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Due to the devastating floods in Assam, 70 per cent of the Kaziranga National Park and its 95 camps was submerged in water and keeping in mind the gravity of the situation, forest officers were asked to remain on duty and their leaves cancelled.

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Other animals like tigers and elephants are also found in the forest.

With floods wreaking havoc in Assam, officials said animals residing in the national park were taken to the highlands.

The forest department is fully alert on the National Highway (NH) 37 in order to avoid any poaching chances by hunters.

This highway starts from Sutarakandi near Karimganj in Assam and terminates at Bhali in Manipur.

Time cards are being provided to vehicles coming from both sides of the Kaziranga National Park to provide utmost security to animals from being hunted.

Forest guards have also been put on duty at night.

Meanwhile, troops of Indian Army along with SDRF and Civil Administration conducted rescue operations and evacuated around 150 villagers who were stranded in Balipur Char of Baksa district in the state.

The villagers were shifted to flood relief shelters temporarily constructed in Odalguri village. Those rescued include 55 women, 40 men, 25 senior citizens and 30 children.

The village Balipur Char was inundated as the Beki River flowed above danger level due to incessant rains for the last few days.&nbsp;

Due to the devastating floods in Assam, 70 per cent of the Kaziranga National Park and its 95 camps was submerged in water and keeping in mind the gravity of the situation, forest officers were asked to remain on duty and their leaves cancelled.

Due to the devastating floods in Assam, 70 per cent of the Kaziranga National Park and its 95 camps was submerged in water and keeping in mind the gravity of the situation, forest officers were asked to remain on duty and their leaves cancelled. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Other animals like tigers and elephants are also found in the forest. With floods wreaking havoc in Assam, officials said animals residing in the national park were taken to the highlands. The forest department is fully alert on the National Highway (NH) 37 in order to avoid any poaching chances by hunters. This highway starts from Sutarakandi near Karimganj in Assam and terminates at Bhali in Manipur. Time cards are being provided to vehicles coming from both sides of the Kaziranga National Park to provide utmost security to animals from being hunted. Forest guards have also been put on duty at night. Meanwhile, troops of Indian Army along with SDRF and Civil Administration conducted rescue operations and evacuated around 150 villagers who were stranded in Balipur Char of Baksa district in the state. The villagers were shifted to flood relief shelters temporarily constructed in Odalguri village. Those rescued include 55 women, 40 men, 25 senior citizens and 30 children. The village Balipur Char was inundated as the Beki River flowed above danger level due to incessant rains for the last few days.

Assam floods: 70% of Kaziranga National Park submerged, animals taken to highlands

Two people have died and around 26 are reportedly injured in Ahmedabad on Sunday afternoon after a joyride broke at an amusement park in Kankaria area.

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Ahmedabad: 2 people died&amp;26 injured after a joyride at an adventure park in Kankaria area broke this afternoon. Vijay Nehra,Commissioner, Municipal Corporation says,"Police along with the FSL team is investigating the matter.Proper treatment is being given to injured." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/YmV1qS9w2F">pic.twitter.com/YmV1qS9w2F</a>
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Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) commissioner Vijay Nehra said, ''Police along with the FSL team is investigating the matter. Proper treatment is being given to injured."

The 65-feet high joy ride, which swings up to 30 feet on two sides, came unstuck from its hinges and heavily hit the ground with three people dying on the spot by the impact.&nbsp;

Municipal officials, who rushed to the spot, denied that the ride collapsed because of overloading.

Two people have died and around 26 are reportedly injured in Ahmedabad on Sunday afternoon after a joyride broke at an amusement park in Kankaria area. Ahmedabad: 2 people died&26 injured after a joyride at an adventure park in Kankaria area broke this afternoon.

Two people have died and around 26 are reportedly injured in Ahmedabad on Sunday afternoon after a joyride broke at an amusement park in Kankaria area. Ahmedabad: 2 people died&26 injured after a joyride at an adventure park in Kankaria area broke this afternoon. Vijay Nehra,Commissioner, Municipal Corporation says,"Police along with the FSL team is investigating the matter.Proper treatment is being given to injured." #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/YmV1qS9w2F — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2019 × Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) commissioner Vijay Nehra said, ''Police along with the FSL team is investigating the matter. Proper treatment is being given to injured." The 65-feet high joy ride, which swings up to 30 feet on two sides, came unstuck from its hinges and heavily hit the ground with three people dying on the spot by the impact. Municipal officials, who rushed to the spot, denied that the ride collapsed because of overloading.

Two dead, 26 injured after joyride broke in Ahmedabad's adventure park

A 'Victory Flame' was lit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict.

The flame would traverse through 11 towns and cities to finally culminate at Drass where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the Kargil War Memorial.

"I pay tribute to our soldiers who gave their life for the country. I also pay respect to the family members of those soldiers," Singh said on the occasion.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh and several senior officers attended the event.

Teams from several battalions of the Indian Army have undertaken trekking expeditions to commemorate the victory in various battles during the 1999 Kargil war.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year.

A 'Victory Flame' was lit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict.

A 'Victory Flame' was lit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict. The flame would traverse through 11 towns and cities to finally culminate at Drass where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the Kargil War Memorial. "I pay tribute to our soldiers who gave their life for the country. I also pay respect to the family members of those soldiers," Singh said on the occasion. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh and several senior officers attended the event. Teams from several battalions of the Indian Army have undertaken trekking expeditions to commemorate the victory in various battles during the 1999 Kargil war. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lights 'Victory Flame' to commemorate Kargil war

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday welcomed Pakistan's decision to remove the requirement of a separate permit system to allow pilgrims to travel through the historic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-talks-round-two-ends-pakistan-not-open-to-5000-pilgrims-daily-235729">Kartarpur corridor</a> but requested for the waiver of passport to facilitate devotees from the rural areas of the state to visit the holy place.

Chief Minister Singh, in a statement, said Pakistan has now agreed to 5,000 devotees a day as against its original proposal of 500 but the number needed to be further raised.

The Chief Minister, however, hailed Pakistan's decision to allow Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders, as urged by him.

The historic corridor would not serve its full potential unless Pakistan agreed to become even more flexible with regard to pilgrims visit the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, an official quoted him as saying.

He urged the Central government to engage even more closely with Pakistan to secure their agreement on other demands he has been putting forth.

The Chief Minister also reiterated his demand for a special package from the Centre to make the celebrations truly historic and befitting the sacred occasion.

The Chief Minister has hoped the government would press Pakistan to accept other key demands being raised by him over the past several months.

These included further increase in the daily limit of pilgrims allowed passage by Islamabad to enable 'khulle darshan' to mark the historic occasion of the 550th birth anniversary celebration of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the statement said.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday welcomed Pakistan's decision to remove the requirement of a separate permit system to allow pilgrims to travel through the historic Kartarpur corridor but requested for the waiver of passport to facilitate devotees from the rural areas of the state to visit the holy place.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday welcomed Pakistan's decision to remove the requirement of a separate permit system to allow pilgrims to travel through the historic Kartarpur corridor but requested for the waiver of passport to facilitate devotees from the rural areas of the state to visit the holy place. Chief Minister Singh, in a statement, said Pakistan has now agreed to 5,000 devotees a day as against its original proposal of 500 but the number needed to be further raised. The Chief Minister, however, hailed Pakistan's decision to allow Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders, as urged by him. The historic corridor would not serve its full potential unless Pakistan agreed to become even more flexible with regard to pilgrims visit the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, an official quoted him as saying. He urged the Central government to engage even more closely with Pakistan to secure their agreement on other demands he has been putting forth. The Chief Minister also reiterated his demand for a special package from the Centre to make the celebrations truly historic and befitting the sacred occasion. The Chief Minister has hoped the government would press Pakistan to accept other key demands being raised by him over the past several months. These included further increase in the daily limit of pilgrims allowed passage by Islamabad to enable 'khulle darshan' to mark the historic occasion of the 550th birth anniversary celebration of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the statement said.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh hails Pakistan for removal of 'permit for passage' via Kartarpur corridor

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has scheduled the launch of its lunar probe, by a GSLV MkIII rocket, from the country’s Sriharikota spaceport for 2.51 a.m. And the countdown is set to begin at 6.51 a.m. on Sunday.

ISRO Chairman K.Sivan speaks exclusively to WION

India eyes creating history with its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-low-cost-moon-mission-puts-india-among-lunar-pioneers-235802">Chandrayaan-2 mission</a>, a mission which several scientists have described as one of the most complex ever undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Chandrayaan 2 is an Indian lunar mission that will boldly go where no country has ever gone before -- the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-chandrayaan-2-indias-second-lunar-exploration-mission-235637">Moon's south polar region</a>.

"We aim to improve our understanding of the Moon, which could lead to discoveries that will benefit India and humanity as a whole. These insights and experiences will cause a paradigm shift in how lunar expeditions are approached for years to come, propelling further voyages into the farthest frontiers," ISRO said in a statement about the mission.

ISRO's most powerful launcher -- GSLV MK-III or "Bahubali" will carry Chandryaan-2 to its designated orbit. The three-stage vehicle is capable of launching 4-tonne class of satellites to the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Chandryaan-2 will separate from the rocket 973.7 seconds after its launch.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chandrayaan-2-all-set-for-384-lakh-km-voyage-235632/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The landing on the surface of the moon will take place 54 days after the launch. The lander-orbiter separation will take place on the 50th day.

"Chandrayaan 2 will be aided in achieving its mission by some of India's most advanced engineering marvels. Its composite module, which comprises technology and software developed across the country, includes a wholly indigenous rover and our first lander capable of executing a 'soft landing'," the space agency said.

At the time of launch, the Chandrayaan 2 Orbiter will be capable of communicating with the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) at Byalalu, as well as with the Vikram lander. The mission life of the Orbiter is one year, during which it will be placed in a 100 x 100 km lunar polar orbit.

Chandrayaan 2's lander is named Vikram after Dr Vikram A Sarabhai, the Father of the Indian Space Programme. It is designed to function for one lunar day, which is equivalent to about 14 Earth days. Vikram has the capability to communicate with IDSN at Byalalu near Bangalore, as well as with the Orbiter and Pragyan rover. The lander is designed to execute a soft landing on the lunar surface at a touchdown velocity of 2 metres per second.

The planned landing site is a high plain between two craters, Manzinus C and Simpelius N, at a latitude of about 70.9deg South 22.7deg East.

Chandrayaan 2's rover is a 6-wheeled robotic vehicle named Pragyan, which translates to 'wisdom' in Sanskrit. It can travel up to 500 m (0.5 km) at a speed of 1 centimetre per second and leverages solar energy for its functioning. It can communicate with the lander.

The mission payloads include -- Terrain Mapping Camera which will generate a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the entire moon, Chandrayaan 2 Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer which will test the elemental composition of the Moon's surface Solar X-Ray Monitor which will provide solar X-ray spectrum inputs for CLASS.

The other payloads on the orbiter are -- Imaging IR Spectrometer which will map the Moon's mineralogy and confirm the presence of water-ice on the lunar surface through Megala check, Synthetic Aperture Radar L&amp;S Bands to map the polar region and confirm the presence of water-ice at the sub-surface level, Chandra's Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 which will examine the Moon's neutral exosphere, Orbiter High Resolution Camera which will conduct high-restopography mapping, and Dual-Frequency RadioScience Experiment to study the lunar ionosphere.

The payloads on Vikram lander include -- Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity which will characterise the seismicity around the landing site, Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment which will examine the Moon's thermal conductivity and temperature gradient, Langmuir Probe which will conduct ionosphere studies on the lunar surface.

Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer which will determine the elemental composition of the Moon, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope which will identify elemental abundance in the vicinity of the landing site is the payloads on Pragyan Rover.

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 Indian Space Research Organisation (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.

The agency has been constantly tweeting various updates regarding the ambitious mission.

&nbsp;

India eyes creating history with its Chandrayaan-2 mission, a mission which several scientists have described as one of the most complex ever undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

India eyes creating history with its Chandrayaan-2 mission, a mission which several scientists have described as one of the most complex ever undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Chandrayaan 2 is an Indian lunar mission that will boldly go where no country has ever gone before -- the Moon's south polar region. "We aim to improve our understanding of the Moon, which could lead to discoveries that will benefit India and humanity as a whole. These insights and experiences will cause a paradigm shift in how lunar expeditions are approached for years to come, propelling further voyages into the farthest frontiers," ISRO said in a statement about the mission. ISRO's most powerful launcher -- GSLV MK-III or "Bahubali" will carry Chandryaan-2 to its designated orbit. The three-stage vehicle is capable of launching 4-tonne class of satellites to the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Chandryaan-2 will separate from the rocket 973.7 seconds after its launch. The landing on the surface of the moon will take place 54 days after the launch. The lander-orbiter separation will take place on the 50th day. "Chandrayaan 2 will be aided in achieving its mission by some of India's most advanced engineering marvels. Its composite module, which comprises technology and software developed across the country, includes a wholly indigenous rover and our first lander capable of executing a 'soft landing'," the space agency said. At the time of launch, the Chandrayaan 2 Orbiter will be capable of communicating with the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) at Byalalu, as well as with the Vikram lander. The mission life of the Orbiter is one year, during which it will be placed in a 100 x 100 km lunar polar orbit. Chandrayaan 2's lander is named Vikram after Dr Vikram A Sarabhai, the Father of the Indian Space Programme. It is designed to function for one lunar day, which is equivalent to about 14 Earth days. Vikram has the capability to communicate with IDSN at Byalalu near Bangalore, as well as with the Orbiter and Pragyan rover. The lander is designed to execute a soft landing on the lunar surface at a touchdown velocity of 2 metres per second. The planned landing site is a high plain between two craters, Manzinus C and Simpelius N, at a latitude of about 70.9deg South 22.7deg East. Chandrayaan 2's rover is a 6-wheeled robotic vehicle named Pragyan, which translates to 'wisdom' in Sanskrit. It can travel up to 500 m (0.5 km) at a speed of 1 centimetre per second and leverages solar energy for its functioning. It can communicate with the lander. The mission payloads include -- Terrain Mapping Camera which will generate a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the entire moon, Chandrayaan 2 Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer which will test the elemental composition of the Moon's surface Solar X-Ray Monitor which will provide solar X-ray spectrum inputs for CLASS. The other payloads on the orbiter are -- Imaging IR Spectrometer which will map the Moon's mineralogy and confirm the presence of water-ice on the lunar surface through Megala check, Synthetic Aperture Radar L&S Bands to map the polar region and confirm the presence of water-ice at the sub-surface level, Chandra's Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 which will examine the Moon's neutral exosphere, Orbiter High Resolution Camera which will conduct high-restopography mapping, and Dual-Frequency RadioScience Experiment to study the lunar ionosphere. The payloads on Vikram lander include -- Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity which will characterise the seismicity around the landing site, Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment which will examine the Moon's thermal conductivity and temperature gradient, Langmuir Probe which will conduct ionosphere studies on the lunar surface. Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer which will determine the elemental composition of the Moon, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope which will identify elemental abundance in the vicinity of the landing site is the payloads on Pragyan Rover. 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 Indian Space Research Organisation (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. The agency has been constantly tweeting various updates regarding the ambitious mission.

Here's everything you need to know about India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-2

At least two&nbsp;died in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district after a guest house building collapsed due to heavy rains on Sunday.

Around 14 people are feared trapped under the debris of the collapsed building.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said, ''As per latest information, 23 people have been rescued successfully while 2 people died including an Army jawan. All injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals.''

''The NDRF team from Panchkula have reached the spot and medical teams have also reached the spot. Rescue operations is underway. I hope within next few hours rescue operations will conclude. Proper investigation will be done, chief minister further added.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HimachalPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HimachalPradesh</a>: The building that collapsed in Kumarhatti was a 'Dhaba'. 30 Army men &amp; 7 civilians were present at the spot. 18 Army men &amp; 5 civilian rescued. 2 bodies recovered. 14 feared trapped; rescue operations continue <a href="https://t.co/6L3EvfELt9">pic.twitter.com/6L3EvfELt9</a>
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The rescue operation is underway.

So far 18 security personnel and five civilians have been&nbsp;rescued.

The building that collapsed in Kumarhatti was a 'Dhaba'.

The incident took place at around 4 pm.

At least two died in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district after a guest house building collapsed due to heavy rains on Sunday. Around 14 people are feared trapped under the debris of the collapsed building.

At least two died in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district after a guest house building collapsed due to heavy rains on Sunday. Around 14 people are feared trapped under the debris of the collapsed building. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said, ''As per latest information, 23 people have been rescued successfully while 2 people died including an Army jawan. All injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals.'' ''The NDRF team from Panchkula have reached the spot and medical teams have also reached the spot. Rescue operations is underway. I hope within next few hours rescue operations will conclude. Proper investigation will be done, chief minister further added. #HimachalPradesh: The building that collapsed in Kumarhatti was a 'Dhaba'. 30 Army men & 7 civilians were present at the spot. 18 Army men & 5 civilian rescued. 2 bodies recovered. 14 feared trapped; rescue operations continue pic.twitter.com/6L3EvfELt9 — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2019 × The rescue operation is underway. So far 18 security personnel and five civilians have been rescued. The building that collapsed in Kumarhatti was a 'Dhaba'. The incident took place at around 4 pm.

2 dead, 14 trapped in Himachal Pradesh building collapse

Chandrayaan-2 all set for 3.84 lakh km voyage

Officials from India and Pakistan are slated to meet on Sunday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-complete-kartarpur-corridor-construction-by-october-31-235299">finalise the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor</a> and related technical issues.

Government sources said the meeting is scheduled to take place at 9:30 am at Wagah.

Just a day ahead of the meeting, Pakistan reconstituted its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-talks-pakistan-removes-khalistani-radical-gopal-singh-chawala-from-top-pakistan-sikh-body-under-pressure-from-india-235410">Sikh Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee</a> (PSGPC) list, and dropped Khalistani leader Gopal Singh Chawla from the list, allaying concerns that India had raised earlier.

Previously, the two countries were slated to meet on April 2 in Pakistan for the second round of talks, which was postponed after reports surfaced about the appointment of "controversial elements" by Pakistan in a committee associated with the corridor.

New Delhi is looking forward to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-talks-india-to-focus-on-facilities-for-pilgrims-234441">upcoming talks with Islamabad</a> and will take up a number of key issues, including infrastructure, pilgrims'&nbsp;movement and safety, government sources had said on Friday.

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.

Sources said that the work on the corridor is expected to be completed by October 31, which is much before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

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 first round was held on March 14 on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border, during which issues like finalisation of the draft agreement between the two countries were discussed.

The second round of talks on the corridor was announced after the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Officials from India and Pakistan are slated to meet on Sunday to finalise the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor and related technical issues. Government sources said the meeting is scheduled to take place at 9:30 am at Wagah.

Officials from India and Pakistan are slated to meet on Sunday to finalise the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor and related technical issues. Government sources said the meeting is scheduled to take place at 9:30 am at Wagah. Just a day ahead of the meeting, Pakistan reconstituted its Sikh Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) list, and dropped Khalistani leader Gopal Singh Chawla from the list, allaying concerns that India had raised earlier. Previously, the two countries were slated to meet on April 2 in Pakistan for the second round of talks, which was postponed after reports surfaced about the appointment of "controversial elements" by Pakistan in a committee associated with the corridor. 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. 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. Sources said that the work on the corridor is expected to be completed by October 31, which is much before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. 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 first round was held on March 14 on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border, during which issues like finalisation of the draft agreement between the two countries were discussed. The second round of talks on the corridor was announced after the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India, Pakistan to hold meeting on Kartarpur corridor today

A Top Chinese government official in Tibetian Autonomous region has said that China will not recognise any personal moves of 14th Dalai Lama on his successor.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal who is in Lhasa, Wang Neng Shang a vice minister in Tibet autonomous region of China and Director General of people's government information office also spoke on India china ties.

WION: How do you see India China ties?

Wang Neng Shang: Both India and China are ancient civilisation in the east and we are the two largest developing countries in the world. Two peoples of China and India are connected by traditional friendship and similar historic reason, which is a foreign invasion and in history, we have enjoyed friendship and supported each other. Now in the new era, we are happy to see that India has made great strides, in economic development, cultural prosperity and improving people's livelihood, in particular, high tech industry India's progress has impressed the world.&nbsp;

On part of China, we under the guidance of the Xi Jinping thought of socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the new era in building socialism with Chinese features and to realise common prosperity. Our two countries share a common interest as we are bounded by our common history and brilliant civilization and we are working towards the same goal. Leaders of our both countries have met at multiple occasion time, they are carving the future of our ties. Very happy and looking forward to closer cooperation between our two countries and people in promoting national development and overcoming challenges.

WION: Who after the current Dalai Lama, because people in Dharamshala and people in Bejing have different views?

Wang Neng Shang: On reincarnation of Dalai Lama, the position of the Chinese government is clear. It is not his personal decision to make. The process must go through a lot drawing in the golden urn, and reincarnation must be recognised by the central government as history goes. The centrality of the central government must be recognised. His personal move will not be recognised by the Chinese government and religious followers in Tibet. It was with the central government's recognition that Dalai Lama became the 14th Dalai lama otherwise he would not have this position.

WION: Are there any talk currently on between Dalai Lama and China government as it happened in 2011?

Wang Neng Shang: We do not have any information about that. If there are going to be any talks, the information will be released.

A Top Chinese government official in Tibetian Autonomous region has said that China will not recognise any personal moves of 14th Dalai Lama on his successor. Speaking exclusively to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal who is in Lhasa, Wang Neng Shang a vice minister in Tibet autonomous region of China and Director General of people's government information office also spoke on India china ties.

A Top Chinese government official in Tibetian Autonomous region has said that China will not recognise any personal moves of 14th Dalai Lama on his successor. Speaking exclusively to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal who is in Lhasa, Wang Neng Shang a vice minister in Tibet autonomous region of China and Director General of people's government information office also spoke on India china ties. WION: How do you see India China ties? Wang Neng Shang: Both India and China are ancient civilisation in the east and we are the two largest developing countries in the world. Two peoples of China and India are connected by traditional friendship and similar historic reason, which is a foreign invasion and in history, we have enjoyed friendship and supported each other. Now in the new era, we are happy to see that India has made great strides, in economic development, cultural prosperity and improving people's livelihood, in particular, high tech industry India's progress has impressed the world. On part of China, we under the guidance of the Xi Jinping thought of socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the new era in building socialism with Chinese features and to realise common prosperity. Our two countries share a common interest as we are bounded by our common history and brilliant civilization and we are working towards the same goal. Leaders of our both countries have met at multiple occasion time, they are carving the future of our ties. Very happy and looking forward to closer cooperation between our two countries and people in promoting national development and overcoming challenges. WION: Who after the current Dalai Lama, because people in Dharamshala and people in Bejing have different views? Wang Neng Shang: On reincarnation of Dalai Lama, the position of the Chinese government is clear. It is not his personal decision to make. The process must go through a lot drawing in the golden urn, and reincarnation must be recognised by the central government as history goes. The centrality of the central government must be recognised. His personal move will not be recognised by the Chinese government and religious followers in Tibet. It was with the central government's recognition that Dalai Lama became the 14th Dalai lama otherwise he would not have this position. WION: Are there any talk currently on between Dalai Lama and China government as it happened in 2011? Wang Neng Shang: We do not have any information about that. If there are going to be any talks, the information will be released.

China to not recognise personal moves of 14th Dalai Lama on his successor: Wang Neng Shang to WION

Pakistan delegation in Wagah on Sunday agreed to allow visa-free, year-long travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders.

Pakistan has also agreed to allow 5,000 pilgrims, every day, &nbsp;to visit the Gurdwara on foot, both as individuals or in groups, Home Ministry's Joint Secretary (Internal Security) SCL Das told reporters in a press conference.

Pakistan has also agreed&nbsp;to build a bridge on its side.

The Indian side had told the Pakistani delegation that due to the high demand expected, at least 5,000 pilgrims should be allowed to visit Kartarpur Sahib each day.

The Indian delegation was led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in Ministry of Home Affairs and Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) in Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

"Pakistan side has assured our delegation in response to the request made that no anti-India activity will be allowed by them," SCL Das said.

"The Government is fully confident that India would be ready to commence the pilgrimage through <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-talks-pakistan-removes-khalistani-radical-gopal-singh-chawala-from-top-pakistan-sikh-body-under-pressure-from-india-235410">Kartarpur corridor </a>on the auspicious occasion of the 550th birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji," he added.

The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Watch: India-Pak hold meet on Kartarpur corridor

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The first round of talks was held in Attari on March 14 in the shadow of escalating bilateral tensions following the Pulwama terror attack by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed on February 14.

India had urged Pakistan to take into consideration the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-talks-india-to-focus-on-facilities-for-pilgrims-234441">sentiments of the pilgrims</a> to have smooth, easy, unrestricted access throughout the year to be able to visit the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. In this context, the following requests were reiterated:

1: 5,000 pilgrims be allowed to visit Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib using the corridor every day given the expected high demand on our side. 
2: 10,000 additional pilgrims be allowed to visit on special occasions. 
3: There should be no restrictions on the pilgrims in terms of their faith. 
4: Not only Indian nationals but also the Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) holding OCI cards be allowed to use the Kartarpur Corridor facility. 
5: The movement should be visa-free and Pakistan should reconsider charging any fee or introducing any permit system. 
6: Pilgrims should be allowed to visit throughout the year, seven days a week. 
7: Pilgrims should have the choice to visit as individuals or in a group. 
8: Pilgrims should have the choice to visit on-foot on pilgrimage to the holy shrine. 
9: Provisions should be made for the preparation and distribution of langar and prasad for the pilgrims.

Pakistan delegation in Wagah on Sunday agreed to allow visa-free, year-long travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders.

Pakistan delegation in Wagah on Sunday agreed to allow visa-free, year-long travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders. Pakistan has also agreed to allow 5,000 pilgrims, every day, to visit the Gurdwara on foot, both as individuals or in groups, Home Ministry's Joint Secretary (Internal Security) SCL Das told reporters in a press conference. Pakistan has also agreed to build a bridge on its side. The Indian side had told the Pakistani delegation that due to the high demand expected, at least 5,000 pilgrims should be allowed to visit Kartarpur Sahib each day. The Indian delegation was led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in Ministry of Home Affairs and Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) in Ministry of External Affairs. "Pakistan side has assured our delegation in response to the request made that no anti-India activity will be allowed by them," SCL Das said. "The Government is fully confident that India would be ready to commence the pilgrimage through Kartarpur corridor on the auspicious occasion of the 550th birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji," he added. The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Watch: India-Pak hold meet on Kartarpur corridor × The first round of talks was held in Attari on March 14 in the shadow of escalating bilateral tensions following the Pulwama terror attack by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed on February 14. India had urged Pakistan to take into consideration the sentiments of the pilgrims to have smooth, easy, unrestricted access throughout the year to be able to visit the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. In this context, the following requests were reiterated: 1: 5,000 pilgrims be allowed to visit Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib using the corridor every day given the expected high demand on our side. 2: 10,000 additional pilgrims be allowed to visit on special occasions. 3: There should be no restrictions on the pilgrims in terms of their faith. 4: Not only Indian nationals but also the Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) holding OCI cards be allowed to use the Kartarpur Corridor facility. 5: The movement should be visa-free and Pakistan should reconsider charging any fee or introducing any permit system. 6: Pilgrims should be allowed to visit throughout the year, seven days a week. 7: Pilgrims should have the choice to visit as individuals or in a group. 8: Pilgrims should have the choice to visit on-foot on pilgrimage to the holy shrine. 9: Provisions should be made for the preparation and distribution of langar and prasad for the pilgrims.

Kartarpur corridor talks round two ends; Pakistan agrees to 5000 pilgrims daily

At least 10 people were killed in flash floods in the past 72 hours and over a million has been displaced as heavy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-meghalaya-likely-to-receive-heavy-rainfall-india-meteorological-department-235428">monsoon rains battered Assam</a>, reports said on Saturday, warning the situation could worsen in coming days.&nbsp;

The Brahmaputra river, which flows from the Himalayas into India and then through Bangladesh, has burst its banks, swamping more than 1,800 villages in the state.&nbsp;

"10 people have died in separate incidents of drowning in the past three days and more than one million people (have been) affected, with the flood situation turning grave," a state government flood bulletin said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-six-dead-in-assam-floods-21-districts-affected-235394">Torrential rains have affected at least 25</a> of Assam's 32 districts and the federal water resources body said water levels in the Brahmaputra were expected to rise, with more rains forecast over the next three days. &nbsp;

"The flood situation remains extremely critical," news agency Reuters quoted Assam's Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta as saying.

Central Water Commission (CWC) informed that Brahmaputra, Beki, Jiabharali, Katakhal and Barak rivers in Assam and Kamla, Bagmati, Mahananda, Gandak rivers in Bihar are flowing above a danger mark.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-three-dozen-killed-in-monsoon-rains-in-south-asia-235474">Over three dozen killed in monsoon rains in South Asia</a>

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams conducted rescue operations and evacuated around 150 villagers who were stranded in Balipur Char of Baksa district in the state.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review&nbsp;meeting over the&nbsp;current flood situation in different parts of the country and preparedness of the states and Central ministries concerned to deal with the situation.

After the meeting, Shah directed the senior officers to take every possible measure to deal with the situation arising out of South-West Monsoon in the country and to extend all necessary assistance to the flood-affected states.

Watch: Pre-monsoon rainfall in India 2nd lowest in 65 years, says Skymet

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Assam, known for its fine quality teas, has for several years battled floods and heavy rains that have claimed dozens of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.&nbsp;

Assam is on a maximum alert due to heavy rains forecast over the next few days.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 10 people were killed in flash floods in the past 72 hours and over a million has been displaced as heavy monsoon rains battered Assam, reports said on Saturday, warning the situation could worsen in coming days.

At least 10 people were killed in flash floods in the past 72 hours and over a million has been displaced as heavy monsoon rains battered Assam, reports said on Saturday, warning the situation could worsen in coming days. The Brahmaputra river, which flows from the Himalayas into India and then through Bangladesh, has burst its banks, swamping more than 1,800 villages in the state. "10 people have died in separate incidents of drowning in the past three days and more than one million people (have been) affected, with the flood situation turning grave," a state government flood bulletin said. Torrential rains have affected at least 25 of Assam's 32 districts and the federal water resources body said water levels in the Brahmaputra were expected to rise, with more rains forecast over the next three days. "The flood situation remains extremely critical," news agency Reuters quoted Assam's Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta as saying. Central Water Commission (CWC) informed that Brahmaputra, Beki, Jiabharali, Katakhal and Barak rivers in Assam and Kamla, Bagmati, Mahananda, Gandak rivers in Bihar are flowing above a danger mark. Also read: Over three dozen killed in monsoon rains in South Asia National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams conducted rescue operations and evacuated around 150 villagers who were stranded in Balipur Char of Baksa district in the state. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting over the current flood situation in different parts of the country and preparedness of the states and Central ministries concerned to deal with the situation. After the meeting, Shah directed the senior officers to take every possible measure to deal with the situation arising out of South-West Monsoon in the country and to extend all necessary assistance to the flood-affected states. Watch: Pre-monsoon rainfall in India 2nd lowest in 65 years, says Skymet × Assam, known for its fine quality teas, has for several years battled floods and heavy rains that have claimed dozens of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Assam is on a maximum alert due to heavy rains forecast over the next few days. (With inputs from agencies)

Assam: Heavy rain, floods kill at least 10 people, over a million displaced

Chandrayaan-2: A glance at Indian Space Research Organisation major achievements

India will step up the international space race on Monday when it launches a low-cost mission to become only the fourth country to land a probe on the moon.

Just five days before the 50th anniversary of man's first lunar landing, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-media-reacts-to-chandrayaan-2-says-space-program-gained-new-prominence-under-pm-narendra-modi-235731">Chandrayaan-2</a> - or Moon Chariot 2 - will blast off from a tropical island off Andhra Pradesh state after a decade-long build-up.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chandrayaan-2-isro-gears-up-to-launch-second-sojourn-to-the-moon-235692">In pics: ISRO gears up to launch second sojourn to the moon</a>

The mission will also highlight how far space travel has advanced since Neil Armstrong's giant leap for mankind during the Apollo 11 mission.

India has spent about $140 million to get Chandrayaan-2 ready for the 384,400 kilometres (around 240,000 miles) trip from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre to the scheduled landing on the lunar South Pole on September 6.

The United States spent about $25 billion - the equivalent of more than $100 billion in current prices - on 15 Apollo missions, including the six that put Armstrong and other astronauts on the Moon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-chandrayaan-2-indias-second-lunar-exploration-mission-235637">Track&nbsp;l</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-chandrayaan-2-indias-second-lunar-exploration-mission-235637">ive updates here: Chandrayaan-2 — India's second lunar exploration mission</a>

China landed its Chang'e 4 lunar craft in January, and spent $8.4 billion on its entire space programme in 2017, according to international Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development figures.

Watch: ISRO Chairman K.Sivan speaks exclusively to WION

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And Russia - the first country to land an unmanned moon rocket in 1966 - spent more than $20 billion at today's values on lunar missions in the 1960s and 70s.

Spiced-up space race

Almost the entire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-to-be-most-complex-mission-isro-has-taken-so-far-former-chief-g-madhavan-nair-235773">Chandrayaan-2's orbiter</a>, lander and rover have been designed and made in India.

India will use its most powerful rocket launcher, GSLV Mk III, to carry the 2.4 tonne orbiter, which has a mission life of about a year.

The spacecraft will carry the 1.4 tonne lander Vikram - which in turn will take the 27-kilogramme (60-pound) rover Pragyan - to a high plain between two craters on the lunar South Pole.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan said Vikram's 15-minute final descent "will be the most terrifying moments as we have never undertaken such a complex mission".

The solar-powered rover can travel up to 500 metres (yards) and is expected to work for one lunar day, the equivalent of 14 Earth days.

Sivan said the probe will be looking for signs of water and "a fossil record of the early solar system".

Despite the relatively small budget, the mission does raise questions about how funds are allocated when the country is still battling hunger and poverty.

But national pride is at stake: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to send a manned mission into orbit by 2022.

Most experts say the geo-strategic stakes are small - but that India's low-cost model could win commercial satellite and orbiting deals.

"The fundamental question that we should ask ourselves in this context is not whether India should undertake such ambitious space ventures, but whether India can afford to ignore it," said K Kasturirangan, a former ISRO chief.

India has to aim to be a leader in space, he added.

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, head of space policy at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi think tank, said Chandrayaan-2 will enhance the nation's reputation "at a time when the global and particularly, the Asian space programmes are becoming increasingly competitive".

Amitabha Ghosh, a scientist for NASA's Rover mission to Mars, said the benefits of Chandrayaan-2 are huge, compared to its cost.

"A spacecraft mission of the complexity of Chandrayaan-2 conveys a message that India is capable of delivering on difficult technology development endeavours," said Ghosh.

However, some experts say anyone looking for a cheap ticket to space should think of the comfort on low-cost plane rides closer to Earth.

Scott Hubbard, a former top NASA researcher now with Stanford University, examined the cost-effectiveness of the Indian Mars orbiter against the American Maven mission.

Although both launched in 2013, Maven is estimated to have cost 10 times more, but India's Mangalyaan was only designed to last about a year.

"The US mission was required to last two years. That's a big difference in cost," said Hubbard. And Mangalyaan's payload was 15 kg, while Maven could carry 65 kg with more sophisticated instruments.

"So you get what you pay for," concluded Hubbard.

India will step up the international space race on Monday when it launches a low-cost mission to become only the fourth country to land a probe on the moon. Just five days before the 50th anniversary of man's first lunar landing, Chandrayaan-2 - or Moon Chariot 2 - will blast off from a tropical island off Andhra Pradesh state after a decade-long build-up.

India will step up the international space race on Monday when it launches a low-cost mission to become only the fourth country to land a probe on the moon. Just five days before the 50th anniversary of man's first lunar landing, Chandrayaan-2 - or Moon Chariot 2 - will blast off from a tropical island off Andhra Pradesh state after a decade-long build-up. In pics: ISRO gears up to launch second sojourn to the moon The mission will also highlight how far space travel has advanced since Neil Armstrong's giant leap for mankind during the Apollo 11 mission. India has spent about $140 million to get Chandrayaan-2 ready for the 384,400 kilometres (around 240,000 miles) trip from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre to the scheduled landing on the lunar South Pole on September 6. The United States spent about $25 billion - the equivalent of more than $100 billion in current prices - on 15 Apollo missions, including the six that put Armstrong and other astronauts on the Moon. Track live updates here: Chandrayaan-2 — India's second lunar exploration mission China landed its Chang'e 4 lunar craft in January, and spent $8.4 billion on its entire space programme in 2017, according to international Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development figures. Watch: ISRO Chairman K.Sivan speaks exclusively to WION × And Russia - the first country to land an unmanned moon rocket in 1966 - spent more than $20 billion at today's values on lunar missions in the 1960s and 70s. Spiced-up space race Almost the entire Chandrayaan-2's orbiter, lander and rover have been designed and made in India. India will use its most powerful rocket launcher, GSLV Mk III, to carry the 2.4 tonne orbiter, which has a mission life of about a year. The spacecraft will carry the 1.4 tonne lander Vikram - which in turn will take the 27-kilogramme (60-pound) rover Pragyan - to a high plain between two craters on the lunar South Pole. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan said Vikram's 15-minute final descent "will be the most terrifying moments as we have never undertaken such a complex mission". The solar-powered rover can travel up to 500 metres (yards) and is expected to work for one lunar day, the equivalent of 14 Earth days. Sivan said the probe will be looking for signs of water and "a fossil record of the early solar system". Despite the relatively small budget, the mission does raise questions about how funds are allocated when the country is still battling hunger and poverty. But national pride is at stake: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to send a manned mission into orbit by 2022. Most experts say the geo-strategic stakes are small - but that India's low-cost model could win commercial satellite and orbiting deals. "The fundamental question that we should ask ourselves in this context is not whether India should undertake such ambitious space ventures, but whether India can afford to ignore it," said K Kasturirangan, a former ISRO chief. India has to aim to be a leader in space, he added. Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, head of space policy at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi think tank, said Chandrayaan-2 will enhance the nation's reputation "at a time when the global and particularly, the Asian space programmes are becoming increasingly competitive". Amitabha Ghosh, a scientist for NASA's Rover mission to Mars, said the benefits of Chandrayaan-2 are huge, compared to its cost. "A spacecraft mission of the complexity of Chandrayaan-2 conveys a message that India is capable of delivering on difficult technology development endeavours," said Ghosh. However, some experts say anyone looking for a cheap ticket to space should think of the comfort on low-cost plane rides closer to Earth. Scott Hubbard, a former top NASA researcher now with Stanford University, examined the cost-effectiveness of the Indian Mars orbiter against the American Maven mission. Although both launched in 2013, Maven is estimated to have cost 10 times more, but India's Mangalyaan was only designed to last about a year. "The US mission was required to last two years. That's a big difference in cost," said Hubbard. And Mangalyaan's payload was 15 kg, while Maven could carry 65 kg with more sophisticated instruments. "So you get what you pay for," concluded Hubbard.

Chandrayaan-2: Low-cost moon mission puts India among lunar pioneers

Chandrayaan-2: ISRO gears up to launch second sojourn to the moon

India's historic moon mission, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/things-to-know-about-indias-most-ambitious-moon-mission-chandrayaan-2-235753">Chandrayaan-2</a> is going to be the "most complex mission" that ISRO has undertaken so far," former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief said hours before the launch on Sunday.

"Scientifically, it is a follow on mission to confirm data from Chandrayaan-1. It is going to be a big motivator for the young scientific groups," G Madhavan Nair added.

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Former <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> Chief, G Madhavan Nair: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan2</a> is going to be the most complex mission that ISRO has undertaken so far. Scientifically, it is a follow on mission to confirm data from Chandrayaan-1. It is going to be a big motivator for the young scientific groups. <a href="https://t.co/HdwyUNNmu1">pic.twitter.com/HdwyUNNmu1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1150340899286736896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-chandrayaan-2-indias-second-lunar-exploration-mission-235637">Live: Chandrayaan-2 — India's second lunar exploration mission</a>

Chandrayaan-2, India's Moon mission to the unexplored south polar region of Earth's natural satellite will blast off on July 15 at 2:51&nbsp;am. It will be launched from Sriharikota's space centre in Andhra Pradesh.

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.

Watch: A brief history of every moon mission in the history of space exploration

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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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chandrayaan-2-isro-gears-up-to-launch-second-sojourn-to-the-moon-235692">In pics: Chandrayaan-2 — ISRO gears up to launch second sojourn to the moon</a>

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's historic moon mission, Chandrayaan-2 is going to be the "most complex mission" that ISRO has undertaken so far," former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief said hours before the launch on Sunday.

India's historic moon mission, Chandrayaan-2 is going to be the "most complex mission" that ISRO has undertaken so far," former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief said hours before the launch on Sunday. "Scientifically, it is a follow on mission to confirm data from Chandrayaan-1. It is going to be a big motivator for the young scientific groups," G Madhavan Nair added. Former #ISRO Chief, G Madhavan Nair: #Chandrayaan2 is going to be the most complex mission that ISRO has undertaken so far. Scientifically, it is a follow on mission to confirm data from Chandrayaan-1. It is going to be a big motivator for the young scientific groups. pic.twitter.com/HdwyUNNmu1 — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2019 × Live: Chandrayaan-2 — India's second lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-2, India's Moon mission to the unexplored south polar region of Earth's natural satellite will blast off on July 15 at 2:51 am. It will be launched from Sriharikota's space centre in Andhra Pradesh. 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. Watch: A brief history of every moon mission in the history of space exploration × 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. In pics: Chandrayaan-2 — ISRO gears up to launch second sojourn to the moon 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Chandrayaan-2 to be 'most complex mission' ISRO has taken so far: Former chief G Madhavan Nair

India will step up the international space race on Monday when it launches a low-cost mission to become only the fourth country to land a probe on the Moon.

Just five days before the 50th anniversary of man's first lunar landing, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-lunar-mission-why-the-interest-in-moon-235503">Chandrayaan-2</a>&nbsp;will blast off from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It will launch at 2:51 am on July15.&nbsp;

According to reports, India has spent about Rs 978 crore ($142 million) to get<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-a-important-and-prestigious-mission-isro-chief-k-sivan-235506"> Chandrayaan-2 ready for the 384,400 kilometres</a> (around 240,000 miles) trip from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre to the scheduled landing on the lunar South Pole on September 6. The nearly 1000 crore cost includes Rs 603 crore mission cost and Rs 375 crore for its launch, the cost of GSLV MK III.&nbsp;

However, the cost is much lower than the recently released hollywood blockbuster "Avengers: Endgame", which was made in a whopping budget of Rs 2,443 crores ($356 million).

Earlier, ISRO's Mangalyaan was hailed for being far cheaper at $74 million than Sandra Bullock and George Clooney's Gravity which had an estimated budget of $100 million.

Watch: Chandrayaan-2 all set for 3.84 lakh km voyage

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This will be India's first attempt to land on the moon and the rover will go to the moon's south pole where no country has gone before. It will be an extension of the Gaganyaan mission.

Till now only three countries have landed on the moon i.e. the Soviet Union, the United States and China.

The United States spent about $25 billion -- the equivalent of more than $100 billion in current prices -- on 15 Apollo missions, including the six that put Neil Armstrong, the first person to step on the moon, and other astronauts on the Moon.&nbsp;

China landed its Chang'e 4 lunar craft in January, and spent $8.4 billion on its entire space programme in 2017, according to the International Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development figures.

And Russia -- the first country to land an unmanned Moon rocket in 1966 -- spent more than $20 billion at today's values on lunar missions in the 1960s and 70s.

(With inputs from agencies)

India will step up the international space race on Monday when it launches a low-cost mission to become only the fourth country to land a probe on the Moon. Just five days before the 50th anniversary of man's first lunar landing, Chandrayaan-2 will blast off from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

India will step up the international space race on Monday when it launches a low-cost mission to become only the fourth country to land a probe on the Moon. Just five days before the 50th anniversary of man's first lunar landing, Chandrayaan-2 will blast off from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It will launch at 2:51 am on July15. According to reports, India has spent about Rs 978 crore ($142 million) to get Chandrayaan-2 ready for the 384,400 kilometres (around 240,000 miles) trip from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre to the scheduled landing on the lunar South Pole on September 6. The nearly 1000 crore cost includes Rs 603 crore mission cost and Rs 375 crore for its launch, the cost of GSLV MK III. However, the cost is much lower than the recently released hollywood blockbuster "Avengers: Endgame", which was made in a whopping budget of Rs 2,443 crores ($356 million). Earlier, ISRO's Mangalyaan was hailed for being far cheaper at $74 million than Sandra Bullock and George Clooney's Gravity which had an estimated budget of $100 million. Watch: Chandrayaan-2 all set for 3.84 lakh km voyage × This will be India's first attempt to land on the moon and the rover will go to the moon's south pole where no country has gone before. It will be an extension of the Gaganyaan mission. Till now only three countries have landed on the moon i.e. the Soviet Union, the United States and China. The United States spent about $25 billion -- the equivalent of more than $100 billion in current prices -- on 15 Apollo missions, including the six that put Neil Armstrong, the first person to step on the moon, and other astronauts on the Moon. China landed its Chang'e 4 lunar craft in January, and spent $8.4 billion on its entire space programme in 2017, according to the International Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development figures. And Russia -- the first country to land an unmanned Moon rocket in 1966 -- spent more than $20 billion at today's values on lunar missions in the 1960s and 70s. (With inputs from agencies)

Chandrayaan-2 costs less than hollywood blockbuster 'Avengers Endgame'

India will step up the international space race on Monday when it launches a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/countdown-begins-for-launch-of-chandrayaan-ii-tomorrow-235687">low-cost mission</a> to become only the fourth country to land a probe on the Moon.

The Chandrayaan-2&nbsp;is set to blast off at 2:51 am on July 15 in Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota.

Chandrayaan-2, which has home-grown technology, will explore the far sight of South Pole of Moon where no mission has ever set foot.

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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-chandrayaan-2-indias-second-lunar-exploration-mission-235637">Live: Chandrayaan-2 — India's second lunar exploration mission</a>

India's second moon mission is also grabbing attention from western media and scientific journals. They also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a US based newspaper said that India's space program&nbsp;gained "new prominence" under the leader.

"Although India’s space program began as early as the 1960s, it has gained new prominence under Prime Minister Narendra Modi...PM Modi has promoted the space program as a symbol of the country’s rising stature internationally and a bulwark of its defence capabilities," the Washington Post stated in its report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chandrayaan-2-isro-gears-up-to-launch-second-sojourn-to-the-moon-235692">In pics: Chandrayaan-2 — ISRO gears up to launch second sojourn to the moon</a>

"The success of the mission is going to boost national morale and contribute to [India’s] scientific endeavours in ways ranging from academic research to national security. The mission is completely indigenous, with heavy participation from the private sector and academia, involving young scientists from across the country—a reflection of India’s rising scientific temper," America's Scientific American reported in its story.

"The mission will also serve as a proof of principle, demonstrating that India possesses the technical prowess not only to land on the moon but also to remotely operate a robotic rover there," the report added.

The Guardian newspaper reporting the same stated, "At 2.51am on Monday 15 July, engineers at India’s national spaceport at Sriharikota will blast their Chandrayaan-2 probe into orbit around the Earth. It will be the most ambitious space mission the nation has attempted."

Watch: A brief history of every moon mission in the history of space exploration

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Another US-based Newspaper The New York Times said "For India, reaching the moon would highlight its technological advances" in its report.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

India will step up the international space race on Monday when it launches a low-cost mission to become only the fourth country to land a probe on the Moon. The Chandrayaan-2 is set to blast off at 2:51 am on July 15 in Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota.

India will step up the international space race on Monday when it launches a low-cost mission to become only the fourth country to land a probe on the Moon. The Chandrayaan-2 is set to blast off at 2:51 am on July 15 in Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota. Chandrayaan-2, which has home-grown technology, will explore the far sight of South Pole of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. 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. Live: Chandrayaan-2 — India's second lunar exploration mission India's second moon mission is also grabbing attention from western media and scientific journals. They also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a US based newspaper said that India's space program gained "new prominence" under the leader. "Although India’s space program began as early as the 1960s, it has gained new prominence under Prime Minister Narendra Modi...PM Modi has promoted the space program as a symbol of the country’s rising stature internationally and a bulwark of its defence capabilities," the Washington Post stated in its report. In pics: Chandrayaan-2 — ISRO gears up to launch second sojourn to the moon "The success of the mission is going to boost national morale and contribute to [India’s] scientific endeavours in ways ranging from academic research to national security. The mission is completely indigenous, with heavy participation from the private sector and academia, involving young scientists from across the country—a reflection of India’s rising scientific temper," America's Scientific American reported in its story. "The mission will also serve as a proof of principle, demonstrating that India possesses the technical prowess not only to land on the moon but also to remotely operate a robotic rover there," the report added. The Guardian newspaper reporting the same stated, "At 2.51am on Monday 15 July, engineers at India’s national spaceport at Sriharikota will blast their Chandrayaan-2 probe into orbit around the Earth. It will be the most ambitious space mission the nation has attempted." Watch: A brief history of every moon mission in the history of space exploration × Another US-based Newspaper The New York Times said "For India, reaching the moon would highlight its technological advances" in its report. (With inputs from agencies)

Foreign media reacts to Chandrayaan-2; says 'space program gained new prominence under PM Narendra Modi'

India is all set to make history on July 15 with its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/countdown-begins-for-launch-of-chandrayaan-ii-tomorrow-235687">second Moon mission, Chandrayaan-2</a>.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
India's most ambitious Moon mission will launch from Sriharikota's space centre in Andhra Pradesh at 2:51&nbsp;am on July 15.

It is scheduled to make a landing on the lunar surface by September 6 or 7.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-chandrayaan-2-indias-second-lunar-exploration-mission-235637">Live: Chandrayaan-2 — India's second lunar exploration mission</a>

The mission is a giant leap in India's space program.

Ahead of the launch here is a quick glimpse of what the mission will be like.

Launched from Sriharikota in southern India on a one hundred per cent Indian rocket, Chandryaan-2, meaning lunar vehicle in Sanskrit, is heading for the unexplored part of the Moon, south pole.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chandrayaan-2-isro-gears-up-to-launch-second-sojourn-to-the-moon-235692">In pics: Chandrayaan-2 — ISRO gears up to launch second sojourn to the Moon</a>

It should arrive at the beginning of September 2019 after a 380,000-kilometre voyage.

Watch: ISRO Chairman K Sivan speaks exclusively to WION

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Once it’s in lunar orbit 100 kilometres above the surface, the spacecraft will send a lander on a controlled descent to the surface.

The lander will then release a six-wheeled solar-powered rover that will cover about 200 metres of lunar territory.

The aim of the fourteen-day mission is to examine the surface, gathering data on minerals and even water in the form of ice.

Eleven years after the Chandrayaan- 1 mission, which placed a probe in orbit around the Moon, India aims to become the fourth country to send a mission to the Moon’s surface after the US, the Soviet Union and China.

But India's ambitions don't stop there; they hope the first manned mission to space will take off before 2022.

India is all set to make history on July 15 with its second Moon mission, Chandrayaan-2. India's most ambitious Moon mission will launch from Sriharikota's space centre in Andhra Pradesh at 2:51 am on July 15.

India is all set to make history on July 15 with its second Moon mission, Chandrayaan-2. India's most ambitious Moon mission will launch from Sriharikota's space centre in Andhra Pradesh at 2:51 am on July 15. It is scheduled to make a landing on the lunar surface by September 6 or 7. Live: Chandrayaan-2 — India's second lunar exploration mission The mission is a giant leap in India's space program. Ahead of the launch here is a quick glimpse of what the mission will be like. Launched from Sriharikota in southern India on a one hundred per cent Indian rocket, Chandryaan-2, meaning lunar vehicle in Sanskrit, is heading for the unexplored part of the Moon, south pole. In pics: Chandrayaan-2 — ISRO gears up to launch second sojourn to the Moon It should arrive at the beginning of September 2019 after a 380,000-kilometre voyage. Watch: ISRO Chairman K Sivan speaks exclusively to WION × Once it’s in lunar orbit 100 kilometres above the surface, the spacecraft will send a lander on a controlled descent to the surface. The lander will then release a six-wheeled solar-powered rover that will cover about 200 metres of lunar territory. The aim of the fourteen-day mission is to examine the surface, gathering data on minerals and even water in the form of ice. Eleven years after the Chandrayaan- 1 mission, which placed a probe in orbit around the Moon, India aims to become the fourth country to send a mission to the Moon’s surface after the US, the Soviet Union and China. But India's ambitions don't stop there; they hope the first manned mission to space will take off before 2022.

Things to know about India's most ambitious Moon mission Chandrayaan-2

Normal life in several districts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fani-heading-towards-west-bengal-rain-lashes-city-215652">West Bengal</a> remains disrupted due to incessant rainfall over the past few days.

According to the Irrigation and Waterways Department, Jalpaiguri has received 154.60 mm of rainfall, Coochbehar 197.40 mm and Siliguri 97 mm, so far.

The continuous downpour has led to a rise in the water level of the Torsa river, forcing people to migrate to other places.

&nbsp;Local administration is making efforts to bring back normalcy by pumping out water from the blocked roads. The schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers in some places have been shut by the local authorities due to waterlogging.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-234250">Indian Meteorological Department</a> has predicted rain showers accompanied by thunderstorms for the next few days in parts of West Bengal.

Normal life in several districts of West Bengal remains disrupted due to incessant rainfall over the past few days. According to the Irrigation and Waterways Department, Jalpaiguri has received 154.

Normal life in several districts of West Bengal remains disrupted due to incessant rainfall over the past few days. According to the Irrigation and Waterways Department, Jalpaiguri has received 154.60 mm of rainfall, Coochbehar 197.40 mm and Siliguri 97 mm, so far. The continuous downpour has led to a rise in the water level of the Torsa river, forcing people to migrate to other places. Local administration is making efforts to bring back normalcy by pumping out water from the blocked roads. The schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers in some places have been shut by the local authorities due to waterlogging. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted rain showers accompanied by thunderstorms for the next few days in parts of West Bengal.

Incessant rainfall hits normal life in parts of West Bengal

Two Naxals were gunned down by security forces and one was arrested in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-one-naxal-killed-in-encounter-with-district-reserve-guard-234155">Chhattisgarh</a>`s Dantewada on Sunday.

"A woman and man with Rs 5 lakh bounty each on their names were gunned down in the Gumiyapal forests under Kirandul police station area after an exchange of fire," Dantewada SP Abhishek Pallav said.

"A woman Maoist was also arrested from the spot. Two weapons were recovered from their possession," he added. More details in this regard are awaited.

Two Naxals were gunned down by security forces and one was arrested in Chhattisgarh`s Dantewada on Sunday. "A woman and man with Rs 5 lakh bounty each on their names were gunned down in the Gumiyapal forests under Kirandul police station area after an exchange of fire," Dantewada SP Abhishek Pallav said.

Two Naxals were gunned down by security forces and one was arrested in Chhattisgarh`s Dantewada on Sunday. "A woman and man with Rs 5 lakh bounty each on their names were gunned down in the Gumiyapal forests under Kirandul police station area after an exchange of fire," Dantewada SP Abhishek Pallav said. "A woman Maoist was also arrested from the spot. Two weapons were recovered from their possession," he added. More details in this regard are awaited.

Chhattisgarh: Two Naxals gunned down, one arrested in Dantewada

Former cricketer and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday resigned from the post of Cabinet minister in Punjab government.

In a letter addressed to the Congress President, a cricketer turned politician said that he has resigned from the state Cabinet.

Sidhu tweeted an image of the letter.In the tweet, Sidhu has said that he had submitted the letter to the party president Rahul Gandhi on "June 10 2019".

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My letter to the Congress President Shri. Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019. <a href="https://t.co/WS3yYwmnPl">pic.twitter.com/WS3yYwmnPl</a>
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1150291448715022337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sidhu was Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy in Captain Amrinder Singh's government.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister’s office has confirmed that they had not received Navjot Singh Sidhu’s resignation letter.

Former cricketer and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday resigned from the post of Cabinet minister in Punjab government. In a letter addressed to the Congress President, a cricketer turned politician said that he has resigned from the state Cabinet.

Former cricketer and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday resigned from the post of Cabinet minister in Punjab government. In a letter addressed to the Congress President, a cricketer turned politician said that he has resigned from the state Cabinet. Sidhu tweeted an image of the letter.In the tweet, Sidhu has said that he had submitted the letter to the party president Rahul Gandhi on "June 10 2019". 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 × Sidhu was Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy in Captain Amrinder Singh's government. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister’s office has confirmed that they had not received Navjot Singh Sidhu’s resignation letter.

Navjot Singh Sidhu resigns from Punjab government

India and the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-approves-funding-for-911-responders-sends-to-senate-235437&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjgxpv2obHjAhUPM94KHZUaDYEQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3wIt_wFvreSEVxiI2ONNYP">United States</a> on Friday held a detailed discussion on a range of trade issues with an aim to strengthen bilateral economic relations, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Friday.

"Both sides discussed the broad contours of bilateral <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/sources-no-breakthrough-in-india-us-trade-talks-235423&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqrbbCorHjAhUHFogKHetjA4wQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_tIqXrtuG3Q87eZVAoarr">trade</a> and commercial ties and agreed to continue their discussions for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes aimed at further growing the economic relationship and addressing mutual trade concerns," a statement by the ministry read.

The US delegations headed by Assistant USTR for India Christopher Wilson reached New Delhi on Thursday for a meeting with senior officials of the Commerce and Industry Ministry.

This was the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-asks-mps-to-take-150-kilometres-march-on-gandhi-jayanti-234213&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiSkpPuorHjAhXOFIgKHbjbD5Y4ChAWMAN6BAgOEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2eZNfoZwSSLRzY_M0LRRBZ">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> met with <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-backs-down-on-including-citizenship-question-in-2020-census-235152&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjc6PDFo7HjAhW7yYsBHbFuBd84ChAWMAN6BAgKEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2HfrX-LYPoBfosTC2LcCAw">US President Donald</a> Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of G20 Summit last month.

The statement added that the meeting was "aimed at providing a new impetus to bilateral trade and commercial ties, in line with the mandate" given by Modi and Trump during the bilateral at Osaka.

Trump has repeatedly raised the issue of India putting high import duties on American products.

&nbsp;The trade tensions between the two nations escalated on June 5 when Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme.

The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade-preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On its part, India had imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India.

India on Thursday said that it seeks very constructive and positive engagement with the US counterparts.&nbsp;

India and the United States on Friday held a detailed discussion on a range of trade issues with an aim to strengthen bilateral economic relations, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Friday.

India and the United States on Friday held a detailed discussion on a range of trade issues with an aim to strengthen bilateral economic relations, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Friday. "Both sides discussed the broad contours of bilateral trade and commercial ties and agreed to continue their discussions for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes aimed at further growing the economic relationship and addressing mutual trade concerns," a statement by the ministry read. The US delegations headed by Assistant USTR for India Christopher Wilson reached New Delhi on Thursday for a meeting with senior officials of the Commerce and Industry Ministry. This was the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of G20 Summit last month. The statement added that the meeting was "aimed at providing a new impetus to bilateral trade and commercial ties, in line with the mandate" given by Modi and Trump during the bilateral at Osaka. Trump has repeatedly raised the issue of India putting high import duties on American products. The trade tensions between the two nations escalated on June 5 when Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme. The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade-preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. On its part, India had imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India. India on Thursday said that it seeks very constructive and positive engagement with the US counterparts.

India, United States discuss broad contours of bilateral trade and commercial ties

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/railways-needs-investment-of-rs-50-lakh-crore-by-2030-to-make-it-worlds-best-piyush-goyal-233681&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi49du-lrHjAhVMpY8KHRJPC_cQFjAGegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PRa79er7RsPwzDDwByBm6">Railway</a> Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said there is "no question and no meaning" of privatising Railways, but the public-private partnership will be encouraged and there will be corporatisation of some units.

Replying to the debate on the demands for grants of his ministry, in which 99 members participated, Goyal outlined the plans of the government to boost safety and technology and said its performance has been far better compared to that of the UPA government.&nbsp;

He made a veiled attack on UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over her opposition to the corporatisation of the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli and credited <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-asks-mps-to-take-150-kilometres-march-on-gandhi-jayanti-234213&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjihtD0lrHjAhULUI8KHbPYDVk4ChAWMAN6BAgOEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mq2heMNuhNTqHeRsM11JO">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> for its turnaround.

The Minister also accused the UPA government of "inaction" following the July 2006 train blasts and said if the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in power, terrorists would have gotten a befitting reply.

The House passed the demands for grants for railways (2019-20) after cut motions of the opposition were rejected by a voice vote.

Amid desk thumping by MPs of the treasury benches, Goyal said demands raised by members had been compiled overnight over 74 pages and he will individually write to the members.

He said capital expenditure of Railways had increased 2.5 times during the Modi government, adding that the current government had done away with the practice of a separate railway budget as they were mostly "political budgets.

"Slamming the UPA government, Goyal said the work for Dedicated Freight Corridor started in 2007, but not one kilometre of track linking had been done till 2014.&nbsp;

The NDA government completed 1900 kilometres of track linking in five years, he claimed.

The Railway Minister said track kilometre grew slowly in 64 years, while in the past five years it grew by 7,000 kilometres.&nbsp;

He also said railway stations were cleaner and train punctuality improved, as had the safety record of trains.

Goyal accused the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leaders-stage-protest-over-political-crisis-in-karnataka-and-goa-sonia-gandhi-meets-party-mps-234887&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjtr9OMl7HjAhXJL48KHeTlC90QFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2f5YP5GuPo2VEaiA-DDPZt">Congress party</a> of shedding "crocodile tears" over the corporatisation of some units, saying the Modi government was carrying forward a process that had been initiated earlier.&nbsp;

"Sometimes it is said we are going to privatise the railways.&nbsp;

We have spoken loudly so many times that nobody can privatise railways.

There is no meaning, no question of privatising railways," he said.

He said allegations about privatisation had been replied earlier and repeating them will not change the truth.&nbsp;

"The truth is that if you want to increase the facilities of railways, spread them to all parts of the country, we need big investments," he said.

Goyal said passengers want a comfortable journey and the capacity of railways to carry goods should increase.

"The government has decided that in the future it will encourage more public-private partnerships.&nbsp;

To increase route length, to bring foreign investment, we will corporatise some units.&nbsp;

You started it, we will complete the work you left half-finished. Why are you shedding crocodile tears that there is corporatisation?&nbsp;

We have been elected to complete the tasks you did not do," he said.

He said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed an investment of Rs 50 lakh crore in railways and related areas in the next ten-twelve years and has laid a roadmap of how the railways will move forward.&nbsp;

Her budget speech, he said, reflected the "new thinking and new direction" in which the government will work.

He said not a single coach was produced at coach factory in Rae Bareli, the constituency of Sonia Gandhi, during the rule of Congress-led government.&nbsp;

The coach factory produced 1425 coaches in 2018-19 against its capacity of 1,000 due to Modi`s directions and the target was to make it the biggest coach factory in the world which produced 5,000 coaches annually, he added.

Sonia Gandhi had earlier this month opposed corporatisation of Modern Coach Factory and said it was the first step towards privatisation.

Replying to queries, he said some projects in West Bengal were pending for years as the land had not been made available by the state government.&nbsp;

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said there is "no question and no meaning" of privatising Railways, but the public-private partnership will be encouraged and there will be corporatisation of some units.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said there is "no question and no meaning" of privatising Railways, but the public-private partnership will be encouraged and there will be corporatisation of some units. Replying to the debate on the demands for grants of his ministry, in which 99 members participated, Goyal outlined the plans of the government to boost safety and technology and said its performance has been far better compared to that of the UPA government. He made a veiled attack on UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over her opposition to the corporatisation of the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its turnaround. The Minister also accused the UPA government of "inaction" following the July 2006 train blasts and said if the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in power, terrorists would have gotten a befitting reply. The House passed the demands for grants for railways (2019-20) after cut motions of the opposition were rejected by a voice vote. Amid desk thumping by MPs of the treasury benches, Goyal said demands raised by members had been compiled overnight over 74 pages and he will individually write to the members. He said capital expenditure of Railways had increased 2.5 times during the Modi government, adding that the current government had done away with the practice of a separate railway budget as they were mostly "political budgets. "Slamming the UPA government, Goyal said the work for Dedicated Freight Corridor started in 2007, but not one kilometre of track linking had been done till 2014. The NDA government completed 1900 kilometres of track linking in five years, he claimed. The Railway Minister said track kilometre grew slowly in 64 years, while in the past five years it grew by 7,000 kilometres. He also said railway stations were cleaner and train punctuality improved, as had the safety record of trains. Goyal accused the Congress party of shedding "crocodile tears" over the corporatisation of some units, saying the Modi government was carrying forward a process that had been initiated earlier. "Sometimes it is said we are going to privatise the railways. We have spoken loudly so many times that nobody can privatise railways. There is no meaning, no question of privatising railways," he said. He said allegations about privatisation had been replied earlier and repeating them will not change the truth. "The truth is that if you want to increase the facilities of railways, spread them to all parts of the country, we need big investments," he said. Goyal said passengers want a comfortable journey and the capacity of railways to carry goods should increase. "The government has decided that in the future it will encourage more public-private partnerships. To increase route length, to bring foreign investment, we will corporatise some units. You started it, we will complete the work you left half-finished. Why are you shedding crocodile tears that there is corporatisation? We have been elected to complete the tasks you did not do," he said. He said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed an investment of Rs 50 lakh crore in railways and related areas in the next ten-twelve years and has laid a roadmap of how the railways will move forward. Her budget speech, he said, reflected the "new thinking and new direction" in which the government will work. He said not a single coach was produced at coach factory in Rae Bareli, the constituency of Sonia Gandhi, during the rule of Congress-led government. The coach factory produced 1425 coaches in 2018-19 against its capacity of 1,000 due to Modi`s directions and the target was to make it the biggest coach factory in the world which produced 5,000 coaches annually, he added. Sonia Gandhi had earlier this month opposed corporatisation of Modern Coach Factory and said it was the first step towards privatisation. Replying to queries, he said some projects in West Bengal were pending for years as the land had not been made available by the state government.

Railways Minister Piyush Goyal says no privatisation of Railways, targets Congress

In her first press conference after Trinamool Congress' poll drubbing in Lok Sabha elections, party supremo Mamata Banerjee stressed on concentrating more on organisational functioning to assess the losses. In tandem with that agenda, Banerjee has conducted more than 10 organisational meetings in the last one and half month, sitting down with all her ministers and councillors. Political strategist Prashant Kishor, credited for the poll success of YSRCP chief Jaganmohan Reddy’s victory in Andhra Pradesh and helping other top politicians, has also joined hands with Trinamool in an effort to revamp the party's game plan.&nbsp;

Here are some ways the party’s changing:

More emphasis on internal democracy

On every Friday in the last month, Banerjee is sitting with leaders from different districts from ministers to block level councillors.

She has held more than 400 administrative meetings. While earlier such meetings had live coverage, they are now held away from the prying eye of the media. Without the media glare, Banerjee is interacting with grassroots workers and asking them to speak their minds, something that party insiders feel was the need of the day.&nbsp;

Shifting action back to TMC headquarter

Every during the election season, the TMC headquarter bore a vacant look.

Last year, Banerjee conducted only one meeting here. Now, senior party leaders including the likes of Subhendu Adhikary and Abhishek Banerjee have been assigned to sit in the party office on certain days of the week. They have been asked to listen to problems of the common worker.

Banerjee herself has visited the party HQ 10 times and now all party organisational meeting takes place here.

Reaching out to Opposition

For the first time in eight years, the SC/ST MLAs of Opposition parties got a call to attend the CM’s tribal review meeting. Not only has Banerjee invited them, but she has also asked them to give suggestions for development.

She has also asked party members to avoid unnecessary political violence stating that it was giving opposition more mileage.

Jan Sangjog Yatra

To cut out the idea that the TMC were behaving like overlords rather than elected leaders, Banerjee has asked party workers to increase public outreach. Leaders have been asked to do the Jan Sangjog Yatra and for party workers to hear public grievances.

She even asked party workers to go the people and apologise if they’d made mistakes.

The Prashant Kishore effect

In the last month, Prashant Kishor has visited the state a couple of times and had a meeting with Ministers and district presidents. He has reportedly asked for the party’s top brass to come out of election mode and reach out to people. He has asked for party leaders to keep calm and not react to everything.

Prashant Kishor has also made it abundantly clear that he has only come to assist leaders and all instructions are being given by high command. Whether PK manages to help this new-look TMC combat the BJP juggernaut is something we’ll find out in the coming days. 
&nbsp;

In her first press conference after Trinamool Congress' poll drubbing in Lok Sabha elections, party supremo Mamata Banerjee stressed on concentrating more on organisational functioning to assess the losses.

In her first press conference after Trinamool Congress' poll drubbing in Lok Sabha elections, party supremo Mamata Banerjee stressed on concentrating more on organisational functioning to assess the losses. In tandem with that agenda, Banerjee has conducted more than 10 organisational meetings in the last one and half month, sitting down with all her ministers and councillors. Political strategist Prashant Kishor, credited for the poll success of YSRCP chief Jaganmohan Reddy’s victory in Andhra Pradesh and helping other top politicians, has also joined hands with Trinamool in an effort to revamp the party's game plan. Here are some ways the party’s changing: More emphasis on internal democracy On every Friday in the last month, Banerjee is sitting with leaders from different districts from ministers to block level councillors. She has held more than 400 administrative meetings. While earlier such meetings had live coverage, they are now held away from the prying eye of the media. Without the media glare, Banerjee is interacting with grassroots workers and asking them to speak their minds, something that party insiders feel was the need of the day. Shifting action back to TMC headquarter Every during the election season, the TMC headquarter bore a vacant look. Last year, Banerjee conducted only one meeting here. Now, senior party leaders including the likes of Subhendu Adhikary and Abhishek Banerjee have been assigned to sit in the party office on certain days of the week. They have been asked to listen to problems of the common worker. Banerjee herself has visited the party HQ 10 times and now all party organisational meeting takes place here. Reaching out to Opposition For the first time in eight years, the SC/ST MLAs of Opposition parties got a call to attend the CM’s tribal review meeting. Not only has Banerjee invited them, but she has also asked them to give suggestions for development. She has also asked party members to avoid unnecessary political violence stating that it was giving opposition more mileage. Jan Sangjog Yatra To cut out the idea that the TMC were behaving like overlords rather than elected leaders, Banerjee has asked party workers to increase public outreach. Leaders have been asked to do the Jan Sangjog Yatra and for party workers to hear public grievances. She even asked party workers to go the people and apologise if they’d made mistakes. The Prashant Kishore effect In the last month, Prashant Kishor has visited the state a couple of times and had a meeting with Ministers and district presidents. He has reportedly asked for the party’s top brass to come out of election mode and reach out to people. He has asked for party leaders to keep calm and not react to everything. Prashant Kishor has also made it abundantly clear that he has only come to assist leaders and all instructions are being given by high command. Whether PK manages to help this new-look TMC combat the BJP juggernaut is something we’ll find out in the coming days.

Mamata Banerjee holds 10 Trinamool Congress meet after Lok Sabha poll debacle

&nbsp;As many as 15 people have lost their lives after 14 districts in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-at-least-29-dead-after-bus-falls-into-drain-on-yamuna-expressway-233878&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwicoOa6krHjAhXLfCsKHbmLBn8QFjAEegQIERAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw04IQrdkv6jta5St6q1HxyN">Uttar Pradesh</a> witnessed torrential <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-receive-below-average-monsoon-rains-in-next-two-weeks-imd-235233&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLz6DgkrHjAhXFF3IKHXpWDvEQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0s5dHG8hL2H3reGmUOmsFW">rainfall</a> and thunderstorm in the past three days.

According to official data,15 people died, 23 animals were killed while 133 buildings collapsed due to rain-related incidents in the past four days, that is, from July 9 to 12.

Among the districts that were affected by the natural calamity are Unnao, Ambedkar Nagar, Prayagraj, Barabanki, Hardoi, Khiri, Gorakhpur, Kanpur Nagar, Pilibhit, Sonabhadra, Chandoli, Firozabad, Mau and Sultanpur.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-234250&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLz6DgkrHjAhXFF3IKHXpWDvEQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Vl5pFY2YQLbSgtu4RDHLS">Indian Meteorological Department</a> (IMD) has predicted "partly cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers" for Saturday and the next five days in Lucknow.

According to IMD, heavy rainfall at isolated places over Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan and Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura is expected on Saturday. (ANI)&nbsp;

As many as 15 people have lost their lives after 14 districts in Uttar Pradesh witnessed torrential rainfall and thunderstorm in the past three days. According to official data,15 people died, 23 animals were killed while 133 buildings collapsed due to rain-related incidents in the past four days, that is, from July 9 to 12.

As many as 15 people have lost their lives after 14 districts in Uttar Pradesh witnessed torrential rainfall and thunderstorm in the past three days. According to official data,15 people died, 23 animals were killed while 133 buildings collapsed due to rain-related incidents in the past four days, that is, from July 9 to 12. Among the districts that were affected by the natural calamity are Unnao, Ambedkar Nagar, Prayagraj, Barabanki, Hardoi, Khiri, Gorakhpur, Kanpur Nagar, Pilibhit, Sonabhadra, Chandoli, Firozabad, Mau and Sultanpur. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted "partly cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers" for Saturday and the next five days in Lucknow. According to IMD, heavy rainfall at isolated places over Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan and Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura is expected on Saturday. (ANI)

15 dead, 133 buildings collapse as rainfall wreaks havoc in Uttar Pradesh

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