The Arab League on Saturday rejected US President Donald Trump's controversial Middle East plan, saying it did not meet the "minimum rights" of the Palestinians.

The pan-Arab bloc convened in Cairo days after the US unveiled its plan which is seen as favouring Israel.

The meeting brought together Arab senior officials including Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister and the United Arab Emirates' minister of state for foreign affairs.

In a statement released afterwards, the League said it "rejects the US-Israeli 'deal of the century' considering that it does not meet the minimum rights and aspirations of Palestinian people."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/has-donald-trump-proposed-a-middle-east-peace-plan-or-terms-of-surrender-for-the-palestinians-277760">Has Donald Trump proposed a Middle East peace plan – or terms of surrender for the Palestinians?</a>

Arab states also vowed "not to ... cooperate with the US administration to implement this plan."

They insisted on a two-state solution that includes a Palestinian state based on borders before the 1967 Six-Day War -- when Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza -- and with east Jerusalem as its capital.

The US plan suggests that Israel would retain control of the contested city of Jerusalem as its "undivided capital" and annex settlements on Palestinian lands.

Trump said Palestinians would be allowed to declare a capital within annexed east Jerusalem.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-tells-vladimir-putin-mideast-deal-a-new-opportunity-277570">Middle East peace plan a new opportunity - Netanyahu to Putin</a>

The only Arab ambassadors present at the plan's unveiling were from Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates -- three of Washington's closest allies in a region where many nations host US forces.

Other Arab states gave carefully worded initial responses to the plan, which was strongly rejected by Palestinian leaders.

Abbas said on Saturday "there will be no relations" with Israel and the US including on security cooperation following their "disavowal of signed agreements and international legitimacy".

The Arab League on Saturday rejected US President Donald Trump's controversial Middle East plan, saying it did not meet the "minimum rights" of the Palestinians.

The Arab League on Saturday rejected US President Donald Trump's controversial Middle East plan, saying it did not meet the "minimum rights" of the Palestinians. The pan-Arab bloc convened in Cairo days after the US unveiled its plan which is seen as favouring Israel. The meeting brought together Arab senior officials including Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister and the United Arab Emirates' minister of state for foreign affairs. In a statement released afterwards, the League said it "rejects the US-Israeli 'deal of the century' considering that it does not meet the minimum rights and aspirations of Palestinian people." Also read: Has Donald Trump proposed a Middle East peace plan – or terms of surrender for the Palestinians? Arab states also vowed "not to ... cooperate with the US administration to implement this plan." They insisted on a two-state solution that includes a Palestinian state based on borders before the 1967 Six-Day War -- when Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza -- and with east Jerusalem as its capital. The US plan suggests that Israel would retain control of the contested city of Jerusalem as its "undivided capital" and annex settlements on Palestinian lands. Trump said Palestinians would be allowed to declare a capital within annexed east Jerusalem. Also read: Middle East peace plan a new opportunity - Netanyahu to Putin The only Arab ambassadors present at the plan's unveiling were from Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates -- three of Washington's closest allies in a region where many nations host US forces. Other Arab states gave carefully worded initial responses to the plan, which was strongly rejected by Palestinian leaders. Abbas said on Saturday "there will be no relations" with Israel and the US including on security cooperation following their "disavowal of signed agreements and international legitimacy".

It didn't meet 'minimum rights': Arab League rejects Trump's Mideast plan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the second Union Budget of Modi-2.0 government earlier in the day.&nbsp;

The prime minister hailed the budget and called it a progressive one. He congratulated FM Sitharaman and her team "for presenting the first Budget of the decade that has vision as well as action".

The prime minister expressed hope that this year's Budget will bolster the income and investment in the country.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-increase-spending-capacity-nirmala-sitharaman-278011">Wanted to increase spending capacity - Nirmala Sitharaman on Budget 2020</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/union-budget-2020-hits-and-misses-278016/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I hope this Budget will boost the demand and consumption in the country and will bring vitality in the financial system," the prime minister added.&nbsp;

"The budget is focused on the skill development of the youth," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

"The main areas of employment are agriculture, infrastructure, textiles and technology. In order to increase employment generation, these four have been given a lot of emphasis in this budget," the prime minister said.&nbsp;

"The goal to develop 100 airports in the country is very important for the tourism sector of the country. In tourism, there is more possibility of employment/income generation with lesser investment," he stated.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PM Narendra Modi: The main areas of employment are agriculture, infrastructure, textiles and technology. In order to increase employment generation, these four have been given a lot of emphasis in this budget. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budget2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Budget2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/sFG4cYBiye">pic.twitter.com/sFG4cYBiye</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1223571424318672896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sitharaman on Saturday presented what is considered to be the most difficult budget in a decade. The FM Presented the budget at a time when the Indian economy was facing multipronged challenges including lack of jobs and slowing consumption.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/25-tax-for-individuals-annually-earning-between-rs-10-lakh-and-rs-125-lakh-sitharaman-in-budget-2020-277999">25% tax for individuals annually earning between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12.5 lakh - Budget 2020</a>

In a press conference, Sitharaman said that she wanted to place money in the hands of the people, especially the middle class and lower-middle classes in order to increase the spending capacity.

Some of the key highlights of Budget 2020 include new income tax structure for individuals willing to forego certain exemptions and deductions

Under the new structure, income of Rs 5-7.5 lakh to attract 10 per cent tax, Rs 7.5-Rs 10 lakh 15 per cent, Rs 10-12.5 lakh 20 per cent, Rs 12.5-15 lakh 25 per cent, above Rs 15 lakh 30 per cent. Income up to Rs 5 lakh to remain exempt from tax.

Bank deposit insurance coverage increased to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the second Union Budget of Modi-2.0 government earlier in the day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the second Union Budget of Modi-2.0 government earlier in the day. The prime minister hailed the budget and called it a progressive one. He congratulated FM Sitharaman and her team "for presenting the first Budget of the decade that has vision as well as action". The prime minister expressed hope that this year's Budget will bolster the income and investment in the country. Also read: Wanted to increase spending capacity - Nirmala Sitharaman on Budget 2020 × "I hope this Budget will boost the demand and consumption in the country and will bring vitality in the financial system," the prime minister added. "The budget is focused on the skill development of the youth," PM Modi said. "The main areas of employment are agriculture, infrastructure, textiles and technology. In order to increase employment generation, these four have been given a lot of emphasis in this budget," the prime minister said. "The goal to develop 100 airports in the country is very important for the tourism sector of the country. In tourism, there is more possibility of employment/income generation with lesser investment," he stated. PM Narendra Modi: The main areas of employment are agriculture, infrastructure, textiles and technology. In order to increase employment generation, these four have been given a lot of emphasis in this budget. #Budget2020 pic.twitter.com/sFG4cYBiye — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2020 × Sitharaman on Saturday presented what is considered to be the most difficult budget in a decade. The FM Presented the budget at a time when the Indian economy was facing multipronged challenges including lack of jobs and slowing consumption. Also read: 25% tax for individuals annually earning between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12.5 lakh - Budget 2020 In a press conference, Sitharaman said that she wanted to place money in the hands of the people, especially the middle class and lower-middle classes in order to increase the spending capacity. Some of the key highlights of Budget 2020 include new income tax structure for individuals willing to forego certain exemptions and deductions Under the new structure, income of Rs 5-7.5 lakh to attract 10 per cent tax, Rs 7.5-Rs 10 lakh 15 per cent, Rs 10-12.5 lakh 20 per cent, Rs 12.5-15 lakh 25 per cent, above Rs 15 lakh 30 per cent. Income up to Rs 5 lakh to remain exempt from tax. Bank deposit insurance coverage increased to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh.

Union Budget 2020 will bolster income and investment; bring vitality in financial system: PM Modi

Pakistani consumer price inflation rose to 14.56 per cent in January, the statistics bureau said on Saturday.

CPI inflation had stood at 12.63 per cent&nbsp;in December. Food items such as pulses, chicken and fresh vegetables were among the top drivers of inflation, underscoring the squeeze on household budgets.

Pakistan's central bank in late January kept rates unchanged at 13.25 per cent, citing strong inflationary pressures. 
&nbsp;

Pakistani consumer price inflation rose to 14.56 per cent in January, the statistics bureau said on Saturday. CPI inflation had stood at 12.63 per cent in December.

Pakistani consumer price inflation rose to 14.56 per cent in January, the statistics bureau said on Saturday. CPI inflation had stood at 12.63 per cent in December. Food items such as pulses, chicken and fresh vegetables were among the top drivers of inflation, underscoring the squeeze on household budgets. Pakistan's central bank in late January kept rates unchanged at 13.25 per cent, citing strong inflationary pressures.

Pakistan annual inflation rate rises to 14.56% in January

The US special envoy leading negotiations with the Taliban was set to meet with the Afghan president Saturday, an official confirmed, in an apparent renewed push for talks on an agreement with the insurgents.

Washington and the Taliban are still wrangling over a possible deal that would see American troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. 
However, in recent weeks, the US has been largely quiet on the exact status of the talks.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad was prepared to hold talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in the afternoon, according to the leader's spokesman.

The details of what they were planning to discuss were unknown.

The US embassy in Kabul did not immediately comment on the envoy's arrival. Khalilzad's trip to Afghanistan comes a day after the envoy travelled to Pakistan where he met with a host of officials including the country's powerful top general Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar over the past year.

Khalilzad "welcomed Pakistan's ongoing efforts to support a reduction in violence that will pave the way for a US-Taliban agreement, intra-Afghan negotiations, and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in support of a sustainable peace", read a statement released by US officials in Pakistan.

The US and Taliban had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence.

Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan.

Taliban sources told AFP last month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days to help secure a deal, but there was no announcement of the details of the proposal by either party.

As talks have fluctuated, violent attacks in Afghanistan have raged, with the number of clashes jumping to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, according to a US government watchdog report released Friday.

The US special envoy leading negotiations with the Taliban was set to meet with the Afghan president Saturday, an official confirmed, in an apparent renewed push for talks on an agreement with the insurgents.

The US special envoy leading negotiations with the Taliban was set to meet with the Afghan president Saturday, an official confirmed, in an apparent renewed push for talks on an agreement with the insurgents. Washington and the Taliban are still wrangling over a possible deal that would see American troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. However, in recent weeks, the US has been largely quiet on the exact status of the talks. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad was prepared to hold talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in the afternoon, according to the leader's spokesman. The details of what they were planning to discuss were unknown. The US embassy in Kabul did not immediately comment on the envoy's arrival. Khalilzad's trip to Afghanistan comes a day after the envoy travelled to Pakistan where he met with a host of officials including the country's powerful top general Qamar Javed Bajwa. Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar over the past year. Khalilzad "welcomed Pakistan's ongoing efforts to support a reduction in violence that will pave the way for a US-Taliban agreement, intra-Afghan negotiations, and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in support of a sustainable peace", read a statement released by US officials in Pakistan. The US and Taliban had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan. Taliban sources told AFP last month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days to help secure a deal, but there was no announcement of the details of the proposal by either party. As talks have fluctuated, violent attacks in Afghanistan have raged, with the number of clashes jumping to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, according to a US government watchdog report released Friday.

US envoy for Taliban talks back in Kabul: Official

Iraq's president named former communications minister Mohammad Allawi as the country's new prime minister on Saturday after an 11th-hour consensus among political blocs, but the streets seemed divided on his nomination.

Baghdad and the mainly Shiite south have been gripped by four months of anti-government rallies demanding snap elections, a politically independent prime minister and accountability for corruption and protest-related violence.

Faced with pressure from the street and the Shiite religious leadership, Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi resigned in December and political life came to a standstill.

In a bid to end the paralysis, President Barham Saleh gave political blocs until Saturday to name a replacement to Abdel Mahdi or else he would appoint his own candidate.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-top-iraq-cleric-urges-elections-as-soon-as-possible-277813">Top Iraq cleric urges elections 'as soon as possible'</a>

On Saturday evening, Allawi posted a video to Twitter saying Saleh had nominated him as the new premier.&nbsp;

"After the president appointed me to form a new government a short while ago, I wanted to talk to you first," he said, addressing the camera in colloquial Iraqi dialect.&nbsp;

"I will ask you to keep up the protests, because if you are not with me, I won't be able to do anything," Allawi said.

There was no formal announcement from Saleh or other government bodies, and the main protest camp in Tahrir Square seemed split on his nomination.&nbsp;

"Allawi is rejected, Allawi is rejected!" some protesters chanted, but others appeared to rally in support of him.

Allawi sets conditions

According to the constitution, Allawi now has one month to form his cabinet, which would need a vote of confidence from parliament.&nbsp;

In Iraq, the cabinet is typically formed by consensus among political rivals after intense horsetrading over influential posts.&nbsp;

"If the (political) blocs try to impose their candidates on me, I'll come out and talk to you and leave this nomination," Allawi said.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-stops-weapons-delivery-to-iraq-amid-tensions-with-baghdad-reports-277061">US stops weapons delivery to Iraq amid tensions with Baghdad</a>

Allawi served as communications minister twice under former PM Nuri al-Maliki but resigned both times, alleging corruption.&nbsp;

Shortly before Allawi's announcement, protesters in Tahrir expressed reservations about anyone with previous government experience assuming the premiership and frustration with the slow pace of reforms.

"Anyone who hasn't been involved in politics before is acceptable," said Abu Amir al-Rubaye, 50.&nbsp;

"But if Saleh does not find a way to form a government backed by the people, we'll hang his picture in Tahrir with an 'X' across it," he added.

Protests in Tahrir swelled on Saturday as supporters of Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr returned to the streets.&nbsp;

Sadr controls parliament's largest bloc and many ministerial posts, but he backed the protests when they erupted in October and his supporters were widely recognised as the best-organised demonstrators.&nbsp;

Sadrists in the streets

A week ago, he appeared to rethink his support for the protest movement and his hard-core backers dismantled their tents in protest camps across the country.

Within hours of the Sadrists withdrawing, riot police moved in to burn or tear down protest camps and around a dozen demonstrators were killed, medics and police said.

But on Friday he seemed to flip again, calling for his backers "to renew the peaceful, reformist revolution".

They flooded in the streets on Saturday afternoon, setting up tents in Tahrir with portraits of Sadr and blaring music praising him.

The violence dropped markedly, too.&nbsp;

"Since the Sadrists came back, we've implemented a sort of ceasefire and haven't fired tear gas at protesters," a member of the security forces told AFP near Tahrir Square, the main protest camp in the capital.

More than 480 people have died in protest-related violence since October, the great majority of them demonstrators killed by live rounds or military-grade tear gas canisters.

Protesters in Tahrir Square have already publicly rejected a number of names floated for prime minister, including former communications minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi and current intelligence chief Mustafa Kazemi.

Their portraits, marked with large "X"s over their faces, were hanging in the square along with a big blue poster calling for the United Nations to intervene in the crisis.

The top UN official in Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has pushed throughout the week for progress, tweeting on Friday that solutions were "urgently needed" to "break the political deadlock".

And the country's top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani piled on the pressure on Friday, saying Iraq must "accelerate the formation of a new government".

"It is imperative to speed up holding early elections so that the people will have their say," he said.&nbsp;

Iraq's president named former communications minister Mohammad Allawi as the country's new prime minister on Saturday after an 11th-hour consensus among political blocs, but the streets seemed divided on his nomination.

Iraq's president named former communications minister Mohammad Allawi as the country's new prime minister on Saturday after an 11th-hour consensus among political blocs, but the streets seemed divided on his nomination. Baghdad and the mainly Shiite south have been gripped by four months of anti-government rallies demanding snap elections, a politically independent prime minister and accountability for corruption and protest-related violence. Faced with pressure from the street and the Shiite religious leadership, Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi resigned in December and political life came to a standstill. In a bid to end the paralysis, President Barham Saleh gave political blocs until Saturday to name a replacement to Abdel Mahdi or else he would appoint his own candidate. Also read: Top Iraq cleric urges elections 'as soon as possible' On Saturday evening, Allawi posted a video to Twitter saying Saleh had nominated him as the new premier. "After the president appointed me to form a new government a short while ago, I wanted to talk to you first," he said, addressing the camera in colloquial Iraqi dialect. "I will ask you to keep up the protests, because if you are not with me, I won't be able to do anything," Allawi said. There was no formal announcement from Saleh or other government bodies, and the main protest camp in Tahrir Square seemed split on his nomination. "Allawi is rejected, Allawi is rejected!" some protesters chanted, but others appeared to rally in support of him. Allawi sets conditions According to the constitution, Allawi now has one month to form his cabinet, which would need a vote of confidence from parliament. In Iraq, the cabinet is typically formed by consensus among political rivals after intense horsetrading over influential posts. "If the (political) blocs try to impose their candidates on me, I'll come out and talk to you and leave this nomination," Allawi said. Also read: US stops weapons delivery to Iraq amid tensions with Baghdad Allawi served as communications minister twice under former PM Nuri al-Maliki but resigned both times, alleging corruption. Shortly before Allawi's announcement, protesters in Tahrir expressed reservations about anyone with previous government experience assuming the premiership and frustration with the slow pace of reforms. "Anyone who hasn't been involved in politics before is acceptable," said Abu Amir al-Rubaye, 50. "But if Saleh does not find a way to form a government backed by the people, we'll hang his picture in Tahrir with an 'X' across it," he added. Protests in Tahrir swelled on Saturday as supporters of Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr returned to the streets. Sadr controls parliament's largest bloc and many ministerial posts, but he backed the protests when they erupted in October and his supporters were widely recognised as the best-organised demonstrators. Sadrists in the streets A week ago, he appeared to rethink his support for the protest movement and his hard-core backers dismantled their tents in protest camps across the country. Within hours of the Sadrists withdrawing, riot police moved in to burn or tear down protest camps and around a dozen demonstrators were killed, medics and police said. But on Friday he seemed to flip again, calling for his backers "to renew the peaceful, reformist revolution". They flooded in the streets on Saturday afternoon, setting up tents in Tahrir with portraits of Sadr and blaring music praising him. The violence dropped markedly, too. "Since the Sadrists came back, we've implemented a sort of ceasefire and haven't fired tear gas at protesters," a member of the security forces told AFP near Tahrir Square, the main protest camp in the capital. More than 480 people have died in protest-related violence since October, the great majority of them demonstrators killed by live rounds or military-grade tear gas canisters. Protesters in Tahrir Square have already publicly rejected a number of names floated for prime minister, including former communications minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi and current intelligence chief Mustafa Kazemi. Their portraits, marked with large "X"s over their faces, were hanging in the square along with a big blue poster calling for the United Nations to intervene in the crisis. The top UN official in Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has pushed throughout the week for progress, tweeting on Friday that solutions were "urgently needed" to "break the political deadlock". And the country's top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani piled on the pressure on Friday, saying Iraq must "accelerate the formation of a new government". "It is imperative to speed up holding early elections so that the people will have their say," he said.

Ex-minister Mohammad Allawi named as Iraq's new PM, protesters divided

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the Maldives for its return to the Commonwealth as its 54th member.

The Maldives had joined the Commonwealth in 1982 but withdrew its membership in 2016.

"I heartily congratulate President @ibusolih, Speaker @MohamedNasheed and the people of The Maldives on readmission to the @commonwealthsec."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-uk-leaves-european-union-maldives-rejoins-commonwealth-278022">As UK leaves European Union, Maldives rejoins Commonwealth</a>

"We warmly welcome The Maldives in the Commonwealth and look forward to The Maldives playing a larger role in the comity of nations and realising the full potential as well as aspirations of its people," the PM tweeted.

The Commonwealth is a key grouping of countries, most of which are former territories of the British Empire.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the Maldives for its return to the Commonwealth as its 54th member. The Maldives had joined the Commonwealth in 1982 but withdrew its membership in 2016.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the Maldives for its return to the Commonwealth as its 54th member. The Maldives had joined the Commonwealth in 1982 but withdrew its membership in 2016. "I heartily congratulate President @ibusolih, Speaker @MohamedNasheed and the people of The Maldives on readmission to the @commonwealthsec." Also read: As UK leaves European Union, Maldives rejoins Commonwealth "We warmly welcome The Maldives in the Commonwealth and look forward to The Maldives playing a larger role in the comity of nations and realising the full potential as well as aspirations of its people," the PM tweeted. The Commonwealth is a key grouping of countries, most of which are former territories of the British Empire.

We warmly welcome Maldives in the Commonwealth: PM Modi

As many as 324 Indians, evacuated from China's Wuhan city, on Saturday reached here on board Air India's jumbo B747 aircraft and were admitted at the two quarantine facilities set up by the Army and the ITBP, though none of them have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, officials said.

The plane, carrying 211 students, 110 working professionals and three minors, reached Delhi around 7.30 am, they said, adding that none of them have tested positive for the coronavirus as yet.

Another flight of the airline, which departed for the Chinese city from here around 1.37 pm to bring back Indian nationals, reached Wuhan around 5.40 pm on Saturday, the officials said.

Five doctors from the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, who were on board the first flight, are also in the second flight, an Air India spokesperson said.

Out of the total 324 who landed here this morning, 88 women, 10 men and six children were brought to the special quarantine facility of the ITBP in southwest Delhi's Chhawla area, ITBP spokesperson Vivek Kumar Pandey said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-soars-to-259-as-chinas-isolation-grows-278028">Coronavirus - Death toll soars to 259 as China's isolation grows</a>

The Army has also set up a quarantine facility in Manesar near Delhi to keep around 300 Indians being evacuated from China's Hubei province in view of the coronavirus infection outbreak.

Separately, border-guarding force ITBP has set up a 600-bedded facility in southwest Delhi's Chhawla area to quarantine and provide basic medical care to those suspected to have been affected by the virus.

The officials said the Indians evacuated from China will be monitored for any signs of the infection for a duration of two weeks by a qualified team of doctors and staff members.

The first flight had departed from Delhi airport at 1.17 pm on Friday to evacuate Indian nationals from China, where more than 250 people, none of them Indian, have died due to the deadly coronavirus infection.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-pak-people-urged-imran-govt-to-evacuate-them-from-china-278061/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Out of the 324 persons that have been evacuated through first Air India flight, 56, 53 and 42 are from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, respectively.

Two more people suspected of being affected by coronavirus have been admitted to the isolation ward of the RML Hospital here, taking the total number of patients housed at the facility to eight, hospital authorities said.

On Friday evening, two men, aged 23 and 46 years, complained of respiratory problems and fever at the hospital which has been designated by the government to deal with such cases, they said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-mask-or-not-to-mask-confusion-spreads-over-coronavirus-protection-277869">To mask or not to mask - Confusion spreads over coronavirus protection</a>

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday said passengers arriving from Thailand and Singapore will be screened at airports in addition to those coming from China and Hong Kong for possible exposure to the deadly novel coronavirus.

In Maharashtra, all 15 persons quarantined in hospitals for possible exposure to the novel coronavirus have tested negative, an official statement said. No confirmed case of coronavirus infection has been found in the state so far.

In Gujarat, 64 persons who returned to the state recently from China are under observation at their homes, but no suspected case of coronavirus infection has been found among them so far, a senior health department official said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-say-bats-could-be-behind-deadly-coronavirus-outbreak-277877">Experts say bats could be behind deadly coronavirus outbreak</a>

Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja said three people have been arrested in the state for spreading false information in social media on the novel coronavirus.

Meanwhile, IndiGo announced that it will suspend flights on Kolkata-Guangzhou route from February 6 to 25 due to the deadly novel coronavirus outbreak in China.

Air India and Indigo operate flights on five routes, out of these, flights on three routes -- two of Indigo and one of Air India - have been suspended.

Among all Indian airlines, only Air India and Indigo operate flights between India and China.

Wuhan, Hubei's capital, is the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus outbreak. The virus has killed 259 people in China with total confirmed cases surging to 11,791 amid stepped-up efforts by a number of countries to evacuate their nationals from Hubei province, officials said on Saturday.

As many as 324 Indians, evacuated from China's Wuhan city, on Saturday reached here on board Air India's jumbo B747 aircraft and were admitted at the two quarantine facilities set up by the Army and the ITBP, though none of them have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, officials said.

As many as 324 Indians, evacuated from China's Wuhan city, on Saturday reached here on board Air India's jumbo B747 aircraft and were admitted at the two quarantine facilities set up by the Army and the ITBP, though none of them have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, officials said. The plane, carrying 211 students, 110 working professionals and three minors, reached Delhi around 7.30 am, they said, adding that none of them have tested positive for the coronavirus as yet. Another flight of the airline, which departed for the Chinese city from here around 1.37 pm to bring back Indian nationals, reached Wuhan around 5.40 pm on Saturday, the officials said. Five doctors from the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, who were on board the first flight, are also in the second flight, an Air India spokesperson said. Out of the total 324 who landed here this morning, 88 women, 10 men and six children were brought to the special quarantine facility of the ITBP in southwest Delhi's Chhawla area, ITBP spokesperson Vivek Kumar Pandey said. Also Read: Coronavirus - Death toll soars to 259 as China's isolation grows The Army has also set up a quarantine facility in Manesar near Delhi to keep around 300 Indians being evacuated from China's Hubei province in view of the coronavirus infection outbreak. Separately, border-guarding force ITBP has set up a 600-bedded facility in southwest Delhi's Chhawla area to quarantine and provide basic medical care to those suspected to have been affected by the virus. The officials said the Indians evacuated from China will be monitored for any signs of the infection for a duration of two weeks by a qualified team of doctors and staff members. The first flight had departed from Delhi airport at 1.17 pm on Friday to evacuate Indian nationals from China, where more than 250 people, none of them Indian, have died due to the deadly coronavirus infection. × Out of the 324 persons that have been evacuated through first Air India flight, 56, 53 and 42 are from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, respectively. Two more people suspected of being affected by coronavirus have been admitted to the isolation ward of the RML Hospital here, taking the total number of patients housed at the facility to eight, hospital authorities said. On Friday evening, two men, aged 23 and 46 years, complained of respiratory problems and fever at the hospital which has been designated by the government to deal with such cases, they said. Also read: To mask or not to mask - Confusion spreads over coronavirus protection The Union Health Ministry on Saturday said passengers arriving from Thailand and Singapore will be screened at airports in addition to those coming from China and Hong Kong for possible exposure to the deadly novel coronavirus. In Maharashtra, all 15 persons quarantined in hospitals for possible exposure to the novel coronavirus have tested negative, an official statement said. No confirmed case of coronavirus infection has been found in the state so far. In Gujarat, 64 persons who returned to the state recently from China are under observation at their homes, but no suspected case of coronavirus infection has been found among them so far, a senior health department official said. Also read: Experts say bats could be behind deadly coronavirus outbreak Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja said three people have been arrested in the state for spreading false information in social media on the novel coronavirus. Meanwhile, IndiGo announced that it will suspend flights on Kolkata-Guangzhou route from February 6 to 25 due to the deadly novel coronavirus outbreak in China. Air India and Indigo operate flights on five routes, out of these, flights on three routes -- two of Indigo and one of Air India - have been suspended. Among all Indian airlines, only Air India and Indigo operate flights between India and China. Wuhan, Hubei's capital, is the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus outbreak. The virus has killed 259 people in China with total confirmed cases surging to 11,791 amid stepped-up efforts by a number of countries to evacuate their nationals from Hubei province, officials said on Saturday.

Coronavirus: 324 Indians evacuated from Wuhan, admitted to ITBP, Army facilities

Over Rs, 17,300 crore has been allocated for the Ministry of External Affairs in the Budget, with Rs 100 crore earmarked for the strategic Chabahar Port project in southeastern Iran that gives India connectivity to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.

The total aid to countries has decreased by about Rs 56 crore from Rs 6,963 revised estimates of 2019-20 to Rs 6,907crore in Budget 2020-21.

While Nepal saw a cut of Rs 400 crore in aid by India from Rs 1,200 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 800 crore in 2020-21, Myanmar saw a hike in allocation from Rs 170 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 300 crore for the next fiscal.

The aid for the strategically-important Chabahar Port which was zero in the revised estimates of 2019-20 has gone up to Rs 100 crore for the next fiscal.

The Port complex, backed by India, on Iran's coast along the Gulf of Oman is being developed to provide an alternative trade route between India and Afghanistan.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-indian-aid-to-neighbouring-countries-stands-at-around-5000-crore-nepal-sees-a-cut-of-rs-400-crore-278024">Budget 2020 - Indian aid to neighbouring countries stands at around 5,000 cr</a>

In May 2016, India and Iran signed a bilateral agreement under which India would refurbish one of the berths at Shahid Beheshti Port, and reconstruct a 600-metre-long container handling facility at the port.

The aid allocation for Bhutan has gone up from Rs 2,674.51 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 2,884.65 crore in the next fiscal.

Aid allocation to Maldives has been reduced by Rs 75 crore to Rs 1,025 crore in the next fiscal.

In the budget 2020-21, aid allocation for African countries is Rs 350 crore, Rs 200 crore for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Rs 140 crore for Seychelles, Rs 20 crore to Latin American countries and Rs 2 crore to Mongolia.

The revised budget for 2019-20 showed that Rs 188 crore was spent for maintenance of aircraft of Air India for VVIP travel, and for the next fiscal year, Rs 150 crore has been allocated for it.

The total allocation to the ministry in 2020-21 stands at Rs 17,346.71 as compared with the revised budget FY 2019-20 of Rs 17,372.27 crore.

Over Rs, 17,300 crore has been allocated for the Ministry of External Affairs in the Budget, with Rs 100 crore earmarked for the strategic Chabahar Port project in southeastern Iran that gives India connectivity to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.

Over Rs, 17,300 crore has been allocated for the Ministry of External Affairs in the Budget, with Rs 100 crore earmarked for the strategic Chabahar Port project in southeastern Iran that gives India connectivity to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan. The total aid to countries has decreased by about Rs 56 crore from Rs 6,963 revised estimates of 2019-20 to Rs 6,907crore in Budget 2020-21. While Nepal saw a cut of Rs 400 crore in aid by India from Rs 1,200 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 800 crore in 2020-21, Myanmar saw a hike in allocation from Rs 170 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 300 crore for the next fiscal. The aid for the strategically-important Chabahar Port which was zero in the revised estimates of 2019-20 has gone up to Rs 100 crore for the next fiscal. The Port complex, backed by India, on Iran's coast along the Gulf of Oman is being developed to provide an alternative trade route between India and Afghanistan. Also read: Budget 2020 - Indian aid to neighbouring countries stands at around 5,000 cr In May 2016, India and Iran signed a bilateral agreement under which India would refurbish one of the berths at Shahid Beheshti Port, and reconstruct a 600-metre-long container handling facility at the port. The aid allocation for Bhutan has gone up from Rs 2,674.51 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 2,884.65 crore in the next fiscal. Aid allocation to Maldives has been reduced by Rs 75 crore to Rs 1,025 crore in the next fiscal. In the budget 2020-21, aid allocation for African countries is Rs 350 crore, Rs 200 crore for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Rs 140 crore for Seychelles, Rs 20 crore to Latin American countries and Rs 2 crore to Mongolia. The revised budget for 2019-20 showed that Rs 188 crore was spent for maintenance of aircraft of Air India for VVIP travel, and for the next fiscal year, Rs 150 crore has been allocated for it. The total allocation to the ministry in 2020-21 stands at Rs 17,346.71 as compared with the revised budget FY 2019-20 of Rs 17,372.27 crore.

Budget 2020: Over Rs 17,300 crore allocated to MEA; 100 crore earmarked for strategic Chabahar Port

A man fired two rounds of bullets in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh area on Saturday where protestors have been demonstrating against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

The man fired bullets in the air after which he was taken into custody by the Police.&nbsp;The man claims to be Kapil Gujjar, a resident of Dallupura village, near Noida border.

According to reports, no injury or casualty has been reported.&nbsp;

The incident comes just a couple of days after a man had fired on anti-CAA protesters at Delhi's Jamia area, injuring a student.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-delhi-man-opens-fire-during-anti-caa-protest-one-injured-277559">Delhi man opens fire during anti-CAA protest, one injured</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Delhi: Man who fired bullets in Shaheen Bagh has been taken away from the spot by police. The man claims to be Kapil Gujjar, a resident of Dallupura village (near Noida border). <a href="https://t.co/6xHxREQOe1">pic.twitter.com/6xHxREQOe1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1223578839638474752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to reports, 19-year-old Ram Bhagat Gopal Sharma brandished his gun and opened fire where anti-CAA protests were going on in Jamia area on Thursday.&nbsp;

Sharma is reported to be a resident of Greater Noida's Jewar area and has been detained by the Police.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-person-open-fires-at-shaheen-bagh-shouting-sirf-hinduon-ki-chalegi-278057/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took note of the incident and said that the Central government will not tolerate any such incidents.&nbsp;

A man fired two rounds of bullets in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh area on Saturday where protestors have been demonstrating against the Citizenship Amendment Act. The man fired bullets in the air after which he was taken into custody by the Police.

A man fired two rounds of bullets in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh area on Saturday where protestors have been demonstrating against the Citizenship Amendment Act. The man fired bullets in the air after which he was taken into custody by the Police. The man claims to be Kapil Gujjar, a resident of Dallupura village, near Noida border. According to reports, no injury or casualty has been reported. The incident comes just a couple of days after a man had fired on anti-CAA protesters at Delhi's Jamia area, injuring a student. Also read: Delhi man opens fire during anti-CAA protest, one injured #WATCH Delhi: Man who fired bullets in Shaheen Bagh has been taken away from the spot by police. The man claims to be Kapil Gujjar, a resident of Dallupura village (near Noida border). pic.twitter.com/6xHxREQOe1 — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2020 × According to reports, 19-year-old Ram Bhagat Gopal Sharma brandished his gun and opened fire where anti-CAA protests were going on in Jamia area on Thursday. Sharma is reported to be a resident of Greater Noida's Jewar area and has been detained by the Police. × Union Home Minister Amit Shah took note of the incident and said that the Central government will not tolerate any such incidents.

Man fires two rounds of bullets in Shaheen Bagh area, gets detained

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday presented the second Budget of the Modi-2.0 government and right after the markets slumped. Many experts and industrialists believe that the presented Budget is not in sync with the Economic Survey tabled a day before in the Parliament.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday presented the second Budget of the Modi-2.0 government and right after the markets slumped. Many experts and industrialists believe that the presented Budget is not in sync with the Economic Survey tabled a day before in the Parliament. Indian industrialist and chairman of the Godrej Group spoke to WION and said that the Budget is not in sync with the Economic Survey of the government. "Nothing very major in this Budget which would turn around the economy," Godrej told WION, adding that the "economy is in very bad shape, the growth rate is down to around 5 per cent and it needs to be quickly brought back to 6-7 per cent". Also read: Budget will bolster income; bring vitality in financial system - PM Modi × Godrej stated that income tax has not been reduced just the slabs have been changed provided people give up the existing exemptions. "I don't think the income rates have been reduced. Tax rates should have been reduced that would have provided more money in the hands of the consumers. Exemptions should not have been revoked," Godrej told WION. Also read: Budget 2020 - New tax slab proposed for common man Meanwhile, the most interesting observation of the industrialists is that the Economic Survey cites the example of China to underline how India can become a trade superpower by way of exports and generate 70 million labour-intensive jobs for workers with primary education. However, the Budget has no roadmap or planning about the same to proceed for the new financial year.

Nothing very major in this Budget that would turn around economy: Industrialist Adi Godrej tells WION

WION speaks to Godrej Group's Chairman Adi Godrej after the presentation of Budget 2020.

WION Exclusive: Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej speaks on Budget 2020

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday tabled the second Union Budget of the Modi-2.0 government on Saturday. From a new tax slab proposed to a slew of monetary allocation to benefit infrastructure growth, the Budget was presented by Sitharaman in a marathon over two-hour-long presentation.&nbsp;

Here are the top Budget news of the day:

Budget 2020: New tax slab proposed for common man

Under the newly proposed regime, taxpayers can get a significant cut on payment of income tax but the catch is to avail this cut they must forgo any deductions from their taxable income. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2020-new-tax-slab-proposed-for-common-man-278050">Read more</a>

Union Budget 2020 will bolster income and investment; bring vitality in financial system: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the second Union Budget of Modi-2.0 government earlier in the day. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-is-a-progressive-one-focuses-on-skill-development-of-indias-youth-pm-modi-278017">Read more</a>

Budget 2020 key highlights: 100 more airports to be developed by 2024 under Udaan scheme

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget on Saturday proposed setting up of hundred more airports by 2024 under the Udaan scheme. The minister also announced Rs 69,000 for the healthcare sector. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2020-key-highlights-100-more-airports-to-be-developed-by-2024-under-udaan-scheme-278042">Read more</a>

20 key Budget highlights you must know

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the introduction of a taxpayers' charter in the income tax act. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/20-key-budget-highlights-you-must-know-278059">Read more</a>

Sensex tumbles over 1,000 points after Budget announcements

Sensex tanked over 1,000 points on Saturday afternoon as proposals in the Union Budget 2020-21 failed to cheer investors. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-sensex-tumble-over-1000-points-after-budget-announcements-278007">Read more</a>

Railway Budget 2020 highlights: New trains, investments announced&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Railway Budget 2020 speech, as part of the Union Budget speech, announced many projects for Indian Railways besides announcing as many as 150 private trains on the Indian Railways network via the PPP model. She also said that in the coming years more Tejas Express-style trains will be introduced on key tourist routes. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/railway-budget-2020-highlights-new-trains-investments-announced-budget-2020-news-278003">Read more</a>

Union Budget 2020: Sitharaman allocates Rs 99,300 crore for education

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Budget speech announced the allocation of Rs 99,300 crore for the education sector. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/2020-budget-updates-union-budget-2020-sitharaman-allocates-rs-99300-crore-for-education-proposes-medical-colleges-with-district-hospitals-on-ppp-model-277987">Read more</a>

Foreign direct investment increased to $284 billion during 2014-19: Sitharaman

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Budget said Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country had increased to $284 billion during 2014-19. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/foreign-direct-investment-increased-to-284-billion-during-2014-19-sitharaman-277972">Read more</a>

Unwell Nirmala Sitharaman cuts short longest-ever Budget speech of independent India

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today looked tired while delivering the longest budget speech of &nbsp;Independent India. She couldn't read the last two pages of the Budget. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-news-updates-unwell-nirmala-sitharaman-cuts-short-longest-ever-budget-speech-of-independent-india-278009">Read more</a>

Budget 2020: Find out what will you lose in new tax regime

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to bring a new personal income tax regime where income tax rates will be reduced but several exemptions will be removed. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2020-find-out-what-will-you-lose-in-new-tax-regime-278054">Read more</a>

&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday tabled the second Union Budget of the Modi-2.0 government on Saturday. From a new tax slab proposed to a slew of monetary allocation to benefit infrastructure growth, the Budget was presented by Sitharaman in a marathon over two-hour-long presentation.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday tabled the second Union Budget of the Modi-2.0 government on Saturday. From a new tax slab proposed to a slew of monetary allocation to benefit infrastructure growth, the Budget was presented by Sitharaman in a marathon over two-hour-long presentation. Here are the top Budget news of the day: Budget 2020: New tax slab proposed for common man Under the newly proposed regime, taxpayers can get a significant cut on payment of income tax but the catch is to avail this cut they must forgo any deductions from their taxable income. Read more Union Budget 2020 will bolster income and investment; bring vitality in financial system: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the second Union Budget of Modi-2.0 government earlier in the day. Read more Budget 2020 key highlights: 100 more airports to be developed by 2024 under Udaan scheme Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget on Saturday proposed setting up of hundred more airports by 2024 under the Udaan scheme. The minister also announced Rs 69,000 for the healthcare sector. Read more 20 key Budget highlights you must know Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the introduction of a taxpayers' charter in the income tax act. Read more Sensex tumbles over 1,000 points after Budget announcements Sensex tanked over 1,000 points on Saturday afternoon as proposals in the Union Budget 2020-21 failed to cheer investors. Read more Railway Budget 2020 highlights: New trains, investments announced Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Railway Budget 2020 speech, as part of the Union Budget speech, announced many projects for Indian Railways besides announcing as many as 150 private trains on the Indian Railways network via the PPP model. She also said that in the coming years more Tejas Express-style trains will be introduced on key tourist routes. Read more Union Budget 2020: Sitharaman allocates Rs 99,300 crore for education Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Budget speech announced the allocation of Rs 99,300 crore for the education sector. Read more Foreign direct investment increased to $284 billion during 2014-19: Sitharaman Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Budget said Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country had increased to $284 billion during 2014-19. Read more Unwell Nirmala Sitharaman cuts short longest-ever Budget speech of independent India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today looked tired while delivering the longest budget speech of Independent India. She couldn't read the last two pages of the Budget. Read more Budget 2020: Find out what will you lose in new tax regime Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to bring a new personal income tax regime where income tax rates will be reduced but several exemptions will be removed. Read more

Top news of the day: Union Budget 2020 - key highlights, takeaways and more

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sparshita

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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