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On August 5, 2019, India abrogated the Article 370 in India’s northern-most erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The former Article 370, in conjunction with Article 35A of the constitution gave Jammu and Kashmir multiple powers of autonomy across major fronts. The state was allowed to have its own constitution, and was free to make laws on matters they deemed fit.

When the provisions were suspended, Indian constitution and Parliament extended their jurisdiction in the state, as it is for the rest for the country. This made J&amp;K’s constitution obsolete.

What has changed?

Last year’s Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act heralded by the BJP-led central government sheds light on the changes made in the legal functioning of the state, and which laws have now been rendered unenforceable in the region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/after-the-abrogation-of-article-370-jammu-and-kashmir-to-get-a-new-party-285043" hreflang="en">After the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir to get a new party</a>

As part of this abrogation, many central laws have been extended to the territory, with the state being bifurcated into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

As of October 31, 2019, these are the changes that have been made in the state’s legal structure, based on the appendix to the Act:

<ul>
	<li>164 laws including 153 state laws and 11 Governor's Acts have been effectively repealed&nbsp;</li>
	<li>166 preexisting state laws have been retained&nbsp;</li>
	<li>7 state laws have been modified, but retained</li>
	<li>106 central laws have been made applicable&nbsp;in the region</li>
</ul>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/If-we-had-worked-according-to-old%20ways-then-Article-370-would-never-have-been-abrogated-says-PM-Modi-in-Lok-Sabha" hreflang="en">If we had worked according to old ways, then Article 370 would never have been abrogated, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha</a>

Of the many laws that have been extended to the union territories, the major ones include the Right to Information Act (2005), and the Representation of People Act (1951).

In the pre-abrogation India, such laws were valid across the country, besides the state of J&amp;K. A caveat which prevented the implementation of such laws in the former state has been scrapped as part of the Reorganisation Act.

Who is a citizen now?

Before the article was scrapped, the former state’s residents enjoyed privileges. For starters, the state could define who is a permanent resident. Additionally, non-residents of the state could not apply for government jobs, could not buy land, and were ineligible for scholarships.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/supreme-court-declines-to-refer-the-petitions-challenging-government-move-on-article-370-to-a-larger-bench-283634" hreflang="en">Supreme Court declines to refer the petitions challenging government move on Article 370 to a larger bench</a>

As per the new domicile rules, non-Kashmiris can become become residents of the state, but on meeting certain conditions.

For starters, the person and their family would get Kashmiri domicile after serving as government officials, or after holding a public job for 10 years or more.

Additionally, anybody living in the region for 15 years can apply for domicile. If one has studied in the union territory for more than seven years, they may also become permanent residents. Appearing for standard 10 and 12 exams in the territory automatically guarantees domicile.

In the aftermath of the abrogation, over 4 lakh domicile certificates were issued in just a month!

Before the article was scrapped, section 144 was imposed in Srinagar, and many local leaders like former CMs Mehboob Mufti and Omar Abdullah were placed under house arrest.

Fearing uproar in the region in the aftermath of abrogation of 370, a&nbsp;blanket internet blackout was enforced in the area, which is partially still in place, one year in. 2G services were restored in March.

On August 5, 2019, India abrogated the Article 370 in India’s northern-most erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The former Article 370, in conjunction with Article 35A of the constitution gave Jammu and Kashmir multiple powers of autonomy across major fronts.

On August 5, 2019, India abrogated the Article 370 in India’s northern-most erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The former Article 370, in conjunction with Article 35A of the constitution gave Jammu and Kashmir multiple powers of autonomy across major fronts. The state was allowed to have its own constitution, and was free to make laws on matters they deemed fit. When the provisions were suspended, Indian constitution and Parliament extended their jurisdiction in the state, as it is for the rest for the country. This made J&K’s constitution obsolete. What has changed? Last year’s Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act heralded by the BJP-led central government sheds light on the changes made in the legal functioning of the state, and which laws have now been rendered unenforceable in the region. Also read: After the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir to get a new party As part of this abrogation, many central laws have been extended to the territory, with the state being bifurcated into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. As of October 31, 2019, these are the changes that have been made in the state’s legal structure, based on the appendix to the Act: 164 laws including 153 state laws and 11 Governor's Acts have been effectively repealed 166 preexisting state laws have been retained 7 state laws have been modified, but retained 106 central laws have been made applicable in the region Also read: If we had worked according to old ways, then Article 370 would never have been abrogated, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha Of the many laws that have been extended to the union territories, the major ones include the Right to Information Act (2005), and the Representation of People Act (1951). In the pre-abrogation India, such laws were valid across the country, besides the state of J&K. A caveat which prevented the implementation of such laws in the former state has been scrapped as part of the Reorganisation Act. Who is a citizen now? Before the article was scrapped, the former state’s residents enjoyed privileges. For starters, the state could define who is a permanent resident. Additionally, non-residents of the state could not apply for government jobs, could not buy land, and were ineligible for scholarships. Also read: Supreme Court declines to refer the petitions challenging government move on Article 370 to a larger bench As per the new domicile rules, non-Kashmiris can become become residents of the state, but on meeting certain conditions. For starters, the person and their family would get Kashmiri domicile after serving as government officials, or after holding a public job for 10 years or more. Additionally, anybody living in the region for 15 years can apply for domicile. If one has studied in the union territory for more than seven years, they may also become permanent residents. Appearing for standard 10 and 12 exams in the territory automatically guarantees domicile. In the aftermath of the abrogation, over 4 lakh domicile certificates were issued in just a month! Before the article was scrapped, section 144 was imposed in Srinagar, and many local leaders like former CMs Mehboob Mufti and Omar Abdullah were placed under house arrest. Fearing uproar in the region in the aftermath of abrogation of 370, a blanket internet blackout was enforced in the area, which is partially still in place, one year in. 2G services were restored in March.

Today marks one year since Article 370 was scrapped in J&K: Here's what has changed!

India inducted 52,509 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours. 857 fresh deaths were also reported in the country. With this, India today crossed the 19-lakh mark for cases. The total caseload right now is 19,08,254. The total fatalities in the country stand at 39,795.

As per data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country had crossed 18-lakh cases on Monday. Out of the current 19 lakh cases, 5,86,244 are active cases while 12,82,215 people have recovered from the virus in the country.

India currently has the lowest fatality rate of cases across the globe, standing at 2.08 per cent, much lower than the global average.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/over-50-of-coronavirus-deaths-in-india-in-patients-aged-60-and-above-health-ministry-318141" hreflang="en">Over 50% of coronavirus deaths in India in patients aged 60 and above: Health ministry</a>

In the last 24 hours, over 6,19,652 samples of coronavirus were tested.&nbsp;

Maharashtra remains the hardest-hit state in the country, registering 4,50,196 cases and 15,842 deaths.

Following Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu stands at number 2 with 2,63,222 cases and 4,241 deaths.&nbsp;Delhi, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh have witnessed a decline in the number of coronavirus cases.

Other states like Mizoram, Tripura, and Uttarakhand have also seen a decline in the number of cases.

India inducted 52,509 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours. 857 fresh deaths were also reported in the country. With this, India today crossed the 19-lakh mark for cases.

India inducted 52,509 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours. 857 fresh deaths were also reported in the country. With this, India today crossed the 19-lakh mark for cases. The total caseload right now is 19,08,254. The total fatalities in the country stand at 39,795. As per data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country had crossed 18-lakh cases on Monday. Out of the current 19 lakh cases, 5,86,244 are active cases while 12,82,215 people have recovered from the virus in the country. India currently has the lowest fatality rate of cases across the globe, standing at 2.08 per cent, much lower than the global average. Also read: Over 50% of coronavirus deaths in India in patients aged 60 and above: Health ministry In the last 24 hours, over 6,19,652 samples of coronavirus were tested. Maharashtra remains the hardest-hit state in the country, registering 4,50,196 cases and 15,842 deaths. Following Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu stands at number 2 with 2,63,222 cases and 4,241 deaths. Delhi, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh have witnessed a decline in the number of coronavirus cases. Other states like Mizoram, Tripura, and Uttarakhand have also seen a decline in the number of cases.

India crosses 19 lakh mark with 52,509 new coronavirus cases

Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar passed away in Pune on Wednesday.

The&nbsp;89-year-old breathed his last at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune. He was recently shifted to the non-COVID ward after he recovered from COVID-19.

Nilangekar died due to kidney failure at around 2 am in the morning today. Shivajirao was admitted to the hospital on July 16 after he tested positive for the virus.

The late former Maharashtra Chief Minister belonged to Latur district and his last rites will be performed there. He was the tenth Chief Minister of Maharashtra and held office between June 1985 and March 1986.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar passed away in Pune on Wednesday. The 89-year-old breathed his last at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune.

Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar passed away in Pune on Wednesday. The 89-year-old breathed his last at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune. He was recently shifted to the non-COVID ward after he recovered from COVID-19. Nilangekar died due to kidney failure at around 2 am in the morning today. Shivajirao was admitted to the hospital on July 16 after he tested positive for the virus. The late former Maharashtra Chief Minister belonged to Latur district and his last rites will be performed there. He was the tenth Chief Minister of Maharashtra and held office between June 1985 and March 1986.

Former Maharashtra CM Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar passes away in Pune

Heavy rains lashed parts of Mumbai and neighbouring Thane and Palghar districts of Maharashtra on Wednesday morning, and the weather department has predicted more intense showers during the day in view of the thick cloud over the region. 
 
The weather station at Dahanu in Palghar recorded 364 mm rainfall in the 12-hour period ending at 5.30 am on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai centre's deputy director general K S Hosalikar said. 
 
Besides, the weather station at Bhayander in Thane recorded 169 mm rainfall while the one at Mira Road reported 159 mm during the same period, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/imd-issues-red-alert-for-mumbai-thane-and-north-konkan-due-to-heavy-rains-318013" hreflang="en">IMD issues red alert For Mumbai, Thane and North Konkan due to heavy rains</a> 
 
As per IMD's website, Thane city, Dombivli and Kalyan areas, which are part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), received more than 120 mm rainfall during the same period. 
 
Mumbai city and suburbs like Bandra and Kurla received rainfall in the range of 30 mm to 70 mm in the last 12 hours. 
 
"The cloud activity indicates that there would be one more intense rainfall day on Wednesday, Hosalikar tweeted. 
 
On Tuesday also, Mumbai and its neighbouring areas witnessed heavy rains, causing water-logging in several low lying areas and disrupting rail and road traffic.

Heavy rains lashed parts of Mumbai and neighbouring Thane and Palghar districts of Maharashtra on Wednesday morning, and the weather department has predicted more intense showers during the day in view of the thick cloud over the region.

Heavy rains lashed parts of Mumbai and neighbouring Thane and Palghar districts of Maharashtra on Wednesday morning, and the weather department has predicted more intense showers during the day in view of the thick cloud over the region. The weather station at Dahanu in Palghar recorded 364 mm rainfall in the 12-hour period ending at 5.30 am on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai centre's deputy director general K S Hosalikar said. Besides, the weather station at Bhayander in Thane recorded 169 mm rainfall while the one at Mira Road reported 159 mm during the same period, he said. Also read: IMD issues red alert For Mumbai, Thane and North Konkan due to heavy rains As per IMD's website, Thane city, Dombivli and Kalyan areas, which are part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), received more than 120 mm rainfall during the same period. Mumbai city and suburbs like Bandra and Kurla received rainfall in the range of 30 mm to 70 mm in the last 12 hours. "The cloud activity indicates that there would be one more intense rainfall day on Wednesday, Hosalikar tweeted. On Tuesday also, Mumbai and its neighbouring areas witnessed heavy rains, causing water-logging in several low lying areas and disrupting rail and road traffic.

Heavy rain in parts of Mumbai, Thane, Palghar

PM Narendra Modi addressed a gathering of spiritual leaders at Ayodhya after laying the first brick for a grand Ram temple.

Fineprint: PM Modi performs 'Bhoomi Pujan' ceremony | Ayodhya Ram Temple

Article 370, combined with Article 35A, accorded Jammu and Kashmir special status under the Constitution of India, allowing it to have a separate constitution and a separate penal code among other legal distinctions.

First anniversary of Article 370's abrogation | Jammu & Kashmir

The muhurt for Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan is at 12:40 pm. The prime minister will reach Ayodhya at 11:30 and will perform a puja at Hanumangarhi temple.

Ram Temple bhoomi pujan today | Itinerary of PM Modi's Ayodhya visit | India

The Saryu Ghat was seen decorated ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday. In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitisation work was also done at the Hanuman Garhi temple in the morning ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-blog-sanitisation-underway-in-ayodhya-before-ram-temple-foundation-laying-ceremony-318200">Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony</a>

Strict security and COVID-19 protocols will be followed at the temple. PM Modi will perform `pooja` at Hanuman Garhi and Shree Ramlala Virajman before performing `bhoomi poojan` of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) had informed on Tuesday.

He will unveil a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone and also release a commemorative postage stamp on `Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir`.Invitations have been sent to 175 people, including 135 saints of 35 religious organisations to attend the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Ram temple.&nbsp;

The Saryu Ghat was seen decorated ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday. In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitisation work was also done at the Hanuman Garhi temple in the morning ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit.

The Saryu Ghat was seen decorated ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday. In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitisation work was also done at the Hanuman Garhi temple in the morning ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit. Also read: Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony Strict security and COVID-19 protocols will be followed at the temple. PM Modi will perform `pooja` at Hanuman Garhi and Shree Ramlala Virajman before performing `bhoomi poojan` of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) had informed on Tuesday. He will unveil a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone and also release a commemorative postage stamp on `Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir`.Invitations have been sent to 175 people, including 135 saints of 35 religious organisations to attend the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Ram temple.

COVID-19 protocols in place as Ayodhya gets ready for grand Ram Temple ceremony

A temple will come up on the 2.77 acres of land in Ayodhya and a five-acre plot at an alternate site will go for the building of a mosque, the top court said in a judgment that was welcomed by all involved.

Ram Temple to be a catalyst for growth | Ramayan's global connect | India | South-Asia

Sri Lanka is prepared to hold the general elections on Wednesday to elect a 225 member parliament with strict health guidelines amidst the COVID-19 situation.

Why India is keeping a close watch on Sri Lanka Polls | India-Sri Lanka | South-Asia

Terrorists opened fire on a security forces deployment in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, police said. The terrorists opened fire on security personnel in the COVID-19 containment deployment at Sangloo bridge in Shopian district this morning, a police official said.

Terrorists opened fire on a security forces deployment in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, police said. The terrorists opened fire on security personnel in the COVID-19 containment deployment at Sangloo bridge in Shopian district this morning, a police official said. He said there was no report of any damage caused, adding that the militants escaped from the spot. In another incident, the security forces detected an improvised explosive device (IED) in a tin can at Youniso in Handwara area of Kupwara district. A bomb disposal squad has been rushed to the spot to defuse the explosive, the official added.

Terrorists open fire on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian

Temples across the US have announced special events to celebrate the foundation laying ceremony of the historic Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with a tableau truck displaying digital images of the Ram Temple going around the US Capitol Hill on Tuesday, according to Hindu community leaders.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the temple would take place on August 5 in the holy town of Ayodhya and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be attending the event.

Temples across the US will perform special poojas and prayers, while a large number of Indian-Americans have said that they would lit diya to celebrate the bhoomi poojan of the Ram Temple.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-you-should-know-before-ram-mandir-bhoomi-puja-318075">In pics: What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony</a>

Indian-Americans from in and around Washington DC said that a tableau truck with a big LED display on Sri Ram Mandir will go around the Capitol Hill and the White house on Tuesday night.

Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir Tableau will go around the US Capitol Hill marking the beginning of the historic Temple construction at the holiest site for billion strong Hindus around the World,&nbsp;a statement issued by the community leaders here said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-blog-ayodhya-gears-for-ram-temple-foundation-laying-ceremony-all-decked-up-318200">Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony</a>

The Hindu Mandir Executives' Conference and Hindu Mandir Priests' Conference have also called for a virtual collective national prayer across America to rejoice the upcoming Shree Ram Mandir Poojan at Ayodhya.

Similarly in the city of New York as well, Hindu community leaders have decided to celebrate the historic occasion.

Images of Lord Ram and 3D portraits of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be beamed across the giant billboards in the iconic Times Square on August 5.

Prominent community leader and President of the American India Public Affairs Committee Jagdish Sewhani said that among the prominent billboards that are being leased for the occasion are the giant Nasdaq screen and the 17,000-square-foot wrap-around LED display screen, considered among the largest continuous exterior displays in the world and the highest-resolution exterior LED screen in Times Square.

Temples across the US have announced special events to celebrate the foundation laying ceremony of the historic Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with a tableau truck displaying digital images of the Ram Temple going around the US Capitol Hill on Tuesday, according to Hindu community leaders.

Temples across the US have announced special events to celebrate the foundation laying ceremony of the historic Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with a tableau truck displaying digital images of the Ram Temple going around the US Capitol Hill on Tuesday, according to Hindu community leaders. The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the temple would take place on August 5 in the holy town of Ayodhya and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be attending the event. Temples across the US will perform special poojas and prayers, while a large number of Indian-Americans have said that they would lit diya to celebrate the bhoomi poojan of the Ram Temple. Also see: In pics: What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony Indian-Americans from in and around Washington DC said that a tableau truck with a big LED display on Sri Ram Mandir will go around the Capitol Hill and the White house on Tuesday night. Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir Tableau will go around the US Capitol Hill marking the beginning of the historic Temple construction at the holiest site for billion strong Hindus around the World, a statement issued by the community leaders here said. Also read: Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony The Hindu Mandir Executives' Conference and Hindu Mandir Priests' Conference have also called for a virtual collective national prayer across America to rejoice the upcoming Shree Ram Mandir Poojan at Ayodhya. Similarly in the city of New York as well, Hindu community leaders have decided to celebrate the historic occasion. Images of Lord Ram and 3D portraits of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be beamed across the giant billboards in the iconic Times Square on August 5. Prominent community leader and President of the American India Public Affairs Committee Jagdish Sewhani said that among the prominent billboards that are being leased for the occasion are the giant Nasdaq screen and the 17,000-square-foot wrap-around LED display screen, considered among the largest continuous exterior displays in the world and the highest-resolution exterior LED screen in Times Square.

Indian-Americans to celebrate Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony

Sri Lanka is heading for parliamentary polls today, August 5. There is a lot at stake in these elections being held in middle of the Wuhan virus pandemic. There are 16 million registered voters in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is the political party with the highest stake in these elections.

The party is led by the Rajapaksa brothers -- President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and caretaker Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaska. Rajapaksa brothers are looking at is a 2/3rd majority in the parliament.

Sri Lanka does not have the tradition of opinion polls but experts say the opposition currently looks pretty fractured. There is the United National Party by former prime minister Wickremesinghe. Its breakaway group SJN s being led by Sajith Premadasa. There are smaller parties like Tamil National Alliance and the NPP.

The Lankan parliament has 225 seats and the election will be held under proportional representation system.

196 members will be elected from 22 electoral districts. The remaining 29 parliamentarians will be appointed based on each party's cumulative votes tally. 
&nbsp; 
The Rajapaksa brothers will go ahead and make constitutional changes if they win the polls. They would look at repealing the 19th amendment- which had reduced the power of the lankan president. Gotabaya Rajapaksa veiws this as a hurdle. 
&nbsp; 
It could mean the end of road for those seeking justice for war crime. Gotabaya is surrounded by current and former members of the Lanka military. Many of them are accused of war time abuses during the Lankan civil war. A 2/3rd majority in favour of the Rajapaksa could spell bad news for the minorities. While Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the presidential elections promising a united Lanka, he has walked in the opposite direction ever since.

The voters have been instructed to wear masks,carry their pens and maintaint physical distancing.

The votes will be counted on Thursday.

Polling booths will open at 7 am local time and voting will go on till 5 pm.

The counting will take place on Thursday. This is the first election since the 1970s when the counting has veen deferred to the next day... 
If Mahinda Rajapaksa wins, the brothers will be able to chnage the lankan constitution.

Sri Lanka is heading for parliamentary polls today, August 5. There is a lot at stake in these elections being held in middle of the Wuhan virus pandemic. There are 16 million registered voters in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is heading for parliamentary polls today, August 5. There is a lot at stake in these elections being held in middle of the Wuhan virus pandemic. There are 16 million registered voters in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is the political party with the highest stake in these elections. The party is led by the Rajapaksa brothers -- President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and caretaker Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaska. Rajapaksa brothers are looking at is a 2/3rd majority in the parliament. Sri Lanka does not have the tradition of opinion polls but experts say the opposition currently looks pretty fractured. There is the United National Party by former prime minister Wickremesinghe. Its breakaway group SJN s being led by Sajith Premadasa. There are smaller parties like Tamil National Alliance and the NPP. The Lankan parliament has 225 seats and the election will be held under proportional representation system. 196 members will be elected from 22 electoral districts. The remaining 29 parliamentarians will be appointed based on each party's cumulative votes tally. The Rajapaksa brothers will go ahead and make constitutional changes if they win the polls. They would look at repealing the 19th amendment- which had reduced the power of the lankan president. Gotabaya Rajapaksa veiws this as a hurdle. It could mean the end of road for those seeking justice for war crime. Gotabaya is surrounded by current and former members of the Lanka military. Many of them are accused of war time abuses during the Lankan civil war. A 2/3rd majority in favour of the Rajapaksa could spell bad news for the minorities. While Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the presidential elections promising a united Lanka, he has walked in the opposite direction ever since. The voters have been instructed to wear masks,carry their pens and maintaint physical distancing. The votes will be counted on Thursday. Polling booths will open at 7 am local time and voting will go on till 5 pm. The counting will take place on Thursday. This is the first election since the 1970s when the counting has veen deferred to the next day... If Mahinda Rajapaksa wins, the brothers will be able to chnage the lankan constitution.

Sri Lanka to vote today in high-stakes election

Every street in Ayodhya was seen illuminated with earthen lamps ahead of the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Temple on Wednesday. People also lit diyas on the banks of Saryu river as part of the `deepotsava` celebrations in the temple town which will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries arrive today for the `bhoomi pujan` ceremony of the Ram Temple. 
 
The entire Ayodhya has been decked up and massive preparations have been made for this occasion with a festive air.Earlier chief minister Yogi Adityanath had said that 11,000 diyas will be lit at Ram Ki Paidi on the banks of the Saryu river and that all houses and temples in Ayodhya will be celebrating with a `deepotsava` (festival of lights) on the nights of August 4 and 5. 
 
Adityanath burst firecrackers and lit earthen lamps at his official residence on in Lucknow as part of `deepotsava`.The construction work of Ram temple will begin after the foundation stone laying ceremony, in which dignitaries from various political and religious fields have been invited to participate.Apart from Ayodhya other cities in like Kanpur were also illuminated to celebrate the grand event.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-blog-ayodhya-gears-for-ram-temple-foundation-laying-ceremony-all-decked-up-318200">Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony</a> 
 
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) workers light earthen lamps in the city, as part of `deepotsava`.Chief Minister`s residence in Uttarakhand will be decorated with 5100 diyas filled with Ghee on Wednesday evening to celebrate the occasion of the `bhoomi pujan` of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Uttrakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has said that Lord Ram Temple being built in Ayodhya is associated with "our belief". 
 
He also appealed to people in the state to light diyas at their homes on the occasion.Earthen lamps were lit at Ujjain`s Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh and in Punjab too people lit lamps as part of `deepotsava`.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-you-should-know-before-ram-mandir-bhoomi-puja-318075" hreflang="en">What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony</a> 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform `pooja` at Hanumangarhi and Shree Ramlala Virajman before performing `bhoomi pujan` of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday, informed Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) on Tuesday.He will unveil a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone and also release Commemorative Postage Stamp on `Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir`.

Every street in Ayodhya was seen illuminated with earthen lamps ahead of the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Temple on Wednesday. People also lit diyas on the banks of Saryu river as part of the `deepotsava` celebrations in the temple town which will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries arrive today for the `bhoomi pujan` ceremony of the Ram Temple.

Every street in Ayodhya was seen illuminated with earthen lamps ahead of the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Temple on Wednesday. People also lit diyas on the banks of Saryu river as part of the `deepotsava` celebrations in the temple town which will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries arrive today for the `bhoomi pujan` ceremony of the Ram Temple. The entire Ayodhya has been decked up and massive preparations have been made for this occasion with a festive air.Earlier chief minister Yogi Adityanath had said that 11,000 diyas will be lit at Ram Ki Paidi on the banks of the Saryu river and that all houses and temples in Ayodhya will be celebrating with a `deepotsava` (festival of lights) on the nights of August 4 and 5. Adityanath burst firecrackers and lit earthen lamps at his official residence on in Lucknow as part of `deepotsava`.The construction work of Ram temple will begin after the foundation stone laying ceremony, in which dignitaries from various political and religious fields have been invited to participate.Apart from Ayodhya other cities in like Kanpur were also illuminated to celebrate the grand event. Also read: Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) workers light earthen lamps in the city, as part of `deepotsava`.Chief Minister`s residence in Uttarakhand will be decorated with 5100 diyas filled with Ghee on Wednesday evening to celebrate the occasion of the `bhoomi pujan` of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Uttrakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has said that Lord Ram Temple being built in Ayodhya is associated with "our belief". He also appealed to people in the state to light diyas at their homes on the occasion.Earthen lamps were lit at Ujjain`s Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh and in Punjab too people lit lamps as part of `deepotsava`. Also see: What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform `pooja` at Hanumangarhi and Shree Ramlala Virajman before performing `bhoomi pujan` of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday, informed Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) on Tuesday.He will unveil a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone and also release Commemorative Postage Stamp on `Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir`.

Ayodhya lit up with earthen lamps ahead of Ram Temple's foundation stone laying ceremony

What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony

The Goa government declared today that all passengers arriving in the state will be required to go in for 14 days of home quarantine or they can opt for 14 days of paid institutional quarantine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-crosses-19-lakh-mark-with-52509-new-coronavirus-cases-318266">Also Read:&nbsp;India crosses 19 lakh mark with 52,509 new coronavirus cases&nbsp;</a>

The state government said thermal screening will be undertaken for all passengers and COVID-19 test will be done for all symptomatic passengers.

However, if a tourist carries a COVID-19 negative certificate then accommodation will be allowed to be booked but in case the tourist does not have it then they will be directed to undergo coronavirus test.

Meanwhile, the Union health ministry said that India has continued testing over 6 lakh COVID-19 samples for the second consecutive day with 6,19,652 tests conducted in the last 24 hours. The total number of tests has now reached 2,14,84,402.

India's national capital reported 1,076 new coronavirus cases and 11 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 1,40,232 with 10072 active cases. The death toll in Delhi due to the virus has reached 4044.

Amid the rising number of cases, Assam today announced complete lockdown in areas falling under Tinsukia and Makum municipal boards from August 5 to August 12.

In Puducherry, 286 new coronavirus cases and 7 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Goa government declared today that all passengers arriving in the state will be required to go in for 14 days of home quarantine or they can opt for 14 days of paid institutional quarantine.

The Goa government declared today that all passengers arriving in the state will be required to go in for 14 days of home quarantine or they can opt for 14 days of paid institutional quarantine. Also Read: India crosses 19 lakh mark with 52,509 new coronavirus cases The state government said thermal screening will be undertaken for all passengers and COVID-19 test will be done for all symptomatic passengers. However, if a tourist carries a COVID-19 negative certificate then accommodation will be allowed to be booked but in case the tourist does not have it then they will be directed to undergo coronavirus test. Meanwhile, the Union health ministry said that India has continued testing over 6 lakh COVID-19 samples for the second consecutive day with 6,19,652 tests conducted in the last 24 hours. The total number of tests has now reached 2,14,84,402. India's national capital reported 1,076 new coronavirus cases and 11 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 1,40,232 with 10072 active cases. The death toll in Delhi due to the virus has reached 4044. Amid the rising number of cases, Assam today announced complete lockdown in areas falling under Tinsukia and Makum municipal boards from August 5 to August 12. In Puducherry, 286 new coronavirus cases and 7 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

Delhi reports 1,076 coronavirus cases, 11 deaths in 24 hours

In three instances of Gold smuggling at the Chennai International Airport since the nationwide lockdown was imposed in March, Air Customs officials have seized a total of 2.

In three instances of Gold smuggling at the Chennai International Airport since the nationwide lockdown was imposed in March, Air Customs officials have seized a total of 2.21 Kg gold under Customs Act 1962. The yellow metal was smuggled in by passengers who had entered via relief flights operated from the West-Asian nations. On Tuesday night, Kasimani Kolanji, (22) and Murugan Chandran,(38) of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu arrived from Dubai by Air India Express Airlines Flight No. IX-1644. They were intercepted by Air Intelligence Unit officers at exit on suspicion of carrying gold. On their personal search, four polythene pouches(two each) containing gold paste were found concealed inside the waistline/belt portion of their jeans. On extraction by heat treatment, 731 grams of gold of 24K purity valued at Rs. 34.5 lakhs was recovered and seized. On Tuesday morning, Khaleel Ahamed, 24, who arrived from Dubai by Air India express flight IX-1644 was intercepted at exit. On frisking, a packet of gold paste was found to be concealed in his innerwear. On extraction 280 grams of gold valued at Rs.15.60 lakhs was recovered and seized. Earlier on Monday night, Air Intelligence officers apprehended two persons outside airport, who had attempted to flee on seeing them. On their personal search, five packets of gold in paste form were recovered. They were identified as Kaja Mohideen,(39), and S Peer Mohideen, (33), both residents of Chennai. They informed officials that the packets were handed over to them by five passengers who had arrived from Sharjah by Air India flight AI-1984. The passengers also confirmed they had handed over one packet each to them. On extraction, gold weighing 1.2 Kg valued at Rs. 66.73 lakhs was recovered and seized. Both receivers were arrested. "We have been alert throughout and this is the first series of gold seizure since the time nationwide lockdown was imposed. While gold smuggling in the form of bars/biscuits is easier to detect, paste form is a fairly undetectable modus operandi. We have understood that the passengers were laborers and that they were handed over the packets to smuggle them in for small amounts of money. This is happening at the time when gold rates are shooting up” Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner Customs told WION.

Chennai: Passengers smuggle gold via relief flights; 2.21Kg gold seized

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took part in the groundbreaking ceremony at the Ram temple site in Ayodhya.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-you-should-know-before-ram-mandir-bhoomi-puja-318075">See Pics:&nbsp;What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony</a>

PM Modi first offered prayers along with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath at the Hanumangarhi temple near the Ram temple site. The Indian prime minister was gifted a headgear, stole and silver "mukut" by the temple's chief priest.

After his visit to Hanumangarhi temple, the prime minister proceeded to 'Shree Ram Janmabhoomi' site where he took part in a prayer ceremony&nbsp;of 'Bhagwan Shree Ramlala Virajman'&nbsp;before laying the foundation stone.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-leaves-from-delhi-for-ayodhya-to-attend-bhoomi-pujan-318264/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Addressing the devotees at the Ram temple site, India's prime minister said: "I would like to thank everyone on behalf of 130 crore Indians for their efforts in Ram Mandir," adding, "anyone and everyone who is watching this event is emotional and Lord Ram's blessing is with all of us."

"Ram is alive inside in all of us, if we want to get inspired, we do it by Lord Ram. India is writing a new chapter in its history. Our decades' long wait has come to an end," he said.

"Ram Mandir will become the modern symbol of our traditions. It'll become a symbol of our devotion, our national sentiment. This temple will also symbolise the power of collective resolution of crores of people. It will keep inspiring the future generations," the Indian Prime minister said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-updates-modi-PM-ram-temple-bhoomi-poojan-live-blog-groundbreaking-ceremony-at-ram-temple-site-in-ayodhya-underway-318200">Blog:&nbsp;Offering, sacrifice, struggle, resolution led to this historic day, asserts PM Modi in Ayodhya</a>

The Indian prime minister also planted a Parijat (Indian night jasmine) sapling ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. PM Modi offered prayers to Ram Lalla and performed "sashtang pranam"&nbsp;(prostration) at the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also took part in the "Bhoomi Pujan"&nbsp;ceremony at the Ram Janam Bhoomi site in Ayodhya along with several guests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-pm-modi-will-first-visit-hanumangarhi-temple-in-ayodhya-318269">Also Read:&nbsp;Why PM Modi first visited Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya</a>

"A grand temple will now be built for our Ram Lalla who had been staying in a tent. Today Ram Janam Bhoomi breaks free of the cycle of breaking and getting built again that had been going on for centuries," the Indian prime minister said.

"From Kanyakumari to Kshirbhavani, from Koteshwar to Kamakhya, from Jagannath to Kedarnath, Somnath to Kashi Vishwanath...today entire country is immersed in Lord Ram," PM Modi added.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took part in the groundbreaking ceremony at the Ram temple site in Ayodhya. See Pics: What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony PM Modi first offered prayers along with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath at the Hanumangarhi temple near the Ram temple site.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took part in the groundbreaking ceremony at the Ram temple site in Ayodhya. See Pics: What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony PM Modi first offered prayers along with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath at the Hanumangarhi temple near the Ram temple site. The Indian prime minister was gifted a headgear, stole and silver "mukut" by the temple's chief priest. After his visit to Hanumangarhi temple, the prime minister proceeded to 'Shree Ram Janmabhoomi' site where he took part in a prayer ceremony of 'Bhagwan Shree Ramlala Virajman' before laying the foundation stone. Watch: Addressing the devotees at the Ram temple site, India's prime minister said: "I would like to thank everyone on behalf of 130 crore Indians for their efforts in Ram Mandir," adding, "anyone and everyone who is watching this event is emotional and Lord Ram's blessing is with all of us." "Ram is alive inside in all of us, if we want to get inspired, we do it by Lord Ram. India is writing a new chapter in its history. Our decades' long wait has come to an end," he said. "Ram Mandir will become the modern symbol of our traditions. It'll become a symbol of our devotion, our national sentiment. This temple will also symbolise the power of collective resolution of crores of people. It will keep inspiring the future generations," the Indian Prime minister said. Blog: Offering, sacrifice, struggle, resolution led to this historic day, asserts PM Modi in Ayodhya The Indian prime minister also planted a Parijat (Indian night jasmine) sapling ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. PM Modi offered prayers to Ram Lalla and performed "sashtang pranam" (prostration) at the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also took part in the "Bhoomi Pujan" ceremony at the Ram Janam Bhoomi site in Ayodhya along with several guests. Also Read: Why PM Modi first visited Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya "A grand temple will now be built for our Ram Lalla who had been staying in a tent. Today Ram Janam Bhoomi breaks free of the cycle of breaking and getting built again that had been going on for centuries," the Indian prime minister said. "From Kanyakumari to Kshirbhavani, from Koteshwar to Kamakhya, from Jagannath to Kedarnath, Somnath to Kashi Vishwanath...today entire country is immersed in Lord Ram," PM Modi added.

Ram temple symbolises the power of collective resolution of crores of people, says PM Modi in Ayodhya

PM Narendra Modi addressed a gathering of spiritual leaders at Ayodhya after laying the first brick for a grand Ram temple

PM Modi's address at Ram Temple site | PM Modi Ayodhya | Bhoomi Pujan Ceremony

PM Modi in Ayodhya: Hanumangarhi temple to Ram temple site

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Wednesday the foundation laying ceremony for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya has come after decades-old struggle

'It has been a struggle for 3 decades',says RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat at Ram Temple Ceremony

The 'Bhoomi Pujan' or groundbreaking ceremony has begun at Ayodhya's 'Shree Ram Janmabhoomi' with Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking part in the ceremony.

PM Modi at Ayodhya Ram temple site | Bhoomi Pujan ceremony | PM Modi live | WION

PM Modi lays foundation stone | Bhoomi Pujan Ceremony | Ayodhya | WION

In a new development, Nepal has intensified its activities on the Indo-Nepal border at many places and it has accelerated the work of building more than 200 new border outposts (BOP) on its side across the border, sources on Monday.

Nepal builds 200 new BOPs along its border with India

The local trains, a lifeline for Mumbai's 20 million residents, have been stopped in the city and all offices in the city, except emergency services will stay closed today.

Heavy rains expected in Mumbai, Thane for next 2 days | South-West Monsoon | WION

Chinese artificial intelligence company Shanghai Zhizhen Intelligent Network Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Xiao-i, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc, accusing the tech giant of&nbsp;infringing on its patents, according to Reuters.

The company&nbsp;has sought 10 billion yuan ($1.43 billion)in damages and demands that Apple cease "manufacturing, using, promising to sell, selling, and importing" products that infringe on the patent, it said in a social media post.

Xiao-i argued that Apple's voice-recognition technology Siri infringes on a patent that it applied for in 2004 and was granted in 2009.

The lawsuit marks the continuation of a row that has been ongoing for nearly a decade.

Shanghai Zhizhen first sued Apple for patent infringement in 2012 regarding its voice recognition technology. In July, China's Supreme People's court ruled that the patent was valid. 
&nbsp;

Chinese artificial intelligence company Shanghai Zhizhen Intelligent Network Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Xiao-i, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc, accusing the tech giant of infringing on its patents, according to Reuters.

Chinese artificial intelligence company Shanghai Zhizhen Intelligent Network Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Xiao-i, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc, accusing the tech giant of infringing on its patents, according to Reuters. The company has sought 10 billion yuan ($1.43 billion)in damages and demands that Apple cease "manufacturing, using, promising to sell, selling, and importing" products that infringe on the patent, it said in a social media post. Xiao-i argued that Apple's voice-recognition technology Siri infringes on a patent that it applied for in 2004 and was granted in 2009. The lawsuit marks the continuation of a row that has been ongoing for nearly a decade. Shanghai Zhizhen first sued Apple for patent infringement in 2012 regarding its voice recognition technology. In July, China's Supreme People's court ruled that the patent was valid.

Chinese artificial intelligence company files $1.4 billion lawsuit against Apple

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