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Congress party national media coordinator Rachit Seth on Thursday resigned from the post stating that there is no "meaning for me to continue on this post," after Rahul Gandhi's resignation.&nbsp;

Some of the biggest and most prominent party leaders called it quits from their currently held posts after Rahul Gandhi, a week back, took to microblogging site Twitter and posted a long letter confirming his resignation as the party president.&nbsp;

Congress leader and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jyotiraditya-scindia-resigns-as-congress-general-secretary-233778">former Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia</a> on Sunday announced to resign from the post of party general secretary.

"Accepting the people's verdict and taking accountability, I had submitted my resignation as General Secretary of AICC to Shri @RahulGandhi. I thank him for entrusting me with this responsibility and for giving me the opportunity to serve our party," Scindia tweeted from his official Twitter account.

Mumbai Congress president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-congress-president-milind-deora-resigns-says-looking-forward-to-play-national-role-to-help-stabilise-party-233767">Milind Deora</a> also tendered his resignation from the post the same day. He said that he is looking forward to playing a role at the "national level to stabilise the party".

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Delhi: Rachit Seth tenders his resignation from the post of National Media Coordinator of Congress party. He writes, 'After Rahul Gandhi's resignation as Congress President, there is no meaning for me to continue on this post.' <a href="https://t.co/2vXiGcdJTM">pic.twitter.com/2vXiGcdJTM</a>
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The resignations come at a time when the party leaders from several states are offering their resignation as an expression of solidarity with Rahul Gandhi.

Meanwhile, the 13-month old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-karnataka-assembly-speaker-at-6pm-today-supreme-court-directs-rebel-karnataka-mlas-234874">resignation of 10 MLAs</a> from the membership of the state Assembly last week.

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday directed the rebel Congress-JDS MLAs of Karnataka to meet state Assembly Speaker in the evening today and serve their resignation if "they wish to do so".

Congress party national media coordinator Rachit Seth on Thursday resigned from the post stating that there is no "meaning for me to continue on this post," after Rahul Gandhi's resignation.

Congress party national media coordinator Rachit Seth on Thursday resigned from the post stating that there is no "meaning for me to continue on this post," after Rahul Gandhi's resignation. Some of the biggest and most prominent party leaders called it quits from their currently held posts after Rahul Gandhi, a week back, took to microblogging site Twitter and posted a long letter confirming his resignation as the party president. Congress leader and former Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sunday announced to resign from the post of party general secretary. "Accepting the people's verdict and taking accountability, I had submitted my resignation as General Secretary of AICC to Shri @RahulGandhi. I thank him for entrusting me with this responsibility and for giving me the opportunity to serve our party," Scindia tweeted from his official Twitter account. Mumbai Congress president Milind Deora also tendered his resignation from the post the same day. He said that he is looking forward to playing a role at the "national level to stabilise the party". Delhi: Rachit Seth tenders his resignation from the post of National Media Coordinator of Congress party. He writes, 'After Rahul Gandhi's resignation as Congress President, there is no meaning for me to continue on this post.' pic.twitter.com/2vXiGcdJTM — ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019 × The resignations come at a time when the party leaders from several states are offering their resignation as an expression of solidarity with Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, the 13-month old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week. The Supreme Court of India on Thursday directed the rebel Congress-JDS MLAs of Karnataka to meet state Assembly Speaker in the evening today and serve their resignation if "they wish to do so".

Congress national media coordinator Rachit Seth steps down, says 'no meaning for me to continue after Rahul Gandhi's resignation'

The Madras High Court has ruled that although there is unemployment, candidates with Higher Educational Qualification than the basic, stipulated qualification for a particular job cannot demand their right to be offered the job.&nbsp;

In 2013, Lakshmi Prabha had applied for the job of a train operator in Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). The basic qualification for the job was a diploma whereas this candidate had completed her BE degree. On the grounds that she was overqualified, the CMRL had rejected her application in July 2013. Lakshmi Prabha approached the Court over the issue.&nbsp;

The case came for hearing before Justice Vaidyanathan wherein it was ruled that despite the prevalent widespread unemployment, the petitioner claiming that her rights were infringed upon by CMRL cannot be accepted.

CMRL representatives also said that the existing employees who are overqualified could be dismissed.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sewer-deaths-are-unacceptable-167757">Also read:&nbsp;Sewer deaths are unacceptable</a>

In a different case, the High Court reiterated that overqualified candidates cannot be appointed to menial government jobs and directed the Tamil Nadu government to prescribe maximum qualification for Group III and IV services. The court had rejected the candidate, who was a BE Graduate, to the post of an assistant.&nbsp;

In February this year, a big furore was created when the list and details of those who applied for the posts of sanitary workers Tamil Nadu came out.&nbsp;

It was learnt that few people with professional qualifications such as M.Tech, B.Tech and MBA, were in the race to bag the work of sweepers and sanitary workers in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretariat. Many were graduates and post-graduates.

Diploma holders too were battling it out for the posts of sweepers (10 vacancies) and sanitary workers (4 vacancies).

Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretariat had sought applications for these jobs on September 26, 2018. The only requirement for the job was to be able-bodied and the minimum age limit of 18 years while the maximum age-limit differed.

The Madras High Court has ruled that although there is unemployment, candidates with Higher Educational Qualification than the basic, stipulated qualification for a particular job cannot demand their right to be offered the job.

The Madras High Court has ruled that although there is unemployment, candidates with Higher Educational Qualification than the basic, stipulated qualification for a particular job cannot demand their right to be offered the job. In 2013, Lakshmi Prabha had applied for the job of a train operator in Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). The basic qualification for the job was a diploma whereas this candidate had completed her BE degree. On the grounds that she was overqualified, the CMRL had rejected her application in July 2013. Lakshmi Prabha approached the Court over the issue. The case came for hearing before Justice Vaidyanathan wherein it was ruled that despite the prevalent widespread unemployment, the petitioner claiming that her rights were infringed upon by CMRL cannot be accepted. CMRL representatives also said that the existing employees who are overqualified could be dismissed. Also read: Sewer deaths are unacceptable In a different case, the High Court reiterated that overqualified candidates cannot be appointed to menial government jobs and directed the Tamil Nadu government to prescribe maximum qualification for Group III and IV services. The court had rejected the candidate, who was a BE Graduate, to the post of an assistant. In February this year, a big furore was created when the list and details of those who applied for the posts of sanitary workers Tamil Nadu came out. It was learnt that few people with professional qualifications such as M.Tech, B.Tech and MBA, were in the race to bag the work of sweepers and sanitary workers in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretariat. Many were graduates and post-graduates. Diploma holders too were battling it out for the posts of sweepers (10 vacancies) and sanitary workers (4 vacancies). Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretariat had sought applications for these jobs on September 26, 2018. The only requirement for the job was to be able-bodied and the minimum age limit of 18 years while the maximum age-limit differed.

Overqualified candidates can’t be appointed to menial jobs: Madras High Court

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government accusing it of not taking strict action against officials extorting money from people. 
 
Taking to Twitter, she said, "Like Neeraj, there are many others who are also facing the same issue. For everything, money is taken from them and no one addresses their grievances. My heart is aching. Where the BJP government is sleeping?." 
 
The statement from Vadra came just days after a flour-mill owner committed suicide after being allegedly harassed by a state government official. 
 
Identified as Niraj Kumar, the reportedly consumed poison in the premises of Bijnor Collectorate on Tuesday. In a suicide note recovered from the spot, he claimed that he was being harassed by a junior engineer of the state power corporation. Saini had been booked Kumar in a power theft case. More details in this regard are awaited.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government accusing it of not taking strict action against officials extorting money from people.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government accusing it of not taking strict action against officials extorting money from people. Taking to Twitter, she said, "Like Neeraj, there are many others who are also facing the same issue. For everything, money is taken from them and no one addresses their grievances. My heart is aching. Where the BJP government is sleeping?." The statement from Vadra came just days after a flour-mill owner committed suicide after being allegedly harassed by a state government official. Identified as Niraj Kumar, the reportedly consumed poison in the premises of Bijnor Collectorate on Tuesday. In a suicide note recovered from the spot, he claimed that he was being harassed by a junior engineer of the state power corporation. Saini had been booked Kumar in a power theft case. More details in this regard are awaited.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tears into UP government over corruption

India, in its continued support to Rohingya refugees, has handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to the government of Myanmar. These houses are for the displaced Rohingya refugees who have returned from Bangladesh.

Indian envoy to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed over the documents related to the houses to joint-chairman of Returnee Resettlement Work Committee U Aung Kyaw Zan at a ceremony in Maung Daw of Myanmar's Rakhine State.&nbsp;

These pre-fabricated houses will be in northern Rakhine and the break up is 148 units in Shwe Zar, 60 units in Kyein Chaung Taung and 42 units in Nant Thar Taung.

Under the Indian government's project - Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP) - 25 million dollars will be allocated for a period of five years. Both India and Myanmar signed an MoU for the programme in December 2017 which aims to contribute to the development of the Rakhine region.

The construction of 250 houses was the first initiative under the RSDP. Another 22 proposals include solar power related projects, construction-related projects and agriculture mechanization projects which are under consideration.

In June 2019, India handed over 40 computers to local Rakhine government that are being used in Sittwe Computer University. As many as 15 tractors and crawlers for the farm sector were also given. In addition to this, New Delhi has provided medical equipment at Sittwe General Hospital in Rakhine. Sittwe is a port city in Myanmar which is being connected with India and gives a fillip to the economic growth in the region.

India's support to Rohingyas comes even as it supports Dhaka under 'Operation Insaniyat' to deal with the massive influx of refugees.

India, in its continued support to Rohingya refugees, has handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to the government of Myanmar. These houses are for the displaced Rohingya refugees who have returned from Bangladesh.

India, in its continued support to Rohingya refugees, has handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to the government of Myanmar. These houses are for the displaced Rohingya refugees who have returned from Bangladesh. Indian envoy to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed over the documents related to the houses to joint-chairman of Returnee Resettlement Work Committee U Aung Kyaw Zan at a ceremony in Maung Daw of Myanmar's Rakhine State. These pre-fabricated houses will be in northern Rakhine and the break up is 148 units in Shwe Zar, 60 units in Kyein Chaung Taung and 42 units in Nant Thar Taung. Under the Indian government's project - Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP) - 25 million dollars will be allocated for a period of five years. Both India and Myanmar signed an MoU for the programme in December 2017 which aims to contribute to the development of the Rakhine region. The construction of 250 houses was the first initiative under the RSDP. Another 22 proposals include solar power related projects, construction-related projects and agriculture mechanization projects which are under consideration. In June 2019, India handed over 40 computers to local Rakhine government that are being used in Sittwe Computer University. As many as 15 tractors and crawlers for the farm sector were also given. In addition to this, New Delhi has provided medical equipment at Sittwe General Hospital in Rakhine. Sittwe is a port city in Myanmar which is being connected with India and gives a fillip to the economic growth in the region. India's support to Rohingyas comes even as it supports Dhaka under 'Operation Insaniyat' to deal with the massive influx of refugees.

India continues its help to Rohingya refugees; provides houses in Myanmar 

Congress leaders including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday staged a protest in Parliament over the political crisis in Karnataka and Goa. 
 
Congress leaders Anand Sharma, Adhir Ranjan Choudhury, Shashi Tharoor, Gaurav Gogoi, and many others joined the demonstrating lawmakers who raised slogans while carrying black and white banners.

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The protest comes a day after 10&nbsp;Goa Congress MLAs out of 15 split from the Congress and merged with the BJP on Wednesday, reducing the Congress strength to just five members. Strength of BJP has now risen to 27.

In Karnataka, Several JD(S) and Congress MLAs have resigned&nbsp;withdrawing support from the coalition government in the state.

Congress leaders have repeatedly accused the BJP and the Central government of orchestrating the current crisis in Karnataka and Goa, a charge the BJP has denied. 
 
BJP leaders have asserted that the Saffron Party has nothing to do with the ongoing crisis in both states. 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday chaired a meeting of &nbsp;Congress MPs of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha at Congress office in Parliament. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Congress leaders including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday staged a protest in Parliament over the political crisis in Karnataka and Goa. Congress leaders Anand Sharma, Adhir Ranjan Choudhury, Shashi Tharoor, Gaurav Gogoi, and many others joined the demonstrating lawmakers who raised slogans while carrying black and white banners.

Congress leaders including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday staged a protest in Parliament over the political crisis in Karnataka and Goa. Congress leaders Anand Sharma, Adhir Ranjan Choudhury, Shashi Tharoor, Gaurav Gogoi, and many others joined the demonstrating lawmakers who raised slogans while carrying black and white banners. Delhi: Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Anand Sharma protest in front of Gandhi statue in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi tells ANI, "We are protesting against Karnataka and Goa issue" pic.twitter.com/wmZCj7Pihn — ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019 × The protest comes a day after 10 Goa Congress MLAs out of 15 split from the Congress and merged with the BJP on Wednesday, reducing the Congress strength to just five members. Strength of BJP has now risen to 27. In Karnataka, Several JD(S) and Congress MLAs have resigned withdrawing support from the coalition government in the state. Congress leaders have repeatedly accused the BJP and the Central government of orchestrating the current crisis in Karnataka and Goa, a charge the BJP has denied. BJP leaders have asserted that the Saffron Party has nothing to do with the ongoing crisis in both states. Meanwhile, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday chaired a meeting of Congress MPs of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha at Congress office in Parliament. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress leaders stage protest over political crisis in Karnataka and Goa; Sonia Gandhi meets party MPs

In a move that may spell good news for thousands of highly-skilled Indian IT professionals, the United States House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would shorten the waiting period for high-skilled nationals of other countries to obtain a Green Card and work permanently in the United States.&nbsp;

The bill, when passed by the Senate and signed by President Trump, will come into force as law and will lift the seven per cent country-cap on issuing Green Cards.

The move will benefit highly-skilled Indian professionals who eye to obtain US citizenship and work there permanently.&nbsp;

This comes just over a fortnight after the Trump administration said it has no plans to cap <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-has-no-plans-to-cap-h-1b-work-visa-program-state-department-229065">H-1B work visas</a> for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"The Trump Administration has no plans to place caps on H-1B work visas for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally," a State Department spokeswoman said in a statement in response to the Reuters article.

While an administration's "Buy American Hire American" executive order calls for a broad review of US worker visa programmes, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-says-h-1b-visas-and-data-localisation-not-linked-229093">H-1B program</a>, it was not targeted at a specific country, the spokeswoman said.

Every year, the US issues around 85,000 H-1B work visas without any country-specific limit. As per the estimates, a whopping 70 per cent of those go to Indians, reports Reuters.&nbsp;

In a move that may spell good news for thousands of highly-skilled Indian IT professionals, the United States House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would shorten the waiting period for high-skilled nationals of other countries to obtain a Green Card and work permanently in the United States.

In a move that may spell good news for thousands of highly-skilled Indian IT professionals, the United States House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would shorten the waiting period for high-skilled nationals of other countries to obtain a Green Card and work permanently in the United States. The bill, when passed by the Senate and signed by President Trump, will come into force as law and will lift the seven per cent country-cap on issuing Green Cards. The move will benefit highly-skilled Indian professionals who eye to obtain US citizenship and work there permanently. This comes just over a fortnight after the Trump administration said it has no plans to cap H-1B work visas for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally, news agency Reuters reported. "The Trump Administration has no plans to place caps on H-1B work visas for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally," a State Department spokeswoman said in a statement in response to the Reuters article. While an administration's "Buy American Hire American" executive order calls for a broad review of US worker visa programmes, including the H-1B program, it was not targeted at a specific country, the spokeswoman said. Every year, the US issues around 85,000 H-1B work visas without any country-specific limit. As per the estimates, a whopping 70 per cent of those go to Indians, reports Reuters.

US House of Representatives passes bill aimed at removing 7% country cap on Green Card, Indian H-1B visa holders to benefit

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday attached the property belonging to Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi here for allegedly supporting terror activities.

According to the officials, there is no search being carried out.

The chief investigating officer "has reason to believe that property specified in the schedule noted hereunder represents proceeds of terrorism and has been used for the furtherance of terrorist activities of a proscribed terrorist organisation," the NIA letter reads.

It further says, "Therefore, in the exercise of the powers granted under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, I hereby order the attachment of the property specified in the Schedule hereunder as proceeds of terrorism. It is further directed to all concerned not to the prior permission of the undersigned."

Vikas Katheria, Superintendent of Police, National Investigation Agency, is the Chief Investigating Officer of the case.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March had also attached the properties of Kashmiri Separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah in Srinagar for his alleged involvement in terror funding.

According to ED, Shah was involved in illicit activities along with Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad's hawala operator Mohd Aslam Wani.

Shah has confessed during interrogation that he has no source of income.

Wani and Shah were arrested by the ED in 2017 in connection with money laundering.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday attached the property belonging to Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi here for allegedly supporting terror activities.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday attached the property belonging to Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi here for allegedly supporting terror activities. According to the officials, there is no search being carried out. The chief investigating officer "has reason to believe that property specified in the schedule noted hereunder represents proceeds of terrorism and has been used for the furtherance of terrorist activities of a proscribed terrorist organisation," the NIA letter reads. It further says, "Therefore, in the exercise of the powers granted under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, I hereby order the attachment of the property specified in the Schedule hereunder as proceeds of terrorism. It is further directed to all concerned not to the prior permission of the undersigned." Vikas Katheria, Superintendent of Police, National Investigation Agency, is the Chief Investigating Officer of the case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March had also attached the properties of Kashmiri Separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah in Srinagar for his alleged involvement in terror funding. According to ED, Shah was involved in illicit activities along with Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad's hawala operator Mohd Aslam Wani. Shah has confessed during interrogation that he has no source of income. Wani and Shah were arrested by the ED in 2017 in connection with money laundering.

NIA attaches properties of Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi in Srinagar

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has welcomed the Centre's move to set up a committee to discuss the Central Act for doctor's security. 
 
The IMA in a letter on Wednesday said: "IMA has won the first battle in our struggle against violence. Union Government has constituted an inter-ministerial committee to go into the Central legislation against the assault on Doctors and Hospitals.

Congratulations to the entire medical fraternity.

"The Department of Health and Family Welfare said it will hold the first meeting of the committee formed to examine the pros and cons of bringing out a central legislation today.

The move comes just weeks after the protesting resident doctors of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) demanded a tough central law against those who engage in violence with medical practitioners.&nbsp;

The doctors went on strike after one of their colleagues was allegedly attacked by the family of a patient who died on June 10. Indian Medical Association (IMA) had also urged for the enactment of a protection law for the doctors and amendment in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).&nbsp;

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has welcomed the Centre's move to set up a committee to discuss the Central Act for doctor's security. The IMA in a letter on Wednesday said: "IMA has won the first battle in our struggle against violence.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has welcomed the Centre's move to set up a committee to discuss the Central Act for doctor's security. The IMA in a letter on Wednesday said: "IMA has won the first battle in our struggle against violence. Union Government has constituted an inter-ministerial committee to go into the Central legislation against the assault on Doctors and Hospitals. Congratulations to the entire medical fraternity. "The Department of Health and Family Welfare said it will hold the first meeting of the committee formed to examine the pros and cons of bringing out a central legislation today. The move comes just weeks after the protesting resident doctors of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) demanded a tough central law against those who engage in violence with medical practitioners. The doctors went on strike after one of their colleagues was allegedly attacked by the family of a patient who died on June 10. Indian Medical Association (IMA) had also urged for the enactment of a protection law for the doctors and amendment in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Centre sets up committee on central legislation against violence on doctors

The political crisis in Karnataka has reached the Supreme Court. The rebel MLAs, who have decided to quit the ruling Congress-JD(S) government, have moved the top court questioning the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-assembly-speaker-writes-to-governor-asks-rebel-mlas-to-meet-him-234261">Karnataka Assembly Speaker</a> KR Ramesh Kumar's decision to reject their resignations.

The court has agreed to hear their petition on Thursday.

Kumar had rejected the resignations of eight of the 13 MLAs on Tuesday. "Out of 13 resignations, eight are not according to law. I've given them time to present themselves before me," he said on Tuesday.

The Speaker also said that he received a petition from Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramiah seeking disqualification of the dissident MLAs.

The 13-month-old Congress-JD(S) government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kumaraswamy-government-inching-towards-minority-as-another-legislator-pulls-support-233919">slumped into crisis</a> following the resignation of 11 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week.

The strength of Karnataka Assembly is going to be reduced to 210 - the ruling coalition will have 104 members. With the bench strength of 105, the opposition BJP will be just one short of the majority mark.

Congress leaders have repeatedly accused the BJP and the Central government of orchestrating the current crisis in the state, a charge the BJP has denied.

The Congress-JD(S) coalition is making all efforts to protect its government which seems to have fallen short of a majority.

All the ministers from the two parties have resigned paving way for the restructuring of the state Cabinet in a bid to accommodate the dissident MLAs.

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has claimed that they will overcome the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

The political crisis in Karnataka has reached the Supreme Court. The rebel MLAs, who have decided to quit the ruling Congress-JD(S) government, have moved the top court questioning the Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar's decision to reject their resignations.

The political crisis in Karnataka has reached the Supreme Court. The rebel MLAs, who have decided to quit the ruling Congress-JD(S) government, have moved the top court questioning the Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar's decision to reject their resignations. The court has agreed to hear their petition on Thursday. Kumar had rejected the resignations of eight of the 13 MLAs on Tuesday. "Out of 13 resignations, eight are not according to law. I've given them time to present themselves before me," he said on Tuesday. The Speaker also said that he received a petition from Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramiah seeking disqualification of the dissident MLAs. The 13-month-old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 11 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week. The strength of Karnataka Assembly is going to be reduced to 210 - the ruling coalition will have 104 members. With the bench strength of 105, the opposition BJP will be just one short of the majority mark. Congress leaders have repeatedly accused the BJP and the Central government of orchestrating the current crisis in the state, a charge the BJP has denied. The Congress-JD(S) coalition is making all efforts to protect its government which seems to have fallen short of a majority. All the ministers from the two parties have resigned paving way for the restructuring of the state Cabinet in a bid to accommodate the dissident MLAs. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has claimed that they will overcome the crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka crisis: Rebel legislators knock Supreme Court's door

In a bizarre incident, a SpiceJet technician was killed at the aerodrome on Wednesday after he got stuck in the main landing gear door of an aircraft he was working on.

The incident took place in the morning at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.

The body was later removed from the landing gear with the help of the fire brigade.&nbsp;

The budget carrier, in a statement, expressed sadness over the incident.

"Extremely saddened to share that our technician Rohit Pandey passed away last night in an unfortunate incident at Kolkata airport. He was doing maintenance work in right-hand main landing gear wheel well area of a Q400 aircraft which was parked in Bay No. 32 at the airport," the statement read.&nbsp;

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SpiceJet: Inadvertently, the main landing gear hydraulic door closed &amp; he got stuck in between the hydraulic door flaps. 
The Hydraulic doors were broken to rescue Mr Pandey but he was declared dead. The entire SpiceJet family stands together in grief in this unfortunate incident <a href="https://t.co/tLFrawLuzL">https://t.co/tLFrawLuzL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1148820674678525952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, twenty-six passengers were asked to voluntarily deplane after a Paris-bound Air France flight suffered a "technical problem" at the New Delhi airport in the wee hours of Wednesday.

The pilot and crew of Air France AF225 told passengers that their checked-in luggage would be offloaded due to an unspecified technical glitch, urging them to disembark for the plane to take off.

It is not known if the deboarded passengers were flown out on the next flight to Paris, as is commonly done in such cases.

In a bizarre incident, a SpiceJet technician was killed at the aerodrome on Wednesday after he got stuck in the main landing gear door of an aircraft he was working on.

In a bizarre incident, a SpiceJet technician was killed at the aerodrome on Wednesday after he got stuck in the main landing gear door of an aircraft he was working on. The incident took place in the morning at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. The body was later removed from the landing gear with the help of the fire brigade. The budget carrier, in a statement, expressed sadness over the incident. "Extremely saddened to share that our technician Rohit Pandey passed away last night in an unfortunate incident at Kolkata airport. He was doing maintenance work in right-hand main landing gear wheel well area of a Q400 aircraft which was parked in Bay No. 32 at the airport," the statement read. SpiceJet: Inadvertently, the main landing gear hydraulic door closed & he got stuck in between the hydraulic door flaps. The Hydraulic doors were broken to rescue Mr Pandey but he was declared dead. The entire SpiceJet family stands together in grief in this unfortunate incident https://t.co/tLFrawLuzL — ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2019 × Meanwhile, twenty-six passengers were asked to voluntarily deplane after a Paris-bound Air France flight suffered a "technical problem" at the New Delhi airport in the wee hours of Wednesday. The pilot and crew of Air France AF225 told passengers that their checked-in luggage would be offloaded due to an unspecified technical glitch, urging them to disembark for the plane to take off. It is not known if the deboarded passengers were flown out on the next flight to Paris, as is commonly done in such cases.

Kolkata: SpiceJet technician dies after getting stuck in aircraft's landing gear door

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will on Wednesday reply to the debate on the Union Budget which she presented in Parliament on July 5.

Opposition leaders have criticised the Budget which aims to make India a $5 trillion economy in the next five years.

Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have called the Budget disappointing.

"There is nothing new, it is a repetition of old promises. They are talking about new India but the Budget is the same old wine in a new bottle. There is no plan for employment generation, no new initiatives," Chowdhury had said.

Tharoor had express unhappiness over the government's decision to hike fuel prices.

"We are already paying the highest petrol rates in the world and they now want us to pay Rs 2 more for every litre. This will affect the 'aam aadmi'&nbsp;(common man) as prices of all items of consumption will become expensive with the rise in petrol price," Tharoor had said.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala had described the Budget as "anti-people, anti-youth, anti-poor and farmers"."(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji's new government is against people, youth, poor and farmers. The Finance Minister not even once mentioned about the plight of farmers. She did not mention as to how the income of farmers will be doubled or how employment will be generated," Surjewala had said.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will on Wednesday reply to the debate on the Union Budget which she presented in Parliament on July 5. Opposition leaders have criticised the Budget which aims to make India a $5 trillion economy in the next five years.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will on Wednesday reply to the debate on the Union Budget which she presented in Parliament on July 5. Opposition leaders have criticised the Budget which aims to make India a $5 trillion economy in the next five years. Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have called the Budget disappointing. "There is nothing new, it is a repetition of old promises. They are talking about new India but the Budget is the same old wine in a new bottle. There is no plan for employment generation, no new initiatives," Chowdhury had said. Tharoor had express unhappiness over the government's decision to hike fuel prices. "We are already paying the highest petrol rates in the world and they now want us to pay Rs 2 more for every litre. This will affect the 'aam aadmi' (common man) as prices of all items of consumption will become expensive with the rise in petrol price," Tharoor had said. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala had described the Budget as "anti-people, anti-youth, anti-poor and farmers"."(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji's new government is against people, youth, poor and farmers. The Finance Minister not even once mentioned about the plight of farmers. She did not mention as to how the income of farmers will be doubled or how employment will be generated," Surjewala had said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to reply to Budget debate in Parliament today

As many as 189 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) have been reported in Assam`s Dibrugarh, out of which 14 people have died.

"A total of 189 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) reported in Dibrugarh since January. Five of them died from Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and nine from AES," said Dr Navjyoti Gogoi, Health Coordinator Officer, Dibrugarh.

The maximum number of AES cases have been reported from Bihar, and the death toll due to AES mounted to 142 in Muzaffarpur district on Monday.

While talking about Japanese encephalitis cases, VK Prasad, Medical Superintendent ANMMC, Gaya said, "Out of 13 suspected cases, three patients are in a critical condition, one patient has been found JE positive. There have been six deaths so far."

AES is a viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and in extreme cases, brain dysfunction, seizure, and inflammation of heart and kidney.

Meanwhile, JE is vector-borne encephalitis transmitted by Culex groups of mosquitoes.

These mosquitoes breed mainly in rice fields and large water bodies rich in aquatic vegetations. Migratory birds along with pigs in the community play an important role in the transmission of JE from one area to another area.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As many as 189 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) have been reported in Assam`s Dibrugarh, out of which 14 people have died.

As many as 189 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) have been reported in Assam`s Dibrugarh, out of which 14 people have died. "A total of 189 cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) reported in Dibrugarh since January. Five of them died from Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and nine from AES," said Dr Navjyoti Gogoi, Health Coordinator Officer, Dibrugarh. The maximum number of AES cases have been reported from Bihar, and the death toll due to AES mounted to 142 in Muzaffarpur district on Monday. While talking about Japanese encephalitis cases, VK Prasad, Medical Superintendent ANMMC, Gaya said, "Out of 13 suspected cases, three patients are in a critical condition, one patient has been found JE positive. There have been six deaths so far." AES is a viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and in extreme cases, brain dysfunction, seizure, and inflammation of heart and kidney. Meanwhile, JE is vector-borne encephalitis transmitted by Culex groups of mosquitoes. These mosquitoes breed mainly in rice fields and large water bodies rich in aquatic vegetations. Migratory birds along with pigs in the community play an important role in the transmission of JE from one area to another area.

5 dead due to Japanese Encephalitis, 9 from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Dibrugarh

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Tuesday said the Congress-led state government is soon going to bring a law to reserve 70 per cent for the people of the state in private sector jobs.

Nath announced the proposal while speaking in the state assembly.

When asked about the proposal put forth by the Chief Minister, Congress leader Kamleshwar Patel, while welcoming the decision, said locals should be the priority for the government.

"We welcome this decision. The youth and unemployed people of Madhya Pradesh should get opportunities. This should be our first priority. The last government didn't pay attention to this due to which the people stayed unemployed. We feel that giving 30 per cent to outsiders is enough," he said.

Madhya Pradesh's Law Minister PC Sharma said the proposal will soon become law.

"Kamal Nath has said that now 70 per cent reservation will be given to Madhya Pradesh people in those companies who want to invest in the state. We will soon make this a law. In October, Kamal Nath is going to do investors meet conference," he added.

Soon after taking oath as the Chief Minister in December last year, Nath had accused people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar of migrating to Madhya Pradesh and stealing local jobs.

The senior Congress leader had said that in his tenure, priority would be given to the natives of Madhya Pradesh in terms of employment.

"Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70 per cent people from Madhya Pradesh get jobs. I've signed file for this. People from states like Bihar, UP come here and locals don't get jobs," Nath had said.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Tuesday said the Congress-led state government is soon going to bring a law to reserve 70 per cent for the people of the state in private sector jobs.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Tuesday said the Congress-led state government is soon going to bring a law to reserve 70 per cent for the people of the state in private sector jobs. Nath announced the proposal while speaking in the state assembly. When asked about the proposal put forth by the Chief Minister, Congress leader Kamleshwar Patel, while welcoming the decision, said locals should be the priority for the government. "We welcome this decision. The youth and unemployed people of Madhya Pradesh should get opportunities. This should be our first priority. The last government didn't pay attention to this due to which the people stayed unemployed. We feel that giving 30 per cent to outsiders is enough," he said. Madhya Pradesh's Law Minister PC Sharma said the proposal will soon become law. "Kamal Nath has said that now 70 per cent reservation will be given to Madhya Pradesh people in those companies who want to invest in the state. We will soon make this a law. In October, Kamal Nath is going to do investors meet conference," he added. Soon after taking oath as the Chief Minister in December last year, Nath had accused people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar of migrating to Madhya Pradesh and stealing local jobs. The senior Congress leader had said that in his tenure, priority would be given to the natives of Madhya Pradesh in terms of employment. "Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70 per cent people from Madhya Pradesh get jobs. I've signed file for this. People from states like Bihar, UP come here and locals don't get jobs," Nath had said.

Madhya Pradesh: 70% reservation for locals in private sector jobs, says Kamal Nath

Karnataka Congress Minister DK Shivakumar and JD(S) MLA Shivalinge Gowda on Wednesday arrived in Mumbai on a special flight from Bengaluru to meet rebel MLAs amid political <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-assembly-speaker-writes-to-governor-asks-rebel-mlas-to-meet-him-234261">turmoil in the state</a>.

Meanwhile, security has been increased outside Hotel Renaissance in Powai in Mumbai where the 10 dissident Karnataka Congress-JD(S) MLAs are staying.

Maharashtra State Reserve Police Force and Riot Control Police have been deployed outside the hotel.

When asked about the heavy security deployed outside the hotel ahead of his visit, Shivakumar told ANI,&nbsp;"Let Mumbai Police or any other force be deployed. Let them do their duty. We have come to meet our friends.

We were born together in politics, we will die together in politics.

They are our party men. We have come to meet them.

"The security has been tightened as the disgruntled MLAs had earlier written a letter to Mumbai Commissioner of Police seeking protection, stating "We have heard Chief Minister and DK Shivakumar are going to storm the hotel, we feel threatened."

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DK Shivakumar,outside Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel: I've booked a room here. My friends are staying here.There has been a small problem, we've to hold negotiations.We can't go for a divorce immediately. There is no question of threatening, we love&amp;respect each other <a href="https://t.co/RRcazlhbRq">pic.twitter.com/RRcazlhbRq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1148790855060398080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We the following elected members of Legislative Assembly of the state of Karnataka are staying at Hotel Renaissance Powai in Mumbai. We have heard that Shri Kumaraswamy and DK Shivakumar and others are going to storm in the hotel premises, we feel threatened for the same," read the letter written by the legislators.

"We do not want to meet him (Shivakumar), kind request to help us in this matter and do not allow them to enter the hotel premises," the MLAs added in the letter.

Among the MLAs who have signed the letter are Shivram Hebbar, Pratap Gowda Patil, BC Patil, ST Somshekar, Ramesh Jarkiholi, Byrati Basavraj, Gopalaiyya, H Vishwanath, Narayan Gowda, and Mahesh Kumutali.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police stated that "Karnataka Minister DK Shivakumar will not be allowed inside the hotel where 10 rebel Karnataka Congress-JD(S) MLAs are staying". However, "He will not be stopped before the gates of the hotel," police said.

The 13-month old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 11 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week.

The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113.

The Congress-JD(S) coalition is making all efforts to protect its government which seems to have fallen short of a majority.

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has also claimed that they will overcome the crisis.

All the ministers from the two parties have resigned paving way for the restructuring of the state Cabinet in a bid to accommodate the dissident MLAs.

The Congress party has been constantly accusing the BJP of conspiring to topple Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka.

However, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his reply in Parliament, asserted that his party is committed to parliamentary democracy and has no relation with the developments in Karnataka.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Karnataka Congress Minister DK Shivakumar and JD(S) MLA Shivalinge Gowda on Wednesday arrived in Mumbai on a special flight from Bengaluru to meet rebel MLAs amid political turmoil in the state.

Karnataka Congress Minister DK Shivakumar and JD(S) MLA Shivalinge Gowda on Wednesday arrived in Mumbai on a special flight from Bengaluru to meet rebel MLAs amid political turmoil in the state. Meanwhile, security has been increased outside Hotel Renaissance in Powai in Mumbai where the 10 dissident Karnataka Congress-JD(S) MLAs are staying. Maharashtra State Reserve Police Force and Riot Control Police have been deployed outside the hotel. When asked about the heavy security deployed outside the hotel ahead of his visit, Shivakumar told ANI, "Let Mumbai Police or any other force be deployed. Let them do their duty. We have come to meet our friends. We were born together in politics, we will die together in politics. They are our party men. We have come to meet them. "The security has been tightened as the disgruntled MLAs had earlier written a letter to Mumbai Commissioner of Police seeking protection, stating "We have heard Chief Minister and DK Shivakumar are going to storm the hotel, we feel threatened." DK Shivakumar,outside Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel: I've booked a room here. My friends are staying here.There has been a small problem, we've to hold negotiations.We can't go for a divorce immediately. There is no question of threatening, we love&respect each other pic.twitter.com/RRcazlhbRq — ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2019 × "We the following elected members of Legislative Assembly of the state of Karnataka are staying at Hotel Renaissance Powai in Mumbai. We have heard that Shri Kumaraswamy and DK Shivakumar and others are going to storm in the hotel premises, we feel threatened for the same," read the letter written by the legislators. "We do not want to meet him (Shivakumar), kind request to help us in this matter and do not allow them to enter the hotel premises," the MLAs added in the letter. Among the MLAs who have signed the letter are Shivram Hebbar, Pratap Gowda Patil, BC Patil, ST Somshekar, Ramesh Jarkiholi, Byrati Basavraj, Gopalaiyya, H Vishwanath, Narayan Gowda, and Mahesh Kumutali. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police stated that "Karnataka Minister DK Shivakumar will not be allowed inside the hotel where 10 rebel Karnataka Congress-JD(S) MLAs are staying". However, "He will not be stopped before the gates of the hotel," police said. The 13-month old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 11 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week. The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113. The Congress-JD(S) coalition is making all efforts to protect its government which seems to have fallen short of a majority. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has also claimed that they will overcome the crisis. All the ministers from the two parties have resigned paving way for the restructuring of the state Cabinet in a bid to accommodate the dissident MLAs. The Congress party has been constantly accusing the BJP of conspiring to topple Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka. However, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his reply in Parliament, asserted that his party is committed to parliamentary democracy and has no relation with the developments in Karnataka.

Karnataka crisis: Congress minister Shivakumar arrives in Mumbai to meet rebel MLAs

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dawoods-safe-haven-declines-to-even-acknowledge-his-existence-which-is-a-real-and-present-danger-to-us-india-at-un-234487">Dawood's 'safe haven' declines to even acknowledge his existence which is a real and present danger to us: India at UN</a> 
 
He said that the success achieved in denuding ISIL shows that the Council's focussed attention yield results and the same approach must be applied to address threats posed by the D company, Dawood Ibrahim and other proscribed entities.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-ties-with-taiwan-meant-to-promote-peace-across-the-strait-us-234484">Military ties with Taiwan meant to promote peace across the strait: US</a> 
 
The deal includes 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks, 250 Stinger portable anti-aircraft missiles, related equipment and support at an estimated cost of just over $2.2 billion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-watchdog-proposes-to-fine-marriott-124-million-over-data-breach-234489">UK watchdog proposes to fine Marriott $124 million over data breach</a> 
 
The hack began in 2014, a year before Marriott offered to buy Starwood to create the world's largest hotel operator. The $13.6 billion deal closed in September 2016.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nicki-minaj-cancels-saudi-arabia-concert-over-womens-rights-concerns-234488">Nicki Minaj cancels Saudi Arabia concert over women's rights concerns</a> 
 
'After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest,' Minaj said in a statement.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-news-anchor-shot-dead-outside-karachi-cafe-234491">Pakistan news anchor shot dead outside Karachi cafe</a> 
 
Police said that an assailant identified as Atif Zaman opened fire at the journalist from a white-coloured car, according to Pak media.

Dawood's 'safe haven' declines to even acknowledge his existence which is a real and present danger to us: India at UN He said that the success achieved in denuding ISIL shows that the Council's focussed attention yield results and the same approach must be applied to address threats posed by the D company, Dawood Ibrahim and other proscribed entities.

Dawood's 'safe haven' declines to even acknowledge his existence which is a real and present danger to us: India at UN He said that the success achieved in denuding ISIL shows that the Council's focussed attention yield results and the same approach must be applied to address threats posed by the D company, Dawood Ibrahim and other proscribed entities. Military ties with Taiwan meant to promote peace across the strait: US The deal includes 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks, 250 Stinger portable anti-aircraft missiles, related equipment and support at an estimated cost of just over $2.2 billion. UK watchdog proposes to fine Marriott $124 million over data breach The hack began in 2014, a year before Marriott offered to buy Starwood to create the world's largest hotel operator. The $13.6 billion deal closed in September 2016. Nicki Minaj cancels Saudi Arabia concert over women's rights concerns 'After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest,' Minaj said in a statement. Pakistan news anchor shot dead outside Karachi cafe Police said that an assailant identified as Atif Zaman opened fire at the journalist from a white-coloured car, according to Pak media.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in UN Security Council, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-supports-afghan-led-inclusive-peace-process-syed-akbaruddin-228915">Syed Akbaruddin</a>, on Tuesday stated that a there has been a "mutation of Dawood Ibrahim’s criminal syndicate into a terrorist network known as the D-Company".

Akbaruddin further added that the illegitimate economic activities of this entity from a "safe haven" are known to the outside world, however, "for us, such activities as gold smuggling, counterfeit currency, arms and drug trafficking from a safe haven that declines to acknowledge even his existence, are a real and present danger," he noted.&nbsp;

He said that the success achieved in denuding ISIL shows that the Council's focussed attention does yield results and that the same approach when applied to address threats posed by the D company, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-designated-terrorist-dawood-ibrahim-hiding-in-pakistan-report-233552">Dawood Ibrahim</a> and other proscribed entities such as JeM and LeT &nbsp;"will serve us well".&nbsp;

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Syed Akbaruddin in UN Security Council: .....as well as proscribed entities, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba, listed as affiliates of Al-Qaeda, under the 1267 sanctions regime, will serve all of us well. <a href="https://t.co/JzIm6t0dAT">https://t.co/JzIm6t0dAT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1148747942221746177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Success of collective action to denude ISIL is a pointer that the Council’s focused attention can and does yield results. A similar degree of interest in addressing threats posed by proscribed individuals, such as Dawood Ibrahim &amp; his D-Company as well as proscribed entities, including the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, listed as affiliates of Al-Qaeda, under the 1267 sanctions regime, will serve all of us well," Akbaruddin was quoted by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Watch: India slams Pakistan government's denial on Dawood

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-slams-pak-govts-denial-on-dawood-233130/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-designated-terrorist-dawood-ibrahim-hiding-in-pakistan-report-233552">An ANI report</a> that came out earlier this month reported that Dawood Ibrahim is hiding in Pakistan.

A photograph of Dawood Ibrahim with Motiwala went viral indicating that the underworld don is in good health. The US is trying to extradite Motiwala, Dawood's close aide, over charges of money laundering, ANI reported.&nbsp;

While reacting on the recent developments, Lawrence Sellin, a US Army veteran and security expert tweeted, "Fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim is believed to be a key facilitator in Pakistani Inter-Service Intelligence's narco-terrorist-jihadi operations and linked to the Dehiwala Sri Lankan drug distribution centre and possible funder of the Easter bombings."

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Syed Akbaruddin: D-Company’s illegitimate economic activities may be little known outside, but for us, such activities as gold smuggling, counterfeit currency, arms &amp; drug trafficking from a safe haven that declines to acknowledge even his existence, are a real &amp; present danger. <a href="https://t.co/i3jo81Ev6D">https://t.co/i3jo81Ev6D</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1148745707265908739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Underworld criminal and terrorist, Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar is accused of the 1993 Mumbai bombings in which 257 people were killed and hundreds were injured.

India has asked Pakistan several times to hand over Ibrahim.

Last month at the UN, India reiterated its support for an "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" inclusive peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

Akbaruddin, while speaking at an open debate on the situation in Afghanistan at United Nations Security Council, said that India stands committed to support the peace process, which promotes and protects unity, sovereignty, democracy, inclusiveness and prosperity of the country.&nbsp;

Akbaruddin said that while the country may be perceived as a "threat of transnational terrorism," it is the people of Afghanistan who have long been its victims.

In his address, Akbaruddin had stressed that the "sanctuaries and safe havens provided to" these terror networks need to be addressed for genuine and sustainable peace in the region.

"As the way forward is chalked out, we cannot ignore those groups enjoying the support and safe havens carry out violent and terrorist activities from across borders.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in UN Security Council, Syed Akbaruddin, on Tuesday stated that a there has been a "mutation of Dawood Ibrahim’s criminal syndicate into a terrorist network known as the D-Company".

India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in UN Security Council, Syed Akbaruddin, on Tuesday stated that a there has been a "mutation of Dawood Ibrahim’s criminal syndicate into a terrorist network known as the D-Company". Akbaruddin further added that the illegitimate economic activities of this entity from a "safe haven" are known to the outside world, however, "for us, such activities as gold smuggling, counterfeit currency, arms and drug trafficking from a safe haven that declines to acknowledge even his existence, are a real and present danger," he noted. He said that the success achieved in denuding ISIL shows that the Council's focussed attention does yield results and that the same approach when applied to address threats posed by the D company, Dawood Ibrahim and other proscribed entities such as JeM and LeT "will serve us well". Syed Akbaruddin in UN Security Council: .....as well as proscribed entities, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba, listed as affiliates of Al-Qaeda, under the 1267 sanctions regime, will serve all of us well. https://t.co/JzIm6t0dAT — ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2019 × "Success of collective action to denude ISIL is a pointer that the Council’s focused attention can and does yield results. A similar degree of interest in addressing threats posed by proscribed individuals, such as Dawood Ibrahim & his D-Company as well as proscribed entities, including the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, listed as affiliates of Al-Qaeda, under the 1267 sanctions regime, will serve all of us well," Akbaruddin was quoted by news agency ANI. Watch: India slams Pakistan government's denial on Dawood An ANI report that came out earlier this month reported that Dawood Ibrahim is hiding in Pakistan. A photograph of Dawood Ibrahim with Motiwala went viral indicating that the underworld don is in good health. The US is trying to extradite Motiwala, Dawood's close aide, over charges of money laundering, ANI reported. While reacting on the recent developments, Lawrence Sellin, a US Army veteran and security expert tweeted, "Fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim is believed to be a key facilitator in Pakistani Inter-Service Intelligence's narco-terrorist-jihadi operations and linked to the Dehiwala Sri Lankan drug distribution centre and possible funder of the Easter bombings." Syed Akbaruddin: D-Company’s illegitimate economic activities may be little known outside, but for us, such activities as gold smuggling, counterfeit currency, arms & drug trafficking from a safe haven that declines to acknowledge even his existence, are a real & present danger. https://t.co/i3jo81Ev6D — ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2019 × Underworld criminal and terrorist, Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar is accused of the 1993 Mumbai bombings in which 257 people were killed and hundreds were injured. India has asked Pakistan several times to hand over Ibrahim. Last month at the UN, India reiterated its support for an "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" inclusive peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country. Akbaruddin, while speaking at an open debate on the situation in Afghanistan at United Nations Security Council, said that India stands committed to support the peace process, which promotes and protects unity, sovereignty, democracy, inclusiveness and prosperity of the country. Akbaruddin said that while the country may be perceived as a "threat of transnational terrorism," it is the people of Afghanistan who have long been its victims. In his address, Akbaruddin had stressed that the "sanctuaries and safe havens provided to" these terror networks need to be addressed for genuine and sustainable peace in the region. "As the way forward is chalked out, we cannot ignore those groups enjoying the support and safe havens carry out violent and terrorist activities from across borders. (With inputs from ANI)

Dawood's 'safe haven' declines to even acknowledge his existence which is a real and present danger to us: India at UN

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently stepped down as the party president, visited Amethi on Wednesday and met the party workers.

"I very happy after coming to Amethi. It feels like coming home," he tweeted in Hindi soon after reaching his erstwhile Lok Sabha constituency. 
&nbsp;

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अमेठी आकर बहुत खुश हूँ। अमेठी आना घर आने जैसा लगता है। <a href="https://t.co/B6YW2f7aLg">pic.twitter.com/B6YW2f7aLg</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1148896960339795968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He chaired a review meeting attended by party workers and office-bearers to access the reason behind Congress's debacle in Lok Sabha elections. He asked them&nbsp;to remain prepared for a long battle to resurrect the Congress.

&nbsp;"Some mistakes have been made by you people also," he told the party workers.

This was&nbsp;his first visit to Amethi after Congress's debacle in just-concluded Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Rahul had lost Amethi seat to BJP leader Smriti Irani in the Lok Sabha elections. Rahul held the seat for the last 15 years.&nbsp;

On July 3, Rahul Gandhi had made his resignation letter public. "It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love, " he had tweeted. 
&nbsp;

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It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. 
 
I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love. 
 
Jai Hind 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/WWGYt5YG4V">pic.twitter.com/WWGYt5YG4V</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1146359704815194112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Rahul Gandhi had first offered to step down on May 25 at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee after party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections.

However, his offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently stepped down as the party president, visited Amethi on Wednesday and met the party workers. "I very happy after coming to Amethi.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently stepped down as the party president, visited Amethi on Wednesday and met the party workers. "I very happy after coming to Amethi. It feels like coming home," he tweeted in Hindi soon after reaching his erstwhile Lok Sabha constituency. अमेठी आकर बहुत खुश हूँ। अमेठी आना घर आने जैसा लगता है। pic.twitter.com/B6YW2f7aLg — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 10, 2019 × He chaired a review meeting attended by party workers and office-bearers to access the reason behind Congress's debacle in Lok Sabha elections. He asked them to remain prepared for a long battle to resurrect the Congress. "Some mistakes have been made by you people also," he told the party workers. This was his first visit to Amethi after Congress's debacle in just-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Rahul had lost Amethi seat to BJP leader Smriti Irani in the Lok Sabha elections. Rahul held the seat for the last 15 years. On July 3, Rahul Gandhi had made his resignation letter public. "It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love, " he had tweeted. It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love. Jai Hind 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/WWGYt5YG4V — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 3, 2019 × Rahul Gandhi had first offered to step down on May 25 at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee after party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections. However, his offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

'It feels like coming home,' says Rahul Gandhi on his first visit to Amethi after Lok Sabha elections

The Centre on Wednesday informed Rajya Sabha that a pilot project has been approved to replace the existing old design or composite fencing with a new "anti-cut" and "anti-rust" modular fencing in 7.18 kilometres India-Pakistan border length in Amritsar.

Replying to a question on "what measures government took for progress of pilot project for security of India-Pak border in Punjab" raised by opposition in the House, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in Rajya Sabha, "A pilot project has been approved to replace the existing old design/composite fencing with a new "anti-cut" and "anti-rust" modular fencing in 7.18 km border length in Amritsar and work has recently been awarded.

"Two Pilot projects have been taken up to replace the existing "old design/composite fencing" with a new "anti-cut and anti-rust" modular fencing (New Design Fence).&nbsp;

While the pilot project for the construction of New Design Fence in 3 km border length in Assam has been completed, another pilot project in 7.18 km border length in Punjab has been approved and work has been awarded.

It has been decided to deploy technological solutions in the form of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), in difficult terrain on Indo-Pakistan Border (IPB) and Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB).

The CIBMS involves integration of manpower, sensors, networks, intelligence and command and control solutions and includes inter alia Electro-Optic Sensors (high-resolution day and night cameras), Radars and other devices.

The Centre on Wednesday informed Rajya Sabha that a pilot project has been approved to replace the existing old design or composite fencing with a new "anti-cut" and "anti-rust" modular fencing in 7.

The Centre on Wednesday informed Rajya Sabha that a pilot project has been approved to replace the existing old design or composite fencing with a new "anti-cut" and "anti-rust" modular fencing in 7.18 kilometres India-Pakistan border length in Amritsar. Replying to a question on "what measures government took for progress of pilot project for security of India-Pak border in Punjab" raised by opposition in the House, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in Rajya Sabha, "A pilot project has been approved to replace the existing old design/composite fencing with a new "anti-cut" and "anti-rust" modular fencing in 7.18 km border length in Amritsar and work has recently been awarded. "Two Pilot projects have been taken up to replace the existing "old design/composite fencing" with a new "anti-cut and anti-rust" modular fencing (New Design Fence). While the pilot project for the construction of New Design Fence in 3 km border length in Assam has been completed, another pilot project in 7.18 km border length in Punjab has been approved and work has been awarded. It has been decided to deploy technological solutions in the form of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), in difficult terrain on Indo-Pakistan Border (IPB) and Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB). The CIBMS involves integration of manpower, sensors, networks, intelligence and command and control solutions and includes inter alia Electro-Optic Sensors (high-resolution day and night cameras), Radars and other devices.

Pilot project approved to replace existing border fencing in Amritsar: Centre in RS

Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday filed a supplementary charge sheet in the Delhi High Court in connection with a money laundering case against RJD leader Misa Bharti and her husband Shailendra Kumar. 
 
The court is slated to consider the charge sheet on July 27. Misa is the daughter of RJD chief Lalu Yadav. 
 
Misa and Shailesh's involvement is being probed in a money laundering case worth Rs. 8,000 crore, investigation for which began in July, in 2017. 
 
The duo had allegedly converted black money into white money through the shell company of two businessmen -- Surendra Jain and Virender Jain. 
 
The accused businessmen were granted bail in January last year, on personal bonds of Rs 2 lakh each. 
 
The couple was also granted bail by a Special CBI court in the case, on a condition that they cannot leave the country without the Court's permission.&nbsp;

Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday filed a supplementary charge sheet in the Delhi High Court in connection with a money laundering case against RJD leader Misa Bharti and her husband Shailendra Kumar.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday filed a supplementary charge sheet in the Delhi High Court in connection with a money laundering case against RJD leader Misa Bharti and her husband Shailendra Kumar. The court is slated to consider the charge sheet on July 27. Misa is the daughter of RJD chief Lalu Yadav. Misa and Shailesh's involvement is being probed in a money laundering case worth Rs. 8,000 crore, investigation for which began in July, in 2017. The duo had allegedly converted black money into white money through the shell company of two businessmen -- Surendra Jain and Virender Jain. The accused businessmen were granted bail in January last year, on personal bonds of Rs 2 lakh each. The couple was also granted bail by a Special CBI court in the case, on a condition that they cannot leave the country without the Court's permission.

Enforcement Directorate files supplementary charge sheet against Misa Bharti, her husband

Government of India on Wednesday banned pro-Khalistan group The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) an unlawful organisation for its alleged anti-national activities.

The decision was taken in a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

&nbsp;The Union Cabinet banned it under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) pushes for Sikh Referendum 2020 as part of its separatist agenda.

The fringe group is run by a few radical Sikhs of foreign nationality in the US, Canada and the UK, a Home Ministry statement said.

Welcoming the move by Centre, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh has urged the Government of India to treat the outfit as a ‘terror organisation’.

Government of India on Wednesday banned pro-Khalistan group The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) an unlawful organisation for its alleged anti-national activities. The decision was taken in a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Government of India on Wednesday banned pro-Khalistan group The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) an unlawful organisation for its alleged anti-national activities. The decision was taken in a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Union Cabinet banned it under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) pushes for Sikh Referendum 2020 as part of its separatist agenda. The fringe group is run by a few radical Sikhs of foreign nationality in the US, Canada and the UK, a Home Ministry statement said. Welcoming the move by Centre, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh has urged the Government of India to treat the outfit as a ‘terror organisation’.

India bans ‘Sikhs for Justice’, Punjab CM urges to treat outfit as a terror organisation

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently stepped down as the party president, arrived in Amethi on Wednesday and met the party workers. 
 
He met the party workers in Nirmala Devi Institute and asked them&nbsp;to remain prepared for a long battle to resurrect the Congress. 
 
"I very happy after coming to Amethi. It feels like coming home," he tweeted in Hindi soon after reaching his erstwhile Lok Sabha constituency. 
&nbsp;

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अमेठी आकर बहुत खुश हूँ। अमेठी आना घर आने जैसा लगता है। <a href="https://t.co/B6YW2f7aLg">pic.twitter.com/B6YW2f7aLg</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1148896960339795968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier today, the Gandhi scion tweeted that he will celebrate his increasing follower count&nbsp;on Twitter with Congress&nbsp;workers and supporters in Amethi today.

"10 Million Twitter followers - thank you to each and every one of you! I will celebrate the milestone in Amethi, where I will be meeting our Congress workers and supporters today," Gandhi tweeted. 
&nbsp;

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10 Million Twitter followers - thank you to each and every one of you! 🙏🙏 
 
I will celebrate the milestone in Amethi, where I will be meeting our Congress workers &amp; supporters today.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1148810062984466433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This is&nbsp;his first visit to Amethi after Congress's debacle in just-concluded Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">Rahul had lost Amethi seat to BJP leader Smriti Irani </a>in the Lok Sabha elections. Rahul held the seat for the last 15 years.&nbsp;

On July 3, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/honour-for-me-to-serve-congress-party-rahul-gandhi-tweets-his-resignation-letter-232732">Rahul Gandhi had made his resignation letter public</a>. "It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love, " he had tweeted. 
&nbsp;

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It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. 
 
I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love. 
 
Jai Hind 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/WWGYt5YG4V">pic.twitter.com/WWGYt5YG4V</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1146359704815194112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently stepped down as the party president, arrived in Amethi on Wednesday and met the party workers. He met the party workers in Nirmala Devi Institute and asked them to remain prepared for a long battle to resurrect the Congress.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently stepped down as the party president, arrived in Amethi on Wednesday and met the party workers. He met the party workers in Nirmala Devi Institute and asked them to remain prepared for a long battle to resurrect the Congress. "I very happy after coming to Amethi. It feels like coming home," he tweeted in Hindi soon after reaching his erstwhile Lok Sabha constituency. अमेठी आकर बहुत खुश हूँ। अमेठी आना घर आने जैसा लगता है। pic.twitter.com/B6YW2f7aLg — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 10, 2019 × Earlier today, the Gandhi scion tweeted that he will celebrate his increasing follower count on Twitter with Congress workers and supporters in Amethi today. "10 Million Twitter followers - thank you to each and every one of you! I will celebrate the milestone in Amethi, where I will be meeting our Congress workers and supporters today," Gandhi tweeted. 10 Million Twitter followers - thank you to each and every one of you! 🙏🙏 I will celebrate the milestone in Amethi, where I will be meeting our Congress workers & supporters today. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 10, 2019 × This is his first visit to Amethi after Congress's debacle in just-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Rahul had lost Amethi seat to BJP leader Smriti Irani in the Lok Sabha elections. Rahul held the seat for the last 15 years. On July 3, Rahul Gandhi had made his resignation letter public. "It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love, " he had tweeted. It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love. Jai Hind 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/WWGYt5YG4V — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 3, 2019 × The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi visits Amethi for first time after Congress's debacle in Lok Sabha elections, meets party workers

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs.&nbsp;

A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry.

"On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday.

This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5.

The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-threatens-veto-of-house-defence-bill-over-spending-levels-wall-234525&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj49Ke1q6rjAhUxheYKHd2aDEwQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29-_WQn5bRLvCHPQycTYv8">US trade-preference scheme</a> and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable".

"India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump.

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India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1148573632869875712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them.

Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs.

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs. A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry. "On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday. This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5. The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade-preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable". "India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump. India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2019 × During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them. Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

India-US trade talks to be held on July 12 in New Delhi

In a major crackdown against spurious mineral water being sold in trains, more than 800 people were arrested on Wednesday.

As many as 48,860 bottles of spurious mineral water were recovered in an operation which was carried out at over 300 places following the complaints filed by passengers.

"A major crackdown on those who sell spurious mineral water was carried out at over 300 places. More than 800 persons, including manager of 4 pantry cars, were arrested and 48,860 bottles recovered," news agency ANI quoted Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court asked the Railways on Tuesday to file an affidavit detailing the steps it has taken, and proposes to take, to ensure availability of clean and safe drinking water on its trains as well as stations.

The lawyers, representing the Railways, told the HC that it has set up chlorination plants to treat the water. The Railways also told the court that it, occasionally, sends samples of water collected from its stations to laboratories. 
 
Indian Railways has been taking steps to ensure the safety and convenience of passengers. Passengers on board premier trains like Rajdhani and Duronto are provided with free Rail Neer bottles but passengers on many other trains have to rely on either buying bottles or using drinking water taps at stations.&nbsp;

However, several vendors supply spurious water with stickers of well-known brands pasted on bottles.

 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In a major crackdown against spurious mineral water being sold in trains, more than 800 people were arrested on Wednesday. As many as 48,860 bottles of spurious mineral water were recovered in an operation which was carried out at over 300 places following the complaints filed by passengers.

In a major crackdown against spurious mineral water being sold in trains, more than 800 people were arrested on Wednesday. As many as 48,860 bottles of spurious mineral water were recovered in an operation which was carried out at over 300 places following the complaints filed by passengers. "A major crackdown on those who sell spurious mineral water was carried out at over 300 places. More than 800 persons, including manager of 4 pantry cars, were arrested and 48,860 bottles recovered," news agency ANI quoted Railway Minister Piyush Goyal. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court asked the Railways on Tuesday to file an affidavit detailing the steps it has taken, and proposes to take, to ensure availability of clean and safe drinking water on its trains as well as stations. The lawyers, representing the Railways, told the HC that it has set up chlorination plants to treat the water. The Railways also told the court that it, occasionally, sends samples of water collected from its stations to laboratories. Indian Railways has been taking steps to ensure the safety and convenience of passengers. Passengers on board premier trains like Rajdhani and Duronto are provided with free Rail Neer bottles but passengers on many other trains have to rely on either buying bottles or using drinking water taps at stations. However, several vendors supply spurious water with stickers of well-known brands pasted on bottles. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 800 people arrested in crackdown against spurious water sold in trains

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs.&nbsp;

A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry.

"On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday.

This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5.

The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-threatens-veto-of-house-defence-bill-over-spending-levels-wall-234525&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj49Ke1q6rjAhUxheYKHd2aDEwQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29-_WQn5bRLvCHPQycTYv8">US trade-preference scheme</a> and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable".

"India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump.

During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them.

Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs. A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry. "On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday. This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5. The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade-preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable". "India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump. During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them. Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition challenging the AAP government's proposal of making <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kejriwal-announces-free-travel-for-women-in-delhi-metro-dtc-buses-223816&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjEiuGnpKrjAhX573MBHRXDA4sQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EC_F6mpgLQmCZO0fbt-np">Delhi metro rides free for women</a>.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice DN Patel and comprising Justice C Harishankar, while dismissing the petition, said that the petition had no substance and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the petitioner Bipin Bihar Singh.

Singh had contended in his plea that the decision of the Delhi government to give free metro rides to women is "arbitrary" and "discriminatory".

The petition had also sought a direction to the state government to reduce the metro fare. It mentioned that the state government should have considered taking steps to reduce fares in the metro.&nbsp;

"It has hit not only the commuters but has also brought a sharp decrease in metro ridership. It is surprising that such a high fare structure is operational in a transport system which is primarily used by common masses," the plea submitted.

Additionally, it sought directions to the state government to adopt a fare table suggested by the Fare Fixation Committee.

Last month, Kejriwal had announced free ride for women in all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, cluster buses and Delhi Metro trains, in order to provide a safe travel experience to them.

He had said that the proposal will be implemented within two to three months based on the feedback and suggestions from the public.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition challenging the AAP government's proposal of making Delhi metro rides free for women. A division bench headed by Chief Justice DN Patel and comprising Justice C Harishankar, while dismissing the petition, said that the petition had no substance and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the petitioner Bipin Bihar Singh.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition challenging the AAP government's proposal of making Delhi metro rides free for women. A division bench headed by Chief Justice DN Patel and comprising Justice C Harishankar, while dismissing the petition, said that the petition had no substance and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the petitioner Bipin Bihar Singh. Singh had contended in his plea that the decision of the Delhi government to give free metro rides to women is "arbitrary" and "discriminatory". The petition had also sought a direction to the state government to reduce the metro fare. It mentioned that the state government should have considered taking steps to reduce fares in the metro. "It has hit not only the commuters but has also brought a sharp decrease in metro ridership. It is surprising that such a high fare structure is operational in a transport system which is primarily used by common masses," the plea submitted. Additionally, it sought directions to the state government to adopt a fare table suggested by the Fare Fixation Committee. Last month, Kejriwal had announced free ride for women in all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, cluster buses and Delhi Metro trains, in order to provide a safe travel experience to them. He had said that the proposal will be implemented within two to three months based on the feedback and suggestions from the public.

Delhi High Court dismisses plea challenging AAP government's free metro ride for women scheme

Hundreds of miles from their homes, a group of labourers are toiling in a cold Indian Himalayan desert to repair some of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tour-de-impossible-pakistan-hosts-worlds-toughest-cycle-race-233719">world's highest roads</a>.&nbsp;

Stationed near Chang La pass which is perched at a height of 5,360 metres (17,590 feet), the 13 men, whose home is the low-lying eastern state of Jharkhand, have little experience of cold climes.

They have been hired for four months in the Tangtse district of Ladakh, where blizzards can rage throughout the year, to ensure that the key tourist route to the picturesque Nubra Valley and Pangong lake is in good condition.

Their back-breaking stint will fetch them 40,000 rupees ($572) each a considerable sum in a country where more than 21 per cent of the 1.3 billion population lived on less than two dollars a day in 2011.

"There is not much work there (back home). I don't find any work difficult," said Sunil Tutu, 30.

They toil six days a week, using only their bare hands, shovels and old sacks to move rocks and sand, with the help of local Ladakhi workers, some of them women.&nbsp;

Sundays are the only days they can do their laundry as well as bathe and shave.

Each morning the group hops on a truck to reach the work site after a breakfast of tea and bread. They return to their basic housing tents after sunset and have a meal of rice and lentils.

The tents do not have electricity and workers rely on kerosene stoves to cook and heat up the icy water. But they are undaunted.

"If given a chance I will come back here again," said Sushil Tutu, 35. "I like road work.... I like it anywhere."

Another worker Rajshekhar, 33, said the inhospitable conditions helped him save more for the future.

"Back home we are unable to save money, we eat and drink and the money gets over. The work is good (here), I like the snow and the mountains. I don't like the cold though."

Migration for work is common in rural India. According to the non-government Aajeevika Bureau agency, millions work in hazardous conditions with little legal or social protection.

India's unemployment rate has been worsening. In 2017-2018 it was 6.1 per cent, the worst since the 1970s, posing a major challenge for newly re-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Hundreds of miles from their homes, a group of labourers are toiling in a cold Indian Himalayan desert to repair some of the world's highest roads. Stationed near Chang La pass which is perched at a height of 5,360 metres (17,590 feet), the 13 men, whose home is the low-lying eastern state of Jharkhand, have little experience of cold climes.

Hundreds of miles from their homes, a group of labourers are toiling in a cold Indian Himalayan desert to repair some of the world's highest roads. Stationed near Chang La pass which is perched at a height of 5,360 metres (17,590 feet), the 13 men, whose home is the low-lying eastern state of Jharkhand, have little experience of cold climes. They have been hired for four months in the Tangtse district of Ladakh, where blizzards can rage throughout the year, to ensure that the key tourist route to the picturesque Nubra Valley and Pangong lake is in good condition. Their back-breaking stint will fetch them 40,000 rupees ($572) each a considerable sum in a country where more than 21 per cent of the 1.3 billion population lived on less than two dollars a day in 2011. "There is not much work there (back home). I don't find any work difficult," said Sunil Tutu, 30. They toil six days a week, using only their bare hands, shovels and old sacks to move rocks and sand, with the help of local Ladakhi workers, some of them women. Sundays are the only days they can do their laundry as well as bathe and shave. Each morning the group hops on a truck to reach the work site after a breakfast of tea and bread. They return to their basic housing tents after sunset and have a meal of rice and lentils. The tents do not have electricity and workers rely on kerosene stoves to cook and heat up the icy water. But they are undaunted. "If given a chance I will come back here again," said Sushil Tutu, 35. "I like road work.... I like it anywhere." Another worker Rajshekhar, 33, said the inhospitable conditions helped him save more for the future. "Back home we are unable to save money, we eat and drink and the money gets over. The work is good (here), I like the snow and the mountains. I don't like the cold though." Migration for work is common in rural India. According to the non-government Aajeevika Bureau agency, millions work in hazardous conditions with little legal or social protection. India's unemployment rate has been worsening. In 2017-2018 it was 6.1 per cent, the worst since the 1970s, posing a major challenge for newly re-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian workers toil at one of world's highest roads

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