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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday distributed relief materials to people in his Lok Sabha constituency <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-rahul-gandhi-to-visit-wayanad-tomorrow-241999">Wayanad</a>, one of the worst flood-affected districts in Kerala.

Gandhi, who visisted a relief camp&nbsp;in Kaithapoyil in Wayanad, said that he has sought immediate help and support from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"As your MP, I called the Chief Minister and requested him to provide help as aggressively as possible. I also called the Prime Minister and explained to him the tragedy that has taken place here and the need for support from the Centre," he said.

The Congress leader had on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in flood-hit Malappuram district and reviewed the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-around-30000-evacuated-to-relief-camps-in-wayanad-242076"> relief measures</a>.

Twelve people have lost their lives in Wayanad while seven are missing, according to the Kerala Chief Minister's Office.

Heavy rains and floods in the state have claimed 76 lives. Fifty people are missing in the affected districts.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army and the local authorities are carrying out rescue operations.&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday distributed relief materials to people in his Lok Sabha constituency Wayanad, one of the worst flood-affected districts in Kerala.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday distributed relief materials to people in his Lok Sabha constituency Wayanad, one of the worst flood-affected districts in Kerala. Gandhi, who visisted a relief camp in Kaithapoyil in Wayanad, said that he has sought immediate help and support from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "As your MP, I called the Chief Minister and requested him to provide help as aggressively as possible. I also called the Prime Minister and explained to him the tragedy that has taken place here and the need for support from the Centre," he said. The Congress leader had on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in flood-hit Malappuram district and reviewed the relief measures. Twelve people have lost their lives in Wayanad while seven are missing, according to the Kerala Chief Minister's Office. Heavy rains and floods in the state have claimed 76 lives. Fifty people are missing in the affected districts. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army and the local authorities are carrying out rescue operations.

Kerala: Rahul Gandhi distributes relief materials in flood-hit Wayanad

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sports-bill-will-be-a-reality-soon-says-kiren-rijiju-242202">Kiren Rijiju has said</a> that an isolated stand cannot be taken when it comes to multilateral events organised by international bodies.

His remarks came after All India Tennis Association's (AITA) decision to travel to Pakistan to take part in the upcoming Davis Cup.

"I have already made it clear. Any bilateral match with Pakistan will have to get clearance from the government but if it is a multilateral event organised by international bodies then we cannot take our own isolated stand. We have to be very clear," Rijiju told reporters at an event.

However, Rijiju also remarked that any bilateral event between the two countries will require a political sanction.

"Any bilateral match with Pakistan must have a political sanction, otherwise I just cannot go on commenting on every match. The security issue is completely different from the issue of the game," Rijiju said.

On August 5, India abrogated Article 370 which accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after a resolution regarding the same was passed in both houses of the Parliament.

The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill 2019 was also passed which converted Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature) and after this decision, Pakistan decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with India.

Seeing the downgrading of diplomatic ties, AITA Secretary-General Hironmoy Chatterjee had said that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will decide whether India plays against Pakistan or not.

"Idea is, for ITF to see the situation is conducive or not. Let the ITF decide on the situation primarily, if they find the situation is very sensitive as Pakistan have severed all diplomatic ties with India, then they will not issue a visa. If they do not issue the visa, so how would we go there. In that case, Pakistan will get penalised and the tie will get shifted to a neutral venue," Chatterjee had told ANI.

The Indian team is scheduled to travel Pakistan for the first time in 55 years to participate in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tie at Islamabad on September 14 and 15.

Chatterjee said that if India opts out of playing against Pakistan, it will invite penalty. He added that if Pakistan does not issue visas to the players they will be unable to travel.

"We don't want to be in a situation where we will say that we don't want to go. It is too early to say anything, the situation has become a bit tense after the scrapping of Article 370. We are going to go through the process," Chatterjee had said.

Chatterjee had added that the AITA is also gathering information from the players for the visa application of Pakistan.

"Regarding this, we did not have any meeting, we need to put in an application and we are gathering the information for the application of visa as the players are playing in different competitions around the world," Chatterjee had said.

AITA on August 5 had announced Mahesh Bhupathi as the skipper for the India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie on September 14 and 15 in Islamabad.

Six players were named by the association, who will be taking part in Davis Cup. Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Saketh Myneni, Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan and Sasi Kumar Mukund were all named in the lineup.

Mukund was named as the reserve and Zeeshan Ali was announced as the coach of the team.

The Davis Cup draw was rolled out in February this year, but after the Pulwama attack on February 14, chances of the Indian tennis team touring Pakistan looked bleak.

The Indian cricket team had last toured Pakistan in 2007, and after that, no team across any sport has toured Pakistan.

India last played Pakistan in the Davis Cup in 2006 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, in which the hosts managed to register a 3-2 win to take India's head-to-head tally against Pakistan to 6-0.

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju has said that an isolated stand cannot be taken when it comes to multilateral events organised by international bodies.

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju has said that an isolated stand cannot be taken when it comes to multilateral events organised by international bodies. His remarks came after All India Tennis Association's (AITA) decision to travel to Pakistan to take part in the upcoming Davis Cup. "I have already made it clear. Any bilateral match with Pakistan will have to get clearance from the government but if it is a multilateral event organised by international bodies then we cannot take our own isolated stand. We have to be very clear," Rijiju told reporters at an event. However, Rijiju also remarked that any bilateral event between the two countries will require a political sanction. "Any bilateral match with Pakistan must have a political sanction, otherwise I just cannot go on commenting on every match. The security issue is completely different from the issue of the game," Rijiju said. On August 5, India abrogated Article 370 which accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after a resolution regarding the same was passed in both houses of the Parliament. The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill 2019 was also passed which converted Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature) and after this decision, Pakistan decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with India. Seeing the downgrading of diplomatic ties, AITA Secretary-General Hironmoy Chatterjee had said that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will decide whether India plays against Pakistan or not. "Idea is, for ITF to see the situation is conducive or not. Let the ITF decide on the situation primarily, if they find the situation is very sensitive as Pakistan have severed all diplomatic ties with India, then they will not issue a visa. If they do not issue the visa, so how would we go there. In that case, Pakistan will get penalised and the tie will get shifted to a neutral venue," Chatterjee had told ANI. The Indian team is scheduled to travel Pakistan for the first time in 55 years to participate in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tie at Islamabad on September 14 and 15. Chatterjee said that if India opts out of playing against Pakistan, it will invite penalty. He added that if Pakistan does not issue visas to the players they will be unable to travel. "We don't want to be in a situation where we will say that we don't want to go. It is too early to say anything, the situation has become a bit tense after the scrapping of Article 370. We are going to go through the process," Chatterjee had said. Chatterjee had added that the AITA is also gathering information from the players for the visa application of Pakistan. "Regarding this, we did not have any meeting, we need to put in an application and we are gathering the information for the application of visa as the players are playing in different competitions around the world," Chatterjee had said. AITA on August 5 had announced Mahesh Bhupathi as the skipper for the India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie on September 14 and 15 in Islamabad. Six players were named by the association, who will be taking part in Davis Cup. Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Saketh Myneni, Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan and Sasi Kumar Mukund were all named in the lineup. Mukund was named as the reserve and Zeeshan Ali was announced as the coach of the team. The Davis Cup draw was rolled out in February this year, but after the Pulwama attack on February 14, chances of the Indian tennis team touring Pakistan looked bleak. The Indian cricket team had last toured Pakistan in 2007, and after that, no team across any sport has toured Pakistan. India last played Pakistan in the Davis Cup in 2006 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, in which the hosts managed to register a 3-2 win to take India's head-to-head tally against Pakistan to 6-0.

Cannot take isolated stand in multilateral events: Sports minister Kiren Rijiju

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met China's Vice President Wang Qishan here on Monday and discussed strengthening of relations with the Chinese leader.

Jaishankar, who is currently on a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-eam-s-jaishankar-on-3-day-china-visit-242321"> three-day visit to China</a> to co-chair the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism (HLM) on cultural and people-to-people exchanges, said India's relationship with China should be a factor of stability in the region.

This is Jaishankar's first visit to China after assuming office in May this year.

Wang welcomed the Minister to the country, while Jaishankar, on his part, said he was glad to be in the communist nation.

"I am really glad that early in my period I had an opportunity to visit China," he said.

Jaishankar's visit comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, whereby Islamabad, last week, had initiated a series of decisions, including downgrading bilateral relations with India and suspending bilateral trade, following the Indian government's decision to repeal Article 370 that conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcate it into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Ahead of Jaishankar's visit, his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi had visited Beijing to raise the Kashmir issue with the Chinese leadership and seek its support to take the matter to the United Nations.

Speaking in light of Qureshi's demand, Jaishankar, in his meeting with Wang said, "At a time the world is more uncertain, we believe our relationship should be a factor of stability in the region."

China had recently objected to the Indian government`s decision to abrogate Article 370, in response to which New Delhi had issued a statement saying that the move was an internal matter concerning the territory of India.

Jaishankar's visit to China from August 11-13 will prepare the ground for the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met China's Vice President Wang Qishan here on Monday and discussed strengthening of relations with the Chinese leader. Jaishankar, who is currently on a three-day visit to China to co-chair the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism (HLM) on cultural and people-to-people exchanges, said India's relationship with China should be a factor of stability in the region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met China's Vice President Wang Qishan here on Monday and discussed strengthening of relations with the Chinese leader. Jaishankar, who is currently on a three-day visit to China to co-chair the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism (HLM) on cultural and people-to-people exchanges, said India's relationship with China should be a factor of stability in the region. This is Jaishankar's first visit to China after assuming office in May this year. Wang welcomed the Minister to the country, while Jaishankar, on his part, said he was glad to be in the communist nation. "I am really glad that early in my period I had an opportunity to visit China," he said. Jaishankar's visit comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, whereby Islamabad, last week, had initiated a series of decisions, including downgrading bilateral relations with India and suspending bilateral trade, following the Indian government's decision to repeal Article 370 that conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcate it into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Ahead of Jaishankar's visit, his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi had visited Beijing to raise the Kashmir issue with the Chinese leadership and seek its support to take the matter to the United Nations. Speaking in light of Qureshi's demand, Jaishankar, in his meeting with Wang said, "At a time the world is more uncertain, we believe our relationship should be a factor of stability in the region." China had recently objected to the Indian government`s decision to abrogate Article 370, in response to which New Delhi had issued a statement saying that the move was an internal matter concerning the territory of India. Jaishankar's visit to China from August 11-13 will prepare the ground for the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

India's foreign minister Jaishankar meets Chinese Vice President, discusses strengthening of ties

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria returned here earlier today, days after Islamabad asked New Delhi to call him back following the scrapping of Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The decision to downgrade diplomatic ties with India was taken during a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan last week, a statement by Pakistan`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said.

Following the meeting, New Delhi was also informed that Pakistan would not be sending its High Commissioner-designate to India Moin-ul-Haq.

He was expected to officially take charge on August 16.

Calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir as an "entirely internal affair", India had on August 8 rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications were preserved.&nbsp;

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria returned here earlier today, days after Islamabad asked New Delhi to call him back following the scrapping of Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria returned here earlier today, days after Islamabad asked New Delhi to call him back following the scrapping of Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The decision to downgrade diplomatic ties with India was taken during a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan last week, a statement by Pakistan`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said. Following the meeting, New Delhi was also informed that Pakistan would not be sending its High Commissioner-designate to India Moin-ul-Haq. He was expected to officially take charge on August 16. Calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir as an "entirely internal affair", India had on August 8 rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications were preserved.

Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria returns to Delhi

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju has said that an isolated stand cannot be taken when it comes to multilateral events organised by international bodies.

His remarks came after All India Tennis Association's (AITA) decision to travel to Pakistan to take part in the upcoming Davis Cup.

"I have already made it clear. Any bilateral match with Pakistan will have to get clearance from the government but if it is a multilateral event organised by international bodies then we cannot take our own isolated stand. We have to be very clear," Rijiju told reporters at an event.

However, Rijiju also remarked that any bilateral event between the two countries will require a political sanction."Any bilateral match with Pakistan must have a political sanction, otherwise, I just cannot go on commenting on every match. The security issue is completely different from the issue of the game," Rijiju said.

On August 5, India abrogated Article 370 which accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after a resolution regarding the same was passed in both houses of the Parliament.

The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill 2019 was also passed which converted Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature) and after this decision, Pakistan decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with India.

Seeing the downgrading of diplomatic ties, AITA Secretary-General Hironmoy Chatterjee had said that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will decide whether India plays against Pakistan or not.

"Idea is, for ITF to see the situation is conducive or not. Let the ITF decide on the situation primarily, if they find the situation is very sensitive as Pakistan have severed all diplomatic ties with India, then they will not issue a visa. If they do not issue the visa, so how would we go there. In that case, Pakistan will get penalised and the tie will get shifted to a neutral venue," Chatterjee had told ANI.

The Indian team is scheduled to travel Pakistan for the first time in 55 years to participate in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tie at Islamabad on September 14 and 15.

Chatterjee said that if India opts out of playing against Pakistan, it will invite penalty. He added that if Pakistan does not issue visas to the players they will be unable to travel.

"We don`t want to be in a situation where we will say that we don`t want to go. It is too early to say anything, the situation has become a bit tense after the scrapping of Article 370. We are going to go through the process," Chatterjee had said.

Chatterjee had added that the AITA is also gathering information from the players for the visa application of Pakistan.

"Regarding this, we did not have any meeting, we need to put in an application and we are gathering the information for the application of visa as the players are playing in different competitions around the world," Chatterjee had said.AITA on August 5 had announced Mahesh Bhupathi as the skipper for the India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie on September 14 and 15 in Islamabad.&nbsp;

Six players were named by the association, who will be taking part in Davis Cup. Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Saketh Myneni, Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan and Sasi Kumar Mukund were all named in the lineup.

Mukund was named as the reserve and Zeeshan Ali was announced as the coach of the team.

The Davis Cup draw was rolled out in February this year, but after the Pulwama attack on February 14, chances of the Indian tennis team touring Pakistan looked bleak.

The Indian cricket team had last toured Pakistan in 2007, and after that, no team across any sport has toured Pakistan.

India last played Pakistan in the Davis Cup in 2006 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, in which the hosts managed to register a 3-2 win to take India`s head-to-head tally against Pakistan to 6-0.

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju has said that an isolated stand cannot be taken when it comes to multilateral events organised by international bodies. His remarks came after All India Tennis Association's (AITA) decision to travel to Pakistan to take part in the upcoming Davis Cup. "I have already made it clear. Any bilateral match with Pakistan will have to get clearance from the government but if it is a multilateral event organised by international bodies then we cannot take our own isolated stand. We have to be very clear," Rijiju told reporters at an event. However, Rijiju also remarked that any bilateral event between the two countries will require a political sanction."Any bilateral match with Pakistan must have a political sanction, otherwise, I just cannot go on commenting on every match. The security issue is completely different from the issue of the game," Rijiju said. On August 5, India abrogated Article 370 which accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after a resolution regarding the same was passed in both houses of the Parliament. The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill 2019 was also passed which converted Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature) and after this decision, Pakistan decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with India. Seeing the downgrading of diplomatic ties, AITA Secretary-General Hironmoy Chatterjee had said that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will decide whether India plays against Pakistan or not. "Idea is, for ITF to see the situation is conducive or not. Let the ITF decide on the situation primarily, if they find the situation is very sensitive as Pakistan have severed all diplomatic ties with India, then they will not issue a visa. If they do not issue the visa, so how would we go there. In that case, Pakistan will get penalised and the tie will get shifted to a neutral venue," Chatterjee had told ANI. The Indian team is scheduled to travel Pakistan for the first time in 55 years to participate in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tie at Islamabad on September 14 and 15. Chatterjee said that if India opts out of playing against Pakistan, it will invite penalty. He added that if Pakistan does not issue visas to the players they will be unable to travel. "We don`t want to be in a situation where we will say that we don`t want to go. It is too early to say anything, the situation has become a bit tense after the scrapping of Article 370. We are going to go through the process," Chatterjee had said. Chatterjee had added that the AITA is also gathering information from the players for the visa application of Pakistan. "Regarding this, we did not have any meeting, we need to put in an application and we are gathering the information for the application of visa as the players are playing in different competitions around the world," Chatterjee had said.AITA on August 5 had announced Mahesh Bhupathi as the skipper for the India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie on September 14 and 15 in Islamabad. Six players were named by the association, who will be taking part in Davis Cup. Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Saketh Myneni, Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan and Sasi Kumar Mukund were all named in the lineup. Mukund was named as the reserve and Zeeshan Ali was announced as the coach of the team. The Davis Cup draw was rolled out in February this year, but after the Pulwama attack on February 14, chances of the Indian tennis team touring Pakistan looked bleak. The Indian cricket team had last toured Pakistan in 2007, and after that, no team across any sport has toured Pakistan. India last played Pakistan in the Davis Cup in 2006 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, in which the hosts managed to register a 3-2 win to take India`s head-to-head tally against Pakistan to 6-0.

Cannot take an isolated stand in multilateral events: Kiren Rijiju 

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday confirmed that people in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated Eid-al-Adha in several parts of the region and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere. The verified handle of a spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs on microblogging site Twitter shared photographs of people offering Eid Namaz at mosques in places like Srinagar and Shopian.

Successful Eid prayers across Jammu & Kashmir

Wrestler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winning-olympic-medal-my-ultimate-goal-wrestler-babita-phogat-133797">Babita Phogat</a> on Monday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at party headquarters in Delhi.

Along with Babita, her father Mahavir Phogat, a Dronacharya Awardee, too joined the BJP. He was chief of the Jannayak Janata Party's sports cell, which was floated by former Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala.&nbsp;

Ace wrestler Babita Phogat won Silver medal at 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. It was Phogat's third Commonwealth Games medal after winning silver and gold in Delhi (51kg) and Glasgow (55kg), respectively. 
 
Sisters Babita, Geeta and their father Mahavir Phogat inspired critically&nbsp;acclaimed movie <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-aamir-khan-didnt-want-to-play-older-character-post-dangal-rajkumar-hirani-141019">'Dangal'</a> starring Aamir Khan.

Phogats said that they are impressed with the policies and programmes of Narendra Modi-led BJP government and also praised Manohar Lal Khattar-led government in Haryana. 
 
Babita recently came out in support of the Haryana chief minister&nbsp;over his remark on Kashmiri women, saying there was nothing offensive in what he said. "Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has not made any such statement that is offensive to our sisters and daughters. I urge the media to not misinterpret his statement," she tweeted. 
&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
हरियाणा के मुख्यमंत्री मनोहर लाल खट्टर जी ने ऐसा कोई बयान नहीं दिया है जिससे हमारी बहन बेटियों के बारे में गलत बोला गया हो मेरी मीडिया से प्रार्थना है कि उनके बयान को गलत तरीके से जनता के सामने पेश ना करें <a href="https://twitter.com/mlkhattar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mlkhattar</a> <a href="https://t.co/9nsSYPGRJd">https://t.co/9nsSYPGRJd</a>
— Babita Phogat (@BabitaPhogat) <a href="https://twitter.com/BabitaPhogat/status/1160151060587040769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Assembly elections will be held in Haryana later this year.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Wrestler Babita Phogat on Monday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at party headquarters in Delhi. Along with Babita, her father Mahavir Phogat, a Dronacharya Awardee, too joined the BJP.

Wrestler Babita Phogat on Monday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at party headquarters in Delhi. Along with Babita, her father Mahavir Phogat, a Dronacharya Awardee, too joined the BJP. He was chief of the Jannayak Janata Party's sports cell, which was floated by former Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala. Ace wrestler Babita Phogat won Silver medal at 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. It was Phogat's third Commonwealth Games medal after winning silver and gold in Delhi (51kg) and Glasgow (55kg), respectively. Sisters Babita, Geeta and their father Mahavir Phogat inspired critically acclaimed movie 'Dangal' starring Aamir Khan. Phogats said that they are impressed with the policies and programmes of Narendra Modi-led BJP government and also praised Manohar Lal Khattar-led government in Haryana. Babita recently came out in support of the Haryana chief minister over his remark on Kashmiri women, saying there was nothing offensive in what he said. "Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has not made any such statement that is offensive to our sisters and daughters. I urge the media to not misinterpret his statement," she tweeted. हरियाणा के मुख्यमंत्री मनोहर लाल खट्टर जी ने ऐसा कोई बयान नहीं दिया है जिससे हमारी बहन बेटियों के बारे में गलत बोला गया हो मेरी मीडिया से प्रार्थना है कि उनके बयान को गलत तरीके से जनता के सामने पेश ना करें @mlkhattar https://t.co/9nsSYPGRJd — Babita Phogat (@BabitaPhogat) August 10, 2019 × Assembly elections will be held in Haryana later this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Wrestler Babita Phogat, father Mahavir join Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of Haryana Assembly elections

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonai-gandhi-to-be-congress-interim-president-242079">chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee</a> and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017.&nbsp;

She had taken over the leadership in challenging circumstances in 1998 and now as interim chief, she faces a perhaps even tougher task with Congress having lost two successive Lok Sabha elections is facing resignations of party leaders across states as well as battling some apparent ideological confusion.&nbsp;

Sonia Gandhi, 72, was the chief when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nitish-kumar-caught-between-a-strong-modi-and-weak-lalu-226726">Congress received its worst drubbing in a Lok Sabha election</a> and won 44 seats. The party won 52 seats in the 2019 elections when Rahul Gandhi was the party chief.

Rahul Gandhi was also a key face of the party in the 2014 elections.&nbsp;

In the past five years, BJP has considerably expanded its base and won states it had never won in the past and emerged as the principal pole of national politics replacing the Congress.

Apart from the long term challenges in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the party has gone weak, the immediate task before Sonia Gandhi will be to put up strong challenges in election-bound states of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana.&nbsp;

The Central government has taken a momentous decision to repeal Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories and Sonia Gandhi will have to guide the party through the change and decide its political strategy.

Some party leaders have already differed with the party's official view on the issue.&nbsp;

The Centre is also keen on early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Sonia Gandhi is into her fifth term as Lok Sabha MP. She will be interim chief pending the election of a regular President by the AICC.

She commands respect, trust, and loyalty of party leaders workers across the generational divide and that is expected to help in taking any tough decisions.

Sonia Gandhi was a reluctant entrant into politics and became party chief in 1998 a year after she became a primary member of the party and continued in the post till 2017.

She resigned apparently over health concerns as also to herald a generational change in the party. She made mistakes at the beginning of her political innings but learned from them quickly.&nbsp;

She improved her grasp over Hindi, the language of politics in vast parts of the country and delivered hard-hitting speeches that made her opponents sit up and take notice.

The issue of her foreign origins was raised by Sharad Pawar, Tariq Anwar and PA Sangma which led to their expulsion and she kept the party united.

While Anwar is now back in Congress, Pawar is an ally of Congress. Her even-handed approach endeared her to party leaders and workers.

Gandhi stitched coalitions ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and ousted the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government which was confident of its victory.

The Congress-led UPA of which she is the chairperson won another term in office in 2009. She did not accept the post of prime minister in 2004 and worked for a rights-based agenda in UPA governments. Sonia Gandhi married Rajiv Gandhi, son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1968.

Born on December 9, 1946, in a village Lusiana in Italy, she attended a foreign language school.

She spent most of her married life largely as a private citizen looking after her family. When Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1984, she accompanied him on some of his tours. She also looked after his parliamentary constituency.&nbsp;

After Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination in 1991, there were demands for her to assume political roles. She resigned from Lok Sabha seat in 2006 as also the chairperson of the National Advisory Committee after a controversy over the office of profit issue and was re-elected.

Her interests include reading, Indian art, handloom and handicrafts, and classical music.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017.

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017. She had taken over the leadership in challenging circumstances in 1998 and now as interim chief, she faces a perhaps even tougher task with Congress having lost two successive Lok Sabha elections is facing resignations of party leaders across states as well as battling some apparent ideological confusion. Sonia Gandhi, 72, was the chief when the Congress received its worst drubbing in a Lok Sabha election and won 44 seats. The party won 52 seats in the 2019 elections when Rahul Gandhi was the party chief. Rahul Gandhi was also a key face of the party in the 2014 elections. In the past five years, BJP has considerably expanded its base and won states it had never won in the past and emerged as the principal pole of national politics replacing the Congress. Apart from the long term challenges in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the party has gone weak, the immediate task before Sonia Gandhi will be to put up strong challenges in election-bound states of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana. The Central government has taken a momentous decision to repeal Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories and Sonia Gandhi will have to guide the party through the change and decide its political strategy. Some party leaders have already differed with the party's official view on the issue. The Centre is also keen on early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Sonia Gandhi is into her fifth term as Lok Sabha MP. She will be interim chief pending the election of a regular President by the AICC. She commands respect, trust, and loyalty of party leaders workers across the generational divide and that is expected to help in taking any tough decisions. Sonia Gandhi was a reluctant entrant into politics and became party chief in 1998 a year after she became a primary member of the party and continued in the post till 2017. She resigned apparently over health concerns as also to herald a generational change in the party. She made mistakes at the beginning of her political innings but learned from them quickly. She improved her grasp over Hindi, the language of politics in vast parts of the country and delivered hard-hitting speeches that made her opponents sit up and take notice. The issue of her foreign origins was raised by Sharad Pawar, Tariq Anwar and PA Sangma which led to their expulsion and she kept the party united. While Anwar is now back in Congress, Pawar is an ally of Congress. Her even-handed approach endeared her to party leaders and workers. Gandhi stitched coalitions ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and ousted the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government which was confident of its victory. The Congress-led UPA of which she is the chairperson won another term in office in 2009. She did not accept the post of prime minister in 2004 and worked for a rights-based agenda in UPA governments. Sonia Gandhi married Rajiv Gandhi, son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1968. Born on December 9, 1946, in a village Lusiana in Italy, she attended a foreign language school. She spent most of her married life largely as a private citizen looking after her family. When Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1984, she accompanied him on some of his tours. She also looked after his parliamentary constituency. After Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination in 1991, there were demands for her to assume political roles. She resigned from Lok Sabha seat in 2006 as also the chairperson of the National Advisory Committee after a controversy over the office of profit issue and was re-elected. Her interests include reading, Indian art, handloom and handicrafts, and classical music.

Sonia Gandhi takes over as interim chief in challenging times for Congress

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-conducts-high-level-meeting-with-nsa-ib-and-raw-chiefs-amid-kashmir-terror-threat-240663"> Chief Amit Shah </a>has issued guidelines to the party workers for the celebration of Independence Day.

Outlining that this will be the first Independence Day after the euphoric win of the party giving a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832"> second term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, Shah has directed workers that wide-scale cleanliness drives should be organised by all party units.

Party workers have been also directed that flag hoisting at all BJP units must be done after the culmination of Prime Minister Modi's address at the Red Fort and they should take a pledge to make India free of corruption, communalism, and casteism.

BJP chief has also directed the party workers to carry out cleanliness drive at the nearest memorial dedicated to freedom fighters and martyrs and also to honour their relatives.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Amit Shah has issued guidelines to the party workers for the celebration of Independence Day. Outlining that this will be the first Independence Day after the euphoric win of the party giving a second term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah has directed workers that wide-scale cleanliness drives should be organised by all party units.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Amit Shah has issued guidelines to the party workers for the celebration of Independence Day. Outlining that this will be the first Independence Day after the euphoric win of the party giving a second term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah has directed workers that wide-scale cleanliness drives should be organised by all party units. Party workers have been also directed that flag hoisting at all BJP units must be done after the culmination of Prime Minister Modi's address at the Red Fort and they should take a pledge to make India free of corruption, communalism, and casteism. BJP chief has also directed the party workers to carry out cleanliness drive at the nearest memorial dedicated to freedom fighters and martyrs and also to honour their relatives.

Cleanliness drives to be the core of Bharatiya Janata Party's Independence Day celebration, party issues guidelines

Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy on Saturday assured that Section 144 will be lifted soon in Jammu and Kashmir where it was in place after the abrogation of Article 370.&nbsp;

"There was peace in Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-responsible-for-corruption-poverty-underdevelopment-in-jammu-and-kashmir-amit-shah-240865">Article 370 and 35A</a>. Section 144 will be lifted within a week to ten days and that there will be normalcy in the Valley soon. For the past 70 years, Indians were like aliens in their own country and now the abrogation of Article 370 has led to an extension of the Indian Constitution in totality to Jammu and Kashmir. &nbsp;In many places, Section 144 has been relaxed in Jammu and Kashmir," Reddy said at National Seminar on Cyber Security at the Institute of Engineers here.&nbsp;

"Pakistan was trying to mislead people by giving false reports. Similarly, some political parties in the country also misled people for their own vested interests," he said.

Communication was also being restored in some places and will be done soon in many places. There are no signs of havoc in Jammu and Kashmir. We are just taking precautions, if provoked then things will be settled as soon as possible. After the abrogation of Article 370, we can see that people are much happier than before.

"The minister said that Jammu and Kashmir will have developed in the industrial sector and the culture of the state will be recognized."

Parliament recently withdrew special status to the Jammu and Kashmir and also passed Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act 2019, reorganising the state in two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir with Assembly and Ladakh without Assembly.&nbsp;

Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy on Saturday assured that Section 144 will be lifted soon in Jammu and Kashmir where it was in place after the abrogation of Article 370.

Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy on Saturday assured that Section 144 will be lifted soon in Jammu and Kashmir where it was in place after the abrogation of Article 370. "There was peace in Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A. Section 144 will be lifted within a week to ten days and that there will be normalcy in the Valley soon. For the past 70 years, Indians were like aliens in their own country and now the abrogation of Article 370 has led to an extension of the Indian Constitution in totality to Jammu and Kashmir. In many places, Section 144 has been relaxed in Jammu and Kashmir," Reddy said at National Seminar on Cyber Security at the Institute of Engineers here. "Pakistan was trying to mislead people by giving false reports. Similarly, some political parties in the country also misled people for their own vested interests," he said. Communication was also being restored in some places and will be done soon in many places. There are no signs of havoc in Jammu and Kashmir. We are just taking precautions, if provoked then things will be settled as soon as possible. After the abrogation of Article 370, we can see that people are much happier than before. "The minister said that Jammu and Kashmir will have developed in the industrial sector and the culture of the state will be recognized." Parliament recently withdrew special status to the Jammu and Kashmir and also passed Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act 2019, reorganising the state in two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir with Assembly and Ladakh without Assembly.

Section 144 to be lifted in Valley within week: Minister of State Home Kishan Reddy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-visits-family-of-slain-jammu-kashmir-inspector-reviews-security-230758">Union Home Minister Amit Shah</a> will on Sunday conduct an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Belagavi district in Karnataka.

Shah will reach Belagavi at 2.30 pm and conduct an aerial survey of flood-prone areas in the district.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bs-yeddyurappa-to-take-oath-as-karnataka-chief-minister-at-6pm-today-238548"> Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa </a>will also accompany him.

After conducting the aerial survey, Yeddyurappa will meet senior officials in the presence of Shah at 4.30 pm at Sambra Airport in Belagavi.

"Heading to Belagavi for an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas along with Hon'ble @HMOIndia, @Shri AmitShah ji. Will be conducting a meeting with the senior officials to evaluate rescue and rehabilitation measures," Yediyurappa said on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Heading to Belagavi for an aerial survey of the flood affected areas along with Hon’ble <a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a>, Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> ji. Will be conducting a meeting with the senior officials to evaluate rescue &amp; rehabilitation measures.
— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/BSYBJP/status/1160384588641783808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Yesterday, the Chief Minister announced Rs 5 lakh compensation to next of kin of the people who lost their lives in the floods that have crippled the state.

The Chief Minister informed that over two lakh people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas and 1.61 lakh people are in 664 relief camps across the state.

Yediyurappa also said that around 3.75 lakh hectare crop area, 14,000 houses and 478 km of power lines have been damaged in the floods.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had also visited the flood-affected areas in Belgaum.

Meanwhile, all schools and colleges -- government and private -- in affected flood-hit districts will remain closed till August 15.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will on Sunday conduct an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Belagavi district in Karnataka. Shah will reach Belagavi at 2.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will on Sunday conduct an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Belagavi district in Karnataka. Shah will reach Belagavi at 2.30 pm and conduct an aerial survey of flood-prone areas in the district. Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa will also accompany him. After conducting the aerial survey, Yeddyurappa will meet senior officials in the presence of Shah at 4.30 pm at Sambra Airport in Belagavi. "Heading to Belagavi for an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas along with Hon'ble @HMOIndia, @Shri AmitShah ji. Will be conducting a meeting with the senior officials to evaluate rescue and rehabilitation measures," Yediyurappa said on Twitter. Heading to Belagavi for an aerial survey of the flood affected areas along with Hon’ble @HMOIndia, Shri @AmitShah ji. Will be conducting a meeting with the senior officials to evaluate rescue & rehabilitation measures. — B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) August 11, 2019 × Yesterday, the Chief Minister announced Rs 5 lakh compensation to next of kin of the people who lost their lives in the floods that have crippled the state. The Chief Minister informed that over two lakh people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas and 1.61 lakh people are in 664 relief camps across the state. Yediyurappa also said that around 3.75 lakh hectare crop area, 14,000 houses and 478 km of power lines have been damaged in the floods. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had also visited the flood-affected areas in Belgaum. Meanwhile, all schools and colleges -- government and private -- in affected flood-hit districts will remain closed till August 15.

Karnataka floods: Amit Shah to conduct an aerial survey of Belagavi

As the flood situation continues to remain grim, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-floods-five-teams-of-ndrf-airlifted-to-pune-241474"> National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) </a>team on Saturday rescued 47 students and 6 teachers from Kasturba Gandhi Girls School in Morbi district.

In flood-affected Belthangady`s Charmadi area, the NDRF team rescued 85 stranded residents including two pregnant women and two toddlers in Belthangady`s Charmadi area. Teams of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and NDRF teams carried out rescue operations in Belgaum on Saturday.

As the flood situation continues to remain grim, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team on Saturday rescued 47 students and 6 teachers from Kasturba Gandhi Girls School in Morbi district.

As the flood situation continues to remain grim, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team on Saturday rescued 47 students and 6 teachers from Kasturba Gandhi Girls School in Morbi district. In flood-affected Belthangady`s Charmadi area, the NDRF team rescued 85 stranded residents including two pregnant women and two toddlers in Belthangady`s Charmadi area. Teams of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and NDRF teams carried out rescue operations in Belgaum on Saturday.

Monsoon mayhem: NDRF rescues 47 students, 6 teachers from Gujarat school

As many as 30 people died and 10 were missing as on Saturday in Pune division <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-floods-five-teams-of-ndrf-airlifted-to-pune-241474">as floods continue to batter Maharashtra.</a>

An update from the Divisional Commissioner office in Pune revealed that 30 died, 10 were missing and over four lakh people were evacuated to safer places due to floods in the five districts of Pune division.

More than 200 roads and 94 bridges were closed in the division due to flooding and landslides.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday visited the flood-affected Kolhapur and Sangli, to take stock of the situation.

85 teams of the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Territorial Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Army are currently deployed in Sangli and Kolhapur districts for rescue efforts.

Also, more than 300 medical teams are working in Sangli, Kolhapur and Satara districts.

Indian Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rainfall from Monday onwards in Sangli, Kolhapur, Satara, Pune and Solapur districts in Pune division.

As many as 30 people died and 10 were missing as on Saturday in Pune division as floods continue to batter Maharashtra. An update from the Divisional Commissioner office in Pune revealed that 30 died, 10 were missing and over four lakh people were evacuated to safer places due to floods in the five districts of Pune division.

As many as 30 people died and 10 were missing as on Saturday in Pune division as floods continue to batter Maharashtra. An update from the Divisional Commissioner office in Pune revealed that 30 died, 10 were missing and over four lakh people were evacuated to safer places due to floods in the five districts of Pune division. More than 200 roads and 94 bridges were closed in the division due to flooding and landslides. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday visited the flood-affected Kolhapur and Sangli, to take stock of the situation. 85 teams of the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Territorial Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Army are currently deployed in Sangli and Kolhapur districts for rescue efforts. Also, more than 300 medical teams are working in Sangli, Kolhapur and Satara districts. Indian Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rainfall from Monday onwards in Sangli, Kolhapur, Satara, Pune and Solapur districts in Pune division.

Maharashtra: Floods wreak havoc; 30 dead and 10 missing in Pune division

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that isolated places over Saurashtra, Kutch, ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and Coastal and South Interior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-heavy-rainfall-alert-for-goa-coastal-karnataka-odisha-241288">Karnataka are likely to receive very heavy rainfall </a>on Sunday.

The department also stated that Uttarakhand, Gujarat region, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands will also witness heavy downpour throughout the day.

'Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning very likely at isolated places over Jharkhand. Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 km, are likely to prevail over the southwest, central and northeast Arabian Sea and along and off,' the organisation added.

The organisation has adviced fishermen not to venture in these areas for the next few days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that isolated places over Saurashtra, Kutch, ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and Coastal and South Interior Karnataka are likely to receive very heavy rainfall on Sunday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that isolated places over Saurashtra, Kutch, ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and Coastal and South Interior Karnataka are likely to receive very heavy rainfall on Sunday. The department also stated that Uttarakhand, Gujarat region, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands will also witness heavy downpour throughout the day. 'Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning very likely at isolated places over Jharkhand. Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 km, are likely to prevail over the southwest, central and northeast Arabian Sea and along and off,' the organisation added. The organisation has adviced fishermen not to venture in these areas for the next few days.

Heavy rainfall alert issued for Gujarat, Tamil Nadu

Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Sunday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah duo for the actions taken by them on the Kashmir issue.

"My heartfelt congratulations to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/had-no-doubts-about-consequences-of-removing-article-370-amit-shah-242159">Amit Shah for Mission Kashmir operation</a>. The way you conducted it, especially the speech you delivered in Parliament was fantastic. Amit Shah ji and Modi ji are like Krishna-Arjuna combination," Rajinikanth said at a function here.

He tried to give it a humorous turn, by adding, "We do not know who is Krishna and Arjuna between the two, they only know who is what. I will say good luck to you and to the country, through you."

Rajinikanth was speaking at a book launch event on the end of the two-year tenure of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

Shah, Naidu, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and other dignitaries were also present at the event held in Chennai.

Earlier, in his speech given at the event, Shah said he firmly believed that Article 370 has never helped the country of Jammu and Kashmir and should have been removed long ago.

"As a Home Minister, there was no confusion in my mind about the consequences of removing Art 370. I am confident terrorism in Kashmir will finish and it will move ahead on the path of development now", Shah said.

The book captures glimpses of vice-president's 330 public engagements during his two-year tenure in office and has been titled "Listening, learning and leading".

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami were also present during the function.

Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Sunday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah duo for the actions taken by them on the Kashmir issue.

Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Sunday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah duo for the actions taken by them on the Kashmir issue. "My heartfelt congratulations to Amit Shah for Mission Kashmir operation. The way you conducted it, especially the speech you delivered in Parliament was fantastic. Amit Shah ji and Modi ji are like Krishna-Arjuna combination," Rajinikanth said at a function here. He tried to give it a humorous turn, by adding, "We do not know who is Krishna and Arjuna between the two, they only know who is what. I will say good luck to you and to the country, through you." Rajinikanth was speaking at a book launch event on the end of the two-year tenure of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. Shah, Naidu, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and other dignitaries were also present at the event held in Chennai. Earlier, in his speech given at the event, Shah said he firmly believed that Article 370 has never helped the country of Jammu and Kashmir and should have been removed long ago. "As a Home Minister, there was no confusion in my mind about the consequences of removing Art 370. I am confident terrorism in Kashmir will finish and it will move ahead on the path of development now", Shah said. The book captures glimpses of vice-president's 330 public engagements during his two-year tenure in office and has been titled "Listening, learning and leading". Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami were also present during the function.

Amit Shah and PM Modi are like Krishna-Arjuna combination: Rajinikanth

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will leave for a three-day visit to China beginning Sunday to co-chair the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism (HLM) on cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

This will be the External Affairs Minister`s first visit to China after assuming office. During the visit from August 11 to 13, Jaishankar will co-chair the second HLM meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to prepare the ground for the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"The HLM reflects the desire on both sides to build greater synergies in the people-to-people ties between the two countries through enhanced exchanges in areas such as tourism, art, films, media, culture and sports," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The decision to establish the HLM was taken during the maiden informal summit between Modi and Xi in Wuhan in April last year. The inaugural HLM meeting was held on December 21 last year in New Delhi.

"The second HLM meeting will provide an opportunity to follow up on the outcomes of the first HLM meeting and discuss new initiatives for enhancing people-to-people exchanges between our two countries," the statement said.

Jaishankar will also exchange views with his Chinese counterpart on the entire gamut of India-China bilateral relations, including upcoming high-level visits later this year, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The External Affairs Minister`s visit to China comes amid spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan after New Delhi revoked Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two Union Territories. A rattled Pakistan has "rejected" India`s move, saying it will consider "all possible options" to counter the steps.&nbsp;

Islamabad then decided to downgrade bilateral relations with New Delhi and suspended bilateral trade, leading to rising of tensions in the region.

Jaishankar`s visit also comes after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi visited China to raise the Kashmir issue with the Chinese leadership and seek Beijing`s support to take the matter to the UN.

China had recently objected to India`s decision to strip special status to Jammu and Kashmir, in response to which New Delhi strictly maintained that the move was an internal matter. Jaishankar had met Wang in Bangkok last week where both leaders exchanged views on ways and means of further strengthening India-China relations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will leave for a three-day visit to China beginning Sunday to co-chair the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism (HLM) on cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will leave for a three-day visit to China beginning Sunday to co-chair the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism (HLM) on cultural and people-to-people exchanges. This will be the External Affairs Minister`s first visit to China after assuming office. During the visit from August 11 to 13, Jaishankar will co-chair the second HLM meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to prepare the ground for the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. "The HLM reflects the desire on both sides to build greater synergies in the people-to-people ties between the two countries through enhanced exchanges in areas such as tourism, art, films, media, culture and sports," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The decision to establish the HLM was taken during the maiden informal summit between Modi and Xi in Wuhan in April last year. The inaugural HLM meeting was held on December 21 last year in New Delhi. "The second HLM meeting will provide an opportunity to follow up on the outcomes of the first HLM meeting and discuss new initiatives for enhancing people-to-people exchanges between our two countries," the statement said. Jaishankar will also exchange views with his Chinese counterpart on the entire gamut of India-China bilateral relations, including upcoming high-level visits later this year, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. The External Affairs Minister`s visit to China comes amid spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan after New Delhi revoked Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two Union Territories. A rattled Pakistan has "rejected" India`s move, saying it will consider "all possible options" to counter the steps. Islamabad then decided to downgrade bilateral relations with New Delhi and suspended bilateral trade, leading to rising of tensions in the region. Jaishankar`s visit also comes after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi visited China to raise the Kashmir issue with the Chinese leadership and seek Beijing`s support to take the matter to the UN. China had recently objected to India`s decision to strip special status to Jammu and Kashmir, in response to which New Delhi strictly maintained that the move was an internal matter. Jaishankar had met Wang in Bangkok last week where both leaders exchanged views on ways and means of further strengthening India-China relations.

Jaishankar to embark on 3-day China visit from Sunday; bilateral and regional issues on agenda

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in Nilambur, Malappuram in Kerala and reviewed relief measures in the flood-ravaged district.

Gandhi, who is a Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad, interacted with the flood victims with the help of local leaders.

As many as 11 people have died in the district alone due to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../flood-fury-continues-in-southwest-india-42- dead-in-kerala-242065"> floods</a>.

Gandhi reached Kerala today for his<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-rahul-gandhi-to-visit-wayanad-tomorrow-241999"> two-day visit.</a>

"For the next few days, I will be based in my Lok Sabha constituency, Wayanad that has been ravaged by floods. I will be visiting relief camps across Wayanad and reviewing relief measures with District and State officials," Gandhi tweeted, earlier in the day.

Operations at Cochin International Airport, which were suspended following heavy rains, resumed on Sunday.

Rescue operations are underway by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police.&nbsp;

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in Nilambur, Malappuram in Kerala and reviewed relief measures in the flood-ravaged district.

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in Nilambur, Malappuram in Kerala and reviewed relief measures in the flood-ravaged district. Gandhi, who is a Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad, interacted with the flood victims with the help of local leaders. As many as 11 people have died in the district alone due to floods. Gandhi reached Kerala today for his two-day visit. "For the next few days, I will be based in my Lok Sabha constituency, Wayanad that has been ravaged by floods. I will be visiting relief camps across Wayanad and reviewing relief measures with District and State officials," Gandhi tweeted, earlier in the day. Operations at Cochin International Airport, which were suspended following heavy rains, resumed on Sunday. Rescue operations are underway by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police.

Kerala: Rahul Gandhi visits relief camp in Nilambur

Days after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, Pakistan continued its hate campaign against India.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday tweeted about "impending genocide" in Kashmir due to "RSS ideology inspired by Nazi ideology". He said India is trying to change the "demography of Kashmir through ethnic cleansing"

While Imran Khan may be talking about genocide but 1971 saw Pakistani military in cahoots with&nbsp;Islamist group Jamaat-e-Islami executing&nbsp;3,000,000 Bangladeshis to suppress the South Asian country's freedom. This is now being remembered as the Bangladesh Genocide, worst in the history of the Indian subcontinent.&nbsp;

Khan also spoke about Muslims being suppressed in India, something he has talked in the past too. ''I am afraid this RSS ideology of Hindu Supremacy, like the Nazi Aryan Supremacy, will not stop in IOK; instead it will lead to suppression of Muslims in India &amp; eventually lead to targeting of Pakistan," he said in a tweet.

This even as reports have emerged from Pakistan how Hindu and Sikh minorities are facing persecution in the country. In March, two Hindu girls were forcibly abducted which became a national story in that country.

Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of Pakistan. Three districts of Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus) contribute to significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts were most forced conversion and marriages of underage Hindu girls in Pakistan have been reported.

India has been taking up this issue with Pakistan. These include the abduction of 16-year-old Hindu girls Anusha Kumari in January 2019, forceful conversation of 16-year-old Hindu girl Ravita Meghwar on June 07, 2017 and in the same year kidnapping of 17 years of minor Sikh girl Priya Kaur who was married off to one Wajid Ali in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It is interesting to note just a few months ago when asked about China's treatment of Uighur Muslims in North-Western Xinjiang, a usually very vocal Imran Khan said, "I don't know much about that".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav slammed the comments of Imran Khan on Twitter saying, "Heights of frustration from the ringleader of global terror empire Pakistan. Threat to the democratic world is from Pak-sponsored Jihadi terror, not from India."

"We have undone Jinnah’s Two-Nation theory n Sheik Abdullah’s Three Nation theory today. Can Imran Khan end religious fascism in Pak?" he added.

Following New Delhi's move on special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has cut trade and diplomatic ties with India and in a big blow to people to people contact between the two countries, shut down Samjhauta and Thar train services besides suspending Delhi Lahore bus service.

Days after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, Pakistan continued its hate campaign against India. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday tweeted about "impending genocide" in Kashmir due to "RSS ideology inspired by Nazi ideology".

Days after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, Pakistan continued its hate campaign against India. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday tweeted about "impending genocide" in Kashmir due to "RSS ideology inspired by Nazi ideology". He said India is trying to change the "demography of Kashmir through ethnic cleansing" While Imran Khan may be talking about genocide but 1971 saw Pakistani military in cahoots with Islamist group Jamaat-e-Islami executing 3,000,000 Bangladeshis to suppress the South Asian country's freedom. This is now being remembered as the Bangladesh Genocide, worst in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Khan also spoke about Muslims being suppressed in India, something he has talked in the past too. ''I am afraid this RSS ideology of Hindu Supremacy, like the Nazi Aryan Supremacy, will not stop in IOK; instead it will lead to suppression of Muslims in India & eventually lead to targeting of Pakistan," he said in a tweet. This even as reports have emerged from Pakistan how Hindu and Sikh minorities are facing persecution in the country. In March, two Hindu girls were forcibly abducted which became a national story in that country. Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of Pakistan. Three districts of Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus) contribute to significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts were most forced conversion and marriages of underage Hindu girls in Pakistan have been reported. India has been taking up this issue with Pakistan. These include the abduction of 16-year-old Hindu girls Anusha Kumari in January 2019, forceful conversation of 16-year-old Hindu girl Ravita Meghwar on June 07, 2017 and in the same year kidnapping of 17 years of minor Sikh girl Priya Kaur who was married off to one Wajid Ali in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is interesting to note just a few months ago when asked about China's treatment of Uighur Muslims in North-Western Xinjiang, a usually very vocal Imran Khan said, "I don't know much about that". Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav slammed the comments of Imran Khan on Twitter saying, "Heights of frustration from the ringleader of global terror empire Pakistan. Threat to the democratic world is from Pak-sponsored Jihadi terror, not from India." "We have undone Jinnah’s Two-Nation theory n Sheik Abdullah’s Three Nation theory today. Can Imran Khan end religious fascism in Pak?" he added. Following New Delhi's move on special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has cut trade and diplomatic ties with India and in a big blow to people to people contact between the two countries, shut down Samjhauta and Thar train services besides suspending Delhi Lahore bus service.

A week after abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan's hate campaign continues unabated

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-to-make-a-deal-so-badly-and-may-want-a-democrat-to-beat-him-donald-trump-242090">China 'badly' wants to make deal with US and may want a Democrat to beat me: Donald Trump</a>

After the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report of China's economic slowdown due to trade tariff imposed by the Trump administration, US President Donald Trump on Saturday took a swipe at China saying it wants to "badly" chalk out an agreement with his country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-retweets-conspiracy-theory-about-bill-clinton-amid-outcry-on-jeffrey-epsteins-death-242088">Trump retweets conspiracy theory about Bill Clinton, amid outcry on Jeffrey Epstein's death</a>

US financier Jeffrey Epstein, awaiting trial on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, was found dead in jail Saturday of an apparent suicide, triggering outcry over how the high-profile detainee could die in custody.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-it-comes-to-a-hard-brexit-british-would-be-the-big-losers-european-unions-jean-claude-juncker-tells-britain-242089">If it comes to hard Brexit, British would be the big losers: European Union's Jean-Claude Juncker tells UK</a>

A no-deal Brexit would hurt Britain more than the rest of Europe no matter how much Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government pretends otherwise, outgoing European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in remarks published on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-kill-70-combatants-in-northwest-syria-report-242094">Clashes kill 70 combatants in northwest Syria: Report</a>

Clashes between regime loyalists and insurgents in northwest Syria killed 70 combatants on Saturday, as government forces continued to nibble away at territory held by its opponents, a war monitor said. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-launches-first-product-with-own-operating-system-242084">Huawei launches first product with own operating system</a>

Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which has been caught in the crossfires of the Washington-Beijing trade war, on Saturday unveiled a new smart television, the first product to use its own operating system.

&nbsp;

China 'badly' wants to make deal with US and may want a Democrat to beat me: Donald Trump After the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report of China's economic slowdown due to trade tariff imposed by the Trump administration, US President Donald Trump on Saturday took a swipe at China saying it wants to "badly" chalk out an agreement with his country.

China 'badly' wants to make deal with US and may want a Democrat to beat me: Donald Trump After the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report of China's economic slowdown due to trade tariff imposed by the Trump administration, US President Donald Trump on Saturday took a swipe at China saying it wants to "badly" chalk out an agreement with his country. Trump retweets conspiracy theory about Bill Clinton, amid outcry on Jeffrey Epstein's death US financier Jeffrey Epstein, awaiting trial on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, was found dead in jail Saturday of an apparent suicide, triggering outcry over how the high-profile detainee could die in custody. If it comes to hard Brexit, British would be the big losers: European Union's Jean-Claude Juncker tells UK A no-deal Brexit would hurt Britain more than the rest of Europe no matter how much Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government pretends otherwise, outgoing European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in remarks published on Saturday. Clashes kill 70 combatants in northwest Syria: Report Clashes between regime loyalists and insurgents in northwest Syria killed 70 combatants on Saturday, as government forces continued to nibble away at territory held by its opponents, a war monitor said. Huawei launches first product with own operating system Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which has been caught in the crossfires of the Washington-Beijing trade war, on Saturday unveiled a new smart television, the first product to use its own operating system.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Markets and shops started opening in some parts of the valley. The administration also starts putting cash in the ATMs. Police keep strict vigil as restrictions ease in the valley. Watch this video to know more.

Jammu Kashmir: Mosques thronged by people ahead of Eid

Indian Railways on Sunday announced the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/samjhauta-express-arrives-in-delhi-after-pakistan-announces-suspension-241637">cancellation of Samjhauta Express</a> between Delhi and Atari following Pakistan's decision to suspend the train's operation on its side.

"In consequence to Pakistan's decision to cancel the Samjhauta Express 14607/14608 running between Lahore and Atari... the Samjhauta link Express train number 14001/14002 running between Delhi and Atari also stands cancelled," said Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Northern Railways.

The development comes after Pakistan Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad on Saturday rejected India's request to review the decision of closing down the operations of the Samjhauta and Thar Express trains, saying that the services will not resume till the time he holds the post.

"Though a final decision will be taken by the Foreign Office over the request to review the closure of the trains, I reject India's request. And till the time I remain the minister for railways, there would be no operation of the Samjhauta and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-samjhauta-pakistan-shuts-down-thar-link-express-241745">Thar Express trains</a>," he said at a press conference at the Pakistan Railways headquarters here.

The Samjhauta Express has been a bi-weekly train between Delhi via Attari border to Lahore in Pakistan since 1976 after the Simla Agreement between the two countries was signed in 1972.

The last time the operation of the Samjhauta Express was suspended was on February 28 following the Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed killing 40 CRPF jawans on February 14. But it was resumed shortly thereafter.

Indian Railways on Sunday announced the cancellation of Samjhauta Express between Delhi and Atari following Pakistan's decision to suspend the train's operation on its side.

Indian Railways on Sunday announced the cancellation of Samjhauta Express between Delhi and Atari following Pakistan's decision to suspend the train's operation on its side. "In consequence to Pakistan's decision to cancel the Samjhauta Express 14607/14608 running between Lahore and Atari... the Samjhauta link Express train number 14001/14002 running between Delhi and Atari also stands cancelled," said Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Northern Railways. The development comes after Pakistan Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad on Saturday rejected India's request to review the decision of closing down the operations of the Samjhauta and Thar Express trains, saying that the services will not resume till the time he holds the post. "Though a final decision will be taken by the Foreign Office over the request to review the closure of the trains, I reject India's request. And till the time I remain the minister for railways, there would be no operation of the Samjhauta and Thar Express trains," he said at a press conference at the Pakistan Railways headquarters here. The Samjhauta Express has been a bi-weekly train between Delhi via Attari border to Lahore in Pakistan since 1976 after the Simla Agreement between the two countries was signed in 1972. The last time the operation of the Samjhauta Express was suspended was on February 28 following the Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed killing 40 CRPF jawans on February 14. But it was resumed shortly thereafter.

India announces cancellation of Samjhauta Express to Pakistan

Giving a new ambience and aesthetics to the nation's biggest temple of democracy -- Parliament -- its exterior has been installed with permanent colourful lights ahead of the 73rd Independence Day celebrations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/my-upbringing-does-not-allow-me-to-take-a-life-pm-modi-to-bear-grylls-on-fighting-a-tiger-241981">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will inaugurate it at around 7:15 pm on Tuesday.

Lok Sabha Speaker, Vice Chairman of Rajya Sabha, cabinet minister and MPs will be present on the occasion.

These LED lights frequently change its colour making the Parliament House look more grandeur. Earlier, similar such light has been installed in South Block and North Block.

The LED lights used are environment-friendly and electricity saving lights. These lights are also installed in Parliament library and Parliament Annexure building.

In total 875 lights are installed for beautification.

The lighting installed in the Parliament House will be permanent.

Earlier, the Parliament House was decorated on special occasions such as on Independence Day, Republic Day and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, but now it has been installed with permanent lights.

Giving a new ambience and aesthetics to the nation's biggest temple of democracy -- Parliament -- its exterior has been installed with permanent colourful lights ahead of the 73rd Independence Day celebrations.

Giving a new ambience and aesthetics to the nation's biggest temple of democracy -- Parliament -- its exterior has been installed with permanent colourful lights ahead of the 73rd Independence Day celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it at around 7:15 pm on Tuesday. Lok Sabha Speaker, Vice Chairman of Rajya Sabha, cabinet minister and MPs will be present on the occasion. These LED lights frequently change its colour making the Parliament House look more grandeur. Earlier, similar such light has been installed in South Block and North Block. The LED lights used are environment-friendly and electricity saving lights. These lights are also installed in Parliament library and Parliament Annexure building. In total 875 lights are installed for beautification. The lighting installed in the Parliament House will be permanent. Earlier, the Parliament House was decorated on special occasions such as on Independence Day, Republic Day and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, but now it has been installed with permanent lights.

PM Modi will inaugurate permanent lighting in Parliament House

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has rescued 156 people apart from airlifting relief material and rescue personnel to flood-affected areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra since August 4, the South Western Air Command (SWAC) said on Sunday.

"South Western Air Command has flown 74 sorties, rescued 156 people, including women and children, airlifted 23 tonnes of relief material and 124 personnel of NDRF, SDRF, Army and Naval rescue teams," a SWAC statement said.

The command has pressed eight helicopters into service for rescue and relief operations and to provide assistance to different agencies.

"To provide assistance in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rescue-and-relief-work-beefs-up-as-rains-wreak-havoc-in-india-241982"> prevailing flood situation</a> in Gujarat and Maharashtra, South Western Air Command has deployed 8 helicopters. So far all rescue requirements for marooned people have been completed successfully," SWAC chief Air Marshal HS Arora said.

He said the Air Force was "committed to meet all demands and save the lives of our citizens".

The IAF's medium-lift helicopters and transport aircraft have been operating from various Air Force and civil airfields for positioning life-saving relief materials and rescue teams in the affected areas in the two states.

The SWAC began its operations on August 4 when it rescued 45 people from Navsari area near Surat.

"From August 6, relief and rescue missions in Maharashtra commenced in full swing, especially at Kolhapur," the statement said.

The Air Force also carried out rescue missions in Jodia and Pittar areas near Jamnagar in Gujarat where two Mi-17 helicopters were pressed into action to rescue 29 marooned people.

Several parts of the country including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Karanataka have been reeling under floods following heavy rains.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has rescued 156 people apart from airlifting relief material and rescue personnel to flood-affected areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra since August 4, the South Western Air Command (SWAC) said on Sunday.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has rescued 156 people apart from airlifting relief material and rescue personnel to flood-affected areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra since August 4, the South Western Air Command (SWAC) said on Sunday. "South Western Air Command has flown 74 sorties, rescued 156 people, including women and children, airlifted 23 tonnes of relief material and 124 personnel of NDRF, SDRF, Army and Naval rescue teams," a SWAC statement said. The command has pressed eight helicopters into service for rescue and relief operations and to provide assistance to different agencies. "To provide assistance in the prevailing flood situation in Gujarat and Maharashtra, South Western Air Command has deployed 8 helicopters. So far all rescue requirements for marooned people have been completed successfully," SWAC chief Air Marshal HS Arora said. He said the Air Force was "committed to meet all demands and save the lives of our citizens". The IAF's medium-lift helicopters and transport aircraft have been operating from various Air Force and civil airfields for positioning life-saving relief materials and rescue teams in the affected areas in the two states. The SWAC began its operations on August 4 when it rescued 45 people from Navsari area near Surat. "From August 6, relief and rescue missions in Maharashtra commenced in full swing, especially at Kolhapur," the statement said. The Air Force also carried out rescue missions in Jodia and Pittar areas near Jamnagar in Gujarat where two Mi-17 helicopters were pressed into action to rescue 29 marooned people. Several parts of the country including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Karanataka have been reeling under floods following heavy rains.

Air Force rescues 156 people from flood-affected areas in Gujarat, Maharashtra

US financier Jeffrey Epstein, awaiting trial on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wealthy-financier-jeffrey-epstein-kills-himself-in-prison-242042">was found dead in jail Saturday of an apparent suicide</a>, triggering outcry over how the high-profile detainee could die in custody.

The government and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-fbi-now-justice-department-probing-jeffrey-epstein-death-242081">FBI immediately launched probes</a> as politicians, law enforcement officials and alleged victims expressed shock that Epstein could take his own life when a recently reported suicide attempt meant he should have been under close watch.

Epstein, a convicted paedophile who befriended numerous politicians and celebrities over the years, was found unresponsive in his cell around 6:30 am (1030 GMT) at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York from "an apparent suicide," the US Department of Justice said.&nbsp;

He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

US Attorney General Bill Barr said he was "appalled" and instructed the Justice Department's inspector general to probe the circumstances.&nbsp;

"Mr Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered," Barr said.

Watch: A sex scandal that should worry Trump

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The FBI is also investigating, the Justice Department said.

The New York Times and other media reported Epstein hanged himself. The city medical examiner's office did not confirm the cause of death.

On July 23, the 66-year-old was found unconscious with marks on his neck. He was put on suicide watch for six days before being returned to his cell in a high-security part of the jail, the New York Times reported.

His death came one day after a New York court released a tranche of sealed legal documents, providing new details about what prosecutors allege was Epstein's sex-trafficking operation.

Epstein last appeared in court on July 31 when a judge told him that his trial wouldn't begin before next June.

'We need answers'

The wealthy hedge fund manager had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.&nbsp;

Epstein, who denied the charges, had faced up to 45 years in prison -- effectively the rest of his life -- if convicted.&nbsp;

The Metropolitan Correctional Center, a federal facility in Manhattan that often houses suspects awaiting or during the trial, is considered one of the most secure penal establishments in the US.&nbsp;

Infamous Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman spent more than two years there as an inmate.

"We need answers. Lots of them" tweeted New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who heads the Senate's judiciary oversight committee, said the government had failed Epstein's alleged victims "yet again."

The two thousand pages of previously sealed court documents released Friday focused on testimony by a woman who claimed she was Epstein's "sex slave."

Virginia Giuffre, now an adult, claimed she was forced to have sex with well-known American political and business personalities. They have all denied the allegations.&nbsp;

'No closure'

Prosecutors said Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005.

They claimed that Epstein was "well aware that many of the victims were minors."

The young women were paid hundreds of dollars in cash to massage him, perform sexual acts and to recruit other girls, prosecutors alleged.

Epstein allegedly had an army of recruiters, often not much older than their targets, who would approach vulnerable teens.

Epstein is also accused of paying off possible co-conspirators to "influence" them, US media have reported.

Epstein, whose friends included President Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew, was convicted previously of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion.

They have all denied knowing anything about his alleged crimes.

Trump on Saturday retweeted a conspiracy theory alleging, without evidence, that Clinton may be connected with Epstein's death.

Epstein avoided federal prosecution when facing the charges in Florida a decade ago.

Under a secret plea deal negotiated by former US labour secretary Alex Acosta, at that time a federal prosecutor in Florida, Epstein admitted to a single state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and registered as a sex offender.&nbsp;

He served 13 months in a county jail before being released. Acosta resigned last month amid a backlash over the deal.

One of Epstein's alleged victims said she'll "never have a sense of closure" because he will never be convicted, according to a message shared by the woman's attorney, Lisa Bloom.

"You stole from us the huge piece of healing that we needed to move on with our lives," the woman said.

But Manhattan federal prosecutor Geoffrey Berman said that while Epstein's apparent suicide was a "yet another hurdle" in delivering justice to his alleged victims, the court case — which included a conspiracy charge — would continue to play out.

US financier Jeffrey Epstein, awaiting trial on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, was found dead in jail Saturday of an apparent suicide, triggering outcry over how the high-profile detainee could die in custody.

US financier Jeffrey Epstein, awaiting trial on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, was found dead in jail Saturday of an apparent suicide, triggering outcry over how the high-profile detainee could die in custody. The government and FBI immediately launched probes as politicians, law enforcement officials and alleged victims expressed shock that Epstein could take his own life when a recently reported suicide attempt meant he should have been under close watch. Epstein, a convicted paedophile who befriended numerous politicians and celebrities over the years, was found unresponsive in his cell around 6:30 am (1030 GMT) at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York from "an apparent suicide," the US Department of Justice said. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. US Attorney General Bill Barr said he was "appalled" and instructed the Justice Department's inspector general to probe the circumstances. "Mr Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered," Barr said. Watch: A sex scandal that should worry Trump × The FBI is also investigating, the Justice Department said. The New York Times and other media reported Epstein hanged himself. The city medical examiner's office did not confirm the cause of death. On July 23, the 66-year-old was found unconscious with marks on his neck. He was put on suicide watch for six days before being returned to his cell in a high-security part of the jail, the New York Times reported. His death came one day after a New York court released a tranche of sealed legal documents, providing new details about what prosecutors allege was Epstein's sex-trafficking operation. Epstein last appeared in court on July 31 when a judge told him that his trial wouldn't begin before next June. 'We need answers' The wealthy hedge fund manager had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. Epstein, who denied the charges, had faced up to 45 years in prison -- effectively the rest of his life -- if convicted. The Metropolitan Correctional Center, a federal facility in Manhattan that often houses suspects awaiting or during the trial, is considered one of the most secure penal establishments in the US. Infamous Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman spent more than two years there as an inmate. "We need answers. Lots of them" tweeted New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who heads the Senate's judiciary oversight committee, said the government had failed Epstein's alleged victims "yet again." The two thousand pages of previously sealed court documents released Friday focused on testimony by a woman who claimed she was Epstein's "sex slave." Virginia Giuffre, now an adult, claimed she was forced to have sex with well-known American political and business personalities. They have all denied the allegations. 'No closure' Prosecutors said Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005. They claimed that Epstein was "well aware that many of the victims were minors." The young women were paid hundreds of dollars in cash to massage him, perform sexual acts and to recruit other girls, prosecutors alleged. Epstein allegedly had an army of recruiters, often not much older than their targets, who would approach vulnerable teens. Epstein is also accused of paying off possible co-conspirators to "influence" them, US media have reported. Epstein, whose friends included President Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew, was convicted previously of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion. They have all denied knowing anything about his alleged crimes. Trump on Saturday retweeted a conspiracy theory alleging, without evidence, that Clinton may be connected with Epstein's death. Epstein avoided federal prosecution when facing the charges in Florida a decade ago. Under a secret plea deal negotiated by former US labour secretary Alex Acosta, at that time a federal prosecutor in Florida, Epstein admitted to a single state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and registered as a sex offender. He served 13 months in a county jail before being released. Acosta resigned last month amid a backlash over the deal. One of Epstein's alleged victims said she'll "never have a sense of closure" because he will never be convicted, according to a message shared by the woman's attorney, Lisa Bloom. "You stole from us the huge piece of healing that we needed to move on with our lives," the woman said. But Manhattan federal prosecutor Geoffrey Berman said that while Epstein's apparent suicide was a "yet another hurdle" in delivering justice to his alleged victims, the court case — which included a conspiracy charge — would continue to play out.

Trump retweets conspiracy theory about Bill Clinton, amid outcry on Jeffrey Epstein's death

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/authorities-ease-restrictions-in-jammu-and-kashmir-ahead-of-eid-242246">Authorities ease restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Eid&nbsp;</a>

The authorities on Sunday eased restrictions imposed in Kashmir valley to facilitate people ahead of Eid.

People were seen rushing to essential stores and bakery shops which were partially open.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-no-talks-with-south-due-to-drills-kim-oversaw-test-of-new-weapon-kcna-242223">North Korea says no talks with South due to drills, Kim oversaw test of 'new weapon': Report</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected Saturday's test of a new weapon, state media KCNA said on Sunday, as a senior diplomat dismissed the possibility of inter-Korean talks in protest against South Korea-US military drills.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-300-telephone-booths-established-in-jammu-and-kashmir-report-242240">Around 300 telephone booths established in Jammu and Kashmir: Report</a>

The civil administration informed about the measures taken for the general public and employees of Jammu and Kashmir, the statement from the Raj Bhavan said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-mosque-shooting-to-be-investigated-as-possible-act-of-terrorism-police-242215">Norway mosque shooting to be investigated as possible act of terrorism: Police</a>

The shooting at a mosque near Oslo is being treated as an "attempted act of terror", Norwegian police said Sunday, with the suspect appearing to harbour far-right, anti-immigrant views.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sports-bill-will-be-a-reality-soon-says-kiren-rijiju-242202">Sports Bill will be a reality soon, says Kiren Rijiju to WION</a>

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that Sports Bill will be a reality soon and added that he will ensure that it covers all sports bodies.&nbsp;

Authorities ease restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Eid The authorities on Sunday eased restrictions imposed in Kashmir valley to facilitate people ahead of Eid.

Authorities ease restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Eid The authorities on Sunday eased restrictions imposed in Kashmir valley to facilitate people ahead of Eid. People were seen rushing to essential stores and bakery shops which were partially open. North Korea says no talks with South due to drills, Kim oversaw test of 'new weapon': Report North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected Saturday's test of a new weapon, state media KCNA said on Sunday, as a senior diplomat dismissed the possibility of inter-Korean talks in protest against South Korea-US military drills. Around 300 telephone booths established in Jammu and Kashmir: Report The civil administration informed about the measures taken for the general public and employees of Jammu and Kashmir, the statement from the Raj Bhavan said. Norway mosque shooting to be investigated as possible act of terrorism: Police The shooting at a mosque near Oslo is being treated as an "attempted act of terror", Norwegian police said Sunday, with the suspect appearing to harbour far-right, anti-immigrant views. Sports Bill will be a reality soon, says Kiren Rijiju to WION Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that Sports Bill will be a reality soon and added that he will ensure that it covers all sports bodies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-from-floods-across-india-rises-to-95-hundreds-of-thousands-evacuated-241993">The&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;from&nbsp;floods</a>&nbsp;in Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra rose to&nbsp;147, state authorities said on Sunday, as rescue teams raced to evacuate people and waters submerged parts of a world heritage site.

Heavy rain and landslides forced&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;of&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of people to take shelter in relief camps, while train services were cancelled in several flood-hit areas.

In Kerala, at least 57 people were killed in rain-related incidents while over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-around-30000-evacuated-to-relief-camps-in-wayanad-242076">165,000 people were in relief camps in the state</a>, state authorities said on Sunday.

"Several houses are still covered under 10-12 feet deep mud. This is hampering rescue work," state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

Authorities worried that rescue operations would be hit by thunderstorms and rainfall predicted in some parts of Kerala.

Last year, more than 200 people were killed in Kerala and over five million affected in one of the worst&nbsp;floods&nbsp;in 100 years in the state.

In Karnataka, several structures at world heritage site Hampi, an ancient town, were flooded.

So far 60 people have died in rain-related incidents, said state chief minister B S Yediyurappa, adding nearly 227,000 people were staying in relief camps.

While Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra have been the worst hit this year, several other states including Gujarat, Assam, and Bihar have also seen heavy damage due to&nbsp;floods.

In Maharashtra, where the&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;stood at 30, the flood situation was improving, according to state-run All India Radio, though authorities said it would be difficult to restore rail services in some flood-hit areas within the next two weeks.

India's main opposition Congress party called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide relief packages.

Citing media reports, the Congress party said so far this year 446 people have been killed in six flood-hit states including Assam, Bihar, and Gujarat.

"Despite the mammoth loss of lives and displacement caused due to&nbsp;floods, the government is failing to realize the gravity of the flood fury," the Congress party said in a statement on Sunday.

The death toll from floods in Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra rose to 147, state authorities said on Sunday, as rescue teams raced to evacuate people and waters submerged parts of a world heritage site.

The death toll from floods in Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra rose to 147, state authorities said on Sunday, as rescue teams raced to evacuate people and waters submerged parts of a world heritage site. Heavy rain and landslides forced hundreds of thousands of people to take shelter in relief camps, while train services were cancelled in several flood-hit areas. In Kerala, at least 57 people were killed in rain-related incidents while over 165,000 people were in relief camps in the state, state authorities said on Sunday. "Several houses are still covered under 10-12 feet deep mud. This is hampering rescue work," state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. Authorities worried that rescue operations would be hit by thunderstorms and rainfall predicted in some parts of Kerala. Last year, more than 200 people were killed in Kerala and over five million affected in one of the worst floods in 100 years in the state. In Karnataka, several structures at world heritage site Hampi, an ancient town, were flooded. So far 60 people have died in rain-related incidents, said state chief minister B S Yediyurappa, adding nearly 227,000 people were staying in relief camps. While Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra have been the worst hit this year, several other states including Gujarat, Assam, and Bihar have also seen heavy damage due to floods. In Maharashtra, where the death toll stood at 30, the flood situation was improving, according to state-run All India Radio, though authorities said it would be difficult to restore rail services in some flood-hit areas within the next two weeks. India's main opposition Congress party called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide relief packages. Citing media reports, the Congress party said so far this year 446 people have been killed in six flood-hit states including Assam, Bihar, and Gujarat. "Despite the mammoth loss of lives and displacement caused due to floods, the government is failing to realize the gravity of the flood fury," the Congress party said in a statement on Sunday.

Death toll from floods reaches 147, hundreds of thousands evacuated

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Death toll from floods reaches 147, hundreds of thousands evacuated