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The Federation of Resident Doctors` Association (FORDA) will continue their 24-hour nation-wide strike on Friday in protest against the passage of the National Medical Commission Bill.&nbsp;

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna and Delhi and United Resident Doctors` Association (URDA) have also given a call for strike against the Bill.&nbsp;

Healthcare services are likely to be crippled for the second consecutive day in the national capital as thousands of doctors shut down medical services.&nbsp;

Dr Rajeev Rajan, General Secretary at AIIMS-RDA, said the strike will continue on Friday. "Medical services will be shut down following the protest against NMC Bill," he said.

On Thursday, a massive protest was held by doctors of AIIMS, Safdarjung, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Lok Nayak Hospital, etc.

The NMC Bill will replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) by a National Medical Commission.&nbsp;

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Resident Doctor's Association,AIIMS:In a Governing Body Meeting of AIIMS,executives of URDA, FORDA &amp; AIIMS RDA jointly decided to continue with indefinite strike (against National Medical Commission Bill)as decided earlier including withdrawal of residents from emergency services <a href="https://t.co/8tovj0Onqd">pic.twitter.com/8tovj0Onqd</a>
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According to a press statement issued by Resident Doctors of Safdarjung hospital, the NMC Bill will deteriorate the medical education sector.

Doctors have also been raising their voices against sections 32 and 15 of the Bill pertaining to licence to health providers and the entrance exam for post-graduate course/NEXT.&nbsp;

"Doctors have been protesting against section 32 of the Bill. The NMC Bill will open the gates for quackery by providing licence to community health providers, who do not hold MBBS degree, to practice scientific medication.&nbsp;

There is no certainty on the entrance exam for postgraduate course/NEXT under section 15," Dr Prakash Thakur, president of Resident Doctors` Association at Safdarjung Hospital told.

Dr Sumedh Sandanshiv, president FORDA, said: "We are unhappy and concerned about privatisation of medical education. The NMC Bill will give undue favours to the private medical colleges/unaided universities by decreasing the percentage of seats under the controlled fee structure from 85 per cent to 50 per cent."&nbsp;

"FORDA will continue the strike on Friday. We will agitate till our demands are met," he said.

Doctors have also been raising concerns over section 45 of the Bill. They say that the Bill empowers Central government to override any suggestion of the NMC. The Bill will decrease the representation of elected members from 75 per cent in MCI to 20 per cent in NMC.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education &amp; Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh had staged a protest along with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against the Bill.

Calling the Bill "draconian", PGIMER had stated that the Lower House dumped health care and medical education of this country into darkness by approving the undemocratic NMC Bill, 2019.

"Section 32 of the NMC Bill provides for the licensing of 3.5 lakh unqualified non-medical persons to practice modern medicine. The term community health provider has been vaguely defined to allow anyone connected with modern medicine to get registered in the NMC and is licensed to practice modern medicine. Also, there is no clarity about pattern and other details of the NEXT exam," PGIMER had said.

The organisation was also of the view that this proposed Bill will increase corruption and decrease autonomy in medicine.

On July 29, the Lok Sabha had passed a Bill that seeks to create National Medical Commission in place of Medical Council of India (MCI) with Health Minister Harsh Vardhan terming it as an "anti-vested interests Bill" which will be remembered as one of the greatest reforms brought by the Modi government.&nbsp;

The Federation of Resident Doctors` Association (FORDA) will continue their 24-hour nation-wide strike on Friday in protest against the passage of the National Medical Commission Bill.

The Federation of Resident Doctors` Association (FORDA) will continue their 24-hour nation-wide strike on Friday in protest against the passage of the National Medical Commission Bill. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna and Delhi and United Resident Doctors` Association (URDA) have also given a call for strike against the Bill. Healthcare services are likely to be crippled for the second consecutive day in the national capital as thousands of doctors shut down medical services. Dr Rajeev Rajan, General Secretary at AIIMS-RDA, said the strike will continue on Friday. "Medical services will be shut down following the protest against NMC Bill," he said. On Thursday, a massive protest was held by doctors of AIIMS, Safdarjung, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Lok Nayak Hospital, etc. The NMC Bill will replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) by a National Medical Commission. Resident Doctor's Association,AIIMS:In a Governing Body Meeting of AIIMS,executives of URDA, FORDA & AIIMS RDA jointly decided to continue with indefinite strike (against National Medical Commission Bill)as decided earlier including withdrawal of residents from emergency services pic.twitter.com/8tovj0Onqd — ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2019 × According to a press statement issued by Resident Doctors of Safdarjung hospital, the NMC Bill will deteriorate the medical education sector. Doctors have also been raising their voices against sections 32 and 15 of the Bill pertaining to licence to health providers and the entrance exam for post-graduate course/NEXT. "Doctors have been protesting against section 32 of the Bill. The NMC Bill will open the gates for quackery by providing licence to community health providers, who do not hold MBBS degree, to practice scientific medication. There is no certainty on the entrance exam for postgraduate course/NEXT under section 15," Dr Prakash Thakur, president of Resident Doctors` Association at Safdarjung Hospital told. Dr Sumedh Sandanshiv, president FORDA, said: "We are unhappy and concerned about privatisation of medical education. The NMC Bill will give undue favours to the private medical colleges/unaided universities by decreasing the percentage of seats under the controlled fee structure from 85 per cent to 50 per cent." "FORDA will continue the strike on Friday. We will agitate till our demands are met," he said. Doctors have also been raising concerns over section 45 of the Bill. They say that the Bill empowers Central government to override any suggestion of the NMC. The Bill will decrease the representation of elected members from 75 per cent in MCI to 20 per cent in NMC. On Thursday, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh had staged a protest along with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against the Bill. Calling the Bill "draconian", PGIMER had stated that the Lower House dumped health care and medical education of this country into darkness by approving the undemocratic NMC Bill, 2019. "Section 32 of the NMC Bill provides for the licensing of 3.5 lakh unqualified non-medical persons to practice modern medicine. The term community health provider has been vaguely defined to allow anyone connected with modern medicine to get registered in the NMC and is licensed to practice modern medicine. Also, there is no clarity about pattern and other details of the NEXT exam," PGIMER had said. The organisation was also of the view that this proposed Bill will increase corruption and decrease autonomy in medicine. On July 29, the Lok Sabha had passed a Bill that seeks to create National Medical Commission in place of Medical Council of India (MCI) with Health Minister Harsh Vardhan terming it as an "anti-vested interests Bill" which will be remembered as one of the greatest reforms brought by the Modi government.

Doctors to continue strike against National Medical Commission Bill

Time and again the world seemed divided on the Kashmir issue. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-imran-are-fantastic-people-if-they-want-i-can-intervene-in-kashmir-issue-trump-240059">While some world leaders delved into the matter</a>, many steered clear of the issue. &nbsp;

Trump spoke on the issue and so did his predecessor Obama. But each time India responded predictably, maintaining that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/conveyed-to-america-in-clear-terms-that-discussion-on-kashmir-only-with-pakistan-s-jaishankar-240082">Kashmir is a bilateral issue</a> with Pakistan which requires no mediation from any third party and that the Simla and the Lahore pacts with the neighbouring South Asian nation are in place for bilateral talks. &nbsp;

Like Trump, Obama too could not resist wading into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-attempts-are-being-thwarted-no-one-will-be-allowed-to-disrupt-peace-in-jammu-and-kashmir-indian-army-240171">Kashmir controversy</a>. And again like Trump, Obama too linked the situation in Afghanistan to the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

In an interview, almost a decade back in 2008, former US President Barack Obama had said that “the most important thing we’re going to have to do with respect to Afghanistan is actually a deal with Pakistan... We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis so that they can stay focused not on India but on the situation with those militants."

After Obama became the US president, he once again invoked the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

At a joint news conference with then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2010, Obama said that Washington would be happy to play a role to improve India-Pakistan relations.

Obama qualified it by saying that the US cannot impose a solution.

Singh, however, was quick to point out that the US cannot simultaneously be talking and at the same time the terror machine in Pakistan remains as active as ever.

Other world leaders too had attempted to intervene in the South Asian situation, only to eventually fall in line.&nbsp;

For instance, the United Kingdom had acknowledged that the bilateral dialogue, in accordance with the Simla agreement and reiterated in the Lahore declaration, is the only way to address all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan, including the issue of Kashmir.&nbsp;

In January 2018, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres ruled out mediation to resolve the Kashmir issue, unless all parties agree to it.

Guterres asked India and Pakistan to address their outstanding issues through talks amidst heightened tensions along the border.

Time and again the world seemed divided on the Kashmir issue. While some world leaders delved into the matter, many steered clear of the issue. Trump spoke on the issue and so did his predecessor Obama.

Time and again the world seemed divided on the Kashmir issue. While some world leaders delved into the matter, many steered clear of the issue. Trump spoke on the issue and so did his predecessor Obama. But each time India responded predictably, maintaining that Kashmir is a bilateral issue with Pakistan which requires no mediation from any third party and that the Simla and the Lahore pacts with the neighbouring South Asian nation are in place for bilateral talks. Like Trump, Obama too could not resist wading into the Kashmir controversy. And again like Trump, Obama too linked the situation in Afghanistan to the resolution of the Kashmir issue. In an interview, almost a decade back in 2008, former US President Barack Obama had said that “the most important thing we’re going to have to do with respect to Afghanistan is actually a deal with Pakistan... We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis so that they can stay focused not on India but on the situation with those militants." After Obama became the US president, he once again invoked the Kashmir issue. At a joint news conference with then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2010, Obama said that Washington would be happy to play a role to improve India-Pakistan relations. Obama qualified it by saying that the US cannot impose a solution. Singh, however, was quick to point out that the US cannot simultaneously be talking and at the same time the terror machine in Pakistan remains as active as ever. Other world leaders too had attempted to intervene in the South Asian situation, only to eventually fall in line. For instance, the United Kingdom had acknowledged that the bilateral dialogue, in accordance with the Simla agreement and reiterated in the Lahore declaration, is the only way to address all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan, including the issue of Kashmir. In January 2018, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres ruled out mediation to resolve the Kashmir issue, unless all parties agree to it. Guterres asked India and Pakistan to address their outstanding issues through talks amidst heightened tensions along the border.

From Trump to Obama, world leaders and their stance on Kashmir issue

Did Tax Terrorism Lead To The Unfortunate Demise Of CCD's Founder VG Siddhartha? VG Siddhartha's demise has sparked a furore. Opposition claims that 'tax terrorism' by Modi government has led to this situation. But the I.T. official who's facing the allegations of harassment defends his record. Palki summarises

Gravitas: Siddhartha demise: Is it right to question the taxman?

Here's A Report On India's NPA Crisis & The Measures Brought In To Tackle The Menace VG Siddhartha's demise has brought in the issue of tax evasion and law enforcement to the fore. If tax evasion is one problem in the economy, the other problem is bad loans. Here too, several big businessmen have been 'wilful offenders' and several bankers are accused of granting dodgy loans. Here's a look at India's NPA story.

Gravitas: India's bad loan problem

Is Tax Terrorism To Blame For The Demise Of VG Siddhartha? Even as the details continue to emerge, Congress has politicised the demise of Siddhartha. Congress says the Modi government is indulging in tax terrorism and has ridiculed the Ease of Doing Business rankings. Is the opposition jumping the gun? Is there any merit in their arguments? Palki explains

Gravitas: Is the opposition politicising Siddhartha's demise?

Cafe Coffee Day Founder's Death Sparks Row The sudden demise of VG Siddhartha - the founder of Cafe Coffee Day - has sent shockwave across India Inc. The question on everyone's mind is this. Why did Siddhartha take this extreme step? Was this a financial crisis? How was the financial health of Siddhartha & CCD? Palki gets us the facts of the case.

Gravitas: The facts behind CCD's finances

India has sought a technical meeting with Pakistan on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-welcomes-construction-of-kartarpur-corridor-236559">Kartarpur corridor</a>. The meeting will be the fourth of its kind this year.&nbsp;

There will be three things on the agenda during the talks - that Pakistan should build a service road till the time the bridge on Ravi river is not constructed, provision to help pilgrims if an emergency arises and a mechanism to share details of the pilgrims.

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-talks-round-two-ends-pakistan-not-open-to-5000-pilgrims-daily-235729">the second round of talks</a> between Indian and Pak officials took place on July 14, Islamabad agreed to construct a bridge over the old Ravi creek that will allow an all-weather pilgrimage to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib, throughout the year.

Earlier, Pakistan was building a structure that could have caused flooding on the Indian side for which New Delhi had raised concerns. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
So far, three rounds of India-Pakistan technical meetings have taken place in March, April and May respectively. During the meetings, both sides endorsed the crossing-point coordinates.

Both sides are keen on opening the corridor which was agreed upon last year ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji this year in November.

Work is on in full swing on the Indian side of the corridor with 45 per cent of the work being completed. India is building a 4-lane highway and a passenger bus terminal.&nbsp;

India has sought a technical meeting with Pakistan on Kartarpur corridor. The meeting will be the fourth of its kind this year. There will be three things on the agenda during the talks - that Pakistan should build a service road till the time the bridge on Ravi river is not constructed, provision to help pilgrims if an emergency arises and a mechanism to share details of the pilgrims.

India has sought a technical meeting with Pakistan on Kartarpur corridor. The meeting will be the fourth of its kind this year. There will be three things on the agenda during the talks - that Pakistan should build a service road till the time the bridge on Ravi river is not constructed, provision to help pilgrims if an emergency arises and a mechanism to share details of the pilgrims. When the second round of talks between Indian and Pak officials took place on July 14, Islamabad agreed to construct a bridge over the old Ravi creek that will allow an all-weather pilgrimage to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib, throughout the year. Earlier, Pakistan was building a structure that could have caused flooding on the Indian side for which New Delhi had raised concerns. So far, three rounds of India-Pakistan technical meetings have taken place in March, April and May respectively. During the meetings, both sides endorsed the crossing-point coordinates. Both sides are keen on opening the corridor which was agreed upon last year ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji this year in November. Work is on in full swing on the Indian side of the corridor with 45 per cent of the work being completed. India is building a 4-lane highway and a passenger bus terminal.

India seeks 4th technical meeting on Kartarpur corridor with Pakistan

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Friday wrapped up his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-to-visit-beijing-to-prepare-for-pm-narendra-modi-xi-jinping-second-informal-summit-240245">two-day visit to Thailand</a>, during which he had 18 bilateral, four multilateral meetings. He also had five pull-aside meetings.

The focus during his bilateral and multilateral meetings was on Indo-Pacific, terrorism and India's Act East policy.&nbsp;

The four big meetings in which Jaishankar took part includes, ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting, the 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM), 26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and 10th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting.&nbsp;

At the meetings, Jaishankar called for a "collective action to secure the Indo-Pacific, where terrorism remains a common scourge" while underlining "ASEAN centrality in free, open and inclusive regional architecture."&nbsp;

The focus on Indo-Pacific in Bangkok meet got more steam this year as ASEAN released its outlook on the evolving concept which China views suspiciously earlier this year.

At the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting, Jaishankar said, India seeks "greater connectedness with the ASEAN region," envisions "connectivity in very broad terms, including physical, economic, political connectivity and close contact at the people-to-people level."&nbsp;

While his meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo remained much talked about which came in the backdrop of American President Donald Trump's recent remarks on Kashmir. Jaishankar also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, the new British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. He also met his Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi counterpart, Tilak Marapana and Dr AK Abdul Momen.&nbsp;

The meeting between Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart ahead of his China visit on August 12, is being seen as preparatory the second India-China informal summit. The summit is set to take place by the end of this year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Friday wrapped up his two-day visit to Thailand, during which he had 18 bilateral, four multilateral meetings. He also had five pull-aside meetings.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Friday wrapped up his two-day visit to Thailand, during which he had 18 bilateral, four multilateral meetings. He also had five pull-aside meetings. The focus during his bilateral and multilateral meetings was on Indo-Pacific, terrorism and India's Act East policy. The four big meetings in which Jaishankar took part includes, ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting, the 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM), 26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and 10th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting. At the meetings, Jaishankar called for a "collective action to secure the Indo-Pacific, where terrorism remains a common scourge" while underlining "ASEAN centrality in free, open and inclusive regional architecture." The focus on Indo-Pacific in Bangkok meet got more steam this year as ASEAN released its outlook on the evolving concept which China views suspiciously earlier this year. At the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting, Jaishankar said, India seeks "greater connectedness with the ASEAN region," envisions "connectivity in very broad terms, including physical, economic, political connectivity and close contact at the people-to-people level." While his meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo remained much talked about which came in the backdrop of American President Donald Trump's recent remarks on Kashmir. Jaishankar also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, the new British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. He also met his Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi counterpart, Tilak Marapana and Dr AK Abdul Momen. The meeting between Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart ahead of his China visit on August 12, is being seen as preparatory the second India-China informal summit. The summit is set to take place by the end of this year.

In 2-day Bangkok visit, S Jaishankar holds meetings with 18 foreign ministers; discusses Indo-Pacific, Act East policy

Two Army personnel injured following an exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces at Pandoshan village in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Friday, reported news agency ANI.

The&nbsp;operation is continuing.&nbsp;

According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the security forces cordoned off the area around the incident.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a vehicle of 55 Rashtriya Rifle (RR) was targeted by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in South Kashmir’s Shopian district earlier today.&nbsp;

Apart from minor damage to the vehicle, no injury or casualty reported following the incident.

On July 31, two terrorists were gunned down by security forces in Kanzalwan village of Gurez sector. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two Army personnel injured following an exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces at Pandoshan village in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Friday, reported news agency ANI.

Two Army personnel injured following an exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces at Pandoshan village in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Friday, reported news agency ANI. The operation is continuing. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the security forces cordoned off the area around the incident. Meanwhile, a vehicle of 55 Rashtriya Rifle (RR) was targeted by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in South Kashmir’s Shopian district earlier today. Apart from minor damage to the vehicle, no injury or casualty reported following the incident. On July 31, two terrorists were gunned down by security forces in Kanzalwan village of Gurez sector.

Shopian encounter: Two Army personnel injured, operation continues

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-imran-are-fantastic-people-if-they-want-i-can-intervene-in-kashmir-issue-trump-240059">PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump</a>

After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-more-missiles-third-round-of-tests-in-a-week-240037">North Korea fires more missiles; third round of tests in over a week</a>

North Korea has fired unidentified short-range projectiles, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescuers-retrieve-55-migrant-bodies-from-capsized-boat-off-libyan-coast-240042">Rescuers retrieve 55 migrant bodies from capsized boat off Libyan coast</a>

Fifty-five bodies have been recovered so far off the Libyan coast, an aid worker said on Saturday, after a wooden boat carrying hundreds of migrants capsized on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-allow-women-to-travel-abroad-without-male-guardian-approval-240033">Saudi Arabia to allow women to travel abroad without male 'guardian' approval</a>

Saudi Arabia will allow women to travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", the government said Thursday, ending a restriction that drew international censure and prompted extreme attempts to flee the kingdom.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-lost-bit-of-love-for-cricket-at-one-point-says-steve-smith-after-ashes-comeback-century-240047">I lost bit of love for cricket at one point, says Steve Smith after Ashes comeback century</a>

Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes.

PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation.

PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation." North Korea fires more missiles; third round of tests in over a week North Korea has fired unidentified short-range projectiles, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source. Rescuers retrieve 55 migrant bodies from capsized boat off Libyan coast Fifty-five bodies have been recovered so far off the Libyan coast, an aid worker said on Saturday, after a wooden boat carrying hundreds of migrants capsized on Thursday. Saudi Arabia to allow women to travel abroad without male 'guardian' approval Saudi Arabia will allow women to travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", the government said Thursday, ending a restriction that drew international censure and prompted extreme attempts to flee the kingdom. I lost bit of love for cricket at one point, says Steve Smith after Ashes comeback century Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Opposition on Thursday raised concerns over the "misuse" of The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019, that seeks to designate an individual as a terrorist.&nbsp;

Minister of State for Home, G Kishan Reddy, who tabled the Bill in Rajya Sabha days after it was approved by the Lower House, however, rejected their apprehensions, saying the amendments have been brought in to designate people like Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar and Dawood Ibrahim as terrorists.

"The Prime Minister went to foreign countries seeking support to designate Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. The amendments are to designate such individuals as terrorists," Reddy said during the debate.&nbsp;

He slammed the Congress for questioning the government`s intentions and reminded that it was the Congress which declared several outfits as terrorist organisations.&nbsp;

"As many as 34 outfits were declared terror organisations. Individual designations will be made under the law you made in 1967," he said inviting vociferous protests from the Congress.

The minister`s remarks came after several Opposition members including from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and MDMK opposed the Bill and raised concerns about the misuse of the "draconian" provisions in the Bill.

Congress`s Kapil Sibal requested the Home Minister to agree with the proposal of referring the Bill to the Select Committee and added that if he disagrees, he will oppose the Bill.&nbsp;

He said the existing provisions under law have ample space to prosecute anyone who supports terror asserting that the percentage of acquittals in terror cases are huge and convictions are very low.

"The House should think how long should innocent people remain in jail as under trials. While fighting terror, we should also know what is happening on the ground," he said.

The Opposition on Thursday raised concerns over the "misuse" of The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019, that seeks to designate an individual as a terrorist.

The Opposition on Thursday raised concerns over the "misuse" of The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019, that seeks to designate an individual as a terrorist. Minister of State for Home, G Kishan Reddy, who tabled the Bill in Rajya Sabha days after it was approved by the Lower House, however, rejected their apprehensions, saying the amendments have been brought in to designate people like Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar and Dawood Ibrahim as terrorists. "The Prime Minister went to foreign countries seeking support to designate Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. The amendments are to designate such individuals as terrorists," Reddy said during the debate. He slammed the Congress for questioning the government`s intentions and reminded that it was the Congress which declared several outfits as terrorist organisations. "As many as 34 outfits were declared terror organisations. Individual designations will be made under the law you made in 1967," he said inviting vociferous protests from the Congress. The minister`s remarks came after several Opposition members including from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and MDMK opposed the Bill and raised concerns about the misuse of the "draconian" provisions in the Bill. Congress`s Kapil Sibal requested the Home Minister to agree with the proposal of referring the Bill to the Select Committee and added that if he disagrees, he will oppose the Bill. He said the existing provisions under law have ample space to prosecute anyone who supports terror asserting that the percentage of acquittals in terror cases are huge and convictions are very low. "The House should think how long should innocent people remain in jail as under trials. While fighting terror, we should also know what is happening on the ground," he said.

Opposition raises concerns over misuse of anti-terror Bill

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand today, the US State dept confirmed.&nbsp;

The state dept public schedule said "Secretary Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, In Bangkok, Thailand." at 8.45 am IST.

Jaishankar, who is in Bangkok to participate in several ASEAN plus gatherings, will be participating in the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM) &amp; ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) today.

The pull-aside between to two will be the first high-level engagement between the US and India since US President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump recently said PM Modi had asked him to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir issue during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit.

This was dismissed by the Indian side with EAM Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.&nbsp;

Jaishankar on the first day of his visit addressed ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting and met 10 of his counterparts.&nbsp;

The external affairs minister will visit China later this month to lay the groundwork for the second India-China informal summit that will take place by the end of this year.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand today, the US State dept confirmed.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand today, the US State dept confirmed. The state dept public schedule said "Secretary Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, In Bangkok, Thailand." at 8.45 am IST. Jaishankar, who is in Bangkok to participate in several ASEAN plus gatherings, will be participating in the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM) & ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) today. The pull-aside between to two will be the first high-level engagement between the US and India since US President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir. US President Donald Trump recently said PM Modi had asked him to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir issue during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit. This was dismissed by the Indian side with EAM Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed. Jaishankar on the first day of his visit addressed ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting and met 10 of his counterparts. The external affairs minister will visit China later this month to lay the groundwork for the second India-China informal summit that will take place by the end of this year.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to meet Pompeo today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-blames-russia-for-inf-pact-demise-vows-measured-response-240181">NATO blames Russia for INF pact demise, vows 'measured' response</a>

NATO blamed Russia on Friday for the demise of a Cold War-era missile treaty and vowed to respond in a "measured and responsible way" to Moscow's deployment of a cruise missile.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cut-short-stay-return-as-soon-as-possible-jammu-and-kashmir-government-to-tourists-amarnath-pilgrims-240198">'Cut short stay, return as soon as possible': Jammu and Kashmir government to tourists, Amarnath pilgrims</a>

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cafe-coffee-day-founder-vg-siddharthas-primary-postmortem-report-suggests-death-due-to-drowning-no-foul-play-240256">Cafe Coffee Day founder VG Siddhartha's primary postmortem report suggests death due to drowning, no foul play</a>

The primary postmortem report of Indian coffee baron and founder of Cafe Coffee Day, VG Siddhartha, confirms death due to drowning and has ruled out any foul play.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-formally-withdraws-from-1987-nuclear-pact-with-russia-mike-pompeo-240169">US formally withdraws from 1987 nuclear pact with Russia: Mike Pompeo</a>

The United States formally withdrew from a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia on Friday after determining that Moscow was in violation of the treaty and had no plans to come into compliance with it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tsunami-warning-after-magnitude-7-quake-strikes-off-indonesias-sumatra-240254">Tsunami warning after magnitude 7 quake strikes off Indonesia's Sumatra</a>

An earthquake of magnitude 7 struck off Indonesia's island of Sumatra on Friday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

NATO blames Russia for INF pact demise, vows 'measured' response NATO blamed Russia on Friday for the demise of a Cold War-era missile treaty and vowed to respond in a "measured and responsible way" to Moscow's deployment of a cruise missile.

NATO blames Russia for INF pact demise, vows 'measured' response NATO blamed Russia on Friday for the demise of a Cold War-era missile treaty and vowed to respond in a "measured and responsible way" to Moscow's deployment of a cruise missile. 'Cut short stay, return as soon as possible': Jammu and Kashmir government to tourists, Amarnath pilgrims The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra. Cafe Coffee Day founder VG Siddhartha's primary postmortem report suggests death due to drowning, no foul play The primary postmortem report of Indian coffee baron and founder of Cafe Coffee Day, VG Siddhartha, confirms death due to drowning and has ruled out any foul play. US formally withdraws from 1987 nuclear pact with Russia: Mike Pompeo The United States formally withdrew from a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia on Friday after determining that Moscow was in violation of the treaty and had no plans to come into compliance with it. Tsunami warning after magnitude 7 quake strikes off Indonesia's Sumatra An earthquake of magnitude 7 struck off Indonesia's island of Sumatra on Friday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The primary postmortem report of Indian coffee baron and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-rise-and-fall-of-cafe-coffee-day-founder-vg-siddhartha-239854">founder of Cafe Coffee Day, VG Siddhartha</a>, confirms death due to drowning and has ruled out any foul play.&nbsp;

Wenlock district hospital in Mangalore filed the report on Friday mentioning the presence of water in Siddhartha, thereby indicating death due to drowning.

Watch: What led to the downfall of CCD founder VG Siddhartha

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-rise-fall-of-vg-siddhartha-239816/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Siddhartha was found dead in the Netravathi river in the coastal city of Mangalore on Wednesday. His body was found by fishermen at 6.30am near Hoige Bazaar, a short distance away from the bridge where he went missing.

Indian coffee baron was credited with the opening and expansion of the country's first coffee chain Cafe Coffee Day (CCD).

The very first outlet was opened at Bengaluru's Brigade Road in 1996. CCD was India's first food and beverages outlet in India to offer high-speed internet to its customers.

The 58-year-old businessman was the son-in-law of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna.

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and BJP leader Pralhad Joshi had on Wednesday said that an inquiry will be conducted into Siddhartha's death.&nbsp;

The primary postmortem report of Indian coffee baron and founder of Cafe Coffee Day, VG Siddhartha, confirms death due to drowning and has ruled out any foul play.

The primary postmortem report of Indian coffee baron and founder of Cafe Coffee Day, VG Siddhartha, confirms death due to drowning and has ruled out any foul play. Wenlock district hospital in Mangalore filed the report on Friday mentioning the presence of water in Siddhartha, thereby indicating death due to drowning. Watch: What led to the downfall of CCD founder VG Siddhartha Siddhartha was found dead in the Netravathi river in the coastal city of Mangalore on Wednesday. His body was found by fishermen at 6.30am near Hoige Bazaar, a short distance away from the bridge where he went missing. Indian coffee baron was credited with the opening and expansion of the country's first coffee chain Cafe Coffee Day (CCD). The very first outlet was opened at Bengaluru's Brigade Road in 1996. CCD was India's first food and beverages outlet in India to offer high-speed internet to its customers. The 58-year-old businessman was the son-in-law of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and BJP leader Pralhad Joshi had on Wednesday said that an inquiry will be conducted into Siddhartha's death.

Cafe Coffee Day founder VG Siddhartha's primary postmortem report suggests death due to drowning, no foul play

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Bejing this month to prepare for the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in India later this year.

Jaishankar is the first Indian minister to visit China after the Narendra Modi government came to power for a second consecutive term.

Jaishankar is expected to hold a wide range of talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to finalise XI Jinping's visit to India. According to reports, they would also address the 4th India-China Media Summit Forum on August 12.

Modi and Xi had met in Wuhan in April, 2018 for their first informal summit in order to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The External Affairs Minister is currently in Thailand to attend a host of engagements. Earlier on Friday, he participated at the 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting (EAS FMM). 
 
On Thursday, Jaishankar addressed ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting and met 10 of his counterparts.&nbsp;

Talking about connectivity, he said, "India seeks greater connect with the ASEAN region. We envision connectivity within the region in very broad terms including physical, economic and political and close contact at people to people level."

"The historic, cultural, economic political that have existed between India and ASEAN region are the stepping stones to achieve the vision of a more connected India and ASEAN region and a closer partnership," he added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Bejing this month to prepare for the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in India later this year.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Bejing this month to prepare for the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in India later this year. Jaishankar is the first Indian minister to visit China after the Narendra Modi government came to power for a second consecutive term. Jaishankar is expected to hold a wide range of talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to finalise XI Jinping's visit to India. According to reports, they would also address the 4th India-China Media Summit Forum on August 12. Modi and Xi had met in Wuhan in April, 2018 for their first informal summit in order to deepen bilateral cooperation. The External Affairs Minister is currently in Thailand to attend a host of engagements. Earlier on Friday, he participated at the 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting (EAS FMM). On Thursday, Jaishankar addressed ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting and met 10 of his counterparts. Talking about connectivity, he said, "India seeks greater connect with the ASEAN region. We envision connectivity within the region in very broad terms including physical, economic and political and close contact at people to people level." "The historic, cultural, economic political that have existed between India and ASEAN region are the stepping stones to achieve the vision of a more connected India and ASEAN region and a closer partnership," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

S Jaishankar to visit Beijing to prepare for PM Narendra Modi-Xi Jinping second informal summit

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-case-mediation-failed-to-yield-results-daily-hearing-from-august-6-240161">Supreme Court</a> has given the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/reserve-bank-of-india-to-cut-rates-again-in-august-as-doves-prevail-report-238360">central bank</a> six weeks to report on whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/whatsapp-to-roll-out-payments-feature-in-india-this-year-238593">WhatsApp</a> had complied with data localisation norms as the Facebook-owned messenger gears up to launch a payments service in the country, a person involved in the matter said.

WhatsApp has been testing a peer-to-peer payments service for over a year in India, its biggest market by users, but local data storage norms have delayed an official launch.

Foreign payment companies were caught off guard last year by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-seen-set-for-fourth-interest-rate-cut-of-2019-240215">Reserve Bank of India</a>'s (RBI) directive that said all payments data should be stored "only in India" for "unfettered supervisory access".

This June it clarified the rules saying foreign payment firms can process transactions made in India outside of the country but the related data should be brought back for local storage within 24 hours.

WhatsApp faced an additional hurdle as a Delhi-based think-tank, the Centre For Accountability And Systemic Change, alleged in a petition to the Supreme Court last year that the firm was not compliant with payments data localisation rules.

It is in regard to this petition that the Supreme Court has now asked the RBI to file a response.

WhatsApp did not immediately respond to a request for comment while the Reserve Bank of India declined to comment.

Last week, WhatsApp's global head Will Cathcart said WhatsApp was all set to roll out its payments service in India this year and that it was now in full compliance with the data localisation norms.

On Friday, the Supreme Court also asked the federal government to make clear, within six weeks, its position on whether the company's grievance officer should be based in India, according to the person.

WhatsApp has a California-based grievance officer who handles India-related issues. Current Indian rules do not mandate a tech company to have such an executive stationed in the country - a rule the government wants to change.

The country's technology minister has said in parliament that New Delhi is seriously considering that social media firms "be required to locate their grievance officer in India".

WhatsApp has previously said it is working on having a grievance officer based in India.

The Supreme Court has given the central bank six weeks to report on whether WhatsApp had complied with data localisation norms as the Facebook-owned messenger gears up to launch a payments service in the country, a person involved in the matter said.

The Supreme Court has given the central bank six weeks to report on whether WhatsApp had complied with data localisation norms as the Facebook-owned messenger gears up to launch a payments service in the country, a person involved in the matter said. WhatsApp has been testing a peer-to-peer payments service for over a year in India, its biggest market by users, but local data storage norms have delayed an official launch. Foreign payment companies were caught off guard last year by the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) directive that said all payments data should be stored "only in India" for "unfettered supervisory access". This June it clarified the rules saying foreign payment firms can process transactions made in India outside of the country but the related data should be brought back for local storage within 24 hours. WhatsApp faced an additional hurdle as a Delhi-based think-tank, the Centre For Accountability And Systemic Change, alleged in a petition to the Supreme Court last year that the firm was not compliant with payments data localisation rules. It is in regard to this petition that the Supreme Court has now asked the RBI to file a response. WhatsApp did not immediately respond to a request for comment while the Reserve Bank of India declined to comment. Last week, WhatsApp's global head Will Cathcart said WhatsApp was all set to roll out its payments service in India this year and that it was now in full compliance with the data localisation norms. On Friday, the Supreme Court also asked the federal government to make clear, within six weeks, its position on whether the company's grievance officer should be based in India, according to the person. WhatsApp has a California-based grievance officer who handles India-related issues. Current Indian rules do not mandate a tech company to have such an executive stationed in the country - a rule the government wants to change. The country's technology minister has said in parliament that New Delhi is seriously considering that social media firms "be required to locate their grievance officer in India". WhatsApp has previously said it is working on having a grievance officer based in India.

Supreme Court asks RBI to confirm WhatsApp's compliance with local data rules

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra.

"Keeping in view the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats, with specific targeting of the Amarnath yatra, and given the prevailing security situation in the Kashmir Valley, in the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath yatris, it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the valley immediately and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible," the advisory said.

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J&amp;K govt has issued security advisory for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarnathYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarnathYatra</a> pilgrims&amp;tourists asking them to curtail their stay in the Valley and to take necessary measures to return as soon as possible. Amarnath Yatra from Jammu route is suspended till August 4, due to inclement weather.(file pic) <a href="https://t.co/d8RtpZY481">pic.twitter.com/d8RtpZY481</a>
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The advisory was issued immediately after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-attempts-are-being-thwarted-no-one-will-be-allowed-to-disrupt-peace-in-jammu-and-kashmir-indian-army-240171">the Indian Army </a>on Friday said that Pakistan terrorists are plotting to carry out an attack on the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and that the security forces even recovered a Pakistan Ordnance factory anti-personnel mine from a terror cache.&nbsp;

"A Pakistan Army landmine has also been recovered from one of the caches of terrorists. This clearly indicates that Pakistan Army is involved in terrorism in Kashmir, this will not be tolerated," Lt General KJS Dhillon, Commander of the Chinar Corp said.

Addressing a joint press conference along with Lt General KJS Dhillon, Dilbag Singh, DG J&amp;K Police added that the forces are getting inputs that violence levels may increase by the militants.&nbsp;

About a week ago, the central government had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-denies-deploying-additional-troops-in-jammu-and-kashmir-report-240110">moved 10,000 central forces personnel</a> to the valley to strengthen counter-insurgency operations and law and order situation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra.

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra. "Keeping in view the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats, with specific targeting of the Amarnath yatra, and given the prevailing security situation in the Kashmir Valley, in the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath yatris, it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the valley immediately and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible," the advisory said. J&K govt has issued security advisory for #AmarnathYatra pilgrims&tourists asking them to curtail their stay in the Valley and to take necessary measures to return as soon as possible. Amarnath Yatra from Jammu route is suspended till August 4, due to inclement weather.(file pic) pic.twitter.com/d8RtpZY481 — ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2019 × The advisory was issued immediately after the Indian Army on Friday said that Pakistan terrorists are plotting to carry out an attack on the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and that the security forces even recovered a Pakistan Ordnance factory anti-personnel mine from a terror cache. "A Pakistan Army landmine has also been recovered from one of the caches of terrorists. This clearly indicates that Pakistan Army is involved in terrorism in Kashmir, this will not be tolerated," Lt General KJS Dhillon, Commander of the Chinar Corp said. Addressing a joint press conference along with Lt General KJS Dhillon, Dilbag Singh, DG J&K Police added that the forces are getting inputs that violence levels may increase by the militants. About a week ago, the central government had moved 10,000 central forces personnel to the valley to strengthen counter-insurgency operations and law and order situation. (With inputs from agencies)

'Cut short stay, return as soon as possible': Jammu and Kashmir government to tourists, Amarnath pilgrims

BJP and TDP on Friday lashed out at Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy over the Andhra Pradesh government incurring expenses over his security on his Jerusalem trip with his family.K Pattabhiram, TDP spokesperson said, "Why has the Andhra Pradesh Government released money for the security of Jagan at Jerusalem? The money of Rs 22.5 lakh paid to a private travel agency might be a cover-up which in fact might be paid for Jagan family's personal trip to Jerusalem."

"The CM speaks of transparency and austerity measures. The government is also not able to pay salaries for employees, yet Jagan used public money for his personal tour," he added.

He questioned Reddy saying that "what was the need for private security abroad, instead of using services of the Indian embassy."

V Satyamurty, Andhra BJP general secretary said, "BJP demands an explanation from YSRCP and Jagan himself. How can the government directly pay a private security agency?"

However, Andhra Pradesh government has claimed that Jagan's tour to Jerusalem was a personal trip and expenses were borne by him.

The state government on Wednesday had sanctioned Rs 22.5 lakhs for the security arrangements ahead of the Chief Minister's visit to Jerusalem.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

BJP and TDP on Friday lashed out at Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy over the Andhra Pradesh government incurring expenses over his security on his Jerusalem trip with his family.

BJP and TDP on Friday lashed out at Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy over the Andhra Pradesh government incurring expenses over his security on his Jerusalem trip with his family.K Pattabhiram, TDP spokesperson said, "Why has the Andhra Pradesh Government released money for the security of Jagan at Jerusalem? The money of Rs 22.5 lakh paid to a private travel agency might be a cover-up which in fact might be paid for Jagan family's personal trip to Jerusalem." "The CM speaks of transparency and austerity measures. The government is also not able to pay salaries for employees, yet Jagan used public money for his personal tour," he added. He questioned Reddy saying that "what was the need for private security abroad, instead of using services of the Indian embassy." V Satyamurty, Andhra BJP general secretary said, "BJP demands an explanation from YSRCP and Jagan himself. How can the government directly pay a private security agency?" However, Andhra Pradesh government has claimed that Jagan's tour to Jerusalem was a personal trip and expenses were borne by him. The state government on Wednesday had sanctioned Rs 22.5 lakhs for the security arrangements ahead of the Chief Minister's visit to Jerusalem.

Opposition lashes out at Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan on his trip to Jerusalem

The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday said that the delay in payment of salaries to the state government employees was due to "technical snags".

The YSRCP government also debunked some media reports allegedly claiming that the delay is due to lack of funds.

"Some TV channels and social media are spreading that the salaries for state government employees have not been paid due to lack of funds. But it is not correct," it said in a statement.

"General practice is that the salary payments are made through e-Kuber of RBI on 1st of every month. Following the same practice, all files related to salaries and pensions of all districts are sent to RBI by 31st July itself," read the statement.

"By the noon of 1st August all pensions and some salaries are paid. Later there are some technical snags. The certificates issued through e-Mudra did not function. That caused a delay in payment of salaries of some files," the state government said.

The government assured that all measures are taken to resolve the snag and make remaining payments."The technical problem is resolved and all the payments are cleared," it added&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday said that the delay in payment of salaries to the state government employees was due to "technical snags". The YSRCP government also debunked some media reports allegedly claiming that the delay is due to lack of funds.

The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday said that the delay in payment of salaries to the state government employees was due to "technical snags". The YSRCP government also debunked some media reports allegedly claiming that the delay is due to lack of funds. "Some TV channels and social media are spreading that the salaries for state government employees have not been paid due to lack of funds. But it is not correct," it said in a statement. "General practice is that the salary payments are made through e-Kuber of RBI on 1st of every month. Following the same practice, all files related to salaries and pensions of all districts are sent to RBI by 31st July itself," read the statement. "By the noon of 1st August all pensions and some salaries are paid. Later there are some technical snags. The certificates issued through e-Mudra did not function. That caused a delay in payment of salaries of some files," the state government said. The government assured that all measures are taken to resolve the snag and make remaining payments."The technical problem is resolved and all the payments are cleared," it added

Technical snag delayed payment of salaries: Andhra Pradesh government

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday urged the striking doctors to end their protest, saying the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill was in the "interest" of the nation, doctors and patients.

"I met doctors and cleared their misunderstandings over some provisions of the bill. Have explained to them that this bill is in nation's interest &amp; in the interest of doctors and patients. Appealed to them to end their protest," he said.

Various associations are protesting against the NMC Bill, which will replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) by a National Medical Commission, alleging that the Bill has certain provisions that are "anti-poor, anti-student and undemocratic".

Doctors have been protesting against Sections 32 and 15 of the Bill pertaining to licence to health providers and the entrance exam for post-graduate course/NEXT. They have also been raising concerns over section 45 of the Bill. They say that the Bill empowers Central government to override any suggestion of the NMC.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, doctors have not withdrawn their protest as yet. Doctors under the banner - The Federation of Resident Doctors'&nbsp;Association (FORDA), The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna and Delhi and United Resident Doctors' Association (URDA) - are continuing with their strike.

On July 29, the Lok Sabha had passed&nbsp;the National Medical Commission Bill that seeks to create National Medical Commission in place of Medical Council of India (MCI). 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday urged the striking doctors to end their protest, saying the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill was in the "interest" of the nation, doctors and patients.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday urged the striking doctors to end their protest, saying the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill was in the "interest" of the nation, doctors and patients. "I met doctors and cleared their misunderstandings over some provisions of the bill. Have explained to them that this bill is in nation's interest & in the interest of doctors and patients. Appealed to them to end their protest," he said. Various associations are protesting against the NMC Bill, which will replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) by a National Medical Commission, alleging that the Bill has certain provisions that are "anti-poor, anti-student and undemocratic". Doctors have been protesting against Sections 32 and 15 of the Bill pertaining to licence to health providers and the entrance exam for post-graduate course/NEXT. They have also been raising concerns over section 45 of the Bill. They say that the Bill empowers Central government to override any suggestion of the NMC. Meanwhile, doctors have not withdrawn their protest as yet. Doctors under the banner - The Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA), The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna and Delhi and United Resident Doctors' Association (URDA) - are continuing with their strike. On July 29, the Lok Sabha had passed the National Medical Commission Bill that seeks to create National Medical Commission in place of Medical Council of India (MCI). (With inputs from ANI)

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan urges doctors to join work, says 'National Medical Commission Bill in their interest'

Chinar Corps Commander Lt General KJS Dhillon and Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh held a joint press conference on Friday in Srinagar.&nbsp;

Briefing the media, Dhillon stated that the situation on the LoC is under control and "very much peaceful".&nbsp;

"Infiltration bids from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-arms-sale-to-pakistan-india-takes-up-issue-with-washington-expresses-grave-concern-239986">Pakistan</a> side are being successfully thwarted," Dhillon stated.&nbsp;

Dhillon further said that the types of Improvised Explosive Devices that are being examined and IED expert terrorists that have been captured suggest that Pakistan is trying to disrupt peace in Kashmir. "We assure 'awaam' of Kashmir that no one will be allowed to disrupt peace," Dhillon pointed out.&nbsp;

He said that an in-depth analysis of <a href="-government-power-to-declare-individuals-as-terrorists-passed-by-indian-parliament-240166">terrorism</a> in Kashmir has been done which has revealed that around "83 per cent of local people who pick up weapons had a record of stone-pelting".

"I request all mothers if today your child throws stones at security forces for Rs 500 then he'll become terrorist tomorrow," Dhillon said.&nbsp;

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Lt General KJS Dhillon: Type of IEDs we are examining and the IED expert terrorists we are capturing and eliminating point to the fact that Pakistan is trying to disrupt peace in Kashmir. We assure 'awaam' of Kashmir that no one will be allowed to disrupt peace. <a href="https://t.co/RUXmnqyV0B">https://t.co/RUXmnqyV0B</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1157212025703059461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Dhillon informed that an M-24 American sniper rifle with a telescope has been recovered from a terror cache along the Amarnath Yatra route.

"A Pakistan Army landmine has also been recovered from one of the caches of terrorists. This clearly indicates that Pakistan Army is involved in terrorism in Kashmir, this will not be tolerated," Dhillon added.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said that the overall number of active militants in the Valley and in the Jammu region has come down.

SP Pani, IGP Kashmir stated that over 10 serious attempts (terror attack attempts) were made at different places in the valley this year.&nbsp;

"In these IED modules, several terrorists like Munna Lahori before that Kamran, Usman were arrested," Pani was quoted by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

On the increase in troop numbers in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Dilbag Singh, DG JK Police said, "We had been into a number of activities since last few months. Our troops that have been deployed did not get a chance to relax for a while".

Singh added that the forces are getting inputs that violence levels may increase by the militants.&nbsp;

"So, we've tried to strengthen grid on ground. Also,we've been told that troops must get time to relax. This is time for turnover. But grid will be in as much active form as required," he said.&nbsp;

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DG JK Police:We're getting inputs that violence levels are likely to be increased by militants. So, we've tried to strengthen grid on ground.Also,we've been told that troops must get time to relax.This is time for turnover.But grid will be in as much active form as required.(2/2) <a href="https://t.co/hEmhrcpoPg">https://t.co/hEmhrcpoPg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1157223903808368642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The press conference comes soon after&nbsp;India took up the killing of an Indian civilian during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-takes-up-killing-of-indian-civilian-in-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-239696">ceasefire violation by Pakistan</a>. New Delhi made a strong demarche to Pakistan High Commission regarding the ceasefire violation on Tuesday.

New Delhi called the "deliberate targeting" of Indian civilians by Pakistan forces "against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct", asking&nbsp;Islamabad to desist from such acts immediately and to "investigate into such heinous acts of killing innocent civilians".

New Delhi also asked Islamabad to "adhere" to the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding for maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Boundary.

As many as 14 Indians have been killed in more than 1410 ceasefire violations by Pakistan so far this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

Chinar Corps Commander Lt General KJS Dhillon and Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh held a joint press conference on Friday in Srinagar. Briefing the media, Dhillon stated that the situation on the LoC is under control and "very much peaceful".

Chinar Corps Commander Lt General KJS Dhillon and Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh held a joint press conference on Friday in Srinagar. Briefing the media, Dhillon stated that the situation on the LoC is under control and "very much peaceful". "Infiltration bids from Pakistan side are being successfully thwarted," Dhillon stated. Dhillon further said that the types of Improvised Explosive Devices that are being examined and IED expert terrorists that have been captured suggest that Pakistan is trying to disrupt peace in Kashmir. "We assure 'awaam' of Kashmir that no one will be allowed to disrupt peace," Dhillon pointed out. He said that an in-depth analysis of terrorism in Kashmir has been done which has revealed that around "83 per cent of local people who pick up weapons had a record of stone-pelting". "I request all mothers if today your child throws stones at security forces for Rs 500 then he'll become terrorist tomorrow," Dhillon said. Lt General KJS Dhillon: Type of IEDs we are examining and the IED expert terrorists we are capturing and eliminating point to the fact that Pakistan is trying to disrupt peace in Kashmir. We assure 'awaam' of Kashmir that no one will be allowed to disrupt peace. https://t.co/RUXmnqyV0B — ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2019 × Dhillon informed that an M-24 American sniper rifle with a telescope has been recovered from a terror cache along the Amarnath Yatra route. "A Pakistan Army landmine has also been recovered from one of the caches of terrorists. This clearly indicates that Pakistan Army is involved in terrorism in Kashmir, this will not be tolerated," Dhillon added. Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said that the overall number of active militants in the Valley and in the Jammu region has come down. SP Pani, IGP Kashmir stated that over 10 serious attempts (terror attack attempts) were made at different places in the valley this year. "In these IED modules, several terrorists like Munna Lahori before that Kamran, Usman were arrested," Pani was quoted by news agency ANI. On the increase in troop numbers in Jammu & Kashmir, Dilbag Singh, DG JK Police said, "We had been into a number of activities since last few months. Our troops that have been deployed did not get a chance to relax for a while". Singh added that the forces are getting inputs that violence levels may increase by the militants. "So, we've tried to strengthen grid on ground. Also,we've been told that troops must get time to relax. This is time for turnover. But grid will be in as much active form as required," he said. DG JK Police:We're getting inputs that violence levels are likely to be increased by militants. So, we've tried to strengthen grid on ground.Also,we've been told that troops must get time to relax.This is time for turnover.But grid will be in as much active form as required.(2/2) https://t.co/hEmhrcpoPg — ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2019 × The press conference comes soon after India took up the killing of an Indian civilian during ceasefire violation by Pakistan. New Delhi made a strong demarche to Pakistan High Commission regarding the ceasefire violation on Tuesday. New Delhi called the "deliberate targeting" of Indian civilians by Pakistan forces "against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct", asking Islamabad to desist from such acts immediately and to "investigate into such heinous acts of killing innocent civilians". New Delhi also asked Islamabad to "adhere" to the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding for maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Boundary. As many as 14 Indians have been killed in more than 1410 ceasefire violations by Pakistan so far this year. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan's attempts are being thwarted, no one will be allowed to disrupt peace in Jammu and Kashmir: Indian Army

The lower house of Indian Parliament on Friday passed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill that enables the government to designate individuals as terrorists, even as the Opposition said it would infringe on the liberty of a person.&nbsp;

The UAPA (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed with 147 ayes against 42 noes.

The bill seeks to further amend the UAPA, 1967, empowering the central government to designate individuals as terrorists if the person commits or participates, promotes or involved in acts of terrorism.

Under the existing laws, the government could only designate organisations, and not individuals, as terrorists.

The bill also empowers the Director-General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to approve seizure or attachment of property when the case is investigated by the agency.&nbsp;

During a discussion on the bill, the Indian&nbsp;Home Minister Amit Shah asked the Congress party to look at their past while invoking reference of the emergency period.

He assured the house that taking tough measures against terror does not mean taking action against any individual or government.

Rejecting the objections raised by Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram regarding amendments, Shah said, "Chidambaram asked why to name an individual as a terrorist when the organisation they are affiliated to is already banned. It is because we ban one organisation, another one comes up by the same individuals. Till when will we keep banning organisations?"

He also took a dig at former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and claimed that he was angry because of losing the elections.&nbsp;

"Digvijaya Singh&nbsp;seems angry, it is natural, he just lost elections,'' he said. ''In three&nbsp;cases of NIA,&nbsp;no one was punished because these cases were pursued with political vendetta and attempts were made to link a particular religion to terror," Shah said.

The home minister also reminded the House about BJP`s stand on UAPA amendment while it was in opposition and said the party always supported a strict stand against terror.

Soon after Shah`s address, UAPA amendments bill was passed.

(With inputs from ANI)

The lower house of Indian Parliament on Friday passed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill that enables the government to designate individuals as terrorists, even as the Opposition said it would infringe on the liberty of a person.

The lower house of Indian Parliament on Friday passed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill that enables the government to designate individuals as terrorists, even as the Opposition said it would infringe on the liberty of a person. The UAPA (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed with 147 ayes against 42 noes. The bill seeks to further amend the UAPA, 1967, empowering the central government to designate individuals as terrorists if the person commits or participates, promotes or involved in acts of terrorism. Under the existing laws, the government could only designate organisations, and not individuals, as terrorists. The bill also empowers the Director-General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to approve seizure or attachment of property when the case is investigated by the agency. During a discussion on the bill, the Indian Home Minister Amit Shah asked the Congress party to look at their past while invoking reference of the emergency period. He assured the house that taking tough measures against terror does not mean taking action against any individual or government. Rejecting the objections raised by Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram regarding amendments, Shah said, "Chidambaram asked why to name an individual as a terrorist when the organisation they are affiliated to is already banned. It is because we ban one organisation, another one comes up by the same individuals. Till when will we keep banning organisations?" He also took a dig at former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and claimed that he was angry because of losing the elections. "Digvijaya Singh seems angry, it is natural, he just lost elections,'' he said. ''In three cases of NIA, no one was punished because these cases were pursued with political vendetta and attempts were made to link a particular religion to terror," Shah said. The home minister also reminded the House about BJP`s stand on UAPA amendment while it was in opposition and said the party always supported a strict stand against terror. Soon after Shah`s address, UAPA amendments bill was passed. (With inputs from ANI)

UAPA: Bill that gives government power to declare individuals as terrorists passed by Indian Parliament

The Supreme Court will now hear the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title case on a day-to-day basis starting from August 6. The apex court arrived at this decision after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-land-dispute-case-mediation-panel-submits-report-to-supreme-court-240004">mediation panel submitted a report</a> stating that no final agreement or settlement was reached during the talks between the parties.&nbsp;

Thereby, CJI Ranjan Gogoi declared that since mediation process failed to yield positive results, the hearing in the title dispute case will resume.&nbsp;

In the last hearing, the top court assured that if mediation talks failed to reach an amicable solution to resolve the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute, then the court will commence hearing the case on a day-to-day basis.

The original plaintiff had sought early hearing of the case. Senior lawyer SK Parasaran, arguing for one of the applicants, told the top court that mediation talks were not making much progress and were unable to bring any positive results. However, senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan, representing Muslim parties, said that this was not the time to criticise the mediation panel. He said, “I don’t think it’s fair to criticise mediation panel’s proceedings. Parties cannot come to court asking to scrap the mediation talks on our account”.

In order to resolve the title dispute case, the apex court had appointed a mediation panel headed by former Supreme Court judge FM Khalifullah, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and senior advocate Sri Ram Panchu. While forming the panel, the court had asked the mediation panel to maintain utmost confidentiality and disallowed media from reporting the panel proceedings.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court will now hear the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title case on a day-to-day basis starting from August 6. The apex court arrived at this decision after the mediation panel submitted a report stating that no final agreement or settlement was reached during the talks between the parties.

The Supreme Court will now hear the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title case on a day-to-day basis starting from August 6. The apex court arrived at this decision after the mediation panel submitted a report stating that no final agreement or settlement was reached during the talks between the parties. Thereby, CJI Ranjan Gogoi declared that since mediation process failed to yield positive results, the hearing in the title dispute case will resume. In the last hearing, the top court assured that if mediation talks failed to reach an amicable solution to resolve the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute, then the court will commence hearing the case on a day-to-day basis. The original plaintiff had sought early hearing of the case. Senior lawyer SK Parasaran, arguing for one of the applicants, told the top court that mediation talks were not making much progress and were unable to bring any positive results. However, senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan, representing Muslim parties, said that this was not the time to criticise the mediation panel. He said, “I don’t think it’s fair to criticise mediation panel’s proceedings. Parties cannot come to court asking to scrap the mediation talks on our account”. In order to resolve the title dispute case, the apex court had appointed a mediation panel headed by former Supreme Court judge FM Khalifullah, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and senior advocate Sri Ram Panchu. While forming the panel, the court had asked the mediation panel to maintain utmost confidentiality and disallowed media from reporting the panel proceedings.

Ayodhya case: Mediation failed to yield results, daily hearing from August 6, says Supreme Court

India has rejected the proposal of partial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-proposes-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-with-riders-239957">consular access for Kulbhushan Jhadav</a> given by Pakistan.&nbsp;

Calling Islamabad to provide full consular access for Jhadav, India in its response sent on Thursday evening asked Pakistan to provide "unimpeded consular access" in an "environment free from the fear of intimidation and reprisal, in the light of the orders of the International Court of Justice(ICJ)", according to the government sources.

Pakistan sent its proposal on July 30 but it had two riders--one that Pakistani security personnel will be present in the meet and there will be CCTV cameras present in the room.

According to the Vienna Convention, article 36, "Consular officer shall be free to communicate with nationals of the sending State and to have access to them" and the fact a Pakistani officer will be present means Pakistan is contravening the convention.&nbsp;

The Pakistani proposal had suggested a meet between Indian diplomat with Jadhav on Friday at 3pm, which will not take place now.

Pakistan spokesperson Mohammad Faisal during his weekly presser on Thursday said, "We have offered the Indian High Commission to avail consular access on this Friday."

The Pakistani proposal for consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav came 14 days after New Delhi got a major diplomatic victory at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On July 17, in its verdict, President of the ICJ Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said, "Islamic Republic of Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav without further delay of his rights and to provide Indian consular officers access to him in accordance with Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations."

The Court declared that Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Jadhav without further "delay of his rights."&nbsp;

The court unanimously found that it had jurisdiction in the case and by a vote of 15-1, pronounced its verdict, with the sole dissenting Judge being Ad Hoc Judge Tassdduq Hussain Jillani was is the former Chief justice of Pakistan.

India has rejected the proposal of partial consular access for Kulbhushan Jhadav given by Pakistan. Calling Islamabad to provide full consular access for Jhadav, India in its response sent on Thursday evening asked Pakistan to provide "unimpeded consular access" in an "environment free from the fear of intimidation and reprisal, in the light of the orders of the International Court of Justice(ICJ)", according to the government sources.

India has rejected the proposal of partial consular access for Kulbhushan Jhadav given by Pakistan. Calling Islamabad to provide full consular access for Jhadav, India in its response sent on Thursday evening asked Pakistan to provide "unimpeded consular access" in an "environment free from the fear of intimidation and reprisal, in the light of the orders of the International Court of Justice(ICJ)", according to the government sources. Pakistan sent its proposal on July 30 but it had two riders--one that Pakistani security personnel will be present in the meet and there will be CCTV cameras present in the room. According to the Vienna Convention, article 36, "Consular officer shall be free to communicate with nationals of the sending State and to have access to them" and the fact a Pakistani officer will be present means Pakistan is contravening the convention. The Pakistani proposal had suggested a meet between Indian diplomat with Jadhav on Friday at 3pm, which will not take place now. Pakistan spokesperson Mohammad Faisal during his weekly presser on Thursday said, "We have offered the Indian High Commission to avail consular access on this Friday." The Pakistani proposal for consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav came 14 days after New Delhi got a major diplomatic victory at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). On July 17, in its verdict, President of the ICJ Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said, "Islamic Republic of Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav without further delay of his rights and to provide Indian consular officers access to him in accordance with Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations." The Court declared that Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Jadhav without further "delay of his rights." The court unanimously found that it had jurisdiction in the case and by a vote of 15-1, pronounced its verdict, with the sole dissenting Judge being Ad Hoc Judge Tassdduq Hussain Jillani was is the former Chief justice of Pakistan.

Pakistan must provide 'unimpeded consular access' to Kulbhushan Jadhav: India

Even as US President Donald Trump raked up Kashmir for the second time in 10 days, New Delhi has once again dismissed any mediation.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Thailand, tweeted, "Have conveyed to American counterpart Sec Pompeo this morning in clear terms that any discussion on Kashmir if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally".&nbsp;

Both sides are also expected to have discussed issues of concerns like trade and convergences like Indo-Pacific.

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Wide ranging discussions with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> on regional issues. <a href="https://t.co/SOLxBDe3Q0">pic.twitter.com/SOLxBDe3Q0</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1157141385411092481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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US President Donald Trump in response to a question said on Thursday, "It’s really up to Prime Minister Modi (to accept the offer of mediation). I think they are fantastic people - Khan and Modi - I mean. I would imagine they could get along very well, but if they wanted somebody to intervene, to help them. And I spoke with Pakistan about that and I spoke frankly in India about it."

Adding, "If I can, if they wanted me to, I would certainly intervene." 
&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo in Bangkok. <a href="https://t.co/WRIgnRr48P">pic.twitter.com/WRIgnRr48P</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1157135853057015808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Last month, US President Donald Trump, while sitting next to Pakistani PM Imran Khan in White House said PM Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit.

This was dismissed by the Indian side with Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.&nbsp;

Jaishankar is Bangkok for ASEAN plus gatherings.&nbsp;

Even as US President Donald Trump raked up Kashmir for the second time in 10 days, New Delhi has once again dismissed any mediation. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Thailand, tweeted, "Have conveyed to American counterpart Sec Pompeo this morning in clear terms that any discussion on Kashmir if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally".

Even as US President Donald Trump raked up Kashmir for the second time in 10 days, New Delhi has once again dismissed any mediation. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Thailand, tweeted, "Have conveyed to American counterpart Sec Pompeo this morning in clear terms that any discussion on Kashmir if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally". Both sides are also expected to have discussed issues of concerns like trade and convergences like Indo-Pacific. Wide ranging discussions with @SecPompeo on regional issues. pic.twitter.com/SOLxBDe3Q0 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 2, 2019 × US President Donald Trump in response to a question said on Thursday, "It’s really up to Prime Minister Modi (to accept the offer of mediation). I think they are fantastic people - Khan and Modi - I mean. I would imagine they could get along very well, but if they wanted somebody to intervene, to help them. And I spoke with Pakistan about that and I spoke frankly in India about it." Adding, "If I can, if they wanted me to, I would certainly intervene." #WATCH: External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo in Bangkok. pic.twitter.com/WRIgnRr48P — ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2019 × Last month, US President Donald Trump, while sitting next to Pakistani PM Imran Khan in White House said PM Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit. This was dismissed by the Indian side with Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed. Jaishankar is Bangkok for ASEAN plus gatherings.

Conveyed to America in 'clear terms' that discussion on Kashmir only with Pakistan: S Jaishankar  

The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned till August 13 the hearing on a petition filed by fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya seeking a stay on confiscation of properties owned by him and his relatives.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi deferred the matter after being informed that Mallya`s lawyer Fali S Nariman was not well.&nbsp;

In his plea, the embattled businessman has submitted that no properties other than those related to Kingfisher Airlines, which is facing cases of alleged irregularities, should be attached.&nbsp;

On July 11, the Bombay High court had dismissed Mallya's petition seeking a stay on the procedure for the confiscation of his properties by a government agency.&nbsp;

A special PMLA court had on January 5 declared Mallya a fugitive economic offender and directed that the properties of the 63-year-old be confiscated. He had fled the country in March 2016 and has been living in the United Kingdom since then.&nbsp;

Last month, the Royal Courts of Justice had granted permission to Mallya to appeal against the UK Home Secretary`s order extraditing him to India to face trial on charges of fraud and money laundering to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned till August 13 the hearing on a petition filed by fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya seeking a stay on confiscation of properties owned by him and his relatives.

The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned till August 13 the hearing on a petition filed by fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya seeking a stay on confiscation of properties owned by him and his relatives. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi deferred the matter after being informed that Mallya`s lawyer Fali S Nariman was not well. In his plea, the embattled businessman has submitted that no properties other than those related to Kingfisher Airlines, which is facing cases of alleged irregularities, should be attached. On July 11, the Bombay High court had dismissed Mallya's petition seeking a stay on the procedure for the confiscation of his properties by a government agency. A special PMLA court had on January 5 declared Mallya a fugitive economic offender and directed that the properties of the 63-year-old be confiscated. He had fled the country in March 2016 and has been living in the United Kingdom since then. Last month, the Royal Courts of Justice had granted permission to Mallya to appeal against the UK Home Secretary`s order extraditing him to India to face trial on charges of fraud and money laundering to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore.

Supreme Court adjourns till August 13 hearing on Vijay Mallya's plea against confiscation of properties

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Supreme Court adjourns till August 13 hearing on Vijay Mallya's plea against confiscation of properties