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 href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan-says-trump-can-waive-sanctions-on-turkey-report-236013">Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Trump can waive sanctions on Turkey: Report</a>

US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-indias-moon-mission-called-off-due-to-technical-snag-235997">Chandrayaan-2: India's moon mission called off due to technical snag</a>

The call-off procedure was initiated just over half an hour after ISRO tweeted that the filling of liquid hydrogen in cryogenic stage was complete.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-defeat-new-zealand-to-win-the-cricket-world-cup-2019-title-235973">England win Cricket World Cup 2019 after super over thriller</a>

England won the World Cup for the first time as they beat New Zealand in a Super Over after a nerve-shredding final ended in a tie at Lord's on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-detained-in-moscow-as-opposition-demands-to-be-included-in-vote-236001">Dozens detained in Moscow as opposition demands to be included in vote</a>

Police in Moscow detained more than 25 protestors at a rally to demonstrate against a possible ban on opposition candidates running in elections to the Russian capital's parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-migrants-wait-in-fear-no-sign-of-large-scale-us-raids-236016">As migrants wait in fear, no sign of large-scale US raids</a>

Thousands of undocumented immigrants waited in uncertainty on Sunday, fearful of the nationwide raids promised by President Donald Trump, but there were no immediate signs of any large-scale operations.

 
&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Trump can waive sanctions on Turkey: Report US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Trump can waive sanctions on Turkey: Report US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday. Chandrayaan-2: India's moon mission called off due to technical snag The call-off procedure was initiated just over half an hour after ISRO tweeted that the filling of liquid hydrogen in cryogenic stage was complete. England win Cricket World Cup 2019 after super over thriller England won the World Cup for the first time as they beat New Zealand in a Super Over after a nerve-shredding final ended in a tie at Lord's on Sunday. Dozens detained in Moscow as opposition demands to be included in vote Police in Moscow detained more than 25 protestors at a rally to demonstrate against a possible ban on opposition candidates running in elections to the Russian capital's parliament. As migrants wait in fear, no sign of large-scale US raids Thousands of undocumented immigrants waited in uncertainty on Sunday, fearful of the nationwide raids promised by President Donald Trump, but there were no immediate signs of any large-scale operations.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Weeks after 13 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel lost their lives in an AN-32 crash, the government informed Rajya Sabha on Monday that more than half of these planes in service with IAF have been upgraded with the installation of modern avionics.

"More than half of IAF's AN-32 aircraft upgraded with the structural upgrade as well as installation of advanced avionics and the remaining are under upgradation in a phased manner," Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik informed Rajya Sabha.

He also informed that serviceability of the fleet is at par with other fleets.

"Serviceability of the fleet is at par with other fleets. There is a shortage of certain spares (Russian origin) due to strained relations between Russia and Ukraine. At present, IAF has 98 AN-32 aircraft and none of the aircraft has outlived its operational life," he said.

On June 3, an AN-32 transport aircraft with 13 IAF personnel onboard went missing after taking off from Jorhat Air Force Station. The wreckage of the aircraft was found on June 11 on a mountain slope and all air-warriors died in the crash.

Weeks after 13 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel lost their lives in an AN-32 crash, the government informed Rajya Sabha on Monday that more than half of these planes in service with IAF have been upgraded with the installation of modern avionics.

Weeks after 13 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel lost their lives in an AN-32 crash, the government informed Rajya Sabha on Monday that more than half of these planes in service with IAF have been upgraded with the installation of modern avionics. "More than half of IAF's AN-32 aircraft upgraded with the structural upgrade as well as installation of advanced avionics and the remaining are under upgradation in a phased manner," Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik informed Rajya Sabha. He also informed that serviceability of the fleet is at par with other fleets. "Serviceability of the fleet is at par with other fleets. There is a shortage of certain spares (Russian origin) due to strained relations between Russia and Ukraine. At present, IAF has 98 AN-32 aircraft and none of the aircraft has outlived its operational life," he said. On June 3, an AN-32 transport aircraft with 13 IAF personnel onboard went missing after taking off from Jorhat Air Force Station. The wreckage of the aircraft was found on June 11 on a mountain slope and all air-warriors died in the crash.

More than half of IAF's AN-32 upgraded: Defence Ministry informs Rajya Sabha

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the government was using the offset money of Rafale deal to train people.

"We are using the offset money of Dassault Rafael deal in skill training. Today, we have signed an MoU with Dassault for skill training. During the election, the opposition was accusing us that we had given offset money to someone. I am saying that the government is giving the offset money to train people," she said here.

The Minister made the remarks in her address at the Vigyan Bhawan on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of Skill India Mission. Several other ministers including Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad attended the event.

"You should do whatever you are comfortable with. Looking for opportunity during college time was not easy. We had to search for places. During college time, there was only skill training in engineering.

"Learning Language is also a skill. A multi-disciplinary approach is a skill you must focus on. Utilise all the things given by the government. Don't settle for something because that is next to your house," she said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the government was using the offset money of Rafale deal to train people. "We are using the offset money of Dassault Rafael deal in skill training.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the government was using the offset money of Rafale deal to train people. "We are using the offset money of Dassault Rafael deal in skill training. Today, we have signed an MoU with Dassault for skill training. During the election, the opposition was accusing us that we had given offset money to someone. I am saying that the government is giving the offset money to train people," she said here. The Minister made the remarks in her address at the Vigyan Bhawan on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of Skill India Mission. Several other ministers including Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad attended the event. "You should do whatever you are comfortable with. Looking for opportunity during college time was not easy. We had to search for places. During college time, there was only skill training in engineering. "Learning Language is also a skill. A multi-disciplinary approach is a skill you must focus on. Utilise all the things given by the government. Don't settle for something because that is next to your house," she said.

Government using offset money of Rafale deal to train people: Nirmala Sitharaman

India's space agency called off the launch of its second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, less than an hour before the scheduled take off on Monday (July 15) due to a "technical snag." Public Relations Officer at the Indian Space Research Organisation, Guru Prasad told reporters in India's spaceport of Sriharikota that a technical snag in the launch vehicle system prompted the postponement. The mission, dubbed by the ISRO chairman as the most complex mission it has ever undertaken, was scheduled to launch at 09:21 p.m. GMT, or 02:51 a.m. local time. Prasad told reporters a revised launch date would be announced later.

India calls off second lunar mission due to 'technical snag'- ISRO

The launch of Chandrayaan 2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in the wee hours of Monday morning was put off after a technical snag was observed one hour before the scheduled liftoff.Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the launch had to be postponed due to a technical snag in the launch vehicle. "As a measure of abundant precaution, #Chandrayaan2 launch has been called off for today. The revised launch date will be announced later," it announced.

Chandrayaan-2's launch put on hold, ISRO to announce revised launch date soon

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-companies-leaving-china-that-is-why-they-want-make-a-deal-trump-236190">Thousands of companies leaving China, that is why they want to make a deal: Trump</a>

As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-anti-terror-court-grants-interim-pre-arrest-bail-to-hafiz-saeed-in-seminary-land-case-236176">Pakistan anti-terror court grants interim pre-arrest bail to Hafiz Saeed in seminary land case</a>

The anti-terror court in Lahore granted interim pre-arrest bail to Jamat-ud-Dawa(JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed until August 31 in a case pertaining to the outfit's alleged illegal use of land for its seminary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/allah-was-with-us-captain-morgan-hails-diverse-cultures-as-england-win-world-cup-with-rest-of-world-236174">'Allah was with us': Captain Morgan hails diverse cultures as England win World Cup 'with rest of world'</a>

England captain Eoin Morgan hailed the diverse backgrounds and cultures in the England cricket team after their dramatic World Cup win on July 14 at Lord's.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-condemns-rioters-after-violent-mall-clash-236131">I think we can really describe them as 'rioters': Carrie Lam on Hong Kong mall protesters</a>

Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-sanctions-hit-iran-women-debate-wearing-hijab-in-public-236170">In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public</a>

At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not.

More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

Thousands of companies leaving China, that is why they want to make a deal: Trump As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country.

Thousands of companies leaving China, that is why they want to make a deal: Trump As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country. Pakistan anti-terror court grants interim pre-arrest bail to Hafiz Saeed in seminary land case The anti-terror court in Lahore granted interim pre-arrest bail to Jamat-ud-Dawa(JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed until August 31 in a case pertaining to the outfit's alleged illegal use of land for its seminary. 'Allah was with us': Captain Morgan hails diverse cultures as England win World Cup 'with rest of world' England captain Eoin Morgan hailed the diverse backgrounds and cultures in the England cricket team after their dramatic World Cup win on July 14 at Lord's. I think we can really describe them as 'rioters': Carrie Lam on Hong Kong mall protesters Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes. In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not. More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

Why Chandrayaan-2 launch was called off?

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday.

It is noteworthy that out of the 115 districts selected from the country as aspirational districts, 8 districts (Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddhartha Nagar, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra) are from Uttar Pradesh, an official release of the Uttar Pradesh government said.

They have been selected on 49 parameters, namely- human development index, medical and nutrition, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and infrastructure.

"The state government will provide all possible help for the same. Once the plan is made it will be implemented effectively in a time-bound manner," Adityanath said.

Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant, and his colleagues presented the details of the progress of eight aspirational districts before the Chief Minister.&nbsp;

Praising the progress of the state, the Aayog members said that they want the aspirational districts of Uttar Pradesh should come at the top among the 115 districts in all the major parameters.&nbsp;

Aayog members said in the next 3-4 months, all the aspirational districts of UP will be on the top of every key parameter.&nbsp;

The officials of the Aayog suggested that the good works done in the aspirational districts should be shared with them through the District Magistrates of the concerned districts.

"They will share it with the world through social media.&nbsp;

The entire transformation work of the districts should be done in team spirit and there should be proper coordination between the representatives of the Centre and State.&nbsp;

In order to represent the ranking of the work on the dashboard, the data entry should be done correctly and timely," read the government press release. 
In the meeting, Chief Secretary Dr&nbsp;Anup Chandra Pandey, Principal Secretary, Information Awanish Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of the concerned departments, Principal Secretary to the Chief MinisterMrityunjay Narayan and senior officials of the NITI Ayog were present.

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday.

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday. It is noteworthy that out of the 115 districts selected from the country as aspirational districts, 8 districts (Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddhartha Nagar, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra) are from Uttar Pradesh, an official release of the Uttar Pradesh government said. They have been selected on 49 parameters, namely- human development index, medical and nutrition, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and infrastructure. "The state government will provide all possible help for the same. Once the plan is made it will be implemented effectively in a time-bound manner," Adityanath said. Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant, and his colleagues presented the details of the progress of eight aspirational districts before the Chief Minister. Praising the progress of the state, the Aayog members said that they want the aspirational districts of Uttar Pradesh should come at the top among the 115 districts in all the major parameters. Aayog members said in the next 3-4 months, all the aspirational districts of UP will be on the top of every key parameter. The officials of the Aayog suggested that the good works done in the aspirational districts should be shared with them through the District Magistrates of the concerned districts. "They will share it with the world through social media. The entire transformation work of the districts should be done in team spirit and there should be proper coordination between the representatives of the Centre and State. In order to represent the ranking of the work on the dashboard, the data entry should be done correctly and timely," read the government press release. In the meeting, Chief Secretary Dr Anup Chandra Pandey, Principal Secretary, Information Awanish Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of the concerned departments, Principal Secretary to the Chief MinisterMrityunjay Narayan and senior officials of the NITI Ayog were present.

NITI Aayog should prepare plan for every district's transformation: Yogi Adityanath

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, ''Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.''

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha, today: Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) wasn't a right step, number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA govt had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA <a href="https://t.co/EGtpH7v4Uw">pic.twitter.com/EGtpH7v4Uw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1150709494739066881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 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>

During the discussion in Lok Sabha regarding NIA Bill, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims and that the terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India.

NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases, Reddy further added.

The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said.

The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it.

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, ''Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.'' Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha, today: Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) wasn't a right step, number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA govt had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA pic.twitter.com/EGtpH7v4Uw — ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2019 × During the discussion in Lok Sabha regarding NIA Bill, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims and that the terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India. NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases, Reddy further added. The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said. The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives.

Lok Sabha passes National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Centre on a petition filed by three women seeking a direction to decriminalise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missouris-sole-abortion-clinic-awaits-ruling-on-whether-it-can-stay-open-231189">abortion</a>.

A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was hearing a plea by three women -- Swati Agarwal, Garima Sekseria, and Prachi Vats.&nbsp;

The top court agreed to hear the plea of women challenging the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.

The trio, in their petition, stated that the act allows abortion only to save the life of the mother.&nbsp;

It submitted that the restrictions and exceptions in the act violate women's rights.&nbsp;

The issue of safe abortion and restriction on the reproductive choice of women and other incidental issues require consideration and urgent resolution by this Court since it severely, drastically and irreversibly affects all women of the country and is not a regional issue pertaining to any particular state, stated the plea.

The plea also asserted that section 3(2) (b) of the act is violative of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-put-stay-on-installation-of-cctv-cameras-in-government-schools-235310/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjgsZCs5LbjAhXH6XMBHdOZCskQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Vb-uvNezOp0z2buIMxZU8">Article 21</a> of the Constitution.

Section 3(2) (b) restricts the right to seek an abortion on the ground of risk to the life of pregnant woman, grave injury to her physical or mental health and substantial risk that if the child were born, it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities.&nbsp;

The Indian Penal Code was enacted including sections 312-316 which criminalized abortion unless it was for the purpose of saving the life of the woman, submitted the plea.

"The impugned provisions and the lack of access to safe abortions affects the fundamental right to health, reproductive choice and right to privacy of women of the country," it added.

The MTPA provision amounts to hostile discrimination against single women without any nexus to the object which is to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, said the plea.

"The object of MTPA is to enable a woman to terminate an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy since a pregnancy entails several physical, mental and socio-economic consequences.&nbsp;

Keeping the object in view there is no rationale for not affording the same protection to an unmarried woman," it said while adding that it is violative of Article 14 of the Constitution.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Centre on a petition filed by three women seeking a direction to decriminalise abortion. A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was hearing a plea by three women -- Swati Agarwal, Garima Sekseria, and Prachi Vats.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Centre on a petition filed by three women seeking a direction to decriminalise abortion. A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was hearing a plea by three women -- Swati Agarwal, Garima Sekseria, and Prachi Vats. The top court agreed to hear the plea of women challenging the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. The trio, in their petition, stated that the act allows abortion only to save the life of the mother. It submitted that the restrictions and exceptions in the act violate women's rights. The issue of safe abortion and restriction on the reproductive choice of women and other incidental issues require consideration and urgent resolution by this Court since it severely, drastically and irreversibly affects all women of the country and is not a regional issue pertaining to any particular state, stated the plea. The plea also asserted that section 3(2) (b) of the act is violative of Article 21 of the Constitution. Section 3(2) (b) restricts the right to seek an abortion on the ground of risk to the life of pregnant woman, grave injury to her physical or mental health and substantial risk that if the child were born, it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities. The Indian Penal Code was enacted including sections 312-316 which criminalized abortion unless it was for the purpose of saving the life of the woman, submitted the plea. "The impugned provisions and the lack of access to safe abortions affects the fundamental right to health, reproductive choice and right to privacy of women of the country," it added. The MTPA provision amounts to hostile discrimination against single women without any nexus to the object which is to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, said the plea. "The object of MTPA is to enable a woman to terminate an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy since a pregnancy entails several physical, mental and socio-economic consequences. Keeping the object in view there is no rationale for not affording the same protection to an unmarried woman," it said while adding that it is violative of Article 14 of the Constitution.

Supreme Court issues notice to Centre on plea seeking to decriminalise abortion

&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday downplayed the speculations of all not being well between him and his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu by stating that he not only gave Sidhu an important portfolio but also recommended an LS ticket from Bhatinda for his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu.

Speaking to media persons hours after Punjab lawmaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ending-suspense-navjot-singh-sidhu-sends-resignation-to-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-236075">Sidhu claimed to have sent his resignation</a> letter to him, Amarinder said, "I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it and then see what is to be done."

He also talked about the ways in which he had supported both Sidhu and his wife in the past and said, "have never opposed Mrs Sidhu, in fact, I was the one who recommended to Rahul Ji that she contest from Bathinda. It was Sidhu who said that his wife will not contest from Bathinda but from Chandigarh. So it was not for him to decide this, the party decides these things."

Earlier in the day, Sidhu sent his resignation to the Chief Minister at his official residence, ending speculations that ensued through the weekend following the announcement of his exit from the Cabinet.

Last month, the cricketer-turned-politician had submitted his resignation letter to Rahul Gandhi instead of Amarinder Singh. It remains unclear as to why the resignation was not sent to Singh in the past one month.

Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan last year where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy back home.

The rift was further widened during the general elections when Sidhu and his wife accused Amarinder of having had a hand in the denial of ticket to her to contest from either Chandigarh or Amritsar.

On June 6, the Congress leader was stripped of the portfolios of Local government, Tourism and Culture Ministry by the Chief Minister after the party won eight parliamentary seats out of 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.

Meanwhile, in Delhi today the Punjab CM met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament, as a courtesy call.

After the meeting, he said, "I wanted to meet the PM because I haven't met him since he joined as PM for his second tenure. So I met him officially today."

&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday downplayed the speculations of all not being well between him and his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu by stating that he not only gave Sidhu an important portfolio but also recommended an LS ticket from Bhatinda for his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday downplayed the speculations of all not being well between him and his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu by stating that he not only gave Sidhu an important portfolio but also recommended an LS ticket from Bhatinda for his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu. Speaking to media persons hours after Punjab lawmaker Sidhu claimed to have sent his resignation letter to him, Amarinder said, "I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it and then see what is to be done." He also talked about the ways in which he had supported both Sidhu and his wife in the past and said, "have never opposed Mrs Sidhu, in fact, I was the one who recommended to Rahul Ji that she contest from Bathinda. It was Sidhu who said that his wife will not contest from Bathinda but from Chandigarh. So it was not for him to decide this, the party decides these things." Earlier in the day, Sidhu sent his resignation to the Chief Minister at his official residence, ending speculations that ensued through the weekend following the announcement of his exit from the Cabinet. Last month, the cricketer-turned-politician had submitted his resignation letter to Rahul Gandhi instead of Amarinder Singh. It remains unclear as to why the resignation was not sent to Singh in the past one month. Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan last year where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy back home. The rift was further widened during the general elections when Sidhu and his wife accused Amarinder of having had a hand in the denial of ticket to her to contest from either Chandigarh or Amritsar. On June 6, the Congress leader was stripped of the portfolios of Local government, Tourism and Culture Ministry by the Chief Minister after the party won eight parliamentary seats out of 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. Meanwhile, in Delhi today the Punjab CM met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament, as a courtesy call. After the meeting, he said, "I wanted to meet the PM because I haven't met him since he joined as PM for his second tenure. So I met him officially today."

No issues with Sidhu, gave him important portfolio: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh

In a bid to send the right message to people against corruption, the Railway Ministry is studying profiles of corrupt officials to see if some action can be taken against them.

"With the action being taken against some officers who have integrity issues, the right message is going to the people. Even in Railways, we are now studying profiles of many officers to see if some action can be initiated against them to send the right message," said Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.

Goyal, who is on a three-day visit to the UK, said during an interaction with representatives from the Indian diaspora in Britain, also said that the Narendra Modi government has taken various steps to address the issue of transparency in his ministry. 
 
Earlier on Friday, Goyal ruled out privatisation of Railways.

"There is no question of the privatisation of railways. Railways cannot be privatised. However, if we have to increase the facilities in railways then obviously we need investments for it.&nbsp;We have taken a decision to encourage public-private partnerships and we will also corporatise some units," the minister told the Lok Sabha. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to send the right message to people against corruption, the Railway Ministry is studying profiles of corrupt officials to see if some action can be taken against them.

In a bid to send the right message to people against corruption, the Railway Ministry is studying profiles of corrupt officials to see if some action can be taken against them. "With the action being taken against some officers who have integrity issues, the right message is going to the people. Even in Railways, we are now studying profiles of many officers to see if some action can be initiated against them to send the right message," said Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal. Goyal, who is on a three-day visit to the UK, said during an interaction with representatives from the Indian diaspora in Britain, also said that the Narendra Modi government has taken various steps to address the issue of transparency in his ministry. Earlier on Friday, Goyal ruled out privatisation of Railways. "There is no question of the privatisation of railways. Railways cannot be privatised. However, if we have to increase the facilities in railways then obviously we need investments for it. We have taken a decision to encourage public-private partnerships and we will also corporatise some units," the minister told the Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Railway ministry studying profiles of officials under anti-corruption drive: Piyush Goyal

The Lok Sabha on Monday took up the discussion on an amendment bill that seeks to strengthen the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by empowering it to probe offences committed outside India against Indian citizens or affecting the interests of India.

Moving the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-attaches-properties-of-kashmiri-separatist-leader-asiya-andrabi-in-srinagar-234540"> National Investigation Agency</a> (Amendment) Bill, 2019 for consideration and passage in the House, Minister of State for Home G&nbsp;Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims.

The Bill seeks to amend the NIA Act, 2008.

Reddy said that terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India.

He said that there should be an agency to probe cases if Indian embassies, its flights or non-resident Indians are targetted by terrorists and the Bill seeks to provide such powers to NIA.

The minister said that NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases.

"There has been a conviction in big cases. There have been 90 per cent conviction," Reddy said.

The union minister said that special courts have been constituted to decide cases probed by NIA but there is some delay if a judge is transferred, promoted or retires.

&nbsp;He added that the process is being simplified to avoid delay and expedite the trial process.

The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said.

He stressed that the agency will be empowered to probe cases involving `prohibited arms` and powers in handling cases of cyber-terrorism will be strengthened.

Reddy said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed that there will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/infiltration-in-jammu-and-kashmir-reduced-by-43-after-balakot-airstrike-says-government-234382">zero tolerance in terrorism cases</a>.

Urging members to support the Bill, the union minister said it has been brought in the interests of the country.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha on Monday took up the discussion on an amendment bill that seeks to strengthen the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by empowering it to probe offences committed outside India against Indian citizens or affecting the interests of India.

The Lok Sabha on Monday took up the discussion on an amendment bill that seeks to strengthen the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by empowering it to probe offences committed outside India against Indian citizens or affecting the interests of India. Moving the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 for consideration and passage in the House, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims. The Bill seeks to amend the NIA Act, 2008. Reddy said that terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India. He said that there should be an agency to probe cases if Indian embassies, its flights or non-resident Indians are targetted by terrorists and the Bill seeks to provide such powers to NIA. The minister said that NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases. "There has been a conviction in big cases. There have been 90 per cent conviction," Reddy said. The union minister said that special courts have been constituted to decide cases probed by NIA but there is some delay if a judge is transferred, promoted or retires. He added that the process is being simplified to avoid delay and expedite the trial process. The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said. He stressed that the agency will be empowered to probe cases involving `prohibited arms` and powers in handling cases of cyber-terrorism will be strengthened. Reddy said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed that there will be zero tolerance in terrorism cases. Urging members to support the Bill, the union minister said it has been brought in the interests of the country.

Lok Sabha takes up Bill seeking to strengthen powers of National Investigation Agency

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to self-styled godman <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smaller-parties-in-delhis-election-ring-not-for-victory-but-to-make-their-points-215325&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjc2ZPT2rbjAhXG7nMBHWW3DMUQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2x5r3Va14f1b5bdG9i8WfM">Asaram Bapu</a> in connection with the Surat sexual assault case.

A two-judge bench headed by Justice N V Ramana said that the trial in the case needs to be concluded before the bail is granted to the accused.

The top court also asked the trial court in Gujarat to complete the trial in the case.

In 2013, two Surat-based sisters had approached police alleging that they were raped by Asaram and his son Narayan Sai.

One of the victims accused 47-year-old Sai of raping her multiple times between 2002 and 2005, while she was staying at his ashram.&nbsp;

He was arrested in December 2013 from Pipli in Haryana.

Asaram is serving a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asarams-son-narayan-sai-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-rape-case-214781&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH_sb82rbjAhXA7XMBHTH8CNIQFjABegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ao8C4zxm44s75hiEj5eE_">life sentence</a> for raping a minor girl in Manai village in Rajasthan in 2013.

The controversial godman was found guilty under some sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

He is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central jail.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu in connection with the Surat sexual assault case. A two-judge bench headed by Justice N V Ramana said that the trial in the case needs to be concluded before the bail is granted to the accused.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu in connection with the Surat sexual assault case. A two-judge bench headed by Justice N V Ramana said that the trial in the case needs to be concluded before the bail is granted to the accused. The top court also asked the trial court in Gujarat to complete the trial in the case. In 2013, two Surat-based sisters had approached police alleging that they were raped by Asaram and his son Narayan Sai. One of the victims accused 47-year-old Sai of raping her multiple times between 2002 and 2005, while she was staying at his ashram. He was arrested in December 2013 from Pipli in Haryana. Asaram is serving a life sentence for raping a minor girl in Manai village in Rajasthan in 2013. The controversial godman was found guilty under some sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central jail.

Supreme Court refuses to grant bail to Asaram Bapu in sexual assault case

The wait for monsoon finally got over on Monday as heavy rains lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

It comes as a relief for the city as it has been witnessing long dry days for a while now.

Earlier in the day, the city was covered with dust winds.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delhi: Bringing respite from scorching heat, rain lashed parts of the city today; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visuals</a> from ITO. <a href="https://t.co/F5gD5MwAUa">pic.twitter.com/F5gD5MwAUa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1150714364720275456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The city is likely to receive light rain till Thursday," an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said.

Soon Delhites took to Twitter and posted videos and pictures of rains.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Finally <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> can quench its thirst.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Monsoon2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Monsoon2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/delhiweather?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#delhiweather</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/delhirain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#delhirain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/monsoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#monsoon</a> <a href="https://t.co/0E9Zyo2Y4p">pic.twitter.com/0E9Zyo2Y4p</a>
— ABHISHEK DANGI (@abhishek_dangi) <a href="https://twitter.com/abhishek_dangi/status/1150711838272708608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Finally Delhi me bhi wo aa hi gayi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Monsoon2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Monsoon2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/rbdvchifLU">pic.twitter.com/rbdvchifLU</a>
— Amit Sahu (@AmitSahu_Journo) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitSahu_Journo/status/1150714019600166913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
नोएडा की पहली बारिश का खिड़की से आनंद ले रहे प्राइवेट कंपनी के कर्मचारियों की मनोदशा मैं समझ सकती हूँ<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pehlibarish?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pehlibarish</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/officescenes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#officescenes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Monsoon2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Monsoon2019</a> 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AajGharJaldiJaanaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AajGharJaldiJaanaHai</a> <a href="https://t.co/EzM0VIuRKz">pic.twitter.com/EzM0VIuRKz</a>
— Preeti Saini (@PreetiS44455599) <a href="https://twitter.com/PreetiS44455599/status/1150717718670143491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 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>

Delhi usually records more than 50 per cent rainfall in the month of June and July but this year that has not been the case.&nbsp;

The delay in the crucial southwest monsoon had also raised concerns as the NCR's water table had been on a decline.&nbsp;

The wait for monsoon finally got over on Monday as heavy rains lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). It comes as a relief for the city as it has been witnessing long dry days for a while now.

The wait for monsoon finally got over on Monday as heavy rains lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). It comes as a relief for the city as it has been witnessing long dry days for a while now. Earlier in the day, the city was covered with dust winds. Delhi: Bringing respite from scorching heat, rain lashed parts of the city today; #visuals from ITO. pic.twitter.com/F5gD5MwAUa — ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2019 × "The city is likely to receive light rain till Thursday," an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said. Soon Delhites took to Twitter and posted videos and pictures of rains. Finally #Delhi can quench its thirst.#Monsoon2019 #delhiweather #delhirain #monsoon pic.twitter.com/0E9Zyo2Y4p — ABHISHEK DANGI (@abhishek_dangi) July 15, 2019 × Finally Delhi me bhi wo aa hi gayi #Delhi #Monsoon2019 pic.twitter.com/rbdvchifLU — Amit Sahu (@AmitSahu_Journo) July 15, 2019 × नोएडा की पहली बारिश का खिड़की से आनंद ले रहे प्राइवेट कंपनी के कर्मचारियों की मनोदशा मैं समझ सकती हूँ#pehlibarish #officescenes #Monsoon2019 #AajGharJaldiJaanaHai pic.twitter.com/EzM0VIuRKz — Preeti Saini (@PreetiS44455599) July 15, 2019 × Delhi usually records more than 50 per cent rainfall in the month of June and July but this year that has not been the case. The delay in the crucial southwest monsoon had also raised concerns as the NCR's water table had been on a decline.

Wait for monsoon over as heavy rains lash several parts of Delhi and NCR

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has done the right thing by rescheduling the launch date of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-indias-moon-mission-called-off-due-to-technical-snag-235997">'Chandrayaan-2'</a> to fix the snags in the launch vehicle system,&nbsp;former Director of Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), G Balachandran said on Monday.

"It is normal. If there are anomalies, you just cannot send it off. The mission cost is over Rs100 crore. It may be a simple thing or complex thing, they'll analyze it," he told ANI here.

Earlier in the wee hours of Monday, in a last-minute revision of schedule, the ISRO announced that the launch of India's second lunar mission 'Chandrayaan-2' has been called off due to a technical snag.

ISRO's public relations officer (PRO) Guruprasad said that the revised launch date will be announced later.

"A technical snag was observed in launch vehicle system at 1 hour before the launch. As a measure of abundant precaution, Chandrayaan2 launch has been called off for today. The revised launch date will be announced later" the ISRO tweeted minutes ahead of the scheduled launch on Monday.

Balachandran said such revisions due to technical snags have happened in the past too.

"This happens many a time, this is not unusual. In the manned missions they have asked the astronauts sitting in the capsule to get down and abort the mission," he said.

Expressing faith in the decision taken by ISRO, he said, "They monitor everything till they launch. This is a complex mission so many things needed to be managed. Everything requires analyses nothing can be left to chance."

The country's second lunar spacecraft was to be launched onboard a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk-III from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh at 2:51 am.

Chandrayaan-2, which has home-grown technology, will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. According to ISRO Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan, the landing site, at a latitude of about 70 degrees south, is the southernmost for any mission till date.

The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body". The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and it is expected to land on Moon's south polar region on September 6 or 7 this year.

It will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on Moon.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has done the right thing by rescheduling the launch date of the 'Chandrayaan-2' to fix the snags in the launch vehicle system, former Director of Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), G Balachandran said on Monday.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has done the right thing by rescheduling the launch date of the 'Chandrayaan-2' to fix the snags in the launch vehicle system, former Director of Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), G Balachandran said on Monday. "It is normal. If there are anomalies, you just cannot send it off. The mission cost is over Rs100 crore. It may be a simple thing or complex thing, they'll analyze it," he told ANI here. Earlier in the wee hours of Monday, in a last-minute revision of schedule, the ISRO announced that the launch of India's second lunar mission 'Chandrayaan-2' has been called off due to a technical snag. ISRO's public relations officer (PRO) Guruprasad said that the revised launch date will be announced later. "A technical snag was observed in launch vehicle system at 1 hour before the launch. As a measure of abundant precaution, Chandrayaan2 launch has been called off for today. The revised launch date will be announced later" the ISRO tweeted minutes ahead of the scheduled launch on Monday. Balachandran said such revisions due to technical snags have happened in the past too. "This happens many a time, this is not unusual. In the manned missions they have asked the astronauts sitting in the capsule to get down and abort the mission," he said. Expressing faith in the decision taken by ISRO, he said, "They monitor everything till they launch. This is a complex mission so many things needed to be managed. Everything requires analyses nothing can be left to chance." The country's second lunar spacecraft was to be launched onboard a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk-III from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh at 2:51 am. Chandrayaan-2, which has home-grown technology, will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. According to ISRO Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan, the landing site, at a latitude of about 70 degrees south, is the southernmost for any mission till date. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body". The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and it is expected to land on Moon's south polar region on September 6 or 7 this year. It will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on Moon.

Calling off 'Chandrayaan-2' launch is normal: Former Director of IDSA

A special judge hearing the Babri Masjid demolition case against senior BJP leaders, including L K Advani, has moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to conclude the trial in the case.

In a letter to the court in May, Special Judge SK Yadav conveyed that he is set to retire on September 30 this year.

He submitted that he has been hearing the case for the last two years on a daily basis and it will take another six months to conclude it.

The matter came up on Monday before a two-judge bench headed by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, which asked the Uttar Pradesh government to apprise it of the rules and regulations to be followed in case a trial court judge is retiring and the mechanism for an extension.

The bench posted the matter for hearing to July 19.

In April 2017, the apex court had asked the special judge to complete the trial in two years.

Yadav is hearing the case against senior BJP leaders -- Advani, Kalyan Singh and Murli Manohar Joshi -- in connection with the demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.

A special judge hearing the Babri Masjid demolition case against senior BJP leaders, including L K Advani, has moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to conclude the trial in the case.

A special judge hearing the Babri Masjid demolition case against senior BJP leaders, including L K Advani, has moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to conclude the trial in the case. In a letter to the court in May, Special Judge SK Yadav conveyed that he is set to retire on September 30 this year. He submitted that he has been hearing the case for the last two years on a daily basis and it will take another six months to conclude it. The matter came up on Monday before a two-judge bench headed by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, which asked the Uttar Pradesh government to apprise it of the rules and regulations to be followed in case a trial court judge is retiring and the mechanism for an extension. The bench posted the matter for hearing to July 19. In April 2017, the apex court had asked the special judge to complete the trial in two years. Yadav is hearing the case against senior BJP leaders -- Advani, Kalyan Singh and Murli Manohar Joshi -- in connection with the demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.

Babri Masjid demolition case: Special judge moves Supreme Court seeking more time to conclude trial

Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Monday said that he will take up trust vote on Thursday after the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on the plea of rebel MLAs. 
 
The trust vote will be held at 11am on Thursday, Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah confirmed.&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 July 26.

Karnataka government has been reduced to minority in the Assembly after 16 rebel legislators have resigned and 2 Independents withdrew support to it.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Friday asked Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh to not to decide on the resignations or disqualifications of the MLAs till Tuesday.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that it will consider the issue on Tuesday.

Supreme Court's direction came after ten Congress and JD(S) MLAs had 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.

The top court on Tuesday will also hear an impending plea of five rebel MLAs against Assembly Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar`s decision to not accept their resignations.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Monday said that he will take up trust vote on Thursday after the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on the plea of rebel MLAs.

Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Monday said that he will take up trust vote on Thursday after the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on the plea of rebel MLAs. The trust vote will be held at 11am on Thursday, Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah confirmed. 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 July 26. Karnataka government has been reduced to minority in the Assembly after 16 rebel legislators have resigned and 2 Independents withdrew support to it. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Friday asked Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh to not to decide on the resignations or disqualifications of the MLAs till Tuesday. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that it will consider the issue on Tuesday. Supreme Court's direction came after ten Congress and JD(S) MLAs had 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. The top court on Tuesday will also hear an impending plea of five rebel MLAs against Assembly Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar`s decision to not accept their resignations. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka crisis: Kumaraswamy government to face trust vote on July 18

A day after announcing his resignation as Punjab Cabinet minister, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday said that he has sent his resignation to Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh.

"Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...," he tweeted. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1150646554753032199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<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>

Sidhu had shared his resignation letter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhu-resigns-from-punjab-government-235689">addressed to Rahul Gandhi </a>on Sunday. My letter to the Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019," he tweeted.&nbsp; 
 
This had triggered a row as to why the resignation was not sent to Amarinder Singh in the past one month.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My letter to the Congress President Shri. Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019. <a href="https://t.co/WS3yYwmnPl">pic.twitter.com/WS3yYwmnPl</a>
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1150291448715022337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<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>

Meanwhile, the chief minister&nbsp;said he will go through Sidhu's resignation and then decide.

"I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it &amp; then see what is to be done," he said.

On June 6, Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhu-given-power-ministry-after-punjab-cm-amarinder-singhs-cabinet-reshuffle-225057">Amarinder Singh had stripped Sidhu of </a>the Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the Power and New and Renewable Energy Portfolio.

"I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu had told reporters after being stripped of the key portfolios.

"My department is being singled out publicly. I always regard him as my elder I always listen to him. But it hurts and now where is the collective responsibility? He (Amarinder) could have called me and said anything he wanted to say," Sidhu had added.

Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after announcing his resignation as Punjab Cabinet minister, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday said that he has sent his resignation to Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh.

A day after announcing his resignation as Punjab Cabinet minister, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday said that he has sent his resignation to Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh. "Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence...," he tweeted. Today I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister Punjab, has been delivered at his official residence... — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) July 15, 2019 × Sidhu had shared his resignation letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi on Sunday. My letter to the Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019," he tweeted. This had triggered a row as to why the resignation was not sent to Amarinder Singh in the past one month. My letter to the Congress President Shri. Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019. pic.twitter.com/WS3yYwmnPl — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) July 14, 2019 × Meanwhile, the chief minister said he will go through Sidhu's resignation and then decide. "I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it & then see what is to be done," he said. On June 6, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had stripped Sidhu of the Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the Power and New and Renewable Energy Portfolio. "I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu had told reporters after being stripped of the key portfolios. "My department is being singled out publicly. I always regard him as my elder I always listen to him. But it hurts and now where is the collective responsibility? He (Amarinder) could have called me and said anything he wanted to say," Sidhu had added. Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy (With inputs from agencies)

Ending suspense, Navjot Singh Sidhu sends resignation to Punjab CM Amarinder Singh

The death toll has risen up to 14 in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-building-collapses-in-solan-district-due-to-heavy-rains-two-dead-235863">building collapsed in Kumarhatti</a>.

Around 13 security personnel and a civilian were killed in the incident.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited the building collapse site said it was a very "unfortunate" incident and has ordered an investigation into it.

The chief minister also said, ''I had ordered to send my official chopper to go to Suni and bring the equipment necessary for relief work. This time our priority is the rescue operation. I have given an order for an investigation into the incident."

"The information I have till now is that the structure of the building was not as per the specifications but we can only say anything officially after the investigation is over," He further added.

The Deputy Commissioner of Solan KC Chaman said that the rescue operation will be completed by today afternoon.

"We can complete the rescue operation by afternoon today. We have given interim monetary relief to grievously injured, casualties and minor," KC Chaman said.

The building, located in Kumarhatti, collapsed on Sunday following heavy rain in the region.&nbsp;

The death toll has risen up to 14 in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh after a building collapsed in Kumarhatti. Around 13 security personnel and a civilian were killed in the incident.

The death toll has risen up to 14 in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh after a building collapsed in Kumarhatti. Around 13 security personnel and a civilian were killed in the incident. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited the building collapse site said it was a very "unfortunate" incident and has ordered an investigation into it. The chief minister also said, ''I had ordered to send my official chopper to go to Suni and bring the equipment necessary for relief work. This time our priority is the rescue operation. I have given an order for an investigation into the incident." "The information I have till now is that the structure of the building was not as per the specifications but we can only say anything officially after the investigation is over," He further added. The Deputy Commissioner of Solan KC Chaman said that the rescue operation will be completed by today afternoon. "We can complete the rescue operation by afternoon today. We have given interim monetary relief to grievously injured, casualties and minor," KC Chaman said. The building, located in Kumarhatti, collapsed on Sunday following heavy rain in the region.

Solan building collapse: 13 Armymen dead, death toll reaches 14

India's lunar mission <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-indias-lunar-mission-chandrayaan-2-235886">Chandrayaan-2</a> has been called off due to technical snag.

''A technical snag was observed in launch vehicle system at T-56 minute. As a measure of abundant precaution, #Chandrayaan2 launch has been called off for today. Revised launch date will be announced later,'' tweeted ISRO.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A technical snag was observed in launch vehicle system at T-56 minute. As a measure of abundant precaution, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan2</a> launch has been called off for today. Revised launch date will be announced later.
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1150512237045379072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The call-off procedure was initiated just over half an hour after ISRO tweeted that the filling of liquid hydrogen in cryogenic stage was complete.&nbsp;

An announcement said the launch could not be completed within the available window. It can be recalled the window is just 10 minutes long. The announcement at Sriharikota said the next date will be announced later.

Doordarshan News tweeted Chandrayaan-2 countdown put on hold! Further communication from ISRO awaited.

The 20-hour countdown began on Sunday morning for the launch of Chandrayaan-2, India's Moon mission to the unexplored south polar region of Earth's natural satellite.

ISRO said that the countdown started at 6.51 am today.

Later in the evening, ISRO tweeted a video showing what went into the making of Chandryaan-2 mission to its subsequent placing on the launching site.

India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 has been called off due to technical snag. ''A technical snag was observed in launch vehicle system at T-56 minute. As a measure of abundant precaution, #Chandrayaan2 launch has been called off for today.

India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 has been called off due to technical snag. ''A technical snag was observed in launch vehicle system at T-56 minute. As a measure of abundant precaution, #Chandrayaan2 launch has been called off for today. Revised launch date will be announced later,'' tweeted ISRO. A technical snag was observed in launch vehicle system at T-56 minute. As a measure of abundant precaution, #Chandrayaan2 launch has been called off for today. Revised launch date will be announced later. — ISRO (@isro) July 14, 2019 × The call-off procedure was initiated just over half an hour after ISRO tweeted that the filling of liquid hydrogen in cryogenic stage was complete. An announcement said the launch could not be completed within the available window. It can be recalled the window is just 10 minutes long. The announcement at Sriharikota said the next date will be announced later. Doordarshan News tweeted Chandrayaan-2 countdown put on hold! Further communication from ISRO awaited. The 20-hour countdown began on Sunday morning for the launch of Chandrayaan-2, India's Moon mission to the unexplored south polar region of Earth's natural satellite. ISRO said that the countdown started at 6.51 am today. Later in the evening, ISRO tweeted a video showing what went into the making of Chandryaan-2 mission to its subsequent placing on the launching site.

Chandrayaan-2: India's moon mission called off due to technical snag

The Indian Space Research Organisation is counting down to the launch of India's second mission to the Moon, Chandrayaan-2. The spacecraft, carrying an orbiter, lander and a rover, will be launched on a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-MkIII between on July 15 a 2.51 am IST from a launch pad in Sriharikota.The Chandrayaan-2 integrated module is expected to reach the Moon's orbit by September, and make a landing on 6 September.

Live: Chandrayaan-2 —Filling of Liquid Hydrogen in Cryogenic stage of GSLVMkIII-M1 completed

Congress MPs on Monday submitted an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over 'pension of disabled Army personnel'. 
 
An adjournment motion is an extraordinary procedure which, if admitted, leads to setting aside the normal business of the House for discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance.

The disability pension till now was not taxed by the government but recently, the government decided to tax it leading to opposition from the veterans community. 
 
On July 2, the Army headquarters clarified that though it is concerned for all personnel who are invalidated out of service in combat conditions or otherwise, and need additional support but "discourages those who seek financial gains through their disabilities."

Over the years broad-banding and compensation awarded for disability with income tax exemption has led to a rise in personnel seeking disability, even for lifestyle diseases. The trend is worrisome that too when the security challenges to the nation are on the rise," the Army headquarters stated. 
 
The sources said the Army has immense respect for the officers and jawans who suffer disability in line of action and they deserve much more than they are getting in terms of financial gains. 
 
The Army has also stated that higher compensation awarded for disability with tax exemption has over the years led to a rise in personnel seeking disability even for lifestyle diseases. At a time when the Army is trying to fight the trend of an increasing number of its personnel seeking disability pensions, it had emerged that more than 2,000 officers including more than 85 Brigadiers and Major Generals have sought disability pension for diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure in the last two years. 
 
In 2018, 52 officers above the rank of Brigadier and 977 officers of the rank of Colonel and below have sought disability pensions, sources said.&nbsp;

Congress MPs on Monday submitted an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over 'pension of disabled Army personnel'. An adjournment motion is an extraordinary procedure which, if admitted, leads to setting aside the normal business of the House for discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance.

Congress MPs on Monday submitted an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over 'pension of disabled Army personnel'. An adjournment motion is an extraordinary procedure which, if admitted, leads to setting aside the normal business of the House for discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance. The disability pension till now was not taxed by the government but recently, the government decided to tax it leading to opposition from the veterans community. On July 2, the Army headquarters clarified that though it is concerned for all personnel who are invalidated out of service in combat conditions or otherwise, and need additional support but "discourages those who seek financial gains through their disabilities." Over the years broad-banding and compensation awarded for disability with income tax exemption has led to a rise in personnel seeking disability, even for lifestyle diseases. The trend is worrisome that too when the security challenges to the nation are on the rise," the Army headquarters stated. The sources said the Army has immense respect for the officers and jawans who suffer disability in line of action and they deserve much more than they are getting in terms of financial gains. The Army has also stated that higher compensation awarded for disability with tax exemption has over the years led to a rise in personnel seeking disability even for lifestyle diseases. At a time when the Army is trying to fight the trend of an increasing number of its personnel seeking disability pensions, it had emerged that more than 2,000 officers including more than 85 Brigadiers and Major Generals have sought disability pension for diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure in the last two years. In 2018, 52 officers above the rank of Brigadier and 977 officers of the rank of Colonel and below have sought disability pensions, sources said.

Congress submits adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over 'pension of disabled Army personnel'

As many as six Indian Army personnel and one civilian have died after a building collapsed in Kumarhatti in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday.

Authorities said that rescue operations, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, are underway and likely to be completed by Monday afternoon.

Deputy Commissioner of Solan KC Chaman told ANI: "Till now we have retrieved dead bodies of six army men and one civilian.&nbsp;

17 jawans have been while 7 are feared still trapped inside the debris.&nbsp;

We have also rescued 11 civilians," he said.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-building-collapses-in-solan-district-due-to-heavy-rains-two-dead-235863&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjK0PDqs7bjAhVCH7cAHUWqDsAQFjACegQIERAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0P6eGoyUVnPQRauk8Q6gaY">building collapse</a> site said it was a very "unfortunate" incident and has ordered an investigation into it.

"It is very unfortunate.

The rescue operation was started immediately. Orders have been given to investigate the cause of the collapse.&nbsp;

As per the information received till now, the building structure was not as per specifications."

"It is a very sad incident.&nbsp;

30 jawans and 12 civilians were trapped when the building collapsed.&nbsp;

Seven people are still trapped.&nbsp;

We started the rescue operation with the help of district administration as soon as possible.&nbsp;

We also moved a team of NDRF personnel for the relief work."Solan Deputy Commissioner said that debris is being uncovered and details of more casualties or people trapped under the debris can be known only after that."

We can complete the rescue operation by afternoon today.

&nbsp;We have given interim monetary relief to grievously injured, casualties and minor," the Deputy Commissioner added.

Himachal Chief Minister said, "I had ordered to send my official chopper to go to Suni and bring the equipment necessary for relief work.&nbsp;

This time our priority is the rescue operation. I have given an order for an investigation into the incident."

"The information I have till now is that the structure of the building was not as per the specifications but we can only say anything officially after the investigation is over," he said.

The building, located in Kumarhatti, collapsed on Sunday following heavy rain in the region.&nbsp;

As many as six Indian Army personnel and one civilian have died after a building collapsed in Kumarhatti in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. Authorities said that rescue operations, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, are underway and likely to be completed by Monday afternoon.

As many as six Indian Army personnel and one civilian have died after a building collapsed in Kumarhatti in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. Authorities said that rescue operations, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, are underway and likely to be completed by Monday afternoon. Deputy Commissioner of Solan KC Chaman told ANI: "Till now we have retrieved dead bodies of six army men and one civilian. 17 jawans have been while 7 are feared still trapped inside the debris. We have also rescued 11 civilians," he said. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited the building collapse site said it was a very "unfortunate" incident and has ordered an investigation into it. "It is very unfortunate. The rescue operation was started immediately. Orders have been given to investigate the cause of the collapse. As per the information received till now, the building structure was not as per specifications." "It is a very sad incident. 30 jawans and 12 civilians were trapped when the building collapsed. Seven people are still trapped. We started the rescue operation with the help of district administration as soon as possible. We also moved a team of NDRF personnel for the relief work."Solan Deputy Commissioner said that debris is being uncovered and details of more casualties or people trapped under the debris can be known only after that." We can complete the rescue operation by afternoon today. We have given interim monetary relief to grievously injured, casualties and minor," the Deputy Commissioner added. Himachal Chief Minister said, "I had ordered to send my official chopper to go to Suni and bring the equipment necessary for relief work. This time our priority is the rescue operation. I have given an order for an investigation into the incident." "The information I have till now is that the structure of the building was not as per the specifications but we can only say anything officially after the investigation is over," he said. The building, located in Kumarhatti, collapsed on Sunday following heavy rain in the region.

Solan building collapse: 6 Armymen among 7 killed; Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visits site, orders probe

The 20-hour countdown began on Sunday morning for the launch of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-costs-less-than-hollywood-blockbuster-avengers-endgame-235643">Chandrayaan-2</a>, India's Moon mission to the unexplored south polar region of Earth's natural satellite.

The country's second lunar spacecraft will be launched onboard a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk-III from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh at 2:51 am on Monday.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said that the countdown started at 6.51 am today.

Chandrayaan-2, which has home-grown technology, will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot.

According to ISRO Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan, the landing site, at a latitude of about 70 degrees south, is the southernmost for any mission till date.

Live: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-chandrayaan-2-indias-second-lunar-exploration-mission-235637">Chandrayaan-2 — India's second lunar exploration mission</a>

The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover together referred to as "composite body". The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and it is expected to land on Moon's south polar region on September 6 or 7 this year.

It will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to carry out a soft landing on Moon.

Ahead of the launch, Sivan visited Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirumala on Saturday.

After visiting the shrine, he told the media, "On Monday early morning, we are going to launch the most important and prestigious mission, Chandrayaan-2. A GSLV Mark-III vehicle is going to be used for the mission. After a successful launch, it will take nearly two months to land on the South Pole of Moon."

He said, "In future, the nation will depend more on planetary missions. After the country's first Moon mission Chandrayaan 1, which was launched in October 2008, we are now entering into Chandrayaan-2 mission."

Mylswamy Annadurai, Project Director of Chandrayaan-1, told ANI, "The data showed evidence for water in the exosphere of Moon, on the surface of Moon and also sub-surface and it triggered back to the Moon slogan. The South Pole is more of a resourceful place in case a man has to land in future."

On the significance of the expedition, he said, "From a scientific point of view, there are also craters which have gone very deep into Moon and that will tell about possible origin and evolution of the solar system."

On Thursday, ISRO had conducted checks on the GSLV rocket at the launch pad in Sriharikota.

The 20-hour countdown began on Sunday morning for the launch of Chandrayaan-2, India's Moon mission to the unexplored south polar region of Earth's natural satellite.

The 20-hour countdown began on Sunday morning for the launch of Chandrayaan-2, India's Moon mission to the unexplored south polar region of Earth's natural satellite. The country's second lunar spacecraft will be launched onboard a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk-III from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh at 2:51 am on Monday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said that the countdown started at 6.51 am today. Chandrayaan-2, which has home-grown technology, will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. According to ISRO Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan, the landing site, at a latitude of about 70 degrees south, is the southernmost for any mission till date. Live: Chandrayaan-2 — India's second lunar exploration mission The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover together referred to as "composite body". The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and it is expected to land on Moon's south polar region on September 6 or 7 this year. It will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to carry out a soft landing on Moon. Ahead of the launch, Sivan visited Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirumala on Saturday. After visiting the shrine, he told the media, "On Monday early morning, we are going to launch the most important and prestigious mission, Chandrayaan-2. A GSLV Mark-III vehicle is going to be used for the mission. After a successful launch, it will take nearly two months to land on the South Pole of Moon." He said, "In future, the nation will depend more on planetary missions. After the country's first Moon mission Chandrayaan 1, which was launched in October 2008, we are now entering into Chandrayaan-2 mission." Mylswamy Annadurai, Project Director of Chandrayaan-1, told ANI, "The data showed evidence for water in the exosphere of Moon, on the surface of Moon and also sub-surface and it triggered back to the Moon slogan. The South Pole is more of a resourceful place in case a man has to land in future." On the significance of the expedition, he said, "From a scientific point of view, there are also craters which have gone very deep into Moon and that will tell about possible origin and evolution of the solar system." On Thursday, ISRO had conducted checks on the GSLV rocket at the launch pad in Sriharikota.

Countdown begins for launch of Chandrayaan-II tomorrow

Officials from India and Pakistan on Sunday began the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-to-hold-meeting-on-kartarpur-corridor-today-235628">second round of talks</a> over finalising the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor, on the Pakistani side of the border.

The Pakistani delegation, led by Dr Mohammad Faisal-- spokesperson for Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will show a powerpoint presentation to the Indian side.

"It is the second round <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-to-hold-meeting-on-kartarpur-corridor-today-235628">Kartarpur corridor talks</a> as promised by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan is fully committed and cooperating to operationalise the Kartarpur Corridor.

Work from our side is underway in an expeditious manner. More than 70 per cent of the Gurudwara construction work has been completed. We hope to have a productive discussion with the Indian counterparts," Faisal told reporters ahead of the talks.

The Indian delegation is led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran) in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Other officials include Rajeev Singh Thakur, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Defence; Parag Jain, Joint Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat; Avi Prakash, Joint Director, IB; Hussan Lal, Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), Punjab; and Maneesh Rastogi, Chief General Manager of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

New Delhi is looking forward to the upcoming talks with Islamabad and will take up a number of key issues, including infrastructure, pilgrims` movement, and safety, government sources had said on Friday.

One of the main points expected to be raised in the discussion would be India`s demand for the construction of a bridge by Pakistan in the creek area. India has raised concerns regarding the possible flooding of Dera Baba Nanak due to the construction of an embankment-filled road on the Pakistani side.

While India has already been building a bridge on its side to provide all-weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor, it has urged Pakistan to build a similar bridge on their side as it would provide safe and secure movement of the pilgrims while also addressing concerns over flooding.

The other key issues on the table would be the number of pilgrims allowed to access the corridor, safe and unhindered movement of pilgrims throughout the year, whether they would travel as individuals or groups, and whether they would travel by transport or foot.

Additionally, India will spend Rs 500 crore to build the corridor.

The money would be spent, among other things, on installing a high tech security and surveillance system to ensure the safety of pilgrims and creating an all-weather facility to cater to 10,000 pilgrims on special occasions and 5000 pilgrims on a daily basis.

The Kartarpur route along the India-Pakistan border is three kilometres away from Gurdaspur in Punjab. Once opened, it would allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539.

"We are hopeful that the work on these two projects will be completed in time - one by September 2019 and the other by October 2019. So reports, which say that that we are slow in terms of finishing our projects, are not the correct depiction," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson had said last week.

Officials from India and Pakistan on Sunday began the second round of talks over finalising the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor, on the Pakistani side of the border.

Officials from India and Pakistan on Sunday began the second round of talks over finalising the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor, on the Pakistani side of the border. The Pakistani delegation, led by Dr Mohammad Faisal-- spokesperson for Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will show a powerpoint presentation to the Indian side. "It is the second round Kartarpur corridor talks as promised by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan is fully committed and cooperating to operationalise the Kartarpur Corridor. Work from our side is underway in an expeditious manner. More than 70 per cent of the Gurudwara construction work has been completed. We hope to have a productive discussion with the Indian counterparts," Faisal told reporters ahead of the talks. The Indian delegation is led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran) in the Ministry of External Affairs. Other officials include Rajeev Singh Thakur, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Defence; Parag Jain, Joint Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat; Avi Prakash, Joint Director, IB; Hussan Lal, Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), Punjab; and Maneesh Rastogi, Chief General Manager of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). New Delhi is looking forward to the upcoming talks with Islamabad and will take up a number of key issues, including infrastructure, pilgrims` movement, and safety, government sources had said on Friday. One of the main points expected to be raised in the discussion would be India`s demand for the construction of a bridge by Pakistan in the creek area. India has raised concerns regarding the possible flooding of Dera Baba Nanak due to the construction of an embankment-filled road on the Pakistani side. While India has already been building a bridge on its side to provide all-weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor, it has urged Pakistan to build a similar bridge on their side as it would provide safe and secure movement of the pilgrims while also addressing concerns over flooding. The other key issues on the table would be the number of pilgrims allowed to access the corridor, safe and unhindered movement of pilgrims throughout the year, whether they would travel as individuals or groups, and whether they would travel by transport or foot. Additionally, India will spend Rs 500 crore to build the corridor. The money would be spent, among other things, on installing a high tech security and surveillance system to ensure the safety of pilgrims and creating an all-weather facility to cater to 10,000 pilgrims on special occasions and 5000 pilgrims on a daily basis. The Kartarpur route along the India-Pakistan border is three kilometres away from Gurdaspur in Punjab. Once opened, it would allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539. "We are hopeful that the work on these two projects will be completed in time - one by September 2019 and the other by October 2019. So reports, which say that that we are slow in terms of finishing our projects, are not the correct depiction," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson had said last week.

Second round of Kartarpur corridor talks underway between India and Pakistan

india-news

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

india news

News brief: Big stories of the day

More than half of IAF's AN-32 upgraded: Defence Ministry informs Rajya Sabha

Government using offset money of Rafale deal to train people: Nirmala Sitharaman

India calls off second lunar mission due to 'technical snag'- ISRO

Chandrayaan-2's launch put on hold, ISRO to announce revised launch date soon

News brief: Big stories of the day

Why Chandrayaan-2 launch was called off?

NITI Aayog should prepare plan for every district's transformation: Yogi Adityanath

Lok Sabha passes National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill

Supreme Court issues notice to Centre on plea seeking to decriminalise abortion

No issues with Sidhu, gave him important portfolio: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh

Railway ministry studying profiles of officials under anti-corruption drive: Piyush Goyal

Lok Sabha takes up Bill seeking to strengthen powers of National Investigation Agency

Supreme Court refuses to grant bail to Asaram Bapu in sexual assault case

Wait for monsoon over as heavy rains lash several parts of Delhi and NCR

Calling off 'Chandrayaan-2' launch is normal: Former Director of IDSA

Babri Masjid demolition case: Special judge moves Supreme Court seeking more time to conclude trial

Karnataka crisis: Kumaraswamy government to face trust vote on July 18

Ending suspense, Navjot Singh Sidhu sends resignation to Punjab CM Amarinder Singh

Solan building collapse: 13 Armymen dead, death toll reaches 14

Chandrayaan-2: India's moon mission called off due to technical snag

Live: Chandrayaan-2 —Filling of Liquid Hydrogen in Cryogenic stage of GSLVMkIII-M1 completed

Congress submits adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over 'pension of disabled Army personnel'

Solan building collapse: 6 Armymen among 7 killed; Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visits site, orders probe

Countdown begins for launch of Chandrayaan-II tomorrow

Second round of Kartarpur corridor talks underway between India and Pakistan