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The death toll in the building collapse in Mumbai's Dongri area climbed to 14 on Wednesday even as the search and rescue operation was still on.

The search and rescue operation is being carried out by Mumbai Fire Brigade and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with the help of sniffer dogs. The injured have been admitted to the city's J J Hospital and Habib Hospital.

The incident occurred at 11 am on Tuesday in Dongri area, initially killing two persons and trapping over 40 people under its debris.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of those who died in the building collapse.

He also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured. The state government has ordered an investigation into the incident.&nbsp; 
 
Fadnavis has called a meeting to discuss the building collapse. Housing Minister RV Patil and officers from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority are expected to attend the meeting, reported news agency ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the death of people in the building collapse.

''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations &amp; assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said. 
 
The BMC has claimed that it had classified the building in the "C1 category" back in 2017. This classification meant the building was meant "to be evacuated for demolition at the earliest".&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The death toll in the building collapse in Mumbai's Dongri area climbed to 14 on Wednesday even as the search and rescue operation was still on. The search and rescue operation is being carried out by Mumbai Fire Brigade and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with the help of sniffer dogs.

The death toll in the building collapse in Mumbai's Dongri area climbed to 14 on Wednesday even as the search and rescue operation was still on. The search and rescue operation is being carried out by Mumbai Fire Brigade and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with the help of sniffer dogs. The injured have been admitted to the city's J J Hospital and Habib Hospital. The incident occurred at 11 am on Tuesday in Dongri area, initially killing two persons and trapping over 40 people under its debris. Meanwhile, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of those who died in the building collapse. He also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured. The state government has ordered an investigation into the incident. Fadnavis has called a meeting to discuss the building collapse. Housing Minister RV Patil and officers from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority are expected to attend the meeting, reported news agency ANI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the death of people in the building collapse. ''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations & assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said. The BMC has claimed that it had classified the building in the "C1 category" back in 2017. This classification meant the building was meant "to be evacuated for demolition at the earliest". (With inputs from agencies)

Mumbai building collapse: Death toll rises to 14, CM Devendra Fadnavis announces compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday came down heavily on some ministers who were absent from Parliament duty. 
 
During the BJP's weekly parliamentary party meeting, he asked for a list of ministers who did not adhere to the roster and were absent from their Parliament duty today.

Whenever Parliament is in session, a roster is prepared for the MPs. It mentions as to when an MP should compulsorily attend the House.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people across the country.

He urged BJP MPs to work on humanitarian causes apart from their parliamentary duties."He told members to work on humanitarian causes. He took the example of the disease of leprosy," said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi.

Modi also asked the lawmakers to work towards the issues related to water scarcity.

The meeting was attended by all BJP MPs of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan were among the early leaders to arrive for the meeting.&nbsp; 
 
Currently, the Monsoon Session of Parliament is underway. The session will conclude on July 26.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday came down heavily on some ministers who were absent from Parliament duty. During the BJP's weekly parliamentary party meeting, he asked for a list of ministers who did not adhere to the roster and were absent from their Parliament duty today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday came down heavily on some ministers who were absent from Parliament duty. During the BJP's weekly parliamentary party meeting, he asked for a list of ministers who did not adhere to the roster and were absent from their Parliament duty today. Whenever Parliament is in session, a roster is prepared for the MPs. It mentions as to when an MP should compulsorily attend the House. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people across the country. He urged BJP MPs to work on humanitarian causes apart from their parliamentary duties."He told members to work on humanitarian causes. He took the example of the disease of leprosy," said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi. Modi also asked the lawmakers to work towards the issues related to water scarcity. The meeting was attended by all BJP MPs of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan were among the early leaders to arrive for the meeting. Currently, the Monsoon Session of Parliament is underway. The session will conclude on July 26. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi upset with BJP MPs for skipping roster duty in Parliament

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/reserve-bank-of-india-to-enhance-monitoring-of-shadow-banking-firms-governor-225678">Reserve Bank of India (RBI) </a>has imposed a penalty of Rs 7 crore on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-likely-to-spell-out-roadmap-for-banking-sector-reforms-consolidation-225649">State Bank of India</a> for non-compliance of directions.

The regulatory lapses relate to bad loan classification, fraud risk management and reporting of frauds.

The RBI directions specifically relate to Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms, code of conduct for opening and operating current accounts and reporting of data on Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC), fraud risk management and classification and reporting of frauds.

&nbsp;The penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions of section 47A (1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 51(1) of the Banking Regulation Act 1949.

"Based on the inspection report and other relevant documents, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for non-compliance with directions issued by RBI," said a statement issued by the banking regulator.

"RBI came to the conclusion that the charges above of non-compliance with RBI directions were substantiated and warranted the imposition of monetary penalty," it said adding the action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 7 crore on State Bank of India for non-compliance of directions. The regulatory lapses relate to bad loan classification, fraud risk management and reporting of frauds.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 7 crore on State Bank of India for non-compliance of directions. The regulatory lapses relate to bad loan classification, fraud risk management and reporting of frauds. The RBI directions specifically relate to Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms, code of conduct for opening and operating current accounts and reporting of data on Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC), fraud risk management and classification and reporting of frauds. The penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions of section 47A (1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 51(1) of the Banking Regulation Act 1949. "Based on the inspection report and other relevant documents, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for non-compliance with directions issued by RBI," said a statement issued by the banking regulator. "RBI came to the conclusion that the charges above of non-compliance with RBI directions were substantiated and warranted the imposition of monetary penalty," it said adding the action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.

Reserve Bank of India imposes a penalty of Rs 7 crore on State Bank of India for regulatory lapses

Emphasising the importance of our natural blessings and holding the accountability towards every action we do, Aparna Kumar speaks to WION and says that she is really worried about what we as human beings are contributing to maintaining the natural vibrancy of our environment.&nbsp;

Aparna Kumar made headlines by scaling Mount Denali in Alaska, USA, and with this climb, she became the first( IPS) Officer and DIG in (ITBP) to climb North America’s highest peak and also the first IPS officer to complete the Seven Summits Challenge ( challenge of climbing highest point in each of the 7 continents.)

She also became the first woman IPS DIG and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officer to complete the South Pole expedition.

In an interview with WION's Ayushi Agarwal, Aparna Kumar said that we should worry about what is happening around us and start doing it at a very young age to keep our mountains/glaciers protected.&nbsp;

Here are some excerpts of their conversations.&nbsp;

WION- As a passionate mountaineer, you must be holding a very special place for ice and snow. How do you feel about hearing and reading the studies predicting that the ice is melting at a very steady rate? What is your take on being to such places?

APARNA KUMAR- The drawback is completely visible. The places that I had visited is evidence of the fact that climate is changing and glaciers are receding at a very faster rate. But it depends on many factors. If you ask me about my experience, then I feel that I had seen many variations. For instance, when I went to Denali in late June, it was raining incessantly and snowing heavily. So it is all about variations. But yes, what we experience is because of the fact what we did in the past. The sudden change in climate is not an overnight variation, but it is our human activities that had led to such adversities and we must hold the onus.&nbsp;

Reading studies about climate change and coming across such news and data bothers me. As a mountaineer, I see effects everywhere. It is more visible now than it was before. &nbsp;You can see more rock pieces now. &nbsp;Even our guides who have been climbing for 15 years have themselves witnessed this drastic change. The ice is melting at such a faster rate. This is unfortunate.&nbsp;

WION- Climbers try hard to forge new routes to avoid litter and pollutants during climbing. Did you also witness litters and pollutants on your journey? What did you feel after witnessing such things?

APARNA KUMAR- My experience in witnessing such pollutants has been different in every mountain that I had scaled up. To me, Mount Denali has been one of the cleanest mountains that I have climbed so far. The National park service makes a lot of effort in keeping the mountain clean. Also, we have some set rules, like we get clean mountain camps in which we have to stick. They give us polythene covers which are inserted into these clean mountain camps, also known as CMC's, and once they fill up, we have to replace the polythene with a new one so that we can use that and these again will be brought down to the base camp and then out of the glacier. These are all biodegradable polythene covers and Everything is brought down and nothing is left on the mountains. So, this is a very strict rule and these park rangers of National Park service keeps on monitoring if we are sticking to the rules or not. Hence my experience in terms of cleanliness had been amazing on Denali.&nbsp; 
If you ask me what I felt in the other mountains then I must say that apart from the Himalayas, every other mountain is very particular about keeping it clean.&nbsp;

One way I suggest that we can contribute to keeping the pollutants/litters out is by government/association designing the policies and imposing strict rules to maintain the blessing that we have in such forms.&nbsp;

WION - Climbing mountains are hit from climate disruption and global warming issues making things harder and deteriorating the natural vibrancy. How do you see this and what do you suggest on such cases as the process is slow and visible to the eyes of scientists?

APARNA KUMAR - See, we need to be very serious towards protecting our environment at a very young age. In India, we lack behind many countries in terms of cleanliness and keeping natural gifts secure. Hence we need to do this right from the very basic level to the advanced. For example, even if is our own house, we try pushing the garbage towards our neighborhood without understanding the fact that the process would be coming back to us. So we need to be very conscious and should start becoming a responsible citizen. This is I believe should begin by targeting young people who very well know how to take care of their things. Also, our education in some forms should include serious issues in the environment.&nbsp;

WION - In recent days, Everest and Nanda Devi have quite been in news. Be it for the bottlenecks in the peaks, body retrieval and plucking tonnes of garbage. What will you say about the traffic management?&nbsp;

APARNA KUMAR - Adventure has now been very popular. Everyone wants to climb Everest and peaks. But we need to understand that not everyone can climb mountains. You need to be very serious about it. The traffic that has been on Everest is a very serious issue. It is because every year on Everest, there is an unlimited number of people scaling up who are inexperienced, not acclimatize to the weather conditions and are not serious about mountaineering. This results in their illness and also death. The extreme weather conditions on any mountain do not favour everyone resulting in getting them back, alive or dead which is not at all an easy nut to crack. So, we need to come up with strictest rules to avoid bottlenecks and adversities.&nbsp;

Nanda Devi is again not so crowded. Very few people climb it because it is a very tough peak. The recent news that had come up was a freak accident and a natural calamity of an avalanche that killed all climbers.&nbsp; 
The only way to reduce such calamities is by following rules and reducing human activities.&nbsp;

WION- You had recently made headlines by becoming the first IPS officer to reach the South Pole and now by scaling seven summits. Tell us more about your journey and how did you think of doing such arduous take?&nbsp;

APARNA KUMAR- Yes, it was a very gradual and step by step process. I first started climbing smaller mountains like Kilimanjaro and then taking up to the higher. The journey started in 2013 when I was posted as the Commander of 9th battalion PAC. It used to take care of high altitudes of Uttarakhand along the Indo-Tibetan border. People used to tell me about their adventurous stories and their experiences on walking on snow and pulling their sledge full of luggage. It made me curious about attempting it.&nbsp;

While my training began in 2013 when I did a basic mountaineering course from Manali. I was adjudged with A-grade, which made it possible for me to pursue an advanced mountaineering course which I completed in July 2014. The course made me eligible for expeditions. Shortly after, my training began. I knew I had to be physically and mentally strong as the task demands a lot of vigor. So before climbing up Everest, I had already climbed 7-8 peaks and then I thought of doing the Seven Summits.&nbsp;

WION- How did you feel after unfurling the Indian Flag once you completed your seven summits? One message that you want to give?&nbsp;

APARNA KUMAR- It was a big sense of relief because since past years, I have been trying hard to complete it but the extreme weather conditions sent me back home. This time I did it before the scheduled time. &nbsp;So in the end, it was very relieving and also I was happy in becoming the first one/Indian among my group of climbers to get it done in a foreign country.&nbsp;

One message that I want to give is to hold the onus of our deeds. We should start taking our biodiversity very seriously otherwise one day, everything around us will perish! 
&nbsp;

Emphasising the importance of our natural blessings and holding the accountability towards every action we do, Aparna Kumar speaks to WION and says that she is really worried about what we as human beings are contributing to maintaining the natural vibrancy of our environment.

Emphasising the importance of our natural blessings and holding the accountability towards every action we do, Aparna Kumar speaks to WION and says that she is really worried about what we as human beings are contributing to maintaining the natural vibrancy of our environment. Aparna Kumar made headlines by scaling Mount Denali in Alaska, USA, and with this climb, she became the first( IPS) Officer and DIG in (ITBP) to climb North America’s highest peak and also the first IPS officer to complete the Seven Summits Challenge ( challenge of climbing highest point in each of the 7 continents.) She also became the first woman IPS DIG and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officer to complete the South Pole expedition. In an interview with WION's Ayushi Agarwal, Aparna Kumar said that we should worry about what is happening around us and start doing it at a very young age to keep our mountains/glaciers protected. Here are some excerpts of their conversations. WION- As a passionate mountaineer, you must be holding a very special place for ice and snow. How do you feel about hearing and reading the studies predicting that the ice is melting at a very steady rate? What is your take on being to such places? APARNA KUMAR- The drawback is completely visible. The places that I had visited is evidence of the fact that climate is changing and glaciers are receding at a very faster rate. But it depends on many factors. If you ask me about my experience, then I feel that I had seen many variations. For instance, when I went to Denali in late June, it was raining incessantly and snowing heavily. So it is all about variations. But yes, what we experience is because of the fact what we did in the past. The sudden change in climate is not an overnight variation, but it is our human activities that had led to such adversities and we must hold the onus. Reading studies about climate change and coming across such news and data bothers me. As a mountaineer, I see effects everywhere. It is more visible now than it was before. You can see more rock pieces now. Even our guides who have been climbing for 15 years have themselves witnessed this drastic change. The ice is melting at such a faster rate. This is unfortunate. WION- Climbers try hard to forge new routes to avoid litter and pollutants during climbing. Did you also witness litters and pollutants on your journey? What did you feel after witnessing such things? APARNA KUMAR- My experience in witnessing such pollutants has been different in every mountain that I had scaled up. To me, Mount Denali has been one of the cleanest mountains that I have climbed so far. The National park service makes a lot of effort in keeping the mountain clean. Also, we have some set rules, like we get clean mountain camps in which we have to stick. They give us polythene covers which are inserted into these clean mountain camps, also known as CMC's, and once they fill up, we have to replace the polythene with a new one so that we can use that and these again will be brought down to the base camp and then out of the glacier. These are all biodegradable polythene covers and Everything is brought down and nothing is left on the mountains. So, this is a very strict rule and these park rangers of National Park service keeps on monitoring if we are sticking to the rules or not. Hence my experience in terms of cleanliness had been amazing on Denali. If you ask me what I felt in the other mountains then I must say that apart from the Himalayas, every other mountain is very particular about keeping it clean. One way I suggest that we can contribute to keeping the pollutants/litters out is by government/association designing the policies and imposing strict rules to maintain the blessing that we have in such forms. WION - Climbing mountains are hit from climate disruption and global warming issues making things harder and deteriorating the natural vibrancy. How do you see this and what do you suggest on such cases as the process is slow and visible to the eyes of scientists? APARNA KUMAR - See, we need to be very serious towards protecting our environment at a very young age. In India, we lack behind many countries in terms of cleanliness and keeping natural gifts secure. Hence we need to do this right from the very basic level to the advanced. For example, even if is our own house, we try pushing the garbage towards our neighborhood without understanding the fact that the process would be coming back to us. So we need to be very conscious and should start becoming a responsible citizen. This is I believe should begin by targeting young people who very well know how to take care of their things. Also, our education in some forms should include serious issues in the environment. WION - In recent days, Everest and Nanda Devi have quite been in news. Be it for the bottlenecks in the peaks, body retrieval and plucking tonnes of garbage. What will you say about the traffic management? APARNA KUMAR - Adventure has now been very popular. Everyone wants to climb Everest and peaks. But we need to understand that not everyone can climb mountains. You need to be very serious about it. The traffic that has been on Everest is a very serious issue. It is because every year on Everest, there is an unlimited number of people scaling up who are inexperienced, not acclimatize to the weather conditions and are not serious about mountaineering. This results in their illness and also death. The extreme weather conditions on any mountain do not favour everyone resulting in getting them back, alive or dead which is not at all an easy nut to crack. So, we need to come up with strictest rules to avoid bottlenecks and adversities. Nanda Devi is again not so crowded. Very few people climb it because it is a very tough peak. The recent news that had come up was a freak accident and a natural calamity of an avalanche that killed all climbers. The only way to reduce such calamities is by following rules and reducing human activities. WION- You had recently made headlines by becoming the first IPS officer to reach the South Pole and now by scaling seven summits. Tell us more about your journey and how did you think of doing such arduous take? APARNA KUMAR- Yes, it was a very gradual and step by step process. I first started climbing smaller mountains like Kilimanjaro and then taking up to the higher. The journey started in 2013 when I was posted as the Commander of 9th battalion PAC. It used to take care of high altitudes of Uttarakhand along the Indo-Tibetan border. People used to tell me about their adventurous stories and their experiences on walking on snow and pulling their sledge full of luggage. It made me curious about attempting it. While my training began in 2013 when I did a basic mountaineering course from Manali. I was adjudged with A-grade, which made it possible for me to pursue an advanced mountaineering course which I completed in July 2014. The course made me eligible for expeditions. Shortly after, my training began. I knew I had to be physically and mentally strong as the task demands a lot of vigor. So before climbing up Everest, I had already climbed 7-8 peaks and then I thought of doing the Seven Summits. WION- How did you feel after unfurling the Indian Flag once you completed your seven summits? One message that you want to give? APARNA KUMAR- It was a big sense of relief because since past years, I have been trying hard to complete it but the extreme weather conditions sent me back home. This time I did it before the scheduled time. So in the end, it was very relieving and also I was happy in becoming the first one/Indian among my group of climbers to get it done in a foreign country. One message that I want to give is to hold the onus of our deeds. We should start taking our biodiversity very seriously otherwise one day, everything around us will perish!

Take biodiversity seriously otherwise one day everything will perish: Aparna Kumar, first IPS officer to complete 7 summits challenge to WION

The international court of justice(ICJ) will be pronouncing its final verdict in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-writes-to-pakistan-for-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-207577"> Kulbhushan Jadhav case </a>on Wednesday.

The verdict will be given out at 6:30 pm(IST) by the Peace Palace, The Hague by President of the International Court of Justice Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf.

While Pakistan has sent a 13-member delegation led by Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan, India will be represented by Joint Secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) Deepak Mittal and officials from Legal &amp; Treaties Division of the ministry of external affairs.&nbsp;

India had&nbsp;requested the world court to annul the decision of the Pakistani military court and asked for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-claim-for-relief-in-kulbhushan-jadhav-case-must-be-dismissed-pakistan-to-international-court-of-justice-198829">release of Kulbhushan Jhadav </a>or if he not released, he should be given a trial under ordinary law before a civilian court with the right to India to arrange for his legal representations and full consular access.&nbsp;

The final oral hearing on the case happened earlier this year in February with both sides presenting their arguments.

Both sides ahead of the verdict didn't want to speculate in the high profile case.&nbsp;

While the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said,"We will have to wait till 17th July. Not proper to speculate. We have submitted a memorial which is in public domain.", spokesperson of Pakistani Foreign Ministry Faisal Mohammed said, "We can not prejudge the verdict, however, we prepared for the case comprehensively."

Jhadav is an Indian national who was kidnapped by Pakistani spy agency from Iran which Islamabad refuses, saying he was a spy.&nbsp;

India was first informed of his custody by Pakistani authorities on March 25, 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that a military court has awarded death sentence to him.

New Delhi then went to the world court on May 8, 2017 and filed a case against Pakistan for “for egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963” and got a stay on his hanging.

On May 18, 2017, the ICJ delivered its order asking Pakistan to not go ahead with the execution. The order said, "Pakistan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure that Mr. Jadhav is not executed pending the final decision in these proceedings and shall inform the Court of all the measures taken in implementation of the present Order."&nbsp;

On 25th December 2017, Pakistan allowed Kulbhushan's mother and wife to meet him in Islamabad, an event that became a media circus with Pakistani foreign ministry even removing footwears and mangalsutra of Kulbhushan's wife.&nbsp;

The international court of justice(ICJ) will be pronouncing its final verdict in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case on Wednesday. The verdict will be given out at 6:30 pm(IST) by the Peace Palace, The Hague by President of the International Court of Justice Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf.

The international court of justice(ICJ) will be pronouncing its final verdict in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case on Wednesday. The verdict will be given out at 6:30 pm(IST) by the Peace Palace, The Hague by President of the International Court of Justice Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf. While Pakistan has sent a 13-member delegation led by Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan, India will be represented by Joint Secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) Deepak Mittal and officials from Legal & Treaties Division of the ministry of external affairs. India had requested the world court to annul the decision of the Pakistani military court and asked for the release of Kulbhushan Jhadav or if he not released, he should be given a trial under ordinary law before a civilian court with the right to India to arrange for his legal representations and full consular access. The final oral hearing on the case happened earlier this year in February with both sides presenting their arguments. Both sides ahead of the verdict didn't want to speculate in the high profile case. While the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said,"We will have to wait till 17th July. Not proper to speculate. We have submitted a memorial which is in public domain.", spokesperson of Pakistani Foreign Ministry Faisal Mohammed said, "We can not prejudge the verdict, however, we prepared for the case comprehensively." Jhadav is an Indian national who was kidnapped by Pakistani spy agency from Iran which Islamabad refuses, saying he was a spy. India was first informed of his custody by Pakistani authorities on March 25, 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that a military court has awarded death sentence to him. New Delhi then went to the world court on May 8, 2017 and filed a case against Pakistan for “for egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963” and got a stay on his hanging. On May 18, 2017, the ICJ delivered its order asking Pakistan to not go ahead with the execution. The order said, "Pakistan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure that Mr. Jadhav is not executed pending the final decision in these proceedings and shall inform the Court of all the measures taken in implementation of the present Order." On 25th December 2017, Pakistan allowed Kulbhushan's mother and wife to meet him in Islamabad, an event that became a media circus with Pakistani foreign ministry even removing footwears and mangalsutra of Kulbhushan's wife.

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: Will not prejudge verdict, says Pakistan foreign office

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has voiced his confidence by saying that India will be a US$5 trillion economy by 2025 and the Centre is well poised towards achieving the target.

"I am very confident that by 2025 we will be a US$5 trillion economy. We are well poised towards achieving that, focused on different aspects of the economy which will take us there," the Union Minister said on Monday at UK-India Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting in London.

He added, "We have opened up opportunities for single-brand retail and are easing some detrimental clauses of our policy in next few weeks which will help single brand retail come in a bigger way to our country."

Commerce and Industry and Railways Minister Goyal further said that the Centre has restrictions on multi-brand retail and have requested companies around the world to respect Indian sensitivities on restrictions of foreign investment and multi-brand retail.

"Particularly e-commerce companies coming to India would have to ensure that they stay within the letter and spirit of the law when it comes to multi-brand retail and our policies around that," he said.

Goyal is on a three-day visit to the UK to attend the India Day conclave.&nbsp;

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has voiced his confidence by saying that India will be a US$5 trillion economy by 2025 and the Centre is well poised towards achieving the target.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has voiced his confidence by saying that India will be a US$5 trillion economy by 2025 and the Centre is well poised towards achieving the target. "I am very confident that by 2025 we will be a US$5 trillion economy. We are well poised towards achieving that, focused on different aspects of the economy which will take us there," the Union Minister said on Monday at UK-India Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting in London. He added, "We have opened up opportunities for single-brand retail and are easing some detrimental clauses of our policy in next few weeks which will help single brand retail come in a bigger way to our country." Commerce and Industry and Railways Minister Goyal further said that the Centre has restrictions on multi-brand retail and have requested companies around the world to respect Indian sensitivities on restrictions of foreign investment and multi-brand retail. "Particularly e-commerce companies coming to India would have to ensure that they stay within the letter and spirit of the law when it comes to multi-brand retail and our policies around that," he said. Goyal is on a three-day visit to the UK to attend the India Day conclave.

India will be $5 trillion economy by 2025: Piyush Goyal

The broader NSE Nifty was up 0.37% at11,631.1 as of 0434 GMT, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was 0.41% higher at 39,056.99.

Broader Asian shares also rose as investors awaited U.S. retail sales data and corporate earnings to gauge the health of the world’s biggest economy.

Investors in Indian equities appeared unfazed by trade data released on Monday that showed weakening consumption in Asia’s third-largest economy, with June imports falling to their lowest level in four months.

“The market has already factored in significant bearishness and is looking ahead at additional rate cuts and monetary policy mechanisms by the central bank, and an improving economy by the end of the year,” said Sunil Sharma, chief investment officer, Sanctum Wealth Management in Mumbai.

The rupee was largely unchanged at 68.55 against the dollar amid a pullback in oil prices, while the 10-year benchmark government bond yield slipped to 6.3996% from the last close of 6.4327%.

Tata Motors Ltd, miner Vedanta Ltd and Oil and Natural Gas Corp were among the top gainers in the NSE index, climbing around 2% each.

Tata Steel Ltd rose 1.7% while power producer NTPC Ltd advanced 1.5%.

Crisis-hit shadow bank Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd (DHFL), which had fallen as much as 8.3%, reversed course to trade around 5% higher.&nbsp;

DHFL’s rival Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd also swung around to trade marginally higher.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ashok Leyland Ltd fell as much as 3.8% to a near four-week low after the automaker said it would close its Pantnagar plant for nine days due to weak demand and outlook for the industry.

Business sentiment in India in June was dragged to its lowest level since 2016 due to slowing economic growth, water shortage and regulatory hurdles, according to a survey by market research firm IHS Markit.

IT giant Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, down 2%, was the biggest drag on the indexes. Nifty IT index was down 0.8%.&nbsp;

The broader NSE Nifty was up 0.37% at11,631.1 as of 0434 GMT, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was 0.41% higher at 39,056.99. Broader Asian shares also rose as investors awaited U.

The broader NSE Nifty was up 0.37% at11,631.1 as of 0434 GMT, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was 0.41% higher at 39,056.99. Broader Asian shares also rose as investors awaited U.S. retail sales data and corporate earnings to gauge the health of the world’s biggest economy. Investors in Indian equities appeared unfazed by trade data released on Monday that showed weakening consumption in Asia’s third-largest economy, with June imports falling to their lowest level in four months. “The market has already factored in significant bearishness and is looking ahead at additional rate cuts and monetary policy mechanisms by the central bank, and an improving economy by the end of the year,” said Sunil Sharma, chief investment officer, Sanctum Wealth Management in Mumbai. The rupee was largely unchanged at 68.55 against the dollar amid a pullback in oil prices, while the 10-year benchmark government bond yield slipped to 6.3996% from the last close of 6.4327%. Tata Motors Ltd, miner Vedanta Ltd and Oil and Natural Gas Corp were among the top gainers in the NSE index, climbing around 2% each. Tata Steel Ltd rose 1.7% while power producer NTPC Ltd advanced 1.5%. Crisis-hit shadow bank Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd (DHFL), which had fallen as much as 8.3%, reversed course to trade around 5% higher. DHFL’s rival Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd also swung around to trade marginally higher. Meanwhile, Ashok Leyland Ltd fell as much as 3.8% to a near four-week low after the automaker said it would close its Pantnagar plant for nine days due to weak demand and outlook for the industry. Business sentiment in India in June was dragged to its lowest level since 2016 due to slowing economic growth, water shortage and regulatory hurdles, according to a survey by market research firm IHS Markit. IT giant Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, down 2%, was the biggest drag on the indexes. Nifty IT index was down 0.8%.

Nifty, Sensex edge higher; auto, material stocks lead

India's Most Ambitious Lunar Mission Aborted ISRO's mission to land a rover on the surface of the moon was called off an hour before take off due to a technical swag. ISRO will announce another day for the mission. Here's what happened this morning (July 15, 2019)

Gravitas: Chandrayaan-2 Moon mission called off

The death toll in the <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-chief-minister-devendra-fadnavis-orders-probe-after-2-died-in-building-collapse-236384">Mumbai building collapse </a>rose to ten on Tuesday evening.

Eight others were reported to have been injured in the&nbsp;four-storeyed building collapse in the city's Dongri area.

The incident occurred at 11 am on Tandel Street in Dongri area, initially killing two persons and trapping over 40 people under its debris.

Following the deadly collapse,&nbsp;Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had&nbsp;ordered an investigation into the incident.

Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are engaged in rescue operations.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi visited the spot and took stock of the rescue operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences with the families of the deceased.

''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations &amp; assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The death toll in the Mumbai building collapse rose to ten on Tuesday evening. Eight others were reported to have been injured in the four-storeyed building collapse in the city's Dongri area.

The death toll in the Mumbai building collapse rose to ten on Tuesday evening. Eight others were reported to have been injured in the four-storeyed building collapse in the city's Dongri area. The incident occurred at 11 am on Tandel Street in Dongri area, initially killing two persons and trapping over 40 people under its debris. Following the deadly collapse, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had ordered an investigation into the incident. Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are engaged in rescue operations. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi visited the spot and took stock of the rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences with the families of the deceased. ''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations & assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ten killed in Mumbai building collapse in Dongri

The Indian Coast Guard in a coordinated operation with the Bangladesh Coast Guard brought back as many as 516 Indian fishermen along with 32 Indian fishing boats from Bangladesh who were stranded due to bad weather and rough seas in the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;

The Bangladesh Coast Guard had provided shelter to these Indian fishing boats at Payra Port in Bangladesh approximately 135 kms from International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). &nbsp; &nbsp;

The boats were escorted by two Bangladesh Coast Guard ships – Mansoor Ali and Sadhini Bangla up to the IMBL, where they were formally handed over to two Indian Coast Guard ships – Vijaya and Anmol.&nbsp;

The Coast Guard ships escorted the ships up to the Kakdwip Harbour, later handed over to the West Bengal Fisheries Department.&nbsp;

However, coordinated search by Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guard continues for the four ships that capsized in the Bay of Bengal carrying 24 fishermen. One of the total 25 fishermen miraculously floated on a wooden plank for four days before being rescued by a Bangladeshi ship.&nbsp;

On July 7, four Indian fishing boats from West Bengal - Dashabhuja, Babaji, Joyjogiraj and Nayan from Bengal with 61 crew members and fishermen on board capsized in the Bay of Bengal. Of these 61 fishermen, 36 were rescued by the IFB in the vicinity.&nbsp;

The Indian Coast Guard received a telephonic message from Assistant Director (Fisheries Department), Diamond Harbour regarding the four fishing boats capsizing. Immediately, the Indian Coast Guard deployed a Hovercraft, Fast Patrol Vessel and ICG aircraft in the Indian waters.

On the other hand, the Indian Coast Guard requested Bangladesh Coast Guard to assist in rescue operations in Bangladesh waters.

The Indian Coast Guard in a coordinated operation with the Bangladesh Coast Guard brought back as many as 516 Indian fishermen along with 32 Indian fishing boats from Bangladesh who were stranded due to bad weather and rough seas in the Bay of Bengal.

The Indian Coast Guard in a coordinated operation with the Bangladesh Coast Guard brought back as many as 516 Indian fishermen along with 32 Indian fishing boats from Bangladesh who were stranded due to bad weather and rough seas in the Bay of Bengal. The Bangladesh Coast Guard had provided shelter to these Indian fishing boats at Payra Port in Bangladesh approximately 135 kms from International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The boats were escorted by two Bangladesh Coast Guard ships – Mansoor Ali and Sadhini Bangla up to the IMBL, where they were formally handed over to two Indian Coast Guard ships – Vijaya and Anmol. The Coast Guard ships escorted the ships up to the Kakdwip Harbour, later handed over to the West Bengal Fisheries Department. However, coordinated search by Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guard continues for the four ships that capsized in the Bay of Bengal carrying 24 fishermen. One of the total 25 fishermen miraculously floated on a wooden plank for four days before being rescued by a Bangladeshi ship. On July 7, four Indian fishing boats from West Bengal - Dashabhuja, Babaji, Joyjogiraj and Nayan from Bengal with 61 crew members and fishermen on board capsized in the Bay of Bengal. Of these 61 fishermen, 36 were rescued by the IFB in the vicinity. The Indian Coast Guard received a telephonic message from Assistant Director (Fisheries Department), Diamond Harbour regarding the four fishing boats capsizing. Immediately, the Indian Coast Guard deployed a Hovercraft, Fast Patrol Vessel and ICG aircraft in the Indian waters. On the other hand, the Indian Coast Guard requested Bangladesh Coast Guard to assist in rescue operations in Bangladesh waters.

Indian Coast Guard rescues 516 Indian fishermen, 32 fishing boats stranded in Bay of Bengal

India will be able to see the partial lunar eclipse on July 17 beginning at 1:31am.

The Moon will enter penumbra on Wednesday around 12.12 am, after which the moon will enter umbra at 1:31am. The maximum of partial lunar eclipse 2019 will be witnessed around 3am.

The country can witness a three-hour-long partial lunar eclipse when the earth will move between the sun and the moon.

The celestial phenomenon will also be visible to South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

It is a good opportunity for all the skywatchers as the next lunar eclipse will be visible on May 26, 2021.

Unlike the solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye.

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the earth moves between the sun and the moon but they do not form a straight line.

India will be able to see the partial lunar eclipse on July 17 beginning at 1:31am. The Moon will enter penumbra on Wednesday around 12.12 am, after which the moon will enter umbra at 1:31am.

India will be able to see the partial lunar eclipse on July 17 beginning at 1:31am. The Moon will enter penumbra on Wednesday around 12.12 am, after which the moon will enter umbra at 1:31am. The maximum of partial lunar eclipse 2019 will be witnessed around 3am. The country can witness a three-hour-long partial lunar eclipse when the earth will move between the sun and the moon. The celestial phenomenon will also be visible to South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. It is a good opportunity for all the skywatchers as the next lunar eclipse will be visible on May 26, 2021. Unlike the solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye. A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the earth moves between the sun and the moon but they do not form a straight line.

Here's when you can see partial lunar eclipse in India

The Central Reserve Police Force sodiers today have rescued a 14-year-old boy in Kashmir's Tangmarg. Watch full video to know more.

Breaking News: CRPF men rescue a 14-year-old in Kashmir's Tangmarg

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-storey-building-collapses-in-mumbais-dongri-many-feared-trapped-236330">four-storey building collapsed in Mumbai</a>'s Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday.

So far, seven people have died and eight people have been injured in the incident.

Around 40-50 are feared to be trapped under the debris.

''As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 years old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. The investigation will be done,'' Fadnavis said.

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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Dongri building collapse: As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 yrs old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. Investigation will be done. <a href="https://t.co/ApIVqmNLMb">pic.twitter.com/ApIVqmNLMb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1151050191908347905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The chief minister further added that the entire focus is on the rescue operations.&nbsp;To speed up the rescue operation, two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for the rescue operation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences to the families of the deceased.

''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations &amp; assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said.

The Kesarbai building that collapsed was located in Tandel Street, in Mumbai's Dongri area.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation after a four-storey building collapsed in Mumbai's Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday. So far, seven people have died and eight people have been injured in the incident.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation after a four-storey building collapsed in Mumbai's Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday. So far, seven people have died and eight people have been injured in the incident. Around 40-50 are feared to be trapped under the debris. ''As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 years old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. The investigation will be done,'' Fadnavis said. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Dongri building collapse: As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 yrs old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. Investigation will be done. pic.twitter.com/ApIVqmNLMb — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2019 × The chief minister further added that the entire focus is on the rescue operations. To speed up the rescue operation, two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for the rescue operation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences to the families of the deceased. ''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations & assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said. The Kesarbai building that collapsed was located in Tandel Street, in Mumbai's Dongri area.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis orders probe after seven dead in building collapse

Indian Army personnel rescued at least 160 people affected due to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/monsoon-rains-wreaking-flood-havoc-across-south-asia-236353&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjagImHwbnjAhWo6nMBHcpUDTIQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1iK2gXo0rkZjMjtxXixh8r">floods</a> triggered by incessant rains in the Nalabari district during a night operation.

Torrential downpour amounted to a breach of embankments of the Pagladiya River in Nalbari, flooding 133 villages and affecting 1, 50,000 people across the district.

Army personnel carried the flood-affected people on their shoulders and in the army boats and moved them to a safer place on Monday night.

The flood situation remains grim in several states across the country, more than a hundred National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) troops have been deployed in various flood-affected areas of the country including Bihar and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-rain-and-floods-in-assam-kill-at-least-11-and-displace-more-than-1-million-236009&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjagImHwbnjAhWo6nMBHcpUDTIQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kDE_8L2jAP4M2EPCaJqox">Assam</a>.

In addition, the 24X7 NDRF control room in Delhi is closely monitoring the situation to coordinate with various agencies for further deployment, said an official statement on Monday.

The torrential downpour in the state of Assam continued to wreak havoc on Monday, causing the flooding on National Highway 37 and affecting 200 villages in Morigaon district alone due to the rising water levels of river Brahmaputra.

Large areas of Kaziranga National Park were submerged, and the animals from the sanctuary were taken to highlands.&nbsp;

Ferry services to Umananda Devaloi Temple, located at the Peacock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra, were halted on Monday, leaving the priests and other people on the island stranded.

In Assam, 14 NDRF teams have been deployed in Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Biswanath, Chariali, Cachar, Dhemaji, Golaghat, Guwahati, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Sivasagar and Tinsukia to tackle the worsening flood situation in the districts due to torrential rain and overflowing rivers and water bodies.

On Monday, in the low lying areas of district Bishwanath, Chariali, Golaghat, Morigaon and Tinsukia, NDRF evacuated 460 people and shifted them to safer places and so far over 3000 people have been evacuated in Assam by the force.

The Assam flood situation was brought up in the Parliament on Monday with Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora giving a Zero Hour Notice over flood situation in his home state.&nbsp;

Indian Army personnel rescued at least 160 people affected due to floods triggered by incessant rains in the Nalabari district during a night operation. Torrential downpour amounted to a breach of embankments of the Pagladiya River in Nalbari, flooding 133 villages and affecting 1, 50,000 people across the district.

Indian Army personnel rescued at least 160 people affected due to floods triggered by incessant rains in the Nalabari district during a night operation. Torrential downpour amounted to a breach of embankments of the Pagladiya River in Nalbari, flooding 133 villages and affecting 1, 50,000 people across the district. Army personnel carried the flood-affected people on their shoulders and in the army boats and moved them to a safer place on Monday night. The flood situation remains grim in several states across the country, more than a hundred National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) troops have been deployed in various flood-affected areas of the country including Bihar and Assam. In addition, the 24X7 NDRF control room in Delhi is closely monitoring the situation to coordinate with various agencies for further deployment, said an official statement on Monday. The torrential downpour in the state of Assam continued to wreak havoc on Monday, causing the flooding on National Highway 37 and affecting 200 villages in Morigaon district alone due to the rising water levels of river Brahmaputra. Large areas of Kaziranga National Park were submerged, and the animals from the sanctuary were taken to highlands. Ferry services to Umananda Devaloi Temple, located at the Peacock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra, were halted on Monday, leaving the priests and other people on the island stranded. In Assam, 14 NDRF teams have been deployed in Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Biswanath, Chariali, Cachar, Dhemaji, Golaghat, Guwahati, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Sivasagar and Tinsukia to tackle the worsening flood situation in the districts due to torrential rain and overflowing rivers and water bodies. On Monday, in the low lying areas of district Bishwanath, Chariali, Golaghat, Morigaon and Tinsukia, NDRF evacuated 460 people and shifted them to safer places and so far over 3000 people have been evacuated in Assam by the force. The Assam flood situation was brought up in the Parliament on Monday with Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora giving a Zero Hour Notice over flood situation in his home state.

Assam floods: Over 160 people rescued by Army in night operation

Kailash Gahlot, a minister in the Delhi government, was given the additional portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wildlife after a minor reshuffle in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-manish-sisodia-get-bail-in-defamation-suit-filed-by-bjps-vijender-gupta-236391&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz74WQurnjAhXp63MBHY9aDSUQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Hbzh5HhkONuHSWl-pRO9M">Arvind Kejriwal</a> government on July 13.

"Consequent upon the allocation of the aforesaid portfolio to Kailash Gahlot, Minister, the portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wild Life earlier allocated to Imran Hussain, Minister, stands withdrawn," read the official notification.

The decision was taken by Lt Governor Anil Baijal in consultation with Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi.&nbsp;

Imran Hussain will now be holding only two portfolios- Food and Supply and Election.

After the reshuffle, Gahlot will now be dealing with five portfolios- Administrative Reforms; Information &amp; Technology; Law, Justice &amp; Legislative Affairs; Transport; Revenue; and Environment, Forest &amp; Wildlife.&nbsp;

Kailash Gahlot, a minister in the Delhi government, was given the additional portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wildlife after a minor reshuffle in the Arvind Kejriwal government on July 13.

Kailash Gahlot, a minister in the Delhi government, was given the additional portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wildlife after a minor reshuffle in the Arvind Kejriwal government on July 13. "Consequent upon the allocation of the aforesaid portfolio to Kailash Gahlot, Minister, the portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wild Life earlier allocated to Imran Hussain, Minister, stands withdrawn," read the official notification. The decision was taken by Lt Governor Anil Baijal in consultation with Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi. Imran Hussain will now be holding only two portfolios- Food and Supply and Election. After the reshuffle, Gahlot will now be dealing with five portfolios- Administrative Reforms; Information & Technology; Law, Justice & Legislative Affairs; Transport; Revenue; and Environment, Forest & Wildlife.

Delhi: Kailash Gahlot appointed as new environment minister

Air Chief Marshal <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-chief-birender-singh-dhanoa-embarks-on-four-day-visit-to-russia-233971&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_y-Hit7njAhWZiHAKHfqBDX0QFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1k1QSkpQxxFBE6I8JtR0Hy">B S Dhanoa</a> on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again.

"Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared," he said at an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Kargil conflict.

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Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa on the 20th anniversary of Kargil War: Like all good Generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared. <a href="https://t.co/EBVNmFB3YO">pic.twitter.com/EBVNmFB3YO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1151080157358317575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Listing out the precision attack capabilities acquired by the force after the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20th-year-of-kargil-war-indian-air-force-turns-gwalior-air-base-into-war-theatre-229911&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_y-Hit7njAhWZiHAKHfqBDX0QFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1B99-sGZFfnG95SxiDeGOz">Kargil War</a>, Dhanoa said, "In case required, we can do all-weather bombing even through the clouds very accurately.&nbsp;

We have seen an attack carried out on February 26 (Balakot airstrike) that we are capable of carrying out a precision strike from standoff distances and very accurately.

"The `Kargil Vijay Diwas`, named after the success of `Operation Vijay`, marks the victory of India over Pakistan during the Kargil War in 1999.

It is celebrated on July 26 every year.

India had successfully managed to recapture the high outposts in the Kargil-Drass sector, which was occupied by the Pakistani intruders.

To assist the Indian Army, the IAF had launched airstrikes under the `Operation Safed Sagar` to evict the Pakistani intruders from the high outposts.

The Army has planned celebratory events across the country from July 25-27 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the conflict. 
&nbsp;

Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again. "Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war.

Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again. "Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared," he said at an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Kargil conflict. Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa on the 20th anniversary of Kargil War: Like all good Generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared. pic.twitter.com/EBVNmFB3YO — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2019 × Listing out the precision attack capabilities acquired by the force after the Kargil War, Dhanoa said, "In case required, we can do all-weather bombing even through the clouds very accurately. We have seen an attack carried out on February 26 (Balakot airstrike) that we are capable of carrying out a precision strike from standoff distances and very accurately. "The `Kargil Vijay Diwas`, named after the success of `Operation Vijay`, marks the victory of India over Pakistan during the Kargil War in 1999. It is celebrated on July 26 every year. India had successfully managed to recapture the high outposts in the Kargil-Drass sector, which was occupied by the Pakistani intruders. To assist the Indian Army, the IAF had launched airstrikes under the `Operation Safed Sagar` to evict the Pakistani intruders from the high outposts. The Army has planned celebratory events across the country from July 25-27 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the conflict.

Well prepared for a Kargil-like conflict again: IAF Chief BS Dhanoa

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said he will decide on Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation on Wednesday after going through his&nbsp; 
resignation letter.

Singh, who was in Delhi today, held a meeting with Punjab MPs in Parliament today.&nbsp;

"Met the Congress MPs from Punjab in the Parliament today. Happy to see they are consistently raising issues of importance that concern Punjab and Punjabis," he tweeted.&nbsp;

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Met the <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> MPs from Punjab in the Parliament today. Happy to see they are consistently raising issues of importance that concern Punjab &amp; Punjabi's. <a href="https://t.co/H9c5z9DRDa">pic.twitter.com/H9c5z9DRDa</a>
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/1151050853190705153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Monday, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament. After the meeting, he said, "I wanted to meet the PM because I haven't met him since he joined as PM for his second tenure. So I met him officially today."

Sidhu sent his resignation to the Punjab chief minister on Monday.&nbsp;"Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...," he tweeted.

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Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1150646554753032199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sidhu had shared his resignation letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi on Sunday. My letter to the Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019," he tweeted.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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My letter to the Congress President Shri. Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019. <a href="https://t.co/WS3yYwmnPl">pic.twitter.com/WS3yYwmnPl</a>
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1150291448715022337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This had triggered a row as to why the resignation was not sent to Amarinder Singh in the past one month.

The chief minister said he had given Sidhu a very important portfolio after the reshuffle.

"I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it &amp; then see what is to be done," he said.

On June 6, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had stripped Sidhu of the Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the Power and New and Renewable Energy Portfolio.

"I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu had told reporters after being stripped of the key portfolios.

Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said he will decide on Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation on Wednesday after going through his resignation letter.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said he will decide on Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation on Wednesday after going through his resignation letter. Singh, who was in Delhi today, held a meeting with Punjab MPs in Parliament today. "Met the Congress MPs from Punjab in the Parliament today. Happy to see they are consistently raising issues of importance that concern Punjab and Punjabis," he tweeted. Met the @INCIndia MPs from Punjab in the Parliament today. Happy to see they are consistently raising issues of importance that concern Punjab & Punjabi's. pic.twitter.com/H9c5z9DRDa — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 16, 2019 × On Monday, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament. After the meeting, he said, "I wanted to meet the PM because I haven't met him since he joined as PM for his second tenure. So I met him officially today." Sidhu sent his resignation to the Punjab chief minister on Monday. "Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...," he tweeted. Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence... — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) July 15, 2019 × Sidhu had shared his resignation letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi on Sunday. My letter to the Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019," he tweeted. My letter to the Congress President Shri. Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019. pic.twitter.com/WS3yYwmnPl — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) July 14, 2019 × This had triggered a row as to why the resignation was not sent to Amarinder Singh in the past one month. The chief minister said he had given Sidhu a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. "I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it & then see what is to be done," he said. On June 6, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had stripped Sidhu of the Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the Power and New and Renewable Energy Portfolio. "I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu had told reporters after being stripped of the key portfolios. Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy. (With inputs from agencies)

Will decide on Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation on Wednesday: Amarinder Singh

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday that toll system cannot be ended and that people have to pay if they want good services as the government does not have enough funds.

"Toll system can never end though rates may vary from time to time. The toll is my brainchild. If you want good services, you have to pay for it. The government does not have money," he said in the Lok Sabha while replying to a debate on 'Demands for Grants' under the Road, Transport and Highways Ministry.

The Union Minister stressed that those who can pay toll tax should pay it and that those areas which have the capacity to pay, the money is utilised for building roads in rural and hilly areas.

Gadkari said that over 1.5 lakh people lose their lives every year in road accidents and underlined that the number was higher than the people killed in terror attacks.

The minister said that he will help the MPs in establishing training centres for driving in their respective constituencies."We lack 25 lakh drivers. New driving centres should be started especially in economically backward regions," he added.

Gadkari informed the House that the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill will ensure that licences are not duplicated and the culprits are tracked.

He said that India has become a manufacturing hub for the automobile sector and will become the first in the world in electric automobile manufacturing in the next five years.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday that toll system cannot be ended and that people have to pay if they want good services as the government does not have enough funds.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday that toll system cannot be ended and that people have to pay if they want good services as the government does not have enough funds. "Toll system can never end though rates may vary from time to time. The toll is my brainchild. If you want good services, you have to pay for it. The government does not have money," he said in the Lok Sabha while replying to a debate on 'Demands for Grants' under the Road, Transport and Highways Ministry. The Union Minister stressed that those who can pay toll tax should pay it and that those areas which have the capacity to pay, the money is utilised for building roads in rural and hilly areas. Gadkari said that over 1.5 lakh people lose their lives every year in road accidents and underlined that the number was higher than the people killed in terror attacks. The minister said that he will help the MPs in establishing training centres for driving in their respective constituencies."We lack 25 lakh drivers. New driving centres should be started especially in economically backward regions," he added. Gadkari informed the House that the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill will ensure that licences are not duplicated and the culprits are tracked. He said that India has become a manufacturing hub for the automobile sector and will become the first in the world in electric automobile manufacturing in the next five years.

If you want good services, you will have to pay toll: Nitin Gadkari

BJP national president and Union Home Minister&nbsp;Amit Shah on Tuesday appointed Swatantra Dev Singh as chief of party's Uttar Pradesh unit.

Singh, who is currently serving as Minister of State with Independent Charge for Transport and Protocol in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government, was appointed at the post with immediate effect, said a BJP release undersigned by national general secretary Arun Singh.

The BJP leader would take over charge from outgoing state chief and Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey.

"Congratulations and best wishes to Shri Swatantra Dev Singh for his appointment as the President of Uttar Pradesh BJP," Adityanath tweeted. BJP had won 62 parliamentary seats out of 80 in the recently concluded general elections.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Shah also appointed <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/raosaheb-patil-resigns-as-maharashtra-bjp-chief-chandrakant-patil-named-successor-236426">Chandrakant Patil</a> as the president of BJP's Maharashtra unit.

BJP national president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday appointed Swatantra Dev Singh as chief of party's Uttar Pradesh unit. Singh, who is currently serving as Minister of State with Independent Charge for Transport and Protocol in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government, was appointed at the post with immediate effect, said a BJP release undersigned by national general secretary Arun Singh.

BJP national president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday appointed Swatantra Dev Singh as chief of party's Uttar Pradesh unit. Singh, who is currently serving as Minister of State with Independent Charge for Transport and Protocol in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government, was appointed at the post with immediate effect, said a BJP release undersigned by national general secretary Arun Singh. The BJP leader would take over charge from outgoing state chief and Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey. "Congratulations and best wishes to Shri Swatantra Dev Singh for his appointment as the President of Uttar Pradesh BJP," Adityanath tweeted. BJP had won 62 parliamentary seats out of 80 in the recently concluded general elections. Earlier in the day, Shah also appointed Chandrakant Patil as the president of BJP's Maharashtra unit.

Swatantra Dev Singh replaces Mahendra Nath Pandey as BJP Uttar Pradesh chief

Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav.

Neeraj Shekhar, son of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday. He told Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu that he was resigning voluntarily.

According to reports, he also met other senior BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah before resigning as Rajya Sabha MP. 
 
As per the rules, if a Member hands over the letter of resignation to the Chairman personally and informs him that the resignation is voluntary and genuine and the Chairman has no information or knowledge to the contrary, the Chairman may accept the resignation immediately.

He had been a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh since November 26, 2014, and was due to retire on November 25, 2020. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav. Neeraj Shekhar, son of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav. Neeraj Shekhar, son of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday. He told Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu that he was resigning voluntarily. According to reports, he also met other senior BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah before resigning as Rajya Sabha MP. As per the rules, if a Member hands over the letter of resignation to the Chairman personally and informs him that the resignation is voluntary and genuine and the Chairman has no information or knowledge to the contrary, the Chairman may accept the resignation immediately. He had been a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh since November 26, 2014, and was due to retire on November 25, 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar joins BJP

Raosaheb Patil Danve on Tuesday stepped down as the Maharashtra <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bjp-is-the-only-glue-which-binds-disorganised-opposition-235365&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiO8qT9prnjAhULRY8KHWm4BT0QFjAHegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3vDxGORJQe1tXT8T3LZ9H5">BJP chief</a>, shortly after which Chandrakant Patil was named his successor.

Meanwhile, Mangal Prabhat Lodha was appointed as the President of Mumbai BJP.

"BJP's national president Amit Shah has appointed Chandrakant Dada Patil as president of Maharashtra BJP. The national president has also appointed Mangal Prabhat Lodha as president of Mumbai BJP," read a letter issued by the BJP.

Patil was serving as a Cabinet Minister in Maharashtra. He was looking after the portfolio of Revenue and Public Works.

Lodha, on the other hand, was serving as the vice president of the state's BJP unit.

Raosaheb Patil Danve on Tuesday stepped down as the Maharashtra BJP chief, shortly after which Chandrakant Patil was named his successor. Meanwhile, Mangal Prabhat Lodha was appointed as the President of Mumbai BJP.

Raosaheb Patil Danve on Tuesday stepped down as the Maharashtra BJP chief, shortly after which Chandrakant Patil was named his successor. Meanwhile, Mangal Prabhat Lodha was appointed as the President of Mumbai BJP. "BJP's national president Amit Shah has appointed Chandrakant Dada Patil as president of Maharashtra BJP. The national president has also appointed Mangal Prabhat Lodha as president of Mumbai BJP," read a letter issued by the BJP. Patil was serving as a Cabinet Minister in Maharashtra. He was looking after the portfolio of Revenue and Public Works. Lodha, on the other hand, was serving as the vice president of the state's BJP unit.

Raosaheb Patil resigns as Maharashtra BJP chief, Chandrakant Patil named successor

Air India on Tuesday indicated that it will take two to three days for scheduling flights over Pakistan which has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-opens-its-air-space-five-months-after-closing-it-in-aftermath-of-balakot-airstrikes-236275">lifted all curbs on flying over its air space</a>.

"We are looking into the matter.&nbsp;It will take two to three days for scheduling to use Pakistani airspace," an Air India official said.

For the first time since February's Balakot strike, Pakistan fully operationalised its airspace for civilian traffic, bringing a huge relief for the airlines which had to take long and costly detours to avoid the Pakistani air space.

"With immediate effect, Pakistan airspace is open for all type of civilian traffic on published ATS routes," read a notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.

In a tweet, the Ministry of Civil Aviation in New Delhi termed the move a "great news" and a "big relief to air passengers".

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After cancellation of NOTAMS by Pakistan and India in the early hours today , there are no restrictions on airspaces of both countries, flights have started using the closed air routes, bringing a significant relief for airlines. <a href="https://twitter.com/AAI_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AAI_Official</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HardeepSPuri</a>
— Ministry of Civil Aviation (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1151002814396506112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan had earlier claimed that it would not open its airspace for commercial flights until India removed its fighter jets from forwarding Indian airbases.

Pakistan had fully shut its airspace on the eastern border with India after the Indian Air Force had carried out airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26.

The strikes on the terror camp were in response to the JeM-perpetrated terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel had lost their lives.

In mid-April, Pakistan opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India -- airlines like Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it.

In March, the neighbouring country partially opened its airspace but did not allow Indian flights to fly over its airspace. 
&nbsp;

Air India on Tuesday indicated that it will take two to three days for scheduling flights over Pakistan which has lifted all curbs on flying over its air space. "We are looking into the matter.

Air India on Tuesday indicated that it will take two to three days for scheduling flights over Pakistan which has lifted all curbs on flying over its air space. "We are looking into the matter. It will take two to three days for scheduling to use Pakistani airspace," an Air India official said. For the first time since February's Balakot strike, Pakistan fully operationalised its airspace for civilian traffic, bringing a huge relief for the airlines which had to take long and costly detours to avoid the Pakistani air space. "With immediate effect, Pakistan airspace is open for all type of civilian traffic on published ATS routes," read a notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. In a tweet, the Ministry of Civil Aviation in New Delhi termed the move a "great news" and a "big relief to air passengers". After cancellation of NOTAMS by Pakistan and India in the early hours today , there are no restrictions on airspaces of both countries, flights have started using the closed air routes, bringing a significant relief for airlines. @AAI_Official @airindiain @HardeepSPuri — Ministry of Civil Aviation (@MoCA_GoI) July 16, 2019 × Pakistan had earlier claimed that it would not open its airspace for commercial flights until India removed its fighter jets from forwarding Indian airbases. Pakistan had fully shut its airspace on the eastern border with India after the Indian Air Force had carried out airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26. The strikes on the terror camp were in response to the JeM-perpetrated terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel had lost their lives. In mid-April, Pakistan opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India -- airlines like Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it. In March, the neighbouring country partially opened its airspace but did not allow Indian flights to fly over its airspace.

Will take 2-3 days for scheduling flights over Pakistan airspace: Air India official

Tripura Police have arrested two Myanmar nationals for not having proper Indian documents.

KR Deb, officer-in-charge, Battala police outpost said, "They are unable to tell how they came here but they have IDs showing their Myanmar nationality."

Both the arrested persons will be produced before the court as they do not have documents to be in India, Deb added.&nbsp;

Tripura Police have arrested two Myanmar nationals for not having proper Indian documents. KR Deb, officer-in-charge, Battala police outpost said, "They are unable to tell how they came here but they have IDs showing their Myanmar nationality.

Tripura Police have arrested two Myanmar nationals for not having proper Indian documents. KR Deb, officer-in-charge, Battala police outpost said, "They are unable to tell how they came here but they have IDs showing their Myanmar nationality." Both the arrested persons will be produced before the court as they do not have documents to be in India, Deb added.

Tripura police arrest two Myanmar nationals without proper documents

Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its order on 15 rebel&nbsp;Karnataka MLAs plea against Speaker K R Ramesh for not accepting their resignations.

The top court will pronounce the verdict at 10.30am on Wednesday. 
 
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Deepak Gupta heard the submissions made by the counsels of both the petitioners and the respondents.

Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi representing rebel MLAs said, "I don't want to be an MLA. Nobody can force me. My resignation must be accepted."

Rohatgi said the Speaker can't hold the resignations for so many days. "This is an attempt to scuttle their resignations. The Speaker is trying to make a decision on both the issues-resignation and disqualification-at the same time," he said. 
 
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who is representing Speaker, said that four of the MLAs who had resigned did not even present themselves before the Speaker."The rules are clear. The member of the House has to personally appear before the Speaker," he said, when asked by the CJI if the resignations were not genuine.

The Supreme Court on Friday directed Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh to not to decide on the resignations or disqualifications of the MLAs till Tuesday.

Supreme Court's direction had come after ten Congress and JD(S) MLAs moved the top court, seeking a direction to the Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification from the House.

Following which Speaker K R Ramesh had urged the apex court to recall its order which asked him to take a decision on the resignation of MLAs during the course of the day i.e. July 11.

On Monday, five other rebel MLAs approached the Supreme Court seeking direction to the speaker to accept their resignations at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the Kumaraswamy government will face the trust vote in Karnataka Assembly at 11am on Thursday.

Karnataka government has been reduced to minority in the Assembly after 16 rebel legislators resigned and 2 Independents withdrew support to it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its order on 15 rebel Karnataka MLAs plea against Speaker K R Ramesh for not accepting their resignations. The top court will pronounce the verdict at 10.

Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its order on 15 rebel Karnataka MLAs plea against Speaker K R Ramesh for not accepting their resignations. The top court will pronounce the verdict at 10.30am on Wednesday. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Deepak Gupta heard the submissions made by the counsels of both the petitioners and the respondents. Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi representing rebel MLAs said, "I don't want to be an MLA. Nobody can force me. My resignation must be accepted." Rohatgi said the Speaker can't hold the resignations for so many days. "This is an attempt to scuttle their resignations. The Speaker is trying to make a decision on both the issues-resignation and disqualification-at the same time," he said. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who is representing Speaker, said that four of the MLAs who had resigned did not even present themselves before the Speaker."The rules are clear. The member of the House has to personally appear before the Speaker," he said, when asked by the CJI if the resignations were not genuine. The Supreme Court on Friday directed Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh to not to decide on the resignations or disqualifications of the MLAs till Tuesday. Supreme Court's direction had come after ten Congress and JD(S) MLAs moved the top court, seeking a direction to the Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification from the House. Following which Speaker K R Ramesh had urged the apex court to recall its order which asked him to take a decision on the resignation of MLAs during the course of the day i.e. July 11. On Monday, five other rebel MLAs approached the Supreme Court seeking direction to the speaker to accept their resignations at the earliest. Meanwhile, the Kumaraswamy government will face the trust vote in Karnataka Assembly at 11am on Thursday. Karnataka government has been reduced to minority in the Assembly after 16 rebel legislators resigned and 2 Independents withdrew support to it. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court to pronounce order in Karnataka rebel MLAs case on Wednesday

<a href="Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chairs meeting to review flood situation">Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar</a> on Tuesday declared in the State Assembly that at least 25 people have died so far in floods triggered by heavy rains in the state.

"We have instructed to expedite the relief and rescue operation in the flood-affected areas across the state. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) troops have rescued around 1, 25,000 people from the flood-affected regions till now," Nitish Kumar said while delivering a speech in state Assembly today.

The chief minister also said that 12 districts have been affected due to floods in the state

"Around 12 districts have been affected due to floods in the state. The rescue forces have been instructed to provide every possible aid to the flood-affected people. Till now, 199 relief camps have been opened across the state and over 1 lakh people are residing in the camps," Kumar further said.

Nitish Kumar on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting over the floods in the state and directed officials to remain alert by keeping an eye on all factors responsible for it.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister told a delegation comprising officials to make adequate arrangements for setting up of camps and keep in touch with the people, an official statement said.

Rescue and relief work is underway by the Disaster Management teams in various districts.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday declared in the State Assembly that at least 25 people have died so far in floods triggered by heavy rains in the state.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday declared in the State Assembly that at least 25 people have died so far in floods triggered by heavy rains in the state. "We have instructed to expedite the relief and rescue operation in the flood-affected areas across the state. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) troops have rescued around 1, 25,000 people from the flood-affected regions till now," Nitish Kumar said while delivering a speech in state Assembly today. The chief minister also said that 12 districts have been affected due to floods in the state "Around 12 districts have been affected due to floods in the state. The rescue forces have been instructed to provide every possible aid to the flood-affected people. Till now, 199 relief camps have been opened across the state and over 1 lakh people are residing in the camps," Kumar further said. Nitish Kumar on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting over the floods in the state and directed officials to remain alert by keeping an eye on all factors responsible for it. During the meeting, the Chief Minister told a delegation comprising officials to make adequate arrangements for setting up of camps and keep in touch with the people, an official statement said. Rescue and relief work is underway by the Disaster Management teams in various districts.

Death toll reaches 25 in Bihar due to floods, over 1 lakh rescued

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-two-dead-six-districts-affected-due-to-heavy-rains-235527">floods in the state</a> and directed officials to remain alert by keeping an eye on all factors responsible for it.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister told a delegation comprising officials to make adequate arrangements for setting up of camps and keep in touch with the people, an official statement said.

The Chief Minister was apprised about the rising water level in the rivers and the progress in the construction of roads damaged due to floods in the state.

The meeting was attended by state water resources minister Sanjay Kumar Jha, Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, development commissioner Subhash Sharma and other officials.

The Chief Minister also undertook an aerial survey in the five-affected districts in Bihar -- Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Motihari and Sheohar. He has directed officials to expedite the rescue and relief operations, the statement said.

Around six districts -- Sheohar, Sitamarhi, North Champaran, Jaynagar in Madhubani, Araria, and Kishanganj -- have severely been affected due to the rising level of rivers following torrential rains.

Rescue and relief work is underway by the Disaster Management teams in various districts.

Around 16 community kitchens have been set up to provide meals to the people in the six districts.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting over the floods in the state and directed officials to remain alert by keeping an eye on all factors responsible for it.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting over the floods in the state and directed officials to remain alert by keeping an eye on all factors responsible for it. During the meeting, the Chief Minister told a delegation comprising officials to make adequate arrangements for setting up of camps and keep in touch with the people, an official statement said. The Chief Minister was apprised about the rising water level in the rivers and the progress in the construction of roads damaged due to floods in the state. The meeting was attended by state water resources minister Sanjay Kumar Jha, Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, development commissioner Subhash Sharma and other officials. The Chief Minister also undertook an aerial survey in the five-affected districts in Bihar -- Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Motihari and Sheohar. He has directed officials to expedite the rescue and relief operations, the statement said. Around six districts -- Sheohar, Sitamarhi, North Champaran, Jaynagar in Madhubani, Araria, and Kishanganj -- have severely been affected due to the rising level of rivers following torrential rains. Rescue and relief work is underway by the Disaster Management teams in various districts. Around 16 community kitchens have been set up to provide meals to the people in the six districts.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chairs meeting to review flood situation

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