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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday temporarily suspended license of a SpiceJet pilot in connection with a runway incursion that occurred in the first week of August.

The license of pilot Atul Yadav has been revoked for three months from July 10, 2019 after probing his role in the runway incursion by Surat-Mumbai SEJ-2763 flight at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) airport.

The incident of the runway (RWY) incursion had occurred on July 5 this year.

Sharing details of the incident, DGCA said, "Yadav was monitoring both tower and ground frequencies while taxing. He had briefed pilot-in-command that they were cleared for crossing RWY 14. This RWY crossing clearance was given by tower to aircraft which was ahead of SEJ-2763. The action of the crew member jeopardised the safety of the aircraft and the passengers."

The aviation authority said that the show cause notice was issued to pilot on August 19 to explain in writing within 15 days as to "why the action should not be taken against him for endangering the safety of aircraft and passengers on board".

After receiving the reply, the crew has accepted his mistake and explained that it happened due to another aircraft with a similar call sign ahead of SEJ-2763, IGO 063 which got clearance to cross runway 14.

"Therefore, in the exercise of the powers delegated under Clause (a) of Sub-Rule (3) of Rule 19 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, read with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation notification No. S.O. 727 (E) of October 1994 the undersigned hereby suspends in public interest, the privileges of the pilot license held by Yadav, CPL- 13633 for a period of three months from 10.07.2019," it said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday temporarily suspended license of a SpiceJet pilot in connection with a runway incursion that occurred in the first week of August.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday temporarily suspended license of a SpiceJet pilot in connection with a runway incursion that occurred in the first week of August. The license of pilot Atul Yadav has been revoked for three months from July 10, 2019 after probing his role in the runway incursion by Surat-Mumbai SEJ-2763 flight at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) airport. The incident of the runway (RWY) incursion had occurred on July 5 this year. Sharing details of the incident, DGCA said, "Yadav was monitoring both tower and ground frequencies while taxing. He had briefed pilot-in-command that they were cleared for crossing RWY 14. This RWY crossing clearance was given by tower to aircraft which was ahead of SEJ-2763. The action of the crew member jeopardised the safety of the aircraft and the passengers." The aviation authority said that the show cause notice was issued to pilot on August 19 to explain in writing within 15 days as to "why the action should not be taken against him for endangering the safety of aircraft and passengers on board". After receiving the reply, the crew has accepted his mistake and explained that it happened due to another aircraft with a similar call sign ahead of SEJ-2763, IGO 063 which got clearance to cross runway 14. "Therefore, in the exercise of the powers delegated under Clause (a) of Sub-Rule (3) of Rule 19 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, read with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation notification No. S.O. 727 (E) of October 1994 the undersigned hereby suspends in public interest, the privileges of the pilot license held by Yadav, CPL- 13633 for a period of three months from 10.07.2019," it said.

Mumbai: DGCA suspends pilot's license for 3 months in runway incursion case

International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) Secretary General Jurgen Stock on Saturday called on Home Minister Amit Shah.

During the meeting, Shah proposed hosting of Interpol General Assembly in the national capital in 2022, as a part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of India's independence.

The Union Minister also expressed India's willingness to be a Regional Hub of INTERPOL Global Academy by extending assistance as well as infrastructural support.

Emphasising the zero-tolerance approach of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards drug trafficking, international terrorism, dirty money, and money laundering, Shah called upon the Interpol to accord the topmost priority in fighting these menaces.

He also underlined the urgent need for a long term strategic action plan in fighting these menaces, not just in the Asian region but across the world.

Mentioning the recent amendments in Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the senior BJP leader said that over the years, Indian intelligence and investigation agencies have acquired rich and varied experiences in their decades-old fight against terrorism.

Union Home Minister Shah said Interpol is welcome to actively collaborate with Indian law enforcement agencies to make the best use of this expertise.

He also expressed his concern over the delay in the publication of Red Notices and said there was an urgent need for proactive-pre-publication consultation for ensuring expeditious publication of Red Notices.

"Interpol Secretary General Stock appraised Shah about the databases of Interpol that house 100 million records, secure global data communication channel, and other tools through, which the organisation is assisting other law enforcement agencies across the world," said a press release.

"He desired that Indian law enforcement agencies may make efforts to ensure more extensive use of Interpol's tools and databases, more particularly at the border control points. Mr Stock also assured enhanced operational cooperation," the release added.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) Secretary General Jurgen Stock on Saturday called on Home Minister Amit Shah. During the meeting, Shah proposed hosting of Interpol General Assembly in the national capital in 2022, as a part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of India's independence.

International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) Secretary General Jurgen Stock on Saturday called on Home Minister Amit Shah. During the meeting, Shah proposed hosting of Interpol General Assembly in the national capital in 2022, as a part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of India's independence. The Union Minister also expressed India's willingness to be a Regional Hub of INTERPOL Global Academy by extending assistance as well as infrastructural support. Emphasising the zero-tolerance approach of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards drug trafficking, international terrorism, dirty money, and money laundering, Shah called upon the Interpol to accord the topmost priority in fighting these menaces. He also underlined the urgent need for a long term strategic action plan in fighting these menaces, not just in the Asian region but across the world. Mentioning the recent amendments in Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the senior BJP leader said that over the years, Indian intelligence and investigation agencies have acquired rich and varied experiences in their decades-old fight against terrorism. Union Home Minister Shah said Interpol is welcome to actively collaborate with Indian law enforcement agencies to make the best use of this expertise. He also expressed his concern over the delay in the publication of Red Notices and said there was an urgent need for proactive-pre-publication consultation for ensuring expeditious publication of Red Notices. "Interpol Secretary General Stock appraised Shah about the databases of Interpol that house 100 million records, secure global data communication channel, and other tools through, which the organisation is assisting other law enforcement agencies across the world," said a press release. "He desired that Indian law enforcement agencies may make efforts to ensure more extensive use of Interpol's tools and databases, more particularly at the border control points. Mr Stock also assured enhanced operational cooperation," the release added.

Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock calls on Home Minister Amit Shah

Setting the tone of party's campaign in the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand, BJP working president J P Nadda on Saturday told the workers to dominate the electorate with issues like abrogation of Article 370 and triple talaq and not to get dominated by their queries and problems.

"The leader is one who dominates and the follower is one who gets dominated. When you are among the people, they will pose ten questions.

But you have to bring them to the issues of Article 370 and triple talaq," he said amid the chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai.'

Nadda, who is on a two-day visit to the state to take stock of the election preparedness, was addressing 'Shakti Kendra Sammelan'&nbsp;here in Palamu district.

"If people say that they will vote you but ask who will be your candidate...tell them that the candidate will be the symbol of BJP. We have to dominate. We have to convey our point effectively," he said.

The senior BJP leader said that there was an "electrifying effect" of the abrogation of Article 370 and people are joyous after the decision.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have made the dream of one nation-one Constitution true. The decision will benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh immensely," he said.

Referring to Pakistan's letter to the United Nations alleging human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir with mention of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks, Nadda hit out at the opposition party, saying that the prevailing situation in the Muslim-dominated state was due to its wrong policies.

"The Congress party has betrayed the people of Jammu and Kashmir while three families looted the state and hampered its development. The people of the state were not getting benefits of the Central government schemes," he said.

The BJP leader also slammed the alliance of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress in the state and said they have neither leader nor intentions.

"We have a leader, policies and intentions. We have workers and the atmosphere is also in our favour whereas the opposition parties lack all these," he said urging the party workers to work at booth level for the next four months to win the election.

Nadda said the BJP was the world's largest political party with 18 crore members, and only seven countries have more population than the number of BJP workers.

"This is the power of our organisation. Except the BJP no one will be able to break this record," he said.

He claimed that during the recent membership drive the party has added the highest number of members in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Setting the tone of party's campaign in the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand, BJP working president J P Nadda on Saturday told the workers to dominate the electorate with issues like abrogation of Article 370 and triple talaq and not to get dominated by their queries and problems.

Setting the tone of party's campaign in the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand, BJP working president J P Nadda on Saturday told the workers to dominate the electorate with issues like abrogation of Article 370 and triple talaq and not to get dominated by their queries and problems. "The leader is one who dominates and the follower is one who gets dominated. When you are among the people, they will pose ten questions. But you have to bring them to the issues of Article 370 and triple talaq," he said amid the chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai.' Nadda, who is on a two-day visit to the state to take stock of the election preparedness, was addressing 'Shakti Kendra Sammelan' here in Palamu district. "If people say that they will vote you but ask who will be your candidate...tell them that the candidate will be the symbol of BJP. We have to dominate. We have to convey our point effectively," he said. The senior BJP leader said that there was an "electrifying effect" of the abrogation of Article 370 and people are joyous after the decision. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have made the dream of one nation-one Constitution true. The decision will benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh immensely," he said. Referring to Pakistan's letter to the United Nations alleging human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir with mention of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks, Nadda hit out at the opposition party, saying that the prevailing situation in the Muslim-dominated state was due to its wrong policies. "The Congress party has betrayed the people of Jammu and Kashmir while three families looted the state and hampered its development. The people of the state were not getting benefits of the Central government schemes," he said. The BJP leader also slammed the alliance of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress in the state and said they have neither leader nor intentions. "We have a leader, policies and intentions. We have workers and the atmosphere is also in our favour whereas the opposition parties lack all these," he said urging the party workers to work at booth level for the next four months to win the election. Nadda said the BJP was the world's largest political party with 18 crore members, and only seven countries have more population than the number of BJP workers. "This is the power of our organisation. Except the BJP no one will be able to break this record," he said. He claimed that during the recent membership drive the party has added the highest number of members in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir.

Dominate electorate with issues like abrogation of Article 370, triple talaq: Nadda to BJP workers

In an exclusive interview with WION's Molly Gambhir, Singapore Home Minister K. Shanmugam talks about fake news and online falsehoods. Watch this video to know more.

WION Exclusive: Singapore Home Minister K. Shanmugam speaks on fake news

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have confirmed their participation at the annual SAARC meet of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly starting from September 17.&nbsp;

The meeting will take place on September 26 in New York and a confirmation has been given to SAARC's chair, Nepal.

This will be for the first time both Indian and Pak foreign ministers will be under the same roof this year. This comes in the backdrop of New Delhi removing the special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

Last year, India had snubbed Pakistan at the informal SAARC meet of foreign ministers and strongly raised the issue of terror. India's then foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj and her Pak counterpart Qureshi were present during the meet.&nbsp;

The meeting happened at The Westin Grand Central Hotel in New York and was attended by all SAARC members. The meeting, that was to go on for two hours, concluded in just over an hour with Swaraj making her statement and leaving.

Highlighting the number of threats and incidents that endanger South Asia, India's then external affairs minister Sushma had Swaraj said, terrorism remains the single largest threat to peace and stability in our region and it is "necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination and end the ecosystem of its support."

Pak FM Qureshi was at his usual undiplomatic best who stated, "The EAM left midway, maybe she wasn't feeling well. I listened to her statement. She talked of regional cooperation. How is regional cooperation possible, when everybody is ready to sit and talk and you're blocking that?"

India's focus has been on the BIMSTEC since the cancellation of SAARC Summit in 2016 in the aftermath of the URI terror attack. Remember, India - along with Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Maldives - had boycotted the summit in Islamabad.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have confirmed their participation at the annual SAARC meet of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly starting from September 17.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have confirmed their participation at the annual SAARC meet of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly starting from September 17. The meeting will take place on September 26 in New York and a confirmation has been given to SAARC's chair, Nepal. This will be for the first time both Indian and Pak foreign ministers will be under the same roof this year. This comes in the backdrop of New Delhi removing the special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Last year, India had snubbed Pakistan at the informal SAARC meet of foreign ministers and strongly raised the issue of terror. India's then foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj and her Pak counterpart Qureshi were present during the meet. The meeting happened at The Westin Grand Central Hotel in New York and was attended by all SAARC members. The meeting, that was to go on for two hours, concluded in just over an hour with Swaraj making her statement and leaving. Highlighting the number of threats and incidents that endanger South Asia, India's then external affairs minister Sushma had Swaraj said, terrorism remains the single largest threat to peace and stability in our region and it is "necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination and end the ecosystem of its support." Pak FM Qureshi was at his usual undiplomatic best who stated, "The EAM left midway, maybe she wasn't feeling well. I listened to her statement. She talked of regional cooperation. How is regional cooperation possible, when everybody is ready to sit and talk and you're blocking that?" India's focus has been on the BIMSTEC since the cancellation of SAARC Summit in 2016 in the aftermath of the URI terror attack. Remember, India - along with Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Maldives - had boycotted the summit in Islamabad.

Jaishankar, Qureshi confirm presence at informal SAARC foreign ministers' meet in September

BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao on Saturday said that the party is launching a "national unity" campaign 'One Nation One Constitution'&nbsp;from September in the wake of abrogation of Article 370.

"BJP is launching a national unity campaign 'One Nation One Constitution'&nbsp;from September 1 till September 30. In the month-long campaign, we will reach out to people to explain about the abrogation of Article 370 from the Indian Constitution and to explain the position, arguments and logic of the Government of India behind taking this decision," he told reporters.

"We have planned to organise a number of programmes. As part of preparation today, we have held a zonal level workshop here of southern states. The content of the programme with heads of each state will be discussed," Rao added.

The BJP leader said that the party's senior leadership will meet around 2,000 people across the country and will explain to them the idea behind scrapping provisions of Article 370.

"These 'opinion-makers'&nbsp;will further explain people in their area about the abrogation of article 370," he said.

Rao said that BJP National President Amit Shah, working president JP Nadda, Union ministers and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states will be touring different places to participate in this campaign.

Hitting out at the DMK which has been vocal against the government's decisions of abrogating article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP leader said that the move is completely legal and as per provisions of the constitution.

"Whatever the government has done was done legally and constitutionally. In Tamil Nadu, DMK opposed the abrogation of article 370 and protested against it. We are challenging DMK and we will reach to people in every corner of the state," he said.

A few days back, DMK along with several Opposition leaders had staged a protest against the revocation of Article 370. Rao also outlined that people in Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of many benefits due to the earlier regulations.

"People from Scheduled castes in J-K were deprived of reservation benefits. They should also get benefit like people in Tamil Nadu. If women of Jammu and Kashmir marry a person outside their state then they were deprived of their rights. J-K people want democracy, good governance, reservation, etc," he said.

The BJP leader also accused Congress party leaders of making statements which are being used by Pakistan in UN against India. "BJP was in Opposition for a long time. We never made comments when the country fought wars," he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao on Saturday said that the party is launching a "national unity" campaign 'One Nation One Constitution' from September in the wake of abrogation of Article 370.

BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao on Saturday said that the party is launching a "national unity" campaign 'One Nation One Constitution' from September in the wake of abrogation of Article 370. "BJP is launching a national unity campaign 'One Nation One Constitution' from September 1 till September 30. In the month-long campaign, we will reach out to people to explain about the abrogation of Article 370 from the Indian Constitution and to explain the position, arguments and logic of the Government of India behind taking this decision," he told reporters. "We have planned to organise a number of programmes. As part of preparation today, we have held a zonal level workshop here of southern states. The content of the programme with heads of each state will be discussed," Rao added. The BJP leader said that the party's senior leadership will meet around 2,000 people across the country and will explain to them the idea behind scrapping provisions of Article 370. "These 'opinion-makers' will further explain people in their area about the abrogation of article 370," he said. Rao said that BJP National President Amit Shah, working president JP Nadda, Union ministers and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states will be touring different places to participate in this campaign. Hitting out at the DMK which has been vocal against the government's decisions of abrogating article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP leader said that the move is completely legal and as per provisions of the constitution. "Whatever the government has done was done legally and constitutionally. In Tamil Nadu, DMK opposed the abrogation of article 370 and protested against it. We are challenging DMK and we will reach to people in every corner of the state," he said. A few days back, DMK along with several Opposition leaders had staged a protest against the revocation of Article 370. Rao also outlined that people in Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of many benefits due to the earlier regulations. "People from Scheduled castes in J-K were deprived of reservation benefits. They should also get benefit like people in Tamil Nadu. If women of Jammu and Kashmir marry a person outside their state then they were deprived of their rights. J-K people want democracy, good governance, reservation, etc," he said. The BJP leader also accused Congress party leaders of making statements which are being used by Pakistan in UN against India. "BJP was in Opposition for a long time. We never made comments when the country fought wars," he said.

BJP to launch 'One Nation One Constitution' campaign from September 1

Security is beefed up in Assam as the state is all set to release the publication of the final list of the government`s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nrc-row-assamese-cant-be-allowed-to-become-a-minority-in-their-own-land-246694">National Register of Citizens (NRC)</a> on Saturday.

The district police are taking all the precautions to avoid any untoward situation.

Several districts including Barpeta has been declared as 'sensitive districts'. Violence had&nbsp;broken out in Barpeta during the NRC pilot project in 2010 and four people were killed in the police firing.&nbsp;

Discussing the steps being taken, Superintendent of Police Barpeta, Dr Robin Kumar said, "This district consists of 178 NRC Sewa Kendra (NSK). To maintain law and order we have a four-tier security plan. If any situation arises, we will take action. We are confident that the final publication process will be carried out peacefully."

He also spoke about monitoring social media in the district to stop any kind of rumour-mongering. "We have social media monitoring centre in our district. I appeal to people that in case they receive any message, they should not react without verification," Kumar added.

Some residents of Barpeta said that even if they are excluded from the final list, they have 10 months time to challenge their exclusion and exuded hope of continued peace in the region.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had also urged upon the people of Assam to maintain peace and tranquillity in the state.

"The NRC, which has been updated by the State NRC Coordinator and his team under the monitoring of the Supreme Court of India and supervision of the Registrar General of India, is an outcome of the untiring efforts of the thousands of people," he said in a statement.

"Those people whose names have been excluded from proposed NRC, would get an opportunity to file their appeal and be heard in the Foreigners` Tribunal (FT) as per the direction of the Union Home Ministry," the Chief Minister said.

Sonowal said that the Assam government will take care of the cause of the excluded people and due care will be taken so that nobody is subjected to any "unnecessary harassment".

The Chief Minister asserted a person cannot be treated as "foreigner" as long as the appellant`s plea remains sub-judice with the Foreigner`s Tribunal. 
NRC is a register containing names of Indian citizens, which was prepared for the only time in 1951.&nbsp;

It is being updated for Assam as of now to weed out illegal immigrants. Last month, the Supreme Court had extended the deadline for the final publication of NRC from July 31 to August 31. It had rejected a plea to extend the NRC deadline for sample verification.&nbsp;

Under NRC the citizens will have to prove that they are the residents of India and their families have been living in India before 1971. If anyone`s name doesn`t show in the final list, he or she will not be sent immediately to the detention camp. People will get a window of 10 months to prove their citizenship.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Security is beefed up in Assam as the state is all set to release the publication of the final list of the government`s National Register of Citizens (NRC) on Saturday.

Security is beefed up in Assam as the state is all set to release the publication of the final list of the government`s National Register of Citizens (NRC) on Saturday. The district police are taking all the precautions to avoid any untoward situation. Several districts including Barpeta has been declared as 'sensitive districts'. Violence had broken out in Barpeta during the NRC pilot project in 2010 and four people were killed in the police firing. Discussing the steps being taken, Superintendent of Police Barpeta, Dr Robin Kumar said, "This district consists of 178 NRC Sewa Kendra (NSK). To maintain law and order we have a four-tier security plan. If any situation arises, we will take action. We are confident that the final publication process will be carried out peacefully." He also spoke about monitoring social media in the district to stop any kind of rumour-mongering. "We have social media monitoring centre in our district. I appeal to people that in case they receive any message, they should not react without verification," Kumar added. Some residents of Barpeta said that even if they are excluded from the final list, they have 10 months time to challenge their exclusion and exuded hope of continued peace in the region. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had also urged upon the people of Assam to maintain peace and tranquillity in the state. "The NRC, which has been updated by the State NRC Coordinator and his team under the monitoring of the Supreme Court of India and supervision of the Registrar General of India, is an outcome of the untiring efforts of the thousands of people," he said in a statement. "Those people whose names have been excluded from proposed NRC, would get an opportunity to file their appeal and be heard in the Foreigners` Tribunal (FT) as per the direction of the Union Home Ministry," the Chief Minister said. Sonowal said that the Assam government will take care of the cause of the excluded people and due care will be taken so that nobody is subjected to any "unnecessary harassment". The Chief Minister asserted a person cannot be treated as "foreigner" as long as the appellant`s plea remains sub-judice with the Foreigner`s Tribunal. NRC is a register containing names of Indian citizens, which was prepared for the only time in 1951. It is being updated for Assam as of now to weed out illegal immigrants. Last month, the Supreme Court had extended the deadline for the final publication of NRC from July 31 to August 31. It had rejected a plea to extend the NRC deadline for sample verification. Under NRC the citizens will have to prove that they are the residents of India and their families have been living in India before 1971. If anyone`s name doesn`t show in the final list, he or she will not be sent immediately to the detention camp. People will get a window of 10 months to prove their citizenship. (With inputs from ANI)

Final NRC list to be declared today in Assam; security beefed up

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Surendra Singh, the brother of the 19-year-old Jagjit Kaur, who was allegedly abducted and forcibly converted to Islam, on Saturday said that her sister has not been returned yet.

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Federal agents in Brazil exchanged gunfire with illegal miners in the Amazon state of Para on Friday, according to witnesses, in a dramatic example of how Brazil has stepped up environmental enforcement in the wake of rainforest fires.

&nbsp;

Fire, Tear gas, petrol bombs as Hong Kong centre engulfed by chaos Chaos engulfed Hong Kong's financial heart on Saturday night as police fired tear gas and water cannon at petrol-bomb-throwing protesters, who defied a ban on rallying -- and mounting threats from China -- to take to the streets for a 13th straight weekend.

Fire, Tear gas, petrol bombs as Hong Kong centre engulfed by chaos Chaos engulfed Hong Kong's financial heart on Saturday night as police fired tear gas and water cannon at petrol-bomb-throwing protesters, who defied a ban on rallying -- and mounting threats from China -- to take to the streets for a 13th straight weekend. 'Our sister hasn't been returned,' says brother of abducted Sikh girl Surendra Singh, the brother of the 19-year-old Jagjit Kaur, who was allegedly abducted and forcibly converted to Islam, on Saturday said that her sister has not been returned yet. Messaging app Telegram moves to protect the identity of Hong Kong protester Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, will allow users to cloak their telephone numbers to safeguard Hong Kong protesters against monitoring by authorities, according to a person with direct knowledge of the effort. Sudan court charges Omar al-Bashir with illegal use of foreign funds A Sudanese court on Saturday charged ousted president Omar al-Bashir, on trial for corruption, with illegal acquisition and use of foreign funds. Brazil steps up environmental enforcement; agents raid illegal miners in Amazon Federal agents in Brazil exchanged gunfire with illegal miners in the Amazon state of Para on Friday, according to witnesses, in a dramatic example of how Brazil has stepped up environmental enforcement in the wake of rainforest fires.

News brief: Big stories of the day

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is slated to participate in the fourth Indian Ocean Conference 2019, which will take place in the Maldives from September 3 to 4.

The EAM is listed as one of the speakers at the event.Apart from him, the Maldives'&nbsp;President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Foreign Ministers of Singapore, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Bhutan are expected to be at the conference.

The theme of the fourth Indian Ocean Conference - IOC 2019 - is "Securing the Indian Ocean Region: Traditional and Non-Traditional Challenges".

The first edition of the conference was hosted in Singapore in 2016 followed by two successive editions in Sri Lanka and Vietnam respectively.

The upcoming IOC will deliberate on developing an effective regional institutional mechanism for implementation of prevailing norms and rules.

In continuation with the past, this edition of the conference too will provide yet another opportunity for stakeholders of the Indian Ocean Region to deliberate on building an institutional framework for managing the threats to regional peace and human security.

The conference will be addressed by speakers from over 35 countries including the President of Maldives and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

Ministers from 17 countries, officials from 16 countries and scholars from over 10 countries, amongst others, are also expected to be present for the two-day event.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is slated to participate in the fourth Indian Ocean Conference 2019, which will take place in the Maldives from September 3 to 4.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is slated to participate in the fourth Indian Ocean Conference 2019, which will take place in the Maldives from September 3 to 4. The EAM is listed as one of the speakers at the event.Apart from him, the Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Foreign Ministers of Singapore, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Bhutan are expected to be at the conference. The theme of the fourth Indian Ocean Conference - IOC 2019 - is "Securing the Indian Ocean Region: Traditional and Non-Traditional Challenges". The first edition of the conference was hosted in Singapore in 2016 followed by two successive editions in Sri Lanka and Vietnam respectively. The upcoming IOC will deliberate on developing an effective regional institutional mechanism for implementation of prevailing norms and rules. In continuation with the past, this edition of the conference too will provide yet another opportunity for stakeholders of the Indian Ocean Region to deliberate on building an institutional framework for managing the threats to regional peace and human security. The conference will be addressed by speakers from over 35 countries including the President of Maldives and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Ministers from 17 countries, officials from 16 countries and scholars from over 10 countries, amongst others, are also expected to be present for the two-day event.

S Jaishankar to visit Maldives for Indian Ocean Conference

Maharashtra Cyber Cell on Saturday said that some people from Pakistan are creating fake accounts with Indian names on social media to post-inflammatory content and spread misinformation about Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of Article 370.

"Several fake accounts with Indian names are being made on social media. These accounts are posting inflammatory content. It was observed that such things are being done from the Pakistan side, a campaign is being undertaken," Brijesh Singh, Special Inspector General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber Cell told ANI.

"They are trying to spread misinformation about situation in Kashmir but actually there is nothing like that there. Fake videos are being circulated and photos are being used out of context. Even verified accounts of Pakistani people are sharing fake news," he added.

Singh also appealed to people to verify the information and asked them not to forward inflammatory content.

"If you look at the atmosphere in Pakistan, they are running a national movement against us. It is our responsibility to refrain ourselves from their propaganda," he said.

"People should verify the information and not forward it at once especially if there's anti-national content where India, Army or Police is being shown in a bad light. They might have been manufactured to damage the reputation of our national institutions," the Inspector General said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had also expressed concerns about terrorists using the internet as "a weapon" against the country.

Justifying the decision to continue with the ban on mobile phones and internet services in the Valley, Malik had said, "We know the people will have to face some problems due to this. We must know it is the most dangerous instrument. And all lies are being peddled through the internet."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Maharashtra Cyber Cell on Saturday said that some people from Pakistan are creating fake accounts with Indian names on social media to post-inflammatory content and spread misinformation about Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of Article 370.

Maharashtra Cyber Cell on Saturday said that some people from Pakistan are creating fake accounts with Indian names on social media to post-inflammatory content and spread misinformation about Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of Article 370. "Several fake accounts with Indian names are being made on social media. These accounts are posting inflammatory content. It was observed that such things are being done from the Pakistan side, a campaign is being undertaken," Brijesh Singh, Special Inspector General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber Cell told ANI. "They are trying to spread misinformation about situation in Kashmir but actually there is nothing like that there. Fake videos are being circulated and photos are being used out of context. Even verified accounts of Pakistani people are sharing fake news," he added. Singh also appealed to people to verify the information and asked them not to forward inflammatory content. "If you look at the atmosphere in Pakistan, they are running a national movement against us. It is our responsibility to refrain ourselves from their propaganda," he said. "People should verify the information and not forward it at once especially if there's anti-national content where India, Army or Police is being shown in a bad light. They might have been manufactured to damage the reputation of our national institutions," the Inspector General said. Earlier on Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had also expressed concerns about terrorists using the internet as "a weapon" against the country. Justifying the decision to continue with the ban on mobile phones and internet services in the Valley, Malik had said, "We know the people will have to face some problems due to this. We must know it is the most dangerous instrument. And all lies are being peddled through the internet."

Pakistan spreading misinformation about Kashmir through social media: IG Maharashtra Cyber Cell

A Tamil family of four including two Australian-born toddlers have been moved to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-dies-hundreds-evacuate-after-73-quake-in-indonesia-236020">remote island off the coast of Indonesia</a>, despite a court order blocking deportation, their lawyer said Saturday.

The family who are fighting to remain in Australia because they fear persecution in Sri Lanka were moved to the Christmas Island detention facility overnight, lawyer Carina Ford said, speaking in Melbourne.

The island is a remote Australian territory around 350 kilometres (225 miles) south of Java.&nbsp;

The detention centre there had been closed for years.

"I don't understand the motive," Ford said, adding that it made adequate legal representation more difficult. "The family are distressed."

The family's case has become a new flashpoint over the Australian government's hardline immigration policies, which include turning away refugees arriving by boat and de facto offshore detention, both measures condemned by the United Nations.

The family's neighbours from rural Queensland have campaigned for them to stay.

The department of home affairs and minister Peter Dutton's office did not respond to request for comment.

Dutton had earlier ordered the family to be sent to Sri Lanka but a dramatic call from a judge grounded the aircraft they were travelling on before it left Australian airspace.

The two girls, Kopika, aged four, and Tharunicca, aged two, were born in Australia but do not have citizenship.&nbsp;

They have never been to Sri Lanka.

A Tamil family of four including two Australian-born toddlers have been moved to a remote island off the coast of Indonesia, despite a court order blocking deportation, their lawyer said Saturday.

A Tamil family of four including two Australian-born toddlers have been moved to a remote island off the coast of Indonesia, despite a court order blocking deportation, their lawyer said Saturday. The family who are fighting to remain in Australia because they fear persecution in Sri Lanka were moved to the Christmas Island detention facility overnight, lawyer Carina Ford said, speaking in Melbourne. The island is a remote Australian territory around 350 kilometres (225 miles) south of Java. The detention centre there had been closed for years. "I don't understand the motive," Ford said, adding that it made adequate legal representation more difficult. "The family are distressed." The family's case has become a new flashpoint over the Australian government's hardline immigration policies, which include turning away refugees arriving by boat and de facto offshore detention, both measures condemned by the United Nations. The family's neighbours from rural Queensland have campaigned for them to stay. The department of home affairs and minister Peter Dutton's office did not respond to request for comment. Dutton had earlier ordered the family to be sent to Sri Lanka but a dramatic call from a judge grounded the aircraft they were travelling on before it left Australian airspace. The two girls, Kopika, aged four, and Tharunicca, aged two, were born in Australia but do not have citizenship. They have never been to Sri Lanka.

Australia moves Tamil toddlers to remote island detention center

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Saturday said that a <a href="National Register of Citizens">National Register of Citizens</a> (NRC) is needed in Delhi as lillegal immigrants who have settled here are 'dangerous and the demand will be part of the party's election manifesto for the Assembly polls next year.

Speaking to ANI, Tiwari said that the situation of illegal migrants has crossed the danger mark and there is a need to look into the situation.

"National Register of Citizens (NRC) is needed in Delhi as the situation is becoming dangerous. Illegal immigrants who have settled here are the most dangerous, we will implement NRC here as well," he said.

When asked if BJP will include it in its manifesto, the BJP MP said, "Why not? It will be in our manifesto. Delhi needs it." "NRC will help in eliminating terrorism and prevent crime from illegal immigrants," he added.

"Names of many Indian citizens who migrated from Bangladesh as refugees prior to 1971 have not been included in the NRC because authorities refused to accept refugee certificates. Many names got included because of manipulation of legacy data as alleged by many," Assam BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted.

The BJP, a staunch supporter of National Register of Citizens (NRC), exercise had made it a poll issue during the Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh last year.

BJP president Amit Shah had stated, "We will ensure implementation of NRC in the entire country. We will remove every single infiltrator from the country, except Buddha, Hindus, and Sikhs. "

It's inception rooted in 1985 Assam accord, the Supreme Court mandated NRC exercise, to identify 'foreigners' from ethnic Assamese, has excluded 19 lakhs from the final list published on NRC Assam website.

While it is in 2013 that court had directed the government to begin the process. the process began in May 2015 when applications were invited.

Speaking about NRC in Assam, Tiwari said, "Illegal migrants who have entered our country crossing the border have to go back. But citizens of our nation living in Assam need not worry."

The final list of NRC in Assam was published on Saturday excluding over 19 lakh people. Whereas over three crore people have been found eligible for the inclusion in the final NRC, Prateek Hajela, the State Coordinator of the NRC, said in an official statement.

"A total of 3,11,21,004 persons are found eligible for inclusion in final NRC leaving out 19,06,657 persons, including those who did not submit their claims," Hajela, said.

On being asked about Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan's warning of a possible military confrontation in the wake India government's decisions in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP MP said, "After Imran Khan became Prime Minister of Pakistan, the people there are dying of hunger."

"India is working towards development and is a peaceful nation. But Imran Khan should not forget 1965 and 1971. He should remember Kargil. If he makes a mistake then he will lead his country to a situation where they will suffer," Tiwari said.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Saturday said that a National Register of Citizens (NRC) is needed in Delhi as lillegal immigrants who have settled here are 'dangerous and the demand will be part of the party's election manifesto for the Assembly polls next year.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Saturday said that a National Register of Citizens (NRC) is needed in Delhi as lillegal immigrants who have settled here are 'dangerous and the demand will be part of the party's election manifesto for the Assembly polls next year. Speaking to ANI, Tiwari said that the situation of illegal migrants has crossed the danger mark and there is a need to look into the situation. "National Register of Citizens (NRC) is needed in Delhi as the situation is becoming dangerous. Illegal immigrants who have settled here are the most dangerous, we will implement NRC here as well," he said. When asked if BJP will include it in its manifesto, the BJP MP said, "Why not? It will be in our manifesto. Delhi needs it." "NRC will help in eliminating terrorism and prevent crime from illegal immigrants," he added. "Names of many Indian citizens who migrated from Bangladesh as refugees prior to 1971 have not been included in the NRC because authorities refused to accept refugee certificates. Many names got included because of manipulation of legacy data as alleged by many," Assam BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted. The BJP, a staunch supporter of National Register of Citizens (NRC), exercise had made it a poll issue during the Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh last year. BJP president Amit Shah had stated, "We will ensure implementation of NRC in the entire country. We will remove every single infiltrator from the country, except Buddha, Hindus, and Sikhs. " It's inception rooted in 1985 Assam accord, the Supreme Court mandated NRC exercise, to identify 'foreigners' from ethnic Assamese, has excluded 19 lakhs from the final list published on NRC Assam website. While it is in 2013 that court had directed the government to begin the process. the process began in May 2015 when applications were invited. Speaking about NRC in Assam, Tiwari said, "Illegal migrants who have entered our country crossing the border have to go back. But citizens of our nation living in Assam need not worry." The final list of NRC in Assam was published on Saturday excluding over 19 lakh people. Whereas over three crore people have been found eligible for the inclusion in the final NRC, Prateek Hajela, the State Coordinator of the NRC, said in an official statement. "A total of 3,11,21,004 persons are found eligible for inclusion in final NRC leaving out 19,06,657 persons, including those who did not submit their claims," Hajela, said. On being asked about Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan's warning of a possible military confrontation in the wake India government's decisions in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP MP said, "After Imran Khan became Prime Minister of Pakistan, the people there are dying of hunger." "India is working towards development and is a peaceful nation. But Imran Khan should not forget 1965 and 1971. He should remember Kargil. If he makes a mistake then he will lead his country to a situation where they will suffer," Tiwari said.

NRC is needed in Delhi, illegal immigrants are dangerous: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari

The death toll in the explosion which broke out in a chemical factory in the Shirpur area here on Saturday morning has mounted to 12.

"12 people have died in the incident and 58 people have been injured. The injured have been rushed to the nearest local hospital," said Superintendent of Police, Vishwa Padhare.

The State Disaster Resource Force (SDRF) teams are carrying out rescue operation in the area and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been alerted.

Further details in this regard are awaited.

The death toll in the explosion which broke out in a chemical factory in the Shirpur area here on Saturday morning has mounted to 12. "12 people have died in the incident and 58 people have been injured.

The death toll in the explosion which broke out in a chemical factory in the Shirpur area here on Saturday morning has mounted to 12. "12 people have died in the incident and 58 people have been injured. The injured have been rushed to the nearest local hospital," said Superintendent of Police, Vishwa Padhare. The State Disaster Resource Force (SDRF) teams are carrying out rescue operation in the area and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been alerted. Further details in this regard are awaited.

Maharashtra: 12 dead in explosion in Dhule's chemical factory; 58 injured

After being grilled for over five hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-congress-leader-and-minister-shivakumar-accepts-he-tore-resignation-letters-of-dissident-mlas-233654">Congress leader DK Shivakumar</a> again appeared before the agency, which is probing his alleged involvement in a money laundering case, on Saturday.

The 57-year-old leader asserted that he has not done anything wrong and will fully cooperate with the investigating agency.

"I have faith in the system and the law. They are cooperating with me and so am I," the leader told the media persons outside the agency's office. 
The agency had summoned Shivakumar late night on Thursday and asked him to appear before it the next day.

This had come after the Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging the December 2018 summons issued to him.

"We are lawmakers and law-abiding citizens. I do not know why they summoned me under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-arrests-two-former-ilfs-executives-in-pmla-probe-228789">Prevention of Money Laundering Act </a>(PMLA) Act," he had said.&nbsp;

He also downplayed the allegations of corruptions levelled against him.

"It is all a conspiracy. I have not made any mistake, murder or indulged in corruption. The money you found is my money and I earned it," he had said.

After being grilled for over five hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday, Congress leader DK Shivakumar again appeared before the agency, which is probing his alleged involvement in a money laundering case, on Saturday.

After being grilled for over five hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday, Congress leader DK Shivakumar again appeared before the agency, which is probing his alleged involvement in a money laundering case, on Saturday. The 57-year-old leader asserted that he has not done anything wrong and will fully cooperate with the investigating agency. "I have faith in the system and the law. They are cooperating with me and so am I," the leader told the media persons outside the agency's office. The agency had summoned Shivakumar late night on Thursday and asked him to appear before it the next day. This had come after the Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging the December 2018 summons issued to him. "We are lawmakers and law-abiding citizens. I do not know why they summoned me under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Act," he had said. He also downplayed the allegations of corruptions levelled against him. "It is all a conspiracy. I have not made any mistake, murder or indulged in corruption. The money you found is my money and I earned it," he had said.

DK Shivakumar appears before Enforcement Directorate in money laundering case

The Central government is closely monitoring the law and order situation in Assam after the final list of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-mamata-banerjee-takes-a-u-turn-on-national-register-of-citizens-156891"> National Registrar of Citizens </a>(NRC) was published on Saturday in which over 19 lakh people were excluded.

Home Ministry sources told that all preparations have been made in Assam to handle the situation in the north-eastern state.

Over three crore people have been found eligible for the inclusion in the final NRC, Prateek Hajela, the State Coordinator of the NRC, said in an official statement.

"A total of 3,11,21,004 persons are found eligible for inclusion in final NRC leaving out 19,06,657 persons, including those who did not submit their claims," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-nrc-matter-on-july-23-india-cant-be-refugee-capital-of-the-world-says-government-237043">The Centre and Assam government</a> are in contact with each other over the current law and order situation in Assam, said Home Ministry sources.

Both the ministry and state government already announced that people who have been left out from the final list of NRC can appeal before the Foreigners Tribunals.

The Home Ministry has directed the Assam government to take all precautionary measures to ensure that no untoward incident takes place in the state.

The status of both inclusion and exclusion of the people from the list can be viewed online on the NRC website,www.nrcassam.nic.in.

The hard copies of the supplementary list of inclusions will be available for public view at NRC Seva Kendras (NSK), offices of the Deputy Commissioner and offices of the Circle Officer.

The list has segregated Indian citizens living in Assam from those who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh after 1971.

The Central government is closely monitoring the law and order situation in Assam after the final list of the National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) was published on Saturday in which over 19 lakh people were excluded.

The Central government is closely monitoring the law and order situation in Assam after the final list of the National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) was published on Saturday in which over 19 lakh people were excluded. Home Ministry sources told that all preparations have been made in Assam to handle the situation in the north-eastern state. Over three crore people have been found eligible for the inclusion in the final NRC, Prateek Hajela, the State Coordinator of the NRC, said in an official statement. "A total of 3,11,21,004 persons are found eligible for inclusion in final NRC leaving out 19,06,657 persons, including those who did not submit their claims," he said. The Centre and Assam government are in contact with each other over the current law and order situation in Assam, said Home Ministry sources. Both the ministry and state government already announced that people who have been left out from the final list of NRC can appeal before the Foreigners Tribunals. The Home Ministry has directed the Assam government to take all precautionary measures to ensure that no untoward incident takes place in the state. The status of both inclusion and exclusion of the people from the list can be viewed online on the NRC website,www.nrcassam.nic.in. The hard copies of the supplementary list of inclusions will be available for public view at NRC Seva Kendras (NSK), offices of the Deputy Commissioner and offices of the Circle Officer. The list has segregated Indian citizens living in Assam from those who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh after 1971.

Centre monitoring situation in Assam after final publication of NRC list

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday denied reports claiming a shortage of medicines or healthcare crisis in the Valley.

Calling the reports&nbsp;"baseless", the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir asserted that health services are functioning normally in the region and urged people to not believe in "rumours and fake news".

In a series of tweets, the administration said, "Srinagar: Health Services functioning normally. Don't believe in rumours and fake news. 1. Nearly 5000 major surgeries have been performed in hospitals in Srinagar from August 5 till date."

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News reports suggesting shortage of medicines or healthcare crisis in Kashmir are therefore clearly baseless (17/17) <a href="https://twitter.com/dwivedimk_ias?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dwivedimk_ias</a>
— DIPR-J&amp;K (@diprjk) <a href="https://twitter.com/diprjk/status/1167646028499079168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It added, "Besides the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences or SKIMS at Soura and the SKIMS Medical College and Hospital at Bemina, the surgeries have been performed in all associated hospitals of the Government Medical College or GMC Srinagar."

The Jammu and Kashmir administration stated, "In the Government Medical College (GMC) in Srinagar associated hospitals, the number of surgical procedures are over 3000 -- including around 700 in the main trauma SMHS Hospital, over 800 in the main orthopaedic Bone and Joints hospital and around 400 in the Super Speciality hospital."

In the Lal Ded hospital which is Kashmir's main maternity hospital, "around 1200 surgeries have been performed during this period," it added.

"Besides surgeries, the general healthcare services provided to patients in these hospitals during this period has been business as usual with around 95000 patients seen in their OPDs and over 10 thousand patients admitted for treatment in their IPDs," DIPR stated.

The routine laboratory investigations and radiological procedures like MRI and CT scan performed in the hospitals during the period add up to over one lakh, "These include among others around 5500 X-Rays, over 6000 USGs, around 2000 ECGs, around 2000 CT Scans, 220 MRIs and some 750 super-speciality procedures," it added.

The general healthcare services like patients seen in outpatient departments and those admitted to inpatient departments of these hospitals include totals of over 60,000 OPDs and over 5000 IPDs."Different medical investigations of patients conducted in SKIMS MCH alone add up to around 70000," it added.

The primary "healthcare across Kashmir has also been as usual."

"In Srinagar alone, some 30000 patients were seen in OPDs and around 1100 admitted in IPDs of different centres. 10 Major surgeries and some 800 different kinds of medical tests were also performed," DIPR tweeted.

"These figures are a clear indication that healthcare services in Kashmir have been delivering as usual. While the period has seen about 20 per cent decrease in services it is not unusual in times of major festivals or events like it was in this month," it stated.

With regards to the status of stocks of medicines in hospitals in Kashmir, the administration stated that supplies are made in two equal halves for two six-month periods per annum.

"The first half is still sufficient to last until the end of September. The second half of the order that will last until March 2020 will be received and distributed as usual before October. Additional requirements if any are being provided immediately," it stated.

In Srinagar, the administration said that it has provided funds to several hospitals for procuring additional medicines. The latter is to cover requirements that patients usually get from retail markets.

The administration further noted that "staff attendance in all these healthcare institutions is being strictly monitored."

"It has been around 95 per cent throughout this period," DIPR said.

In conclusion, DIPR stated, "News reports suggesting a shortage of medicines or healthcare crisis in Kashmir are therefore clearly baseless.

"Earlier this month, the Centre had abrogated Article 370 in the region and passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019, bifurcating it into two Union Territories.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday denied reports claiming a shortage of medicines or healthcare crisis in the Valley. Calling the reports "baseless", the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir asserted that health services are functioning normally in the region and urged people to not believe in "rumours and fake news".

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday denied reports claiming a shortage of medicines or healthcare crisis in the Valley. Calling the reports "baseless", the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir asserted that health services are functioning normally in the region and urged people to not believe in "rumours and fake news". In a series of tweets, the administration said, "Srinagar: Health Services functioning normally. Don't believe in rumours and fake news. 1. Nearly 5000 major surgeries have been performed in hospitals in Srinagar from August 5 till date." News reports suggesting shortage of medicines or healthcare crisis in Kashmir are therefore clearly baseless (17/17) @dwivedimk_ias — DIPR-J&K (@diprjk) August 31, 2019 × It added, "Besides the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences or SKIMS at Soura and the SKIMS Medical College and Hospital at Bemina, the surgeries have been performed in all associated hospitals of the Government Medical College or GMC Srinagar." The Jammu and Kashmir administration stated, "In the Government Medical College (GMC) in Srinagar associated hospitals, the number of surgical procedures are over 3000 -- including around 700 in the main trauma SMHS Hospital, over 800 in the main orthopaedic Bone and Joints hospital and around 400 in the Super Speciality hospital." In the Lal Ded hospital which is Kashmir's main maternity hospital, "around 1200 surgeries have been performed during this period," it added. "Besides surgeries, the general healthcare services provided to patients in these hospitals during this period has been business as usual with around 95000 patients seen in their OPDs and over 10 thousand patients admitted for treatment in their IPDs," DIPR stated. The routine laboratory investigations and radiological procedures like MRI and CT scan performed in the hospitals during the period add up to over one lakh, "These include among others around 5500 X-Rays, over 6000 USGs, around 2000 ECGs, around 2000 CT Scans, 220 MRIs and some 750 super-speciality procedures," it added. The general healthcare services like patients seen in outpatient departments and those admitted to inpatient departments of these hospitals include totals of over 60,000 OPDs and over 5000 IPDs."Different medical investigations of patients conducted in SKIMS MCH alone add up to around 70000," it added. The primary "healthcare across Kashmir has also been as usual." "In Srinagar alone, some 30000 patients were seen in OPDs and around 1100 admitted in IPDs of different centres. 10 Major surgeries and some 800 different kinds of medical tests were also performed," DIPR tweeted. "These figures are a clear indication that healthcare services in Kashmir have been delivering as usual. While the period has seen about 20 per cent decrease in services it is not unusual in times of major festivals or events like it was in this month," it stated. With regards to the status of stocks of medicines in hospitals in Kashmir, the administration stated that supplies are made in two equal halves for two six-month periods per annum. "The first half is still sufficient to last until the end of September. The second half of the order that will last until March 2020 will be received and distributed as usual before October. Additional requirements if any are being provided immediately," it stated. In Srinagar, the administration said that it has provided funds to several hospitals for procuring additional medicines. The latter is to cover requirements that patients usually get from retail markets. The administration further noted that "staff attendance in all these healthcare institutions is being strictly monitored." "It has been around 95 per cent throughout this period," DIPR said. In conclusion, DIPR stated, "News reports suggesting a shortage of medicines or healthcare crisis in Kashmir are therefore clearly baseless. "Earlier this month, the Centre had abrogated Article 370 in the region and passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019, bifurcating it into two Union Territories.

Reports claiming shortage of medicines, healthcare crisis in Kashmir are baseless: J&K administration

Australian High Commissioner to New Delhi Harinder Sidhu said on Friday that the Indian government's decision to abrogate Article 370 is country's internal matter, and stressed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved bilaterally by New Delhi and Islamabad.

"The Indian government said this is its internal matter. We respect the Indian position on that. Australia's long-held view on Kashmir has been that it should be resolved bilaterally by India and Pakistan," Sidhu told ANI.

Sidhu expressed hope the region would become stable and peaceful and the economic development would eventuate.

"We do hope as situation proceeds in Kashmir that it will be stable, peaceful and that economic development eventuate. We do hope that both countries act in restraint and consider the safety and security of the people in the process," she added.

Earlier this month, India had announced its decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganise it into two union territories.

Pakistan, with the help of China, approached the United Nations over the issue.

However, the China-Pakistan axis failed at the UNSC closed-door meeting when a majority of the Council members, including Russia, refused to take up the Kashmir matter and rejected the Chinese position.

China and Pakistan stood isolated after the other members refused to endorse their position.

Australian High Commissioner to New Delhi Harinder Sidhu said on Friday that the Indian government's decision to abrogate Article 370 is country's internal matter, and stressed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved bilaterally by New Delhi and Islamabad.

Australian High Commissioner to New Delhi Harinder Sidhu said on Friday that the Indian government's decision to abrogate Article 370 is country's internal matter, and stressed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved bilaterally by New Delhi and Islamabad. "The Indian government said this is its internal matter. We respect the Indian position on that. Australia's long-held view on Kashmir has been that it should be resolved bilaterally by India and Pakistan," Sidhu told ANI. Sidhu expressed hope the region would become stable and peaceful and the economic development would eventuate. "We do hope as situation proceeds in Kashmir that it will be stable, peaceful and that economic development eventuate. We do hope that both countries act in restraint and consider the safety and security of the people in the process," she added. Earlier this month, India had announced its decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganise it into two union territories. Pakistan, with the help of China, approached the United Nations over the issue. However, the China-Pakistan axis failed at the UNSC closed-door meeting when a majority of the Council members, including Russia, refused to take up the Kashmir matter and rejected the Chinese position. China and Pakistan stood isolated after the other members refused to endorse their position.

Abrogation of Article-370 is India's internal matter: Aussie envoy Harinder Sidhu

India is willing to discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free of terror and violence, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday.

The remark was made during the minister's meeting with European Union Commissioner Christos Stylianides after the latter reiterated the EU's stance that New Delhi and Islamabad need to re-open dialogue through diplomatic channels for the de-escalation of tensions in the Kashmir region.

The two leaders further shared their expectations for better governance and greater development in the regions of Jammu&amp;Kashmir, and Ladakh, as well as their perspectives on the recent developments about the situation in Afghanistan and Iran.

India is willing to discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free of terror and violence, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday.

India is willing to discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free of terror and violence, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday. The remark was made during the minister's meeting with European Union Commissioner Christos Stylianides after the latter reiterated the EU's stance that New Delhi and Islamabad need to re-open dialogue through diplomatic channels for the de-escalation of tensions in the Kashmir region. The two leaders further shared their expectations for better governance and greater development in the regions of Jammu&Kashmir, and Ladakh, as well as their perspectives on the recent developments about the situation in Afghanistan and Iran.

India willing to discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally: Jaishankar

Work on the Kartarpur Corridor, which got halted for a while overpayment issues between contractors and labourers, has resumed.

Workers were seen laying asphalt on the route that will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan.

"Some issues occurred recently between the contractors and labourers overpayment. That has been sorted out now. Work will be completed on time," construction official Joginder Singh said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, India and Pakistan are scheduled to hold technical-level talks on the corridor on Friday at Zero Point, despite tensions between two countries in the wake of New Delhi's move to abrogate Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

"The technical meeting on Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is being held on August 30 at Zero Point. Pakistan remains committed to completing and inaugurating the corridor as announced by our Prime Minister and as planned," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal had told reporters at a weekly media briefing on Thursday, Dawn reported.

India and Pakistan had held the second round of talks on July 14 to narrow down their differences on the corridor for visa-free travel of Sikh pilgrims. Both sides had said that they agreed to a majority of modalities for the smooth passage of the pilgrims.

Pakistan, which had made a unilateral decision to downgrade diplomatic ties with India following India's decision on J-K, has said that the work on the corridor will continue as planned.

Last week, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the opening of the route will remain on track irrespective of Pakistan's ties with India over the Kashmir issue.

The corridor is scheduled to become operational in November this year.

Work on the Kartarpur Corridor, which got halted for a while overpayment issues between contractors and labourers, has resumed. Workers were seen laying asphalt on the route that will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan.

Work on the Kartarpur Corridor, which got halted for a while overpayment issues between contractors and labourers, has resumed. Workers were seen laying asphalt on the route that will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan. "Some issues occurred recently between the contractors and labourers overpayment. That has been sorted out now. Work will be completed on time," construction official Joginder Singh said on Thursday. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan are scheduled to hold technical-level talks on the corridor on Friday at Zero Point, despite tensions between two countries in the wake of New Delhi's move to abrogate Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. "The technical meeting on Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is being held on August 30 at Zero Point. Pakistan remains committed to completing and inaugurating the corridor as announced by our Prime Minister and as planned," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal had told reporters at a weekly media briefing on Thursday, Dawn reported. India and Pakistan had held the second round of talks on July 14 to narrow down their differences on the corridor for visa-free travel of Sikh pilgrims. Both sides had said that they agreed to a majority of modalities for the smooth passage of the pilgrims. Pakistan, which had made a unilateral decision to downgrade diplomatic ties with India following India's decision on J-K, has said that the work on the corridor will continue as planned. Last week, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the opening of the route will remain on track irrespective of Pakistan's ties with India over the Kashmir issue. The corridor is scheduled to become operational in November this year.

Construction work on Kartarpur Corridor resumes

A meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held on Friday during which several&nbsp;commemoration activities were planned to celebrate the150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The meeting was attended by the&nbsp;senior ministers of various ministries&nbsp;including Home, Defence,&nbsp;Finance, HRD, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Culture Ministers as well as the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad. In addition, eight eminent Gandhians, who are members of the organising committee, were also present.

Among the grand plans for the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation are, an international conference at the United Nations on September 24,&nbsp;the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's busts in 54 countries and an elaborate function on the Sabarmati Riverfront&nbsp;in Ahmedabad on October 2, in which commemorative coin and postage stamp will be released, illumination of iconic buildings across India and light and sound shows at India Gate in the national capital.&nbsp;

The grand celebration will kick off from September 11 and last till October 27.&nbsp;

The celebration activities also include awareness program across 4000 towns and 6 lakh villages in the country which will begin from September 11 and continue till October 1.

On October 2, various ministries will conduct a nationwide 'shramdaan' (voluntary work) for plastic waste in all the gram panchayats, urban local bodies, schools etc.

In the meeting, achievements under commemoration during the last one year were also reviewed.&nbsp;

Some of the major achievements that were reviewed include, International Sanitation Convention where 55 Ministers from 70 countries had gathered to learn from India’s sanitation experience, a large number of 'pad yatras', youth exchange programmes, seminars, workshops, Gandhi Katha, health camps etc. to propagate his life and message were organised, national Salt Satyagraha Memorial at Dandi inaugurated was also organised on January 30 this year, videos of ‘Vaishnav Jan’ sung by famous singers at iconic places from 155 countries prepared and publicised, 24,173 manual scavengers rehabilitated and 6792 skilled.&nbsp;

A national handicrafts fair will also be held between October 1 and October 15.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held on Friday during which several commemoration activities were planned to celebrate the150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

A meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held on Friday during which several commemoration activities were planned to celebrate the150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The meeting was attended by the senior ministers of various ministries including Home, Defence, Finance, HRD, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Culture Ministers as well as the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad. In addition, eight eminent Gandhians, who are members of the organising committee, were also present. Among the grand plans for the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation are, an international conference at the United Nations on September 24, the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's busts in 54 countries and an elaborate function on the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad on October 2, in which commemorative coin and postage stamp will be released, illumination of iconic buildings across India and light and sound shows at India Gate in the national capital. The grand celebration will kick off from September 11 and last till October 27. The celebration activities also include awareness program across 4000 towns and 6 lakh villages in the country which will begin from September 11 and continue till October 1. On October 2, various ministries will conduct a nationwide 'shramdaan' (voluntary work) for plastic waste in all the gram panchayats, urban local bodies, schools etc. In the meeting, achievements under commemoration during the last one year were also reviewed. Some of the major achievements that were reviewed include, International Sanitation Convention where 55 Ministers from 70 countries had gathered to learn from India’s sanitation experience, a large number of 'pad yatras', youth exchange programmes, seminars, workshops, Gandhi Katha, health camps etc. to propagate his life and message were organised, national Salt Satyagraha Memorial at Dandi inaugurated was also organised on January 30 this year, videos of ‘Vaishnav Jan’ sung by famous singers at iconic places from 155 countries prepared and publicised, 24,173 manual scavengers rehabilitated and 6792 skilled. A national handicrafts fair will also be held between October 1 and October 15.

PM Modi chairs executive committee meeting on commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat will on Friday visit Srinagar for the first time since the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

During his visit, General Rawat will review the security situation and preparedness of armed forces in the Valley.

On Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik held a press conference and asserted that the Modi government's decision to abrogate Article 370 is for the betterment of the people of the region.&nbsp;

He added that there have been no civilian casualties in Kashmir after the scrapping of the Article.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also stressed that normalcy is returning to the Valley.

Ever since the government announced its move on Article 370, the top brass of the Army has frequently undertaken visits to the Valley to review the security situation.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also camped in the Valley to take stock of the situation on the ground and interacted with the locals.

Security was beefed up in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh on August 5.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat will on Friday visit Srinagar for the first time since the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. During his visit, General Rawat will review the security situation and preparedness of armed forces in the Valley.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat will on Friday visit Srinagar for the first time since the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. During his visit, General Rawat will review the security situation and preparedness of armed forces in the Valley. On Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik held a press conference and asserted that the Modi government's decision to abrogate Article 370 is for the betterment of the people of the region. He added that there have been no civilian casualties in Kashmir after the scrapping of the Article. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also stressed that normalcy is returning to the Valley. Ever since the government announced its move on Article 370, the top brass of the Army has frequently undertaken visits to the Valley to review the security situation. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also camped in the Valley to take stock of the situation on the ground and interacted with the locals. Security was beefed up in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh on August 5.

Army Chief to review security situation in Srinagar today

At a time when West Bengal is reeling under a debt burden, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced a Durga Puja ‘gift’ to the organisers that would cost the state exchequer as much as Rs 70 crore.

As many as 3,000 Durga Pujas are organized in Kolkata, while the rest of Bengal witnesses over 25,000 Durga Pujas pandals across the state. Each of these 28,000 Durga Puja committees would be 'gifted' Rs 25,000 increased from Rs 10,000 given last year.

Banerjee also announced an additional Rs 5,000 for the Durga Puja committees which are managed by women only. This apart, she also announced that CESC and WBSEDCL – electricity supply boards in Kolkata and West Bengal - respectively will offer a 25 per cent concession on the total electricity bill of each of the puja pandals. &nbsp;

“We are a poor man’s government but we still try our best for the Durga puja committees. Instead of Rs 10,000 given last year, we are increasing it to Rs 25,000 this year. I am aware that the economic condition of the Durga puja committees is not very well and the electricity unit prices have also risen hence we are offering a 25 per cent discount on electricity bills. Kolkata Municipal Corporation tax has also been eradicated,” said Banerjee.

The Mamata Banerjee-government inherited a debt of around Rs 2 lakh crore from the Left Front government when it came to power back in 2011. However, the chief minister and state finance minister Amit Mitra have been raising the issue of a waiver of the debt time and again with the Centre.&nbsp;

While the total loan repayment figure for the year 2018-19 stood at Rs 49,656 crore, it rose to Rs 56,183.16 crore for the year 2019-20.

This is not the first time when the Bengal government has announced Durga puja ‘gift’ for the puja committees. Last year, an amount of Rs 10,000 was given to as many as 28,000 puja committees costing an amount of Rs 28 crore to the state exchequer.

At a time when West Bengal is reeling under a debt burden, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced a Durga Puja ‘gift’ to the organisers that would cost the state exchequer as much as Rs 70 crore.

At a time when West Bengal is reeling under a debt burden, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced a Durga Puja ‘gift’ to the organisers that would cost the state exchequer as much as Rs 70 crore. As many as 3,000 Durga Pujas are organized in Kolkata, while the rest of Bengal witnesses over 25,000 Durga Pujas pandals across the state. Each of these 28,000 Durga Puja committees would be 'gifted' Rs 25,000 increased from Rs 10,000 given last year. Banerjee also announced an additional Rs 5,000 for the Durga Puja committees which are managed by women only. This apart, she also announced that CESC and WBSEDCL – electricity supply boards in Kolkata and West Bengal - respectively will offer a 25 per cent concession on the total electricity bill of each of the puja pandals. “We are a poor man’s government but we still try our best for the Durga puja committees. Instead of Rs 10,000 given last year, we are increasing it to Rs 25,000 this year. I am aware that the economic condition of the Durga puja committees is not very well and the electricity unit prices have also risen hence we are offering a 25 per cent discount on electricity bills. Kolkata Municipal Corporation tax has also been eradicated,” said Banerjee. The Mamata Banerjee-government inherited a debt of around Rs 2 lakh crore from the Left Front government when it came to power back in 2011. However, the chief minister and state finance minister Amit Mitra have been raising the issue of a waiver of the debt time and again with the Centre. While the total loan repayment figure for the year 2018-19 stood at Rs 49,656 crore, it rose to Rs 56,183.16 crore for the year 2019-20. This is not the first time when the Bengal government has announced Durga puja ‘gift’ for the puja committees. Last year, an amount of Rs 10,000 was given to as many as 28,000 puja committees costing an amount of Rs 28 crore to the state exchequer.

Debt-ridden Mamata Banerjee government 'gifts' Rs 70 crore to West Bengal Durga Puja organisers

For 26-year-old Laxman Muthiyah, a Chennai based independent security researcher, every scroll through his social media feed has a different significance. He thinks deeply to understand the working of the websites and the functions performed by the millions of lines of code. It is followed by thinking of possible loopholes and also spotting and identifying them.&nbsp;

In digital space, there are many prying to take control of our accounts, hack and misuse them. Laxman, over the past 5 years, has won bug bounty amounting to over a whopping $62,000 for spotting bugs that could overthrow online hacking attempts.

Most of his rewards came from Facebook and Facebook-owned Instagram. His most recent earning amounted to a whopping $40,000 Instagram.&nbsp;

“It all began after I attended an ethical hacking workshop when I was in college. In 2013, I won my first bug bounty from Facebook - a princely sum of $1500 for a student”, recalls Laxman.&nbsp;

Although Laxman has completed a degree in computer science engineering, he considers himself a self-taught ethical hacker who learnt the tricks of the trade from workshops, free online content and months of trial and error.

His latest find involved proving to Facebook that multiple accounts could be hacked within 10 minutes.&nbsp;

“When we choose the forget password option, they send us a 6-digit code to authorize our login. Since it is a 6-digit code, there are 1 million possibilities. We could enter between 50-200 random codes every minute and attempt login, and it could be tried for 10 minutes. With multiple IP addresses, we could use lakhs of codes to attempt logging-in and take control of an account. I sent a video of this method to Facebook and after verifying it, they sent me the payment of $30,000 as this method has a high rate of success,” Laxman told WION.

Subsequently, he spotted another bug where the success rate was relatively lower and received a payment of $10,000.

If you’re getting ready to put your bug-hunting skills to use, remember that only a few websites encourage and reward it, whereas it is considered illegal when done without the knowledge of the website owner.&nbsp;

When asked if bug-hunting was a popular profession in India, Laxman said, “there is quite a community of bug hunters in India and some companies support it, but it isn’t so in the West, where there are many more opportunities. In the West, techies work full-time jobs and also take up bug-hunting assignments in their spare time. The work-life balance we have in India does not permit that”.

While bug-hunting is more lucrative than a full-time IT job, one must realize that the practice is pretty much like fishing where one could end up with a really good catch or none and we could go without a catch for months, Laxman says laughingly.&nbsp;

For 26-year-old Laxman Muthiyah, a Chennai based independent security researcher, every scroll through his social media feed has a different significance. He thinks deeply to understand the working of the websites and the functions performed by the millions of lines of code.

For 26-year-old Laxman Muthiyah, a Chennai based independent security researcher, every scroll through his social media feed has a different significance. He thinks deeply to understand the working of the websites and the functions performed by the millions of lines of code. It is followed by thinking of possible loopholes and also spotting and identifying them. In digital space, there are many prying to take control of our accounts, hack and misuse them. Laxman, over the past 5 years, has won bug bounty amounting to over a whopping $62,000 for spotting bugs that could overthrow online hacking attempts. Most of his rewards came from Facebook and Facebook-owned Instagram. His most recent earning amounted to a whopping $40,000 Instagram. “It all began after I attended an ethical hacking workshop when I was in college. In 2013, I won my first bug bounty from Facebook - a princely sum of $1500 for a student”, recalls Laxman. Although Laxman has completed a degree in computer science engineering, he considers himself a self-taught ethical hacker who learnt the tricks of the trade from workshops, free online content and months of trial and error. His latest find involved proving to Facebook that multiple accounts could be hacked within 10 minutes. “When we choose the forget password option, they send us a 6-digit code to authorize our login. Since it is a 6-digit code, there are 1 million possibilities. We could enter between 50-200 random codes every minute and attempt login, and it could be tried for 10 minutes. With multiple IP addresses, we could use lakhs of codes to attempt logging-in and take control of an account. I sent a video of this method to Facebook and after verifying it, they sent me the payment of $30,000 as this method has a high rate of success,” Laxman told WION. Subsequently, he spotted another bug where the success rate was relatively lower and received a payment of $10,000. If you’re getting ready to put your bug-hunting skills to use, remember that only a few websites encourage and reward it, whereas it is considered illegal when done without the knowledge of the website owner. When asked if bug-hunting was a popular profession in India, Laxman said, “there is quite a community of bug hunters in India and some companies support it, but it isn’t so in the West, where there are many more opportunities. In the West, techies work full-time jobs and also take up bug-hunting assignments in their spare time. The work-life balance we have in India does not permit that”. While bug-hunting is more lucrative than a full-time IT job, one must realize that the practice is pretty much like fishing where one could end up with a really good catch or none and we could go without a catch for months, Laxman says laughingly.

Meet Indian techie Laxman Muthiyah - Chennai guy who has won over $62,000 from Facebook

India's ministry of external affairs ministry said today that it had shared its concerns over reports of "abduction and forced conversion" of a minor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sikh-priests-daughter-abducted-in-pakistan-forcibly-converted-into-islam-as-parents-file-fir-246414">Sikh girl with the Pakistan</a> government.&nbsp;

"We have shared the concerns with the Pakistan government and asked for immediate remedial action," External affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.

A Sikh priest's family had filed an FIR after their daughter was allegedly abducted at gunpoint. The girl was later forcibly married, according to reports.&nbsp;

The priest belongs to Gurdwara Tambu Sahib in Nankana Sahib in Pakistan's Punjab province. The town is the birthplace of Guru Nanak Sahib.

According to the FIR, six people abducted the girl at gunpoint on August 27-28.

The foreign ministry had said on Thursday that it had raised the "issue of persecution, abduction, treatment of minorities and conversions in Pakistan"&nbsp;and had asked it to "fulfill" its obligation.

"They must check themselves before saying anything to others, their home is burning, so they must first focus on it," India's foreign ministry spokesman added.

India's ministry of external affairs ministry said today that it had shared its concerns over reports of "abduction and forced conversion" of a minor Sikh girl with the Pakistan government.

India's ministry of external affairs ministry said today that it had shared its concerns over reports of "abduction and forced conversion" of a minor Sikh girl with the Pakistan government. "We have shared the concerns with the Pakistan government and asked for immediate remedial action," External affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. A Sikh priest's family had filed an FIR after their daughter was allegedly abducted at gunpoint. The girl was later forcibly married, according to reports. The priest belongs to Gurdwara Tambu Sahib in Nankana Sahib in Pakistan's Punjab province. The town is the birthplace of Guru Nanak Sahib. According to the FIR, six people abducted the girl at gunpoint on August 27-28. The foreign ministry had said on Thursday that it had raised the "issue of persecution, abduction, treatment of minorities and conversions in Pakistan" and had asked it to "fulfill" its obligation. "They must check themselves before saying anything to others, their home is burning, so they must first focus on it," India's foreign ministry spokesman added.

Shared our concern over abduction and forced conversion of Sikh girl with Pakistan government: India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described his outgoing Principal Secretary Nripendra Misra as "among the most outstanding officers who has a great grasp of public policy and administration" and said Misra taught him a lot when he was new to Delhi in 2014 and the "guidance remains extremely valuable".

In a series of tweets, he said he had accepted Misra's request to relieve him from duties.

Praising Misra, Modi said he served the PMO assiduously and diligently for five years and made an indelible contribution to country's growth.

"After serving the PMO assiduously and diligently for over five years and making an indelible contribution to India's growth trajectory, Nripendra Misraji will be embarking on a new phase of his life. My best wishes to him for his future endeavours," he tweeted.

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Shri Nripendra Misra is among the most outstanding officers, who has a great grasp of public policy and administration. When I was new to Delhi in 2014, he taught me a lot and his guidance remains extremely valuable.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1167409011953676288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Nripendra Misra is among the most outstanding officers, who has a great grasp of public policy and administration. When I was new to Delhi in 2014, he taught me a lot and his guidance remains extremely valuable," Modi said.

He said Misra had requested to be relieved after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections - in which BJP-led NDA won a bigger mandate than in 2014. Modi said he requested Misra to continue till an alternative arrangement had been made.

Modi also spoke of Misra's role in government's policies and programmes winning trust of poeple.

He said Misra always gave him support as a colleague. "When I took over as Prime Minister in 2014, Delhi was also new to me and Nripendra Mishra was also new. But he was well acquainted with the governance of Delhi. In that situation, he gave his valuable services as Principal Secretary," Modi said.

"At that time, he not only helped me personally but also played an important role in taking the country forward for 5 years and winning the trust of the people. As a colleague, he always gave me support".

Modi said Misra will be relieved from the second week of September according to his wish.

"Misra's request to relieve him from duties has been accepted. My best wishes for him in his future endeavours," Modi said.

Former Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha has been appointed Officer on Special Duty in the Prime Minister's Office. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described his outgoing Principal Secretary Nripendra Misra as "among the most outstanding officers who has a great grasp of public policy and administration" and said Misra taught him a lot when he was new to Delhi in 2014 and the "guidance remains extremely valuable".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described his outgoing Principal Secretary Nripendra Misra as "among the most outstanding officers who has a great grasp of public policy and administration" and said Misra taught him a lot when he was new to Delhi in 2014 and the "guidance remains extremely valuable". In a series of tweets, he said he had accepted Misra's request to relieve him from duties. Praising Misra, Modi said he served the PMO assiduously and diligently for five years and made an indelible contribution to country's growth. "After serving the PMO assiduously and diligently for over five years and making an indelible contribution to India's growth trajectory, Nripendra Misraji will be embarking on a new phase of his life. My best wishes to him for his future endeavours," he tweeted. Shri Nripendra Misra is among the most outstanding officers, who has a great grasp of public policy and administration. When I was new to Delhi in 2014, he taught me a lot and his guidance remains extremely valuable. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2019 × "Nripendra Misra is among the most outstanding officers, who has a great grasp of public policy and administration. When I was new to Delhi in 2014, he taught me a lot and his guidance remains extremely valuable," Modi said. He said Misra had requested to be relieved after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections - in which BJP-led NDA won a bigger mandate than in 2014. Modi said he requested Misra to continue till an alternative arrangement had been made. Modi also spoke of Misra's role in government's policies and programmes winning trust of poeple. He said Misra always gave him support as a colleague. "When I took over as Prime Minister in 2014, Delhi was also new to me and Nripendra Mishra was also new. But he was well acquainted with the governance of Delhi. In that situation, he gave his valuable services as Principal Secretary," Modi said. "At that time, he not only helped me personally but also played an important role in taking the country forward for 5 years and winning the trust of the people. As a colleague, he always gave me support". Modi said Misra will be relieved from the second week of September according to his wish. "Misra's request to relieve him from duties has been accepted. My best wishes for him in his future endeavours," Modi said. Former Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha has been appointed Officer on Special Duty in the Prime Minister's Office.

Nripendra Misra taught a lot when I was new to Delhi: PM Modi

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday conducted a special drive carrying out 150 surprise checks in various government departments across the country on suspicion of corruption.

Based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of ease of living, the special drive has been conducted primarily at such points where common citizens or small businessmen feel maximum pinch of corruption in the government machinery.

The departments covered in the special drive by the probe agency include medical, transport, coal mines, transport, GST department, fire, food corporation.

The drive will sensitise all stakeholders about possible avenues of corruption and the difficulties common citizens face while seeking services from such departments, they said.&nbsp;

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday conducted a special drive carrying out 150 surprise checks in various government departments across the country on suspicion of corruption.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday conducted a special drive carrying out 150 surprise checks in various government departments across the country on suspicion of corruption. Based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of ease of living, the special drive has been conducted primarily at such points where common citizens or small businessmen feel maximum pinch of corruption in the government machinery. The departments covered in the special drive by the probe agency include medical, transport, coal mines, transport, GST department, fire, food corporation. The drive will sensitise all stakeholders about possible avenues of corruption and the difficulties common citizens face while seeking services from such departments, they said.

CBI conducts anti-corruption drive in various government departments

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