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Pakistan troops on Friday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-along-loc-in-poonch-234862">violated ceasefire</a> along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, news agency ANI reported.

According to the report, Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing with small arms and shelling with mortars in Mankote, Krishna Ghati Sector.

India army is&nbsp;retaliating. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.

On July 8, Pakistan Rangers violated the ceasefire along the LoC in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. A civilian was injured in the cross-firing.

Meanwhile, two Army personnel were injured in Pakistani firing in the district's Romali Dhara area of Nowshera sector last week.

Pakistan violated the ceasefire 1,248 times along the LoC in the last six months, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed Rajya Sabh earlier this month.

Giving details of the CFVs, the minister said - 203 ceasefire violations took place in January, 215 in February, 267 in March, 234 in April, 221 in May and 108 in June.

Pakistan troops on Friday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, news agency ANI reported. According to the report, Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing with small arms and shelling with mortars in Mankote, Krishna Ghati Sector.

Pakistan troops on Friday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, news agency ANI reported. According to the report, Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing with small arms and shelling with mortars in Mankote, Krishna Ghati Sector. India army is retaliating. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far. On July 8, Pakistan Rangers violated the ceasefire along the LoC in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. A civilian was injured in the cross-firing. Meanwhile, two Army personnel were injured in Pakistani firing in the district's Romali Dhara area of Nowshera sector last week. Pakistan violated the ceasefire 1,248 times along the LoC in the last six months, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed Rajya Sabh earlier this month. Giving details of the CFVs, the minister said - 203 ceasefire violations took place in January, 215 in February, 267 in March, 234 in April, 221 in May and 108 in June.

J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Poonch

A Member of Parliament (MP) from Kenya travelled all the way to Maharashtra's Aurangabad city just to repay a debt of Rs 200 he had taken from a grocer 22 years ago.

The grocer, Kashinath Gawli, was overcome with emotion after he met Richard Nyagaka Tongi, the lawmaker from the Nyaribari Chache constituency in Kenya.

Tongi had studied management at Maulana Azad College from 1985-89 and was provided food provisions by Gawli each day, according to a post on his Facebook page.

When he returned to Kenya, Tongi had an outstanding debt of Rs 200 with Gawli, who then ran his grocery shop in the Wankhedenagar locality. It was the place where Tongi had resided.

"I had a debt from 22 years ago that I had not paid, they had given me food but I had not paid. So when I got married, I vowed to return to India and payback. Now, my heart is at peace," he told reporters.

Tongi, who visited Aurangabad with his wife Michelle, said that it was an emotional journey to undertake.

"As a student in Aurangabad, I was at my lowest point, when these people (Gawlis) helped me. Then I thought that someday, I will come back and (re)pay. I want to say thank you. This is so emotional for me," the Kenyan MP said.

"God bless the old man (Gawli) and his children. They were wonderful to me. They wanted to take me to a hotel for a meal but I insisted that we should eat in their house," a beaming Tongi added.

The Kenyan politician also interacted with the students at the college where he had studied.

Before leaving Aurangabad, Tongi invited Gawli to visit his country soon, the Facebook post said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A Member of Parliament (MP) from Kenya travelled all the way to Maharashtra's Aurangabad city just to repay a debt of Rs 200 he had taken from a grocer 22 years ago.

A Member of Parliament (MP) from Kenya travelled all the way to Maharashtra's Aurangabad city just to repay a debt of Rs 200 he had taken from a grocer 22 years ago. The grocer, Kashinath Gawli, was overcome with emotion after he met Richard Nyagaka Tongi, the lawmaker from the Nyaribari Chache constituency in Kenya. Tongi had studied management at Maulana Azad College from 1985-89 and was provided food provisions by Gawli each day, according to a post on his Facebook page. When he returned to Kenya, Tongi had an outstanding debt of Rs 200 with Gawli, who then ran his grocery shop in the Wankhedenagar locality. It was the place where Tongi had resided. "I had a debt from 22 years ago that I had not paid, they had given me food but I had not paid. So when I got married, I vowed to return to India and payback. Now, my heart is at peace," he told reporters. Tongi, who visited Aurangabad with his wife Michelle, said that it was an emotional journey to undertake. "As a student in Aurangabad, I was at my lowest point, when these people (Gawlis) helped me. Then I thought that someday, I will come back and (re)pay. I want to say thank you. This is so emotional for me," the Kenyan MP said. "God bless the old man (Gawli) and his children. They were wonderful to me. They wanted to take me to a hotel for a meal but I insisted that we should eat in their house," a beaming Tongi added. The Kenyan politician also interacted with the students at the college where he had studied. Before leaving Aurangabad, Tongi invited Gawli to visit his country soon, the Facebook post said.

Watch: A student earlier, Kenyan MP Richard Nyagaka Tongi returns to India to pay Rs 200 debt to Aurangabad grocer

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-facebooks-libra-wants-to-become-a-bank-it-must-must-seek-new-banking-charter-trump-235162">If Facebook's Libra wants to become a bank, it must seek new banking charter: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticised Bitcoin, Facebook's proposed Libra digital coin and other cryptocurrencies and demanded that companies seek a banking charter and make themselves subject to US and global regulations if they wanted to "become a bank."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-speaker-nancy-pelosi-praises-pm-modis-oratory-skills-says-he-had-audience-in-the-palm-of-his-hands-235157">US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi praises PM Modi's oratory skills, says he had 'audience in the palm of his hands'</a>

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday was all praises for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oratory skills, saying the Indian leader is "spectacular" and had the people in the "palm of his hands".

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The world will see a new cricket champion as it's New Zealand vs England in the Cricket World Cup 2019 final. Both the teams have entered the final in pursuit of a maiden title.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/dow-ends-above-27000-points-for-first-time-sp-500-hits-record-on-federal-reserve-rate-cut-optimism-235154">Dow ends above 27,000 points for first time, S&amp;P 500 hits record on Federal Reserve rate cut optimism</a>

Wall Street stocks set new records Thursday for a second straight session, with the Dow finishing above 27,000 points -- a first -- over an expected Federal Reserve interest rate cut later this month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-canada-makes-emergency-landing-in-honolulu-due-to-turbulence-235165">Air Canada hits turbulence; several injured as plane makes emergency landing</a>

Shocked passengers described being tossed around an Air Canada passenger jet as it hit a pocket of turbulence on its way to Australia on Thursday and was forced to make an emergency landing.

&nbsp;

If Facebook's Libra wants to become a bank, it must seek new banking charter: Trump US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticised Bitcoin, Facebook's proposed Libra digital coin and other cryptocurrencies and demanded that companies seek a banking charter and make themselves subject to US and global regulations if they wanted to "become a bank.

If Facebook's Libra wants to become a bank, it must seek new banking charter: Trump US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticised Bitcoin, Facebook's proposed Libra digital coin and other cryptocurrencies and demanded that companies seek a banking charter and make themselves subject to US and global regulations if they wanted to "become a bank." US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi praises PM Modi's oratory skills, says he had 'audience in the palm of his hands' US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday was all praises for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oratory skills, saying the Indian leader is "spectacular" and had the people in the "palm of his hands". It's England vs New Zealand in final: On July 14, the world will see a new cricket champion The world will see a new cricket champion as it's New Zealand vs England in the Cricket World Cup 2019 final. Both the teams have entered the final in pursuit of a maiden title. Dow ends above 27,000 points for first time, S&P 500 hits record on Federal Reserve rate cut optimism Wall Street stocks set new records Thursday for a second straight session, with the Dow finishing above 27,000 points -- a first -- over an expected Federal Reserve interest rate cut later this month. Air Canada hits turbulence; several injured as plane makes emergency landing Shocked passengers described being tossed around an Air Canada passenger jet as it hit a pocket of turbulence on its way to Australia on Thursday and was forced to make an emergency landing.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US and Indian trade negotiators ended talks on Friday without making major progress on a range of disputes over tariffs and other protectionist measures imposed by both sides that are straining bilateral ties, according to officials with knowledge of the discussions.

Many of the toughest questions on agricultural commodities, e-commerce, and steel and aluminium, have been put off until Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal goes to Washington for talks with United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer next month. The dates for that trip are yet to be settled.

"No breakthrough," said one of the senior Indian officials involved in the talks in New Delhi that went on for a little over three hours. He declined to make any further comment.

Two other Indian officials said they hoped that some of the issues will be resolved when Goyal goes to Washington.

Friday's talks were more about understanding each other's positions in various disputes, they said.

There was no official statement issued by either country by early Friday evening.

The two sides resumed talks after US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in June where they agreed to seek to deepen the two countries' relationship.

Trump said at that summit that there would be a "very big trade deal" with India, though he set no timeline, and has only this week used Twitter to attack what he says are high Indian tariffs on American goods as "unacceptable".

Tit-for-tat moves&nbsp;

The US sought the rollback of Indian tariffs imposed on some agricultural products, such as almonds, when the two sides met on Friday, said one of the Indian government sources.

Those tariffs were imposed by the Indian government in response to the Trump administration's decision to remove trade privileges from Indian products under the Generalized System of Preferences. India has asked for those privileges, effectively zero tariffs on a range of Indian products entering the United States, to be reinstated.

India did not commit to any changes to foreign investment rules for foreign e-commerce firms such as Walmart's Flipkart and Amazon, one of the Indian sources said. The rules have forced the two American companies to rework their business strategies for India.

Walmart told the US government privately in January that India's new investment rules for e-commerce were regressive and had the potential to hurt trade ties, Reuters reported on Thursday.

One concern now among Indian policymakers is that the Trump administration may push for a free trade agreement with India that could dent India's competitiveness, lead to a flurry of imports and hurt Modi's "Make in India" plan.

In a recent meeting, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told trade ministry officials that "Trump is clearly preparing for a larger game, a larger opening," according to one of the officials aware of the discussions.

US and Indian trade negotiators ended talks on Friday without making major progress on a range of disputes over tariffs and other protectionist measures imposed by both sides that are straining bilateral ties, according to officials with knowledge of the discussions.

US and Indian trade negotiators ended talks on Friday without making major progress on a range of disputes over tariffs and other protectionist measures imposed by both sides that are straining bilateral ties, according to officials with knowledge of the discussions. Many of the toughest questions on agricultural commodities, e-commerce, and steel and aluminium, have been put off until Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal goes to Washington for talks with United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer next month. The dates for that trip are yet to be settled. "No breakthrough," said one of the senior Indian officials involved in the talks in New Delhi that went on for a little over three hours. He declined to make any further comment. Two other Indian officials said they hoped that some of the issues will be resolved when Goyal goes to Washington. Friday's talks were more about understanding each other's positions in various disputes, they said. There was no official statement issued by either country by early Friday evening. The two sides resumed talks after US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in June where they agreed to seek to deepen the two countries' relationship. Trump said at that summit that there would be a "very big trade deal" with India, though he set no timeline, and has only this week used Twitter to attack what he says are high Indian tariffs on American goods as "unacceptable". Tit-for-tat moves The US sought the rollback of Indian tariffs imposed on some agricultural products, such as almonds, when the two sides met on Friday, said one of the Indian government sources. Those tariffs were imposed by the Indian government in response to the Trump administration's decision to remove trade privileges from Indian products under the Generalized System of Preferences. India has asked for those privileges, effectively zero tariffs on a range of Indian products entering the United States, to be reinstated. India did not commit to any changes to foreign investment rules for foreign e-commerce firms such as Walmart's Flipkart and Amazon, one of the Indian sources said. The rules have forced the two American companies to rework their business strategies for India. Walmart told the US government privately in January that India's new investment rules for e-commerce were regressive and had the potential to hurt trade ties, Reuters reported on Thursday. One concern now among Indian policymakers is that the Trump administration may push for a free trade agreement with India that could dent India's competitiveness, lead to a flurry of imports and hurt Modi's "Make in India" plan. In a recent meeting, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told trade ministry officials that "Trump is clearly preparing for a larger game, a larger opening," according to one of the officials aware of the discussions.

India-US trade talks end without major progress: Sources

China has objected to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in Ladakh while demanding all activities that may be for "splitting Tibet" be banned.

Army sources told ANI on Friday that Chinese Army personnel, wearing civilian clothes, came in a civilian vehicle and stationed themselves on their side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok area in Ladakh when the villagers were organising the birthday of the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama on July 5-6.

Chinese from their side of the LAC said that all activities that may be for&nbsp;splitting Tibet must be banned, said army sources.

A few years ago, China has objected to Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh In retaliation to his visit to the state, China had renamed six places in Arunachal Pradesh.

Army sources also refuted reports claiming that PLA had infiltrated several km inside the Indian territory in Ladakh on July 5-6.

&nbsp;

China has objected to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in Ladakh while demanding all activities that may be for "splitting Tibet" be banned.

China has objected to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in Ladakh while demanding all activities that may be for "splitting Tibet" be banned. Army sources told ANI on Friday that Chinese Army personnel, wearing civilian clothes, came in a civilian vehicle and stationed themselves on their side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok area in Ladakh when the villagers were organising the birthday of the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama on July 5-6. Chinese from their side of the LAC said that all activities that may be for splitting Tibet must be banned, said army sources. A few years ago, China has objected to Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh In retaliation to his visit to the state, China had renamed six places in Arunachal Pradesh. Army sources also refuted reports claiming that PLA had infiltrated several km inside the Indian territory in Ladakh on July 5-6.

Chinese object to Dalai Lama's birthday celebration from their side of LAC

Amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/needs-to-examine-if-resignations-are-genuine-speaker-on-karnataka-crisis-235094">crisis within the Congress-JD(S) alliance</a> in Karnataka, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said that the coalition government is going strong despite efforts being made to destabilise it.

"Congress-JD(S) coalition in the state is going strong despite the efforts to destabilise. We are confident and prepared for smooth and fruitful conduct of legislative sessions," Kumaraswamy said ahead of the commencement of the monsoon session of the legislative assembly.

He went on to say that it is "unnecessary" to give importance to Tourism Minister Sa Ra Mahesh's "casual meeting" with BJP leaders at the new building of KK guesthouse, managed by KSTDC, which comes under his portfolio.

Chikkodi MLA and chief whip of the JD(S)-Congress coalition government Ganesh Hukkeri had on Thursday issued a whip to party MLAs to attend the Assembly session to pass the finance bill.

Kumaraswamy said that the Assembly will discuss several other matters and absent MLAs will be disqualified under the 'anti-defection law'.

Anti-defection law, also known as the tenth schedule of the Constitution, was amended in 1985 to prevent political defections and stop legislators from switching sides.

The 13-month-old Congress-JDS government had earlier this month <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leaders-stage-protest-over-political-crisis-in-karnataka-and-goa-sonia-gandhi-meets-party-mps-234887">slumped into crisis</a> following the resignation of 10 MLAs.

Congress leader and Karnataka Irrigation Minister D K Shivakumar, who is back in Bengaluru after a failed trip to Mumbai to meet and placate the rebel MLAs staying there, expressed his optimism that "good sense will prevail" and the dissidents will withdraw their resignations.

"I have confidence that they will have good sense and not leave party from which they have been elected," Shivakumar said at the Vidhana Soudha.

The 225-member state Assembly includes one nominated MLA. The halfway mark is 113.&nbsp;

Amid crisis within the Congress-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said that the coalition government is going strong despite efforts being made to destabilise it.

Amid crisis within the Congress-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said that the coalition government is going strong despite efforts being made to destabilise it. "Congress-JD(S) coalition in the state is going strong despite the efforts to destabilise. We are confident and prepared for smooth and fruitful conduct of legislative sessions," Kumaraswamy said ahead of the commencement of the monsoon session of the legislative assembly. He went on to say that it is "unnecessary" to give importance to Tourism Minister Sa Ra Mahesh's "casual meeting" with BJP leaders at the new building of KK guesthouse, managed by KSTDC, which comes under his portfolio. Chikkodi MLA and chief whip of the JD(S)-Congress coalition government Ganesh Hukkeri had on Thursday issued a whip to party MLAs to attend the Assembly session to pass the finance bill. Kumaraswamy said that the Assembly will discuss several other matters and absent MLAs will be disqualified under the 'anti-defection law'. Anti-defection law, also known as the tenth schedule of the Constitution, was amended in 1985 to prevent political defections and stop legislators from switching sides. The 13-month-old Congress-JDS government had earlier this month slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs. Congress leader and Karnataka Irrigation Minister D K Shivakumar, who is back in Bengaluru after a failed trip to Mumbai to meet and placate the rebel MLAs staying there, expressed his optimism that "good sense will prevail" and the dissidents will withdraw their resignations. "I have confidence that they will have good sense and not leave party from which they have been elected," Shivakumar said at the Vidhana Soudha. The 225-member state Assembly includes one nominated MLA. The halfway mark is 113.

Congress-JD(S) alliance going strong despite efforts to destabilise: Kumaraswamy

&nbsp;

Russia has promised assistance to India for its ambitious Human Space Flight Programme 'Gaganyaan' aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space by 2022.

An official statement by New Delhi on Friday cited a meeting held between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Director General of Russia's ROSCOSMOS and former Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin in Hyderabad House here on Thursday, where all aspects of space cooperation between the two countries were discussed.

"Senior representatives of ROSCOSMOS, GLAVCOSMOS, Energia, and Energomash were present from the Russian side, whereas Secretary, Space, Dr Sivan and the Director of the Human Space Flight Programme were present from the Indian side, besides other senior officials," the statement read.

The two sides discussed cooperation in futuristic technologies including new space systems, rocket engines, propellants and propulsion systems, spacecraft and launch vehicle technology.

In addition, the Russian side stated that they would like to see India participate in the International Space Station, and offered its full support for this purpose.

In consideration to New Delhi's priorities to the Make in India programme, the possibilities for the production of space systems in India were also discussed.

"Cooperation in space has emerged as a key area of cooperation in the high technology sector between India and Russia," the statement read.

"Today, there is a new respect for India's rapidly growing capabilities in outer space, and Russia sees India as a key partner for promoting peaceful uses of outer space."

&nbsp;

Russia has promised assistance to India for its ambitious Human Space Flight Programme 'Gaganyaan' aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space by 2022. An official statement by New Delhi on Friday cited a meeting held between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Director General of Russia's ROSCOSMOS and former Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin in Hyderabad House here on Thursday, where all aspects of space cooperation between the two countries were discussed.

Russia has promised assistance to India for its ambitious Human Space Flight Programme 'Gaganyaan' aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space by 2022. An official statement by New Delhi on Friday cited a meeting held between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Director General of Russia's ROSCOSMOS and former Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin in Hyderabad House here on Thursday, where all aspects of space cooperation between the two countries were discussed. "Senior representatives of ROSCOSMOS, GLAVCOSMOS, Energia, and Energomash were present from the Russian side, whereas Secretary, Space, Dr Sivan and the Director of the Human Space Flight Programme were present from the Indian side, besides other senior officials," the statement read. The two sides discussed cooperation in futuristic technologies including new space systems, rocket engines, propellants and propulsion systems, spacecraft and launch vehicle technology. In addition, the Russian side stated that they would like to see India participate in the International Space Station, and offered its full support for this purpose. In consideration to New Delhi's priorities to the Make in India programme, the possibilities for the production of space systems in India were also discussed. "Cooperation in space has emerged as a key area of cooperation in the high technology sector between India and Russia," the statement read. "Today, there is a new respect for India's rapidly growing capabilities in outer space, and Russia sees India as a key partner for promoting peaceful uses of outer space."

Russia promises assistance to India for its 'Gaganyaan' mission

Delhi Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday approved the procurement of 1,000 CNG low floor buses by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kejriwal-announces-free-travel-for-women-in-delhi-metro-dtc-buses-223816">Delhi Transport Corporation</a> (DTC), said Deputy Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-government-to-pay-class-12-cbse-exam-registration-fee-manish-sisodia-229691">Manish Sisodia</a>.

Sisodia added that by May 2020, the national capital will have many as 9,500 buses plying on the roads.

Right now, Delhi has around 5,500 buses plying on the roads (DTC and Cluster buses).

The 1,000 standard floor cluster buses will start coming from July itself and the full delivery would be completed by December this year, read a statement issued in this regard.

Tender for 1,000 electric buses has been done and will be opened on August 2. All the 1,000 electric buses would be on Delhi roads by April 2020 staring from January 2020.

Of the 1,000 low floor cluster buses which are to be added to the public transport fleet of Delhi, Cabinet on Thursday approved the proposal to award of concession to the successful bidders for 650 buses. Work will be awarded in 15 days.

The tender for the rest of the 350 buses will be opened on July 19.

These 1,000 low floor cluster buses will start coming from December 2019 in a batch of 165 every month and will be completed by April 2020.

"The Cabinet decisions taken are a major boost for public transport. With the decisions taken today (Thursday) and those taken earlier and in the pipeline, Delhi will have 9,500 buses plying on the roads by May 2020; addition of 4,000 buses in the current fleet of Delhi`s public transport. The first batch of the buses will start coming in July 2019 and it will continue till May 2020," Sisodia said.

He further said, "The proposal for the procurement of 1,000 CNG low floor buses by DTC was also approved by the cabinet today. These 1,000 buses will come on Delhi roads between January and May 2020."

Sisodia also shared that the state Cabinet has approved a proposal to officially close down the Rajghat Coal Plant. The 45-acre area plant will be converted into a solar park with the capacity of 5,000 KW.

"Delhi Government decided to close down the production at the coal-based plant in 2015 as it was a major source of pollution. Delhi Government has been pushing for Solar energy for quite some time now," Sisodia said.&nbsp;

Delhi Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday approved the procurement of 1,000 CNG low floor buses by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

Delhi Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday approved the procurement of 1,000 CNG low floor buses by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Sisodia added that by May 2020, the national capital will have many as 9,500 buses plying on the roads. Right now, Delhi has around 5,500 buses plying on the roads (DTC and Cluster buses). The 1,000 standard floor cluster buses will start coming from July itself and the full delivery would be completed by December this year, read a statement issued in this regard. Tender for 1,000 electric buses has been done and will be opened on August 2. All the 1,000 electric buses would be on Delhi roads by April 2020 staring from January 2020. Of the 1,000 low floor cluster buses which are to be added to the public transport fleet of Delhi, Cabinet on Thursday approved the proposal to award of concession to the successful bidders for 650 buses. Work will be awarded in 15 days. The tender for the rest of the 350 buses will be opened on July 19. These 1,000 low floor cluster buses will start coming from December 2019 in a batch of 165 every month and will be completed by April 2020. "The Cabinet decisions taken are a major boost for public transport. With the decisions taken today (Thursday) and those taken earlier and in the pipeline, Delhi will have 9,500 buses plying on the roads by May 2020; addition of 4,000 buses in the current fleet of Delhi`s public transport. The first batch of the buses will start coming in July 2019 and it will continue till May 2020," Sisodia said. He further said, "The proposal for the procurement of 1,000 CNG low floor buses by DTC was also approved by the cabinet today. These 1,000 buses will come on Delhi roads between January and May 2020." Sisodia also shared that the state Cabinet has approved a proposal to officially close down the Rajghat Coal Plant. The 45-acre area plant will be converted into a solar park with the capacity of 5,000 KW. "Delhi Government decided to close down the production at the coal-based plant in 2015 as it was a major source of pollution. Delhi Government has been pushing for Solar energy for quite some time now," Sisodia said.

9,500 buses to ply on Delhi roads by May 2020: Manish Sisodia

India and the European Union (EU) on Thursday held the fifth high-level dialogue on migration and mobility (HLDMM) and discussed steps aimed at realising the full potential of "further strengthening" cooperation in the key areas.

Sanjiv Arora, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) and Paraskevi MICHOU, Director General (Migration and Home Affairs), European Commission co-chaired the talks, according to a statement put out by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Besides the two delegations led by the co-chairs, the dialogue was attended by heads of mission and other representatives of the diplomatic missions of EU Member States in New Delhi, who were invited as observers for the first time.

"The discussions at the 5th India-EU HLDMM were held in a highly friendly and constructive spirit, and encompassed a wide range of issues of mutual interest in the context of migration and mobility along the India-EU corridor," the statement said.

Both sides reaffirmed that migration and mobility are an important dimension of the strategic partnership between India and the EU, it added.

On July 10, the co-chairs of the 5th HLDMM addressed the opening session of an India-EU Seminar on 'Sharing of Good Practices on Migration Governance'&nbsp;held in New Delhi.

The programme was held under the Technical Support Project for undertaking collaborative activities in the framework of the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM) between India and the EU and its member states, signed on March 29, 2016, the statement further said.&nbsp;

India and the European Union (EU) on Thursday held the fifth high-level dialogue on migration and mobility (HLDMM) and discussed steps aimed at realising the full potential of "further strengthening" cooperation in the key areas.

India and the European Union (EU) on Thursday held the fifth high-level dialogue on migration and mobility (HLDMM) and discussed steps aimed at realising the full potential of "further strengthening" cooperation in the key areas. Sanjiv Arora, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) and Paraskevi MICHOU, Director General (Migration and Home Affairs), European Commission co-chaired the talks, according to a statement put out by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Besides the two delegations led by the co-chairs, the dialogue was attended by heads of mission and other representatives of the diplomatic missions of EU Member States in New Delhi, who were invited as observers for the first time. "The discussions at the 5th India-EU HLDMM were held in a highly friendly and constructive spirit, and encompassed a wide range of issues of mutual interest in the context of migration and mobility along the India-EU corridor," the statement said. Both sides reaffirmed that migration and mobility are an important dimension of the strategic partnership between India and the EU, it added. On July 10, the co-chairs of the 5th HLDMM addressed the opening session of an India-EU Seminar on 'Sharing of Good Practices on Migration Governance' held in New Delhi. The programme was held under the Technical Support Project for undertaking collaborative activities in the framework of the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM) between India and the EU and its member states, signed on March 29, 2016, the statement further said.

India, European Union hold high-level talks on migration, mobility

&nbsp;

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday sought the resignation of four of his ministers as he wants to induct four new faces into the cabinet to accommodate the Congress defectors.

The ministers, whose resignations have been sought included three of Goa Forward Party and an independent, have not complied with the demand immediately.

"I have asked Goa forward party Minister Vijay Sardesai, Jayesh Salgaonkar and Vinod Palekar and one independent legislator to step down from their positions. I am inducting four new ministers in the cabinet, Sawant told ANI over phone.

This political development comes a day after the merger of 10 Goa Congress MLAs into Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Responding to Sawant's demand, Goa Forward ministers took to the Twitter and wrote: "We are a part of the NDA and had joined the BJP-led state government after talks with the national leadership of the BJP. The present state BJP leaders were not part of the discussions then."

"As such we will take appropriate steps only after talking with NDA leadership at Centre. We have not yet received any official communication from BJP central leaders. On the contrary, we have received indications that the matter will be sorted out amicably," another tweet read.

On the night of July 10, Goa CM Sawant had arrived in Delhi along with 10 MLAs to meet senior party leaders including working President JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss strategy and further political developments.

Following this, the rebel MLAs joined the party in Delhi in presence of Working President J P Nadda and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ahead of speculated induction of some of them in the state Cabinet next day.

With 10 MLAs changing the sides, the strength of Congress on the floor of the House has reduced to mere five.

These MLAs include -- Kavlekar, Isidore Fernandes, Francis Silveira, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Jennifer, Atanasio Monserrate, Antonio Fernandes, Nilakanth Halarnkar, Clafacio Dias and Wilfred D'Sa.

&nbsp;

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday sought the resignation of four of his ministers as he wants to induct four new faces into the cabinet to accommodate the Congress defectors.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday sought the resignation of four of his ministers as he wants to induct four new faces into the cabinet to accommodate the Congress defectors. The ministers, whose resignations have been sought included three of Goa Forward Party and an independent, have not complied with the demand immediately. "I have asked Goa forward party Minister Vijay Sardesai, Jayesh Salgaonkar and Vinod Palekar and one independent legislator to step down from their positions. I am inducting four new ministers in the cabinet, Sawant told ANI over phone. This political development comes a day after the merger of 10 Goa Congress MLAs into Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Responding to Sawant's demand, Goa Forward ministers took to the Twitter and wrote: "We are a part of the NDA and had joined the BJP-led state government after talks with the national leadership of the BJP. The present state BJP leaders were not part of the discussions then." "As such we will take appropriate steps only after talking with NDA leadership at Centre. We have not yet received any official communication from BJP central leaders. On the contrary, we have received indications that the matter will be sorted out amicably," another tweet read. On the night of July 10, Goa CM Sawant had arrived in Delhi along with 10 MLAs to meet senior party leaders including working President JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss strategy and further political developments. Following this, the rebel MLAs joined the party in Delhi in presence of Working President J P Nadda and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ahead of speculated induction of some of them in the state Cabinet next day. With 10 MLAs changing the sides, the strength of Congress on the floor of the House has reduced to mere five. These MLAs include -- Kavlekar, Isidore Fernandes, Francis Silveira, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Jennifer, Atanasio Monserrate, Antonio Fernandes, Nilakanth Halarnkar, Clafacio Dias and Wilfred D'Sa.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant seeks resignations of four ministers

India's sixth largest city Chennai is facing water crisis. First 50-wagon train carrying 2.5 million litres water on Friday morning has reached the city of Chennai. A second train is also scheduled to carry the same amount of water today. Watch this video to know more.

First 50-wagon train carrying 2.5 million ltr of water reaches Chennai

The real political showdown between the ruling YSRCP party and the opposition TDP has started&nbsp;in the ongoing Budget Session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. The session which started on Thursday is witnessing some unprecedented and unheard verbal duel between these two parties.

Leading the charge from ruling front was chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is not leaving any stone unturned to pin down the bitter foe and opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu. Opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu faulted Jagan for going to Telangana for Kaleshwaram project inauguration recently saying, "What was the need to go to Telangana when he should have been concentrating on completion of Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh.''

In a sharp counter, Jagan came down heavily on Chandrababu Naidu, "Were you rearing donkeys (Kya aap ghadhe chara rahe the?) when the same Kaleshwaram project was started when you were the chief minister. Even if I would not have gone the project would have started. I am trying to build good relations with neighbouring states what is your problem.''

There was complete pandemonium as MLAs belonging to TDP resorted to shouting to which chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy said, "Are you goondas or rowdies.''

Current Strength

The current strength of YSRCP is 151 while TDP has 23 in the Assembly. Every time YSRCP members remind TDP MLAs. "Because of misdeeds the people of Andhra Pradesh have reduced you to just 23 while they increased our tally to 151, and if you continue to behave like this till 2024 you will be in single digit,'' said Ambati Rambabu, YSRCP MLA. Turning the tables on speaker, TDP senior leader Gorantla Buchchaih Chaudhary tries to reason, "Speaker Sir just because we are 23 can't we speak in Assembly and we will not be allowed to put forth our point.

Trading Charges

Since the day it came to power, YSRCP has challenged Chandrababu Naidu and the TDP saying the Jagan government will review every decision and every project which was started by the TDP government. Irrigation minister P Anil Kumar thunders while challenging TDP MLAs, "The show has just begun, there's a lot of cinema left. We will bring out who ate ( indulged in corruption)&nbsp;and how much, especially in irrigation projects. We have constituted committees which will submit their respective findings in the next couple of weeks. Just see what happens after that.''

40 Years of Experience vs 40 days

On a few occasions, opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu reminded, "I have 40 years of political experience. I am not like you to rush on decisions and speak anything unnecessary. Comes the reply from ruling party's Chief Whip G Srikanth Reddy, "For everything he says he has 40 years of experience but he doesn't have the dignity to carry himself.''

Speaker's Role

Today, before the maiden budget presentation the situation reached to the boiling point when speaker Tammineni Seetaram intervened, "Is this the fish market, it is binding on all of us to conduct ourselves properly. People are watching us.''

The budget session which began on July 11 will continue till July 30 and surely it is not going to be a smooth affair.

The real political showdown between the ruling YSRCP party and the opposition TDP has started in the ongoing Budget Session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

The real political showdown between the ruling YSRCP party and the opposition TDP has started in the ongoing Budget Session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. The session which started on Thursday is witnessing some unprecedented and unheard verbal duel between these two parties. Leading the charge from ruling front was chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is not leaving any stone unturned to pin down the bitter foe and opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu. Opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu faulted Jagan for going to Telangana for Kaleshwaram project inauguration recently saying, "What was the need to go to Telangana when he should have been concentrating on completion of Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh.'' In a sharp counter, Jagan came down heavily on Chandrababu Naidu, "Were you rearing donkeys (Kya aap ghadhe chara rahe the?) when the same Kaleshwaram project was started when you were the chief minister. Even if I would not have gone the project would have started. I am trying to build good relations with neighbouring states what is your problem.'' There was complete pandemonium as MLAs belonging to TDP resorted to shouting to which chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy said, "Are you goondas or rowdies.'' Current Strength The current strength of YSRCP is 151 while TDP has 23 in the Assembly. Every time YSRCP members remind TDP MLAs. "Because of misdeeds the people of Andhra Pradesh have reduced you to just 23 while they increased our tally to 151, and if you continue to behave like this till 2024 you will be in single digit,'' said Ambati Rambabu, YSRCP MLA. Turning the tables on speaker, TDP senior leader Gorantla Buchchaih Chaudhary tries to reason, "Speaker Sir just because we are 23 can't we speak in Assembly and we will not be allowed to put forth our point. Trading Charges Since the day it came to power, YSRCP has challenged Chandrababu Naidu and the TDP saying the Jagan government will review every decision and every project which was started by the TDP government. Irrigation minister P Anil Kumar thunders while challenging TDP MLAs, "The show has just begun, there's a lot of cinema left. We will bring out who ate ( indulged in corruption) and how much, especially in irrigation projects. We have constituted committees which will submit their respective findings in the next couple of weeks. Just see what happens after that.'' 40 Years of Experience vs 40 days On a few occasions, opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu reminded, "I have 40 years of political experience. I am not like you to rush on decisions and speak anything unnecessary. Comes the reply from ruling party's Chief Whip G Srikanth Reddy, "For everything he says he has 40 years of experience but he doesn't have the dignity to carry himself.'' Speaker's Role Today, before the maiden budget presentation the situation reached to the boiling point when speaker Tammineni Seetaram intervened, "Is this the fish market, it is binding on all of us to conduct ourselves properly. People are watching us.'' The budget session which began on July 11 will continue till July 30 and surely it is not going to be a smooth affair.

Heated debate between YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, N Chandrababu Naidu

The sight of African students in private universities of New Delhi and its adjacent areas isn't rare. Walk around any campus and you will meet several of them, but it is still a question unanswered, has India welcomed these overseas students with open arms? or have stereotypes made lives difficult for them?&nbsp;

A 22-year-old Ruth Ouchata is from Zimbabwe, she is pursuing her law degree in one of the universities and lives with her sister Jezzy on the outskirts of Delhi in Greater Noida for a year now. A year of shedding misconceptions. As she was preparing to travel to India for the first time, the news wasn't encouraging. There were reports of an attack on five African nationals in Greater Noida, Ruth was worried but twelve months on, she says her fears were unfounded.&nbsp;

''Racism is reciprocal, an English man is racist towards French, a French a racist to other nationality, so overall one community is racist to other. I haven't really changed the way I walk, talk or dress up. I have enjoyed every day of my stay in India,'' says Ruth.&nbsp;

Stereotypes often colour the image of the host country, so has been the case with dark-skinned African immigrants to India to stitch a new narrative. Tatenda Chinz is from Zimbabwe and is the president of the association of African students in India. He says there is real need of direct communication among the Indians and Africans so that the Indians could understand that Africans are like Indians in any of the daily habits. There are differences of culture. What a Nigerian girl is comfortable wearing in the scorching heat, may make Indians uncomfortable.

What they've not been able to address is how they are perceived in India. Stereotypes colour the story here too. From drug peddlers to cannibals, Africans have been struggling with many tags. With no platform for a dialogue between Indian and Africans citizens, these myths and misunderstandings prevail. Sekou Dembele from Mali is also a student living in Grater Noida studying in a private institute. He didn’t accept the university offers from countries such as France and England.&nbsp;

''They colonised our country and these days they look for new ways of colonisation. Indians are not as arrogant as French and English men, that is the reason I came to study in India. I hear the news of scuffle between Indians and Africans, but it is not what I felt while living in Indias,'' states Sekou.&nbsp;

Now, belated efforts have begun to integrate Africans into the local culture. But perceptions cannot be changed overnight. The students say they're committed to an image makeover striking a chord with fellow Indians.

The sight of African students in private universities of New Delhi and its adjacent areas isn't rare. Walk around any campus and you will meet several of them, but it is still a question unanswered, has India welcomed these overseas students with open arms?

The sight of African students in private universities of New Delhi and its adjacent areas isn't rare. Walk around any campus and you will meet several of them, but it is still a question unanswered, has India welcomed these overseas students with open arms? or have stereotypes made lives difficult for them? A 22-year-old Ruth Ouchata is from Zimbabwe, she is pursuing her law degree in one of the universities and lives with her sister Jezzy on the outskirts of Delhi in Greater Noida for a year now. A year of shedding misconceptions. As she was preparing to travel to India for the first time, the news wasn't encouraging. There were reports of an attack on five African nationals in Greater Noida, Ruth was worried but twelve months on, she says her fears were unfounded. ''Racism is reciprocal, an English man is racist towards French, a French a racist to other nationality, so overall one community is racist to other. I haven't really changed the way I walk, talk or dress up. I have enjoyed every day of my stay in India,'' says Ruth. Stereotypes often colour the image of the host country, so has been the case with dark-skinned African immigrants to India to stitch a new narrative. Tatenda Chinz is from Zimbabwe and is the president of the association of African students in India. He says there is real need of direct communication among the Indians and Africans so that the Indians could understand that Africans are like Indians in any of the daily habits. There are differences of culture. What a Nigerian girl is comfortable wearing in the scorching heat, may make Indians uncomfortable. What they've not been able to address is how they are perceived in India. Stereotypes colour the story here too. From drug peddlers to cannibals, Africans have been struggling with many tags. With no platform for a dialogue between Indian and Africans citizens, these myths and misunderstandings prevail. Sekou Dembele from Mali is also a student living in Grater Noida studying in a private institute. He didn’t accept the university offers from countries such as France and England. ''They colonised our country and these days they look for new ways of colonisation. Indians are not as arrogant as French and English men, that is the reason I came to study in India. I hear the news of scuffle between Indians and Africans, but it is not what I felt while living in Indias,'' states Sekou. Now, belated efforts have begun to integrate Africans into the local culture. But perceptions cannot be changed overnight. The students say they're committed to an image makeover striking a chord with fellow Indians.

African student's cultural survival in India

The Metropolitan Court here on Friday granted bail to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-alliance-going-strong-despite-efforts-to-destabilise-kumaraswamy-235169&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiYn5j2ta_jAhWJaCsKHbwZB-QQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ZkjNUdt89h4W1Ee09jN6I">Congress</a> president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-feels-like-coming-home-says-rahul-gandhi-on-his-first-visit-to-amethi-after-lok-sabha-elections-234731">Rahul Gandhi</a> in connection with a criminal defamation suit filed against him by Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank and its chairman Ajay Patel.

Rahul arrived at the Court to appear in connection with the case.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader had informed through a tweet that he would be appearing in another <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rss-defamation-case-rahul-gandhi-pleads-not-guilty-232947&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYstyztq_jAhXTfCsKHT5KDXAQFjACegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0_ph_LmpPiyLaitcOhnMtC">case filed against him by his "political opponents in the RSS and BJP</a>."

"I am in Ahmedabad today, to appear in another case filed against me by my political opponents in the RSS/BJP.&nbsp;

I thank them for providing me with these platforms and opportunities to take my ideological battle against them to the public.&nbsp;

Satyameva Jayate," he said in the tweet.

Last year in August, two separate criminal defamation cases were filed against Rahul and party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala for their remark that Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank (ADCB) had exchanged Rs 745.58 crore in just five days during demonetisation.

"Within a mere five days of the implementation of the demonetisation drive, old denominations worth Rs 3,118 crore were deposited in 11 district corporative banks that had links to the BJP leaders.&nbsp;

The most noteworthy of them was Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank, whose directors include BJP president Amit Shah," Surjewala had said.

He had further said that the bank, which is chaired by Ajay Patel, a close associate of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, received Rs 745.58 crore from November 10 to November 14.&nbsp;

Before appearing in connection with the criminal defamation suit, Rahul also visited Swathi restaurant in Ahmedabad where he was seen interacting with people and clicking selfies with them.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Metropolitan Court here on Friday granted bail to Congress president Rahul Gandhi in connection with a criminal defamation suit filed against him by Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank and its chairman Ajay Patel.

The Metropolitan Court here on Friday granted bail to Congress president Rahul Gandhi in connection with a criminal defamation suit filed against him by Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank and its chairman Ajay Patel. Rahul arrived at the Court to appear in connection with the case. Earlier in the day, Congress leader had informed through a tweet that he would be appearing in another case filed against him by his "political opponents in the RSS and BJP." "I am in Ahmedabad today, to appear in another case filed against me by my political opponents in the RSS/BJP. I thank them for providing me with these platforms and opportunities to take my ideological battle against them to the public. Satyameva Jayate," he said in the tweet. Last year in August, two separate criminal defamation cases were filed against Rahul and party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala for their remark that Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank (ADCB) had exchanged Rs 745.58 crore in just five days during demonetisation. "Within a mere five days of the implementation of the demonetisation drive, old denominations worth Rs 3,118 crore were deposited in 11 district corporative banks that had links to the BJP leaders. The most noteworthy of them was Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank, whose directors include BJP president Amit Shah," Surjewala had said. He had further said that the bank, which is chaired by Ajay Patel, a close associate of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, received Rs 745.58 crore from November 10 to November 14. Before appearing in connection with the criminal defamation suit, Rahul also visited Swathi restaurant in Ahmedabad where he was seen interacting with people and clicking selfies with them.

Ahmedabad Court grants bail to Rahul Gandhi in criminal defamation case

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday said he was ready to seek a trust vote and asked Speaker K R Ramesh to fix time and date for the same.

"After all these developments, I am seeking your permission and time to prove the majority in this session," he told Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in the Assembly.

Kumaraswamy said he was also ready to face a trial of strength in the Assembly if the BJP moved a no-confidence motion. 
 
The Speaker said he will allot a slot for the trust vote whenever the chief minister opts for it. 
 
Former Karnataka chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah&nbsp;said that he is confident that the JD(S)-Congress coalition government will win a vote of confidence in the Assembly."

I do not want to disclose but I am confident that we will win the vote of confidence motion," he said referring to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's statement in the House that he was ready to face a floor test.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court ordered a Status Quo on the resignations of rebel MLAs till Tuesday. The court directed the Assembly Speaker not to decide&nbsp;on the resignations or disqualifications of the MLAs until then.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that it will consider the issue on Tuesday.

Ten Congress and JD(S) MLAs on Thursday had moved the Supreme Court, seeking a direction to the Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification from the House.

Following which Speaker K R Ramesh had urged the apex court to recall its order which asked him to take a decision on the resignation of MLAs during the course of the day i.e. July 11.

A total of 16 MLAs including 13 from the Congress and 3 from JD(S) have resigned even as two independents have withdrawn support to the 13-month old Congress-JD(S) coalition government

(Inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday said he was ready to seek a trust vote and asked Speaker K R Ramesh to fix time and date for the same. "After all these developments, I am seeking your permission and time to prove the majority in this session," he told Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in the Assembly.

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday said he was ready to seek a trust vote and asked Speaker K R Ramesh to fix time and date for the same. "After all these developments, I am seeking your permission and time to prove the majority in this session," he told Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in the Assembly. Kumaraswamy said he was also ready to face a trial of strength in the Assembly if the BJP moved a no-confidence motion. The Speaker said he will allot a slot for the trust vote whenever the chief minister opts for it. Former Karnataka chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah said that he is confident that the JD(S)-Congress coalition government will win a vote of confidence in the Assembly." I do not want to disclose but I am confident that we will win the vote of confidence motion," he said referring to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's statement in the House that he was ready to face a floor test. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court ordered a Status Quo on the resignations of rebel MLAs till Tuesday. The court directed the Assembly Speaker not to decide on the resignations or disqualifications of the MLAs until then. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that it will consider the issue on Tuesday. Ten Congress and JD(S) MLAs on Thursday had moved the Supreme Court, seeking a direction to the Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification from the House. Following which Speaker K R Ramesh had urged the apex court to recall its order which asked him to take a decision on the resignation of MLAs during the course of the day i.e. July 11. A total of 16 MLAs including 13 from the Congress and 3 from JD(S) have resigned even as two independents have withdrawn support to the 13-month old Congress-JD(S) coalition government (Inputs from agencies)

Karnataka crisis: Ready for both trust vote or no-confidence motion, HD Kumaraswamy tells Speaker

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-entertain-pil-seeking-guidelines-for-frisking-of-students-during-examinations-235264">Supreme Court</a> on Friday once again refused to put an interim stay on the installation of CCTV cameras in government schools in Delhi.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices Deepak Gupta, and Justice Aniruddha Bose had earlier in May refused to the pass an interim order to stay the Delhi government`s decision to install 1.5 lakh CCTV cameras and issued a notice to the government.

Petitioner Amber Tickoo, a third-year law student at National Law University, through advocate Jai Dehadrai had sought directions to the government to install CCTV cameras in classrooms and live-streaming the feeds to the parents of the children.

The petitioner told the court that the government did not take the permission of parents and teachers before taking the decision and submitted that the cameras would "live-stream footage of adolescent students to random strangers".

"Providing a live feed to anyone with a user ID and password jeopardizes the safety and security of young girls... and shall directly give rise to incidents of stalking and voyeurism," the petition said.

The government`s move violates the fundamental right to privacy, it argued."

The decision was in direct contravention to the verdict of the Supreme Court which has unequivocally upheld that Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ayushmann-khurranas-article-15-wins-big-at-london-indian-film-festival-232101&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiV1ca0oK_jAhWMKY8KHWUbCm4QFjAJegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0P1HVM_qanAnS0xvYZAkdl">Article</a> 21 of the Constitution of <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=2ahUKEwjMvITOn6_jAhUHiXAKHaRyCFwQFjAIegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw37FkdrGQgtsmfhVT8uwxsY">India</a>," the petition added.

It added that no steps have been taken to protect the data recorded by the CCTV cameras and the data is prone to hacking and poses a serious threat to the privacy and security of the children as well as teachers.

The Supreme Court on Friday once again refused to put an interim stay on the installation of CCTV cameras in government schools in Delhi. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices Deepak Gupta, and Justice Aniruddha Bose had earlier in May refused to the pass an interim order to stay the Delhi government`s decision to install 1.

The Supreme Court on Friday once again refused to put an interim stay on the installation of CCTV cameras in government schools in Delhi. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices Deepak Gupta, and Justice Aniruddha Bose had earlier in May refused to the pass an interim order to stay the Delhi government`s decision to install 1.5 lakh CCTV cameras and issued a notice to the government. Petitioner Amber Tickoo, a third-year law student at National Law University, through advocate Jai Dehadrai had sought directions to the government to install CCTV cameras in classrooms and live-streaming the feeds to the parents of the children. The petitioner told the court that the government did not take the permission of parents and teachers before taking the decision and submitted that the cameras would "live-stream footage of adolescent students to random strangers". "Providing a live feed to anyone with a user ID and password jeopardizes the safety and security of young girls... and shall directly give rise to incidents of stalking and voyeurism," the petition said. The government`s move violates the fundamental right to privacy, it argued." The decision was in direct contravention to the verdict of the Supreme Court which has unequivocally upheld that Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India," the petition added. It added that no steps have been taken to protect the data recorded by the CCTV cameras and the data is prone to hacking and poses a serious threat to the privacy and security of the children as well as teachers.

Supreme Court refuses to stay installation of CCTV cameras in Delhi government schools

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy has introduced the state Budget for 2019-20 with an outlay of Rs 227,975 crore with a focus on housing, agriculture, education, and human capital development.

While Reddy introduced the Budget in the state legislative assembly, Revenue Minister Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose introduced the same in the&nbsp; 
legislative council.

The Budget has allocated Rs 9,786 crore to the housing sector. While the PMAY (urban) will get Rs 5,000 crore, PMAY-YSR weaker sections housing scheme has been allocated Rs 1,280 crore and YSR urban housing scheme Rs 1,000 crore.

The Budget allocates Rs 8,750 crore for YSR Rytu Bharosa scheme, which will benefit 64.06 lakh farmers, including 15.36 lakh tenant farmers.

The Budget allocates an amount of Rs 15,000 crore for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Rs 4,988 crore for scheduled tribes (STs).

A sum of Rs 4,560 crore has been allocated for YSR Nine Hours Free Power Supply while the Market Stabilisation Fund has got Rs 3,000 crore.

The Jagan Anna Amma Odi scheme has been allocated Rs 6,456 crore, infrastructure development in schools Rs 1,500 crore, Natural Calamities Fund Rs 2,002 crore and YSR-PM Fasal Bima Yojana Rs 1,163 crore.

For the mid-day meal scheme, Rs 1,077 crore has been allocated while a sum of Rs 1,500 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure development in hospitals.

A sum of Rs 3,000 crore has been allocated for subsidising rice under the public distribution system. For the development of the capital city of Amaravati, the state government has proposed to allocate Rs 500 crore in the Budget.

The estimated revenue deficit is about Rs 1,778 crore and the fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs 35,260 crore.

&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy has introduced the state Budget for 2019-20 with an outlay of Rs 227,975 crore with a focus on housing, agriculture, education, and human capital development.

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy has introduced the state Budget for 2019-20 with an outlay of Rs 227,975 crore with a focus on housing, agriculture, education, and human capital development. While Reddy introduced the Budget in the state legislative assembly, Revenue Minister Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose introduced the same in the legislative council. The Budget has allocated Rs 9,786 crore to the housing sector. While the PMAY (urban) will get Rs 5,000 crore, PMAY-YSR weaker sections housing scheme has been allocated Rs 1,280 crore and YSR urban housing scheme Rs 1,000 crore. The Budget allocates Rs 8,750 crore for YSR Rytu Bharosa scheme, which will benefit 64.06 lakh farmers, including 15.36 lakh tenant farmers. The Budget allocates an amount of Rs 15,000 crore for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Rs 4,988 crore for scheduled tribes (STs). A sum of Rs 4,560 crore has been allocated for YSR Nine Hours Free Power Supply while the Market Stabilisation Fund has got Rs 3,000 crore. The Jagan Anna Amma Odi scheme has been allocated Rs 6,456 crore, infrastructure development in schools Rs 1,500 crore, Natural Calamities Fund Rs 2,002 crore and YSR-PM Fasal Bima Yojana Rs 1,163 crore. For the mid-day meal scheme, Rs 1,077 crore has been allocated while a sum of Rs 1,500 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure development in hospitals. A sum of Rs 3,000 crore has been allocated for subsidising rice under the public distribution system. For the development of the capital city of Amaravati, the state government has proposed to allocate Rs 500 crore in the Budget. The estimated revenue deficit is about Rs 1,778 crore and the fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs 35,260 crore.

Andhra Pradesh: Jagan Mohan Reddy government's first Budget focuses on housing, agriculture

The Metropolitan Court in Ahmedabad&nbsp;on Friday granted bail to Congress president Rahul Gandhi in connection with a criminal defamation suit filed against him by Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank and its chairman Ajay Patel.&nbsp;

Rahul arrived at the Court to appear in connection with the case. Earlier in the day, Congress leader had informed through a tweet that he would be appearing in another case filed against him by his "political opponents in the RSS and BJP."&nbsp;

"I am in Ahmedabad today, to appear in another case filed against me by my political opponents in the RSS/BJP. I thank them for providing me these platforms and opportunities to take my ideological battle against them to the public. Satyameva Jayate," he said in the tweet. 
&nbsp;

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I'm in Ahmedabad today, to appear in another case filed against me by my political opponents in the RSS/ BJP. 
 
I thank them for providing me these platforms &amp; opportunities to take my ideological battle against them to the public. 
 
Satyameva Jayate 🙏
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1149583631205093376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Last year in August, two separate criminal defamation cases were filed against Rahul and party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala for their remark that Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank (ADCB) had exchanged Rs 745.58 crore in just five days during demonetisation."Within a mere five days of the implementation of the demonetisation drive, old denominations worth Rs 3,118 crore were deposited in 11 district corporative banks that had links to the BJP leaders.

&nbsp;The most noteworthy of them was Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank, whose directors include BJP president Amit Shah," Surjewala had said.

He had further said that the bank, which is chaired by Ajay Patel, a close associate of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, received Rs 745.58 crore from November 10 to November 14. Before appearing in connection with the criminal defamation suit, Rahul also visited Swathi restaurant in Ahmedabad where he was seen interacting with people and clicking selfies with them.

The Metropolitan Court in Ahmedabad on Friday granted bail to Congress president Rahul Gandhi in connection with a criminal defamation suit filed against him by Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank and its chairman Ajay Patel.

The Metropolitan Court in Ahmedabad on Friday granted bail to Congress president Rahul Gandhi in connection with a criminal defamation suit filed against him by Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank and its chairman Ajay Patel. Rahul arrived at the Court to appear in connection with the case. Earlier in the day, Congress leader had informed through a tweet that he would be appearing in another case filed against him by his "political opponents in the RSS and BJP." "I am in Ahmedabad today, to appear in another case filed against me by my political opponents in the RSS/BJP. I thank them for providing me these platforms and opportunities to take my ideological battle against them to the public. Satyameva Jayate," he said in the tweet. I'm in Ahmedabad today, to appear in another case filed against me by my political opponents in the RSS/ BJP. I thank them for providing me these platforms & opportunities to take my ideological battle against them to the public. Satyameva Jayate 🙏 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 12, 2019 × Last year in August, two separate criminal defamation cases were filed against Rahul and party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala for their remark that Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank (ADCB) had exchanged Rs 745.58 crore in just five days during demonetisation."Within a mere five days of the implementation of the demonetisation drive, old denominations worth Rs 3,118 crore were deposited in 11 district corporative banks that had links to the BJP leaders. The most noteworthy of them was Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank, whose directors include BJP president Amit Shah," Surjewala had said. He had further said that the bank, which is chaired by Ajay Patel, a close associate of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, received Rs 745.58 crore from November 10 to November 14. Before appearing in connection with the criminal defamation suit, Rahul also visited Swathi restaurant in Ahmedabad where he was seen interacting with people and clicking selfies with them.

India will complete the construction of the Kartarpur corridor by October 31, days before the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, news agency ANI reported on Friday.

Government is keen that corridor should be completed on Pakistan side as well before Guru Nanak Jayanti, reports further added.

India is looking forward with high expectations and is creating all-weather facility to cater to 10,000 pilgrims on special occasions and 5000 pilgrims on a daily basis.

India has also asked Islamabad to build a bridge on its side that will provide safe movement of pilgrims but also address the issue regarding flooding.

New Delhi is concerned about possible flooding of Dera Baba Nanak due to the construction of an embankment filled road on the Pakistan side that may cause flooding on the Indian side. This issue has been raised by New Delhi in the three technical meetings.

India is currently engaged in building a bridge on its side to provide for all-weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor.&nbsp;

India will complete the construction of the Kartarpur corridor by October 31, days before the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, news agency ANI reported on Friday.

India will complete the construction of the Kartarpur corridor by October 31, days before the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, news agency ANI reported on Friday. Government is keen that corridor should be completed on Pakistan side as well before Guru Nanak Jayanti, reports further added. India is looking forward with high expectations and is creating all-weather facility to cater to 10,000 pilgrims on special occasions and 5000 pilgrims on a daily basis. India has also asked Islamabad to build a bridge on its side that will provide safe movement of pilgrims but also address the issue regarding flooding. New Delhi is concerned about possible flooding of Dera Baba Nanak due to the construction of an embankment filled road on the Pakistan side that may cause flooding on the Indian side. This issue has been raised by New Delhi in the three technical meetings. India is currently engaged in building a bridge on its side to provide for all-weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor.

India to complete Kartarpur corridor construction by October 31

The Supreme Court on Friday asked Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh to not to decide on the resignations or disqualifications of the MLAs till Tuesday.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi&nbsp;said that it will consider the issue on Tuesday.

The observation came after Speaker K R Ramesh submitted his report to the top court today after meeting ten rebel MLAs.

Mukul Rohatgi, rebel MLAs' counsel, submitted to the Supreme Court that the Speaker is answerable to this court, except under certain circumstances. He argued that Speaker had no immunity with regard to the acceptance of resignations.

Meanwhile, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, making submissions for Speaker, said that the Speaker needs to ensure that resignations are voluntary and genuine.

"These MLAs' intention in giving resignation is something different, and it is to avoid disqualification," he said.

MLAs had met Kumar on Thursday evening after they were directed by the Supreme Court to meet the Speaker and resubmit their resignations in person. Following the meeting with the MLAs, the Speaker had said that he will consider "to his satisfaction" whether the resignations were genuine and voluntary before taking a decision.

Ten Congress and JD(S) MLAs had earlier moved the Supreme Court, seeking a direction to the Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification from the House.

Following which Speaker K R Ramesh had urged the apex court to recall its order which asked him to take a decision on the resignation of MLAs during the course of the day i.e. July 11.

The Speaker had submitted that the rebel MLAs who have approached the apex court have cast aspersions questioning his integrity which are completely false and frivolous.

The 13-month-old Congress-JDS government had earlier this month slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Assembly session began today. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said he is prepared for the floor test and sought time for the same. "After all these developments, I am seeking your permission &amp; time to prove the majority in this session," he told the Speaker. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Friday asked Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh to not to decide on the resignations or disqualifications of the MLAs till Tuesday. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that it will consider the issue on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court on Friday asked Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh to not to decide on the resignations or disqualifications of the MLAs till Tuesday. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that it will consider the issue on Tuesday. The observation came after Speaker K R Ramesh submitted his report to the top court today after meeting ten rebel MLAs. Mukul Rohatgi, rebel MLAs' counsel, submitted to the Supreme Court that the Speaker is answerable to this court, except under certain circumstances. He argued that Speaker had no immunity with regard to the acceptance of resignations. Meanwhile, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, making submissions for Speaker, said that the Speaker needs to ensure that resignations are voluntary and genuine. "These MLAs' intention in giving resignation is something different, and it is to avoid disqualification," he said. MLAs had met Kumar on Thursday evening after they were directed by the Supreme Court to meet the Speaker and resubmit their resignations in person. Following the meeting with the MLAs, the Speaker had said that he will consider "to his satisfaction" whether the resignations were genuine and voluntary before taking a decision. Ten Congress and JD(S) MLAs had earlier moved the Supreme Court, seeking a direction to the Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification from the House. Following which Speaker K R Ramesh had urged the apex court to recall its order which asked him to take a decision on the resignation of MLAs during the course of the day i.e. July 11. The Speaker had submitted that the rebel MLAs who have approached the apex court have cast aspersions questioning his integrity which are completely false and frivolous. The 13-month-old Congress-JDS government had earlier this month slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Assembly session began today. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said he is prepared for the floor test and sought time for the same. "After all these developments, I am seeking your permission & time to prove the majority in this session," he told the Speaker. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka crisis: Supreme Court orders status quo till Tuesday on rebel MLAs' resignations

Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a public interest litigation seeking a direction for laying down guidelines for flying squads and invigilators on frisking of students before examination halls. 
 
A three-judge bench of the Apex Court, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose heard the petition filed by advocate Anuja Kapoor. The bench asked her to approach the Delhi High Court, if she wants, for any relief in the case. 
 
The PIL of advocate Anuja Kapoor stated that a girl studying in class 10 in Chhattisgarh had allegedly committed suicide after being allegedly stripped and searched during her board examination by the inspecting officials.&nbsp;

Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a public interest litigation seeking a direction for laying down guidelines for flying squads and invigilators on frisking of students before examination halls.

Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a public interest litigation seeking a direction for laying down guidelines for flying squads and invigilators on frisking of students before examination halls. A three-judge bench of the Apex Court, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose heard the petition filed by advocate Anuja Kapoor. The bench asked her to approach the Delhi High Court, if she wants, for any relief in the case. The PIL of advocate Anuja Kapoor stated that a girl studying in class 10 in Chhattisgarh had allegedly committed suicide after being allegedly stripped and searched during her board examination by the inspecting officials.

Supreme Court refuses to entertain PIL seeking guidelines for frisking of students during examinations

MoS for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that as many as 872 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) were reported in Bihar in the year 2019.

The minister said that out of 872, 176 succumbed to the disease.

He also stated that Japanese Encephalitis (JE) this year led to the death of one individual in Bihar whereas 16 cases of it were reported from the state.

In a reply to an unstarred question raised by many parliamentarians on the issue of AES, the government further stated that officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) visited Muzaffarpur, Bihar for investigating the AES outbreak, in June 2019.

MoS Choubey also replied to a question on 'whether study carried out by Government on aspects of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome and Japanese Encephalitis'&nbsp;and asserted that limited numbers of serum and litchi samples were tested for methylene-cyclopropyl glycine (MCPG) toxin.

"At least half were found MCPG positive. Around 90 samples were tested for infectious agents at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and non-ICMR Institutes. Few samples were found positive for dengue, chikungunya and Japanese Encephalitis, majority tested negative, indicates predominantly non-infectious aetiology."

During the reply, it was also stated that Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have taken measures to support the state in the containment of AES cases and had reviewed the situation with health minister of Bihar and also with officials from the ministry.

It has also deputed that a central team of experts consisting of public health specialist from various central government institutes to assist the state government in containment and management measures.

The government also informed that Central ministry had deputed five teams of doctors along with technicians from central government hospitals to SKMCH to support clinical management.

MoS for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that as many as 872 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) were reported in Bihar in the year 2019.

MoS for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that as many as 872 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) were reported in Bihar in the year 2019. The minister said that out of 872, 176 succumbed to the disease. He also stated that Japanese Encephalitis (JE) this year led to the death of one individual in Bihar whereas 16 cases of it were reported from the state. In a reply to an unstarred question raised by many parliamentarians on the issue of AES, the government further stated that officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) visited Muzaffarpur, Bihar for investigating the AES outbreak, in June 2019. MoS Choubey also replied to a question on 'whether study carried out by Government on aspects of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome and Japanese Encephalitis' and asserted that limited numbers of serum and litchi samples were tested for methylene-cyclopropyl glycine (MCPG) toxin. "At least half were found MCPG positive. Around 90 samples were tested for infectious agents at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and non-ICMR Institutes. Few samples were found positive for dengue, chikungunya and Japanese Encephalitis, majority tested negative, indicates predominantly non-infectious aetiology." During the reply, it was also stated that Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have taken measures to support the state in the containment of AES cases and had reviewed the situation with health minister of Bihar and also with officials from the ministry. It has also deputed that a central team of experts consisting of public health specialist from various central government institutes to assist the state government in containment and management measures. The government also informed that Central ministry had deputed five teams of doctors along with technicians from central government hospitals to SKMCH to support clinical management.

176 died in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis this year, 872 cases reported

The government has defined child pornography in its amendments to the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) and enhanced punishment for possessing and distributing such material.

In a bid to convey the message of zero tolerance towards child pornography, the Women and Child Development Ministry has proposed that any sexual explicit digital or computer-generated content involving children will come under the purview of child pornography.

According to the new definition, child pornography is “Any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a child which includes photograph, video, digital or computer-generated image indistinguishable from an actual child and an image created, adapted or modified but appear to depict a child”.

The bill also proposes that those who store or possess pornographic material in any form involving a child will be fined anywhere between Rs 5,000 to Rs 10, 000. Earlier, the fine was between Rs 1000-3000.

The amendments to the POCSO Act were approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday. The amendments also include death penalty for aggravated sexual assault on children, besides providing stringent punishments for other crimes against minors, officials said. The bill will now be presented in Parliament next week.

In February, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested one of the five administrators of a WhatsApp group that was allegedly involved in circulating child pornographic content, the agency revealed that the group has many as 119 members from 40 countries.&nbsp;

"The maximum members in the WhatsApp group were from India with 66, from Pakistan 56 and USA had the least with 29. While the forensic examination of electronic gadgets is being done by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC(T)) in Trivandrum," the agency had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The government has defined child pornography in its amendments to the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) and enhanced punishment for possessing and distributing such material.

The government has defined child pornography in its amendments to the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) and enhanced punishment for possessing and distributing such material. In a bid to convey the message of zero tolerance towards child pornography, the Women and Child Development Ministry has proposed that any sexual explicit digital or computer-generated content involving children will come under the purview of child pornography. According to the new definition, child pornography is “Any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a child which includes photograph, video, digital or computer-generated image indistinguishable from an actual child and an image created, adapted or modified but appear to depict a child”. The bill also proposes that those who store or possess pornographic material in any form involving a child will be fined anywhere between Rs 5,000 to Rs 10, 000. Earlier, the fine was between Rs 1000-3000. The amendments to the POCSO Act were approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday. The amendments also include death penalty for aggravated sexual assault on children, besides providing stringent punishments for other crimes against minors, officials said. The bill will now be presented in Parliament next week. In February, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested one of the five administrators of a WhatsApp group that was allegedly involved in circulating child pornographic content, the agency revealed that the group has many as 119 members from 40 countries. "The maximum members in the WhatsApp group were from India with 66, from Pakistan 56 and USA had the least with 29. While the forensic examination of electronic gadgets is being done by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC(T)) in Trivandrum," the agency had said. (With inputs from agencies)

Government defines child pornography, brings digital content under purview

India, in the last decade, has lifted 271 million people out of poverty, a United Nations report said on Thursday. The report was based on the multidimensional poverty index, which saw India recording the fastest reduction, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said.

More than 21 per cent of India's 1.3 billion people lived on less than $1.90 a day in 2011, when the last census was taken, according to the World Bank.

But this time, the UN studied 101 countries and said 1.3 billion people are "multidimensionally poor", which means that poverty is defined not simply by income, but by a number of indicators, including poor health, poor quality of work and the threat of violence.

Of these 101 countries, the reduction of poverty was fastest in 10, namely Bangladesh, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru and Vietnam, the report said.

"In India, there were 271 million fewer people in poverty in 2016 than in 2006, while in Bangladesh the number dropped by 19 million between 2004 and 2014," it said.

India reduced deprivation in nutrition from 44.3 per cent in 2005-06 to 21.2 per cent in 2015-16, child mortality dropped from 4.5 per cent to 2.2 per cent, people deprived of cooking fuel reduced from 52.9 per cent to 26.2 per cent, deprivation in sanitation from 50.4 per cent to 24.6 per cent, those deprived of drinking water reduced from 16.6 per cent to 6.2 per cent.

Further, more people gained access to electricity as deprivation was reduced from 29.1 per cent to 8.6 per cent, housing from 44.9 per cent to 23.6 per cent and assets deprivation from 37.6 per cent to 9.5 per cent. The trends in these 10 countries also shine a light on where poverty reduction has been uneven, despite the good progress overall, it said.

The Indian government had said in April this year that fast economic growth and rapid urbanisation would slash the number of people in extreme poverty by 2021 and end it completely in the decade after that.

Economic growth in recent years had generated enough revenue for states to work more on poverty alleviation, job creation and improving healthcare and education, the then finance minister Arun Jaitley had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India, in the last decade, has lifted 271 million people out of poverty, a United Nations report said on Thursday. The report was based on the multidimensional poverty index, which saw India recording the fastest reduction, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said.

India, in the last decade, has lifted 271 million people out of poverty, a United Nations report said on Thursday. The report was based on the multidimensional poverty index, which saw India recording the fastest reduction, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said. More than 21 per cent of India's 1.3 billion people lived on less than $1.90 a day in 2011, when the last census was taken, according to the World Bank. But this time, the UN studied 101 countries and said 1.3 billion people are "multidimensionally poor", which means that poverty is defined not simply by income, but by a number of indicators, including poor health, poor quality of work and the threat of violence. Of these 101 countries, the reduction of poverty was fastest in 10, namely Bangladesh, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru and Vietnam, the report said. "In India, there were 271 million fewer people in poverty in 2016 than in 2006, while in Bangladesh the number dropped by 19 million between 2004 and 2014," it said. India reduced deprivation in nutrition from 44.3 per cent in 2005-06 to 21.2 per cent in 2015-16, child mortality dropped from 4.5 per cent to 2.2 per cent, people deprived of cooking fuel reduced from 52.9 per cent to 26.2 per cent, deprivation in sanitation from 50.4 per cent to 24.6 per cent, those deprived of drinking water reduced from 16.6 per cent to 6.2 per cent. Further, more people gained access to electricity as deprivation was reduced from 29.1 per cent to 8.6 per cent, housing from 44.9 per cent to 23.6 per cent and assets deprivation from 37.6 per cent to 9.5 per cent. The trends in these 10 countries also shine a light on where poverty reduction has been uneven, despite the good progress overall, it said. The Indian government had said in April this year that fast economic growth and rapid urbanisation would slash the number of people in extreme poverty by 2021 and end it completely in the decade after that. Economic growth in recent years had generated enough revenue for states to work more on poverty alleviation, job creation and improving healthcare and education, the then finance minister Arun Jaitley had said. (With inputs from agencies)

India lifted 271 million people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016, says United Nations report

Goa Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo on Friday asserted that the chief minister is unhappy with certain ministers as they were "taking people for granted."

Speaking to ANI over the possibility of the state cabinet reshuffle Lobo said, "The Chief Minister will do the correction that is needed. After the merger of Congress MLAs with BJP, Chief Minister told he was unhappy with the functioning of certain ministers as they were taking people for granted. They were acting as if they were the government."

He also hailed the merger of 10 Congress MLAs into the BJP and said that the decision will contribute towards the welfare of people."Chief Minister has taken a very good decision in the interest of Goa. Nobody can take CM for granted. He is ready to help but you cannot show ego to him. He knows what he is doing", he added.

On Wednesday night, Goa CM Sawant had arrived in Delhi along with 10 MLAs to meet senior party leaders including working President JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss strategy and further political developments.

On Thursday the rebel MLAs joined the party in Delhi in presence of Working President J P Nadda and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ahead of speculated induction of some of them in the state Cabinet.

With 10 MLAs changing the sides, the strength of Congress on the floor of the House has reduced to mere five.

These MLAs include -- Kavlekar, Isidore Fernandes, Francis Silveira, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Jennifer, Atanasio Monserrate, Antonio Fernandes, Nilakanth Halarnkar, Clafacio Dias and Wilfred D'Sa.

Goa Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo on Friday asserted that the chief minister is unhappy with certain ministers as they were "taking people for granted." Speaking to ANI over the possibility of the state cabinet reshuffle Lobo said, "The Chief Minister will do the correction that is needed.

Goa Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo on Friday asserted that the chief minister is unhappy with certain ministers as they were "taking people for granted." Speaking to ANI over the possibility of the state cabinet reshuffle Lobo said, "The Chief Minister will do the correction that is needed. After the merger of Congress MLAs with BJP, Chief Minister told he was unhappy with the functioning of certain ministers as they were taking people for granted. They were acting as if they were the government." He also hailed the merger of 10 Congress MLAs into the BJP and said that the decision will contribute towards the welfare of people."Chief Minister has taken a very good decision in the interest of Goa. Nobody can take CM for granted. He is ready to help but you cannot show ego to him. He knows what he is doing", he added. On Wednesday night, Goa CM Sawant had arrived in Delhi along with 10 MLAs to meet senior party leaders including working President JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss strategy and further political developments. On Thursday the rebel MLAs joined the party in Delhi in presence of Working President J P Nadda and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ahead of speculated induction of some of them in the state Cabinet. With 10 MLAs changing the sides, the strength of Congress on the floor of the House has reduced to mere five. These MLAs include -- Kavlekar, Isidore Fernandes, Francis Silveira, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Jennifer, Atanasio Monserrate, Antonio Fernandes, Nilakanth Halarnkar, Clafacio Dias and Wilfred D'Sa.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant unhappy with ministers 'taking people for granted': Deputy speaker Michael Lobo

When Tongi returned to Kenya, he still owed Gawli Rs 200. Flash forward to 2019 and the debt stands repaid. Tongi, now a parliamentarian in Kenya, paid the Gawlis a visit on Monday, and the two had a poignant reunion. When Gawli refused to accept the Rs 200, Tongi gifted some euros (about Rs 19,200) to the kids in his family as a 'thank you' for his help all those years ago in 1985-89.

Kenya MP returns 30 years later to repay college debt of Rs 200 to Indian grocer

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J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Poonch

Watch: A student earlier, Kenyan MP Richard Nyagaka Tongi returns to India to pay Rs 200 debt to Aurangabad grocer

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African student's cultural survival in India

Ahmedabad Court grants bail to Rahul Gandhi in criminal defamation case

Karnataka crisis: Ready for both trust vote or no-confidence motion, HD Kumaraswamy tells Speaker

Supreme Court refuses to stay installation of CCTV cameras in Delhi government schools

Andhra Pradesh: Jagan Mohan Reddy government's first Budget focuses on housing, agriculture

Ahmedabad Court grants bail to Rahul Gandhi in criminal defamation case

India to complete Kartarpur corridor construction by October 31

Karnataka crisis: Supreme Court orders status quo till Tuesday on rebel MLAs' resignations

Supreme Court refuses to entertain PIL seeking guidelines for frisking of students during examinations

176 died in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis this year, 872 cases reported

Government defines child pornography, brings digital content under purview

India lifted 271 million people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016, says United Nations report

Goa CM Pramod Sawant unhappy with ministers 'taking people for granted': Deputy speaker Michael Lobo

Kenya MP returns 30 years later to repay college debt of Rs 200 to Indian grocer