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After more than 10 earthquakes ranging around&nbsp;magnitude 4.5 on the Richter scale, experts fear a major earthquake can jolt the Delhi NCR region in June.

Professor Chandon Ghose of the Indian Institute of Technology, Jammu, has warned that after-effects of such an earthquake could be cataclysmic.&nbsp;

As per the experts, the region of Delhi NCR falls under&nbsp;seismic zone-4, and is prone to tremors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-asteroids-head-towards-earth-one-the-size-of-stadium-303234">Also read:&nbsp;Five asteroids head towards Earth; one the size of stadium</a>

One major reason for the increased number of tremors has been proved to be the active nature of local fault system. Experts believe such fault systems can produce earthquakes on around&nbsp;6 to 6.5 Richter scale.

Majority experts have claimed that it is hard to predict the exact time, place and extent of the earthquake. However, they also believe that the predictions will turn into reality soon as there is a constant&nbsp;seismic activity going around in the Delhi-NCR region, which can give rise to a major earthquake.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/construction-of-emergency-landing-airstrip-on-nh-44-for-indian-airforce-starts-in-kashmir-303208">Also read:&nbsp;Construction of emergency landing airstrip on NH-44 for Indian Airforce starts in Kashmir</a>

One major threat in such a case is the poorly-constructed buildings. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), many of the buildings in the Delhi-NCR region do not adhere to the mandatory guidelines, which&nbsp;can lead to severe destruction if an earthquake of&nbsp; 6.0 Richter scale, or more, occurs in the region.

Even though this is known to the builders and the officials that the area is prone to earthquakes, builders generally ignore the guidelines laid down by the BIS. This compromises the safety of thousands of the residents of these areas.&nbsp;So, if a major earthquake, more than 6.0 Richter scale, strikes, the damage will be severe.

According to studies of the Seismic Hazard Microzonation, it has been observed that few areas in the South and Central Delhi are safer than the areas surrounding the Yamuna river. The Yamuna riverbed is more prone to the earthquakes.

An urgent modification in the BIS codes, and stricter rules are needed to make reduce the damage done by the earthquakes.

Japan is a country that is the most seismically active regions in the world as it&nbsp;sits in the Pacific Ring of Fire. However, the country has better condition of houses, and the buildings match the&nbsp;constructions codes. India, according to experts, lacks the strict protocol, which can lead to massive destruction in such cases.

After more than 10 earthquakes ranging around magnitude 4.5 on the Richter scale, experts fear a major earthquake can jolt the Delhi NCR region in June. Professor Chandon Ghose of the Indian Institute of Technology, Jammu, has warned that after-effects of such an earthquake could be cataclysmic.

After more than 10 earthquakes ranging around magnitude 4.5 on the Richter scale, experts fear a major earthquake can jolt the Delhi NCR region in June. Professor Chandon Ghose of the Indian Institute of Technology, Jammu, has warned that after-effects of such an earthquake could be cataclysmic. As per the experts, the region of Delhi NCR falls under seismic zone-4, and is prone to tremors. Also read: Five asteroids head towards Earth; one the size of stadium One major reason for the increased number of tremors has been proved to be the active nature of local fault system. Experts believe such fault systems can produce earthquakes on around 6 to 6.5 Richter scale. Majority experts have claimed that it is hard to predict the exact time, place and extent of the earthquake. However, they also believe that the predictions will turn into reality soon as there is a constant seismic activity going around in the Delhi-NCR region, which can give rise to a major earthquake. Also read: Construction of emergency landing airstrip on NH-44 for Indian Airforce starts in Kashmir One major threat in such a case is the poorly-constructed buildings. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), many of the buildings in the Delhi-NCR region do not adhere to the mandatory guidelines, which can lead to severe destruction if an earthquake of 6.0 Richter scale, or more, occurs in the region. Even though this is known to the builders and the officials that the area is prone to earthquakes, builders generally ignore the guidelines laid down by the BIS. This compromises the safety of thousands of the residents of these areas. So, if a major earthquake, more than 6.0 Richter scale, strikes, the damage will be severe. According to studies of the Seismic Hazard Microzonation, it has been observed that few areas in the South and Central Delhi are safer than the areas surrounding the Yamuna river. The Yamuna riverbed is more prone to the earthquakes. An urgent modification in the BIS codes, and stricter rules are needed to make reduce the damage done by the earthquakes. Japan is a country that is the most seismically active regions in the world as it sits in the Pacific Ring of Fire. However, the country has better condition of houses, and the buildings match the constructions codes. India, according to experts, lacks the strict protocol, which can lead to massive destruction in such cases.

Delhi: After more than 10 earthquakes, experts fear major quake

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that since the launch of the Delhi Corona App many people have enquired about COVID-19 beds, but there are a lesser number of actual users.

"Since the launch of Delhi Corona App, various people are inquiring for beds but actual users are less. This is sort of window shopping. Three more hospitals have been converted, there will be no lack of beds," he said on reports of difference in number of beds in hospitals and the App.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-spicejet-pilot-robbed-at-gunpoint-attacked-by-knife-303101">Also read:&nbsp;Delhi: SpiceJet pilot robbed at gunpoint, attacked by knife</a>

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday launched the mobile application 'Delhi Corona App' for the convenience of COVID-19 affected people in the national capital.

The application aims to provide updated information on the availability of beds and ventilators in several government and private hospitals. The Delhi government has also created a web page to disseminate this data.&nbsp;

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that since the launch of the Delhi Corona App many people have enquired about COVID-19 beds, but there are a lesser number of actual users.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that since the launch of the Delhi Corona App many people have enquired about COVID-19 beds, but there are a lesser number of actual users. "Since the launch of Delhi Corona App, various people are inquiring for beds but actual users are less. This is sort of window shopping. Three more hospitals have been converted, there will be no lack of beds," he said on reports of difference in number of beds in hospitals and the App. Also read: Delhi: SpiceJet pilot robbed at gunpoint, attacked by knife Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday launched the mobile application 'Delhi Corona App' for the convenience of COVID-19 affected people in the national capital. The application aims to provide updated information on the availability of beds and ventilators in several government and private hospitals. The Delhi government has also created a web page to disseminate this data.

Delhi: People window shopping on Corona App, says Satyendar Jain

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has started construction of a 3.5-kilometer-long runway adjacent to the National Highway (NH-44) in Bijbehara area of South Kashmir. The work on the runway has started on a war footing and the 3.5 kilometre long runway will be used as an emergency runway facility for fighter jets in case of any emergency.

Kashmir: IAF runway being built in Anantnag district

The Delhi High Court on Thursday disposed of a plea challenging the sealing of the borders of national capital for a week while directing Delhi government to highlight the order whereby citizens can avail of e-pass in case of medical emergency to enter Delhi.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan disposed of the petition filed by advocate Kushagra Kumar.

The court also took note of the consequential order dated June 1, wherein it has been clearly stated in para 6 that in case of a medical emergency, any person can apply for an e-pass and avail of the same to enter Delhi.

The court has also directed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to upload this order of June 1 on the government websites in a prominent manner and have it highlighted and blinking for easy access to citizens by today itself.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/employers-and-employees-to-negotiate-themselves-for-wages-during-lockdown-sc-303247">Also read:&nbsp;Employers and employees to negotiate themselves for wages during lockdown: SC</a>

HP Sharma, Senior Advocate who appeared on behalf of the petitioner Kumar, argued that non-residents of Delhi are not allowed to avail medical facilities in centrally-funded hospitals in Delhi because of the unpublished order passed by the Delhi Government sealing the borders of Delhi.

Appearing for Delhi government, Advocate Sanjoy Ghose and lawyer Urvi Mohan, submitted that the present petition was in the nature of a publicity interest litigation and had been filed without any homework or fact-checking by the petitioner.

The petition filed by Kushagra Kumar against the sealing of the borders of Delhi said that the order of Delhi government is an illogical, irrational, unreasonable and unconstitutional order. Advocate Kumar said that this order is violative of Article 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-plea-to-change-indias-name-to-bharat-302982">Also read:&nbsp;Supreme Court rejects plea to change India's name to 'Bharat'</a>

"Delhi, being the national capital of the country, the centrally funded hospitals like AIIMS etc are in Delhi. By sealing the borders, the Delhi government is taking away the rights of those working in Delhi and staying in the National Capital Region (NCR) like Noida and Gurugram to avail the health facilities of Delhi. In addition, the citizens in other states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana are also denied the basic right to access the central hospitals in Delhi," the petition said.

The petitioner said that "in India, we do not have dual citizenship. Everyone is a citizen of this country and everyone has the right to reside in any place and avail the medical facilities in any place(s) which she/he can afford. It is unconstitutional to deny the citizens of this country working in Delhi and staying in NCR and citizens residing in any other states the right to treatment," the petitioner added.

According to the petitioner, the order of the Delhi government is inhuman and illegal."Instead of creating medical infrastructure and working to ensure medical facilities, it is sealing the borders and thereby stopping people to avail medical facilities in Central hospitals in Delhi," the petitioner said.&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court on Thursday disposed of a plea challenging the sealing of the borders of national capital for a week while directing Delhi government to highlight the order whereby citizens can avail of e-pass in case of medical emergency to enter Delhi.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday disposed of a plea challenging the sealing of the borders of national capital for a week while directing Delhi government to highlight the order whereby citizens can avail of e-pass in case of medical emergency to enter Delhi. A Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan disposed of the petition filed by advocate Kushagra Kumar. The court also took note of the consequential order dated June 1, wherein it has been clearly stated in para 6 that in case of a medical emergency, any person can apply for an e-pass and avail of the same to enter Delhi. The court has also directed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to upload this order of June 1 on the government websites in a prominent manner and have it highlighted and blinking for easy access to citizens by today itself. Also read: Employers and employees to negotiate themselves for wages during lockdown: SC HP Sharma, Senior Advocate who appeared on behalf of the petitioner Kumar, argued that non-residents of Delhi are not allowed to avail medical facilities in centrally-funded hospitals in Delhi because of the unpublished order passed by the Delhi Government sealing the borders of Delhi. Appearing for Delhi government, Advocate Sanjoy Ghose and lawyer Urvi Mohan, submitted that the present petition was in the nature of a publicity interest litigation and had been filed without any homework or fact-checking by the petitioner. The petition filed by Kushagra Kumar against the sealing of the borders of Delhi said that the order of Delhi government is an illogical, irrational, unreasonable and unconstitutional order. Advocate Kumar said that this order is violative of Article 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. Also read: Supreme Court rejects plea to change India's name to 'Bharat' "Delhi, being the national capital of the country, the centrally funded hospitals like AIIMS etc are in Delhi. By sealing the borders, the Delhi government is taking away the rights of those working in Delhi and staying in the National Capital Region (NCR) like Noida and Gurugram to avail the health facilities of Delhi. In addition, the citizens in other states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana are also denied the basic right to access the central hospitals in Delhi," the petition said. The petitioner said that "in India, we do not have dual citizenship. Everyone is a citizen of this country and everyone has the right to reside in any place and avail the medical facilities in any place(s) which she/he can afford. It is unconstitutional to deny the citizens of this country working in Delhi and staying in NCR and citizens residing in any other states the right to treatment," the petitioner added. According to the petitioner, the order of the Delhi government is inhuman and illegal."Instead of creating medical infrastructure and working to ensure medical facilities, it is sealing the borders and thereby stopping people to avail medical facilities in Central hospitals in Delhi," the petitioner said.

Delhi High Court disposes plea challenging sealing of borders

Maharashtra Police said on Thursday that one policeman had contacted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-ncr-states-to-hold-meeting-to-consider-a-common-policy-for-interstate-travel-303272">coronavirus </a>in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases in the forces to 2,557.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/9304-new-covid-19-cases-and-260-deaths-in-the-last-24-hours-highest-ever-spike-303097">Also Read:&nbsp;9,304 new COVID-19 cases and 260 deaths in the last 24 hours – highest ever spike</a>

Thirty police officials have died due to COVID-19 in the state. Mumbai's Dharavi slum area reported 23 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases in the area to 1872. The death toll in Dharavi as risen to 71.

In Uttarakhand, 60 new coronavirus cases were reported taking the total number of cases to 1,145, the state health department said.

Meanwhile, India's north-east state Manipur recorded 13 new COVID-19 cases taking the total number of cases to 121 with 83 active cases.

Chandigarh health department said the number of coronavirus cases stands at 302 with five deaths.

In Andhra Pradesh, 98 coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 3,377. Three people died due to the virus in the state taking the death toll to 71

Maharashtra Police said on Thursday that one policeman had contacted coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases in the forces to 2,557. Also Read: 9,304 new COVID-19 cases and 260 deaths in the last 24 hours – highest ever spike Thirty police officials have died due to COVID-19 in the state.

Maharashtra Police said on Thursday that one policeman had contacted coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases in the forces to 2,557. Also Read: 9,304 new COVID-19 cases and 260 deaths in the last 24 hours – highest ever spike Thirty police officials have died due to COVID-19 in the state. Mumbai's Dharavi slum area reported 23 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases in the area to 1872. The death toll in Dharavi as risen to 71. In Uttarakhand, 60 new coronavirus cases were reported taking the total number of cases to 1,145, the state health department said. Meanwhile, India's north-east state Manipur recorded 13 new COVID-19 cases taking the total number of cases to 121 with 83 active cases. Chandigarh health department said the number of coronavirus cases stands at 302 with five deaths. In Andhra Pradesh, 98 coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 3,377. Three people died due to the virus in the state taking the death toll to 71

COVID-19: Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reports 23 cases; death toll rises to 71

Altaf Hussain, the founder and leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), has urged the&nbsp;Pentagon to stop providing&nbsp;civilian and military aid to Pakistan.

Hussain wrote a letter addressed to the US government, and requested the officials to stop the aid to help the minority people pf Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-pia-pilots-ignored-warnings-from-controller-before-crash-303209">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan: PIA pilots ignored warnings from controller before crash</a>

"Pakistan has occupied militarily three provinces of the country namely Sindh, Balochistan, KPK and Gilgit-Baltistan region and their barbaric and brutal repression is still going on."

"Time has come to ask your powerful decision-makers to stop civilian and military aid to Pakistan in order to end misery, agony and sufferings of people of Sindh, Balochistan, KPK and Gilgit-Baltistan," the letter read.

Talking about the ongoing (violent) protests in the US against the killing of unarmed George Floyd, he expressed his disappointment about the US officials not understanding the similar pain that the minority groups in Pakistan have been facing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-cops-charged-in-floyd-death-one-faces-2nd-degree-murder-count-homicide-303080">Also read:&nbsp;Four cops charged in Floyd death, one faces 2nd-degree murder count homicide</a>

"But unfortunately, decision-makers of past and present US administration are persistently failed to understand the sufferings of people of Pakistan and for one reason or other the Pakistani despotic regimes of past and present are being supported ignoring the fact that they are the most racist and brutal in the world," the letter read.

The Pakistan Army is the creator of Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and hundreds of other Jihadi outfits where thousands of religious fanatics and terrorists are being trained as strategic assets of ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), said Hussain. He also noted that Pakistan`s powerful military and its intelligence agencies under the camouflage of so-called democratic civilian government is one of the most repressive in the world.

(With inputs from ANI)

Altaf Hussain, the founder and leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), has urged the Pentagon to stop providing civilian and military aid to Pakistan. Hussain wrote a letter addressed to the US government, and requested the officials to stop the aid to help the minority people pf Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Altaf Hussain, the founder and leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), has urged the Pentagon to stop providing civilian and military aid to Pakistan. Hussain wrote a letter addressed to the US government, and requested the officials to stop the aid to help the minority people pf Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Also read: Pakistan: PIA pilots ignored warnings from controller before crash "Pakistan has occupied militarily three provinces of the country namely Sindh, Balochistan, KPK and Gilgit-Baltistan region and their barbaric and brutal repression is still going on." "Time has come to ask your powerful decision-makers to stop civilian and military aid to Pakistan in order to end misery, agony and sufferings of people of Sindh, Balochistan, KPK and Gilgit-Baltistan," the letter read. Talking about the ongoing (violent) protests in the US against the killing of unarmed George Floyd, he expressed his disappointment about the US officials not understanding the similar pain that the minority groups in Pakistan have been facing. Also read: Four cops charged in Floyd death, one faces 2nd-degree murder count homicide "But unfortunately, decision-makers of past and present US administration are persistently failed to understand the sufferings of people of Pakistan and for one reason or other the Pakistani despotic regimes of past and present are being supported ignoring the fact that they are the most racist and brutal in the world," the letter read. The Pakistan Army is the creator of Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and hundreds of other Jihadi outfits where thousands of religious fanatics and terrorists are being trained as strategic assets of ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), said Hussain. He also noted that Pakistan`s powerful military and its intelligence agencies under the camouflage of so-called democratic civilian government is one of the most repressive in the world. (With inputs from ANI)

MQM chief urges US to stop military aid in Pakistan and save minority groups

The Supreme Court Thursday said the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh must hold a meeting and consider evolving a common policy and portal to facilitate inter-state movement in the NCR which is allegedly restricted amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said these states should endeavour to find out a common programme and portal for inter-state movement within the National Capital Region.

The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and M R Shah, further stated that there should be a consistent policy in this regard for the NCR.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/employers-and-employees-to-negotiate-themselves-for-wages-during-lockdown-sc-303247">Also read:&nbsp;Employers and employees to negotiate themselves for wages during lockdown: SC</a>

The apex court was hearing via video-conferencing a plea, filed through advocate Anindita Mitra, which has raised the issue of alleged restriction on movement for permissible activities in the NCR owing to sealing of borders due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The bench said a recommendation suggests that there should be one common pass for NCR which should be recognised in these states.

It asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to take instructions on this issue and posted the matter for hearing after a week.

The counsel appearing for Haryana informed the bench that the state has lifted the restrictions on movement at its borders.

On May 15, the apex court had sought responses from the Centre and governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi on the plea which has alleged that "complete sealing of borders" within the NCR and restrictions imposed on the movement of citizens was in violation of the new guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The plea has sought to declare as unconstitutional the measures by the district administrations of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh which allegedly restrict movement for permissible activities in areas falling within the NCR due to "blanket orders of sealing borders without reasonable exceptions".

The plea has referred to the April 29 order of district administrations in Haryana, which is applicable to Gurugram and Sonepat, and May 3 public statement by the district administrations of Uttar Pardesh about Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad.

It has alleged that these measures are in violation of the MHA's May 1 guidelines which allow movement for permissible activities and has been adopted by these states.

It has sought to declare as illegal such measures which restrict movement in the NCR.

It has also sought directions to governments of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to set up and maintain a common portal or mechanism for movement pass within the NCR for permissible activities as per MHA's guidelines.

The Supreme Court Thursday said the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh must hold a meeting and consider evolving a common policy and portal to facilitate inter-state movement in the NCR which is allegedly restricted amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Supreme Court Thursday said the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh must hold a meeting and consider evolving a common policy and portal to facilitate inter-state movement in the NCR which is allegedly restricted amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said these states should endeavour to find out a common programme and portal for inter-state movement within the National Capital Region. The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and M R Shah, further stated that there should be a consistent policy in this regard for the NCR. Also read: Employers and employees to negotiate themselves for wages during lockdown: SC The apex court was hearing via video-conferencing a plea, filed through advocate Anindita Mitra, which has raised the issue of alleged restriction on movement for permissible activities in the NCR owing to sealing of borders due to the coronavirus pandemic. The bench said a recommendation suggests that there should be one common pass for NCR which should be recognised in these states. It asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to take instructions on this issue and posted the matter for hearing after a week. The counsel appearing for Haryana informed the bench that the state has lifted the restrictions on movement at its borders. On May 15, the apex court had sought responses from the Centre and governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi on the plea which has alleged that "complete sealing of borders" within the NCR and restrictions imposed on the movement of citizens was in violation of the new guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The plea has sought to declare as unconstitutional the measures by the district administrations of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh which allegedly restrict movement for permissible activities in areas falling within the NCR due to "blanket orders of sealing borders without reasonable exceptions". The plea has referred to the April 29 order of district administrations in Haryana, which is applicable to Gurugram and Sonepat, and May 3 public statement by the district administrations of Uttar Pardesh about Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad. It has alleged that these measures are in violation of the MHA's May 1 guidelines which allow movement for permissible activities and has been adopted by these states. It has sought to declare as illegal such measures which restrict movement in the NCR. It has also sought directions to governments of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to set up and maintain a common portal or mechanism for movement pass within the NCR for permissible activities as per MHA's guidelines.

Supreme Court asks NCR states to hold meeting to consider a common policy for interstate travel

While the first coronavirus case in India was confirmed on January 30 in Kerala. A new study has claimed that novel coronavirus strain with Chinese roots was circulation in the country as early as November 2019. Watch report.

Study on coronavirus strain circulating in India, As early as November 2019

United States' Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster on Thursday tendered an apology for the incident of desecration of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahatma-gandhi-statue-outside-indian-embassy-in-washington-dc-desecrated-303104">Also read: Mahatma Gandhi statue outside Indian Embassy in Washington DC desecrated</a> 
 
"So sorry to see the desecration of the Gandhi statue in Wash, DC. Please accept our sincere apologies. Appalled as well by the horrific death of George Floyd &amp; the awful violence &amp; vandalism. We stand against prejudice &amp; discrimination of any type. We will recover &amp; be better," Juster said in a tweet.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So sorry to see the desecration of the Gandhi statue in Wash, DC. Please accept our sincere apologies. Appalled as well by the horrific death of George Floyd &amp; the awful violence &amp; vandalism. We stand against prejudice &amp; discrimination of any type. We will recover &amp; be better.
— Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/1268400085429186561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to the reports, the incident is reported to have taken place on the intervening night of June 2 and 3 in Washington DC.

Vandalism of the statue of the apostle of peace comes during the week of nationwide protests against the custodial killing of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.

Several of these protests have turned violent which many times has resulted in damage of some of the most prestigious and sacred American monuments.

In Washington DC, protestors this week burnt a historic church and damaged some of the prime properties and historic places like the national monument and Lincoln Memorial.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States' Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster on Thursday tendered an apology for the incident of desecration of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC.

United States' Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster on Thursday tendered an apology for the incident of desecration of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. Also read: Mahatma Gandhi statue outside Indian Embassy in Washington DC desecrated "So sorry to see the desecration of the Gandhi statue in Wash, DC. Please accept our sincere apologies. Appalled as well by the horrific death of George Floyd & the awful violence & vandalism. We stand against prejudice & discrimination of any type. We will recover & be better," Juster said in a tweet. So sorry to see the desecration of the Gandhi statue in Wash, DC. Please accept our sincere apologies. Appalled as well by the horrific death of George Floyd & the awful violence & vandalism. We stand against prejudice & discrimination of any type. We will recover & be better. — Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) June 4, 2020 × According to the reports, the incident is reported to have taken place on the intervening night of June 2 and 3 in Washington DC. Vandalism of the statue of the apostle of peace comes during the week of nationwide protests against the custodial killing of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. Several of these protests have turned violent which many times has resulted in damage of some of the most prestigious and sacred American monuments. In Washington DC, protestors this week burnt a historic church and damaged some of the prime properties and historic places like the national monument and Lincoln Memorial. (With inputs from agencies)

US apologizes for the desecration of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Washington DC

The Supreme Court, while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notification on payment of wages, observed that some negotiations have to happen between employers and workers to iron out what has to be done for the salary for these 54 days.

The Centre told the Apex Court that the payment of wages to workers during this lockdown period is a matter between employers and employees. It further said that it would not interfere. In contrast, the Centre had directed payment of full wages during the lockdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-plea-to-change-indias-name-to-bharat-302982">Also read:&nbsp;Supreme Court rejects plea to change India's name to 'Bharat'</a>

A bench of the Apex Court, headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan, and also comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and M R Shah was hearing a batch of petitions seeking a direction to pay wages to the employees during this lockdown period.

Justice Kaul said: "On one hand you (Centre) are trying to put money in the pocket of worker. So now some negotiation is required for a solution."&nbsp;

The Supreme Court, while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notification on payment of wages, observed that some negotiations have to happen between employers and workers to iron out what has to be done for the salary for these 54 days.

The Supreme Court, while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notification on payment of wages, observed that some negotiations have to happen between employers and workers to iron out what has to be done for the salary for these 54 days. The Centre told the Apex Court that the payment of wages to workers during this lockdown period is a matter between employers and employees. It further said that it would not interfere. In contrast, the Centre had directed payment of full wages during the lockdown. Also read: Supreme Court rejects plea to change India's name to 'Bharat' A bench of the Apex Court, headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan, and also comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and M R Shah was hearing a batch of petitions seeking a direction to pay wages to the employees during this lockdown period. Justice Kaul said: "On one hand you (Centre) are trying to put money in the pocket of worker. So now some negotiation is required for a solution."

Employers and employees to negotiate themselves for wages during lockdown: SC

The construction of a 3.5-kilometre-long emergency runway-cum-landing strip for the Indian Airforce has started adjacent to the National Highway NH-44 in Bijbehara area of South Kashmir.

The runway will be strategically important for the defence forces in the valley and will help in rescue and relief operation in natural climates and other situations.

The airstrip is targeted to be completed in just 8 months with men and machinery working hard to complete the target. The construction is being done by the National Highways Authority of India through its contractors.

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“This is an emergency runway. We have 8 months to complete this project but due to lockdown and bad weather, we had to stop this work,” Parveen, a survey engineer told WION.

In 2017, the Indian Airforce cleared 12 national highways as emergency landing airstrips across India which includes Maoist-affected Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, reports said.

This is the first such project in Jammu &amp; Kashmir where India and Pakistan airforces engaged in an aerial dogfight after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 which killed 40 CRPF men.

The runway can be used by the fighter jets &amp; helicopters to land and take off in emergencies.

The construction of a 3.5-kilometre-long emergency runway-cum-landing strip for the Indian Airforce has started adjacent to the National Highway NH-44 in Bijbehara area of South Kashmir.

The construction of a 3.5-kilometre-long emergency runway-cum-landing strip for the Indian Airforce has started adjacent to the National Highway NH-44 in Bijbehara area of South Kashmir. The runway will be strategically important for the defence forces in the valley and will help in rescue and relief operation in natural climates and other situations. The airstrip is targeted to be completed in just 8 months with men and machinery working hard to complete the target. The construction is being done by the National Highways Authority of India through its contractors. “This is an emergency runway. We have 8 months to complete this project but due to lockdown and bad weather, we had to stop this work,” Parveen, a survey engineer told WION. In 2017, the Indian Airforce cleared 12 national highways as emergency landing airstrips across India which includes Maoist-affected Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, reports said. This is the first such project in Jammu & Kashmir where India and Pakistan airforces engaged in an aerial dogfight after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 which killed 40 CRPF men. The runway can be used by the fighter jets & helicopters to land and take off in emergencies.

Construction of emergency landing airstrip on NH-44 for Indian Airforce starts in Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison are attending an online summit on Thursday to review the broad framework of bilateral strategic ties.

India & Australia upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic level

As the country shifted from lockdown 4.0 to unlock 1.0, state governments were given the freedom to decide closure and reopening of facilities on the basis of the local conditions.

Following the same, Haryana government has announced that students can head back to the schools from July, and college can reopen from August.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-parents-start-petition-to-keep-schools-colleges-shut-302778">Also watch:&nbsp;Indian Parents Start Petition to Keep Schools, Colleges Shut</a>&nbsp;

Haryana education minister, Kanwar Pal Gujjar, announced resuming teaching work in schools for classes 10, 11 and 12 from July, in the first phase of unlocking the economy. All colleges and universities, private or government, can reopen from August; first-year students will only commence their classes from September. However, the resumption can begin only in shifts, as only 50 per cent students will be allowed to attend the classes at a time.

“We will do it in a phased manner by starting teaching work for classes 10, 11 and 12 on July 1; for classes 6, 7, 8 and 9 after 15 days; and for the primary classes from August,” said Kanwar Pal Gujjar.

“The classes would be held in shifts so that half the students of a class come in first shift and the rest in the second shift. We are yet to decide whether it should be morning and evening shift or on alternate days”, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/unlock-10-from-salons-to-schools-whats-reopening-and-what-stays-closed-302116">Have a look|&nbsp;Unlock 1.0: From salons to schools, what's reopening and what stays closed</a>

The state will first conduct few demo classes in selected schools to test the social distancing norms, and will collect feedback from teachers, parents and students on conducting classes in shifts.

The Directorate School Education has meanwhile asked District Education Officers to form committees and take feedback on the proposed plans from the stakeholders, to avoid making frequent changes later. A detailed report is being expected by June 07.

As the country shifted from lockdown 4.0 to unlock 1.0, state governments were given the freedom to decide closure and reopening of facilities on the basis of the local conditions.

As the country shifted from lockdown 4.0 to unlock 1.0, state governments were given the freedom to decide closure and reopening of facilities on the basis of the local conditions. Following the same, Haryana government has announced that students can head back to the schools from July, and college can reopen from August. Also watch: Indian Parents Start Petition to Keep Schools, Colleges Shut Haryana education minister, Kanwar Pal Gujjar, announced resuming teaching work in schools for classes 10, 11 and 12 from July, in the first phase of unlocking the economy. All colleges and universities, private or government, can reopen from August; first-year students will only commence their classes from September. However, the resumption can begin only in shifts, as only 50 per cent students will be allowed to attend the classes at a time. “We will do it in a phased manner by starting teaching work for classes 10, 11 and 12 on July 1; for classes 6, 7, 8 and 9 after 15 days; and for the primary classes from August,” said Kanwar Pal Gujjar. “The classes would be held in shifts so that half the students of a class come in first shift and the rest in the second shift. We are yet to decide whether it should be morning and evening shift or on alternate days”, he added. Have a look| Unlock 1.0: From salons to schools, what's reopening and what stays closed The state will first conduct few demo classes in selected schools to test the social distancing norms, and will collect feedback from teachers, parents and students on conducting classes in shifts. The Directorate School Education has meanwhile asked District Education Officers to form committees and take feedback on the proposed plans from the stakeholders, to avoid making frequent changes later. A detailed report is being expected by June 07.

Haryana announces reopening of schools and colleges in phases; 50% students to attend in shifts

This is a perfect time to strengthen relations between India and Australia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he held a virtual summit with Australian PM Scott Morrison. &nbsp;

India is committed to strengthening its relations with Australia, it is not only important for both our nations but for the Indo-Pacific region too and the whole world, PM Modi further said during first the ever 'India-Australia Virtual Summit'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scomosas-australian-pm-scott-morrison-engages-in-food-diplomacy-with-pm-modi-302467">ScoMosas: Australian PM Scott Morrison engages in food diplomacy with PM Modi</a>&nbsp;

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LIVE | PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> invites Australian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottMorrisonMP</a> to visit the country after post <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> pandemic. 
 
Watch live: <a href="https://t.co/waIaRZcNrE">https://t.co/waIaRZcNrE</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HCICanberra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCICanberra</a> <a href="https://t.co/KG33AvL9mp">pic.twitter.com/KG33AvL9mp</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1268420323080208384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Australian PM thanked PM Modi for his leadership not just within India, but throughout G20, and Indo-Pacific. He also praised his Indian counterpart for playing a "constructive", "very positive role" in times of coronavirus and stabilizing the crisis.&nbsp;

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LIVE | "I thank you for your leadership not just in India, but throughout the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a>, the Indo-Pacific &amp; the positive role you played in this very difficult times," says Australian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottMorrisonMP</a>. 
 
Watch live: <a href="https://t.co/waIaRZcNrE">https://t.co/waIaRZcNrE</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HCICanberra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCICanberra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottMorrisonMP</a> <a href="https://t.co/DDjeYYXS1v">pic.twitter.com/DDjeYYXS1v</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1268419028961202176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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LIVE | "On behalf of the whole of India, I express my condolences to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> affected people in Australia," says Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> during first-ever 'India-Australia Virtual Summit'. 
 
Watch live: <a href="https://t.co/waIaRZcNrE">https://t.co/waIaRZcNrE</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HCICanberra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCICanberra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottMorrisonMP</a> <a href="https://t.co/7Q2MYZEdg2">pic.twitter.com/7Q2MYZEdg2</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1268418341514797062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Stressing that this is the "perfect time" to boost bilateral relations, PM Modi also said that there are challenges too to turn this potential into reality.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Indian PM also paid condolences to the ones who lost their lives in Australia due to novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

On a lighter note, Australian PM said, "I wish I could be there for what has become the famous Modi hug and&nbsp;share my samosas."

"Next time, it will have to be the Gujarati khichdi," he further said adding that PM Modi referred to him once before as one of his favourite&nbsp;dishes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

PM Modi also wittingly replied that people of Gujarat will be very happy after your reference to khichdi and Gujarati families in Australia will be happier. He said he will be pleased to share the popular Indian food with him.&nbsp;

The Australian PM also highlighted the importance of the Indo-Pacific region and said that both nations are committed to an "open, inclusive, and prosperous" Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

PM Morrison also commended India for taking the leadership of WHO's executive board and expressed hopes at times of the pandemic.&nbsp;

This is a perfect time to strengthen relations between India and Australia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he held a virtual summit with Australian PM Scott Morrison.

This is a perfect time to strengthen relations between India and Australia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he held a virtual summit with Australian PM Scott Morrison. India is committed to strengthening its relations with Australia, it is not only important for both our nations but for the Indo-Pacific region too and the whole world, PM Modi further said during first the ever 'India-Australia Virtual Summit'. Also read | ScoMosas: Australian PM Scott Morrison engages in food diplomacy with PM Modi LIVE | PM @narendramodi invites Australian PM @ScottMorrisonMP to visit the country after post #COVID19 pandemic. Watch live: https://t.co/waIaRZcNrE@PMOIndia @HCICanberra pic.twitter.com/KG33AvL9mp — WION (@WIONews) June 4, 2020 × The Australian PM thanked PM Modi for his leadership not just within India, but throughout G20, and Indo-Pacific. He also praised his Indian counterpart for playing a "constructive", "very positive role" in times of coronavirus and stabilizing the crisis. LIVE | "I thank you for your leadership not just in India, but throughout the #G20, the Indo-Pacific & the positive role you played in this very difficult times," says Australian PM @ScottMorrisonMP. Watch live: https://t.co/waIaRZcNrE@PMOIndia @HCICanberra @ScottMorrisonMP pic.twitter.com/DDjeYYXS1v — WION (@WIONews) June 4, 2020 × LIVE | "On behalf of the whole of India, I express my condolences to the #COVID19 affected people in Australia," says Prime Minister @narendramodi during first-ever 'India-Australia Virtual Summit'. Watch live: https://t.co/waIaRZcNrE@PMOIndia @HCICanberra @ScottMorrisonMP pic.twitter.com/7Q2MYZEdg2 — WION (@WIONews) June 4, 2020 × Stressing that this is the "perfect time" to boost bilateral relations, PM Modi also said that there are challenges too to turn this potential into reality. Earlier, the Indian PM also paid condolences to the ones who lost their lives in Australia due to novel coronavirus. On a lighter note, Australian PM said, "I wish I could be there for what has become the famous Modi hug and share my samosas." "Next time, it will have to be the Gujarati khichdi," he further said adding that PM Modi referred to him once before as one of his favourite dishes. PM Modi also wittingly replied that people of Gujarat will be very happy after your reference to khichdi and Gujarati families in Australia will be happier. He said he will be pleased to share the popular Indian food with him. The Australian PM also highlighted the importance of the Indo-Pacific region and said that both nations are committed to an "open, inclusive, and prosperous" Indo-Pacific. PM Morrison also commended India for taking the leadership of WHO's executive board and expressed hopes at times of the pandemic.

Morrison praises PM Modi's global leadership as India-Australia seek boosting ties

A group of scientists working at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune, have recently discovered tiny flashes of radio light from all over the Sun.

This work was led by Surajit Mondal, a PhD student working under the supervision of Professor Divya Oberoi, a faculty member at NCRA, along with Dr. Atul Mohan, his former student at NCRA, now at the Rosseland Centre for Solar Physics, Norway.

They have identified smoking guns for these small magnetic explosions and hence the first-ever evidence for their existence in explaining the long-pending coronal heating problem.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-braces-for-cyclone-nisarga-100000-people-including-coronavirus-patients-moved-to-safety-302753">Also read:&nbsp;Mumbai braces for Cyclone Nisarga; 1,00,000 people, including coronavirus patients, moved to safety</a>

In their journey to unravel this mystery, scientists have already figured out that the extra energy heating up the corona must be coming from the magnetic fields of the Sun; but the methodology is not known yet.

The strength of the magnetic fields vary a lot from one place on the surface of the Sun to another, by more than a factor of 1,000, but the corona is hot everywhere.

So, this heating process has to work all over the corona, even in regions of weak magnetic fields. Until now the process of how this magnetic energy is deposited in the corona had remained a mystery.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-covid-19-cases-up-by-2560-to-74860-122-die-in-one-day-303186">Also read:&nbsp;Maharashtra COVID-19 cases up by 2,560 to 74,860; 122 die in one day</a>

"What made this breakthrough possible is the availability of data from a new technology instrument, the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), and the work which we have been doing for the past few years at NCRA to build the techniques and tools to make the most sensitive solar radio images from this data. The very weak radio flashes we have discovered are about 100 times weaker than the weakest bursts reported till now," said Professor Oberoi.

Surajit Mondal, the lead author of this work said, "What makes this really exciting is that these flashes are present everywhere on the Sun and at all times, including in the regions of weak magnetic fields, the so-called `quiet Sun` regions."

"Our preliminary estimates suggest that these tiny magnetic explosions should collectively have enough energy to heat the corona, which is exactly what is needed for solving the coronal heating problem," Dr. Mohan added.

"With this work, we have the strongest evidence till date that these tiny explosions, originally referred to as nanoflares in Professor Parker`s theory in 1988, can indeed be heating up the corona. It is just that they have turned out to be more than 1,000 times weaker than his prediction and it took us a long time to find them. This is an excellent example of how progress in technology enables progress in science," concluded Professor Oberoi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-nisarga-turns-into-depression-over-vidarbha-to-weaken-further-303192">Also read:&nbsp;Cyclone Nisarga turns into depression over Vidarbha, to weaken further</a>

The Sun is the brightest object in the sky and has been studied for hundreds of years. But it continues to hide some secrets which scientists from across the world are working hard to unlock. We all know that the visible Sun is extremely hot, at a temperature of about 5,500 degrees Celsius.

Surprisingly, on top of this sits a layer of gas which is at a temperature of almost two million degrees, over 300 times hotter than the surface of the Sun! We can get a glimpse of this layer of the gas during a total solar eclipse, called the corona because it looks like a crown.

What heats up the corona to two million degrees is one of the most challenging puzzles about the Sun and a reasonable answer has not been found till date.It is a fact that as we get closer to a source of heat, it becomes hotter. On the Sun, the source of heat is deep inside it. So, how is it that on top of the very hot surface of the Sun, there is a layer which is 300 times hotter? One efficient way of extracting this energy from the magnetic fields involves numerous tiny explosions taking place all over the Sun, all the time.

Individually these explosions are too weak, but collectively they have sufficient energy to heat the entire corona due to sheer numbers. Many attempts have been made to look for X-rays and ultraviolet light emitted by these explosions but none have been successful.It was concluded that if they exist, these tiny explosions were too weak to be detected by even the best instruments available today. These explosions are also expected to give rise to tiny flashes of radio lights, but till now there were no telescopes sensitive enough to detect them.&nbsp;

A group of scientists working at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune, have recently discovered tiny flashes of radio light from all over the Sun.

A group of scientists working at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune, have recently discovered tiny flashes of radio light from all over the Sun. This work was led by Surajit Mondal, a PhD student working under the supervision of Professor Divya Oberoi, a faculty member at NCRA, along with Dr. Atul Mohan, his former student at NCRA, now at the Rosseland Centre for Solar Physics, Norway. They have identified smoking guns for these small magnetic explosions and hence the first-ever evidence for their existence in explaining the long-pending coronal heating problem. Also read: Mumbai braces for Cyclone Nisarga; 1,00,000 people, including coronavirus patients, moved to safety In their journey to unravel this mystery, scientists have already figured out that the extra energy heating up the corona must be coming from the magnetic fields of the Sun; but the methodology is not known yet. The strength of the magnetic fields vary a lot from one place on the surface of the Sun to another, by more than a factor of 1,000, but the corona is hot everywhere. So, this heating process has to work all over the corona, even in regions of weak magnetic fields. Until now the process of how this magnetic energy is deposited in the corona had remained a mystery. Also read: Maharashtra COVID-19 cases up by 2,560 to 74,860; 122 die in one day "What made this breakthrough possible is the availability of data from a new technology instrument, the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), and the work which we have been doing for the past few years at NCRA to build the techniques and tools to make the most sensitive solar radio images from this data. The very weak radio flashes we have discovered are about 100 times weaker than the weakest bursts reported till now," said Professor Oberoi. Surajit Mondal, the lead author of this work said, "What makes this really exciting is that these flashes are present everywhere on the Sun and at all times, including in the regions of weak magnetic fields, the so-called `quiet Sun` regions." "Our preliminary estimates suggest that these tiny magnetic explosions should collectively have enough energy to heat the corona, which is exactly what is needed for solving the coronal heating problem," Dr. Mohan added. "With this work, we have the strongest evidence till date that these tiny explosions, originally referred to as nanoflares in Professor Parker`s theory in 1988, can indeed be heating up the corona. It is just that they have turned out to be more than 1,000 times weaker than his prediction and it took us a long time to find them. This is an excellent example of how progress in technology enables progress in science," concluded Professor Oberoi. Also read: Cyclone Nisarga turns into depression over Vidarbha, to weaken further The Sun is the brightest object in the sky and has been studied for hundreds of years. But it continues to hide some secrets which scientists from across the world are working hard to unlock. We all know that the visible Sun is extremely hot, at a temperature of about 5,500 degrees Celsius. Surprisingly, on top of this sits a layer of gas which is at a temperature of almost two million degrees, over 300 times hotter than the surface of the Sun! We can get a glimpse of this layer of the gas during a total solar eclipse, called the corona because it looks like a crown. What heats up the corona to two million degrees is one of the most challenging puzzles about the Sun and a reasonable answer has not been found till date.It is a fact that as we get closer to a source of heat, it becomes hotter. On the Sun, the source of heat is deep inside it. So, how is it that on top of the very hot surface of the Sun, there is a layer which is 300 times hotter? One efficient way of extracting this energy from the magnetic fields involves numerous tiny explosions taking place all over the Sun, all the time. Individually these explosions are too weak, but collectively they have sufficient energy to heat the entire corona due to sheer numbers. Many attempts have been made to look for X-rays and ultraviolet light emitted by these explosions but none have been successful.It was concluded that if they exist, these tiny explosions were too weak to be detected by even the best instruments available today. These explosions are also expected to give rise to tiny flashes of radio lights, but till now there were no telescopes sensitive enough to detect them.

Scientists in Pune discover long-sought tiny explosions on the Sun

Amid the present border standoff with India, the latest satellite imagery has revealed that China is fast strengthening its naval base in Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.

China building Naval base at Gwadar?

PM Modi Attends virtual Summit With Australian PM Scott Morrison

Cyclonic storm Nisarga, set to make landfall at Alibaug in Raigad district in the afternoon, hovered over the Arabian Sea around 165 km south-southwest of the coastal town and 215 km south-southwest of Mumbai at dawn.

Live updates: Flight operations in Mumbai airport shut as Cyclone Nisarga makes landfall in Alibaug

India and China to hold Lieutenant General-level talks on June 6 to address ongoing dispute in eastern Ladakh along Line of Actual Control by China, news agency ANI reported quoting Indian Army sources.

14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Army sources added.

India and China have been locked in a dispute over the heavy military build-up of over 5000 troops in Eastern Ladakh sector by People's Liberation Army.

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India &amp; China to hold Lieutenant General-level talks on June 6 to address ongoing dispute in eastern Ladakh along Line of Actual Control by China. 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart: Indian Army Sources
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&nbsp;

In some areas, they are inside the Indian territory but their intent to carry out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/use-diplomacy-to-resolve-border-issues-with-india-us-house-committee-tells-china-302508">deeper incursions</a> was checked by the Indian security forces by quick deployment.

The Chinese have also brought in heavy vehicles with artillery guns and infantry combat vehicles in their rear positions close to the Indian territory.

(With inputs from ANI)

India and China to hold Lieutenant General-level talks on June 6 to address ongoing dispute in eastern Ladakh along Line of Actual Control by China, news agency ANI reported quoting Indian Army sources.

India and China to hold Lieutenant General-level talks on June 6 to address ongoing dispute in eastern Ladakh along Line of Actual Control by China, news agency ANI reported quoting Indian Army sources. 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Army sources added. India and China have been locked in a dispute over the heavy military build-up of over 5000 troops in Eastern Ladakh sector by People's Liberation Army. India & China to hold Lieutenant General-level talks on June 6 to address ongoing dispute in eastern Ladakh along Line of Actual Control by China. 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart: Indian Army Sources — ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2020 × In some areas, they are inside the Indian territory but their intent to carry out deeper incursions was checked by the Indian security forces by quick deployment. The Chinese have also brought in heavy vehicles with artillery guns and infantry combat vehicles in their rear positions close to the Indian territory. (With inputs from ANI)

India, China to hold Lieutenant General-level talks on June 6 to address ongoing dispute in eastern Ladakh

A long-drawn battle is underway within the banned terror group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) more than 4 months after the suspicious death of its leader Harmeet Singh alias Happy PhD. Happy PHD died in mysterious circumstances in Lahore in January of 2020.

In the fray for the leadership of KLF radical elements from Pakistan, UK and even Italy and Switzerland. Pakistan- based Lakhbir Singh Rode also Chief of International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), Paramjeet Singh Panjwar, the UK based Paramjeet Singh Panjwar, Gursharanvir Singh Wahiwala, KLF spokesperson Dhanna Singh, Italy- based Gurjinder Singh Shastri and Switzerland based Pappu Singh are trying to take the mantle of the group.&nbsp;

While KLF has its separatist Khalistani agenda, the mainstay of its existence is by drug trafficking especially in Indian Punjab and Pakistan’s notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has used the terror group for smuggling illegal weapons and drugs into India. The ministry of home affairs had banned KLF in 2018 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

And without Pakistan's backing, unlikely a major call can be taken. ISI has been backing Lakhbir Singh Rode and Paramjeet Singh Panjwar. Both trying to get support from cadre based in Italy, Germany, Canada and the UK to become next KLF chief. Wahiwala and Shastri do not seem to have the support of the ISI, which can make things difficult for them.

KLF now is heading towards a schism with a new faction emerging led by UK based Gursharanvir Singh Wahiwala. Wahiwala is getting support from cadres from Canada, US and Italy. What has increased the infighting is Wahiwala alleging that Dhanna Singh, the spokesperson of KLF is responsible for the killing of Happy PhD.&nbsp;

Interestingly Dhanna was in Pakistan in the second week of January, just days before the killing of Happy PHD in mysterious circumstances. It was followed by a letter by him on February 12, 2020, to the cadre in which he called Happy PhD as a "self-styled leader".&nbsp;

Taking a dig at him he and other KLF leaders, he wrote in the letter that advises given by veteran leaders such as Devenderpal Singh Bhullar, Daya Singh Lahoriya, Lal Singh and Harnek Singh Bhap were ignored. He also called ex KLF chief Harminder Singh Mintoo as “devil and agent of Indian agencies” and both Mintoo and Happy PhD do not deserve the "honour of Jathedar bestowed upon them". &nbsp;The remarks and letter have drawn furious reactions from the hardcore KLF cadre who have warned him of serious consequences.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, house of Gursharanvir Singh was raided by Mid Westland Police in the UK on February 19 on the complaint made by Dhanna Singh fueling the acrimony.

UK based KLF militants had assembled on February 23 to discuss the future course of the group after the death of Happy PhD. A total of 8 people--Gursharanvir Singh, Amritveer Singh, Avtar Singh Khandaand Amanveer Singh attended the meeting. Gursharanvir vouched for himself citing his close ties with former KLF chiefs —Happy Phd, Mintoo. While asking to avoid Italian and swiss contender he called for the continuation of violent activities.

A long-drawn battle is underway within the banned terror group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) more than 4 months after the suspicious death of its leader Harmeet Singh alias Happy PhD.

A long-drawn battle is underway within the banned terror group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) more than 4 months after the suspicious death of its leader Harmeet Singh alias Happy PhD. Happy PHD died in mysterious circumstances in Lahore in January of 2020. In the fray for the leadership of KLF radical elements from Pakistan, UK and even Italy and Switzerland. Pakistan- based Lakhbir Singh Rode also Chief of International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), Paramjeet Singh Panjwar, the UK based Paramjeet Singh Panjwar, Gursharanvir Singh Wahiwala, KLF spokesperson Dhanna Singh, Italy- based Gurjinder Singh Shastri and Switzerland based Pappu Singh are trying to take the mantle of the group. While KLF has its separatist Khalistani agenda, the mainstay of its existence is by drug trafficking especially in Indian Punjab and Pakistan’s notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has used the terror group for smuggling illegal weapons and drugs into India. The ministry of home affairs had banned KLF in 2018 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). And without Pakistan's backing, unlikely a major call can be taken. ISI has been backing Lakhbir Singh Rode and Paramjeet Singh Panjwar. Both trying to get support from cadre based in Italy, Germany, Canada and the UK to become next KLF chief. Wahiwala and Shastri do not seem to have the support of the ISI, which can make things difficult for them. KLF now is heading towards a schism with a new faction emerging led by UK based Gursharanvir Singh Wahiwala. Wahiwala is getting support from cadres from Canada, US and Italy. What has increased the infighting is Wahiwala alleging that Dhanna Singh, the spokesperson of KLF is responsible for the killing of Happy PhD. Interestingly Dhanna was in Pakistan in the second week of January, just days before the killing of Happy PHD in mysterious circumstances. It was followed by a letter by him on February 12, 2020, to the cadre in which he called Happy PhD as a "self-styled leader". Taking a dig at him he and other KLF leaders, he wrote in the letter that advises given by veteran leaders such as Devenderpal Singh Bhullar, Daya Singh Lahoriya, Lal Singh and Harnek Singh Bhap were ignored. He also called ex KLF chief Harminder Singh Mintoo as “devil and agent of Indian agencies” and both Mintoo and Happy PhD do not deserve the "honour of Jathedar bestowed upon them". The remarks and letter have drawn furious reactions from the hardcore KLF cadre who have warned him of serious consequences. Meanwhile, house of Gursharanvir Singh was raided by Mid Westland Police in the UK on February 19 on the complaint made by Dhanna Singh fueling the acrimony. UK based KLF militants had assembled on February 23 to discuss the future course of the group after the death of Happy PhD. A total of 8 people--Gursharanvir Singh, Amritveer Singh, Avtar Singh Khandaand Amanveer Singh attended the meeting. Gursharanvir vouched for himself citing his close ties with former KLF chiefs —Happy Phd, Mintoo. While asking to avoid Italian and swiss contender he called for the continuation of violent activities.

Infighting within terror group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) for the top post; contenders from Pakistan, UK, Italy and Switzerland, ISI is the kingmaker

India's national capital on Wednesday reported 1,513 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-approves-remdesivir-to-treat-severe-covid-19-cases-302904">coronavirus </a>cases with nine deaths taking the death toll due to the virus to 606.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-rajasthan-reports-102-new-cases-salons-reopen-in-chennai-302976">Also Read:&nbsp;COVID-19: Rajasthan reports 102 new cases; salons reopen in Chennai</a>

The number coronavirus cases in Delhi has surged to 23,645 with 13,497 active cases, the health department said.

Maharashtra recorded 2,560 COVID-19 cases and 122 deaths in the last 24 hours as the number of cases shot up to 74,860. There have been 2,587 deaths due to the virus in the state. The health department said 32,329 patients had recovered from the virus.

Meanwhile, Gujarat reported 485 coronavirus cases and 30 deaths due to the virus taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 18,117. The state health department reported that 1,122 people had died due to the virus in the state.

In Haryana, 302 COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours with the number of cases rising to 2954. There have been 23 fatalities due to the virus in the state.

In Madhya Pradesh, &nbsp;168 new coronvirus cases were detected with seven deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases in the state to 8,588 with the death toll rising to 371.

India's national capital on Wednesday reported 1,513 coronavirus cases with nine deaths taking the death toll due to the virus to 606. Also Read: COVID-19: Rajasthan reports 102 new cases; salons reopen in Chennai The number coronavirus cases in Delhi has surged to 23,645 with 13,497 active cases, the health department said.

India's national capital on Wednesday reported 1,513 coronavirus cases with nine deaths taking the death toll due to the virus to 606. Also Read: COVID-19: Rajasthan reports 102 new cases; salons reopen in Chennai The number coronavirus cases in Delhi has surged to 23,645 with 13,497 active cases, the health department said. Maharashtra recorded 2,560 COVID-19 cases and 122 deaths in the last 24 hours as the number of cases shot up to 74,860. There have been 2,587 deaths due to the virus in the state. The health department said 32,329 patients had recovered from the virus. Meanwhile, Gujarat reported 485 coronavirus cases and 30 deaths due to the virus taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 18,117. The state health department reported that 1,122 people had died due to the virus in the state. In Haryana, 302 COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours with the number of cases rising to 2954. There have been 23 fatalities due to the virus in the state. In Madhya Pradesh, 168 new coronvirus cases were detected with seven deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases in the state to 8,588 with the death toll rising to 371.

COVID-19: Maharashtra records 2,560 cases; death toll in Delhi rises to 606

A painter in Ghaziabad waited near a railway station for three days for his turn to get on to a Special Shramik train. But when he finally found himself unable to catch one, he bought a car to head home.

No kidding here!

On the fourth day, Lallan went to the bank, withdrew all his savings of Rs 1.9 lakh and headed straight to a second hand car seller.

He bought a used car for Rs 1.5 lakh, and travelled back to his home in Gorakhpur along with his family, vowing never to return.

A resident of Kaitholia village in PP Ganj in Gorakhpur, Lallan said he and his family made several attempts to get seats on buses or trains but failed.

The buses, in any case, were overcrowded and he feared that his family may get infected with the coronavirus if they travelled without maintaining social distancing, he said.

"I know I have spent all my savings but at least my family is safe," he was quoted as saying.

Lallan left Ghaziabad in his car with his family on May 29 and reached Gorakhpur on the following day after a 14-hour journey.

He is now in home quarantine, and hopes to find a job in Gorakhpur.

A painter in Ghaziabad waited near a railway station for three days for his turn to get on to a Special Shramik train. But when he finally found himself unable to catch one, he bought a car to head home.

A painter in Ghaziabad waited near a railway station for three days for his turn to get on to a Special Shramik train. But when he finally found himself unable to catch one, he bought a car to head home. No kidding here! On the fourth day, Lallan went to the bank, withdrew all his savings of Rs 1.9 lakh and headed straight to a second hand car seller. He bought a used car for Rs 1.5 lakh, and travelled back to his home in Gorakhpur along with his family, vowing never to return. A resident of Kaitholia village in PP Ganj in Gorakhpur, Lallan said he and his family made several attempts to get seats on buses or trains but failed. The buses, in any case, were overcrowded and he feared that his family may get infected with the coronavirus if they travelled without maintaining social distancing, he said. "I know I have spent all my savings but at least my family is safe," he was quoted as saying. Lallan left Ghaziabad in his car with his family on May 29 and reached Gorakhpur on the following day after a 14-hour journey. He is now in home quarantine, and hopes to find a job in Gorakhpur.

Unable to manage seats in Shramik Special train, man buys car and heads home

India's Meteorological Department said that cyclonic storm Nisarga has weakened over coastal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-coronavirus-pandemic-cyclone-nisarga-hits-maharashtra-303029">Maharashtra</a>.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/cyclone-nisarga-hits-india-wind-speed-could-go-upto-120-kmh-in-next-24-hours-302908/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The weather department informed that light to moderate rainfall is likely in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh in the next 24 hours with heavy rain in several parts of Raigad, Dhule, Nandurbar and&nbsp;Nashik districts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-nisarga-makes-landfall-in-alibaug-with-wind-speeds-of-110-120-kmph-302952">In Pics:&nbsp;Cyclone Nisarga makes landfall in Alibaug with wind speeds of 110-120 kmph</a>

The cyclone had earlier made landfall in Alibaug in Maharashtra's coast as it disrupted power supply lines in Maharashtra's Raigad, Palghar, Thane and Pune with several areas heavily waterlogged.

The cyclone hit Maharashtra's district with a wind speed of upto 120 kmph. However, according to the Meteorological Department, it weakened into a cyclonic storm in the evening.

According to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDC), over 25 lakh consumers in Raigad, Palghar, Thane, and Pune experienced electricity interruptions due to cyclone Nisarga.

"The system weakened into a cyclonic storm and lay centered at 16.30 hrs near lat 19.0 deg N and Long 73.7 deg E (Pune District) over interior Maharashtra about 100 km east north east of Alibaug, 90 km east of Mumbai (Colaba) and 50 km north northwest of Pune," the IMD said in the statement.

The cyclone brought heavy rain in Colaba and Santacruz in Mumbai with upto 46 mm to 22 mm with wind speeds of 50 kmph and 58 kmp.

Flight operations at the Mumbai airport were suspended in the afternoon as the cyclone approached but resumed later.&nbsp;

India's Meteorological Department said that cyclonic storm Nisarga has weakened over coastal Maharashtra. Watch Video: The weather department informed that light to moderate rainfall is likely in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh in the next 24 hours with heavy rain in several parts of Raigad, Dhule, Nandurbar and Nashik districts.

India's Meteorological Department said that cyclonic storm Nisarga has weakened over coastal Maharashtra. Watch Video: The weather department informed that light to moderate rainfall is likely in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh in the next 24 hours with heavy rain in several parts of Raigad, Dhule, Nandurbar and Nashik districts. In Pics: Cyclone Nisarga makes landfall in Alibaug with wind speeds of 110-120 kmph The cyclone had earlier made landfall in Alibaug in Maharashtra's coast as it disrupted power supply lines in Maharashtra's Raigad, Palghar, Thane and Pune with several areas heavily waterlogged. The cyclone hit Maharashtra's district with a wind speed of upto 120 kmph. However, according to the Meteorological Department, it weakened into a cyclonic storm in the evening. According to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDC), over 25 lakh consumers in Raigad, Palghar, Thane, and Pune experienced electricity interruptions due to cyclone Nisarga. "The system weakened into a cyclonic storm and lay centered at 16.30 hrs near lat 19.0 deg N and Long 73.7 deg E (Pune District) over interior Maharashtra about 100 km east north east of Alibaug, 90 km east of Mumbai (Colaba) and 50 km north northwest of Pune," the IMD said in the statement. The cyclone brought heavy rain in Colaba and Santacruz in Mumbai with upto 46 mm to 22 mm with wind speeds of 50 kmph and 58 kmp. Flight operations at the Mumbai airport were suspended in the afternoon as the cyclone approached but resumed later.

Cyclone Nisarga disrupts power lines in Maharashtra; weakens after making landfall in Alibaug

Cyclone Nisarga is fast approaching the northern coast of Maharashtra with a speed of 11 kilometres per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Nisarga will make landfall as 'severe cyclonic storm' close to Alibag, 94 kms south of Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon with a wind speed of 100-110 kmh gusting to 120 kmh.

This is perhaps the first such storm to threaten Mumbai in more than 70 years.

To this end, the Mumbai Police has imposed Section 144 in the city -- which will be in effect till Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;The police has also banned citizens from visiting places like beaches, parks and promenades along the coastline.&nbsp;

Maharashtra and Gujarat have evacuated more than 1,00,000 people from coastal areas, especially those staying in slums and makeshift houses to places of shelter, officials from both the states said.

In Mumbai, authorities shifted 150 patients from newly built makeshift Covid-19 hospital to other hospitals as the new structure was located in low-lying area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-evacuates-several-districts-ahead-of-cyclone-nisarga-302629">Also read |&nbsp;Gujarat evacuates several districts ahead of cyclone Nisarga</a>

"Cyclone Nisarga is approaching North Maharashtra coast with a speed of 11 kmph. It is about 200 km South-SouthWest of Alibag and about 250 km South-SouthWest of Mumbai at 02:30 am IST of June 3," according to a tweet by the IMD.

The weather forecast agency further said that at 4:30 am the wind speed had increased to 22 kmph at Santacruz in Mumbai. It has also predicted that light to moderate rainfall would take place at most places with isolated heavy falls very likely over coastal Karnataka and Marathawada during the next six hours.

Extremely heavy falls (above 20 centimetres in 24 hours) is also likely at isolated places over North Konkan (Mumbai, Palghar, Thane, Raigad districts) and North Madhya Maharashtra on Wednesday.

After the landfall, the 'severe cyclonic storm' is likely to maintain its cyclonic storm intensity for about six hours while moving north-northeastwards across North Madhya Maharashtra.&nbsp; 
Under its influence, gale wind reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph is very likely to prevail over Pune, Ahmadnagar and 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph adjoining Beed, Nashik and Aurangabad districts of Maharashtra.

The IMD had earlier stated that the Severe Cyclonic Storm is expected to impact the Maharashtra coast by the afternoon/evening of June 3.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nisarga-likely-to-turn-into-severe-cyclonic-storm-in-next-24-hours-imd-302607">Also read |&nbsp;Nisarga likely to turn into 'severe cyclonic storm' in next 24 hours: IMD</a>

In view of impending Cyclone Nisarga, Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh has issued prohibitory orders restricting any presence or movement of persons in public places along the coast on Tuesday.

The prohibitory orders will remain in effect from midnight of Tuesday to 12 noon Wednesday, as per the statement.

NDRF Director General SN Pradhan, to this end, said that ten teams were deployed in Maharashtra and 11 in Gujarat. Five more NDRF teams were sent to Gujarat and Maharashtra respectively for joining the ongoing operations.

Nisarga comes close on the heels of Cyclone Amphan which killed more than 100 people when it hit eastern India and Bangladesh in May, flattening villages, destroying farms and leaving millions without electricity.

FLIGHTS CANCELLED OR DELAYED

Keeping the cyclone in consideration, only 19 flights, including 11 departures and eight arrivals, will be operated from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Wednesday.

According to GVK MIAL, which manages the CSMIA, the aforementioned flights will be operated by five airlines, including Air Asia India, Air India, IndiGo, GoAir, and SpiceJet.

The authority also cautioned passengers about probable changes in the schedule of the flights due to the cyclone and urged them to check with their respective airliners before leaving for the airport.

IndiGo Airline on Tuesday cancelled 17 flights to and from Mumbai.

"Due to severe cyclonic storm currently moving towards the country`s western coasts, IndiGo has cancelled 17 flights to and from Mumbai. IndiGo will only operate three flights from Mumbai on June 3, 2020," IndiGo said in a statement.

"The airline will operate three flights to Chandigarh, Ranchi and Patna from Mumbai on June 3, 2020," it further said.&nbsp;

All the passengers of the affected domestic flights have been notified."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-on-red-alert-as-cyclone-nisarga-to-strike-pandemic-hit-city-302509">Also read |&nbsp;Mumbai on red alert as Cyclone Nisarga to strike pandemic-hit city</a>

At IndiGo, we are customer centric and have empowered our customers by offering PLAN B, sent to each individual, an option of re-booking on alternate flight starting next day or to protect PNR as credit account," it said.

Vistara also cancelled its flights scheduled to and from Mumbai on June 3 due to the warning of severe storm on the western coast.&nbsp;

"Following the warning of a severe storm that Cyclone Nisarga may cause on the western coast of India, Vistara has cancelled its flights scheduled to and from Mumbai on 3 June 2020. Affected customers are being informed of the cancellations and will be offered alternative flight options. Safety of our customers and staff is most important to us," Vistara spokesperson said in a statement.

Meanwhile, CSMIA convened a meeting with its stakeholders to devise preventive measures to tackle potential adversities accompanied by the cyclone.&nbsp;

CSMIA has undertaken various measures to safeguard the passengers and airlines at the airport.

Preventive checks at different airport functions have been carried out and the airport has ensured that DG sets are in place to provide the uninterrupted power supply. Water pumps have been positioned across the airport to clear water in case of waterlogging.

Furthermore, food and beverage counters will be operational 24x7 at the airport for passengers. These counters will continue to operate the safety measures adopted against ongoing pandemic."

A dedicated team has been placed on standby at the airport to assist in this wary situation. Some of the measures undertaken by the airport include efficient personnel management to account for the possibility that the relieving team might not be able to reach the airport to take over their shift. Logistical supports like vehicles, food and tea/coffee have been arranged," CSMIA said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-nisarga-to-make-landfall-later-today-near-mumbai-302786">Watch |&nbsp;Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall later today near Mumbai</a>

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RAILWAYS

Also, the Central Railways has rescheduled eight trains which were supposed to arrive or depart from the state capital on Wednesday. The timings of 02542 LTT-Gorakhpur, 06345 LTT-Thiruvananthapuram, 01061 LTT-Darbhanga, 01071 LTT-Varanasi, 01019 CSMT-Bhubaneshwar special trains which were scheduled to leave Mumbai area during daytime were changed to night.

Similarly, special trains from Patna, Varanasi, and Thiruvananthapuram, which were scheduled to reach during the daytime were regulated and will now arrive in Mumbai behind schedule.

Cyclone Nisarga is fast approaching the northern coast of Maharashtra with a speed of 11 kilometres per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Cyclone Nisarga is fast approaching the northern coast of Maharashtra with a speed of 11 kilometres per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Nisarga will make landfall as 'severe cyclonic storm' close to Alibag, 94 kms south of Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon with a wind speed of 100-110 kmh gusting to 120 kmh. This is perhaps the first such storm to threaten Mumbai in more than 70 years. To this end, the Mumbai Police has imposed Section 144 in the city -- which will be in effect till Thursday afternoon. The police has also banned citizens from visiting places like beaches, parks and promenades along the coastline. Maharashtra and Gujarat have evacuated more than 1,00,000 people from coastal areas, especially those staying in slums and makeshift houses to places of shelter, officials from both the states said. In Mumbai, authorities shifted 150 patients from newly built makeshift Covid-19 hospital to other hospitals as the new structure was located in low-lying area. Also read | Gujarat evacuates several districts ahead of cyclone Nisarga "Cyclone Nisarga is approaching North Maharashtra coast with a speed of 11 kmph. It is about 200 km South-SouthWest of Alibag and about 250 km South-SouthWest of Mumbai at 02:30 am IST of June 3," according to a tweet by the IMD. The weather forecast agency further said that at 4:30 am the wind speed had increased to 22 kmph at Santacruz in Mumbai. It has also predicted that light to moderate rainfall would take place at most places with isolated heavy falls very likely over coastal Karnataka and Marathawada during the next six hours. Extremely heavy falls (above 20 centimetres in 24 hours) is also likely at isolated places over North Konkan (Mumbai, Palghar, Thane, Raigad districts) and North Madhya Maharashtra on Wednesday. After the landfall, the 'severe cyclonic storm' is likely to maintain its cyclonic storm intensity for about six hours while moving north-northeastwards across North Madhya Maharashtra. Under its influence, gale wind reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph is very likely to prevail over Pune, Ahmadnagar and 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph adjoining Beed, Nashik and Aurangabad districts of Maharashtra. The IMD had earlier stated that the Severe Cyclonic Storm is expected to impact the Maharashtra coast by the afternoon/evening of June 3. Also read | Nisarga likely to turn into 'severe cyclonic storm' in next 24 hours: IMD In view of impending Cyclone Nisarga, Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh has issued prohibitory orders restricting any presence or movement of persons in public places along the coast on Tuesday. The prohibitory orders will remain in effect from midnight of Tuesday to 12 noon Wednesday, as per the statement. NDRF Director General SN Pradhan, to this end, said that ten teams were deployed in Maharashtra and 11 in Gujarat. Five more NDRF teams were sent to Gujarat and Maharashtra respectively for joining the ongoing operations. Nisarga comes close on the heels of Cyclone Amphan which killed more than 100 people when it hit eastern India and Bangladesh in May, flattening villages, destroying farms and leaving millions without electricity. FLIGHTS CANCELLED OR DELAYED Keeping the cyclone in consideration, only 19 flights, including 11 departures and eight arrivals, will be operated from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Wednesday. According to GVK MIAL, which manages the CSMIA, the aforementioned flights will be operated by five airlines, including Air Asia India, Air India, IndiGo, GoAir, and SpiceJet. The authority also cautioned passengers about probable changes in the schedule of the flights due to the cyclone and urged them to check with their respective airliners before leaving for the airport. IndiGo Airline on Tuesday cancelled 17 flights to and from Mumbai. "Due to severe cyclonic storm currently moving towards the country`s western coasts, IndiGo has cancelled 17 flights to and from Mumbai. IndiGo will only operate three flights from Mumbai on June 3, 2020," IndiGo said in a statement. "The airline will operate three flights to Chandigarh, Ranchi and Patna from Mumbai on June 3, 2020," it further said. All the passengers of the affected domestic flights have been notified." Also read | Mumbai on red alert as Cyclone Nisarga to strike pandemic-hit city At IndiGo, we are customer centric and have empowered our customers by offering PLAN B, sent to each individual, an option of re-booking on alternate flight starting next day or to protect PNR as credit account," it said. Vistara also cancelled its flights scheduled to and from Mumbai on June 3 due to the warning of severe storm on the western coast. "Following the warning of a severe storm that Cyclone Nisarga may cause on the western coast of India, Vistara has cancelled its flights scheduled to and from Mumbai on 3 June 2020. Affected customers are being informed of the cancellations and will be offered alternative flight options. Safety of our customers and staff is most important to us," Vistara spokesperson said in a statement. Meanwhile, CSMIA convened a meeting with its stakeholders to devise preventive measures to tackle potential adversities accompanied by the cyclone. CSMIA has undertaken various measures to safeguard the passengers and airlines at the airport. Preventive checks at different airport functions have been carried out and the airport has ensured that DG sets are in place to provide the uninterrupted power supply. Water pumps have been positioned across the airport to clear water in case of waterlogging. Furthermore, food and beverage counters will be operational 24x7 at the airport for passengers. These counters will continue to operate the safety measures adopted against ongoing pandemic." A dedicated team has been placed on standby at the airport to assist in this wary situation. Some of the measures undertaken by the airport include efficient personnel management to account for the possibility that the relieving team might not be able to reach the airport to take over their shift. Logistical supports like vehicles, food and tea/coffee have been arranged," CSMIA said in a statement. Watch | Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall later today near Mumbai × RAILWAYS Also, the Central Railways has rescheduled eight trains which were supposed to arrive or depart from the state capital on Wednesday. The timings of 02542 LTT-Gorakhpur, 06345 LTT-Thiruvananthapuram, 01061 LTT-Darbhanga, 01071 LTT-Varanasi, 01019 CSMT-Bhubaneshwar special trains which were scheduled to leave Mumbai area during daytime were changed to night. Similarly, special trains from Patna, Varanasi, and Thiruvananthapuram, which were scheduled to reach during the daytime were regulated and will now arrive in Mumbai behind schedule.

Mumbai braces for Cyclone Nisarga; 1,00,000 people, including coronavirus patients, moved to safety

Three terrorists have been neutralised in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama earlier today, Jammu and Kashmir police said.&nbsp;

Earlier a top police official confirmed the&nbsp;encounter and said a joint team of police, Army's 55 RR and 183 BN of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon-and-search-operation in the area.&nbsp;

As the joint team encircled the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the searching party and the fire was retaliated, triggering an encounter.

Police recovered arms and ammunition from the area.

Meanwhile, internet service has been snapped in the Pulwama as&nbsp;a precautionary measure.

Three terrorists have been neutralised in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama earlier today, Jammu and Kashmir police said.

Three terrorists have been neutralised in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama earlier today, Jammu and Kashmir police said. Earlier a top police official confirmed the encounter and said a joint team of police, Army's 55 RR and 183 BN of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon-and-search-operation in the area. As the joint team encircled the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the searching party and the fire was retaliated, triggering an encounter. Police recovered arms and ammunition from the area. Meanwhile, internet service has been snapped in the Pulwama as a precautionary measure.

Jammu and Kashmir: 3 terrorists neutralised in Pulwama encounter

US President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday announced investigations into foreign digital services taxes it says are aimed squarely at American tech firms.

Following a similar trade investigation against France last year, the US Trade Representative office now is looking into taxes in Britain and the European Union, as well as Indonesia, Turkey and India.

"President Trump is concerned that many of our trading partners are adopting tax schemes designed to unfairly target our companies," USTR Robert Lighthizer said in a statement.

"We are prepared to take all appropriate action to defend our businesses and workers against any such discrimination."

Washington opposes the efforts to tax revenues from online sales and advertising, saying they single out US tech giants like Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Netflix.

The US and France have agreed to negotiate till the end of the year over a digital services tax Paris approved in 2019, after USTR found them to be discriminating and threatened retaliatory duties of up to 100 percent on French imports such as champagne and camembert cheese.

Trump has embroiled the US in numerous trade disputes since taking office in 2017, including a months-long trade war with China that cooled with the signing of a partial deal in January.

US President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday announced investigations into foreign digital services taxes it says are aimed squarely at American tech firms.

US President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday announced investigations into foreign digital services taxes it says are aimed squarely at American tech firms. Following a similar trade investigation against France last year, the US Trade Representative office now is looking into taxes in Britain and the European Union, as well as Indonesia, Turkey and India. "President Trump is concerned that many of our trading partners are adopting tax schemes designed to unfairly target our companies," USTR Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. "We are prepared to take all appropriate action to defend our businesses and workers against any such discrimination." Washington opposes the efforts to tax revenues from online sales and advertising, saying they single out US tech giants like Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Netflix. The US and France have agreed to negotiate till the end of the year over a digital services tax Paris approved in 2019, after USTR found them to be discriminating and threatened retaliatory duties of up to 100 percent on French imports such as champagne and camembert cheese. Trump has embroiled the US in numerous trade disputes since taking office in 2017, including a months-long trade war with China that cooled with the signing of a partial deal in January.

Taxes on tech firms in India, other nations to be investigated by US

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