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The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill that seeks to address issues related to road safety and strengthen public transport, automation, and computerisation.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by a voice vote after a reply by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who said that technology can reduce the accidents and foreign investment was needed to bring in the technology.

"There is a system that doesn`t allow the vehicle to run if the driver is under the influence of alcohol. Similarly, those driving without seat belts can be alerted in the police control rules," he said.

The minister assured the House that accidents will come down after the Bill comes into effect.

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill that seeks to address issues related to road safety and strengthen public transport, automation, and computerisation.

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill that seeks to address issues related to road safety and strengthen public transport, automation, and computerisation. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by a voice vote after a reply by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who said that technology can reduce the accidents and foreign investment was needed to bring in the technology. "There is a system that doesn`t allow the vehicle to run if the driver is under the influence of alcohol. Similarly, those driving without seat belts can be alerted in the police control rules," he said. The minister assured the House that accidents will come down after the Bill comes into effect.

Lok Sabha passes Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and BJP leaer Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that his party should not be held responsible if Kamal Nath-led Congress government faced the same fate as karnataka government.&nbsp;

Chouhan's comment came immediately after HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) government lost the trust vote in Karnataka.&nbsp;

"There is an internal conflict in Congress, and support of BSP-SP, if something happens to that then we can`t do anything," Chouhan was quoted as saying to news agency ANI.

The Congress-JD(S) government was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday night. The confidence motion moved by outgoing chief minister Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition.

"We will not cause the fall of government here (Madhya Pradesh). Congress leaders themselves have been responsible for the fall of their governments," the former chief minister Singh said.&nbsp;

Responding to Chouhan`s remarks, Madhya Pradesh Higher Education and Sports Minister Jitu Patwari said that no one can touch the Kamal Nath government.

"Be it Gujarat, Goa or Karanataka, BJP is trying to kill democracy. Modi government has shown that one can buy MLAs in bulk. I think it has become BJP`s tendency to topple other governments. They have to take seven births to topple the Kamal Nath government. That was Kumarswmay`s government but this is Kamal Nath`s government."

(With inputs from ANI)

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and BJP leaer Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that his party should not be held responsible if Kamal Nath-led Congress government faced the same fate as karnataka government.

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and BJP leaer Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that his party should not be held responsible if Kamal Nath-led Congress government faced the same fate as karnataka government. Chouhan's comment came immediately after HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) government lost the trust vote in Karnataka. "There is an internal conflict in Congress, and support of BSP-SP, if something happens to that then we can`t do anything," Chouhan was quoted as saying to news agency ANI. The Congress-JD(S) government was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday night. The confidence motion moved by outgoing chief minister Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. "We will not cause the fall of government here (Madhya Pradesh). Congress leaders themselves have been responsible for the fall of their governments," the former chief minister Singh said. Responding to Chouhan`s remarks, Madhya Pradesh Higher Education and Sports Minister Jitu Patwari said that no one can touch the Kamal Nath government. "Be it Gujarat, Goa or Karanataka, BJP is trying to kill democracy. Modi government has shown that one can buy MLAs in bulk. I think it has become BJP`s tendency to topple other governments. They have to take seven births to topple the Kamal Nath government. That was Kumarswmay`s government but this is Kamal Nath`s government." (With inputs from ANI)

BJP shouldn't be held responsible if Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh falls: Shivraj Singh

Major junctions in several areas in Mumbai including Sion, Matunga, Mahim, Andheri, Malad and Dahisar witnessed severe traffic jam following overnight rainfall.&nbsp;

A day after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for Mumbai citing cyclonic circulation, heavy rains lashed the city leading to waterlogging in many parts of the city.&nbsp;

The relentless overnight rainfall also caused submersion of railway tracks in Sion.&nbsp;

Poor visibility led to the collision of three cars in the Andheri area of the city in the wee hours of Wednesday, leaving eight injured.

According to Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, in the last three hours between 2:30 am and 5:30 am today, Santa Cruz observatory recorded 51 mm of rain, with torrential downpour continuing through the morning in most parts of the city.

Flight operations affected at the Mumbai Airport as visibility dropped to 300 metres.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Major junctions in several areas in Mumbai including Sion, Matunga, Mahim, Andheri, Malad and Dahisar witnessed severe traffic jam following overnight rainfall. A day after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for Mumbai citing cyclonic circulation, heavy rains lashed the city leading to waterlogging in many parts of the city.

Major junctions in several areas in Mumbai including Sion, Matunga, Mahim, Andheri, Malad and Dahisar witnessed severe traffic jam following overnight rainfall. A day after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for Mumbai citing cyclonic circulation, heavy rains lashed the city leading to waterlogging in many parts of the city. The relentless overnight rainfall also caused submersion of railway tracks in Sion. Poor visibility led to the collision of three cars in the Andheri area of the city in the wee hours of Wednesday, leaving eight injured. According to Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, in the last three hours between 2:30 am and 5:30 am today, Santa Cruz observatory recorded 51 mm of rain, with torrential downpour continuing through the morning in most parts of the city. Flight operations affected at the Mumbai Airport as visibility dropped to 300 metres.

Heavy rainfall in Mumbai causes waterlogging, traffic jam

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Tuesday expelled its lone MLA from Karnataka N Mahesh for abstaining from voting on the trust motion, despite being directed by the party high command to vote in favour of the Congress-JD(S) coalition.

"Despite directions from party high command to vote in favour of HD Kumaraswamy, BSP MLA N Mahesh did not attend the trust vote and violated directions, which is an act of indiscipline. Party has taken this seriously and expelled him with immediate effect," BSP supremo Mayawati tweeted.

Mahesh was not present in the Assembly during the trust vote, which was moved by Kumaraswamy.

The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion.

The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition.

Ahead of the trust vote, Mayawati had on Sunday directed Mahesh to vote in support of the coalition.

In the 224-member House, only 204 were present and voted in the division pressed by Leader of the Opposition BS Yeddyurappa after the voice vote.

He and other BJP members showed victory signs in the House while the ruling coalition members quietly walked out.

The defeat marks the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls in May 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD(S) fought each other in the polls.

There were differences between the coalition partners that often came to the surface but they carried on against the threat of BJP.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Tuesday expelled its lone MLA from Karnataka N Mahesh for abstaining from voting on the trust motion, despite being directed by the party high command to vote in favour of the Congress-JD(S) coalition.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Tuesday expelled its lone MLA from Karnataka N Mahesh for abstaining from voting on the trust motion, despite being directed by the party high command to vote in favour of the Congress-JD(S) coalition. "Despite directions from party high command to vote in favour of HD Kumaraswamy, BSP MLA N Mahesh did not attend the trust vote and violated directions, which is an act of indiscipline. Party has taken this seriously and expelled him with immediate effect," BSP supremo Mayawati tweeted. Mahesh was not present in the Assembly during the trust vote, which was moved by Kumaraswamy. The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion. The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. Ahead of the trust vote, Mayawati had on Sunday directed Mahesh to vote in support of the coalition. In the 224-member House, only 204 were present and voted in the division pressed by Leader of the Opposition BS Yeddyurappa after the voice vote. He and other BJP members showed victory signs in the House while the ruling coalition members quietly walked out. The defeat marks the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls in May 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD(S) fought each other in the polls. There were differences between the coalition partners that often came to the surface but they carried on against the threat of BJP.

Bahujan Samaj Party expels lone Karnataka MLA for abstaining from trust vote

Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday congratulated his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">new counterpart from Britain&nbsp;Boris Johnson</a> who became the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-meets-queen-elizabeth-takes-charge-as-new-british-pm-238251">14th prime minister of United Kingdom</a> under Queen Elizabeth II.

In a Tweet, PM Modi said, "Congratulations&nbsp;@BorisJohnson on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.&nbsp;I wish you success and look forward to working with you to further strengthen India – UK partnership in all spheres.&nbsp;@10DowningStreet"

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Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. 
 
I wish you success and look forward to working with you to further strengthen India – UK partnership in all spheres. <a href="https://twitter.com/10DowningStreet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@10DowningStreet</a> <a href="https://t.co/ATWVf5fhHi">pic.twitter.com/ATWVf5fhHi</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1154039210606616576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Soon after outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May submitted her<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-tenders-her-resignation-to-queen-elizabeth-238237">&nbsp;resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth</a>, Boris Johnson arrived at Buckingham Palace to take over as the new prime minister of Britain.

Boris Johnson, 55, officially became Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday after a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

The former London mayor, a divisive figure best known for his gaffes and rhetorical flourishes, was elected on Tuesday by members of the governing Conservative party to be their next leader.

Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday congratulated his new counterpart from Britain Boris Johnson who became the 14th prime minister of United Kingdom under Queen Elizabeth II.

Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday congratulated his new counterpart from Britain Boris Johnson who became the 14th prime minister of United Kingdom under Queen Elizabeth II. In a Tweet, PM Modi said, "Congratulations @BorisJohnson on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I wish you success and look forward to working with you to further strengthen India – UK partnership in all spheres. @10DowningStreet" Congratulations @BorisJohnson on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I wish you success and look forward to working with you to further strengthen India – UK partnership in all spheres. @10DowningStreet pic.twitter.com/ATWVf5fhHi — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2019 × Soon after outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May submitted her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth, Boris Johnson arrived at Buckingham Palace to take over as the new prime minister of Britain. Boris Johnson, 55, officially became Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday after a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace said in a statement. The former London mayor, a divisive figure best known for his gaffes and rhetorical flourishes, was elected on Tuesday by members of the governing Conservative party to be their next leader.

PM Modi congratulates new British PM Boris Johnson, says 'look forward to strengthening India-UK partnership'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stepping-into-power-britains-johnson-seeks-more-diverse-cabinet-238044">Stepping into power, Britain's Johnson seeks more diverse cabinet</a>

Taking over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, Boris Johnson is expected unveil a more diverse top team in a government to be tasked with delivering Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-urges-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-take-action-against-terrorist-organisations-238060">Mike Pompeo urges Pakistan PM Imran Khan to take action against terrorist organisations</a>

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and urged him to take actions to defeat terrorist organisations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-tech-faces-broad-us-justice-department-antitrust-probe-238042">Big Tech faces broad US Justice Department antitrust probe</a>

The review will look into "whether and how market-leading online platforms have achieved market power and are engaging in practices that have reduced competition, stifled innovation, or otherwise harmed consumers," the Justice Department said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nike-shoes-race-to-437500-world-record-auction-price-for-sneakers-238057">Nike shoes race to $437,500 world record auction price for sneakers</a>

A pair of 1972 running shoes, one of the first pairs made by Nike Inc, sold for $437,500 on Tuesday, shattering the record for a pair of sneakers at public auction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/john-oliver-confirms-beyonce-was-photoshopped-in-the-lion-king-cast-picture-238047">John Oliver confirms Beyonce was photoshopped in 'The Lion King' cast picture</a>

Addressing rumours that singer Beyonce had been photoshopped into the cast photo of 'The Lion King', John Oliver, who dubbed Zazu in the film, revealed that indeed she was not there, during a recent appearance on `The Late Show with Stephen Colbert` show.

Stepping into power, Britain's Johnson seeks more diverse cabinet Taking over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, Boris Johnson is expected unveil a more diverse top team in a government to be tasked with delivering Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal.

Stepping into power, Britain's Johnson seeks more diverse cabinet Taking over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, Boris Johnson is expected unveil a more diverse top team in a government to be tasked with delivering Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal. Mike Pompeo urges Pakistan PM Imran Khan to take action against terrorist organisations US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and urged him to take actions to defeat terrorist organisations. Big Tech faces broad US Justice Department antitrust probe The review will look into "whether and how market-leading online platforms have achieved market power and are engaging in practices that have reduced competition, stifled innovation, or otherwise harmed consumers," the Justice Department said in a statement. Nike shoes race to $437,500 world record auction price for sneakers A pair of 1972 running shoes, one of the first pairs made by Nike Inc, sold for $437,500 on Tuesday, shattering the record for a pair of sneakers at public auction. John Oliver confirms Beyonce was photoshopped in 'The Lion King' cast picture Addressing rumours that singer Beyonce had been photoshopped into the cast photo of 'The Lion King', John Oliver, who dubbed Zazu in the film, revealed that indeed she was not there, during a recent appearance on `The Late Show with Stephen Colbert` show.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The first earthbound orbit-raising manoeuvre for Chandryaan-2 spacecraft has been performed successfully on Wednesday, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The manoeuvre was performed at 2:52 pm as planned, using the onboard propulsion system for a firing duration of 57 seconds.

The second orbit raising manoeuvre is scheduled on July 26 at 1:09 am, the space agency said.

A Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III, carrying the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft, had lifted off at 2.43 pm on Monday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

This came exactly a week after the mission was aborted following the detection of a technical glitch less than an hour before the launch.

In the run-up to the launch, the ISRO, on its Twitter handle, put out regular updates about preparations.

Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of the moon where no mission has ever set foot.&nbsp;

The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover together referred to as "composite body".&nbsp;

The landing on the moon`s south polar region is expected on September 6 this year.

The spacecraft will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface.

This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on the moon.&nbsp;

The first earthbound orbit-raising manoeuvre for Chandryaan-2 spacecraft has been performed successfully on Wednesday, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The first earthbound orbit-raising manoeuvre for Chandryaan-2 spacecraft has been performed successfully on Wednesday, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The manoeuvre was performed at 2:52 pm as planned, using the onboard propulsion system for a firing duration of 57 seconds. The second orbit raising manoeuvre is scheduled on July 26 at 1:09 am, the space agency said. A Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III, carrying the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft, had lifted off at 2.43 pm on Monday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This came exactly a week after the mission was aborted following the detection of a technical glitch less than an hour before the launch. In the run-up to the launch, the ISRO, on its Twitter handle, put out regular updates about preparations. Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of the moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover together referred to as "composite body". The landing on the moon`s south polar region is expected on September 6 this year. The spacecraft will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on the moon.

First earth bound orbit-raising maneuver for Chandrayaan-2 successfully performed

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-penalty-to-child-rapists-president-ram-nath-kovind-promulgates-the-ordinance-to-amend-pocso-act-131985">Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a> was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-for-raping-children-what-the-ordinance-says-131971">POCSO (Amendment) Bill </a>will make punishment more stringent for committing sexual crimes against children including the death penalty.

The amendments also provide for levy of fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography.

During the debates on the Bill in the Upper House, TMC MP Derek O`Brien said that he was sexually molested in his childhood while he was travelling on a bus.&nbsp;

"As a 13-year-old, after tennis practice, I boarded a crowded bus in short pants and a T-shirt. I was sexually molested, it was reason enough for an unknown man to ejaculate at shorts of this boy," he said.

"I did not speak about it, till I brought it up once much later in my life with my parents. We need to use this forum to reach out to people. The more people talk about it, the more children will be saved. Let`s work towards the prevention of this heinous crime," Brien said.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the Union Cabinet had approved the Amendment in the POCSO Act 2012.

According to the Union Cabinet, the amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act.

"It intends to protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity. The amendment is aimed to establish clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse and punishment thereof," it added.

The amendment in Section-2, Section-4, Section-5, Section-6, Section-9, Section-14, Section-15, Section-34, Section-42 and Section-45 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)Act, 2012, is made to address the aspects of child sexual abuse in appropriate manner.

The government in its statement had said that the modification is made to address the need for stringent measures required to deter the rising trend of child sex abuse in the country on one hand and to address the menace of relatively new kind of crimes on the other hand.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The POCSO (Amendment) Bill will make punishment more stringent for committing sexual crimes against children including the death penalty.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The POCSO (Amendment) Bill will make punishment more stringent for committing sexual crimes against children including the death penalty. The amendments also provide for levy of fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography. During the debates on the Bill in the Upper House, TMC MP Derek O`Brien said that he was sexually molested in his childhood while he was travelling on a bus. "As a 13-year-old, after tennis practice, I boarded a crowded bus in short pants and a T-shirt. I was sexually molested, it was reason enough for an unknown man to ejaculate at shorts of this boy," he said. "I did not speak about it, till I brought it up once much later in my life with my parents. We need to use this forum to reach out to people. The more people talk about it, the more children will be saved. Let`s work towards the prevention of this heinous crime," Brien said. Earlier this month, the Union Cabinet had approved the Amendment in the POCSO Act 2012. According to the Union Cabinet, the amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act. "It intends to protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity. The amendment is aimed to establish clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse and punishment thereof," it added. The amendment in Section-2, Section-4, Section-5, Section-6, Section-9, Section-14, Section-15, Section-34, Section-42 and Section-45 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)Act, 2012, is made to address the aspects of child sexual abuse in appropriate manner. The government in its statement had said that the modification is made to address the need for stringent measures required to deter the rising trend of child sex abuse in the country on one hand and to address the menace of relatively new kind of crimes on the other hand.

Rajya Sabha passes POCSO (Amendment) Bill, 2019

The government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that a total of Rs 1138.48 crore has been spent in fencing the International Border between India and Bangladesh during the last five years, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

The total length of the International Border is 4096.70 km and fencing has been completed for 2803 km so far, the Lok Sabha was informed.

The probable date of completion is December 2020, the report added.&nbsp;

The aforementioned information was given by the Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lower House of Parliament.

"The schemes for creation of border infrastructure works, on Indo-Bangladesh Border, like fence, road, floodlight and Border Out-Posts (BOPs) are in progress. Border guarding forces conduct regular patrolling, lay nakas and establish observation posts and carry out anti tunnelling exercise to stop illegal infiltration," Rai said.

"However, illegal migrants are able to enter in a clandestine and surreptitious manner, mainly due to difficult riverine terrain in parts of the international border with Bangladesh which are not amenable to physical fencing," he stated.

Between 2014 and 2019, the number of infiltrators apprehended in West Bengal reduced to 379 from 2,260.&nbsp;

In Assam, the numbers came down from 101 to 94 while in Meghalaya, it decreased from 64 to 11.&nbsp;

In Mizoram, the number of infiltrators apprehended has been reduced to seven from eight and in Tripura, the numbers lowered to 101 to 94.&nbsp;

The government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that a total of Rs 1138.48 crore has been spent in fencing the International Border between India and Bangladesh during the last five years, reported news agency ANI.

The government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that a total of Rs 1138.48 crore has been spent in fencing the International Border between India and Bangladesh during the last five years, reported news agency ANI. The total length of the International Border is 4096.70 km and fencing has been completed for 2803 km so far, the Lok Sabha was informed. The probable date of completion is December 2020, the report added. The aforementioned information was given by the Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lower House of Parliament. "The schemes for creation of border infrastructure works, on Indo-Bangladesh Border, like fence, road, floodlight and Border Out-Posts (BOPs) are in progress. Border guarding forces conduct regular patrolling, lay nakas and establish observation posts and carry out anti tunnelling exercise to stop illegal infiltration," Rai said. "However, illegal migrants are able to enter in a clandestine and surreptitious manner, mainly due to difficult riverine terrain in parts of the international border with Bangladesh which are not amenable to physical fencing," he stated. Between 2014 and 2019, the number of infiltrators apprehended in West Bengal reduced to 379 from 2,260. In Assam, the numbers came down from 101 to 94 while in Meghalaya, it decreased from 64 to 11. In Mizoram, the number of infiltrators apprehended has been reduced to seven from eight and in Tripura, the numbers lowered to 101 to 94.

Over Rs 1100 crore spent on border fencing on Indo-Bangladesh Border: Govt to Lok Sabha 

Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a panel of four cabinet ministers to examine ways to prevent workplace sexual harassment, a ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, as activists criticised the official response to the #MeToo movement.

The movement triggered a public outcry, with former junior Foreign Minister M J Akbar and Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi among dozens of high-profile men accused of sexual misconduct.

The new panel, which includes Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was set up last week, a home ministry official told Reuters.

"The group of ministers was set up on July 18 since the previous panel lapsed ahead of the formation of the new government," spokesman Shelat Harit Ketan said.

The new government was formed after the general election victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in May.

The previous panel, which made no public recommendations, had been set up after the #MeToo online campaign to out alleged sexual harassers, which had begun in the US entertainment industry, took off in India in late 2018.

A year after the accusations surfaced, activists say the movement has gone quiet in India after some of the accused fought back with defamation suits.

Akbar is suing one of his accusers, while Gogoi was cleared of sexual misconduct by a panel of judges in May, to protests.

Both have consistently denied wrongdoing.

"There has been negative publicity, hardly any cases have been filed," said prominent women's rights activist and lawyer Flavia Agnes. "Complainants are afraid of approaching the courts or filing criminal complaints."

Opposition Congress lawmaker Sushmita Dev called the government's decision a knee-jerk reaction to criticism of its failure to make public the findings of the earlier panel.

"It is a foregone conclusion that nothing was done in the past. That is why the proceedings were hidden," she said. "The new committee should hold consultations with all stakeholders and thoroughly examine existing legislation."

Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a panel of four cabinet ministers to examine ways to prevent workplace sexual harassment, a ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, as activists criticised the official response to the #MeToo movement.

Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a panel of four cabinet ministers to examine ways to prevent workplace sexual harassment, a ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, as activists criticised the official response to the #MeToo movement. The movement triggered a public outcry, with former junior Foreign Minister M J Akbar and Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi among dozens of high-profile men accused of sexual misconduct. The new panel, which includes Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was set up last week, a home ministry official told Reuters. "The group of ministers was set up on July 18 since the previous panel lapsed ahead of the formation of the new government," spokesman Shelat Harit Ketan said. The new government was formed after the general election victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in May. The previous panel, which made no public recommendations, had been set up after the #MeToo online campaign to out alleged sexual harassers, which had begun in the US entertainment industry, took off in India in late 2018. A year after the accusations surfaced, activists say the movement has gone quiet in India after some of the accused fought back with defamation suits. Akbar is suing one of his accusers, while Gogoi was cleared of sexual misconduct by a panel of judges in May, to protests. Both have consistently denied wrongdoing. "There has been negative publicity, hardly any cases have been filed," said prominent women's rights activist and lawyer Flavia Agnes. "Complainants are afraid of approaching the courts or filing criminal complaints." Opposition Congress lawmaker Sushmita Dev called the government's decision a knee-jerk reaction to criticism of its failure to make public the findings of the earlier panel. "It is a foregone conclusion that nothing was done in the past. That is why the proceedings were hidden," she said. "The new committee should hold consultations with all stakeholders and thoroughly examine existing legislation."

Amit Shah to head panel on workplace sexual harassment

After the passage of the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 from the Lok Sabha, the government is finding it difficult to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha- the Upper House of the Parliament

With 116 members in the Upper House, the Centre is falling short of five members to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha.

Amid huge protest from the opposition, the bill was passed with 218 members voting in its favour and 79 against it in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

The opposition on Wednesday demanded that the RTI amendment bill is sent to the Joint Select Committee.

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi held discussions on the bill at the party office in Parliament on Wednesday with Rajya Sabha MPs of Congress and other opposition parties.

The meeting was attended by Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rajya Sabha MP Anand Sharma and other leaders of opposition parties.

The 2005 Act was enacted during the first Congress-led UPA government and the alliance's chairperson Sonia Gandhi sat through the debate.

The changes proposed by the government in the RTI bill include the salaries and the tenures of the Infomation Commissioners at the state and the centre.

Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh said that the Bill only states that terms and conditions will be specified by the government and these had not been deliberated upon.

The minister said it had done away with the need for attestations as also interviews for a certain category of jobs to promote transparency and accountability.

(With inputs from ANI)

After the passage of the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 from the Lok Sabha, the government is finding it difficult to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha- the Upper House of the Parliament With 116 members in the Upper House, the Centre is falling short of five members to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha.

After the passage of the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 from the Lok Sabha, the government is finding it difficult to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha- the Upper House of the Parliament With 116 members in the Upper House, the Centre is falling short of five members to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha. Amid huge protest from the opposition, the bill was passed with 218 members voting in its favour and 79 against it in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The opposition on Wednesday demanded that the RTI amendment bill is sent to the Joint Select Committee. Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi held discussions on the bill at the party office in Parliament on Wednesday with Rajya Sabha MPs of Congress and other opposition parties. The meeting was attended by Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rajya Sabha MP Anand Sharma and other leaders of opposition parties. The 2005 Act was enacted during the first Congress-led UPA government and the alliance's chairperson Sonia Gandhi sat through the debate. The changes proposed by the government in the RTI bill include the salaries and the tenures of the Infomation Commissioners at the state and the centre. Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh said that the Bill only states that terms and conditions will be specified by the government and these had not been deliberated upon. The minister said it had done away with the need for attestations as also interviews for a certain category of jobs to promote transparency and accountability. (With inputs from ANI)

Opposition demands RTI Amendment Bill to be sent to Joint Select Committee

Government on Wednesday said that over 41 lakh people have been found ineligible for inclusion in the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

"Over 40 lakh persons were not found eligible for inclusion in draft National Register of Citizens, in addition, over one lakh persons were subsequently found ineligible after they were originally included in draft NRC, " Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had extended the deadline for the final publication of the NRC to August 31.&nbsp;

On July 19, Solicitor General (SG) and senior Supreme Court lawyer, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Assam Government, pleaded the Supreme Court to extend the July 31 deadline for finalisation of NRC in Assam.

Mehta told the SC, "There is a growing perception that lakhs of illegal migrants have been included in the NRC list in alleged collusion with local NRC officials in the state of Assam. Illegal immigrants have to be dealt severely. India cannot be the refugee capital of the world."

Last week, Union Minister Amit Shah had said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law.

Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law."&nbsp;

The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Government on Wednesday said that over 41 lakh people have been found ineligible for inclusion in the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. "Over 40 lakh persons were not found eligible for inclusion in draft National Register of Citizens, in addition, over one lakh persons were subsequently found ineligible after they were originally included in draft NRC, " Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

Government on Wednesday said that over 41 lakh people have been found ineligible for inclusion in the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. "Over 40 lakh persons were not found eligible for inclusion in draft National Register of Citizens, in addition, over one lakh persons were subsequently found ineligible after they were originally included in draft NRC, " Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had extended the deadline for the final publication of the NRC to August 31. On July 19, Solicitor General (SG) and senior Supreme Court lawyer, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Assam Government, pleaded the Supreme Court to extend the July 31 deadline for finalisation of NRC in Assam. Mehta told the SC, "There is a growing perception that lakhs of illegal migrants have been included in the NRC list in alleged collusion with local NRC officials in the state of Assam. Illegal immigrants have to be dealt severely. India cannot be the refugee capital of the world." Last week, Union Minister Amit Shah had said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law. Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law." The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 41 lakh found ineligible under draft NRC: Government informs Rajya Sabha

A day after outgoing&nbsp;Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989"> failed to prove the majority</a> of Congress-JD(S) government in the Assembly, JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda on Wednesday&nbsp;alleged that he hasn't seen this kind of horse-trading before.

"The way in which things have happened in Karnataka, I have never seen in my political career. The way in which a national party, BJP leadership allowed this type of horse-trading, I have never seen in my life," he said.

Deve Gowda also said that he doesn't blame anyone, from Congress or JD(S), for the failure of the coalition government in Karnataka.

"There is no difference of opinion between the two parties, Congress &amp; Janata Dal (Secular), one is a national party, another is a regional party. We have no regret of having the last coalition govt. We are not accusing anyone, including the former Chief Minister &amp; other senior ministers," he added.

The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion.

The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

A day after outgoing Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy failed to prove the majority of Congress-JD(S) government in the Assembly, JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda on Wednesday alleged that he hasn't seen this kind of horse-trading before.

A day after outgoing Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy failed to prove the majority of Congress-JD(S) government in the Assembly, JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda on Wednesday alleged that he hasn't seen this kind of horse-trading before. "The way in which things have happened in Karnataka, I have never seen in my political career. The way in which a national party, BJP leadership allowed this type of horse-trading, I have never seen in my life," he said. Deve Gowda also said that he doesn't blame anyone, from Congress or JD(S), for the failure of the coalition government in Karnataka. "There is no difference of opinion between the two parties, Congress & Janata Dal (Secular), one is a national party, another is a regional party. We have no regret of having the last coalition govt. We are not accusing anyone, including the former Chief Minister & other senior ministers," he added. The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion. The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. (With inputs from ANI)

No differences with Congress, says JD(S) chief Deve Gowda after trust vote defeat

Reacting to BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chauhan's remarks that BJP should not be held responsible if Congress government in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-shouldnt-held-responsible-if-kamal-nath-falls-shivraj-singh-238067">Madhya Pradesh faced the same fate</a> as Karnataka government, chief minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday asserted that none of his MLAs were for sale.

"None of the MLAs sitting here are for sale. Kamal Nath's government will run for five years in full force." "If you wish, you can move no-confidence motion," Nath told the BJP MLAs in the state Assembly.

On Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said: "There is an internal conflict in Congress, and support of BSP-SP, if something happens to that then we can't do anything."

"We will not cause the fall of government here (Madhya Pradesh). Congress leaders themselves have been responsible for the fall of their governments," the former chief minister Singh said.&nbsp; 
 
In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress-led coalition currently has 121 seats out of a total 230 with support from Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party and four independent candidates.&nbsp;

Chauhan's remarks came after HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) government lost the trust vote in Karnataka. The Congress-JD(S) government was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday night. The confidence motion moved by outgoing chief minister Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

Reacting to BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chauhan's remarks that BJP should not be held responsible if Congress government in Madhya Pradesh faced the same fate as Karnataka government, chief minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday asserted that none of his MLAs were for sale.

Reacting to BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chauhan's remarks that BJP should not be held responsible if Congress government in Madhya Pradesh faced the same fate as Karnataka government, chief minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday asserted that none of his MLAs were for sale. "None of the MLAs sitting here are for sale. Kamal Nath's government will run for five years in full force." "If you wish, you can move no-confidence motion," Nath told the BJP MLAs in the state Assembly. On Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said: "There is an internal conflict in Congress, and support of BSP-SP, if something happens to that then we can't do anything." "We will not cause the fall of government here (Madhya Pradesh). Congress leaders themselves have been responsible for the fall of their governments," the former chief minister Singh said. In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress-led coalition currently has 121 seats out of a total 230 with support from Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party and four independent candidates. Chauhan's remarks came after HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) government lost the trust vote in Karnataka. The Congress-JD(S) government was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday night. The confidence motion moved by outgoing chief minister Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. (With inputs from ANI)

'My government will run for five years in full force', says Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a heated debate.&nbsp;

During a discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said tough laws were required to end terrorism and asserted that the amendment does not encroach on powers of states.

Replying to a spirited debate on the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha, Shah said the BJP-led government will never misuse its provisions.

Congress and several opposition parties staged a walkout after the minister's reply demanding that the Bill be sent to a standing committee.&nbsp;

Shah said the BJP-led government had only brought an amendment to the law which was enacted by Congress and whose provisions were later made stringent.

Shah said what Congress governments did "was right and what the BJP-led government is doing is also right".&nbsp;

"The law was enacted in 1967 by a Congress government and amendments made to it in 2004, 2008 and 2013 when Congress was in power. Who made the law stringent? What you did was right, what we are doing is also right," he said.

He asked opposition members about their concerns when the Congress had made changes to the law to make it stringent.

He said Congress member Manish Tewari had asked what was the need for tough laws and that terror-related problems were solved through political dialogue.

"There is a need for tough laws to end terrorism," he said.&nbsp;

Referring to the provisions of the Bill that allow an individual to be designated as a terrorist, he said that terrorists often floats new organisations if a ban is imposed.

Shah also said that the BJP-led government was against "urban Maoism".

"In this country, a lot of people involved in social work are working respectably, the police is not fond of catching them, but we don't have any sympathy for those who work for Urban Maoism," the Home Minister said.

"We have no sympathy for those who promote Maoism under an ideological shield," he said.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a heated debate. During a discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said tough laws were required to end terrorism and asserted that the amendment does not encroach on powers of states.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a heated debate. During a discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said tough laws were required to end terrorism and asserted that the amendment does not encroach on powers of states. Replying to a spirited debate on the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha, Shah said the BJP-led government will never misuse its provisions. Congress and several opposition parties staged a walkout after the minister's reply demanding that the Bill be sent to a standing committee. Shah said the BJP-led government had only brought an amendment to the law which was enacted by Congress and whose provisions were later made stringent. Shah said what Congress governments did "was right and what the BJP-led government is doing is also right". "The law was enacted in 1967 by a Congress government and amendments made to it in 2004, 2008 and 2013 when Congress was in power. Who made the law stringent? What you did was right, what we are doing is also right," he said. He asked opposition members about their concerns when the Congress had made changes to the law to make it stringent. He said Congress member Manish Tewari had asked what was the need for tough laws and that terror-related problems were solved through political dialogue. "There is a need for tough laws to end terrorism," he said. Referring to the provisions of the Bill that allow an individual to be designated as a terrorist, he said that terrorists often floats new organisations if a ban is imposed. Shah also said that the BJP-led government was against "urban Maoism". "In this country, a lot of people involved in social work are working respectably, the police is not fond of catching them, but we don't have any sympathy for those who work for Urban Maoism," the Home Minister said. "We have no sympathy for those who promote Maoism under an ideological shield," he said.

Lok Sabha passes Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill

Calling Pulwama attack an act of indigenous groups based in India, Pakistan Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-point-of-view-was-not-appropriately-presented-in-front-of-united-states-imran-khan-238065">Imran Khan</a> on Tuesday&nbsp;said that his government&nbsp;will never allow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-urges-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-take-action-against-terrorist-organisations-238060">armed militia</a> in its territory.

"It is in the interest of Pakistan that we do not allow any armed militia in our country. We have suffered sectarian attacks, we are in the worst situation, our investments are badly affected due to this," said Pakistan PM.

Gravitas: Watch Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed &amp; Pulwama attacks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-watch-imran-khan-respond-to-wion-on-hafiz-saeed-pulwama-attacks-238032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Replying to a question by WION's Anas Mallick on Pulwama attack, Khan said it was an "act of indigenous groups based in India". "Even before this attack happened we had already decided that we will disarm all armed militia in Pakistan,"&nbsp; he added.

The Pakistan prime minister is in the US on a three-day visit.

Both India and the US have repeatedly told Pakistan to crack down on terror infrastructure on its soil. The Ministry of External Affairs has time and again asked for "verifiable, credible and irreversible actions against terrorists and to disrupt and dismantle terror groups operating from their (Pakistan's) soil".

In a major diplomatic win, Indian efforts on the international front were recently rewarded after Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) chief, Masood Azhar, was blacklisted as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council following the gruesome February 14 Pulwama terror attack. At least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the attack, the responsibility of which was claimed by JeM.

Calling Pulwama attack an act of indigenous groups based in India, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that his government will never allow armed militia in its territory.

Calling Pulwama attack an act of indigenous groups based in India, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that his government will never allow armed militia in its territory. "It is in the interest of Pakistan that we do not allow any armed militia in our country. We have suffered sectarian attacks, we are in the worst situation, our investments are badly affected due to this," said Pakistan PM. Gravitas: Watch Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed & Pulwama attacks Replying to a question by WION's Anas Mallick on Pulwama attack, Khan said it was an "act of indigenous groups based in India". "Even before this attack happened we had already decided that we will disarm all armed militia in Pakistan," he added. The Pakistan prime minister is in the US on a three-day visit. Both India and the US have repeatedly told Pakistan to crack down on terror infrastructure on its soil. The Ministry of External Affairs has time and again asked for "verifiable, credible and irreversible actions against terrorists and to disrupt and dismantle terror groups operating from their (Pakistan's) soil". In a major diplomatic win, Indian efforts on the international front were recently rewarded after Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) chief, Masood Azhar, was blacklisted as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council following the gruesome February 14 Pulwama terror attack. At least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the attack, the responsibility of which was claimed by JeM.

Pakistan will not allow armed militia in the country: Imran Khan

The lone BSP MLA N Mahesh in Karnataka, who was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bahujan-samaj-party-expels-lone-karnataka-mla-for-abstaining-from-trust-vote-238053">expelled from the party </a>for not voting in support of the on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989">trust motion in the Assembly</a>, claimed on Wednesday that his party high command had asked him to abstain from voting and remain neutral.

He also said he will not support the BJP government and would remain neutral.

"I came to know about it today and that is why I have come here to clarify that. Our party in charge M P Ashok Siddharth told me to abstain from voting, keep neutral and don`t support any party. That was the instruction given to me and accordingly, I got myself absent," he told ANI reacting to his expulsion from the party on Wednesday.

To a question on BSP supremo Mayawati expelling him from the party for not supporting the coalition government, Mahesh said, "I don`t know that and today only I came to know about it."

"I have not violated any discipline or Behenji`s (Mayawati`s) order," he said.

"I have not violated anything. According to directions of the high command I got myself absent, keeping neutral." he added.&nbsp;

When asked whether he was surprised by the expulsion, Mahesh said, "It is surprising for me as I have not violated anything."

To a question, did you speak to Mayawati? he said, "No Today I came back. I was away from Bengaluru for nearly one week. I was in my constituency. So today morning I came to know that I am expelled."

"It may be a miscommunication. I have got all justice from my party. I will stay in BSP today and tomorrow," he added.

"I will not support the BJP. Let them form the government, I will keep neutral," he said when asked whether he will support the BJP to form the government in the state.&nbsp;

Yesterday, BSP had expelled Mahesh for abstaining from voting on the trust motion, despite being directed by the party high command to vote in favour of the Congress-JD(S) coalition.

"Despite directions from party high command to vote in favour of HD Kumaraswamy, BSP MLA N Mahesh did not attend the trust vote and violated directions, which is an act of indiscipline. Party has taken this seriously and expelled him with immediate effect," BSP supremo Mayawati tweeted.

Mahesh was not present in the Assembly during the trust vote, which was moved by Kumaraswamy.

The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion.

The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition.

Ahead of the trust vote, Mayawati had on Sunday directed Mahesh to vote in support of the coalition.

The lone BSP MLA N Mahesh in Karnataka, who was expelled from the party for not voting in support of the on the trust motion in the Assembly, claimed on Wednesday that his party high command had asked him to abstain from voting and remain neutral.

The lone BSP MLA N Mahesh in Karnataka, who was expelled from the party for not voting in support of the on the trust motion in the Assembly, claimed on Wednesday that his party high command had asked him to abstain from voting and remain neutral. He also said he will not support the BJP government and would remain neutral. "I came to know about it today and that is why I have come here to clarify that. Our party in charge M P Ashok Siddharth told me to abstain from voting, keep neutral and don`t support any party. That was the instruction given to me and accordingly, I got myself absent," he told ANI reacting to his expulsion from the party on Wednesday. To a question on BSP supremo Mayawati expelling him from the party for not supporting the coalition government, Mahesh said, "I don`t know that and today only I came to know about it." "I have not violated any discipline or Behenji`s (Mayawati`s) order," he said. "I have not violated anything. According to directions of the high command I got myself absent, keeping neutral." he added. When asked whether he was surprised by the expulsion, Mahesh said, "It is surprising for me as I have not violated anything." To a question, did you speak to Mayawati? he said, "No Today I came back. I was away from Bengaluru for nearly one week. I was in my constituency. So today morning I came to know that I am expelled." "It may be a miscommunication. I have got all justice from my party. I will stay in BSP today and tomorrow," he added. "I will not support the BJP. Let them form the government, I will keep neutral," he said when asked whether he will support the BJP to form the government in the state. Yesterday, BSP had expelled Mahesh for abstaining from voting on the trust motion, despite being directed by the party high command to vote in favour of the Congress-JD(S) coalition. "Despite directions from party high command to vote in favour of HD Kumaraswamy, BSP MLA N Mahesh did not attend the trust vote and violated directions, which is an act of indiscipline. Party has taken this seriously and expelled him with immediate effect," BSP supremo Mayawati tweeted. Mahesh was not present in the Assembly during the trust vote, which was moved by Kumaraswamy. The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion. The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. Ahead of the trust vote, Mayawati had on Sunday directed Mahesh to vote in support of the coalition.

I was told by party high command to abstain from voting: Karnataka BSP MLA

The Russian government has no information on the whereabouts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-netaji-subhash-chandra-boses-122nd-birth-anniversary-pm-modi-inaugurates-museum-at-red-fort-192216">Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose</a>. India since 2014 had requested Moscow many times seeking information on the nationalist leader.

In a statement in the Parliament, minister of state in the ministry of external affairs V Muraleedharan said, "Russian government has conveyed that they were unable to find any documents in the Russian archives pertaining to Netaji and even after additional investigations made based on a request from the Indian side, they could not find any documents giving more information on the subject."

New Delhi sought to know if Netaji was in Russia anytime before or after August 1945 or whether Netaji escaped to Russia in August 1945.&nbsp;

After his fallout with Congress and jail by British authorities for the campaign of civil disobedience, Bose left in the country in 1941 to seek the support of Nazi Germany to overthrow the British regime in India.&nbsp;

During this period, he also made a stopover in Soviet Russia and hoped for support to which he received lukewarm support. Reports also suggest that after the fall of Japan in World War-II, he had again hoped to get Russian support.

Subhas Chandra Bose's played a key role in the revival of Indian National Army(INA) and his slogans "give me blood and I will give you freedom" and "Dilli Chalo" are still popular and part of his legacy.

The Russian government has no information on the whereabouts of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. India since 2014 had requested Moscow many times seeking information on the nationalist leader.

The Russian government has no information on the whereabouts of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. India since 2014 had requested Moscow many times seeking information on the nationalist leader. In a statement in the Parliament, minister of state in the ministry of external affairs V Muraleedharan said, "Russian government has conveyed that they were unable to find any documents in the Russian archives pertaining to Netaji and even after additional investigations made based on a request from the Indian side, they could not find any documents giving more information on the subject." New Delhi sought to know if Netaji was in Russia anytime before or after August 1945 or whether Netaji escaped to Russia in August 1945. After his fallout with Congress and jail by British authorities for the campaign of civil disobedience, Bose left in the country in 1941 to seek the support of Nazi Germany to overthrow the British regime in India. During this period, he also made a stopover in Soviet Russia and hoped for support to which he received lukewarm support. Reports also suggest that after the fall of Japan in World War-II, he had again hoped to get Russian support. Subhas Chandra Bose's played a key role in the revival of Indian National Army(INA) and his slogans "give me blood and I will give you freedom" and "Dilli Chalo" are still popular and part of his legacy.

Russian government unable to find any documents on whereabouts of Subhash Chandra Bose: MEA

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Centre, CBI and five states on a petition seeking investigation into alleged illegal sand mining. A bench headed by Justice SA Bobde sought a response from the Ministry of Environment and Fores (MoEF), Ministry of Mines, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra in this regard.&nbsp;

During the course of the proceedings, advocates Prashant Bhushan and Pranav Sachdeva, appearing for petitioner M Alagarsamy, argued that illegal sand mining is going on across the country.&nbsp;

"It is a rampant problem across the country which needs to be tackled immediately," Bhushan contended. Quoting a media article, Bhushan submitted that a special investigation team, headed by a senior IAS officer, has revealed illegal mining of 1 crore metric tonnes of beach sand from Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanyakumari districts in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Alagarsamy sought a direction to the investigating agency to register and investigate the "scams" highlighted by him.&nbsp;

The petition said that a direction should be issued to the Centre not to grant environment clearance for sand mining projects without taking into account the cumulative impact of the sand mining in the entire area.&nbsp;

It pleaded for prosecution and termination of the leases of those entities that were found to have committed illegal sand mining. The plea sought denial of environment clearance to any sand mining project without procuring a proper environmental impact assessment (EIA), environmental management plan (EMP) and public consultation, and appraisal as per the EIA Notification, 2006.&nbsp;

The petition submitted that the court should direct the Centre and states to cease all river and beach sand mining activities owing to the non-implementation of the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016 and office memorandum dated December 24, 3013. A direction was also sought by the petitioner to the MoEF to constitute a committee for monitoring all such activities along with investigation and registration of cases against illegal mining by the CBI.&nbsp;

The Centre and states should ensure the existence of an approved mining plan under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, for all sand mining projects, the petition added.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Centre, CBI and five states on a petition seeking investigation into alleged illegal sand mining. A bench headed by Justice SA Bobde sought a response from the Ministry of Environment and Fores (MoEF), Ministry of Mines, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra in this regard.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Centre, CBI and five states on a petition seeking investigation into alleged illegal sand mining. A bench headed by Justice SA Bobde sought a response from the Ministry of Environment and Fores (MoEF), Ministry of Mines, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra in this regard. During the course of the proceedings, advocates Prashant Bhushan and Pranav Sachdeva, appearing for petitioner M Alagarsamy, argued that illegal sand mining is going on across the country. "It is a rampant problem across the country which needs to be tackled immediately," Bhushan contended. Quoting a media article, Bhushan submitted that a special investigation team, headed by a senior IAS officer, has revealed illegal mining of 1 crore metric tonnes of beach sand from Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanyakumari districts in Tamil Nadu. Alagarsamy sought a direction to the investigating agency to register and investigate the "scams" highlighted by him. The petition said that a direction should be issued to the Centre not to grant environment clearance for sand mining projects without taking into account the cumulative impact of the sand mining in the entire area. It pleaded for prosecution and termination of the leases of those entities that were found to have committed illegal sand mining. The plea sought denial of environment clearance to any sand mining project without procuring a proper environmental impact assessment (EIA), environmental management plan (EMP) and public consultation, and appraisal as per the EIA Notification, 2006. The petition submitted that the court should direct the Centre and states to cease all river and beach sand mining activities owing to the non-implementation of the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016 and office memorandum dated December 24, 3013. A direction was also sought by the petitioner to the MoEF to constitute a committee for monitoring all such activities along with investigation and registration of cases against illegal mining by the CBI. The Centre and states should ensure the existence of an approved mining plan under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, for all sand mining projects, the petition added.

llegal sand mining: Supreme Court seeks response from Centre, CBI and 5 states

Mohammad Abbas is old now. His words are hard to understand as all his incisors have&nbsp;gone. Abbas glues his eyes on the incoming customers at a small shoe shop located inside an enclosed market in Kargil city, which witnessed heavy shelling by Pakistan Army during the war in 1999.&nbsp;

Hailing from Srinagar, Abbas like many others has witnessed the deaths which occurred during the initial stage of the war. "It's not easy to forget dead bodies," he says while brushing the dust from the shoes which have been put on display.&nbsp;

"A shell landed here in front of this market, people started running in all directions, as smoke filled the air," says Abbas.

He shivers as he recalls what he saw that day. "There was blood around my shop and the market, that's all I could see initially. Later, people were lying in pool of blood, all civilians," he says while pointing at the location where a shell had landed.&nbsp;

"We took injured people to the hospital but as we reached, shells landed near the hospital, it was just chaos everywhere," he says as rage fills his face.&nbsp;

Six people died in the market, among them were Buddhist girls who were selling daily items, Abbas says as he takes a break.&nbsp;

The aroma of fresh apricots fill the market, there is a variety of dry fruits being sold by young and old. While young seem to have less knowledge about the Kargil war, the old haven't forgotten their struggle.&nbsp;

"The entire market and the city was deserted with no signs of civilians after shells started to land here, people left their homes and moved back to villages and safer locations," says Mohammad Shafi, now 78-years-old.&nbsp;

Shafi runs a general store at the main market. His shop was shut for months as the war raged between India and Pakistan. "I moved with my children and cattle to a safer location. There was no ration for days and shops were shut," he recalls while sitting in his shop. Things have changed now," he adds.

Mohammad says that the government paid compensation to the families of those who lost their lives. &nbsp;There are many like them, who have stories to tell while some are afraid to recall, others just wish no such war repeats again.&nbsp;

20 years ago, the Indian army recaptured all the posts and positions in Kargil which were occupied by the Pakistan Army.&nbsp;

Mohammad Abbas is old now. His words are hard to understand as all his incisors have gone. Abbas glues his eyes on the incoming customers at a small shoe shop located inside an enclosed market in Kargil city, which witnessed heavy shelling by Pakistan Army during the war in 1999.

Mohammad Abbas is old now. His words are hard to understand as all his incisors have gone. Abbas glues his eyes on the incoming customers at a small shoe shop located inside an enclosed market in Kargil city, which witnessed heavy shelling by Pakistan Army during the war in 1999. Hailing from Srinagar, Abbas like many others has witnessed the deaths which occurred during the initial stage of the war. "It's not easy to forget dead bodies," he says while brushing the dust from the shoes which have been put on display. "A shell landed here in front of this market, people started running in all directions, as smoke filled the air," says Abbas. He shivers as he recalls what he saw that day. "There was blood around my shop and the market, that's all I could see initially. Later, people were lying in pool of blood, all civilians," he says while pointing at the location where a shell had landed. "We took injured people to the hospital but as we reached, shells landed near the hospital, it was just chaos everywhere," he says as rage fills his face. Six people died in the market, among them were Buddhist girls who were selling daily items, Abbas says as he takes a break. The aroma of fresh apricots fill the market, there is a variety of dry fruits being sold by young and old. While young seem to have less knowledge about the Kargil war, the old haven't forgotten their struggle. "The entire market and the city was deserted with no signs of civilians after shells started to land here, people left their homes and moved back to villages and safer locations," says Mohammad Shafi, now 78-years-old. Shafi runs a general store at the main market. His shop was shut for months as the war raged between India and Pakistan. "I moved with my children and cattle to a safer location. There was no ration for days and shops were shut," he recalls while sitting in his shop. Things have changed now," he adds. Mohammad says that the government paid compensation to the families of those who lost their lives. There are many like them, who have stories to tell while some are afraid to recall, others just wish no such war repeats again. 20 years ago, the Indian army recaptured all the posts and positions in Kargil which were occupied by the Pakistan Army.

Shell-shocked: 20 years on an eyewitness recalls bloody Kargil War 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue.

"As S Jaishankar ji said Kashmir issue was not discussed in President Trump &amp; PM Modi meeting. There is no question of mediation in Kashmir issue as it will be against the Shimla agreement," said Singh.

On Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/any-mediation-with-pakistan-will-require-end-to-cross-border-terrorism-s-jaishankar-on-trumps-remarks-on-kashmir-issue-237840">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a>, in both the houses of Parliament, rejected Trump's claim that PM Modi discussed Kashmir issue with him. 
 
This is also a question of the nation's pride, he said. "We can accept everything. We can compromise on anything but we cannot compromise at the cost of our nation's pride."

"I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request has been made by PM Modi," Jaishankar said.

"It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar told Parliamentarians.

On Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">Donald Trump said that PM Modi</a> had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Oval office.

"I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said.

Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue. "As S Jaishankar ji said Kashmir issue was not discussed in President Trump & PM Modi meeting.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue. "As S Jaishankar ji said Kashmir issue was not discussed in President Trump & PM Modi meeting. There is no question of mediation in Kashmir issue as it will be against the Shimla agreement," said Singh. On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in both the houses of Parliament, rejected Trump's claim that PM Modi discussed Kashmir issue with him. This is also a question of the nation's pride, he said. "We can accept everything. We can compromise on anything but we cannot compromise at the cost of our nation's pride." "I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request has been made by PM Modi," Jaishankar said. "It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar told Parliamentarians. On Monday, Donald Trump said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Oval office. "I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said. Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do." (With inputs from agencies)

No question of mediation in Kashmir issue: Rajnath Singh on Donald Trump's claim

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday bid farewell to five of its members from Tamil Nadu who have completed six years of their term.

The five retiring MPs are Maitreyan, D Raja, KR Arjunan, R Lakshmanan and T Rathinavel.&nbsp;

Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu appreciated the five MPs for their contributions in the law-making process and public service.

Meanwhile, outgoing AIADMK MP V Maitreyan broke down during his farewell speech in Rajya Sabha.

At this juncture I place on record deep sense of gratitude towards my beloved leader, Amma (Jayalalithaa) for having immense faith in me &amp; sending me to this House for 3 terms. She gave me the honour of being the only member from AIADMK to have been given membership to Rajya Sabha for three terms. My unalloyed loyalty to her will always be there," Maitreyan said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Outgoing AIADMK MP V Maitreyan breaks down while giving farewell speech in Rajya Sabha; says, "At this juncture I place on record deep sense of gratitude towards my beloved leader, Amma (Jayalalithaa) for having immense faith in me &amp; sending me to this House for 3 terms," <a href="https://t.co/flFpqRqen4">pic.twitter.com/flFpqRqen4</a>
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He also expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I cannot forget my longtime friend and Prime Minister Narendra Modi whom I know since 90s and I had been a loyal emissary between him and Madam. I sincerely thank him for personal affection for me," he said.&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday bid farewell to five of its members from Tamil Nadu who have completed six years of their term. The five retiring MPs are Maitreyan, D Raja, KR Arjunan, R Lakshmanan and T Rathinavel.

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday bid farewell to five of its members from Tamil Nadu who have completed six years of their term. The five retiring MPs are Maitreyan, D Raja, KR Arjunan, R Lakshmanan and T Rathinavel. Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu appreciated the five MPs for their contributions in the law-making process and public service. Meanwhile, outgoing AIADMK MP V Maitreyan broke down during his farewell speech in Rajya Sabha. At this juncture I place on record deep sense of gratitude towards my beloved leader, Amma (Jayalalithaa) for having immense faith in me & sending me to this House for 3 terms. She gave me the honour of being the only member from AIADMK to have been given membership to Rajya Sabha for three terms. My unalloyed loyalty to her will always be there," Maitreyan said. #WATCH Outgoing AIADMK MP V Maitreyan breaks down while giving farewell speech in Rajya Sabha; says, "At this juncture I place on record deep sense of gratitude towards my beloved leader, Amma (Jayalalithaa) for having immense faith in me & sending me to this House for 3 terms," pic.twitter.com/flFpqRqen4 — ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2019 × He also expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I cannot forget my longtime friend and Prime Minister Narendra Modi whom I know since 90s and I had been a loyal emissary between him and Madam. I sincerely thank him for personal affection for me," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajya Sabha bids farewell to its five outgoing members

The exit of Congress-JD (S) coalition government in Karnataka has paved the way for the BJP into power corridors of the state. Following this win its state unit president BS Yeddyurappa is likely to stake claim to form the government, if accomplished, it would be his fourth stint as Chief Minister of the State.

The 76-year-old Yeddyurappa first took over as the chief minister of Karnataka in 2007, but could not hold on to the post for mere seven days after the JD(S) withdrew support and the President's rule was imposed in the state. He again made way to the coveted post in 2008 but again owing to corruption charges failed to complete a full term.

During his second term, he held the post from May 2008 to July 2011. He had to resign following the accusations of corruption charges in illegal land deregulation notification scam.

Thereafter in 2012, he formed a new party "Karnataka Praja Paksha" but rejoined the BJP before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in which he got elected from Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency.

In 2018, the BJP veteran again jostled his way to the top post in the state but could not rule the state more than a week as his party failed to garner a majority.

Right after the defeat of the Congress-JD(S) government in the trust vote in the Assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy proceeded to the Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation to the Governor Vajubhai Vala.

Vala accepted Kumaraswamy's resignation and asked him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister till the new government takes over.

The confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat.

This brought an end to the 12-day high-voltage political drama which had begun in the state with the resignation of over a dozen rebel MLAs to Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday said BJP will stake claim to form the government in Karnataka after taking guidance from the central leadership.

The defeat marks the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) fought each other in the polls. There were differences between the coalition partners that often came to the surface but they carried on against the threat of BJP.

The exit of Congress-JD (S) coalition government in Karnataka has paved the way for the BJP into power corridors of the state. Following this win its state unit president BS Yeddyurappa is likely to stake claim to form the government, if accomplished, it would be his fourth stint as Chief Minister of the State.

The exit of Congress-JD (S) coalition government in Karnataka has paved the way for the BJP into power corridors of the state. Following this win its state unit president BS Yeddyurappa is likely to stake claim to form the government, if accomplished, it would be his fourth stint as Chief Minister of the State. The 76-year-old Yeddyurappa first took over as the chief minister of Karnataka in 2007, but could not hold on to the post for mere seven days after the JD(S) withdrew support and the President's rule was imposed in the state. He again made way to the coveted post in 2008 but again owing to corruption charges failed to complete a full term. During his second term, he held the post from May 2008 to July 2011. He had to resign following the accusations of corruption charges in illegal land deregulation notification scam. Thereafter in 2012, he formed a new party "Karnataka Praja Paksha" but rejoined the BJP before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in which he got elected from Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency. In 2018, the BJP veteran again jostled his way to the top post in the state but could not rule the state more than a week as his party failed to garner a majority. Right after the defeat of the Congress-JD(S) government in the trust vote in the Assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy proceeded to the Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation to the Governor Vajubhai Vala. Vala accepted Kumaraswamy's resignation and asked him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister till the new government takes over. The confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat. This brought an end to the 12-day high-voltage political drama which had begun in the state with the resignation of over a dozen rebel MLAs to Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday said BJP will stake claim to form the government in Karnataka after taking guidance from the central leadership. The defeat marks the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) fought each other in the polls. There were differences between the coalition partners that often came to the surface but they carried on against the threat of BJP.

With BJP to form government in Karnataka, Yeddyurappa set to be chief minister for fourth time

A red alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala as India Meteorological Department (IMD)<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-predicted-in-andhra-pradesh-karnataka-237268"> predicted "extremely heavy" rainfall</a> at isolated places in the state today.

An orange alert has been issued for Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad. Moreover, a yellow alert has been issued for Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki.

A holiday has been declared for schools in Kannur, Kasargod and Malappuram districts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-237689">IMD</a> has further stated that that rough to very rough sea conditions are expected to prevail along and off Goa-Karnataka-Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coasts and Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

A red alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala as India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted "extremely heavy" rainfall at isolated places in the state today.

A red alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala as India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted "extremely heavy" rainfall at isolated places in the state today. An orange alert has been issued for Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad. Moreover, a yellow alert has been issued for Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki. A holiday has been declared for schools in Kannur, Kasargod and Malappuram districts. IMD has further stated that that rough to very rough sea conditions are expected to prevail along and off Goa-Karnataka-Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coasts and Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

Kerala: Red alert issued for Kannur, Kasaragod

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured both the houses of Parliament&nbsp;that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue. 
 
"I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request has been made by PM Modi," he said.

"It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar said. 
 
"The Shimla Agreement &amp; the Lahore declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India &amp; Pakistan bilaterally," Jaishankar told parliamentarians.

Meanwhile, Opposition members created ruckus in both the houses, seeking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">Prime Minister's clarification </a>on the issue. 
 
Following the ruckus, Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu said that everyone should be seen speaking in one voice on the issue.&nbsp;"It is a national issue. Country’s unity, integrity &amp; national interest is involved, we should be seen speaking in one voice," he said. 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

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Jaishankar's statement comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">Donald Trump said that PM Modi</a> had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Oval office.

"I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said.

Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured both the houses of Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured both the houses of Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue. "I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request has been made by PM Modi," he said. "It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar said. "The Shimla Agreement & the Lahore declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India & Pakistan bilaterally," Jaishankar told parliamentarians. Meanwhile, Opposition members created ruckus in both the houses, seeking Prime Minister's clarification on the issue. Following the ruckus, Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu said that everyone should be seen speaking in one voice on the issue. "It is a national issue. Country’s unity, integrity & national interest is involved, we should be seen speaking in one voice," he said. Watch: × Jaishankar's statement comes after Donald Trump said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Oval office. "I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said. Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do." (With inputs from agencies)

Any mediation with Pakistan will require end to cross-border terrorism: S Jaishankar rejects Trump's remarks on Kashmir issue

The ongoing Monsoon session of the Parliament could be extended for 10 days, Home Minister Amit Shah informed lawmakers during the BJP`s Parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday. 
 
The meeting was held at the Library Building, ahead of the day's proceedings. Apart from the BJP president, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi also told MPs about the likely extension of the session. 
 
Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, to name a few. After the previous meeting held last week, Joshi had said the Prime Minister reiterated that attendance is compulsory in the House and there is no exception to this. He had also asked lawmakers to ensure that the government schemes reach people. 
 
"There are complaints that ministers remain absent during their roster duties. Prime Minister asked for their names by the evening and said that serious cognizance will be taken," a senior BJP parliamentarian, who was present in the meeting, had told ANI on the condition of anonymity.

The ongoing Monsoon session of the Parliament could be extended for 10 days, Home Minister Amit Shah informed lawmakers during the BJP`s Parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday.

The ongoing Monsoon session of the Parliament could be extended for 10 days, Home Minister Amit Shah informed lawmakers during the BJP`s Parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday. The meeting was held at the Library Building, ahead of the day's proceedings. Apart from the BJP president, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi also told MPs about the likely extension of the session. Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, to name a few. After the previous meeting held last week, Joshi had said the Prime Minister reiterated that attendance is compulsory in the House and there is no exception to this. He had also asked lawmakers to ensure that the government schemes reach people. "There are complaints that ministers remain absent during their roster duties. Prime Minister asked for their names by the evening and said that serious cognizance will be taken," a senior BJP parliamentarian, who was present in the meeting, had told ANI on the condition of anonymity.

Monsoon Session of Parliament may be extended for 10 days, Amit Shah informs party MPs

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