobic" by Democratic presidential candidates and senior lawmakers.

Nineteen per cent of US Twitter users follow President Donald Trump on the social platform, and a majority of those people approve of his job performance, a survey showed Monday.

Nineteen per cent of US Twitter users follow President Donald Trump on the social platform, and a majority of those people approve of his job performance, a survey showed Monday. The Pew Research Center report suggests Trump's @realDonaldTrump account -- with more than 60 million followers worldwide -- has succeeded in developing an audience largely favourable to his comments, which often generate controversy. The report is based on a survey of 2,388 US adults who use Twitter and gave Pew permission to review their personal public-facing accounts, between December 2018 and July 2019. Roughly three in 10 Republican adult Twitter users follow Trump, compared with 13 per cent of Democrats, Pew said. Among users who follow Trump, 54 per cent approved of his job performance as of late 2018, compared with 24 per cent of users who don't follow the president. Despite the large following, Trump's direct reach on Twitter is still limited, according to Pew: only 22 per cent of all US adults use the service, its surveys found. And Trump's reach on Twitter remains below that of former president Barack Obama, who connects with 26 per cent of the platform's users, Pew researchers found. The news comes with Trump drawing fire for a series of tweets interpreted as attacking four progressive Democratic congresswomen of colour -- calling on them to "go back" to their own countries, even though all are US citizens. Trump's comments were branded "racist" and "xenophobic" by Democratic presidential candidates and senior lawmakers.

One in five US Twitter users follows Donald Trump: Survey

The Border Security Force (BSF) on the intervening night of July 14-15 shot dead a Pakistani intruder trying to infiltrate through Ramgarh area.

"In the intervening night of July 14/15 2019, BSF troops deployed at the forward post in Ramgarh area noticed a suspicious movement between BS fence and IB. BSF troops challenged him to stop, he continued moving stealthily towards Border Fencing," a statement from the BSF read.

"Sensing his ill-intentions of crossing the fence BSF Jawans first fired a warning shot which did not deter the intruder. Finally, when the intruder tried to enter through the fence, BSF Jawans shot at him. The dead body of the killed intruder was recovered when daylight broke out," it added.

The body of the Pakistani intruder after retrieval from the place of incident was handed over to the Ramgarh Police Station for further disposal.

"Alert BSF troops on the forward post thwarted an attempt of intrusion from Pak side," the statement said.

The Border Security Force (BSF) on the intervening night of July 14-15 shot dead a Pakistani intruder trying to infiltrate through Ramgarh area. "In the intervening night of July 14/15 2019, BSF troops deployed at the forward post in Ramgarh area noticed a suspicious movement between BS fence and IB.

The Border Security Force (BSF) on the intervening night of July 14-15 shot dead a Pakistani intruder trying to infiltrate through Ramgarh area. "In the intervening night of July 14/15 2019, BSF troops deployed at the forward post in Ramgarh area noticed a suspicious movement between BS fence and IB. BSF troops challenged him to stop, he continued moving stealthily towards Border Fencing," a statement from the BSF read. "Sensing his ill-intentions of crossing the fence BSF Jawans first fired a warning shot which did not deter the intruder. Finally, when the intruder tried to enter through the fence, BSF Jawans shot at him. The dead body of the killed intruder was recovered when daylight broke out," it added. The body of the Pakistani intruder after retrieval from the place of incident was handed over to the Ramgarh Police Station for further disposal. "Alert BSF troops on the forward post thwarted an attempt of intrusion from Pak side," the statement said.

Jammu Kashmir: Pakistani intruder shot dead by BSF troops

England were mistakenly awarded an extra run during their nailbiting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-defeat-new-zealand-to-win-the-cricket-world-cup-2019-title-235973">World Cup win over New Zealand</a> at Lord's, a member of the sport's chief rules committee told media Monday.

A freak fielding deflection off Ben Stokes' bat that raced to the boundary saw the team awarded six runs with three balls to go in the final over on Sunday.

Scores were tied at the end of regular play and the resulting Super Over shootout, with England then handed their first-ever <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/allah-was-with-us-captain-morgan-hails-diverse-cultures-as-england-win-world-cup-with-rest-of-world-236174">World Cup victory</a> for their superior boundary count.

But former umpire Simon Taufel told Fox Sports Australia that umpires had made a "clear mistake", as the batsmen had not crossed for their second run.

"They should have been awarded five runs, not six," he said, adding that England's Adil Rashid should have faced the second-last ball instead of Stokes as a result.&nbsp;

Taufel, a five-time winner of the International Cricket Council's Umpire of the Year award, now sits on the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws sub-committee, the worldwide custodian of cricket's sometimes obscure rules of play.

Watch:&nbsp;England win maiden men's World Cup title at Lord's

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/england-win-maiden-mens-world-cup-title-at-lords-236185/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Australian defended the match umpires, who he said had to make a complicated judgement, and said it would be "unfair" to say the decision altered the outcome of the tournament.

"Unfortunately that sort of thing happens from time to time. It's a part of the game that we play," Taufel said.

"I don't wish to nitpick, just hope it never happens in such moments ever again."

England, who have often cited a humiliating defeat by New Zealand at the 2015 World Cup as the catalyst for their climb to the top of the one-day international rankings, finally have a World Cup win to go with their three losing appearances in the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals.

By contrast, defeat is devastating for New Zealand, who were also looking to win the trophy for the first time after being well beaten by Australia in the 2015 showpiece.

England were mistakenly awarded an extra run during their nailbiting World Cup win over New Zealand at Lord's, a member of the sport's chief rules committee told media Monday.

England were mistakenly awarded an extra run during their nailbiting World Cup win over New Zealand at Lord's, a member of the sport's chief rules committee told media Monday. A freak fielding deflection off Ben Stokes' bat that raced to the boundary saw the team awarded six runs with three balls to go in the final over on Sunday. Scores were tied at the end of regular play and the resulting Super Over shootout, with England then handed their first-ever World Cup victory for their superior boundary count. But former umpire Simon Taufel told Fox Sports Australia that umpires had made a "clear mistake", as the batsmen had not crossed for their second run. "They should have been awarded five runs, not six," he said, adding that England's Adil Rashid should have faced the second-last ball instead of Stokes as a result. Taufel, a five-time winner of the International Cricket Council's Umpire of the Year award, now sits on the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws sub-committee, the worldwide custodian of cricket's sometimes obscure rules of play. Watch: England win maiden men's World Cup title at Lord's The Australian defended the match umpires, who he said had to make a complicated judgement, and said it would be "unfair" to say the decision altered the outcome of the tournament. "Unfortunately that sort of thing happens from time to time. It's a part of the game that we play," Taufel said. "I don't wish to nitpick, just hope it never happens in such moments ever again." England, who have often cited a humiliating defeat by New Zealand at the 2015 World Cup as the catalyst for their climb to the top of the one-day international rankings, finally have a World Cup win to go with their three losing appearances in the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals. By contrast, defeat is devastating for New Zealand, who were also looking to win the trophy for the first time after being well beaten by Australia in the 2015 showpiece.

England 'mistakenly' awarded extra run in World Cup final: Ex-umpire Simon Taufel

Weeks after 13 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel lost their lives in an AN-32 crash, the government informed Rajya Sabha on Monday that more than half of these planes in service with IAF have been upgraded with the installation of modern avionics.

"More than half of IAF's AN-32 aircraft upgraded with the structural upgrade as well as installation of advanced avionics and the remaining are under upgradation in a phased manner," Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik informed Rajya Sabha.

He also informed that serviceability of the fleet is at par with other fleets.

"Serviceability of the fleet is at par with other fleets. There is a shortage of certain spares (Russian origin) due to strained relations between Russia and Ukraine. At present, IAF has 98 AN-32 aircraft and none of the aircraft has outlived its operational life," he said.

On June 3, an AN-32 transport aircraft with 13 IAF personnel onboard went missing after taking off from Jorhat Air Force Station. The wreckage of the aircraft was found on June 11 on a mountain slope and all air-warriors died in the crash.

Weeks after 13 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel lost their lives in an AN-32 crash, the government informed Rajya Sabha on Monday that more than half of these planes in service with IAF have been upgraded with the installation of modern avionics.

Weeks after 13 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel lost their lives in an AN-32 crash, the government informed Rajya Sabha on Monday that more than half of these planes in service with IAF have been upgraded with the installation of modern avionics. "More than half of IAF's AN-32 aircraft upgraded with the structural upgrade as well as installation of advanced avionics and the remaining are under upgradation in a phased manner," Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik informed Rajya Sabha. He also informed that serviceability of the fleet is at par with other fleets. "Serviceability of the fleet is at par with other fleets. There is a shortage of certain spares (Russian origin) due to strained relations between Russia and Ukraine. At present, IAF has 98 AN-32 aircraft and none of the aircraft has outlived its operational life," he said. On June 3, an AN-32 transport aircraft with 13 IAF personnel onboard went missing after taking off from Jorhat Air Force Station. The wreckage of the aircraft was found on June 11 on a mountain slope and all air-warriors died in the crash.

More than half of IAF's AN-32 upgraded: Defence Ministry informs Rajya Sabha

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the government was using the offset money of Rafale deal to train people.

"We are using the offset money of Dassault Rafael deal in skill training. Today, we have signed an MoU with Dassault for skill training. During the election, the opposition was accusing us that we had given offset money to someone. I am saying that the government is giving the offset money to train people," she said here.

The Minister made the remarks in her address at the Vigyan Bhawan on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of Skill India Mission. Several other ministers including Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad attended the event.

"You should do whatever you are comfortable with. Looking for opportunity during college time was not easy. We had to search for places. During college time, there was only skill training in engineering.

"Learning Language is also a skill. A multi-disciplinary approach is a skill you must focus on. Utilise all the things given by the government. Don't settle for something because that is next to your house," she said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the government was using the offset money of Rafale deal to train people. "We are using the offset money of Dassault Rafael deal in skill training.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the government was using the offset money of Rafale deal to train people. "We are using the offset money of Dassault Rafael deal in skill training. Today, we have signed an MoU with Dassault for skill training. During the election, the opposition was accusing us that we had given offset money to someone. I am saying that the government is giving the offset money to train people," she said here. The Minister made the remarks in her address at the Vigyan Bhawan on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of Skill India Mission. Several other ministers including Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad attended the event. "You should do whatever you are comfortable with. Looking for opportunity during college time was not easy. We had to search for places. During college time, there was only skill training in engineering. "Learning Language is also a skill. A multi-disciplinary approach is a skill you must focus on. Utilise all the things given by the government. Don't settle for something because that is next to your house," she said.

Government using offset money of Rafale deal to train people: Nirmala Sitharaman

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-companies-leaving-china-that-is-why-they-want-make-a-deal-trump-236190">Thousands of companies leaving China, that is why they want to make a deal: Trump</a>

As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-anti-terror-court-grants-interim-pre-arrest-bail-to-hafiz-saeed-in-seminary-land-case-236176">Pakistan anti-terror court grants interim pre-arrest bail to Hafiz Saeed in seminary land case</a>

The anti-terror court in Lahore granted interim pre-arrest bail to Jamat-ud-Dawa(JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed until August 31 in a case pertaining to the outfit's alleged illegal use of land for its seminary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/allah-was-with-us-captain-morgan-hails-diverse-cultures-as-england-win-world-cup-with-rest-of-world-236174">'Allah was with us': Captain Morgan hails diverse cultures as England win World Cup 'with rest of world'</a>

England captain Eoin Morgan hailed the diverse backgrounds and cultures in the England cricket team after their dramatic World Cup win on July 14 at Lord's.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-condemns-rioters-after-violent-mall-clash-236131">I think we can really describe them as 'rioters': Carrie Lam on Hong Kong mall protesters</a>

Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-sanctions-hit-iran-women-debate-wearing-hijab-in-public-236170">In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public</a>

At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not.

More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

Thousands of companies leaving China, that is why they want to make a deal: Trump As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country.

Thousands of companies leaving China, that is why they want to make a deal: Trump As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country. Pakistan anti-terror court grants interim pre-arrest bail to Hafiz Saeed in seminary land case The anti-terror court in Lahore granted interim pre-arrest bail to Jamat-ud-Dawa(JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed until August 31 in a case pertaining to the outfit's alleged illegal use of land for its seminary. 'Allah was with us': Captain Morgan hails diverse cultures as England win World Cup 'with rest of world' England captain Eoin Morgan hailed the diverse backgrounds and cultures in the England cricket team after their dramatic World Cup win on July 14 at Lord's. I think we can really describe them as 'rioters': Carrie Lam on Hong Kong mall protesters Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes. In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not. More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India will keep its sugar export subsidies despite complaints to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/brazil-escalates-world-trade-organisation-dispute-over-india-sugar-subsidies-235185">World Trade Organisation </a>(WTO) from rival producers Brazil and Australia, though it will tweak how it provides them, four sources directly involved in the matter said.

The export subsidies are designed to increase shipments from the world's second-biggest sugar producer and reduce their brimming inventories. But that could pressure global prices that have only eked out a 2.1 per cent gain this year after plunging more than 20 per cent in 2018.

"The industry needs government support for exports. It will be provided without violating the WTO framework," said a senior government official involved in the policymaking. "We may need to make some changes in the way we provide incentives."

Government and industry officials did not say what kind of changes they are planning to make, though they said they are seeking guidance from WTO experts.

Years of bumper cane harvests and record sugar production have hammered Indian sugar prices, making it hard for mills to pay money owed to farmers, who form an influential voting bloc.

To reduce that debt and are rising inventories, New Delhi said in September it would provide incentives to mills for overseas sugar sales and set an export target of 5 million tonnes for the 2018/19 marketing year ending on Sept. 30.

India's exports surged to 3.3 million tonnes from 620,000 tonnes a year earlier. That prompted rivals to complain at the WTO, alleging the incentives violate trade rules.

The Brazilian government said on Thursday it had asked the WTO to establish a panel aimed at resolving its dispute over Indian sugar subsidies. Australia and Guatemala also lodged complaints on Thursday.

India has been providing transport subsidies of between 1,000 rupees a tonne to 3,000 rupees a tonne to sugar mills, depending on the distance to ports. The government has also raised the amount it directly pays to cane growers to 138 rupees a tonne in assistance from 55 rupees a year ago.

On Wednesday, the Indian industry and government officials discussed how an incentive can be provided in the next marketing year starting from October 1 without violating WTO rules.

"The export policy for the next season could be finalised early next month," said an industry official, who participated in Wednesday's discussion.

Sugar mills are requesting that the government provide incentives to export 7 million to 8 million tonnes of sugar in the next season, up from this season's target of 5 million tonnes, said Abinash Verma, director general of the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA).

Announcing the export policy will help mills in deciding whether to produce raw or white sugar for export at the beginning of the season, said Prakash Naiknavare, managing director of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF).

Indian mills traditionally produce white sugar for local consumption, but they produce raw sugar during years of surplus to help exports. Selling raw sugar is easier in the world market than white. In the next marketing year, India's sugar production is expected to drop by 18 per cent from a year ago after a drought last year forced farmers to curb their cane planting and as weaker monsoon rains this year limit crop growth.

India could start the new season with an inventory of more than 14.7 million tonnes and could produce another 28.2 million tonnes in the season, against local demand of around 26 million tonnes, the ISMA estimates.

India will keep its sugar export subsidies despite complaints to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) from rival producers Brazil and Australia, though it will tweak how it provides them, four sources directly involved in the matter said.

India will keep its sugar export subsidies despite complaints to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) from rival producers Brazil and Australia, though it will tweak how it provides them, four sources directly involved in the matter said. The export subsidies are designed to increase shipments from the world's second-biggest sugar producer and reduce their brimming inventories. But that could pressure global prices that have only eked out a 2.1 per cent gain this year after plunging more than 20 per cent in 2018. "The industry needs government support for exports. It will be provided without violating the WTO framework," said a senior government official involved in the policymaking. "We may need to make some changes in the way we provide incentives." Government and industry officials did not say what kind of changes they are planning to make, though they said they are seeking guidance from WTO experts. Years of bumper cane harvests and record sugar production have hammered Indian sugar prices, making it hard for mills to pay money owed to farmers, who form an influential voting bloc. To reduce that debt and are rising inventories, New Delhi said in September it would provide incentives to mills for overseas sugar sales and set an export target of 5 million tonnes for the 2018/19 marketing year ending on Sept. 30. India's exports surged to 3.3 million tonnes from 620,000 tonnes a year earlier. That prompted rivals to complain at the WTO, alleging the incentives violate trade rules. The Brazilian government said on Thursday it had asked the WTO to establish a panel aimed at resolving its dispute over Indian sugar subsidies. Australia and Guatemala also lodged complaints on Thursday. India has been providing transport subsidies of between 1,000 rupees a tonne to 3,000 rupees a tonne to sugar mills, depending on the distance to ports. The government has also raised the amount it directly pays to cane growers to 138 rupees a tonne in assistance from 55 rupees a year ago. On Wednesday, the Indian industry and government officials discussed how an incentive can be provided in the next marketing year starting from October 1 without violating WTO rules. "The export policy for the next season could be finalised early next month," said an industry official, who participated in Wednesday's discussion. Sugar mills are requesting that the government provide incentives to export 7 million to 8 million tonnes of sugar in the next season, up from this season's target of 5 million tonnes, said Abinash Verma, director general of the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA). Announcing the export policy will help mills in deciding whether to produce raw or white sugar for export at the beginning of the season, said Prakash Naiknavare, managing director of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF). Indian mills traditionally produce white sugar for local consumption, but they produce raw sugar during years of surplus to help exports. Selling raw sugar is easier in the world market than white. In the next marketing year, India's sugar production is expected to drop by 18 per cent from a year ago after a drought last year forced farmers to curb their cane planting and as weaker monsoon rains this year limit crop growth. India could start the new season with an inventory of more than 14.7 million tonnes and could produce another 28.2 million tonnes in the season, against local demand of around 26 million tonnes, the ISMA estimates.

India to keep sugar export subsidies even as rivals complain: Sources

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday.

It is noteworthy that out of the 115 districts selected from the country as aspirational districts, 8 districts (Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddhartha Nagar, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra) are from Uttar Pradesh, an official release of the Uttar Pradesh government said.

They have been selected on 49 parameters, namely- human development index, medical and nutrition, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and infrastructure.

"The state government will provide all possible help for the same. Once the plan is made it will be implemented effectively in a time-bound manner," Adityanath said.

Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant, and his colleagues presented the details of the progress of eight aspirational districts before the Chief Minister.&nbsp;

Praising the progress of the state, the Aayog members said that they want the aspirational districts of Uttar Pradesh should come at the top among the 115 districts in all the major parameters.&nbsp;

Aayog members said in the next 3-4 months, all the aspirational districts of UP will be on the top of every key parameter.&nbsp;

The officials of the Aayog suggested that the good works done in the aspirational districts should be shared with them through the District Magistrates of the concerned districts.

"They will share it with the world through social media.&nbsp;

The entire transformation work of the districts should be done in team spirit and there should be proper coordination between the representatives of the Centre and State.&nbsp;

In order to represent the ranking of the work on the dashboard, the data entry should be done correctly and timely," read the government press release. 
In the meeting, Chief Secretary Dr&nbsp;Anup Chandra Pandey, Principal Secretary, Information Awanish Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of the concerned departments, Principal Secretary to the Chief MinisterMrityunjay Narayan and senior officials of the NITI Ayog were present.

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday.

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday. It is noteworthy that out of the 115 districts selected from the country as aspirational districts, 8 districts (Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddhartha Nagar, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra) are from Uttar Pradesh, an official release of the Uttar Pradesh government said. They have been selected on 49 parameters, namely- human development index, medical and nutrition, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and infrastructure. "The state government will provide all possible help for the same. Once the plan is made it will be implemented effectively in a time-bound manner," Adityanath said. Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant, and his colleagues presented the details of the progress of eight aspirational districts before the Chief Minister. Praising the progress of the state, the Aayog members said that they want the aspirational districts of Uttar Pradesh should come at the top among the 115 districts in all the major parameters. Aayog members said in the next 3-4 months, all the aspirational districts of UP will be on the top of every key parameter. The officials of the Aayog suggested that the good works done in the aspirational districts should be shared with them through the District Magistrates of the concerned districts. "They will share it with the world through social media. The entire transformation work of the districts should be done in team spirit and there should be proper coordination between the representatives of the Centre and State. In order to represent the ranking of the work on the dashboard, the data entry should be done correctly and timely," read the government press release. In the meeting, Chief Secretary Dr Anup Chandra Pandey, Principal Secretary, Information Awanish Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of the concerned departments, Principal Secretary to the Chief MinisterMrityunjay Narayan and senior officials of the NITI Ayog were present.

NITI Aayog should prepare plan for every district's transformation: Yogi Adityanath

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, ''Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.''

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Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha, today: Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) wasn't a right step, number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA govt had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA <a href="https://t.co/EGtpH7v4Uw">pic.twitter.com/EGtpH7v4Uw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1150709494739066881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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During the discussion in Lok Sabha regarding NIA Bill, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims and that the terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India.

NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases, Reddy further added.

The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said.

The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it.

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, ''Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.'' Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha, today: Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) wasn't a right step, number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA govt had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA pic.twitter.com/EGtpH7v4Uw — ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2019 × During the discussion in Lok Sabha regarding NIA Bill, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims and that the terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India. NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases, Reddy further added. The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said. The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives.

Lok Sabha passes National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Centre on a petition filed by three women seeking a direction to decriminalise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missouris-sole-abortion-clinic-awaits-ruling-on-whether-it-can-stay-open-231189">abortion</a>.

A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was hearing a plea by three women -- Swati Agarwal, Garima Sekseria, and Prachi Vats.&nbsp;

The top court agreed to hear the plea of women challenging the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.

The trio, in their petition, stated that the act allows abortion only to save the life of the mother.&nbsp;

It submitted that the restrictions and exceptions in the act violate women's rights.&nbsp;

The issue of safe abortion and restriction on the reproductive choice of women and other incidental issues require consideration and urgent resolution by this Court since it severely, drastically and irreversibly affects all women of the country and is not a regional issue pertaining to any particular state, stated the plea.

The plea also asserted that section 3(2) (b) of the act is violative of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-put-stay-on-installation-of-cctv-cameras-in-government-schools-235310/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjgsZCs5LbjAhXH6XMBHdOZCskQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Vb-uvNezOp0z2buIMxZU8">Article 21</a> of the Constitution.

Section 3(2) (b) restricts the right to seek an abortion on the ground of risk to the life of pregnant woman, grave injury to her physical or mental health and substantial risk that if the child were born, it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities.&nbsp;

The Indian Penal Code was enacted including sections 312-316 which criminalized abortion unless it was for the purpose of saving the life of the woman, submitted the plea.

"The impugned provisions and the lack of access to safe abortions affects the fundamental right to health, reproductive choice and right to privacy of women of the country," it added.

The MTPA provision amounts to hostile discrimination against single women without any nexus to the object which is to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, said the plea.

"The object of MTPA is to enable a woman to terminate an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy since a pregnancy entails several physical, mental and socio-economic consequences.&nbsp;

Keeping the object in view there is no rationale for not affording the same protection to an unmarried woman," it said while adding that it is violative of Article 14 of the Constitution.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Centre on a petition filed by three women seeking a direction to decriminalise abortion. A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was hearing a plea by three women -- Swati Agarwal, Garima Sekseria, and Prachi Vats.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Centre on a petition filed by three women seeking a direction to decriminalise abortion. A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was hearing a plea by three women -- Swati Agarwal, Garima Sekseria, and Prachi Vats. The top court agreed to hear the plea of women challenging the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. The trio, in their petition, stated that the act allows abortion only to save the life of the mother. It submitted that the restrictions and exceptions in the act violate women's rights. The issue of safe abortion and restriction on the reproductive choice of women and other incidental issues require consideration and urgent resolution by this Court since it severely, drastically and irreversibly affects all women of the country and is not a regional issue pertaining to any particular state, stated the plea. The plea also asserted that section 3(2) (b) of the act is violative of Article 21 of the Constitution. Section 3(2) (b) restricts the right to seek an abortion on the ground of risk to the life of pregnant woman, grave injury to her physical or mental health and substantial risk that if the child were born, it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities. The Indian Penal Code was enacted including sections 312-316 which criminalized abortion unless it was for the purpose of saving the life of the woman, submitted the plea. "The impugned provisions and the lack of access to safe abortions affects the fundamental right to health, reproductive choice and right to privacy of women of the country," it added. The MTPA provision amounts to hostile discrimination against single women without any nexus to the object which is to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, said the plea. "The object of MTPA is to enable a woman to terminate an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy since a pregnancy entails several physical, mental and socio-economic consequences. Keeping the object in view there is no rationale for not affording the same protection to an unmarried woman," it said while adding that it is violative of Article 14 of the Constitution.

Supreme Court issues notice to Centre on plea seeking to decriminalise abortion

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