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

Abhishek Sharma sets all-time record for most T20I sixes in a year

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

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

Nine former FBI employees fired over investigation into Trump's classified records sue Kash Patel, DOJ over alleged unlawful dismissal

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

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

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

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

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

Trump's tariff strategy faces new test: India wants preferential access and tariff stability 

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

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

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

Portland stabbing: Multiple people reportedly stabbed hours after deadly Bend school shooting

Leave India notice to Imran Khan explained: What are OCI rules and why can't foreigners protest in India?

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

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

'Troubling pattern of threats': Hindu groups issue advisory after man arrested for alleged plot to target Illinois temple

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

Broke Your iPhone Duo? Here’s how much screen repair could cost

'Turn approver, resign, we'll forgive you': Rahul Gandhi claims receiving messages from CEC Gyanesh Kumar

'White supremacist' terror plot against Illinois Hindu temple foiled by jammed gun: Who is Alexandros Paporakis?

Central Park in Delhi shut on October 16, 17 amid CJP's protest call

Turkey Floods: Heavy rains flood homes and submerge vehicles in Istanbul 

Australian woman charged for adding snail poison to lover's curry at work

Saudi Arabia executes Two Bangladesh nationals over immoral act

Girl 'dead' for 8 hours wakes up at her own funeral, dad insists she wasn't breathing

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

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

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

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

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin vows retaliation against Ukraine 

Earthquake measuring 7 magnitude strikes Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula

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

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

Katie Zacharia, White House Press Secretary admits she never passed bar exam amid credentials controversy

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

A Special Court in Delhi on Tuesday granted bail to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-summons-arvind-kejriwal-manish-sisodia-in-defamation-suit-filed-by-bjps-vijender-gupta-234089">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a> and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with a defamation suit filed by Delhi BJP leader Vijender Gupta.

According to the court, the two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders will furnish a bond of Rs 10,000 each.

The next date of hearing in the defamation case has been scheduled for July 25.

Gupta had filed the suit against Kejriwal and Sisodia for allegedly "maligning" his image after they accused him of being part of an alleged "conspiracy" to kill the AAP chief by his own Personal Security Officer (PSO) in the manner in which Indira Gandhi was killed.

He had said that he was "deeply hurt by the defamatory and false allegations made by both the accused persons".

The BJP MLA claimed that the false allegations were made to impact the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab which were held in the last phase.

The defamation suit has been filed under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for "willfully, deliberately, intentionally and maliciously" defaming the complainant, "on wholly and completely false, frivolous, unjustifiable and scandalous grounds and thereby, harming the goodwill and reputation of the complainant, within the political fraternity, media, friends, family, colleagues and in society at large."

Gupta has also alleged that in the recent past, in order to make political gains, Kejriwal allegedly scripted the slap-gate during a road-show in the capital city on May 5.&nbsp;

AAP had blamed the BJP for the incident.

He has also alleged that Kejriwal and Sisodia have made several tweets with baseless allegations against him.

"While Kejriwal`s tweet was retweeted 3,194 times and that of Sisodia`s was re-tweeted 1,301 times. Not only that.&nbsp;

Twitter being a public platform, it might have reached and read by so many other people in and outside Delhi," Gupta said.

A Special Court in Delhi on Tuesday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with a defamation suit filed by Delhi BJP leader Vijender Gupta.

A Special Court in Delhi on Tuesday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with a defamation suit filed by Delhi BJP leader Vijender Gupta. According to the court, the two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders will furnish a bond of Rs 10,000 each. The next date of hearing in the defamation case has been scheduled for July 25. Gupta had filed the suit against Kejriwal and Sisodia for allegedly "maligning" his image after they accused him of being part of an alleged "conspiracy" to kill the AAP chief by his own Personal Security Officer (PSO) in the manner in which Indira Gandhi was killed. He had said that he was "deeply hurt by the defamatory and false allegations made by both the accused persons". The BJP MLA claimed that the false allegations were made to impact the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab which were held in the last phase. The defamation suit has been filed under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for "willfully, deliberately, intentionally and maliciously" defaming the complainant, "on wholly and completely false, frivolous, unjustifiable and scandalous grounds and thereby, harming the goodwill and reputation of the complainant, within the political fraternity, media, friends, family, colleagues and in society at large." Gupta has also alleged that in the recent past, in order to make political gains, Kejriwal allegedly scripted the slap-gate during a road-show in the capital city on May 5. AAP had blamed the BJP for the incident. He has also alleged that Kejriwal and Sisodia have made several tweets with baseless allegations against him. "While Kejriwal`s tweet was retweeted 3,194 times and that of Sisodia`s was re-tweeted 1,301 times. Not only that. Twitter being a public platform, it might have reached and read by so many other people in and outside Delhi," Gupta said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia get bail in defamation suit filed by BJP's Vijender Gupta

While addressing Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) parliamentary meeting with lawmakers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-upset-with-bjp-mps-over-attendance-in-parliament-236321">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> said that number of days in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament can be extended, if needed.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi came down heavily on some ministers who were absent from Parliament duty.

During the meeting, he asked for a list of ministers who did not adhere to the roster and were absent from their Parliament duty today.

The prime minister also asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people across the country.

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&nbsp;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.

While addressing Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) parliamentary meeting with lawmakers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that number of days in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament can be extended, if needed.

While addressing Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) parliamentary meeting with lawmakers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that number of days in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament can be extended, if needed. Earlier in the day, PM Modi came down heavily on some ministers who were absent from Parliament duty. During the meeting, he asked for a list of ministers who did not adhere to the roster and were absent from their Parliament duty today. The prime minister also asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people across the country. 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.

Can extend Parliament session if needed: PM Modi tells BJP lawmakers

Pakistan has decided to open its airspace for 'all type of civil traffic' with immediate effect making a sort of climbdown from its July 12 stance that it would not do so until India withdraws all its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-not-open-its-airspace-until-india-removes-fighter-jets-from-forward-bases-235332">fighter planes from the Indo-Pak border</a>.

The flying restrictions which were imposed after its standoff with India in February this year after Pulwama terror attack and subsequent aerial strike by Indian Air Force, according to reports.

Partial operations at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ball-in-pakistans-court-india-on-pak-airspace-closure-233060">Pakistani airports</a> resumed once tensions eased but restrictions continued to affect many international carriers using Pakistani airspace.

Pakistan lies in the middle of a vital aviation corridor and the airspace restrictions affected hundreds of commercial and cargo flights each day, adding to flight time for passengers and fuel costs for airlines.

Watch: Pakistan opens airspace for all civilian traffic

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/first-time-since-balakot-strike-pakistan-opens-airspace-for-all-civilian-traffic-236261/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The announcement came hours after United Airlines Holdings Inc said it was extending the suspension of its flights from the United States to Delhi and Mumbai in India until Oct. 26, citing continued restrictions of Pakistani airspace.&nbsp;

The closure of Pakistani airspace had majorly impacted global air traffic especially the Afghans who were coming to India on a regular basis.

The Afghan aviation authority said that closure of Pakistani airspace had led to a loss of $ 27 million to Kabul in addition to disruption of passenger flights and India Afghanistan air corridor.&nbsp;

Closure of Pakistan airspace had also caused a loss of $100 million to Pakistan. Various Pakistani civil aviation authorities are losing overflight charges, parking and landing charges etc to the tune of $600,000.&nbsp;

In fact number of direct flights to Pakistan has also been cancelled and its state-run national airlines PIA-Pakistan International Airlines, which is already under tremendous pressure, is facing more loss of revenue due to the closure of Airspace.&nbsp;

A number of flights were also cancelled to India but since major Indian airspace was opened, New Delhi was able to absorb any losses.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan has decided to open its airspace for 'all type of civil traffic' with immediate effect making a sort of climbdown from its July 12 stance that it would not do so until India withdraws all its fighter planes from the Indo-Pak border.

Pakistan has decided to open its airspace for 'all type of civil traffic' with immediate effect making a sort of climbdown from its July 12 stance that it would not do so until India withdraws all its fighter planes from the Indo-Pak border. The flying restrictions which were imposed after its standoff with India in February this year after Pulwama terror attack and subsequent aerial strike by Indian Air Force, according to reports. Partial operations at Pakistani airports resumed once tensions eased but restrictions continued to affect many international carriers using Pakistani airspace. Pakistan lies in the middle of a vital aviation corridor and the airspace restrictions affected hundreds of commercial and cargo flights each day, adding to flight time for passengers and fuel costs for airlines. Watch: Pakistan opens airspace for all civilian traffic × The announcement came hours after United Airlines Holdings Inc said it was extending the suspension of its flights from the United States to Delhi and Mumbai in India until Oct. 26, citing continued restrictions of Pakistani airspace. The closure of Pakistani airspace had majorly impacted global air traffic especially the Afghans who were coming to India on a regular basis. The Afghan aviation authority said that closure of Pakistani airspace had led to a loss of $ 27 million to Kabul in addition to disruption of passenger flights and India Afghanistan air corridor. Closure of Pakistan airspace had also caused a loss of $100 million to Pakistan. Various Pakistani civil aviation authorities are losing overflight charges, parking and landing charges etc to the tune of $600,000. In fact number of direct flights to Pakistan has also been cancelled and its state-run national airlines PIA-Pakistan International Airlines, which is already under tremendous pressure, is facing more loss of revenue due to the closure of Airspace. A number of flights were also cancelled to India but since major Indian airspace was opened, New Delhi was able to absorb any losses. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan opens its airspace five months after closing it in aftermath of Balakot airstrikes

At least 2 people have been killed after a four-storeyed building collapsed in Mumbai's Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Civic officials said at least 40-50 people are feared to have been trapped under the debris.

The Kesarbai building that collapsed was located in Tandel Street, in Mumbai's Dongri area.

As soon as the incident was reported, fire tenders were rushed to the site. Reports suggest that the Kesarbai building collapsed at Tandel street, Abdul Hamid Durga in Dongri.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mumbai: Four-storey Kesarbai building has collapsed in Dongri. More than 40 people are feared trapped. <a href="https://t.co/dZNdF2xQg0">pic.twitter.com/dZNdF2xQg0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1151026585962762240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

To speed up the rescue operation, two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed for the rescue operation.

The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained. However, assumptions are being made that it is due to the incessant rain in Mumbai.&nbsp;

Chief Public Relation Officers (CPRO), of BMC said that the civic body has opened a shelter at Imamwada Municipal Secondary Girls' School to help affected people after the building collapsed in Dongri.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 2 people have been killed after a four-storeyed building collapsed in Mumbai's Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday. Civic officials said at least 40-50 people are feared to have been trapped under the debris.

At least 2 people have been killed after a four-storeyed building collapsed in Mumbai's Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday. Civic officials said at least 40-50 people are feared to have been trapped under the debris. The Kesarbai building that collapsed was located in Tandel Street, in Mumbai's Dongri area. As soon as the incident was reported, fire tenders were rushed to the site. Reports suggest that the Kesarbai building collapsed at Tandel street, Abdul Hamid Durga in Dongri. Mumbai: Four-storey Kesarbai building has collapsed in Dongri. More than 40 people are feared trapped. pic.twitter.com/dZNdF2xQg0 — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2019 × To speed up the rescue operation, two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed for the rescue operation. The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained. However, assumptions are being made that it is due to the incessant rain in Mumbai. Chief Public Relation Officers (CPRO), of BMC said that the civic body has opened a shelter at Imamwada Municipal Secondary Girls' School to help affected people after the building collapsed in Dongri. (With inputs from agencies)

2 killed, over 40 trapped as four-storey building collapses in Mumbai's Dongri

Floods have forced more than four million people from their homes across India, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/death-toll-in-nepal-floods-rises-to-55-thousands-displaced-236043">Nepal</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-rohingya-face-monsoon-floods-landslides-235777">Bangladesh</a> and killed more than 100 people as torrential rains in the initial days of monsoons wreaked havoc.

Assam and Bihar have been among the worst hit in India. Some 4.3 million people have been displaced from their homes in Assam in the last 10 days due to rising waters across the mostly rural northeastern region, according to a government release on Monday.

Television channels showed roads and railway lines in Bihar submerged, with people wading through chest-high, churning brown waters, carrying their belongings on their heads.

Floods in South Asia cause mass displacement and deaths annually, and the death toll and damage from the current monsoon season, which has just begun, is likely to increase in coming weeks. Floods in Nepal, India and Bangladesh during the 2017 monsoon killed at least 800 people and destroyed food crops and homes.

Watch: Heavy rain and floods in Assam kill at least 11 and displace more than 1 million

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-rain-and-floods-in-assam-kill-at-least-11-and-displace-more-than-1-million-236009/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<img alt="Flood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd5af42e-6cac-49ec-ac5a-897322fb5393" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_8.jpg" />

A member of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) carries a flood-affected woman to a safer place after heavy rains at Baldakhal village, on the outskirts of Agartala. (Reuters Photo) 
&nbsp;

An impoverished agrarian province with rickety infrastructure and poor healthcare services, Bihar has a history of flooding in its northern areas bordering Nepal.

Flood waters in Assam rose overnight with the Brahmaputra River, which flows down from the Himalayas into Bangladesh, and its tributaries still in spate. Most of the Kaziranga National Park, home to the rare one-horned rhino, was underwater, authorities in Assam said, adding that four people drowned on Monday.

<img alt="flood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5696e21a-e873-4ab1-8dda-2c7e7c5e0980" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_1.jpg" />

File photo: Girls row a makeshift raft past submerged houses at a flood-affected village in Karbi Anglong district.

"The flood situation has turned very critical with 31 of the 32 districts affected," Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told reporters. "We are working on a war footing to deal with the flood situation."

Assam, known for its tea industry, is hit by seasonal flooding each year, and the state and federal governments have spent millions of rupees on flood control.

Army and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the state for rescue and relief operations and makeshift shelter camps have been set up, while the airforce is on standby, Keshab Mahanta, Assam's water resources minister, told Reuters.

The Indian weather office has forecast widespread rains across Assam and Bihar over the next two days.

Landslides sweep away homes

In neighbouring Nepal, 64 people were killed and 31 were missing, with around a third of all districts hit by heavy rains, authorities said. Many of the deaths were caused by landslides that swept away houses.

In southeast Nepal, water levels on the Kosi River, which flows into Bihar, had receded, an district official said.

In 2008, the Kosi broke its banks and changed course, inundating huge tracts of land and killing 500 people.

“Our analysis is that the danger is over now that the water level has come down,” Chiranjibi Giri, assistant district administrator of Sunsari district, told Reuters.

In Bangladesh, floods forced an estimated 190,000 people out of their homes, government officials said.

In Cox's Bazar district, shelter to some 700,000 Rohingya refugees who fled violence in neighbouring Myanmar, more than 100,000 people have been displaced.

Since early July, flooding and landslides have damaged thousands of shelters at the refugee camps, killing two people, including a child, Human Rights Watch said in a release last week.

Floods have forced more than four million people from their homes across India, Nepal and Bangladesh and killed more than 100 people as torrential rains in the initial days of monsoons wreaked havoc.

Floods have forced more than four million people from their homes across India, Nepal and Bangladesh and killed more than 100 people as torrential rains in the initial days of monsoons wreaked havoc. Assam and Bihar have been among the worst hit in India. Some 4.3 million people have been displaced from their homes in Assam in the last 10 days due to rising waters across the mostly rural northeastern region, according to a government release on Monday. Television channels showed roads and railway lines in Bihar submerged, with people wading through chest-high, churning brown waters, carrying their belongings on their heads. Floods in South Asia cause mass displacement and deaths annually, and the death toll and damage from the current monsoon season, which has just begun, is likely to increase in coming weeks. Floods in Nepal, India and Bangladesh during the 2017 monsoon killed at least 800 people and destroyed food crops and homes. Watch: Heavy rain and floods in Assam kill at least 11 and displace more than 1 million A member of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) carries a flood-affected woman to a safer place after heavy rains at Baldakhal village, on the outskirts of Agartala. (Reuters Photo) An impoverished agrarian province with rickety infrastructure and poor healthcare services, Bihar has a history of flooding in its northern areas bordering Nepal. Flood waters in Assam rose overnight with the Brahmaputra River, which flows down from the Himalayas into Bangladesh, and its tributaries still in spate. Most of the Kaziranga National Park, home to the rare one-horned rhino, was underwater, authorities in Assam said, adding that four people drowned on Monday. File photo: Girls row a makeshift raft past submerged houses at a flood-affected village in Karbi Anglong district. "The flood situation has turned very critical with 31 of the 32 districts affected," Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told reporters. "We are working on a war footing to deal with the flood situation." Assam, known for its tea industry, is hit by seasonal flooding each year, and the state and federal governments have spent millions of rupees on flood control. Army and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the state for rescue and relief operations and makeshift shelter camps have been set up, while the airforce is on standby, Keshab Mahanta, Assam's water resources minister, told Reuters. The Indian weather office has forecast widespread rains across Assam and Bihar over the next two days. Landslides sweep away homes In neighbouring Nepal, 64 people were killed and 31 were missing, with around a third of all districts hit by heavy rains, authorities said. Many of the deaths were caused by landslides that swept away houses. In southeast Nepal, water levels on the Kosi River, which flows into Bihar, had receded, an district official said. In 2008, the Kosi broke its banks and changed course, inundating huge tracts of land and killing 500 people. “Our analysis is that the danger is over now that the water level has come down,” Chiranjibi Giri, assistant district administrator of Sunsari district, told Reuters. In Bangladesh, floods forced an estimated 190,000 people out of their homes, government officials said. In Cox's Bazar district, shelter to some 700,000 Rohingya refugees who fled violence in neighbouring Myanmar, more than 100,000 people have been displaced. Since early July, flooding and landslides have damaged thousands of shelters at the refugee camps, killing two people, including a child, Human Rights Watch said in a release last week.

Over 100 killed, millions displaced from floods in India, Nepal and Bangladesh

Supreme Court on Tuesday took up the pleas of 10&nbsp;rebel Karnataka MLAs against Speaker K R Ramesh for not accepting their resignations.

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.

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 took up the pleas of 10 rebel Karnataka MLAs against Speaker K R Ramesh for not accepting their resignations. Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi representing rebel MLAs said, "I don't want to be an MLA.

Supreme Court on Tuesday took up the pleas of 10 rebel Karnataka MLAs against Speaker K R Ramesh for not accepting their resignations. 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. 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)

Karnataka crisis: Supreme Court takes up rebel MLAs' plea

At the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-amit-shah-attend-bharatiya-janata-party-parliamentary-party-meet-236320">Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting</a> on Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said, "PM has reiterated that attendance is compulsory in the house and there is no exception to this. He has asked them to ensure that the government schemes reach people."&nbsp;

"Aspirational districts in the entire country are competing with each other over different yardsticks and the data is updated every day on websites. Each district is being monitored for implementation of government schemes and MPs have to get involved with officials to take all these schemes to people," Joshi said.

PM also reiterated his advice to BJP MPs to maintain compulsory attendance in parliament while setting-up a target of TB-free India by 2025.

"The world has kept a target of 2030 to eradicate the disease of TB. However, Prime Minister has kept a target of 2025 for a TB free India. He has directed all parliamentarians to work in this direction", Joshi said.

Joshi told reporters that PM Modi has 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. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi the PM said that Bapu had said that he will only come to put a lock on leprosy hospital and not to inaugurate it. He believed that leprosy disease should be eradicated", said Joshi.&nbsp; 
Later replying to a question, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister also expressed his displeasure over the ongoing Karnataka political situation.

"I want to express discontent over the attitude of the Karnataka speaker. We expected that he will work impartially. Despite MLAs resigning in person, the speaker is talking about conducting an enquiry. These delay tactics are not good for the post of the speaker", Joshi told media persons.

BJP parliamentary party meeting was held at Parliament Library Building with senior leaders of the party being in attendance. On July 14, BJP had issued a notice to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs informing them about today`s meeting and asked them to ensure attendance. (ANI)&nbsp;

At the Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people.

At the Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said, "PM has reiterated that attendance is compulsory in the house and there is no exception to this. He has asked them to ensure that the government schemes reach people." "Aspirational districts in the entire country are competing with each other over different yardsticks and the data is updated every day on websites. Each district is being monitored for implementation of government schemes and MPs have to get involved with officials to take all these schemes to people," Joshi said. PM also reiterated his advice to BJP MPs to maintain compulsory attendance in parliament while setting-up a target of TB-free India by 2025. "The world has kept a target of 2030 to eradicate the disease of TB. However, Prime Minister has kept a target of 2025 for a TB free India. He has directed all parliamentarians to work in this direction", Joshi said. Joshi told reporters that PM Modi has 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. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi the PM said that Bapu had said that he will only come to put a lock on leprosy hospital and not to inaugurate it. He believed that leprosy disease should be eradicated", said Joshi. Later replying to a question, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister also expressed his displeasure over the ongoing Karnataka political situation. "I want to express discontent over the attitude of the Karnataka speaker. We expected that he will work impartially. Despite MLAs resigning in person, the speaker is talking about conducting an enquiry. These delay tactics are not good for the post of the speaker", Joshi told media persons. BJP parliamentary party meeting was held at Parliament Library Building with senior leaders of the party being in attendance. On July 14, BJP had issued a notice to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs informing them about today`s meeting and asked them to ensure attendance. (ANI)

PM Narendra Modi  asks parliamentarians to ensure better reach of govt schemes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/tata-steel-chairman-says-to-help-nearly-double-indian-capacity-after-thyssenkrupp-deal-148537">Tata Steel India's first quarter production</a> increased by 20 per cent year-on-year with consolidation of Tata Steel BSL for the full quarter and higher capacity utilisation at both Tata Steel standalone and Tata Steel BSL.Q1 (April to June) FY 2019-20 sales volume improved by 16 per cent year-on-year primarily with consolidation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/tata-steel-europe-thyssenkrupp-merger-to-cut-costs-moodys-145397">Tata Steel BSL </a>for full quarter. &nbsp;

While the production was 3.64 million tonnes, the sales totaled 3.34 million tonnes in the same period.

This was despite liquidity issues in the banking and non-banking financial companies (NBFC) sectors along with rural stress which negatively impacted sentiments and overall economic activities, including domestic consumption.

"The resumption of trade talks between the United States and China and the recent Union Budget announcements in India to resolve some of the liquidity issues are expected to trigger an improvement in business sentiment globally and in India," the company said in a statement.

&nbsp;"This is expected to translate into a stronger business performance in second half of the financial year."&nbsp;

In Europe, the steel industry has been facing significant headwinds in terms of lower economic growth and trade flow uncertainty that is impacting steel consuming products.&nbsp;

Tata Steel Europe`s first quarter FY20 production was impacted by planned shutdowns and unplanned outages during the quarter.

This coupled with sluggish demand affected the sales volume. While the production was 2.81 million tonnes, sales totalled 2.45 per cent.&nbsp;

In southeast Asia, the production was 0.52 million tonnes while sales totalled 0.6 million tonnes.

"Global business confidence has dipped sharply in recent months amid broader economic weakness and the uncertainty around the ongoing US-China trade conflict, which has hurt investment decisions, capex spend and trade flows," the company said.

"Consequently, steel prices across many geographies declined in Q1 FY20. This coincided with a sharp rise in iron ore prices due to supply disruptions and elevated coking coal costs. As a result, market spreads for steel producers globally have been affected."

Tata Steel group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 33 million tonnes per annum The group (excluding southeast Asia operations) recorded a consolidated turnover of 22.67 billion dollars in the financial year ending March 31.

Last year, Tata Steel acquired Bhushan Steel Ltd which has now been renamed as Tata Steel BSL Ltd.

Tata Steel India's first quarter production increased by 20 per cent year-on-year with consolidation of Tata Steel BSL for the full quarter and higher capacity utilisation at both Tata Steel standalone and Tata Steel BSL.

Tata Steel India's first quarter production increased by 20 per cent year-on-year with consolidation of Tata Steel BSL for the full quarter and higher capacity utilisation at both Tata Steel standalone and Tata Steel BSL.Q1 (April to June) FY 2019-20 sales volume improved by 16 per cent year-on-year primarily with consolidation of Tata Steel BSL for full quarter. While the production was 3.64 million tonnes, the sales totaled 3.34 million tonnes in the same period. This was despite liquidity issues in the banking and non-banking financial companies (NBFC) sectors along with rural stress which negatively impacted sentiments and overall economic activities, including domestic consumption. "The resumption of trade talks between the United States and China and the recent Union Budget announcements in India to resolve some of the liquidity issues are expected to trigger an improvement in business sentiment globally and in India," the company said in a statement. "This is expected to translate into a stronger business performance in second half of the financial year." In Europe, the steel industry has been facing significant headwinds in terms of lower economic growth and trade flow uncertainty that is impacting steel consuming products. Tata Steel Europe`s first quarter FY20 production was impacted by planned shutdowns and unplanned outages during the quarter. This coupled with sluggish demand affected the sales volume. While the production was 2.81 million tonnes, sales totalled 2.45 per cent. In southeast Asia, the production was 0.52 million tonnes while sales totalled 0.6 million tonnes. "Global business confidence has dipped sharply in recent months amid broader economic weakness and the uncertainty around the ongoing US-China trade conflict, which has hurt investment decisions, capex spend and trade flows," the company said. "Consequently, steel prices across many geographies declined in Q1 FY20. This coincided with a sharp rise in iron ore prices due to supply disruptions and elevated coking coal costs. As a result, market spreads for steel producers globally have been affected." Tata Steel group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 33 million tonnes per annum The group (excluding southeast Asia operations) recorded a consolidated turnover of 22.67 billion dollars in the financial year ending March 31. Last year, Tata Steel acquired Bhushan Steel Ltd which has now been renamed as Tata Steel BSL Ltd.

Tata Steel reports higher production, sales in India despite liquidity challenges in market

Rebel Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy has skipped his meeting with Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh, who had called him to check whether he had resigned voluntarily. Reddy, who was among the dissident Congress MLAs, was called by the Speaker on Monday evening to check whether his resignation was on his own volition and voluntary so that the presiding officer could take a decision on the resignation."I went to see doctor, it got delayed. Speakers'&nbsp;office will call me, I will go today or tomorrow, whenever they call me," he told ANI on his skipping the meeting. 
 
Reddy may be called by the Speaker today, sources said. Reddy, who along with nine Congress-JD(S) MLAs resigned on July 6, said that he tendered his resignation due to party`s internal matters."My reasons (of resignation) were purely internal and party, not on high command and not on Congress party, not on the chief minister," he said. 
 
However, the Speaker had rejected eight MLAs resignation including that of Reddy, saying their resignation was not in order. When asked whether he is planning to attend the floor test, Reddy said, "My resignation is not accepted till now, so I will attend the test."Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear an impleading petition by five Karnataka rebel MLAs in the case relating to early decision by Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar. 
 
The 13-month old Congress-JDS government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 11 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly on Saturday. 
 
&nbsp;

Rebel Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy has skipped his meeting with Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh, who had called him to check whether he had resigned voluntarily.

Rebel Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy has skipped his meeting with Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh, who had called him to check whether he had resigned voluntarily. Reddy, who was among the dissident Congress MLAs, was called by the Speaker on Monday evening to check whether his resignation was on his own volition and voluntary so that the presiding officer could take a decision on the resignation."I went to see doctor, it got delayed. Speakers' office will call me, I will go today or tomorrow, whenever they call me," he told ANI on his skipping the meeting. Reddy may be called by the Speaker today, sources said. Reddy, who along with nine Congress-JD(S) MLAs resigned on July 6, said that he tendered his resignation due to party`s internal matters."My reasons (of resignation) were purely internal and party, not on high command and not on Congress party, not on the chief minister," he said. However, the Speaker had rejected eight MLAs resignation including that of Reddy, saying their resignation was not in order. When asked whether he is planning to attend the floor test, Reddy said, "My resignation is not accepted till now, so I will attend the test."Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear an impleading petition by five Karnataka rebel MLAs in the case relating to early decision by Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar. The 13-month old Congress-JDS government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 11 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly on Saturday.

Rebel Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy skips meeting with Karnataka Assembly Speaker

Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting commenced at Parliament Library Building here on Tuesday with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-emerges-as-clear-no-2-224821">Amit Shah </a>and other senior leaders of the party in attendance.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, 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;

On July 14, BJP had issued a notice to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs informing them about today's meeting and asked them to ensure attendance.&nbsp;

The meeting comes ahead of the beginning of the day`s proceeding in the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting commenced at Parliament Library Building here on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders of the party in attendance.

Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting commenced at Parliament Library Building here on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders of the party in attendance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, 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. On July 14, BJP had issued a notice to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs informing them about today's meeting and asked them to ensure attendance. The meeting comes ahead of the beginning of the day`s proceeding in the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah attend Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentary party meet

Varanasi`s famed tradition of Ganga Aarti, the daily evening ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat, has been advanced on account of the lunar eclipse on Tuesday.

The timings of the daily ritual for today have been kept at 3:00 PM which is much before the usual time.&nbsp;

As per Hindu beliefs, no religious ritual can be performed and temples remain closed for a specified period before, after and during an eclipse.&nbsp;

Considering the same, the organizers of Ganga Aarti have decided to perform the ritual in the afternoon instead of the evening.&nbsp;

In India, the partial lunar eclipse will be visible during the intervening night of July 16 and 17.&nbsp;

The Moon will enter penumbra on July 17 around 12.12 am, after which the moon will enter umbra at 1.31 am. The maximum of partial lunar eclipse 2019 will be witnessed around 3 am.

Varanasi`s famed tradition of Ganga Aarti, the daily evening ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat, has been advanced on account of the lunar eclipse on Tuesday. The timings of the daily ritual for today have been kept at 3:00 PM which is much before the usual time.

Varanasi`s famed tradition of Ganga Aarti, the daily evening ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat, has been advanced on account of the lunar eclipse on Tuesday. The timings of the daily ritual for today have been kept at 3:00 PM which is much before the usual time. As per Hindu beliefs, no religious ritual can be performed and temples remain closed for a specified period before, after and during an eclipse. Considering the same, the organizers of Ganga Aarti have decided to perform the ritual in the afternoon instead of the evening. In India, the partial lunar eclipse will be visible during the intervening night of July 16 and 17. The Moon will enter penumbra on July 17 around 12.12 am, after which the moon will enter umbra at 1.31 am. The maximum of partial lunar eclipse 2019 will be witnessed around 3 am.

Varanasi evening Ganga Aarti advanced due to lunar eclipse

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-sentences-three-jaish-e-mohammed-activists-for-terror-funding-223365">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday.

The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad.&nbsp;

In April, the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested a JeM terrorist from Srinagar identified as Faiyaz Ahmed Lone.

On March 22, Delhi Police had arrested Sajjad Khan, an alleged associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan.&nbsp;

He was arrested from the Red Fort area and was later to handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday. The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad.

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday. The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad. In April, the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested a JeM terrorist from Srinagar identified as Faiyaz Ahmed Lone. On March 22, Delhi Police had arrested Sajjad Khan, an alleged associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan. He was arrested from the Red Fort area and was later to handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

Delhi Police Special Cell arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed  terrorist from Srinagar

The Defence Ministry has suspended all business dealings with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-registers-corruption-case-in-pilatus-aircraft-deal-searches-sanjay-bhandaris-office-residence-229436">Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft </a>Limited for one year following charges of payment of kickbacks in the sale of 75 basic trainer aircraft for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/satellites-spy-planes-roped-in-to-locate-indian-air-forces-missing-an-32-aircraft-224202">Indian Air Force</a>.

The order issued by the vigilance department of the ministry on July 12 said that business dealings with Pilatus with remain suspended for one year or until further orders for violation of the Pre-Contract Integrity Pact (PCIP).

It referred to the ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation, Delhi Police, Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department into "corrupt practices, unfair means, and illegal activities" by the company.

Under the PCIP of November 12, 2010, Pilatus had agreed that while presenting the bid or during pre-contract negotiation or before signing the contract, it shall disclose any payments made, committed or intended to be made to officials of the buyer or their family members, agents, brokers or any intermediaries in connection with the contract and the details of the services agreed upon such payments.

The Defence Ministry had received reports of engagement of agents by Pilatus for assistance in the sale of the basic trainer aircraft for the IAF on payment of a commission, according to the vigilance department order.

The ministry had written a letter to the company in December 2016 asking it to offer comments on the report along with details of any such engagement.

In its response submitted in January 2017, the company admitted engaging Offset India Solutions, a firm belonging to fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, for the successful resolution, approval or implementation of Pilatus offset proposals, plans and obligations.

Following the response by Pilatus, the ministry issued a show cause notice to the company and demanded an explanation. The reply by the Swiss firm in June 2017 was not found to be satisfactory.

The CBI registered a regular case on June 19 this year under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. The investigations by the ED and I-T Department are also underway.

The CBI filed the case against unknown officials of the IAF, Ministry of Defence, arms dealer Bhandari and Pilatus Aircraft Limited for alleged irregularities in the procurement of 75 basic trainer aircraft.

The agency has alleged that kickbacks to the tune of Rs 339 crore were paid in the 2012 deal. 
&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry has suspended all business dealings with Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Limited for one year following charges of payment of kickbacks in the sale of 75 basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

The Defence Ministry has suspended all business dealings with Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Limited for one year following charges of payment of kickbacks in the sale of 75 basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The order issued by the vigilance department of the ministry on July 12 said that business dealings with Pilatus with remain suspended for one year or until further orders for violation of the Pre-Contract Integrity Pact (PCIP). It referred to the ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation, Delhi Police, Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department into "corrupt practices, unfair means, and illegal activities" by the company. Under the PCIP of November 12, 2010, Pilatus had agreed that while presenting the bid or during pre-contract negotiation or before signing the contract, it shall disclose any payments made, committed or intended to be made to officials of the buyer or their family members, agents, brokers or any intermediaries in connection with the contract and the details of the services agreed upon such payments. The Defence Ministry had received reports of engagement of agents by Pilatus for assistance in the sale of the basic trainer aircraft for the IAF on payment of a commission, according to the vigilance department order. The ministry had written a letter to the company in December 2016 asking it to offer comments on the report along with details of any such engagement. In its response submitted in January 2017, the company admitted engaging Offset India Solutions, a firm belonging to fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, for the successful resolution, approval or implementation of Pilatus offset proposals, plans and obligations. Following the response by Pilatus, the ministry issued a show cause notice to the company and demanded an explanation. The reply by the Swiss firm in June 2017 was not found to be satisfactory. The CBI registered a regular case on June 19 this year under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. The investigations by the ED and I-T Department are also underway. The CBI filed the case against unknown officials of the IAF, Ministry of Defence, arms dealer Bhandari and Pilatus Aircraft Limited for alleged irregularities in the procurement of 75 basic trainer aircraft. The agency has alleged that kickbacks to the tune of Rs 339 crore were paid in the 2012 deal.

Defence Ministry suspends business dealings with Pilatus aircraft company over alleged corruption

A BJP lawmaker on Tuesday gave a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-mp-gives-zero-hour-notice-in-rajya-sabha-over-centre-using-agencies-to-target-opponents-235971">Zero Hour</a> notice in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-vilas-paswan-takes-oath-as-rajya-sabha-member-232001">Rajya Sabha</a> over the forced conversion of Hindus in Pakistan.

Outlining the atrocities against Hindus, a minority in the neighbouring nation, and the atrocities against them, BJP lawmaker Kirodi Lal Meena submitted the notice in the Upper House.&nbsp;

The Zero Hour denotes the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament.&nbsp;

During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory ten-day notice. The lawmaker`s move comes after a large number of Hindus and Sikhs gathered in Jacobabad city of Pakistan`s Sindh province on July 12, to protest against the forced conversion of Hindu girls.

On June 29, a Hindu teenage girl, Payal Kumari, was allegedly abducted by her teacher Kamran Soomor from Thatta in Sindh.

The protesters were holding banners demanding justice for Payal Kumari and asked for the introduction of legislation against forced conversions. They also condemned Prime Minister Imran Khan for not protecting the rights of minorities in the country.

Scores of protests are taking place across Sindh against the persecution of Sindhi Hindus, particularly the forced conversions of Sindhi Hindu girls.

Recently, a major protest was held in Islamkot town in which a large number of Hindu women carried out a protest march and raised their voice against forced conversion of Hindu girls and the misuse of the blasphemy law.

In February and March this year, Pakistan's Hindu leaders had highlighted the issue of the kidnapping of two sisters, Raveena and Reena. They were kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam and then married to men in their forties in Dhaka town of Sindh`s Gotki district.

A BJP lawmaker on Tuesday gave a Zero Hour notice in the Rajya Sabha over the forced conversion of Hindus in Pakistan. Outlining the atrocities against Hindus, a minority in the neighbouring nation, and the atrocities against them, BJP lawmaker Kirodi Lal Meena submitted the notice in the Upper House.

A BJP lawmaker on Tuesday gave a Zero Hour notice in the Rajya Sabha over the forced conversion of Hindus in Pakistan. Outlining the atrocities against Hindus, a minority in the neighbouring nation, and the atrocities against them, BJP lawmaker Kirodi Lal Meena submitted the notice in the Upper House. The Zero Hour denotes the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament. During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory ten-day notice. The lawmaker`s move comes after a large number of Hindus and Sikhs gathered in Jacobabad city of Pakistan`s Sindh province on July 12, to protest against the forced conversion of Hindu girls. On June 29, a Hindu teenage girl, Payal Kumari, was allegedly abducted by her teacher Kamran Soomor from Thatta in Sindh. The protesters were holding banners demanding justice for Payal Kumari and asked for the introduction of legislation against forced conversions. They also condemned Prime Minister Imran Khan for not protecting the rights of minorities in the country. Scores of protests are taking place across Sindh against the persecution of Sindhi Hindus, particularly the forced conversions of Sindhi Hindu girls. Recently, a major protest was held in Islamkot town in which a large number of Hindu women carried out a protest march and raised their voice against forced conversion of Hindu girls and the misuse of the blasphemy law. In February and March this year, Pakistan's Hindu leaders had highlighted the issue of the kidnapping of two sisters, Raveena and Reena. They were kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam and then married to men in their forties in Dhaka town of Sindh`s Gotki district.

Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Kirodi Lal Meena gives Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over forced conversion of Hindus in Pakistan

A total of 963 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir by security forces since 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was first voted to power. During the various encounters and anti-combing operations in the state during the period, a total of 413 security personnel were also martyred.

The data was furnished by the Ministry of Home Affairs in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. The Home Ministry also said that pursuant to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, the forces were taking proactive measures to neutralise terrorists.

According to the Home Ministry, each of the Central Armed Police Forces has a designated welfare officer at each headquarter. Apart from it, there are welfare officers at the unit level to facilitate the families of security personnel, who were martyred in the line of duty.

On Monday, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik had informed the Rajya Sabha that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a total of 318 terrorist attacks in 2018, which is 187 more than the number of attacks in 2017.

In a written reply to Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel, the government had further said that as many as 265 terrorists were killed in various counter-terrorists, counter infiltration and Terrorist Initiated Incidents operations undertaken by the defence and security personnel. In the same year, a total of 43 Army jawans were martyred during anti-terrorist operations.

India has witnessed several terror attacks in the year 2019 as well, including the February 14 terror attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama, killing at least 40 personnel.

In June, a terror attack in south Kashmir's Anantnag district claimed the lives of five CRPF personnel. Pakistan-based terror group Al Umar Mujahideen had claimed the responsibility for the attack. The terrorists had ambushed a security patrolling party. One terrorist was also killed in retaliatory fire.

A total of 963 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir by security forces since 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was first voted to power. During the various encounters and anti-combing operations in the state during the period, a total of 413 security personnel were also martyred.

A total of 963 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir by security forces since 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was first voted to power. During the various encounters and anti-combing operations in the state during the period, a total of 413 security personnel were also martyred. The data was furnished by the Ministry of Home Affairs in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. The Home Ministry also said that pursuant to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, the forces were taking proactive measures to neutralise terrorists. According to the Home Ministry, each of the Central Armed Police Forces has a designated welfare officer at each headquarter. Apart from it, there are welfare officers at the unit level to facilitate the families of security personnel, who were martyred in the line of duty. On Monday, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik had informed the Rajya Sabha that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a total of 318 terrorist attacks in 2018, which is 187 more than the number of attacks in 2017. In a written reply to Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel, the government had further said that as many as 265 terrorists were killed in various counter-terrorists, counter infiltration and Terrorist Initiated Incidents operations undertaken by the defence and security personnel. In the same year, a total of 43 Army jawans were martyred during anti-terrorist operations. India has witnessed several terror attacks in the year 2019 as well, including the February 14 terror attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama, killing at least 40 personnel. In June, a terror attack in south Kashmir's Anantnag district claimed the lives of five CRPF personnel. Pakistan-based terror group Al Umar Mujahideen had claimed the responsibility for the attack. The terrorists had ambushed a security patrolling party. One terrorist was also killed in retaliatory fire.

963 terrorists killed, 413 soldiers martyred in J&K since 2014: Home Ministry

Congress is likely to decide the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Goa Assembly within the next two days, former state chief minister Digambar Kamat said on Sunday.

"Congress will decide the Leader of Opposition maybe within two days," he told ANI. The monsoon session of the Assembly will start tomorrow.

Kamat's remarks came after 10 Congress MLAs, including Chandrakant Kavlekar who was the LoP, had joined BJP on Thursday.

Kavlekar, along with two other Congress rebels -- Jennifer Monserrate and Filipe Nery Rodrigues, and BJP MLA Michael Lobo, were appointed ministers on Saturday. However, the portfolios of the new ministers have not been allocated.

Kavlekar was made the Deputy Chief Minister, replacing Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai, whose party withdrew support to the BJP government in the state.

Three GFP MLAs, including Sardesai, and an Independent were removed from the Pramod Sawant ministry.

With the 10 MLAs switching over, the strength of Congress in the 40-member House has reduced to a mere five.

Congress is likely to decide the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Goa Assembly within the next two days, former state chief minister Digambar Kamat said on Sunday.

Congress is likely to decide the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Goa Assembly within the next two days, former state chief minister Digambar Kamat said on Sunday. "Congress will decide the Leader of Opposition maybe within two days," he told ANI. The monsoon session of the Assembly will start tomorrow. Kamat's remarks came after 10 Congress MLAs, including Chandrakant Kavlekar who was the LoP, had joined BJP on Thursday. Kavlekar, along with two other Congress rebels -- Jennifer Monserrate and Filipe Nery Rodrigues, and BJP MLA Michael Lobo, were appointed ministers on Saturday. However, the portfolios of the new ministers have not been allocated. Kavlekar was made the Deputy Chief Minister, replacing Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai, whose party withdrew support to the BJP government in the state. Three GFP MLAs, including Sardesai, and an Independent were removed from the Pramod Sawant ministry. With the 10 MLAs switching over, the strength of Congress in the 40-member House has reduced to a mere five.

Congress likely to decide LoP in Goa Assembly in next two days: Digambar Kamat

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has given a Zero Hour notice in the Rajya Sabha for Monday on the issue of "Centre using government agencies to target opponents".

Since recently, the issue of Centre using government agencies against the opposition leaders have been raised by various parties on several occasions.

In February, the opposition parties including AAP, Trinamool Congres, Telugu Desam Party, and Congress had jointly opposed the move to arrest then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav had also supported West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her "Save the Constitution" dharna for nearly twelve hours amid the ongoing faceoff between the Kolkata Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

On June 21, Singh had given a Zero Hour notice in the Hosue over increasing crime rates in Delhi.

The Zero Hour denotes the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament. During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory prior ten days notice.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has given a Zero Hour notice in the Rajya Sabha for Monday on the issue of "Centre using government agencies to target opponents".

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has given a Zero Hour notice in the Rajya Sabha for Monday on the issue of "Centre using government agencies to target opponents". Since recently, the issue of Centre using government agencies against the opposition leaders have been raised by various parties on several occasions. In February, the opposition parties including AAP, Trinamool Congres, Telugu Desam Party, and Congress had jointly opposed the move to arrest then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav had also supported West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her "Save the Constitution" dharna for nearly twelve hours amid the ongoing faceoff between the Kolkata Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On June 21, Singh had given a Zero Hour notice in the Hosue over increasing crime rates in Delhi. The Zero Hour denotes the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament. During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory prior ten days notice.

AAP MP gives Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over 'Centre using agencies to target opponents'

Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora has given a Zero Hour Notice over <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-floods-70-of-kaziranga-national-park-submerged-animals-taken-to-highlands-235656&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie2Zz5kbbjAhUy7nMBHTwaC8YQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0gzihMOQ4D1KU47S9WFwM5">flood situation</a> in his home state.&nbsp;

The Congress MP has given the notice in the upper house of parliament-Rajya Sabha.

The Zero Hour denotes the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament.&nbsp;

During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory prior ten days notice.

Incessant downpour in the state has led to a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-heavy-rain-floods-kill-at-least-10-people-over-a-million-displaced-235623&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie2Zz5kbbjAhUy7nMBHTwaC8YQFjAFegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zeotELrC1s5NkS8QeVe6w">flood in large parts of Assam</a>.&nbsp;

Around 62 relief camps have been set up for relief and rescue purpose with lakhs of people from 25 districts being affected by the advent of floods in the state.

"25 districts, 2217 villages and 14,06,711 people have been affected by the advent of floods in the state."

"Around 62 relief camps and 172 relief distribution centres have been set up for relief and rescue purpose," said Kumar Sanjay Krishna, Additional Chief Secretary, Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Department.

In the district of Morigaon, at least 94,000 people have been affected as over 180 villages are under the grip of tragic floods after the waters of Brahmaputra River entered the area"Many villages have been flooded as the waters of Brahmaputra has flown into different areas of the district," said a local from Bhuragaon in Morigaon.

"Water is continuously filling around our houses and the roads are blocked. Yet no government officials have come up to lend us support," he added.

Same is the fate of the dozens of villages of Darang district in Assam where the waters of Brahmaputra, Kuli, Tangni and Jiya Dhanashree River have entered the villages.

Roads and bridges affected due to the floods have left the villagers stranded.&nbsp;

Apart from this, thousand of Bigha agricultural land has submerged in dozens of villages of the district.

Unhygienic drinking water is also posing a grave threat to the health of the residents, especially children.&nbsp;

Even after all this, people still await relief materials.&nbsp;

Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora has given a Zero Hour Notice over flood situation in his home state. The Congress MP has given the notice in the upper house of parliament-Rajya Sabha.

Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora has given a Zero Hour Notice over flood situation in his home state. The Congress MP has given the notice in the upper house of parliament-Rajya Sabha. The Zero Hour denotes the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament. During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory prior ten days notice. Incessant downpour in the state has led to a flood in large parts of Assam. Around 62 relief camps have been set up for relief and rescue purpose with lakhs of people from 25 districts being affected by the advent of floods in the state. "25 districts, 2217 villages and 14,06,711 people have been affected by the advent of floods in the state." "Around 62 relief camps and 172 relief distribution centres have been set up for relief and rescue purpose," said Kumar Sanjay Krishna, Additional Chief Secretary, Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Department. In the district of Morigaon, at least 94,000 people have been affected as over 180 villages are under the grip of tragic floods after the waters of Brahmaputra River entered the area"Many villages have been flooded as the waters of Brahmaputra has flown into different areas of the district," said a local from Bhuragaon in Morigaon. "Water is continuously filling around our houses and the roads are blocked. Yet no government officials have come up to lend us support," he added. Same is the fate of the dozens of villages of Darang district in Assam where the waters of Brahmaputra, Kuli, Tangni and Jiya Dhanashree River have entered the villages. Roads and bridges affected due to the floods have left the villagers stranded. Apart from this, thousand of Bigha agricultural land has submerged in dozens of villages of the district. Unhygienic drinking water is also posing a grave threat to the health of the residents, especially children. Even after all this, people still await relief materials.

Assam Congress president Ripun Bora gives Zero Hour notice over floods in state

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-holds-meeting-with-rebel-mla-ramalinga-reddy-236030&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw9tesmbbjAhVl63MBHQx7C9AQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1-yfHO6BMqXvFpImxZHVmm">Rebel Karnataka MLAs</a> are likely to move the Supreme Court again on Monday, sources said.&nbsp;

The legislators are likely to move the court for contempt proceedings against Congress leaders as the top court has ordered a status quo, however, Congress is trying to influence and threaten the MLAs in many ways, sources added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the 14 MLAs residing at Renaissance Hotel here wrote to Senior Police Inspector, Powai Police Station, over an alleged "threat" from senior Karnataka and Maharashtra Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Ghulam Nabi Azad.&nbsp;

Seeking protection, the leaders urged the police officer to make necessary arrangements to ensure that the leaders are not allowed to meet them.

"We the respected Members of Karnataka Assembly are currently staying at Renaissance Hotel Powai, would like to inform you that we have absolutely no intentions in meeting Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji or Ghulam Nabi Azad Ji or any Congress dignitaries or functionaries from Maharashtra and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-more-karnataka-congress-mlas-move-supreme-court-235563&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw9tesmbbjAhVl63MBHQx7C9AQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zzcTb51jNYdb4cknXCfWM">Karnataka Congress team leaders</a> or any other political leaders.

We anticipate a serious threat from them.&nbsp;

We hereby request you to kindly make necessary arrangements to stop these people from meeting us in case the situation arises," the letter read.&nbsp;

Among the legislators who signed the aforesaid letter are Shivram Hebbar, B.C. Patil, Mahesh K, Vishwanath, Muniratnam, Narayan Gowda, R Shankar, H Nagesh, Pratap Patil, Gopalaiah, Ramesh J, MTB Nagraj, Somshekar, and Basavaraja.

On July 11, the dissident MLAs had returned to the hotel here after meeting Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The development came after the Supreme Court had directed them to meet the Speaker and resubmit their resignations afresh.&nbsp;

In a twist to the political stalemate in Karnataka, the apex court had on July 12 ordered a status quo until July 16 on a plea filed by 10 dissident MLAs of Congress and JD(S) seeking a direction to the Assembly Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification.

Rebel Karnataka MLAs are likely to move the Supreme Court again on Monday, sources said. The legislators are likely to move the court for contempt proceedings against Congress leaders as the top court has ordered a status quo, however, Congress is trying to influence and threaten the MLAs in many ways, sources added.

Rebel Karnataka MLAs are likely to move the Supreme Court again on Monday, sources said. The legislators are likely to move the court for contempt proceedings against Congress leaders as the top court has ordered a status quo, however, Congress is trying to influence and threaten the MLAs in many ways, sources added. Meanwhile, the 14 MLAs residing at Renaissance Hotel here wrote to Senior Police Inspector, Powai Police Station, over an alleged "threat" from senior Karnataka and Maharashtra Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Ghulam Nabi Azad. Seeking protection, the leaders urged the police officer to make necessary arrangements to ensure that the leaders are not allowed to meet them. "We the respected Members of Karnataka Assembly are currently staying at Renaissance Hotel Powai, would like to inform you that we have absolutely no intentions in meeting Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji or Ghulam Nabi Azad Ji or any Congress dignitaries or functionaries from Maharashtra and Karnataka Congress team leaders or any other political leaders. We anticipate a serious threat from them. We hereby request you to kindly make necessary arrangements to stop these people from meeting us in case the situation arises," the letter read. Among the legislators who signed the aforesaid letter are Shivram Hebbar, B.C. Patil, Mahesh K, Vishwanath, Muniratnam, Narayan Gowda, R Shankar, H Nagesh, Pratap Patil, Gopalaiah, Ramesh J, MTB Nagraj, Somshekar, and Basavaraja. On July 11, the dissident MLAs had returned to the hotel here after meeting Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar in Bengaluru. The development came after the Supreme Court had directed them to meet the Speaker and resubmit their resignations afresh. In a twist to the political stalemate in Karnataka, the apex court had on July 12 ordered a status quo until July 16 on a plea filed by 10 dissident MLAs of Congress and JD(S) seeking a direction to the Assembly Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification.

Rebel Karnataka MLAs likely to move Supreme Court today

The fourteen rebel Karnataka Congress MLAs lodged in a hotel on Monday once again complained of threats from party's top leaders.

In a letter to Mumbai Police, the MLAs said they had “absolutely no intention of meeting Mallikarjun Kharge or Ghulam Nabi Azad or any Congress dignitaries or functionaries from Maharashtra or Karnataka Congress team leaders or any other political leader. We anticipate the serious threat from them and so we, hereby, request to kindly make necessary arrangements to stop these people from meeting us in case the situation arises.”&nbsp;

The 14 MLAs are staying at Hotel Renaissance at Powai in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, opposition BJP reiterated that the coalition has lost majority and demanded that Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy resign immediately or seek a trust vote on Monday itself.&nbsp;

The coalition government is on a shaky wicket with 16 MLAs -- 13 of the Congress and 3 of the JD(S) resigning their assembly membership.&nbsp;

Besides, two independent legislators, who were made ministers recently to provide stability, have quit the ministry and withdrawn support.

(With inputs from agencies)

The fourteen rebel Karnataka Congress MLAs lodged in a hotel on Monday once again complained of threats from party's top leaders. In a letter to Mumbai Police, the MLAs said they had “absolutely no intention of meeting Mallikarjun Kharge or Ghulam Nabi Azad or any Congress dignitaries or functionaries from Maharashtra or Karnataka Congress team leaders or any other political leader.

The fourteen rebel Karnataka Congress MLAs lodged in a hotel on Monday once again complained of threats from party's top leaders. In a letter to Mumbai Police, the MLAs said they had “absolutely no intention of meeting Mallikarjun Kharge or Ghulam Nabi Azad or any Congress dignitaries or functionaries from Maharashtra or Karnataka Congress team leaders or any other political leader. We anticipate the serious threat from them and so we, hereby, request to kindly make necessary arrangements to stop these people from meeting us in case the situation arises.” The 14 MLAs are staying at Hotel Renaissance at Powai in Mumbai. Meanwhile, opposition BJP reiterated that the coalition has lost majority and demanded that Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy resign immediately or seek a trust vote on Monday itself. The coalition government is on a shaky wicket with 16 MLAs -- 13 of the Congress and 3 of the JD(S) resigning their assembly membership. Besides, two independent legislators, who were made ministers recently to provide stability, have quit the ministry and withdrawn support. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka crisis: Rebel Congress MLAs write to police over threat from party veterans

Heavy monsoon rains in Assam displaced more than a million people from their homes and flash floods killed at least 11 in the past 72 hours, state authorities said on Saturday, warning the situation could worsen in the coming days. The Brahmaputra river, which flows from the Himalayas into India and then through Bangladesh, has burst its banks, swamping more than 1,800 villages in the state. Torrential rains have affected at least 25 of Assam's 32 districts and the federal water resources body said water levels in the Brahmaputra were expected to rise, with more rains forecast over the next three days.

Heavy rain and floods in Assam kill at least 11 and displace more than 1 million

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday&nbsp;officially <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-chandrayaan-2-launch-was-called-off-235999">called off the launch of India's moon mission </a>Chandrayaan-2 just minutes before its launch.

The mission was aborted at the last moment due to a technical snag.

The country's giant leap into space which was scheduled to shoot off from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh was aborted just 56 minutes, 24 seconds before its launch.

The countdown of the mission commenced at 6:51 am on Sunday.

Calling off the launch process, ISRO PRO Guru Prasad said, "As a measure of abundant precaution, Chandrayaan-2 launch has been called off for today. Revised launch date will be announced later."

The technical snag which restrained the launch of the mission&nbsp;occurred during the fuel-filling stage.

According to ISRO, the launch vehicle had been completed while filling liquid hydrogen in the cryogenic stage of GSLV.

Watch : Chandrayaan-2's launch put on hold, ISRO to announce revised launch date soon

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chandrayaan-2s-launch-put-on-hold-isro-to-announce-revised-launch-date-soon-236214/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A problem was noticed when the cryogenic fuel was being loaded.&nbsp;

Consequently, the fuel was emptied out as the scientists did not want to take a&nbsp;chance with the highly inflammable liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.

The Chandrayaan-2 costing around 978 crores was designed to explore the uncharted lunar solar pole.

The mission followed ISRO's first successful lunar mission Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008.

A full dress rehearsal was conducted last week and the scientists had undertaken various stages of propellant filling to power the rocket ahead of the launch.

The Chandrayaan-2 onboard the geosynchronous launch vehicle GSLV-MkIII-M1, nicknamed Baahubali, would have taken 54 days to accomplish the task of landing on the moon through meticulously planned orbital phases.

The mission had three indigenous elements lunar orbiter, lander, and rover.

After landing on the orbit, the lander -- named Vikram after the pioneer of the Indian space program Vikram Sarabhai -- was to separate from the orbiter and gently land on the moon's surface around September 6.

To date, only three countries US, the former Soviet Union and China have made a soft landing on the moon's surface.

The new date for the launch of the mission has not been announced yet. ISRO will release a revised date for the launch of the country's giant leap into space.

The Indian Space agency has launched multiple missions into space in the past 10 years.&nbsp;The missions have provided a better understanding of Mars and the Moon to the&nbsp;Indian Space Research Organisation.

The country aims to turn itself into a global space power and put Indian astronauts into space by 2022.

The Indian space agency has a budget that's 20 times less than NASA, its US counterpart.

A report by Sputnik International states ----the approximate $124-million price tag of the Chandrayaan-2 is less than half the budget of Hollywood blockbuster avengers endgame at $356 million.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday officially called off the launch of India's moon mission Chandrayaan-2 just minutes before its launch. The mission was aborted at the last moment due to a technical snag.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday officially called off the launch of India's moon mission Chandrayaan-2 just minutes before its launch. The mission was aborted at the last moment due to a technical snag. The country's giant leap into space which was scheduled to shoot off from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh was aborted just 56 minutes, 24 seconds before its launch. The countdown of the mission commenced at 6:51 am on Sunday. Calling off the launch process, ISRO PRO Guru Prasad said, "As a measure of abundant precaution, Chandrayaan-2 launch has been called off for today. Revised launch date will be announced later." The technical snag which restrained the launch of the mission occurred during the fuel-filling stage. According to ISRO, the launch vehicle had been completed while filling liquid hydrogen in the cryogenic stage of GSLV. Watch : Chandrayaan-2's launch put on hold, ISRO to announce revised launch date soon × A problem was noticed when the cryogenic fuel was being loaded. Consequently, the fuel was emptied out as the scientists did not want to take a chance with the highly inflammable liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The Chandrayaan-2 costing around 978 crores was designed to explore the uncharted lunar solar pole. The mission followed ISRO's first successful lunar mission Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008. A full dress rehearsal was conducted last week and the scientists had undertaken various stages of propellant filling to power the rocket ahead of the launch. The Chandrayaan-2 onboard the geosynchronous launch vehicle GSLV-MkIII-M1, nicknamed Baahubali, would have taken 54 days to accomplish the task of landing on the moon through meticulously planned orbital phases. The mission had three indigenous elements lunar orbiter, lander, and rover. After landing on the orbit, the lander -- named Vikram after the pioneer of the Indian space program Vikram Sarabhai -- was to separate from the orbiter and gently land on the moon's surface around September 6. To date, only three countries US, the former Soviet Union and China have made a soft landing on the moon's surface. The new date for the launch of the mission has not been announced yet. ISRO will release a revised date for the launch of the country's giant leap into space. The Indian Space agency has launched multiple missions into space in the past 10 years. The missions have provided a better understanding of Mars and the Moon to the Indian Space Research Organisation. The country aims to turn itself into a global space power and put Indian astronauts into space by 2022. The Indian space agency has a budget that's 20 times less than NASA, its US counterpart. A report by Sputnik International states ----the approximate $124-million price tag of the Chandrayaan-2 is less than half the budget of Hollywood blockbuster avengers endgame at $356 million.

What went wrong with ISRO's Chandrayaan-2 launch?

The toll in floods triggered by the incessant downpour in Nepal has mounted to 11, according to reports.

According to official sources, 26,45,533 people in 3,181 villages and localities under 103 revenue circles in 28 districts are affected.

Over 10.42 lakh animals are affected, while flood waters have also entered 87,607 hectares of farmland.

70 per cent of the Kaziranga National Park and its 95 camps was submerged in water and keeping in mind the gravity of the situation, forest officers were asked to remain on duty and their leaves cancelled.

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Other animals like tigers and elephants are also found in the forest.

With floods wreaking havoc in Assam, officials said animals residing in the national park were taken to the highlands.

The forest department is fully alert on the National Highway (NH) 37 in order to avoid any poaching chances by hunters. This highway starts from Sutarakandi near Karimganj in Assam and terminates at Bhali in Manipur.

Time cards are being provided to vehicles coming from both sides of the Kaziranga National Park to provide utmost security to animals from being hunted. Forest guards have also been put on duty at night.

Meanwhile, troops of Indian Army along with SDRF and Civil Administration conducted rescue operations and evacuated around 150 villagers who were stranded in Balipur Char of Baksa district in the state.

(With inputs from ANI)

The toll in floods triggered by the incessant downpour in Nepal has mounted to 11, according to reports. According to official sources, 26,45,533 people in 3,181 villages and localities under 103 revenue circles in 28 districts are affected.

The toll in floods triggered by the incessant downpour in Nepal has mounted to 11, according to reports. According to official sources, 26,45,533 people in 3,181 villages and localities under 103 revenue circles in 28 districts are affected. Over 10.42 lakh animals are affected, while flood waters have also entered 87,607 hectares of farmland. 70 per cent of the Kaziranga National Park and its 95 camps was submerged in water and keeping in mind the gravity of the situation, forest officers were asked to remain on duty and their leaves cancelled. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Other animals like tigers and elephants are also found in the forest. With floods wreaking havoc in Assam, officials said animals residing in the national park were taken to the highlands. The forest department is fully alert on the National Highway (NH) 37 in order to avoid any poaching chances by hunters. This highway starts from Sutarakandi near Karimganj in Assam and terminates at Bhali in Manipur. Time cards are being provided to vehicles coming from both sides of the Kaziranga National Park to provide utmost security to animals from being hunted. Forest guards have also been put on duty at night. Meanwhile, troops of Indian Army along with SDRF and Civil Administration conducted rescue operations and evacuated around 150 villagers who were stranded in Balipur Char of Baksa district in the state. (With inputs from ANI)

Assam floods: 26 lakh people affected in 28 districts, death toll rises to 11

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah met Congress leader and rebel MLA Ramalinga Reddy, hours after he held a meeting with party MLAs at Taj Vivanta here on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Congress party has also called a meeting of the legislature party tomorrow. This meeting comes ahead of BJP's demand for a trust vote in the state Assembly on Monday.&nbsp;

Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah told ANI on Sunday that the meeting will be held before the start of the Assembly session tomorrow.&nbsp;

The Congress-JD(S) government has plunged into crisis following the resignation by several MLAs from the House.&nbsp;

Ten dissident Congress and JD(S) MLAs have moved the Supreme Court which has directed the Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to maintain status quo on their resignation and disqualification till July 16.&nbsp;

State BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa had asked Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to prove his government`s majority in the Assembly on Monday.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy had on Friday told the Speaker that he was ready to seek a trust vote or face a no-confidence motion during the session which will go on till July 26.

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah met Congress leader and rebel MLA Ramalinga Reddy, hours after he held a meeting with party MLAs at Taj Vivanta here on Sunday.

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah met Congress leader and rebel MLA Ramalinga Reddy, hours after he held a meeting with party MLAs at Taj Vivanta here on Sunday. The Congress party has also called a meeting of the legislature party tomorrow. This meeting comes ahead of BJP's demand for a trust vote in the state Assembly on Monday. Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah told ANI on Sunday that the meeting will be held before the start of the Assembly session tomorrow. The Congress-JD(S) government has plunged into crisis following the resignation by several MLAs from the House. Ten dissident Congress and JD(S) MLAs have moved the Supreme Court which has directed the Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to maintain status quo on their resignation and disqualification till July 16. State BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa had asked Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to prove his government`s majority in the Assembly on Monday. Kumaraswamy had on Friday told the Speaker that he was ready to seek a trust vote or face a no-confidence motion during the session which will go on till July 26.

Siddaramaiah holds meeting with rebel MLA Ramalinga Reddy

The flood situation in Assam has worsened with loss of at least 11 lives and affecting over 26 lakh others across 28 districts.

State government officials said 3,181 villages were under water and 87,607 hectares of crop areas had been damaged. Floods have also affected over 10 lakh animals. Many animals at Kaziranga National Park have been moved to the highlands.

Authorities are running 327 relief camps and distribution centres in 24 districts, where 16,596 people are taking shelter at present.&nbsp;

Government has pressed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) into the relief and rescue operations to help the stranded people across the state. Army has also been called in to assist the civil administration.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and took stock of the flood situation in the state.

The Prime Minister has assured all the assistance to the state government to deal with the crisis.

Meanwhile, Assam Congress MPs protested on Monday in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament over the flood situation in Assam and demanded that it be declared a national problem by the Centre.&nbsp;

Ripun Bora, President of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, said, "We have staged this demonstration today to bring to the notice of the entire country as well as to the BJP government towards the floods in Assam."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The flood situation in Assam has worsened with loss of at least 11 lives and affecting over 26 lakh others across 28 districts. State government officials said 3,181 villages were under water and 87,607 hectares of crop areas had been damaged.

The flood situation in Assam has worsened with loss of at least 11 lives and affecting over 26 lakh others across 28 districts. State government officials said 3,181 villages were under water and 87,607 hectares of crop areas had been damaged. Floods have also affected over 10 lakh animals. Many animals at Kaziranga National Park have been moved to the highlands. Authorities are running 327 relief camps and distribution centres in 24 districts, where 16,596 people are taking shelter at present. Government has pressed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) into the relief and rescue operations to help the stranded people across the state. Army has also been called in to assist the civil administration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and took stock of the flood situation in the state. The Prime Minister has assured all the assistance to the state government to deal with the crisis. Meanwhile, Assam Congress MPs protested on Monday in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament over the flood situation in Assam and demanded that it be declared a national problem by the Centre. Ripun Bora, President of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, said, "We have staged this demonstration today to bring to the notice of the entire country as well as to the BJP government towards the floods in Assam." (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi takes stock of flood situation, assures all assistance to Assam government

The Border Security Force (BSF) on the intervening night of July 14-15 shot dead a Pakistani intruder trying to infiltrate through Ramgarh area.

"In the intervening night of July 14/15 2019, BSF troops deployed at the forward post in Ramgarh area noticed a suspicious movement between BS fence and IB. BSF troops challenged him to stop, he continued moving stealthily towards Border Fencing," a statement from the BSF read.

"Sensing his ill-intentions of crossing the fence BSF Jawans first fired a warning shot which did not deter the intruder. Finally, when the intruder tried to enter through the fence, BSF Jawans shot at him. The dead body of the killed intruder was recovered when daylight broke out," it added.

The body of the Pakistani intruder after retrieval from the place of incident was handed over to the Ramgarh Police Station for further disposal.

"Alert BSF troops on the forward post thwarted an attempt of intrusion from Pak side," the statement said.

The Border Security Force (BSF) on the intervening night of July 14-15 shot dead a Pakistani intruder trying to infiltrate through Ramgarh area. "In the intervening night of July 14/15 2019, BSF troops deployed at the forward post in Ramgarh area noticed a suspicious movement between BS fence and IB.

The Border Security Force (BSF) on the intervening night of July 14-15 shot dead a Pakistani intruder trying to infiltrate through Ramgarh area. "In the intervening night of July 14/15 2019, BSF troops deployed at the forward post in Ramgarh area noticed a suspicious movement between BS fence and IB. BSF troops challenged him to stop, he continued moving stealthily towards Border Fencing," a statement from the BSF read. "Sensing his ill-intentions of crossing the fence BSF Jawans first fired a warning shot which did not deter the intruder. Finally, when the intruder tried to enter through the fence, BSF Jawans shot at him. The dead body of the killed intruder was recovered when daylight broke out," it added. The body of the Pakistani intruder after retrieval from the place of incident was handed over to the Ramgarh Police Station for further disposal. "Alert BSF troops on the forward post thwarted an attempt of intrusion from Pak side," the statement said.

Jammu Kashmir: Pakistani intruder shot dead by BSF troops

india-news

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

india news