Inside the Peshawar school tragedy: 34 dead, building's condition under scrutiny and owner arrested. Here's what all happened

Arijit Singh 9-city India stadium tour to start from January: Check venue and ticket prices

Who is Abu Dhabi royal Mahrah Al Nahyan, found unconscious on London street with toddler after cocaine use

US sanctions Cuban state-owned bank BICSA over alleged financial links to Iran

Trump says Zelensky 'not a good guy' amid fresh Russia-Ukraine tensions | Watch video

Durga Puja 2026: Kajol kicks of celebrations along with mother Tanuja, sister Tanishaa and cousin Ayan Mukerji

India’s naval priorities: Ex-Navy Chief calls for third aircraft carrier, more warships and submarines

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna's Ranabaali X Review: Netizens call it history-rich but overstuffed

'A new space debris solution for global customers’: Samtel CEO Puneet Kaura on India-Japan partnership

‘My president, I mean my husband’: Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing goes off the rails in 14 minutes

Ukraine blinded: Musk deflects blame on Trump, Putin sharpens attack | Gravitas

‘No traffic jams for Tesla owners’: How Elon Musk’s new flying car is different from regular cars?

US-Iran War: Trump eyes mother of all bombs; Iran in crosshairs 

‘He told me clearly...’: Yuzvendra Chahal reveals why Rohit Sharma dropped him from India’s 2023 WC squad

Not Khan but Pal: Why did Imran Khan choose his mother's surname over his father's? Family tree explained

'Turns out the future does have flying cars': Musk's Tesla unveils 'flying' sports car with SpaceX technology | Watch

Netanyahu defies Trump, blocks Gaza military base for Board of Peace | Gravitas

Earthquake measuring 7 magnitude strikes Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula

US midterms 2026: FBI investigates suspicious mailings containing 'unknown substance' sent to election offices

Up to 1 million satellites in orbit? the space race raising questions about who controls space

Inside Tesla's Roadster: 10 features of Elon Musk's 'flying car' that push the limits of electric vehicles | In Pics

'Will stand with Pakistan in case of war with US': Rajasthan BJP chief's remark sparks row

US ends automatic work permit extensions; Indian workers lose 540-day safety net: What it means

‘0-100km/h in 1 second Tesla Roadster’: Why tyre grip becomes a problem when cars accelerate this fast

Saudi Arabia executes Two Bangladesh nationals over immoral act

China tells Israel to stop West Bank settlements, calls Palestine issue ‘historic injustice’

Russian woman and Bihar boy's love story goes viral after she reaches India to marry him

'Ukraine must get all it needs to protect civilians and infrastructure': Macron

Tesla Roadster's thrusters vs rocket engines: What's the difference?

Billy Joel's health update: Why the singer can't drive or perform right now?

New Friday OTT releases (October 16, 2026): DC, Sacrifice, Aasha- 6 new movies and TV shows coming on Netflix, Zee 5, Prime Video and more

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin vows retaliation against Ukraine 

Mumbai: CJP brings Tricolour protest to Azad Maidan after weeks of demonstrations

Majid Majidi's new film Midday Meal takes top prize at Asia's biggest film festival

Oregon school shooting: 16-year-old identified as suspect after at least four killed, including three children

Was Trump in danger at Alaska rally? Viral video shows Secret Service agents reacting

World's 7 most innovative countries in 2026 REVEALED: Did India make the list? | In Pics

Days after India got the major diplomatic victory at the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-in-touch-with-pakistan-over-kulbhushan-jadhavs-consular-access-islamabad-informs-him-of-his-rights-238460"> International Court of Justice</a> (ICJ), Pakistan offered India consular access to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-win-for-india-icj-grants-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-236703">Kulbhushan Jadhav</a> but with a rider. An Indian diplomat has been invited to meet Jadhav at 3 pm Pakistan time on Friday but in the presence of a Pakistani official.

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;

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 reply from the Indian side is awaited."

Watch: India evaluating Pakistan's proposal on consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-evaluating-pakistans-proposal-on-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-239969/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Indian side has confirmed receiving the proposal but is evaluating it.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We have received the proposal from Pakistan. &nbsp;Evaluating the proposal in light of ICJ verdict."

Adding, "We will maintain communication with Pakistan in this matter with Diplomatic channels."

On July 17, the world court in its verdict announced that Pakistan "is under an obligation to inform&nbsp;Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav without further delay of his rights and to provide Indian consular officers access to him as per Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations".

The 42-page verdict was ruled 15 votes to one. The only Judge who ruled against is Ad Hoc Judge Jillani. Judge Tassdduq Hussain Jillani is the Former Chief justice of Pakistan.

India was first informed of Jadhav, who was abducted from Iran about his custody by Pakistani authorities on March 25, 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that military has awarded death sentence to him.

New Delhi then went to the world court on May 8, 2017, and filed a case against Pakistan for “for egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963” and got a stay on his hanging.

Days after India got the major diplomatic victory at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Pakistan offered India consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav but with a rider.

Days after India got the major diplomatic victory at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Pakistan offered India consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav but with a rider. An Indian diplomat has been invited to meet Jadhav at 3 pm Pakistan time on Friday but in the presence of a Pakistani official. 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. 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 reply from the Indian side is awaited." Watch: India evaluating Pakistan's proposal on consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav The Indian side has confirmed receiving the proposal but is evaluating it. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We have received the proposal from Pakistan. Evaluating the proposal in light of ICJ verdict." Adding, "We will maintain communication with Pakistan in this matter with Diplomatic channels." On July 17, the world court in its verdict announced that 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 as per Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations". The 42-page verdict was ruled 15 votes to one. The only Judge who ruled against is Ad Hoc Judge Jillani. Judge Tassdduq Hussain Jillani is the Former Chief justice of Pakistan. India was first informed of Jadhav, who was abducted from Iran about his custody by Pakistani authorities on March 25, 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that military has awarded death sentence to him. New Delhi then went to the world court on May 8, 2017, and filed a case against Pakistan for “for egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963” and got a stay on his hanging.

Pakistan proposes consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav with riders

China's claim that "most" inmates have been released from re-education camps in its Xinjiang region has been met with anger and scepticism by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ambassadors-of-50-countries-write-to-un-rights-council-backing-chinas-actions-on-uighurs-in-xinjiang-238932">Uighur diaspora</a> which has launched a social media campaign challenging Beijing to prove it.

Rights groups and experts say more than one million mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been rounded up in internment camps in the tightly-controlled northwest region, home to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-calls-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-stain-of-the-century-237014">China's Uighur population</a>.

But on Tuesday, Xinjiang officials told reporters that "most" people held in the camps had already returned home - though they did not share any figures.

"It's absolutely not true," said Guly Mahsut, a Uighur based in Canada.

"One of my cousins and one of my tour guide friends, and my friend's husband, they are still in the camps," the 37-year-old told AFP.

Mahsut and other overseas Uighurs have responded to China's claim with the hashtag "#Provethe90%", featuring stories and photos of missing friends and family who they have been unable to contact in Xinjiang.

The hashtag is a reference to remarks made by Xinjiang chairman Shohrat Zakir, who told reporters "more than 90 per cent" of those who "return to society...have work that they like and find suitable."

"China does not need to say they released most if they did so," said Arfat Erkin, a Uighur student in the United States who tweeted about his father using the "#Provethe90%" hashtag.

"All it needs is to give journalists normal access to those camps — not staged camps — and give official permission for Uighurs to contact their relatives abroad," he told AFP.

Bahram Sintash, who has posted information about destroyed mosques and neighbourhoods in Xinjiang, also tweeted about his 69-year-old father, a retired editor who Sintash said was taken December 2017.

'Unverifiable statements'

Asked about the scepticism, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Wednesday that she was "not aware of the specific number" of people who have left the centres.

She said "the real Xinjiang is a lot different from what was depicted by certain Western media", adding that China has arranged trips to the region for diplomats and foreign journalists.

It is difficult to verify China's claims, as the government has made independent reporting in Xinjiang extremely challenging.

"China is making deceptive and unverifiable statements in a vain attempt to allay worldwide concern for the mass detentions of Uighurs and members of other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang," said Amnesty International's director for East Asia, Nicholas Bequelin.

He said Amnesty had not received any reports of large-scale releases.

On a six-day trip to the region last month, AFP reporters were almost constantly followed by plainclothesmen. They also encountered roadblocks and were turned away by security forces upon nearing some camps.

For Uighur student Erkin, China's claim that "most" detainees have been released does not seem believable given Beijing's initial denial of the very existence of re-education camps last year.

"It's like a joke," he said. "Many people are still detained, including my father and other relatives."

In October 2018, the Chinese government pivoted from outright dismissal to calling the camps "vocational education centres" in the face of mounting evidence in the form of government documents, satellite imagery, and escapee testimony.

'Hopeful Uighurs'

Beijing defends the centres as a necessary counter-extremism measure, where detainees learn subjects like Mandarin and Chinese law.

But former inmates and rights groups say individuals are subjected to political indoctrination and abuse.

One ex-detainee told AFP that he was forced to sing the Chinese national anthem every morning and eat pork, which is prohibited in Islam's religious restrictions.

Even if people are released, "how permanent is it?" said Arslan Hidayat, son-in-law of prominent Uighur comedian Adil Mijit, whom he lost contact with last November.

"They are still in Xinjiang and they can again be arbitrarily detained," he said, adding that inmates could technically be released from re-education centres only to be sent to what some reports have described as forced labour.

"There are still so many hopeful Uighurs," he added, explaining that some believe staying silent could help keep loved ones out of the camps.

Hidayat said China's claim that "most" have left the camps could affect "those who are already scared, people who don't want to speak up, to stop them further".

China's claim that "most" inmates have been released from re-education camps in its Xinjiang region has been met with anger and scepticism by the Uighur diaspora which has launched a social media campaign challenging Beijing to prove it.

China's claim that "most" inmates have been released from re-education camps in its Xinjiang region has been met with anger and scepticism by the Uighur diaspora which has launched a social media campaign challenging Beijing to prove it. Rights groups and experts say more than one million mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been rounded up in internment camps in the tightly-controlled northwest region, home to China's Uighur population. But on Tuesday, Xinjiang officials told reporters that "most" people held in the camps had already returned home - though they did not share any figures. "It's absolutely not true," said Guly Mahsut, a Uighur based in Canada. "One of my cousins and one of my tour guide friends, and my friend's husband, they are still in the camps," the 37-year-old told AFP. Mahsut and other overseas Uighurs have responded to China's claim with the hashtag "#Provethe90%", featuring stories and photos of missing friends and family who they have been unable to contact in Xinjiang. The hashtag is a reference to remarks made by Xinjiang chairman Shohrat Zakir, who told reporters "more than 90 per cent" of those who "return to society...have work that they like and find suitable." "China does not need to say they released most if they did so," said Arfat Erkin, a Uighur student in the United States who tweeted about his father using the "#Provethe90%" hashtag. "All it needs is to give journalists normal access to those camps — not staged camps — and give official permission for Uighurs to contact their relatives abroad," he told AFP. Bahram Sintash, who has posted information about destroyed mosques and neighbourhoods in Xinjiang, also tweeted about his 69-year-old father, a retired editor who Sintash said was taken December 2017. 'Unverifiable statements' Asked about the scepticism, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Wednesday that she was "not aware of the specific number" of people who have left the centres. She said "the real Xinjiang is a lot different from what was depicted by certain Western media", adding that China has arranged trips to the region for diplomats and foreign journalists. It is difficult to verify China's claims, as the government has made independent reporting in Xinjiang extremely challenging. "China is making deceptive and unverifiable statements in a vain attempt to allay worldwide concern for the mass detentions of Uighurs and members of other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang," said Amnesty International's director for East Asia, Nicholas Bequelin. He said Amnesty had not received any reports of large-scale releases. On a six-day trip to the region last month, AFP reporters were almost constantly followed by plainclothesmen. They also encountered roadblocks and were turned away by security forces upon nearing some camps. For Uighur student Erkin, China's claim that "most" detainees have been released does not seem believable given Beijing's initial denial of the very existence of re-education camps last year. "It's like a joke," he said. "Many people are still detained, including my father and other relatives." In October 2018, the Chinese government pivoted from outright dismissal to calling the camps "vocational education centres" in the face of mounting evidence in the form of government documents, satellite imagery, and escapee testimony. 'Hopeful Uighurs' Beijing defends the centres as a necessary counter-extremism measure, where detainees learn subjects like Mandarin and Chinese law. But former inmates and rights groups say individuals are subjected to political indoctrination and abuse. One ex-detainee told AFP that he was forced to sing the Chinese national anthem every morning and eat pork, which is prohibited in Islam's religious restrictions. Even if people are released, "how permanent is it?" said Arslan Hidayat, son-in-law of prominent Uighur comedian Adil Mijit, whom he lost contact with last November. "They are still in Xinjiang and they can again be arbitrarily detained," he said, adding that inmates could technically be released from re-education centres only to be sent to what some reports have described as forced labour. "There are still so many hopeful Uighurs," he added, explaining that some believe staying silent could help keep loved ones out of the camps. Hidayat said China's claim that "most" have left the camps could affect "those who are already scared, people who don't want to speak up, to stop them further".

Uighurs challenge China to prove missing relatives are free

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday accused the government of making frequent and late changes in the list of business, making it difficult for them to prepare for bills.

Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-speaker-om-birla-rejects-ministers-demand-says-there-will-be-no-adjournments-238511">Om Birla</a> assured them that he will take care that members get information about the bills on the agenda at least one day in advance. Opposition members raised the issue soon after the House met for the day and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury alleged that bills were being brought in without taking members into confidence.&nbsp;

He was countered by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, who said the bills were discussed in the meeting of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/17-opposition-mps-express-concern-over-passing-bills-without-scrutiny-write-to-rajya-sabha-chairman-238669">Business Advisory Committee</a> (BAC) and only those bills are coming for which time had been allotted by the committee.

&nbsp;The Speaker said that opposition members can have detailed discussion on their concerns in the meeting of BAC and the bills being brought had been discussed at the meeting of the committee. Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy said Dam Safety Bill was not taken up on Wednesday and members had prepared for it, but three other bills had been listed in Thursday`s agenda.

&nbsp;Another TMC lawmaker Sudip Bandopadhyay said that after the list of business, a revised list of business was reaching members after 9 pm. He said members do not have any idea of bills coming up and do not have adequate time for preparation.&nbsp;

Another party MP Kalyan Banerjee alleged that the government was using its power "whimsically and arbitrarily". "Parliament cannot function at whims and fancies of anyone," he said, adding that the BAC only allocates time and the list of business is prepared by the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

DMK member Kanimozhi said that members have to wait in late evening hours for a revised list of business and "completely new bills" are brought. "There is decorum in the House and I am sure the government also does not want to spoil it.&nbsp;

The session was extended and we are cooperating. You can`t take us for granted to that extent. You have to respect that," she said. Gaurav Gogoi of Congress said they had hoped that there will be a discussion on floods in some parts of the country Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that BAC meeting has been held, time allocated and bills have been circulated."The purpose of the extension is that very important government business (is pending), that`s why I appeal to you to cooperate," he said. He said short duration discussion can be taken up in regular session.&nbsp;

Chowdhury denied that he had called for deferring discussion on dam safety bill and said he had only said that it was a new bill and should not be clubbed with an amendment bill. He said the government should not take the Parliament for granted.

&nbsp;Birla said he had heard all the members and noted that Saugata Roy had not cited the whole point of order. The Speaker said his effort is to run the House by consensus."The issue you have raised, I will discuss again in BAC with you. And according to your expectation, I will personally take care that before the bill is brought, all members get information at least a day in advance from Speaker`s Office also so that you can prepare," he said.

&nbsp;Opposition members lauded the decision of Speaker with thumping of desks. "Today what will be taken up is what the Chair decides," he added. Later, Samajwadi Party (SP) member Mulayam Singh Yadav raised the issue of government extending the session and pressing with bills and alleged there was some "hidden agenda".

The money of people is being spent. There is some agenda. How many seats are vacant," he said. Joshi said opposition demanded that Parliament should run for at least 100 days in a year. "There is a business. The laws are being made in the interest of people," he said. &nbsp;

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday accused the government of making frequent and late changes in the list of business, making it difficult for them to prepare for bills.

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday accused the government of making frequent and late changes in the list of business, making it difficult for them to prepare for bills. Speaker Om Birla assured them that he will take care that members get information about the bills on the agenda at least one day in advance. Opposition members raised the issue soon after the House met for the day and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury alleged that bills were being brought in without taking members into confidence. He was countered by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, who said the bills were discussed in the meeting of Business Advisory Committee (BAC) and only those bills are coming for which time had been allotted by the committee. The Speaker said that opposition members can have detailed discussion on their concerns in the meeting of BAC and the bills being brought had been discussed at the meeting of the committee. Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy said Dam Safety Bill was not taken up on Wednesday and members had prepared for it, but three other bills had been listed in Thursday`s agenda. Another TMC lawmaker Sudip Bandopadhyay said that after the list of business, a revised list of business was reaching members after 9 pm. He said members do not have any idea of bills coming up and do not have adequate time for preparation. Another party MP Kalyan Banerjee alleged that the government was using its power "whimsically and arbitrarily". "Parliament cannot function at whims and fancies of anyone," he said, adding that the BAC only allocates time and the list of business is prepared by the Lok Sabha. DMK member Kanimozhi said that members have to wait in late evening hours for a revised list of business and "completely new bills" are brought. "There is decorum in the House and I am sure the government also does not want to spoil it. The session was extended and we are cooperating. You can`t take us for granted to that extent. You have to respect that," she said. Gaurav Gogoi of Congress said they had hoped that there will be a discussion on floods in some parts of the country Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that BAC meeting has been held, time allocated and bills have been circulated."The purpose of the extension is that very important government business (is pending), that`s why I appeal to you to cooperate," he said. He said short duration discussion can be taken up in regular session. Chowdhury denied that he had called for deferring discussion on dam safety bill and said he had only said that it was a new bill and should not be clubbed with an amendment bill. He said the government should not take the Parliament for granted. Birla said he had heard all the members and noted that Saugata Roy had not cited the whole point of order. The Speaker said his effort is to run the House by consensus."The issue you have raised, I will discuss again in BAC with you. And according to your expectation, I will personally take care that before the bill is brought, all members get information at least a day in advance from Speaker`s Office also so that you can prepare," he said. Opposition members lauded the decision of Speaker with thumping of desks. "Today what will be taken up is what the Chair decides," he added. Later, Samajwadi Party (SP) member Mulayam Singh Yadav raised the issue of government extending the session and pressing with bills and alleged there was some "hidden agenda". The money of people is being spent. There is some agenda. How many seats are vacant," he said. Joshi said opposition demanded that Parliament should run for at least 100 days in a year. "There is a business. The laws are being made in the interest of people," he said.

Members will get information on bills a day in advance: Speaker assures Opposition

In a major jolt to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), party's three MLAs - Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Sandeep Naik, Vaibhav Pichad - joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The three MLAs joined BJP in presence of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday. Maharashtra women wing president Chitra Wagh, who resigned from her post on July 27, also joined the Saffron party along with them.

Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Sandeep Naik, Vaibhav Pichad <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-1-congress-3-nationalist-congress-mlas-to-join-bjp-today-239631">handed over their resignation letters</a> to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade on Tuesday.

On July 25, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncp-mumbai-chief-ahir-joshi-cross-over-to-bjp-238357">Ahir Joshi</a>, Mumbai President of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had crossed over to Shiv Sena.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan claimed that more than 50 MLAs of the Congress and NCP want to join his party ahead of the Assembly elections in the state later this year.

Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar remained unfazed and said he has experience of handling such situations. He extended his best wished to all those who have crossed over to other parties and said such situations arise in politics sometimes. 
 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In a major jolt to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), party's three MLAs - Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Sandeep Naik, Vaibhav Pichad - joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In a major jolt to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), party's three MLAs - Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Sandeep Naik, Vaibhav Pichad - joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The three MLAs joined BJP in presence of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday. Maharashtra women wing president Chitra Wagh, who resigned from her post on July 27, also joined the Saffron party along with them. Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Sandeep Naik, Vaibhav Pichad handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade on Tuesday. On July 25, Ahir Joshi, Mumbai President of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had crossed over to Shiv Sena. Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan claimed that more than 50 MLAs of the Congress and NCP want to join his party ahead of the Assembly elections in the state later this year. Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar remained unfazed and said he has experience of handling such situations. He extended his best wished to all those who have crossed over to other parties and said such situations arise in politics sometimes. (With inputs from agencies)

Three Nationalist Congress Party cross over to BJP; Sharad Pawar says 'he can handle such situations'

Pakistan authorities said on Thursday that they have offered consular access to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-in-touch-with-pakistan-over-kulbhushan-jadhavs-consular-access-islamabad-informs-him-of-his-rights-238460">Kulbhushan Jadhav</a> after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-win-for-india-icj-grants-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-236703">International Court of Justice</a> (ICJ) held Islamabad guilty of violating the Vienna Convention by refusing to do so.

Pakistan Foreign Ministry on Thursday said that Jadhav has been granted consular access and the ministry is waiting for Indian reply in this connection.

Pakistani authorities have invited Indian diplomat at 3 pm tomorrow to meet Kulbhsuhan Jadhav. One Pakistan official will also be present during the meeting.

Earlier, a day after the UN court rapped Pakistan refusing consular access, Pakistan issued a statement in which it said it was working out the modalities to grant consular access to Jadhav.&nbsp;

"Pursuant to the decision of the ICJ, Commander Kulbushan Jadhav has been informed of his rights under Article 36, Paragraph 1(b) of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. As a responsible state, Pakistan will grant consular access to Commander Kulbushan Jadhav according to Pakistani laws, for which modalities are being worked out," said Pakistan`s Foreign Office in an official statement.

The court also asked Pakistan to review its order of death sentence awarded to Jadhav facing charges of espionage and conspiracy against Pakistan in what was seen as a major win for India.

In a 15 to 1 decision, the world court directed Pakistan to allow Jadhav consular access.

The only judge to dissent was from Pakistan.

Pakistan authorities said on Thursday that they have offered consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav after International Court of Justice (ICJ) held Islamabad guilty of violating the Vienna Convention by refusing to do so.

Pakistan authorities said on Thursday that they have offered consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav after International Court of Justice (ICJ) held Islamabad guilty of violating the Vienna Convention by refusing to do so. Pakistan Foreign Ministry on Thursday said that Jadhav has been granted consular access and the ministry is waiting for Indian reply in this connection. Pakistani authorities have invited Indian diplomat at 3 pm tomorrow to meet Kulbhsuhan Jadhav. One Pakistan official will also be present during the meeting. Earlier, a day after the UN court rapped Pakistan refusing consular access, Pakistan issued a statement in which it said it was working out the modalities to grant consular access to Jadhav. "Pursuant to the decision of the ICJ, Commander Kulbushan Jadhav has been informed of his rights under Article 36, Paragraph 1(b) of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. As a responsible state, Pakistan will grant consular access to Commander Kulbushan Jadhav according to Pakistani laws, for which modalities are being worked out," said Pakistan`s Foreign Office in an official statement. The court also asked Pakistan to review its order of death sentence awarded to Jadhav facing charges of espionage and conspiracy against Pakistan in what was seen as a major win for India. In a 15 to 1 decision, the world court directed Pakistan to allow Jadhav consular access. The only judge to dissent was from Pakistan.

14 days after ICJ verdict, Pakistan grants consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav

In a shocking incident, a three-year-old girl was raped and beheaded by two people in Jamshedpur in Jharkhand.

According to police officials, her headless body was found from the Telco police station area in Jamshedpur on Tuesday night. Police have arrested three persons, including two accused.

The head of the girl is yet to be recovered. The girl had gone missing from the Tatanagar railway station on July 25 and after scanning the CCTV footage, police zeroed in on the accused Rinku, who was seen walking away with the girl who was sleeping with her mother at the railway station.

Rinku and his associate Kailash Kumar were then arrested by the police. According to her postmortem reports, she had injuries on her private parts.

The accused have confessed that they raped the girl and then beheaded her on July 26, said officials.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In a shocking incident, a three-year-old girl was raped and beheaded by two people in Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. According to police officials, her headless body was found from the Telco police station area in Jamshedpur on Tuesday night.

In a shocking incident, a three-year-old girl was raped and beheaded by two people in Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. According to police officials, her headless body was found from the Telco police station area in Jamshedpur on Tuesday night. Police have arrested three persons, including two accused. The head of the girl is yet to be recovered. The girl had gone missing from the Tatanagar railway station on July 25 and after scanning the CCTV footage, police zeroed in on the accused Rinku, who was seen walking away with the girl who was sleeping with her mother at the railway station. Rinku and his associate Kailash Kumar were then arrested by the police. According to her postmortem reports, she had injuries on her private parts. The accused have confessed that they raped the girl and then beheaded her on July 26, said officials. (With inputs from agencies)

Three-year-old girl gangraped, beheaded in Jharkhand

Apiculture or beekeeping is an age-old-tradition in Jammu and Kashmir. With scientific interventions, it is emerging as a lucrative business in the state, generating more income and employment opportunities for locals.&nbsp;

The tourism sector is witnessing a surge in the state with beekeeping. Areas in and around Bhaderwah town of Doda district, such as Bhalla and Sarthal, have emerged as hotspots for honeybee tourism as they have an abundance of flowering plants - one of the major requirements for successful beekeeping. Tourists are visiting these areas both to relax in the lap of nature and to learn the nuances of apiculture. One of the tourists, Amir Sohrawardi said, "Though we came to Sarthal because of its captivating landscapes, the apiculture that is practised here gave us another reason to stay.&nbsp;

I believe apiculture has a lot of potential and if it is harnessed adequately, then honey from Jammu and Kashmir can even be exported to other countries."Beekeeping is the only industry which not only produces honey and beeswax but also assists in enhancing crop-production through the pollination process.&nbsp;

This particular industry does not require much investment except the material in the form of nectar and pollen from flowers, which is easily available in the natural surroundings of Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, the presence of large swathes of forests and negligible use of pesticides in cropped lands provide a conducive atmosphere for the production of organic honey. Beekeepers in Sarthal are trying their level best to tap this potential of natural resources.&nbsp;

They are using indigenous honeybees, 'Apis cerena indica', which are even instrumental in enhancing agricultural productivity as they are natural pollinators for a range of fruits and crops. Along with this, beekeepers in this area practice migratory beekeeping that increases honey production manifold as compared to stationary ones.&nbsp;

An official from the Apiculture Department, Mohammad Shabir, said, "We have been placing these honeybee boxes in Sarthal for the last 25-30 years. The season starts from April and continues till August and then the honeybees are migrated. A lot of tourists come in this season to see these honeybees, their honey is also in much demand. "Presently, Jammu and Kashmir import honey worth Rs. 8.5 million from other states, but if its honeybee keeping potential is effectively utilised, it will not only help in attracting tourists but also provide a livelihood to many people in the state.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Apiculture or beekeeping is an age-old-tradition in Jammu and Kashmir. With scientific interventions, it is emerging as a lucrative business in the state, generating more income and employment opportunities for locals.

Apiculture or beekeeping is an age-old-tradition in Jammu and Kashmir. With scientific interventions, it is emerging as a lucrative business in the state, generating more income and employment opportunities for locals. The tourism sector is witnessing a surge in the state with beekeeping. Areas in and around Bhaderwah town of Doda district, such as Bhalla and Sarthal, have emerged as hotspots for honeybee tourism as they have an abundance of flowering plants - one of the major requirements for successful beekeeping. Tourists are visiting these areas both to relax in the lap of nature and to learn the nuances of apiculture. One of the tourists, Amir Sohrawardi said, "Though we came to Sarthal because of its captivating landscapes, the apiculture that is practised here gave us another reason to stay. I believe apiculture has a lot of potential and if it is harnessed adequately, then honey from Jammu and Kashmir can even be exported to other countries."Beekeeping is the only industry which not only produces honey and beeswax but also assists in enhancing crop-production through the pollination process. This particular industry does not require much investment except the material in the form of nectar and pollen from flowers, which is easily available in the natural surroundings of Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, the presence of large swathes of forests and negligible use of pesticides in cropped lands provide a conducive atmosphere for the production of organic honey. Beekeepers in Sarthal are trying their level best to tap this potential of natural resources. They are using indigenous honeybees, 'Apis cerena indica', which are even instrumental in enhancing agricultural productivity as they are natural pollinators for a range of fruits and crops. Along with this, beekeepers in this area practice migratory beekeeping that increases honey production manifold as compared to stationary ones. An official from the Apiculture Department, Mohammad Shabir, said, "We have been placing these honeybee boxes in Sarthal for the last 25-30 years. The season starts from April and continues till August and then the honeybees are migrated. A lot of tourists come in this season to see these honeybees, their honey is also in much demand. "Presently, Jammu and Kashmir import honey worth Rs. 8.5 million from other states, but if its honeybee keeping potential is effectively utilised, it will not only help in attracting tourists but also provide a livelihood to many people in the state.

Jammu and Kashmir all set to become 'honeybee tourism' destination

In a major bonanza to the Delhiites ahead of the Assembly elections due next year, the AAP government on Thursday announced free electricity to those consuming up to 200 units a month.

The decision came into force with immediate effect, announced Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced at a press conference here.

"Those who consume up to 200 units in a month will have to give zero electricity bill, while those who consume between 201-400 unit will approximately get 50 per cent subsidy," said Kejriwal.

The AAP leader detailed how the power bills will come down post the new directive and compared the rates during his tenure and those in the past under Congress government led by Sheila Dikshit."&nbsp;

In 2013 the consumers had to pay Rs 928 for 200 units. People used to pay Rs 622 for 200 units of electricity till yesterday, now it`s free.&nbsp;

For 250 units they used to pay Rs 800, now they will pay Rs 252. For 300 units they used to pay Rs 971, now they will pay Rs 526. For 400 units, they used to pay Rs 1320, now they will pay Rs 1075," he said.

Kejriwal said it is his government`s basic commitment to provide electricity to all, even those who are poor and cannot afford to pay.

"Keeping in view such poor consumers we have taken this decision. For consuming 200 units hardly a fridge, one television, 2 bulbs and 1 fan is used," the chief minister explained.&nbsp;

Kejriwal said that the decision will in-fact make people use electricity wisely and no substantial increase is expected in subsidy given on electricity.

"Those who have bills up to 210 unit will now look at using a little less so that their electricity bill comes within the 200 unit range for which they are required to pay nothing.&nbsp;

This will in fact help in saving electricity.&nbsp;

Further, the subsidy will approximately remain the same to Rs 1800 crore to Rs 2000 crore and no substantial rise is expected in it," said Kejriwal.

In a major bonanza to the Delhiites ahead of the Assembly elections due next year, the AAP government on Thursday announced free electricity to those consuming up to 200 units a month.

In a major bonanza to the Delhiites ahead of the Assembly elections due next year, the AAP government on Thursday announced free electricity to those consuming up to 200 units a month. The decision came into force with immediate effect, announced Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced at a press conference here. "Those who consume up to 200 units in a month will have to give zero electricity bill, while those who consume between 201-400 unit will approximately get 50 per cent subsidy," said Kejriwal. The AAP leader detailed how the power bills will come down post the new directive and compared the rates during his tenure and those in the past under Congress government led by Sheila Dikshit." In 2013 the consumers had to pay Rs 928 for 200 units. People used to pay Rs 622 for 200 units of electricity till yesterday, now it`s free. For 250 units they used to pay Rs 800, now they will pay Rs 252. For 300 units they used to pay Rs 971, now they will pay Rs 526. For 400 units, they used to pay Rs 1320, now they will pay Rs 1075," he said. Kejriwal said it is his government`s basic commitment to provide electricity to all, even those who are poor and cannot afford to pay. "Keeping in view such poor consumers we have taken this decision. For consuming 200 units hardly a fridge, one television, 2 bulbs and 1 fan is used," the chief minister explained. Kejriwal said that the decision will in-fact make people use electricity wisely and no substantial increase is expected in subsidy given on electricity. "Those who have bills up to 210 unit will now look at using a little less so that their electricity bill comes within the 200 unit range for which they are required to pay nothing. This will in fact help in saving electricity. Further, the subsidy will approximately remain the same to Rs 1800 crore to Rs 2000 crore and no substantial rise is expected in it," said Kejriwal.

Zero bill for up to 200 units of electricity, announces Delhi CM Kejriwal

Monsoon rains in India are expected to be 100 per cent of a long-term average in August and September, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday, making up for a shortfall in the first two months of the season that began in June.

Crop-nourishing monsoon rains are expected to be 99% of the long-term average in August, the IMD said in a statement.

The IMD defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96% and 104% of a 50-year average of 89 centimetres for the entire four-month season beginning June.

Monsoon rains in India are expected to be 100 per cent of a long-term average in August and September, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday, making up for a shortfall in the first two months of the season that began in June.

Monsoon rains in India are expected to be 100 per cent of a long-term average in August and September, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday, making up for a shortfall in the first two months of the season that began in June. Crop-nourishing monsoon rains are expected to be 99% of the long-term average in August, the IMD said in a statement. The IMD defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96% and 104% of a 50-year average of 89 centimetres for the entire four-month season beginning June.

August-September monsoon rains seen at 100% of long term average: IMD

A tiger cub has been found dead in the forest adjoining the Bandhavgarh National Park, an official said on Wednesday.

The carcass of the one-and-half-year old cub was located on Tuesday evening near village Pahariya adjoining the sanctuary in Umaria district, AK Joshi, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Shahdol, said.

This is the third tiger cub death reported from the region this year."The death was probably due to an internecine struggle among tigers.&nbsp;

The post-mortem was conducted on Wednesday and the carcass was disposed of the same day," Joshi added.

On July 28, a tigress and her cub were found dead in the Kalwa range of the Bandhavgarh park.&nbsp;

A tiger cub has been found dead in the forest adjoining the Bandhavgarh National Park, an official said on Wednesday. The carcass of the one-and-half-year old cub was located on Tuesday evening near village Pahariya adjoining the sanctuary in Umaria district, AK Joshi, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Shahdol, said.

A tiger cub has been found dead in the forest adjoining the Bandhavgarh National Park, an official said on Wednesday. The carcass of the one-and-half-year old cub was located on Tuesday evening near village Pahariya adjoining the sanctuary in Umaria district, AK Joshi, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Shahdol, said. This is the third tiger cub death reported from the region this year."The death was probably due to an internecine struggle among tigers. The post-mortem was conducted on Wednesday and the carcass was disposed of the same day," Joshi added. On July 28, a tigress and her cub were found dead in the Kalwa range of the Bandhavgarh park.

Madhya Pradesh: Tiger cub found dead in forest adjoining Bandhavgarh sanctuary

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said that Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet after the Parliament session.

Meanwhile, he did not specify any agenda for the meeting.

Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of&nbsp;the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC.

On Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-perfect-choice-for-congress-president-cwc-to-take-final-call-amarinder-singh-239223">Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh</a> also said that only CWC is authorised to decide on the issue. “Priyanka would be a perfect choice to take over the party reins but it would all depend on the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which alone is authorised to take a decision in the matter,” he said.

Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delay-hurting-us-giving-impression-of-drift-indecision-tharoor-on-appointment-of-congress-president-239220">Shashi Tharoor had expressed frustration </a>over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision."&nbsp;

"What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said that Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet after the Parliament session. Meanwhile, he did not specify any agenda for the meeting.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said that Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet after the Parliament session. Meanwhile, he did not specify any agenda for the meeting. Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC. On Monday, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh also said that only CWC is authorised to decide on the issue. “Priyanka would be a perfect choice to take over the party reins but it would all depend on the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which alone is authorised to take a decision in the matter,” he said. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision." "What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid leadership crisis, Congress Working Committee to meet after Parliament Session

MS Dhoni sets out to discharge his duties as lieutenant colonel in territorial army in J&K

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Ranjan Gogoi has permitted the CBI to lodge an FIR against Justice SN Shukla of Allahabad High Court, Lucknow bench, under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA).

Former Chief Justice of India Deepak Misra had ordered a preliminary inquiry against Justice Shukla after receiving a complaint from UP Advocate General, Raghvendra Singh, who had accused the judge of serious judicial misconduct.

Later, an in-house panel was constituted by the then CJI comprising three High Court Chief Justices to inquire into the allegations.

The panel had found Justice Shukla guilty of giving favours to a private medical college by extending deadline for MBBS admission of students.&nbsp;

The order by Justice Shukla violated a Supreme Court order.

Justice Shukla was reportedly also asked to resign or take voluntary retirement by the former Chief Justice Dipak Misra. However, Shukla declined following which judicial work was withdrawn from him in 2018.

The CBI had written to the Chief Justice Gogoi seeking permission to investigate Justice Shukla in the case. It may be noted that a case cannot be filed against a sitting judge without the permission of the Chief Justice of India.&nbsp;

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Ranjan Gogoi has permitted the CBI to lodge an FIR against Justice SN Shukla of Allahabad High Court, Lucknow bench, under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA).

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Ranjan Gogoi has permitted the CBI to lodge an FIR against Justice SN Shukla of Allahabad High Court, Lucknow bench, under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA). Former Chief Justice of India Deepak Misra had ordered a preliminary inquiry against Justice Shukla after receiving a complaint from UP Advocate General, Raghvendra Singh, who had accused the judge of serious judicial misconduct. Later, an in-house panel was constituted by the then CJI comprising three High Court Chief Justices to inquire into the allegations. The panel had found Justice Shukla guilty of giving favours to a private medical college by extending deadline for MBBS admission of students. The order by Justice Shukla violated a Supreme Court order. Justice Shukla was reportedly also asked to resign or take voluntary retirement by the former Chief Justice Dipak Misra. However, Shukla declined following which judicial work was withdrawn from him in 2018. The CBI had written to the Chief Justice Gogoi seeking permission to investigate Justice Shukla in the case. It may be noted that a case cannot be filed against a sitting judge without the permission of the Chief Justice of India.

Chief Justice of India allows CBI to file FIR against Justice Shukla of Allahabad HC under Prevention of Corruption Act

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Wednesday called for an ''impartial investigation'' into the death of Cafe Coffee Day owner VG Siddhartha and said "invisible hands that ended his (Siddhartha) life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial &amp; fair investigation''.

The Congress leader implicitly alleged that Income Tax department acted as a `politically motivated institution` and Siddhartha was a victim of `tax terrorism`.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The death of V G Siddhartha is both disturbing &amp;mysterious. The reasons &amp; the invisible hands that ended his life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial &amp;fair investigation. 
 
Our party &amp; I shall always stand with Shri. S M Krishna in their fight for justice. 
1/2
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/1156424735405686784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The death of V G Siddhartha is both disturbing &amp; mysterious. The reasons &amp; the invisible hands that ended his life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial &amp; fair investigation. Our party &amp; I shall always stand with Shri. S M Krishna in their fight for justice" tweeted Siddaramaiah.

"The letter supposed to have written by V G Siddhartha a few days before his death has discussed about tax terrorism, which is an ugly face of politically motivated institutions. What signals are we sending to the budding entrepreneurs without even an attempt to reform?" he said in a subsequent tweet.

Following a massive search operation involving multiple agencies, the body of missing CCD founder-owner VG Siddhartha was found on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru. The 58-year-old businessman is the son-in-law of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna and was missing since Monday evening from Mangaluru.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Wednesday called for an ''impartial investigation'' into the death of Cafe Coffee Day owner VG Siddhartha and said "invisible hands that ended his (Siddhartha) life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial & fair investigation''.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Wednesday called for an ''impartial investigation'' into the death of Cafe Coffee Day owner VG Siddhartha and said "invisible hands that ended his (Siddhartha) life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial & fair investigation''. The Congress leader implicitly alleged that Income Tax department acted as a `politically motivated institution` and Siddhartha was a victim of `tax terrorism`. The death of V G Siddhartha is both disturbing &mysterious. The reasons & the invisible hands that ended his life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial &fair investigation. Our party & I shall always stand with Shri. S M Krishna in their fight for justice. 1/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 31, 2019 × "The death of V G Siddhartha is both disturbing & mysterious. The reasons & the invisible hands that ended his life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial & fair investigation. Our party & I shall always stand with Shri. S M Krishna in their fight for justice" tweeted Siddaramaiah. "The letter supposed to have written by V G Siddhartha a few days before his death has discussed about tax terrorism, which is an ugly face of politically motivated institutions. What signals are we sending to the budding entrepreneurs without even an attempt to reform?" he said in a subsequent tweet. Following a massive search operation involving multiple agencies, the body of missing CCD founder-owner VG Siddhartha was found on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru. The 58-year-old businessman is the son-in-law of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna and was missing since Monday evening from Mangaluru.

Siddaramaiah calls for impartial probe into death of CCD owner Siddhartha

Condolences pour in for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/found-vg-siddharthas-body-floating-on-water-shifted-to-hospital-police-239607">Coffee King VG Siddhartha</a> after his body was found on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru by local fisherman on Wednesday.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ccd-founder-missing-signature-on-note-does-not-tally-with-siddharthas-signature-in-annual-reports-says-i-t-department-239586">58-year-old businessman </a>is the son-in-law of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna and was missing since Monday evening from Mangaluru.

Former Karnataka chief minister Sidaramaiah called his death "disturbing and mysterious" and asked for an "impartial and fair investigation" into his death.

Siddaramaiah said, "The death of V G Siddhartha is both disturbing and mysterious. The reasons and the invisible hands that ended his life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial and fair investigation."

"Our party and I shall always stand with Shri. S M Krishna in their fight for justice. The letter supposed to have written by V G Siddhartha few days before his death has discussed about tax terrorism, which is an ugly face of politically motivated institutions."

"What signals are we sending to the budding entrepreneurs without even an attempt to reform?"

Congress leader Milind Deora tweeted, "Saddened by #VGSiddhartha’s untimely death. My condolences to team @CafeCoffeeDay &amp; Siddharth’s family."

"Siddharth’s letter must be investigated. Risk &amp; failure are an integral part of the entrepreneurial story. Suicide isn’t. Hope govt reflects on its anti-business policies!"

Deputy chief minister of Karnataka Dr. G Parameshwara tweeted, " The news is unthinkable. My deepest condolences to Shri SM Krishna and other family members that #VGSiddhartha has left behind. This is a huge loss to our entrepreneurial fraternity! His dream #CafeCoffeeDay will live with us forever."

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya also reacted to the news saying he was devastated with the contents of the letter. Blaming the government agencies and bank, Mallya said, "The Govt Agencies and Banks can drive anyone to despair. See what they are doing to me despite offer of full repayment. Vicious and unrelenting."

"I am indirectly related to VG Siddhartha. Excellent human and brilliant entrepreneur. I am devastated with the contents of his letter. The Govt Agencies and Banks can drive anyone to despair. See what they are doing to me despite offer of full repayment. Vicious and unrelenting.

In Western Countries, Government and Banks help borrowers repay their debts. In my case they are obstructing every possible effort for me to repay my debt whilst competing for my assets. As far as the prima facie criminal case goes wait for the appeal granted.

Condolences pour in for Coffee King VG Siddhartha after his body was found on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru by local fisherman on Wednesday.

Condolences pour in for Coffee King VG Siddhartha after his body was found on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru by local fisherman on Wednesday. The 58-year-old businessman is the son-in-law of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna and was missing since Monday evening from Mangaluru. Former Karnataka chief minister Sidaramaiah called his death "disturbing and mysterious" and asked for an "impartial and fair investigation" into his death. Siddaramaiah said, "The death of V G Siddhartha is both disturbing and mysterious. The reasons and the invisible hands that ended his life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial and fair investigation." "Our party and I shall always stand with Shri. S M Krishna in their fight for justice. The letter supposed to have written by V G Siddhartha few days before his death has discussed about tax terrorism, which is an ugly face of politically motivated institutions." "What signals are we sending to the budding entrepreneurs without even an attempt to reform?" Congress leader Milind Deora tweeted, "Saddened by #VGSiddhartha’s untimely death. My condolences to team @CafeCoffeeDay & Siddharth’s family." "Siddharth’s letter must be investigated. Risk & failure are an integral part of the entrepreneurial story. Suicide isn’t. Hope govt reflects on its anti-business policies!" Deputy chief minister of Karnataka Dr. G Parameshwara tweeted, " The news is unthinkable. My deepest condolences to Shri SM Krishna and other family members that #VGSiddhartha has left behind. This is a huge loss to our entrepreneurial fraternity! His dream #CafeCoffeeDay will live with us forever." Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya also reacted to the news saying he was devastated with the contents of the letter. Blaming the government agencies and bank, Mallya said, "The Govt Agencies and Banks can drive anyone to despair. See what they are doing to me despite offer of full repayment. Vicious and unrelenting." "I am indirectly related to VG Siddhartha. Excellent human and brilliant entrepreneur. I am devastated with the contents of his letter. The Govt Agencies and Banks can drive anyone to despair. See what they are doing to me despite offer of full repayment. Vicious and unrelenting. In Western Countries, Government and Banks help borrowers repay their debts. In my case they are obstructing every possible effort for me to repay my debt whilst competing for my assets. As far as the prima facie criminal case goes wait for the appeal granted.

Govt Agencies and Banks can drive anyone to despair, tweets Vijay Mallya on VG Siddhartha's death

In a major blow to the opposition parties in Maharashtra, four Nationalist Congress Party MLAs and one Congress lawmaker, who submitted their resignations to the Speaker on Tuesday, are likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, reported news agency ANI.

NCP MLAs Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-opposition-mlas-resign-from-maharashtra-assembly-239497">resignation letters</a> to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade.

Soon after the resignation of four MLAs, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan claimed that more than 50 MLAs of the Congress and NCP want to join his party ahead of the Assembly elections in the state later this year.

"Many people are excited to join BJP. There are more than 50 MLAs of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party who want to join BJP. But we also have some limitations. We cannot admit everyone," he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

Kolambkar quit Congress on Monday and announced his decision to resign from the House forthwith.

Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October, 2019.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday alleged that the Central government was pressuring MLAs from Opposition camp to join BJP.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a major blow to the opposition parties in Maharashtra, four Nationalist Congress Party MLAs and one Congress lawmaker, who submitted their resignations to the Speaker on Tuesday, are likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, reported news agency ANI.

In a major blow to the opposition parties in Maharashtra, four Nationalist Congress Party MLAs and one Congress lawmaker, who submitted their resignations to the Speaker on Tuesday, are likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, reported news agency ANI. NCP MLAs Vaibhav Pichad, Sandeep Naik and Shivendra Raje, and Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar handed over their resignation letters to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade. Soon after the resignation of four MLAs, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan claimed that more than 50 MLAs of the Congress and NCP want to join his party ahead of the Assembly elections in the state later this year. "Many people are excited to join BJP. There are more than 50 MLAs of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party who want to join BJP. But we also have some limitations. We cannot admit everyone," he was quoted as saying. Kolambkar quit Congress on Monday and announced his decision to resign from the House forthwith. Assembly elections in Maharashtra are due in October, 2019. NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday alleged that the Central government was pressuring MLAs from Opposition camp to join BJP.

Maharashtra: 1 Congress, 3 Nationalist Congress  MLAs to join BJP today

Popular call blocking mobile app Truecaller created a nightmare for thousands of Truecaller users in India. A bug automatically created Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounts with the ICICI Bank without consent of the users.

Truecaller users got automatically registered for UPI

The last rites of Cafe Coffee Day owner VG Siddhartha, whose body was found on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru on Wednesday morning, will take place at his father`s estate in Belur, news agency ANI reported quoting a close aide and Sringeri MLA T D Rajegowda.&nbsp;

"The family members have all decided that cremation will take place at his father`s estate in Belur Taluk," Rajegowda was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, condolence&nbsp;messages have started pouring in from political leaders across party lines.&nbsp;

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expressed shock and paid heartfelt condolences on his death."My heart goes with the bereaved family and may God rest his soul in peace," said BS Yediyurappa in a message.

Praising Siddhartha`s contribution to Karnataka and India through his entrepreneurship, former Chief Minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Siddaramaiah tweeted, "Very sad to know about the unfortunate death of Shri. V G Siddhartha. His contribution to Karnataka &amp; India through his entrepreneurship shall be an example &amp; always be remembered. My deepest condolences to Shri. S M Krishna and family members &amp; well-wishers of Siddhartha".

The police found the missing coffee tycoon's body following a coordinated search operation involving multiple agencies on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru.

The 58-year-old businessman is the son-in-law of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna went missing on Monday evening from Mangaluru.

Siddhartha was spotted last on Monday evening at the Netravati Bridge where he had gone for a stroll, Commissioner of Police, Mangalore, Sandeep Patil said.

(With inputs from ANI)

The last rites of Cafe Coffee Day owner VG Siddhartha, whose body was found on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru on Wednesday morning, will take place at his father`s estate in Belur, news agency ANI reported quoting a close aide and Sringeri MLA T D Rajegowda.

The last rites of Cafe Coffee Day owner VG Siddhartha, whose body was found on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru on Wednesday morning, will take place at his father`s estate in Belur, news agency ANI reported quoting a close aide and Sringeri MLA T D Rajegowda. "The family members have all decided that cremation will take place at his father`s estate in Belur Taluk," Rajegowda was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, condolence messages have started pouring in from political leaders across party lines. Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expressed shock and paid heartfelt condolences on his death."My heart goes with the bereaved family and may God rest his soul in peace," said BS Yediyurappa in a message. Praising Siddhartha`s contribution to Karnataka and India through his entrepreneurship, former Chief Minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Siddaramaiah tweeted, "Very sad to know about the unfortunate death of Shri. V G Siddhartha. His contribution to Karnataka & India through his entrepreneurship shall be an example & always be remembered. My deepest condolences to Shri. S M Krishna and family members & well-wishers of Siddhartha". The police found the missing coffee tycoon's body following a coordinated search operation involving multiple agencies on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru. The 58-year-old businessman is the son-in-law of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna went missing on Monday evening from Mangaluru. Siddhartha was spotted last on Monday evening at the Netravati Bridge where he had gone for a stroll, Commissioner of Police, Mangalore, Sandeep Patil said. (With inputs from ANI)

Siddhartha's last rites to take place at his father's estate in Belur

A phone call on the afternoon of June 26, 2019, changed the life of Indian origin Australian Deepak Raj Gupta. Deepak was the runner-up in the 2016 Gungahlin constituency elections. After the winner, Meegan Fitzharris, who is also from the Labour Party resigned, Deepak was nominated to the Parliament.

Deepak created ripples across the India media when he took the oath of his office holding Bhagwat Gita in his hand. A soon as the video surfaced it went viral on the internet.&nbsp;

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Deepak mentions that he sought special permission from the Chief Justice for the same. In Australia, one can only take an oath in the assembly either in the name of the Queen or the Bible.

"Considering I am a Hindu and I come from India and also represent a lot of people in my constituency who are from the same sect. It was something unique as it had never happened before. Being a Hindu I thought it would be good if I could take oath on Bhagwat Gita. This is the reason the Chief Justice allowed me to take oath on Gita," Deepak added.

Brought up in a middle-class family in Chandigarh, Deepak used to wash cars and work in restaurants to supports his studies when he migrated to Australia in 1989; however, he was granted PR in the year 1991.

On being asked about the challenges for migrants, Indians in particular while moving to a different country; he said, "It is a struggle coming from your own country to a different country. I would advise people who are planning to shift anywhere in the world should first do their homework well about what they are going to face. As people may give you a rosy picture but it is not the same."

Deepak further added that it is hard to settle in a very different environment. One should have a proper skill set to settle in a different nation it would then be easy to find a job and work in a profession that one knows best.

"People with higher degrees come here and then they do not fit into the system and that becomes a cause of frustration for them," said Deepak.

However, the Indian origin MLA also believes that there are a lot of benefits for the country where people have migrated to. They bring in a lot of skills, their culture and heritage to the new country and they also contribute to the economy.

"I am proud to say that Indians in Australia is a very progressive community. They bring a lot of skills, they are a part of the economy they are part of the business system that is good for any country to have those skilled migrants," Deepak added.

At the same time, Deepak also mentioned that people should understand if they have come to a new country and they are calling it home then they will have to follow the rules of the land.

"You just can't say that this is my belief and I want you to change all the system for it. That is not possible," he concluded.

Deepak is an active leader of the Australian-Indian community, who also has awards like excellence in community service awards and Community Advocate Award by the Government of ACT in his kitty.

A phone call on the afternoon of June 26, 2019, changed the life of Indian origin Australian Deepak Raj Gupta. Deepak was the runner-up in the 2016 Gungahlin constituency elections.

A phone call on the afternoon of June 26, 2019, changed the life of Indian origin Australian Deepak Raj Gupta. Deepak was the runner-up in the 2016 Gungahlin constituency elections. After the winner, Meegan Fitzharris, who is also from the Labour Party resigned, Deepak was nominated to the Parliament. Deepak created ripples across the India media when he took the oath of his office holding Bhagwat Gita in his hand. A soon as the video surfaced it went viral on the internet. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Deepak mentions that he sought special permission from the Chief Justice for the same. In Australia, one can only take an oath in the assembly either in the name of the Queen or the Bible. "Considering I am a Hindu and I come from India and also represent a lot of people in my constituency who are from the same sect. It was something unique as it had never happened before. Being a Hindu I thought it would be good if I could take oath on Bhagwat Gita. This is the reason the Chief Justice allowed me to take oath on Gita," Deepak added. Brought up in a middle-class family in Chandigarh, Deepak used to wash cars and work in restaurants to supports his studies when he migrated to Australia in 1989; however, he was granted PR in the year 1991. On being asked about the challenges for migrants, Indians in particular while moving to a different country; he said, "It is a struggle coming from your own country to a different country. I would advise people who are planning to shift anywhere in the world should first do their homework well about what they are going to face. As people may give you a rosy picture but it is not the same." Deepak further added that it is hard to settle in a very different environment. One should have a proper skill set to settle in a different nation it would then be easy to find a job and work in a profession that one knows best. "People with higher degrees come here and then they do not fit into the system and that becomes a cause of frustration for them," said Deepak. However, the Indian origin MLA also believes that there are a lot of benefits for the country where people have migrated to. They bring in a lot of skills, their culture and heritage to the new country and they also contribute to the economy. "I am proud to say that Indians in Australia is a very progressive community. They bring a lot of skills, they are a part of the economy they are part of the business system that is good for any country to have those skilled migrants," Deepak added. At the same time, Deepak also mentioned that people should understand if they have come to a new country and they are calling it home then they will have to follow the rules of the land. "You just can't say that this is my belief and I want you to change all the system for it. That is not possible," he concluded. Deepak is an active leader of the Australian-Indian community, who also has awards like excellence in community service awards and Community Advocate Award by the Government of ACT in his kitty.

Once washed cars, India born Deepak Raj Gupta takes oath as MLA in Australia with Bhagwad Gita in hand

Congress member and Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, T Subbarami Reddy on Wednesday informed the House that over 20,000 school children in the national capital are caught in the trap of drugs.&nbsp;

Reddy highlighted that the rising menace of drug mafia is not just a problem in Delhi but in the whole of North India including states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

He also said that the state governments are finding it difficult to curb the menace of drug mafia.

This comes on the day when Punjab Police arrested two persons and seized over one kilogram of heroin from their possession as part of a crackdown on drug trafficking and misdemeanours in Khanna area of the city, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in Tripura, the police on Tuesday destroyed over 6,300 kg of marijuana worth Rs 3.15 crore by burning it in RK Nagar area of West Tripura district.

On Monday, Delhi Police arrested three people and seized more than 50 kilograms of hashish and marijuana in three separate incidents in the national capital.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress member and Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, T Subbarami Reddy on Wednesday informed the House that over 20,000 school children in the national capital are caught in the trap of drugs.

Congress member and Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, T Subbarami Reddy on Wednesday informed the House that over 20,000 school children in the national capital are caught in the trap of drugs. Reddy highlighted that the rising menace of drug mafia is not just a problem in Delhi but in the whole of North India including states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. He also said that the state governments are finding it difficult to curb the menace of drug mafia. This comes on the day when Punjab Police arrested two persons and seized over one kilogram of heroin from their possession as part of a crackdown on drug trafficking and misdemeanours in Khanna area of the city, news agency ANI reported. Meanwhile, in Tripura, the police on Tuesday destroyed over 6,300 kg of marijuana worth Rs 3.15 crore by burning it in RK Nagar area of West Tripura district. On Monday, Delhi Police arrested three people and seized more than 50 kilograms of hashish and marijuana in three separate incidents in the national capital. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajya Sabha lawmaker says over 20,000 Delhi school kids addicted to drugs  

Body of Café Coffee Day founder VG Siddhartha was found on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru, Karnataka on Wednesday. The Karnataka-based businessman had gone missing on Monday night and was suspected to have jumped off the Ullal Bridge. Watch this video to know more.

CCD founder VG Siddhartha's body taken to hospital for post mortem

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 stands for gender justice, equality and dignity, and is not about religion.

"This is a historic day that Rajya Sabha passed the triple talaq bill and criminalised the practice of triple talaq. Some people thought that they will block the bill in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-passes-triple-talaq-bill-239514">Rajya Sabha</a> but it was passed. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said that the government should stand with the victims of triple talaq," Prasad told.

"After the Supreme Court verdict, there were cases of triple talaq. This bill is not for any worship, religion or community but it is for gender justice, equality and dignity. Today, humanity has won," he said.

BJP working president JP Nadda said the bill will free Muslim women from the curse of triple talaq. "Heartiest greetings to PM Narendra Modi and all Rajya Sabha MPs for passing Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 in the Rajya Sabha and freeing Muslim women off the curse of triple talaq," he tweeted.&nbsp;

"This Bill is one which ensures that the self-respect of Muslim women stay intact. This reflects the motto of `sabka saath sabka vikas` of Modi government," Nadda added.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the bill is a symbol of women`s dignity."Unfortunately, people who used to speak for women empowerment opposed the Bill in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, a Bill which is a symbol of women dignity. Congress and their allies, SP and BSP in the state, have been exposed," Adityanath told.

The government scored a major victory in the Rajya Sabha on the back of cracks in the opposition when the House passed the triple talaq bill after rejecting the Opposition`s demand to refer it to the select committee and to remove the criminality clause which provides for jailing the husband for three years for pronouncing triple talaq to his wife.

The Bill was passed with 99 members in its favour while 84 members voted against it in the final division. In the division on referring it to select committee, the government got 100 votes while 84 voted against.

The government, which does not have a majority in the Upper House, still managed to have smooth sailing for the contentious bill because parties like AIADMK, which has 11 members and JDU, with six, walked out after recording their opposition to the bill.

MPs belonging to parties like YSRCP and TRS reportedly abstained from voting while NCP leaders Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel and some Congress members were absent.

The Bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha. The motion to refer the Bill to a select committee was negated with 84 members voting in its favour while 100 voted against it.&nbsp;

The amendments moved by several opposition members were also defeated either by voting or by voice vote. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill, 2019 criminalises instant triple talaq among Muslims and attracts a jail term of three years for the husband.&nbsp;

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 stands for gender justice, equality and dignity, and is not about religion.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 stands for gender justice, equality and dignity, and is not about religion. "This is a historic day that Rajya Sabha passed the triple talaq bill and criminalised the practice of triple talaq. Some people thought that they will block the bill in Rajya Sabha but it was passed. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said that the government should stand with the victims of triple talaq," Prasad told. "After the Supreme Court verdict, there were cases of triple talaq. This bill is not for any worship, religion or community but it is for gender justice, equality and dignity. Today, humanity has won," he said. BJP working president JP Nadda said the bill will free Muslim women from the curse of triple talaq. "Heartiest greetings to PM Narendra Modi and all Rajya Sabha MPs for passing Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 in the Rajya Sabha and freeing Muslim women off the curse of triple talaq," he tweeted. "This Bill is one which ensures that the self-respect of Muslim women stay intact. This reflects the motto of `sabka saath sabka vikas` of Modi government," Nadda added. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the bill is a symbol of women`s dignity."Unfortunately, people who used to speak for women empowerment opposed the Bill in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, a Bill which is a symbol of women dignity. Congress and their allies, SP and BSP in the state, have been exposed," Adityanath told. The government scored a major victory in the Rajya Sabha on the back of cracks in the opposition when the House passed the triple talaq bill after rejecting the Opposition`s demand to refer it to the select committee and to remove the criminality clause which provides for jailing the husband for three years for pronouncing triple talaq to his wife. The Bill was passed with 99 members in its favour while 84 members voted against it in the final division. In the division on referring it to select committee, the government got 100 votes while 84 voted against. The government, which does not have a majority in the Upper House, still managed to have smooth sailing for the contentious bill because parties like AIADMK, which has 11 members and JDU, with six, walked out after recording their opposition to the bill. MPs belonging to parties like YSRCP and TRS reportedly abstained from voting while NCP leaders Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel and some Congress members were absent. The Bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha. The motion to refer the Bill to a select committee was negated with 84 members voting in its favour while 100 voted against it. The amendments moved by several opposition members were also defeated either by voting or by voice vote. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill, 2019 criminalises instant triple talaq among Muslims and attracts a jail term of three years for the husband.

Triple talaq bill stands for gender justice and equality, not religion: Ravi Shankar Prasad

A Twitter war broke out between PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah following the passage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-passes-triple-talaq-bill-239514">triple talaq bill</a> in Rajya Sabha, with the latter stating that PDP leaders abstaining from voting "helped the government with the numbers needed to pass the bill.

"Soon after the Rajya Sabha passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill, 2019, Mufti tweeted, "Fail to understand the need to pass the triple talaq bill especially since the Supreme Court had already declared it illegal. Undue interference seemingly to punish Muslims. Given the current state of the economy, should this really have been a priority?"

Mufti`s post didn`t go well with Abdullah, who tagged her post on the micro-blogging site and wrote, "Mehbooba Mufti ji, you might want to check how your members voted on this bill before tweeting. I understand they abstained which helped the government with the numbers needed to pass the bill. You can`t help the government and then `fail to understand need to pass`!"

Replying to him, Mufti tweeted, "Omar sahab, I suggest you get off your moral high horse since it was your own party that expelled Soz sahab for voting against the BJP in 1999. FYI in Parliament, abstention is essentially a no vote."Abdullah was quick to retort to Mufti`s claims, and wrote, "Madam, is recounting an incident from TWENTY years ago the best you can do to defend PDP duplicity? So you are accepting you instructed your MPs to abstain. And no an abstention is NOT a no vote, a no vote is a no vote. An abstention helped the BJP this time."

Modi government Tuesday scored a major victory in the Rajya Sabha when the House passed the Triple Talaq Bill after rejecting the opposition`s demand to refer the Bill to the Select Committee and to remove the criminality clause.

The Bill was passed with 99 members in its favour while 84 members voted against it in the final division. In the division on referring the Bill to the Select Committee, the government got 100 votes while 84 voted against.

The BJP-led NDA government, which does not have a majority in the Upper House, still managed to have smooth sailing for the contentious bill because parties like AIADMK, which has 11 members and JDU, with six, walked out after recording their opposition to the Bill. The BJD supported the Bill.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

A Twitter war broke out between PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah following the passage of triple talaq bill in Rajya Sabha, with the latter stating that PDP leaders abstaining from voting "helped the government with the numbers needed to pass the bill.

A Twitter war broke out between PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah following the passage of triple talaq bill in Rajya Sabha, with the latter stating that PDP leaders abstaining from voting "helped the government with the numbers needed to pass the bill. "Soon after the Rajya Sabha passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill, 2019, Mufti tweeted, "Fail to understand the need to pass the triple talaq bill especially since the Supreme Court had already declared it illegal. Undue interference seemingly to punish Muslims. Given the current state of the economy, should this really have been a priority?" Mufti`s post didn`t go well with Abdullah, who tagged her post on the micro-blogging site and wrote, "Mehbooba Mufti ji, you might want to check how your members voted on this bill before tweeting. I understand they abstained which helped the government with the numbers needed to pass the bill. You can`t help the government and then `fail to understand need to pass`!" Replying to him, Mufti tweeted, "Omar sahab, I suggest you get off your moral high horse since it was your own party that expelled Soz sahab for voting against the BJP in 1999. FYI in Parliament, abstention is essentially a no vote."Abdullah was quick to retort to Mufti`s claims, and wrote, "Madam, is recounting an incident from TWENTY years ago the best you can do to defend PDP duplicity? So you are accepting you instructed your MPs to abstain. And no an abstention is NOT a no vote, a no vote is a no vote. An abstention helped the BJP this time." Modi government Tuesday scored a major victory in the Rajya Sabha when the House passed the Triple Talaq Bill after rejecting the opposition`s demand to refer the Bill to the Select Committee and to remove the criminality clause. The Bill was passed with 99 members in its favour while 84 members voted against it in the final division. In the division on referring the Bill to the Select Committee, the government got 100 votes while 84 voted against. The BJP-led NDA government, which does not have a majority in the Upper House, still managed to have smooth sailing for the contentious bill because parties like AIADMK, which has 11 members and JDU, with six, walked out after recording their opposition to the Bill. The BJD supported the Bill. (With inputs from ANI)

Twitter war breaks out between Mufti, Omar over passage of triple talaq bill in Rajya Sabha

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Wednesday and called for the return of ballot boxes.

Thackeray on a two-day visit to Kolkata met Banerjee on the second day at the Bengal state secretariat – Nabanna and his meeting lasted for around half an hour with her.

Thackeray called for the return of ballot boxes in the elections. “We discussed electoral reforms in the meeting. We want the elections to be conducted in ballot boxes. When most countries have done away with the EVMs, we are still using it. Questions are being raised on the credibility of EVMs,” said Thackeray.

He added, “We want the Maharashtra Assembly elections to be conducted through the ballot boxes instead of the EVMs.” Asked on whether he will move court demanding ballot boxes he said, “I have no faith in the High Court and Supreme Court.”

The MNS chief stated that he came to Kolkata to also invite the TMC supremo Mamata for a ‘Save Democracy’ programme to be held in Maharashtra on August 21.&nbsp;

“I came here to invite her. We want her to attend the programme. We want other regional parties to also join us in our demand for ballot boxes,” he added.

However, Banerjee said that she was yet to confirm whether she will be able to attend the program or not considering her prior commitments.

“We had fruitful discussions over our demand of ballot boxes. Earlier, Thackeray has met the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Delhi and he has discussed it with the senior leaders of Congress as well. We had also demanded the elections be conducted in ballot boxes. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, we had approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Supreme Court raising similar demands. But, our plea was rejected. Elections through ballot boxes will be free and fair,” said Banerjee.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Wednesday and called for the return of ballot boxes.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Wednesday and called for the return of ballot boxes. Thackeray on a two-day visit to Kolkata met Banerjee on the second day at the Bengal state secretariat – Nabanna and his meeting lasted for around half an hour with her. Thackeray called for the return of ballot boxes in the elections. “We discussed electoral reforms in the meeting. We want the elections to be conducted in ballot boxes. When most countries have done away with the EVMs, we are still using it. Questions are being raised on the credibility of EVMs,” said Thackeray. He added, “We want the Maharashtra Assembly elections to be conducted through the ballot boxes instead of the EVMs.” Asked on whether he will move court demanding ballot boxes he said, “I have no faith in the High Court and Supreme Court.” The MNS chief stated that he came to Kolkata to also invite the TMC supremo Mamata for a ‘Save Democracy’ programme to be held in Maharashtra on August 21. “I came here to invite her. We want her to attend the programme. We want other regional parties to also join us in our demand for ballot boxes,” he added. However, Banerjee said that she was yet to confirm whether she will be able to attend the program or not considering her prior commitments. “We had fruitful discussions over our demand of ballot boxes. Earlier, Thackeray has met the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Delhi and he has discussed it with the senior leaders of Congress as well. We had also demanded the elections be conducted in ballot boxes. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, we had approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Supreme Court raising similar demands. But, our plea was rejected. Elections through ballot boxes will be free and fair,” said Banerjee.

MNS Chief Raj Thackeray meets TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee calls for return of ballot boxes

Police on Wednesday said that the body of VG Siddhartha, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ccd-founder-siddharthas-found-on-the-banks-of-netravati-river-in-mangaluru-239587">Cafe Coffee Day founder</a> and son-in-law of former Karnataka chief minister SM Krishna was found floating on water by a local fisherman early Wednesday.

Siddhartha's body was spotted by a local fisherman early morning two days after he went missing. Suspecting that this could be the body of coffee baron Siddhartha, the fisherman alerted the authorities who reached the spot and recovered the body.

Former Karnataka minister UT Khader confirmed the identity of the body.

''Yes, it's his (Siddhartha) body,'' he said and added it's very ''sad'' news.

Watch Video:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ccd-founder-vg-siddharthas-body-taken-to-hospital-for-post-mortem-239603/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to sources, family members of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/income-tax-department-refutes-v-g-siddharthas-allegation-of-harassment-says-he-accepted-holding-black-money-239527">coffee tycoon </a>have been informed and are likely to reach Mangaluru anytime.

The last rites of the departed CCD founder is likely to take place at his native place Chikmangaluru, the sources added.&nbsp;

Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil said the search team found the body early morning today and it's being shifted to Wenlock Hospital.

''We found the body early morning today. It needs to be identified, we have already informed the family members. We are shifting the body to Wenlock Hospital. We will continue further investigation,'' he said. 
&nbsp;

Police on Wednesday said that the body of VG Siddhartha, Cafe Coffee Day founder and son-in-law of former Karnataka chief minister SM Krishna was found floating on water by a local fisherman early Wednesday.

Police on Wednesday said that the body of VG Siddhartha, Cafe Coffee Day founder and son-in-law of former Karnataka chief minister SM Krishna was found floating on water by a local fisherman early Wednesday. Siddhartha's body was spotted by a local fisherman early morning two days after he went missing. Suspecting that this could be the body of coffee baron Siddhartha, the fisherman alerted the authorities who reached the spot and recovered the body. Former Karnataka minister UT Khader confirmed the identity of the body. ''Yes, it's his (Siddhartha) body,'' he said and added it's very ''sad'' news. Watch Video: × According to sources, family members of the coffee tycoon have been informed and are likely to reach Mangaluru anytime. The last rites of the departed CCD founder is likely to take place at his native place Chikmangaluru, the sources added. Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil said the search team found the body early morning today and it's being shifted to Wenlock Hospital. ''We found the body early morning today. It needs to be identified, we have already informed the family members. We are shifting the body to Wenlock Hospital. We will continue further investigation,'' he said.

Found VG Siddhartha's body floating on water, shifted to hospital: Police

Doctors at Chennai’s Saveetha Dental College, Institute of Medical and Technical Science were in for a shock as they extracted 526 teeth from a 200gram non-cancerous tumour that was surgically removed from the lower-right jaw of their 7-year-old patient Ravindran.&nbsp;

According to the doctors, this is the maximum number of teeth extracted from a patient and the hospital has applied for a place the Guinness and Limca Book of Records.&nbsp;

Over four years ago, Prabhu and Rajakumari had taken their then 3-year old son Ravindran for a medical checkup for to his swollen jaw. As the doctors at the Government Hospital were said to have not diagnosed the condition, the parents left it unattended as the boy did not seem to face any pain or discomfort and was unable to cooperate with the medical examination.&nbsp;

This year, as the swelling in the jaw, had increased the parents got Ravindran medically examined by the Doctors at Chennai’s Saveetha Dental College, Institute of Medical and Technical Science.&nbsp;

<img alt="Saveetha Dental College" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72a68fe7-9b06-4088-87b7-fad850e4fcbb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_9.jpg" />

Doctors of Saveetha Dental College with the 7-year old patient Ravindran and his parents at the media interaction.

Doctors had observed that despite the boy being seven years old his permanent tooth had not erupted. An X-Ray and CT Scan revealed that a lot of small rudimentary tooth in the lower-right jaw. The Doctors then decided to perform surgery.

Dr Senthilnathan, Professor, Dept of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery said, “Under general anaesthesia, we removed a sack-like, non-cancerous tumour that weighed about 200 grams and measured 4cm wide and 3.5cm tall. In medical terms, this condition is referred to as Compound Composite Odontone. Our surgical procedure took over an hour and a half”.

He added that, if the patient were to be an adult, the jaw would have to be surgically reconstructed post the surgery, but in this case, an operative procedure called ‘Conservative management’ was employed to ensure that the jaw remained intact.&nbsp;

While the surgery was completed in less than two hours, the Pathologists that examined the tumour post its removal had to do their precise, delicate work for nearly five hours to extract the tooth from the tumour.&nbsp;

“Normally for such a big tumour we perform a bread-loaf section to vertically slice and study the specimen, but in this case, we decided to cut it open like a bag. As we cut it open we spotted multiple teeth, and this continued even as we went deeper and more pearls were emerging. Every bit of tissue was a tooth, and tissue had the enamel of the tooth, said Dr Pratibha Ramani, Professor and Head, Dept of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.&nbsp;

Speaking on the probable causes of the tumour, Doctors said, “It is usually believed that it is genetic, but the siblings of the boy do not have this condition. It could be from radiation, chemical or other environmental influences”. Quoting from an ongoing study the doctors also mentioned that mobile phone radiation could also be a minor factor among others, in causing such disorders.

“Right side lower was only affected and Permanent tooth might not grow there, whereas the growth in all other regions of the jaw is normal. When the boy turns 16, we might have to replace some teeth in the lower right jaw with implants. However, there is no chance of relapse of this tumour”, elaborated the Doctors on the way ahead for the boy.

Speaking to reporters, the boy’s parents said, “We are very happy that he is fine now, initially we were really worried that we had to take a CT scan for something like a jaw swelling and we were also in a dilemma about the course of treatment.”

Responding to queries on the possible use of Local Anesthesia instead of General Anesthesia, Doctors said, “Local anaesthetic is for single tooth removal, whereas a Tumor involves the jaw and we are removing an anatomical part of the body. If the tumour is less than 1cm in size, then we could use a local anaesthetic, but clearly, we were dealing with a bigger tumour.”

Doctors also emphasized the need for counselling the young patient and his parents on an oral, maxillofacial surgical procedure. They said that counselling is important to make the young child and the parents understand the significance of the course of treatment and are mentally prepared for it.

While the surgery was performed on July 11th, the boy had completely recovered within three days and there are no scars on his face as the surgery was performed completely in the jaw, Doctors added.&nbsp;

Doctors at Chennai’s Saveetha Dental College, Institute of Medical and Technical Science were in for a shock as they extracted 526 teeth from a 200gram non-cancerous tumour that was surgically removed from the lower-right jaw of their 7-year-old patient Ravindran.

Doctors at Chennai’s Saveetha Dental College, Institute of Medical and Technical Science were in for a shock as they extracted 526 teeth from a 200gram non-cancerous tumour that was surgically removed from the lower-right jaw of their 7-year-old patient Ravindran. According to the doctors, this is the maximum number of teeth extracted from a patient and the hospital has applied for a place the Guinness and Limca Book of Records. Over four years ago, Prabhu and Rajakumari had taken their then 3-year old son Ravindran for a medical checkup for to his swollen jaw. As the doctors at the Government Hospital were said to have not diagnosed the condition, the parents left it unattended as the boy did not seem to face any pain or discomfort and was unable to cooperate with the medical examination. This year, as the swelling in the jaw, had increased the parents got Ravindran medically examined by the Doctors at Chennai’s Saveetha Dental College, Institute of Medical and Technical Science. Doctors of Saveetha Dental College with the 7-year old patient Ravindran and his parents at the media interaction. Doctors had observed that despite the boy being seven years old his permanent tooth had not erupted. An X-Ray and CT Scan revealed that a lot of small rudimentary tooth in the lower-right jaw. The Doctors then decided to perform surgery. Dr Senthilnathan, Professor, Dept of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery said, “Under general anaesthesia, we removed a sack-like, non-cancerous tumour that weighed about 200 grams and measured 4cm wide and 3.5cm tall. In medical terms, this condition is referred to as Compound Composite Odontone. Our surgical procedure took over an hour and a half”. He added that, if the patient were to be an adult, the jaw would have to be surgically reconstructed post the surgery, but in this case, an operative procedure called ‘Conservative management’ was employed to ensure that the jaw remained intact. While the surgery was completed in less than two hours, the Pathologists that examined the tumour post its removal had to do their precise, delicate work for nearly five hours to extract the tooth from the tumour. “Normally for such a big tumour we perform a bread-loaf section to vertically slice and study the specimen, but in this case, we decided to cut it open like a bag. As we cut it open we spotted multiple teeth, and this continued even as we went deeper and more pearls were emerging. Every bit of tissue was a tooth, and tissue had the enamel of the tooth, said Dr Pratibha Ramani, Professor and Head, Dept of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Speaking on the probable causes of the tumour, Doctors said, “It is usually believed that it is genetic, but the siblings of the boy do not have this condition. It could be from radiation, chemical or other environmental influences”. Quoting from an ongoing study the doctors also mentioned that mobile phone radiation could also be a minor factor among others, in causing such disorders. “Right side lower was only affected and Permanent tooth might not grow there, whereas the growth in all other regions of the jaw is normal. When the boy turns 16, we might have to replace some teeth in the lower right jaw with implants. However, there is no chance of relapse of this tumour”, elaborated the Doctors on the way ahead for the boy. Speaking to reporters, the boy’s parents said, “We are very happy that he is fine now, initially we were really worried that we had to take a CT scan for something like a jaw swelling and we were also in a dilemma about the course of treatment.” Responding to queries on the possible use of Local Anesthesia instead of General Anesthesia, Doctors said, “Local anaesthetic is for single tooth removal, whereas a Tumor involves the jaw and we are removing an anatomical part of the body. If the tumour is less than 1cm in size, then we could use a local anaesthetic, but clearly, we were dealing with a bigger tumour.” Doctors also emphasized the need for counselling the young patient and his parents on an oral, maxillofacial surgical procedure. They said that counselling is important to make the young child and the parents understand the significance of the course of treatment and are mentally prepared for it. While the surgery was performed on July 11th, the boy had completely recovered within three days and there are no scars on his face as the surgery was performed completely in the jaw, Doctors added.

Chennai doctors pull 526 teeth from 7-year-old boy's mouth

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news