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As many as 5,366 candidates on Wednesday registered for Indian Army's recruitment rally which commenced today in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The recruitment, which depends on the talent and physical strength, gives an opportunity to the youth to join the Army and serve the nation. The recruitment process is divided into several rounds which include physical fitness test, medical test, and written test.

"The posts are open for four categories this year, which are - Soldier General Duty (All arms), Soldier Technical AAE, Soldier Nursing Assistant, and Soldier Clerk SKT," said Jagdeep Dahiya, Deputy Director General, Recruiting HQ Zone, Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/infiltration-in-jammu-and-kashmir-reduced-by-43-after-balakot-airstrike-says-government-234382">security situation in Jammu and Kashmir</a> has improved and cross-border infiltration in has reduced by 43 per cent after the Balakot airstrike.

The minister said the government in tandem with the state government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards cross-border infiltration, which included multi-tiered deployment along the International Border/Line of Control, border fencing, improved intelligence and operational coordination, equipping Security Forces with improved.

Last month, Home Minister Amit Shah had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/internal-security-on-top-of-home-minister-amit-shahs-kashmir-visit-agenda-230359">chaired a security meeting</a> to take stock of internal security in the country and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the Intelligence Bureau chief.

Shah has asserted that the policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government of zero tolerance towards terrorism will continue in Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

As many as 5,366 candidates on Wednesday registered for Indian Army's recruitment rally which commenced today in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. The recruitment, which depends on the talent and physical strength, gives an opportunity to the youth to join the Army and serve the nation.

As many as 5,366 candidates on Wednesday registered for Indian Army's recruitment rally which commenced today in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. The recruitment, which depends on the talent and physical strength, gives an opportunity to the youth to join the Army and serve the nation. The recruitment process is divided into several rounds which include physical fitness test, medical test, and written test. "The posts are open for four categories this year, which are - Soldier General Duty (All arms), Soldier Technical AAE, Soldier Nursing Assistant, and Soldier Clerk SKT," said Jagdeep Dahiya, Deputy Director General, Recruiting HQ Zone, Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, Government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved and cross-border infiltration in has reduced by 43 per cent after the Balakot airstrike. The minister said the government in tandem with the state government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards cross-border infiltration, which included multi-tiered deployment along the International Border/Line of Control, border fencing, improved intelligence and operational coordination, equipping Security Forces with improved. Last month, Home Minister Amit Shah had chaired a security meeting to take stock of internal security in the country and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the Intelligence Bureau chief. Shah has asserted that the policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government of zero tolerance towards terrorism will continue in Jammu and Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Over 5,000 candidates register for Army recruitment drive in Baramulla

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted raids at the residence of Bulandshahr District Magistrate in connection to an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/illegal-sand-mining-case-akhilesh-yadav-says-ready-to-face-cbi-188581">investigation in an illegal mining case</a>.

As per reports, a large sum of cash and a note counting machine have been recovered from Abhay Kumar Singh's residence.

The CBI seems to have tightened its grip on Singh in connection to his alleged involvement in an illegal mining case during his tenure as the District Magistrate in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/setback-for-akhilesh-yadav-cbi-to-examine-ex-uttar-pradesh-cm-in-illegal-sand-mining-case-188429">Akhilesh Yadav</a>'s term as Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the CBI carried out searches at 12 places in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in an ongoing investigation of a case relating to alleged illegal mining of minerals in Hamirpur.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-officer-probing-akhileshs-role-in-sand-mining-scam-transferred-190455">Akhilesh Yadav's role in&nbsp;the scam</a> is also being probed by the CBI.

CBI registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the then District Magistrate of Hamirpur, then Geologist/Mining Officer, the then mining clerk and eight others including leaseholders, private persons and other unknown public servants and unknown persons, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

It was alleged that public servants in criminal conspiracy with other accused allowed illegal mining of minor minerals in the district during 2012-2016, Yadav&nbsp;was Uttar Pradesh's CM from 2012 to 2017.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted raids at the residence of Bulandshahr District Magistrate in connection to an investigation in an illegal mining case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted raids at the residence of Bulandshahr District Magistrate in connection to an investigation in an illegal mining case. As per reports, a large sum of cash and a note counting machine have been recovered from Abhay Kumar Singh's residence. The CBI seems to have tightened its grip on Singh in connection to his alleged involvement in an illegal mining case during his tenure as the District Magistrate in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh during Akhilesh Yadav's term as Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister. Earlier this year, the CBI carried out searches at 12 places in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in an ongoing investigation of a case relating to alleged illegal mining of minerals in Hamirpur. Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's role in the scam is also being probed by the CBI. CBI registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the then District Magistrate of Hamirpur, then Geologist/Mining Officer, the then mining clerk and eight others including leaseholders, private persons and other unknown public servants and unknown persons, news agency ANI reported. It was alleged that public servants in criminal conspiracy with other accused allowed illegal mining of minor minerals in the district during 2012-2016, Yadav was Uttar Pradesh's CM from 2012 to 2017. (With inputs from ANI)

Illegal mining: Central Bureau of Investigation raids Bulandshahr District Magistrate's residence

The Modi government has given "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-compulsorily-retires-15-corrupt-customs-officers-228278">compulsory retirement</a>" to as many as 312 government officers on account of lack of integrity and&nbsp;ineffectiveness.

More than 36,000 Group A government officials and over 82,000 Group B officers were reviewed between July 2014 and May 2019.&nbsp;

After the review, as many as 125 Group A officers and around 187 Group B officials were compulsorily retired by the government on account of "lack of integrity, ineffectiveness" and in public interest.

"As per the applicable disciplinary rule, the government has the right to proceed against corrupt officials on the basis of available evidence. The government has an absolute right to retire government officials prematurely on ground of lack of integrity and ineffectiveness in public interest as per provisions of Fundamental Rules (FR) 56 (j) (i), rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) pension rules 1972 and rule 16 (3) &nbsp;(amended) of All India Services. These rules lay down the policy of periodic review and premature retirement of government services," read the written reply to Lok Sabha by Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and MoS, Prime Minister's Office. &nbsp;

Last month the government compulsorily retired 15 senior Customs officials in its ongoing drive against corruption. The move came over a week after 12 senior income tax officers were dismissed from service on charges of corruption.

Among those suspended were an ADG-rank officer against whom there are two CBI cases and faces charges of bribery.

It also included Commissioners and Additional Commissioners, some of whom have already been suspended. Most of these case are of amassing of disproportionate assets.

The Modi government has given "compulsory retirement" to as many as 312 government officers on account of lack of integrity and ineffectiveness. More than 36,000 Group A government officials and over 82,000 Group B officers were reviewed between July 2014 and May 2019.

The Modi government has given "compulsory retirement" to as many as 312 government officers on account of lack of integrity and ineffectiveness. More than 36,000 Group A government officials and over 82,000 Group B officers were reviewed between July 2014 and May 2019. After the review, as many as 125 Group A officers and around 187 Group B officials were compulsorily retired by the government on account of "lack of integrity, ineffectiveness" and in public interest. "As per the applicable disciplinary rule, the government has the right to proceed against corrupt officials on the basis of available evidence. The government has an absolute right to retire government officials prematurely on ground of lack of integrity and ineffectiveness in public interest as per provisions of Fundamental Rules (FR) 56 (j) (i), rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) pension rules 1972 and rule 16 (3) (amended) of All India Services. These rules lay down the policy of periodic review and premature retirement of government services," read the written reply to Lok Sabha by Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and MoS, Prime Minister's Office. Last month the government compulsorily retired 15 senior Customs officials in its ongoing drive against corruption. The move came over a week after 12 senior income tax officers were dismissed from service on charges of corruption. Among those suspended were an ADG-rank officer against whom there are two CBI cases and faces charges of bribery. It also included Commissioners and Additional Commissioners, some of whom have already been suspended. Most of these case are of amassing of disproportionate assets.

Government puts 312 officials on 'compulsory retirement' over ineffectiveness, lack of integrity

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary party meeting took place on Tuesday at the Parliament library building.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the meeting which included the Members of Parliament of both the houses.

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi briefed the media about the meeting.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Briefed the Media after the BJP Parliamentary Party Meeting today at GMC Balayogi Auditorium along with <a href="https://twitter.com/arjunrammeghwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arjunrammeghwal</a> ji<a href="https://twitter.com/mpa_india?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mpa_india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://t.co/VUF3SI88g1">pic.twitter.com/VUF3SI88g1</a>
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshiPralhad/status/1148466488979816448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While addressing the media, Joshi said, ''In his address, PM Modi mentioned a very important programme regarding 'Gandhi 150', the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Between October 2-31, a 150 kilometres long ''padayatra'' will be undertaken in each Lok Sabha constituency.''

''Rajya Sabha MPs will be allotted a constituency. 15-20 teams will be formed in each constituency. They'll undertake 15 kilometres 'padayatra' daily. MPs will organise programs on Gandhi Ji, freedom struggle, tree plantation. There'll be a party level committee to implement it,'' Joshi added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other senior leaders were also present at the meeting.

The leaders at the meeting congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-here-is-what-favours-you-and-what-does-not-233308">Sitharaman for presenting the Union Budget 2019</a>. She is the first full-time woman Finance minister who presented the budget.

This was the first meeting of BJP after the Budget.

The finance minister unveiled India's Budget for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020, to Parliament on June 5. She announced a slew of measures in the Budget to boost the economy.&nbsp;

The budget proposals were welcomed with frequent thumping of desks by the treasury benches with PM Modi too joining the members.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary party meeting took place on Tuesday at the Parliament library building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the meeting which included the Members of Parliament of both the houses.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary party meeting took place on Tuesday at the Parliament library building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the meeting which included the Members of Parliament of both the houses. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi briefed the media about the meeting. Briefed the Media after the BJP Parliamentary Party Meeting today at GMC Balayogi Auditorium along with @arjunrammeghwal ji@mpa_india @narendramodi @BJP4India pic.twitter.com/VUF3SI88g1 — Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) July 9, 2019 × While addressing the media, Joshi said, ''In his address, PM Modi mentioned a very important programme regarding 'Gandhi 150', the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Between October 2-31, a 150 kilometres long ''padayatra'' will be undertaken in each Lok Sabha constituency.'' ''Rajya Sabha MPs will be allotted a constituency. 15-20 teams will be formed in each constituency. They'll undertake 15 kilometres 'padayatra' daily. MPs will organise programs on Gandhi Ji, freedom struggle, tree plantation. There'll be a party level committee to implement it,'' Joshi added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other senior leaders were also present at the meeting. The leaders at the meeting congratulated Sitharaman for presenting the Union Budget 2019. She is the first full-time woman Finance minister who presented the budget. This was the first meeting of BJP after the Budget. The finance minister unveiled India's Budget for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020, to Parliament on June 5. She announced a slew of measures in the Budget to boost the economy. The budget proposals were welcomed with frequent thumping of desks by the treasury benches with PM Modi too joining the members.

PM Modi asks MPs to take 150 kilometres march on Gandhi Jayanti

Six children have died at Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College in Gaya since July 2 and cause could be encephalitis, however, reports are awaited to confirm this, a doctor has said.&nbsp;

22 children have been admitted to the medical college since July 2, out of whom six died and other 16 are undergoing treatment, news agency ANI quoted Medical Superintendent Dr VK Prasad.

Meanwhile, the death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has climbed to 142 in Muzaffarpur district in the last one month. As per official data, 121 deaths have been reported at the government-run Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), which is handling the largest number of patients in the district, while 21 deaths have been confirmed at Kejriwal Hospital.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of children who dies due to AES.

On June 24, the Supreme Court had expressed "serious concerns" over the rising number of deaths due to the disease. The apex court had reprimanded the Bihar government over the deaths of children across the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking in the Rajya Sabha, had termed the AES deaths as "unfortunate" and "a matter of shame for the nation.

"The deaths in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome are unfortunate and a matter of shame for us. We have to take this seriously. I am in constant touch with the state government&nbsp;and I am sure we will collectively come out of this crisis soon," he said.

Symptoms of AES include high fever, convulsions and extremely low blood sugar levels. Among the factors said to trigger the syndrome are malnutrition. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Six children have died at Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College in Gaya since July 2 and cause could be encephalitis, however, reports are awaited to confirm this, a doctor has said.

Six children have died at Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College in Gaya since July 2 and cause could be encephalitis, however, reports are awaited to confirm this, a doctor has said. 22 children have been admitted to the medical college since July 2, out of whom six died and other 16 are undergoing treatment, news agency ANI quoted Medical Superintendent Dr VK Prasad. Meanwhile, the death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has climbed to 142 in Muzaffarpur district in the last one month. As per official data, 121 deaths have been reported at the government-run Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), which is handling the largest number of patients in the district, while 21 deaths have been confirmed at Kejriwal Hospital. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of children who dies due to AES. On June 24, the Supreme Court had expressed "serious concerns" over the rising number of deaths due to the disease. The apex court had reprimanded the Bihar government over the deaths of children across the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking in the Rajya Sabha, had termed the AES deaths as "unfortunate" and "a matter of shame for the nation. "The deaths in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome are unfortunate and a matter of shame for us. We have to take this seriously. I am in constant touch with the state government and I am sure we will collectively come out of this crisis soon," he said. Symptoms of AES include high fever, convulsions and extremely low blood sugar levels. Among the factors said to trigger the syndrome are malnutrition. (With inputs from agencies)

Six children die in Gaya hospital; encephalitis toll mounts to 142 in Muzaffarpur

Claiming that the Punjab government is facing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhu-given-power-ministry-after-punjab-cm-amarinder-singhs-cabinet-reshuffle-225057">"Constitutional crisis" after a Cabinet reshuffle</a>, the BJP has alleged that state minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is drawing a salary and enjoying perks of his office even though he has not been attending to his duties for over a month.

BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh has written a letter to Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore seeking his intervention in the "crisis" situation arisen "after Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh reshuffled Cabinet".

Speaking to ANI, Chugh said, "I have written a letter to Punjab Governor. There is a Constitutional crisis in Punjab today. It has been over a month since a minister who took the oath of office, has been absent, even though he is drawing a salary and enjoying the perks of his office."

He continued, "He has migrated; the feud between the Chief Minister and the minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has caused a constitutional crisis. I request the Governor to take action in Punjab`s interest. If the minister does not want to work someone else should look after his department. If he is drawing a salary but not working, action should be taken."

In the letter dated July 6, Chugh wrote: "Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, whose department was changed during a reshuffle of portfolios by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hope-to-see-dynamic-youth-leader-as-congress-president-amarinder-singh-233494">Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh</a>, has not assumed his charge as Power Minister even though a period of more than a month has passed. It is very unfortunate that Sidhu is not fulfilling the duties he has towards the people of the state."

The BJP leader said that the people of Punjab and particularly the farmers were facing issues as Power Department remains unattended due to the absence of the newly-appointed minister.

"Since the minister has gone 'underground'&nbsp;and is incommunicado and has willfully chosen not to take charge of his new assignment, the work related to his department is suffering like anything."

Concluding his letter, Chugh requested the Governor to take cognisance of the matter as he was the Constitutional head of the state.&nbsp;

Claiming that the Punjab government is facing a "Constitutional crisis" after a Cabinet reshuffle, the BJP has alleged that state minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is drawing a salary and enjoying perks of his office even though he has not been attending to his duties for over a month.

Claiming that the Punjab government is facing a "Constitutional crisis" after a Cabinet reshuffle, the BJP has alleged that state minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is drawing a salary and enjoying perks of his office even though he has not been attending to his duties for over a month. BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh has written a letter to Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore seeking his intervention in the "crisis" situation arisen "after Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh reshuffled Cabinet". Speaking to ANI, Chugh said, "I have written a letter to Punjab Governor. There is a Constitutional crisis in Punjab today. It has been over a month since a minister who took the oath of office, has been absent, even though he is drawing a salary and enjoying the perks of his office." He continued, "He has migrated; the feud between the Chief Minister and the minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has caused a constitutional crisis. I request the Governor to take action in Punjab`s interest. If the minister does not want to work someone else should look after his department. If he is drawing a salary but not working, action should be taken." In the letter dated July 6, Chugh wrote: "Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, whose department was changed during a reshuffle of portfolios by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, has not assumed his charge as Power Minister even though a period of more than a month has passed. It is very unfortunate that Sidhu is not fulfilling the duties he has towards the people of the state." The BJP leader said that the people of Punjab and particularly the farmers were facing issues as Power Department remains unattended due to the absence of the newly-appointed minister. "Since the minister has gone 'underground' and is incommunicado and has willfully chosen not to take charge of his new assignment, the work related to his department is suffering like anything." Concluding his letter, Chugh requested the Governor to take cognisance of the matter as he was the Constitutional head of the state.

Navjot Singh Sidhu drawing salary despite being absent: BJP to Punjab Governor

India and Myanmar on Tuesday began Director General-level talks to take coordinated and concerted actions against drug trafficking between the two countries.

"The fourth Director-General Level Talks between India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Myanmar's Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) on drug trafficking and related matters were held here on Tuesday," a release by the Ministry of Home Affairs read.

The Indian delegation was led by NCB Director General Abhay, while the Myanmar delegation was headed by CCDAC Joint Secretary Win Naing.

"The two- day bilateral meeting from 9th to 10th July 2019 is being organised to take coordinated and concerted actions against drug trafficking between the two countries," the statement added.

During the first day of the meeting, the two sides shared mutual concerns regarding the menace of drugs and resolved to exchange crucial information relating to the trafficking of drugs and precursors.

"The issues such as trend of illicit poppy cultivation and heroin production in Myanmar, including precursor trafficking, cross border trafficking of Heroin from Myanmar to India, cross border trafficking of Ephedrine/Pseudo-ephedrine on Indo-Myanmar Border and trafficking of Methamphetamine from Myanmar to India, information on Drug trafficking routes, Controlled Delivery Operations, and sharing of best practices and training needs were discussed," the statement read.

The two sides also exchanged operational level contacts for the sharing of real-time information or intelligence.

"The meeting was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. The effectiveness of cooperation on drug matters largely depends on the frequency of interaction and was agreed to hold the next DG level talks in Myanmar on a mutually convenient date," it concluded.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India and Myanmar on Tuesday began Director General-level talks to take coordinated and concerted actions against drug trafficking between the two countries. "The fourth Director-General Level Talks between India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Myanmar's Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) on drug trafficking and related matters were held here on Tuesday," a release by the Ministry of Home Affairs read.

India and Myanmar on Tuesday began Director General-level talks to take coordinated and concerted actions against drug trafficking between the two countries. "The fourth Director-General Level Talks between India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Myanmar's Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) on drug trafficking and related matters were held here on Tuesday," a release by the Ministry of Home Affairs read. The Indian delegation was led by NCB Director General Abhay, while the Myanmar delegation was headed by CCDAC Joint Secretary Win Naing. "The two- day bilateral meeting from 9th to 10th July 2019 is being organised to take coordinated and concerted actions against drug trafficking between the two countries," the statement added. During the first day of the meeting, the two sides shared mutual concerns regarding the menace of drugs and resolved to exchange crucial information relating to the trafficking of drugs and precursors. "The issues such as trend of illicit poppy cultivation and heroin production in Myanmar, including precursor trafficking, cross border trafficking of Heroin from Myanmar to India, cross border trafficking of Ephedrine/Pseudo-ephedrine on Indo-Myanmar Border and trafficking of Methamphetamine from Myanmar to India, information on Drug trafficking routes, Controlled Delivery Operations, and sharing of best practices and training needs were discussed," the statement read. The two sides also exchanged operational level contacts for the sharing of real-time information or intelligence. "The meeting was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. The effectiveness of cooperation on drug matters largely depends on the frequency of interaction and was agreed to hold the next DG level talks in Myanmar on a mutually convenient date," it concluded.

India, Myanmar begin talks to take coordinated efforts against drug trafficking

The search operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for the missing persons in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tiware-dam-breach-search-operation-enters-fifth-day-death-toll-reaches-20-233740">Tiware Dam breach has entered the seventh day</a> on Tuesday.

The death toll climbed to 20 after one more body was recovered during the search operation on June 7.

The Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on June 2 due to heavy rainfall.

According to police, villagers have been moved to safer places and the situation is under control now.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced Rs 4-lakh compensation for the kin of each of the deceased and promised a probe saying action will be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence.&nbsp;

The chief minister has also ordered a probe into the incident.

The search operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for the missing persons in Tiware Dam breach has entered the seventh day on Tuesday. The death toll climbed to 20 after one more body was recovered during the search operation on June 7.

The search operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for the missing persons in Tiware Dam breach has entered the seventh day on Tuesday. The death toll climbed to 20 after one more body was recovered during the search operation on June 7. The Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on June 2 due to heavy rainfall. According to police, villagers have been moved to safer places and the situation is under control now. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced Rs 4-lakh compensation for the kin of each of the deceased and promised a probe saying action will be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence. The chief minister has also ordered a probe into the incident.

Maharashtra: Search operation enters seventh day in Tiware Dam breach

The Congress on Tuesday rejected reports, that they have demanded a seat in the front row of the Lok Sabha for their party chief Rahul Gandhi.

Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adheer Ranjan Chowdhury termed the "speculations" as wrong.

"Never demanded front row seat for Rahul. He has been allotted a seat in the second row and he will be sitting there. I can say it with conviction (mai ye bat dawe se keh sakta hun)," he said.

The denial by the Congress party came after wide speculations in media about the party demanding front row seat for Rahul Gandhi, who is a fourth term MP in Lok Sabha.

The Congress on Tuesday rejected reports, that they have demanded a seat in the front row of the Lok Sabha for their party chief Rahul Gandhi. Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adheer Ranjan Chowdhury termed the "speculations" as wrong.

The Congress on Tuesday rejected reports, that they have demanded a seat in the front row of the Lok Sabha for their party chief Rahul Gandhi. Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adheer Ranjan Chowdhury termed the "speculations" as wrong. "Never demanded front row seat for Rahul. He has been allotted a seat in the second row and he will be sitting there. I can say it with conviction (mai ye bat dawe se keh sakta hun)," he said. The denial by the Congress party came after wide speculations in media about the party demanding front row seat for Rahul Gandhi, who is a fourth term MP in Lok Sabha.

Congress denies reports of demanding front row seat for Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan here on Tuesday and discussed ways to improve economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

"Had a great meeting with UAE's Foreign Minister, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We talked at length about further improving economic and cultural relations between India and UAE," the Prime Minister tweeted.

On Monday, the visiting minister had held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

The two sides had discussed bilateral issues related to trade and investment, defence and security, energy security, counter-terrorism and people to people contacts.

They had also shared perspectives on the regional situation.

Sheikh Abdullah had arrived here on a three-day bilateral visit on Sunday evening.

The visit is aimed at providing the two sides with an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, according to a Ministry of External Affairs statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan here on Tuesday and discussed ways to improve economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan here on Tuesday and discussed ways to improve economic and cultural relations between the two countries. "Had a great meeting with UAE's Foreign Minister, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We talked at length about further improving economic and cultural relations between India and UAE," the Prime Minister tweeted. On Monday, the visiting minister had held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The two sides had discussed bilateral issues related to trade and investment, defence and security, energy security, counter-terrorism and people to people contacts. They had also shared perspectives on the regional situation. Sheikh Abdullah had arrived here on a three-day bilateral visit on Sunday evening. The visit is aimed at providing the two sides with an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, according to a Ministry of External Affairs statement.

PM Narendra Modi discusses economic, cultural ties with UAE foreign minister

India has an adequate number of healthcare professionals, albeit their distribution is uneven between rural and urban India and across different states, a recent study has found.

The research was carried out by the Indian Institute of Public Health and is based on the data collected from the registry institutions and the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), a statement released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

The data from the NSSO suggest that there are an estimated 29 doctors per 10,000 people in India, while the data collected from the registry institution estimates the figure to be as high as 38. Both the figures are more than the World Health Organisation's minimum threshold of 22.8, the statement noted.

The study also reports an overall disparity in the density of doctors and nurses across the country, stemming from the fact that their numbers are more in states like Kerala and the Union Territories than in larger states such as Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Bihar.

Additionally, only 23 per cent of the health workers work in the Rural areas where nearly 71 per cent of the country's population lives, the study suggested.

"The study used the 2011-12 National Sample Survey data and projected Human Resource for Health (HRH) number for 2016 using census projection and worker participation rate. In addition, the survey used 2017 registry data of health professionals (Medical Council of India, India Nursing Council, Dental Council of India and other professional associations)," the release read.&nbsp;

India has an adequate number of healthcare professionals, albeit their distribution is uneven between rural and urban India and across different states, a recent study has found.

India has an adequate number of healthcare professionals, albeit their distribution is uneven between rural and urban India and across different states, a recent study has found. The research was carried out by the Indian Institute of Public Health and is based on the data collected from the registry institutions and the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), a statement released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. The data from the NSSO suggest that there are an estimated 29 doctors per 10,000 people in India, while the data collected from the registry institution estimates the figure to be as high as 38. Both the figures are more than the World Health Organisation's minimum threshold of 22.8, the statement noted. The study also reports an overall disparity in the density of doctors and nurses across the country, stemming from the fact that their numbers are more in states like Kerala and the Union Territories than in larger states such as Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Bihar. Additionally, only 23 per cent of the health workers work in the Rural areas where nearly 71 per cent of the country's population lives, the study suggested. "The study used the 2011-12 National Sample Survey data and projected Human Resource for Health (HRH) number for 2016 using census projection and worker participation rate. In addition, the survey used 2017 registry data of health professionals (Medical Council of India, India Nursing Council, Dental Council of India and other professional associations)," the release read.

India has an adequate number of healthcare professionals, study finds

The railway services which were affected by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-in-mumbai-leads-to-water-logging-slow-traffic-233946">heavy rainfall in Mumbai</a> resumed in the city on Tuesday.

All three lines including Up, Down and Middle are now operational, Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) said.

"No water-logging has been reported on the railway tracks, Kurla to Mulund section recorded 13mm rainfall during the last one hour. Now all three lines have been made operational," Central Railway CPRO.

The heavy rains on Monday had led to water-logging in few areas and also disrupted the flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

The Central Railways had arranged eight special trains from Dombivali and Thane railway stations in Mumbai in order to clear the rush during peak hours amidst incessant rainfall, earlier this week.

A compound wall collapsed on the hutments built on a hill slope in Kurar Village in area of Malad East due to heavy downpour last week which killed around 24 people.

The railway services which were affected by heavy rainfall in Mumbai resumed in the city on Tuesday. All three lines including Up, Down and Middle are now operational, Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) said.

The railway services which were affected by heavy rainfall in Mumbai resumed in the city on Tuesday. All three lines including Up, Down and Middle are now operational, Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) said. "No water-logging has been reported on the railway tracks, Kurla to Mulund section recorded 13mm rainfall during the last one hour. Now all three lines have been made operational," Central Railway CPRO. The heavy rains on Monday had led to water-logging in few areas and also disrupted the flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The Central Railways had arranged eight special trains from Dombivali and Thane railway stations in Mumbai in order to clear the rush during peak hours amidst incessant rainfall, earlier this week. A compound wall collapsed on the hutments built on a hill slope in Kurar Village in area of Malad East due to heavy downpour last week which killed around 24 people.

Railway services resume in Mumbai amid heavy rains, no water-logging reported

India will be raising the issues related to providing facilities for pilgrims which includes allowing a large number of pilgrims access to the Kartarpur gurudwara through the corridor in the upcoming India-Pakistan officials meet in Wagah, Pakistan.

India had&nbsp;proposed 5000 pilgrims per day which Pakistan is not keen on saying it can allow only 700 people on designated days with a permit.

This is the second meet of the officials that will take place, the first happened in March on the Indian side of the Wagah Attari border. Three rounds of technical meetings have already taken place between both sides.&nbsp;

India has also asked Islamabad to build a bridge on its side that will provide safe movement of pilgrims but also address the issue regarding flooding. New Delhi is concerned about possible flooding of Dera Baba Nanak due to the construction of an embankment filled road on the Pakistan side that may cause flooding on the Indian side. This issue has been raised by New Delhi in the three technical meetings.

India is currently engaged in building a bridge on its side to provide for all weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor.&nbsp;

Work on the Indian side of the corridor is going on a fast pace with India building a passenger terminal building which is expected to be completed by 31 October 2019 and a four-lane highway connecting zero points at India-Pakistan border of the corridor with national highway 354.

The deadline for completion of the highway is September 30 2019, and as of now, 45% of work has been completed.

The total cost of the bus terminal and road is Rs 297.5 crore.

India will be raising the issues related to providing facilities for pilgrims which includes allowing a large number of pilgrims access to the Kartarpur gurudwara through the corridor in the upcoming India-Pakistan officials meet in Wagah, Pakistan.

India will be raising the issues related to providing facilities for pilgrims which includes allowing a large number of pilgrims access to the Kartarpur gurudwara through the corridor in the upcoming India-Pakistan officials meet in Wagah, Pakistan. India had proposed 5000 pilgrims per day which Pakistan is not keen on saying it can allow only 700 people on designated days with a permit. This is the second meet of the officials that will take place, the first happened in March on the Indian side of the Wagah Attari border. Three rounds of technical meetings have already taken place between both sides. India has also asked Islamabad to build a bridge on its side that will provide safe movement of pilgrims but also address the issue regarding flooding. New Delhi is concerned about possible flooding of Dera Baba Nanak due to the construction of an embankment filled road on the Pakistan side that may cause flooding on the Indian side. This issue has been raised by New Delhi in the three technical meetings. India is currently engaged in building a bridge on its side to provide for all weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor. Work on the Indian side of the corridor is going on a fast pace with India building a passenger terminal building which is expected to be completed by 31 October 2019 and a four-lane highway connecting zero points at India-Pakistan border of the corridor with national highway 354. The deadline for completion of the highway is September 30 2019, and as of now, 45% of work has been completed. The total cost of the bus terminal and road is Rs 297.5 crore.

Kartarpur corridor talks: India to focus on facilities for pilgrims

A Naxal was killed on Tuesday morning in an encounter with District Reserve Guard (DRG) in Dabbakonta area of Chhattisgarh's Sukma.

During the search operation, one INSAS rifle was also recovered.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> STF, District Reserve Guard and Cobra Battalion are jointly conducting search operation in Dabbakonta, Sukma. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/S74OdF6Amw">https://t.co/S74OdF6Amw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1148432996292288512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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DRG and Cobra Battalion are jointly conducting a search operation in Dabbakonta.

Earlier on June 28, three CRPF jawans were killed and another injured in an encounter with Naxals in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. 
&nbsp;

A Naxal was killed on Tuesday morning in an encounter with District Reserve Guard (DRG) in Dabbakonta area of Chhattisgarh's Sukma. During the search operation, one INSAS rifle was also recovered.

A Naxal was killed on Tuesday morning in an encounter with District Reserve Guard (DRG) in Dabbakonta area of Chhattisgarh's Sukma. During the search operation, one INSAS rifle was also recovered. #UPDATE STF, District Reserve Guard and Cobra Battalion are jointly conducting search operation in Dabbakonta, Sukma. #Chhattisgarh https://t.co/S74OdF6Amw — ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2019 × DRG and Cobra Battalion are jointly conducting a search operation in Dabbakonta. Earlier on June 28, three CRPF jawans were killed and another injured in an encounter with Naxals in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh: One Naxal killed in encounter with District Reserve Guard

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extradition-bill-is-dead-no-plans-to-restart-legislation-hong-kong-chief-executive-carrie-lam-234142">Extradition bill is dead, no plans to restart legislation: Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam</a>

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam announced on Tuesday that proposal to allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland "is dead" -- but she again stopped short of protester demands to immediately withdraw the bill.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-possible-22-billion-arms-sale-to-taiwan-amid-tension-with-china-234130">US approves possible $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan amid tension with China</a>

The US State Department has approved the possible sale to Taiwan of M1A2T Abrams tanks, Stinger missiles and related equipment at an estimated value of $2.2 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday, despite Chinese criticism of the deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kevin-spacey-sexual-assault-case-may-get-dropped-accuser-could-be-forced-to-testify-about-missing-phone-234144">Kevin Spacey sexual assault case may get dropped, accuser could be forced to testify about missing phone</a>

There's been an unexpected twist to Kevin Spacey's sexual assault case. The man who accused the American actor of groping him at a bar in 2016 may now be forced to testify about his allegedly missing cell phone and the assault case against Spacey might just get dismissed due to the missing phone.&nbsp; 
The former `House of Cards` star`s defense attorneys claimed that they require the phone in order to recover text messages that they allege the accuser deleted that would bolster Spacey`s case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-offers-full-support-to-us-ambassador-trump-lashes-out-at-theresa-may-after-leak-of-damning-cables-234128">UK offers 'full support' to US ambassador, Trump lashes out at Theresa May after leak of damning cables</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after US President Donald Trump said he would no longer deal with him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-for-man-involved-in-calculated-murder-of-chinese-student-234135">US prosecutors seek death penalty for man involved in 'calculated' murder of Chinese student</a>

US prosecutors argued on Monday that an Illinois man who raped and murdered a Chinese graduate student two years ago should be executed, and called on her heartbroken fiance and friends to tell the jury about the victim's kind, optimistic nature.

Extradition bill is dead, no plans to restart legislation: Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam announced on Tuesday that proposal to allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland "is dead" -- but she again stopped short of protester demands to immediately withdraw the bill.

Extradition bill is dead, no plans to restart legislation: Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam announced on Tuesday that proposal to allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland "is dead" -- but she again stopped short of protester demands to immediately withdraw the bill. US approves possible $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan amid tension with China The US State Department has approved the possible sale to Taiwan of M1A2T Abrams tanks, Stinger missiles and related equipment at an estimated value of $2.2 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday, despite Chinese criticism of the deal. Kevin Spacey sexual assault case may get dropped, accuser could be forced to testify about missing phone There's been an unexpected twist to Kevin Spacey's sexual assault case. The man who accused the American actor of groping him at a bar in 2016 may now be forced to testify about his allegedly missing cell phone and the assault case against Spacey might just get dismissed due to the missing phone. The former `House of Cards` star`s defense attorneys claimed that they require the phone in order to recover text messages that they allege the accuser deleted that would bolster Spacey`s case. UK offers 'full support' to US ambassador, Trump lashes out at Theresa May after leak of damning cables British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after US President Donald Trump said he would no longer deal with him. US prosecutors seek death penalty for man involved in 'calculated' murder of Chinese student US prosecutors argued on Monday that an Illinois man who raped and murdered a Chinese graduate student two years ago should be executed, and called on her heartbroken fiance and friends to tell the jury about the victim's kind, optimistic nature.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday hosted a dinner in honour of retired Chiefs of Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) Rajiv Jain and Anil Dhasmana, respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Shah lauded their contribution in strengthening national security during their illustrious career spanning 40 years.

Jain and Dhasmana thanked the Home Minister for his gesture of hosting a dinner in their honour.

MoS G Kishan Reddy, MoS Nityanand Rai, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

On June 26, the government had named chiefs of two top intelligence agencies of the country appointing Samant Kumar Goel as head of foreign intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and Arvind Kumar as Director of Intelligence Bureau, an internal intelligence agency.

Goel, who was earlier Special Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, succeeds A K Dhasmana whose tenure ends on June 29.

Goel's appointment, which was approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC), is for two years, according to an official statement.

The ACC also approved elevation of Arvind Kumar from Special Director to Director of the Intelligence Bureau. He replaces Rajiv Jain whose tenure will end on June 30.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday hosted a dinner in honour of retired Chiefs of Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) Rajiv Jain and Anil Dhasmana, respectively.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday hosted a dinner in honour of retired Chiefs of Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) Rajiv Jain and Anil Dhasmana, respectively. Speaking on the occasion, Shah lauded their contribution in strengthening national security during their illustrious career spanning 40 years. Jain and Dhasmana thanked the Home Minister for his gesture of hosting a dinner in their honour. MoS G Kishan Reddy, MoS Nityanand Rai, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and other senior officers were present on the occasion. On June 26, the government had named chiefs of two top intelligence agencies of the country appointing Samant Kumar Goel as head of foreign intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and Arvind Kumar as Director of Intelligence Bureau, an internal intelligence agency. Goel, who was earlier Special Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, succeeds A K Dhasmana whose tenure ends on June 29. Goel's appointment, which was approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC), is for two years, according to an official statement. The ACC also approved elevation of Arvind Kumar from Special Director to Director of the Intelligence Bureau. He replaces Rajiv Jain whose tenure will end on June 30.

Home Minister Amit Shah hosts dinner for retired Chiefs of Intelligence Bureau, RAW

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-high-tariffs-on-american-products-no-longer-acceptable-says-us-president-donald-trump-234420">India's high tariffs on American products 'no longer acceptable', &nbsp;says US President Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his complaints against India, saying New Delhi's tariffs on US products were unacceptable but not giving other details about any possible action amid the two nations' ongoing trade row.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-stupid-guy-donald-trump-renews-attack-on-uk-ambassador-theresa-may-234370">'Very stupid guy,' Donald Trump renews attack on UK ambassador to US, Theresa May</a>

The United States President Donald Trump renewed his attack on the UK's ambassador to Washington on Tuesday as he described him as "wacky", "very stupid" and "pompous fool".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-takes-stunning-catch-to-dismiss-new-zealands-martin-guptill-in-semi-final-234308">Watch: Virat Kohli takes stunning catch to dismiss New Zealand's Martin Guptill in semi-final</a>

Indian skipper Virat Kohli grabbed a stunner to dismiss New Zealand opener Martin Guptill in the first semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/infiltration-in-jammu-and-kashmir-reduced-by-43-after-balakot-airstrike-says-government-234382">Infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir reduced by 43% after Balakot airstrike, says Government</a>

Government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved and cross-border infiltration in has reduced by 43 per cent after the Balakot airstrike.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-progress-made-in-ayodhya-case-plaintiff-tells-supreme-court-234343">No progress made in Ayodhya case, plaintiff tells Supreme Court</a>

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed a plaintiff to file an application seeking an early hearing in the Ram Mandir-Babri mosque title dispute case. The plaintiff Gopal Singh Visharad moved India's top court claiming that not much progress has been made in the court-ordered mediation process in the case.

&nbsp;

India's high tariffs on American products 'no longer acceptable', says US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his complaints against India, saying New Delhi's tariffs on US products were unacceptable but not giving other details about any possible action amid the two nations' ongoing trade row.

India's high tariffs on American products 'no longer acceptable', says US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his complaints against India, saying New Delhi's tariffs on US products were unacceptable but not giving other details about any possible action amid the two nations' ongoing trade row. 'Very stupid guy,' Donald Trump renews attack on UK ambassador to US, Theresa May The United States President Donald Trump renewed his attack on the UK's ambassador to Washington on Tuesday as he described him as "wacky", "very stupid" and "pompous fool". Watch: Virat Kohli takes stunning catch to dismiss New Zealand's Martin Guptill in semi-final Indian skipper Virat Kohli grabbed a stunner to dismiss New Zealand opener Martin Guptill in the first semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019. Infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir reduced by 43% after Balakot airstrike, says Government Government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved and cross-border infiltration in has reduced by 43 per cent after the Balakot airstrike. No progress made in Ayodhya case, plaintiff tells Supreme Court The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed a plaintiff to file an application seeking an early hearing in the Ram Mandir-Babri mosque title dispute case. The plaintiff Gopal Singh Visharad moved India's top court claiming that not much progress has been made in the court-ordered mediation process in the case.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his complaints against India, saying New Delhi's tariffs on US products were unacceptable but not giving other details about any possible action amid the two nations' ongoing trade row.

"India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" Trump tweeted.

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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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Earlier this month on July 4, the United States had complained at the World Trade Organization about Indian tariffs imposed in response to US steel and aluminium tariffs.

The dispute follows similar complaints against China, the European Union and others who retaliated in the same way, saying the US tariffs were essentially "safeguard" measures that should be accompanied with a balancing cut in trade barriers on other goods. The United States says they are not safeguards.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his complaints against India, saying New Delhi's tariffs on US products were unacceptable but not giving other details about any possible action amid the two nations' ongoing trade row.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his complaints against India, saying New Delhi's tariffs on US products were unacceptable but not giving other details about any possible action amid the two nations' ongoing trade row. "India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" Trump tweeted. India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2019 × Earlier this month on July 4, the United States had complained at the World Trade Organization about Indian tariffs imposed in response to US steel and aluminium tariffs. The dispute follows similar complaints against China, the European Union and others who retaliated in the same way, saying the US tariffs were essentially "safeguard" measures that should be accompanied with a balancing cut in trade barriers on other goods. The United States says they are not safeguards.

India's high tariffs on American products 'no longer acceptable',  says US President Donald Trump

Government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved and cross-border infiltration in has reduced by 43 per cent after the Balakot airstrike.

Responding to a written question whether infiltration has come down in the state after India carried out an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/130-170-terrorists-died-following-balakot-airstrikes-says-award-winning-italian-journalist-217030">airstrike on terror camps in Balakot</a>, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said, "Due to concerted and synergized efforts of security forces, the security situation in the state has witnessed an improvement in the first half of this year over the corresponding period of 2018. Net infiltration has reduced by 43 per cent."

The minister said the government in tandem with the state government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards cross-border infiltration, which included multi-tiered deployment along the International Border/Line of Control, border fencing, improved intelligence and operational coordination, equipping Security Forces with improved.

Meanwhile, MoS Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said in Lok Sabha that the terrorists initiated incidents has also seen a decline of 28 per cent.&nbsp;

"Terrorist initiated incidents saw a decline of 28 per cent, net infiltration reduced by 43 per cent, local recruitment declined by 40 per cent and neutralisation of terrorists has increased by 22 per cent," Reddy said.&nbsp;

On July 1, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1248-ceasefire-violations-by-pakistan-in-last-six-months-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-232062">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a> had told the Rajya Sabha that Pakistan violated the ceasefire 1,248 times along the Line of Control (LoC) in the last six months. Giving details of the CFVs, the minister said - 203 ceasefire violations took place in January, 215 in February, 267 in March, 234 in April, 221 in May and 108 in June.&nbsp;

"Appropriate retaliation to the ceasefire violations, as required has been carried out by Indian Army," the Defence Minister had said. 
 
Last month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/internal-security-on-top-of-home-minister-amit-shahs-kashmir-visit-agenda-230359">Home Minister Amit Shah </a>had chaired a security meeting to take stock of internal security in the country and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the Intelligence Bureau chief.

Shah has asserted that the policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government of zero tolerance towards terrorism will continue in Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
India’s had carried out an airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

 
&nbsp;

Government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved and cross-border infiltration in has reduced by 43 per cent after the Balakot airstrike.

Government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved and cross-border infiltration in has reduced by 43 per cent after the Balakot airstrike. Responding to a written question whether infiltration has come down in the state after India carried out an airstrike on terror camps in Balakot, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said, "Due to concerted and synergized efforts of security forces, the security situation in the state has witnessed an improvement in the first half of this year over the corresponding period of 2018. Net infiltration has reduced by 43 per cent." The minister said the government in tandem with the state government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards cross-border infiltration, which included multi-tiered deployment along the International Border/Line of Control, border fencing, improved intelligence and operational coordination, equipping Security Forces with improved. Meanwhile, MoS Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said in Lok Sabha that the terrorists initiated incidents has also seen a decline of 28 per cent. "Terrorist initiated incidents saw a decline of 28 per cent, net infiltration reduced by 43 per cent, local recruitment declined by 40 per cent and neutralisation of terrorists has increased by 22 per cent," Reddy said. On July 1, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had told the Rajya Sabha that Pakistan violated the ceasefire 1,248 times along the Line of Control (LoC) in the last six months. Giving details of the CFVs, the minister said - 203 ceasefire violations took place in January, 215 in February, 267 in March, 234 in April, 221 in May and 108 in June. "Appropriate retaliation to the ceasefire violations, as required has been carried out by Indian Army," the Defence Minister had said. Last month, Home Minister Amit Shah had chaired a security meeting to take stock of internal security in the country and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the Intelligence Bureau chief. Shah has asserted that the policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government of zero tolerance towards terrorism will continue in Jammu and Kashmir. India’s had carried out an airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir reduced by 43% after Balakot airstrike, says Government

With barely a week for the July 15 launch of India’s second Moon Mission (Chandrayaan- 2) WION had an Exclusive conversation with Dr Mylswamy Annadurai who is currently serving as Vice President, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology

WION: Chandrayaan 1 was launched almost 40 years after the Apollo 11 mission, what was our major finding and breakthrough?

Dr Mylswamy Annadurai: In 2008 we were considered as also-rans, as about 69 missions had gone to the moon by then. But all the missions that went to the moon prior to Chandrayaan 1 declared that the moon’s surface was barren. While some missions found traces of hydrogen, it was not in the H20 form of water, thus the evidence was not conclusive. However, it was India’s Lunar Mission, which in its maiden attempt showed evidence for water in the exosphere of the moon, on the surface and sub-surface of the moon. The discovery of water is what re-started the race for Lunar Exploration.

WION: What has changed between ISRO’s first Lunar mission and Chandrayaan 2?

Dr Mylswamy Annadurai:&nbsp;Chandrayaan 2 is meant to consolidate the findings of Chandrayaan 1 and we are also landing at the South Pole of the Moon, which is an unexplored region. While the PSLV rocket was used for the previous mission, we will be using India’s most powerful rocket the GSLV Mk III for this mission. This time, in addition to landing on the moon and the orbiter studying the moon from an altitude, a rover also will be deployed to study the moon’s surface for about 14 days(1 moon day noon). Although we are using a more powerful rocket this time, what remains the same as Chandrayaan 1, will be the orbit-raising manoeuvres to get closer to the moon and inject into lunar orbit.

WION: Despite having had a slow and humble beginning in the 1960s, how did we master various crucial technologies and keep innovating?

Dr Mylswamy Annadurai:&nbsp;At the initial stages, various foreign agencies provided us basic support and training, but when the seed called ISRO sprouted, they abandoned it. We were denied high-end technology and were pushed to the wall, so in order to succeed, we had to indigenously develop all the major, sophisticated technologies indigenously to ensure the success of our Indian Space Programme.

WION: ISRO is globally reputed for frugal engineering in all missions, how do we achieve more with less?

Dr Mylswamy Annadurai:&nbsp;It all lies in our grooming, upbringing and mentality. If one were to be educated in America and trained at NASA, his/her projects would use abundant resources, but here we try to attain the same by using the least amount of resources. We are all from very humble backgrounds, so we think big with our limited resources. It is just like giving the same assignment to a Government school student and an International School student, both will accomplish it. But the method is what makes all the difference. The classic case is that Western agencies have powerful rockets that can directly reach the moon and other planets, whereas we use our PSLV and GSLV (less powerful in comparison to Western rockets) to attain similar objectives. We use a technique called orbit-raising manoeuvre to slingshot the satellite into the desired orbit/planet. This is what cuts down the cost drastically.

WION: What are the major areas that ISRO must focus on in the coming years?

Dr Mylswamy Annadurai:&nbsp;We must consolidate on our strengths of using space for societal applications such as agriculture, communication, earth observation, resource mapping, navigation etc. Given that we have been fabricating world-class satellites, with further Government permissions, we should be able to commercialize and build satellites for foreign customers. As there are very few players in launching satellites that weight below 1.5 tons, we could focus on that market segment as well.

WION: How can collaboration with private firms and academia enhance ISRO’s capabilities?

Dr Mylswamy Annadurai:&nbsp;Already a couple of satellites are made by the industry collaborators, when satellite-fabrication was opened up for private players there was heavy competition. When more launch-related processes are outsourced to industry, ISRO can focus on the core research and development areas. When more private players and academia offer support, we can achieve more in less time. Ideally, we would require that military-industry-academia collaboration /nexus that drove the science and technology sector in America during the 1960s.

WION: As advances in rocket technology furthers the reach, does the moon play a more significant role?

Dr Mylswamy Annadurai:&nbsp;Currently the International Space Station(ISS) is our outpost in Space. But as the ISS is nearing the end of its operational life, we may need a new stopover for exploring deep space. It would be more prudent to develop infrastructure on the moon rather than develop another Space Station. The moon could be used as an outpost on a journey to Mars. We could also explore options for installing telescopes on the moon. Such a Lunar Space Station should also involve the active participation of countries like India, as we are not a part of the few countries that control the ISS. Commercial players also will get encouraged if space tourism leads to the moon.

WION: Foreign Media has tried to belittle our progress when India succeeds in ambitious missions. How do you react to them as a veteran Indian Scientist?

Dr Mylswamy Annadurai:&nbsp;As Swami Vivekananda says, any great thing you do, first others will neglect us, then they will laugh at us, oppose us and eventually they will recognize us. Either way, Indian scientists are motivated to work for the progress of our country.

With barely a week for the July 15 launch of India’s second Moon Mission (Chandrayaan- 2) WION had an Exclusive conversation with Dr Mylswamy Annadurai who is currently serving as Vice President, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology WION: Chandrayaan 1 was launched almost 40 years after the Apollo 11 mission, what was our major finding and breakthrough?

With barely a week for the July 15 launch of India’s second Moon Mission (Chandrayaan- 2) WION had an Exclusive conversation with Dr Mylswamy Annadurai who is currently serving as Vice President, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology WION: Chandrayaan 1 was launched almost 40 years after the Apollo 11 mission, what was our major finding and breakthrough? Dr Mylswamy Annadurai: In 2008 we were considered as also-rans, as about 69 missions had gone to the moon by then. But all the missions that went to the moon prior to Chandrayaan 1 declared that the moon’s surface was barren. While some missions found traces of hydrogen, it was not in the H20 form of water, thus the evidence was not conclusive. However, it was India’s Lunar Mission, which in its maiden attempt showed evidence for water in the exosphere of the moon, on the surface and sub-surface of the moon. The discovery of water is what re-started the race for Lunar Exploration. WION: What has changed between ISRO’s first Lunar mission and Chandrayaan 2? Dr Mylswamy Annadurai: Chandrayaan 2 is meant to consolidate the findings of Chandrayaan 1 and we are also landing at the South Pole of the Moon, which is an unexplored region. While the PSLV rocket was used for the previous mission, we will be using India’s most powerful rocket the GSLV Mk III for this mission. This time, in addition to landing on the moon and the orbiter studying the moon from an altitude, a rover also will be deployed to study the moon’s surface for about 14 days(1 moon day noon). Although we are using a more powerful rocket this time, what remains the same as Chandrayaan 1, will be the orbit-raising manoeuvres to get closer to the moon and inject into lunar orbit. WION: Despite having had a slow and humble beginning in the 1960s, how did we master various crucial technologies and keep innovating? Dr Mylswamy Annadurai: At the initial stages, various foreign agencies provided us basic support and training, but when the seed called ISRO sprouted, they abandoned it. We were denied high-end technology and were pushed to the wall, so in order to succeed, we had to indigenously develop all the major, sophisticated technologies indigenously to ensure the success of our Indian Space Programme. WION: ISRO is globally reputed for frugal engineering in all missions, how do we achieve more with less? Dr Mylswamy Annadurai: It all lies in our grooming, upbringing and mentality. If one were to be educated in America and trained at NASA, his/her projects would use abundant resources, but here we try to attain the same by using the least amount of resources. We are all from very humble backgrounds, so we think big with our limited resources. It is just like giving the same assignment to a Government school student and an International School student, both will accomplish it. But the method is what makes all the difference. The classic case is that Western agencies have powerful rockets that can directly reach the moon and other planets, whereas we use our PSLV and GSLV (less powerful in comparison to Western rockets) to attain similar objectives. We use a technique called orbit-raising manoeuvre to slingshot the satellite into the desired orbit/planet. This is what cuts down the cost drastically. WION: What are the major areas that ISRO must focus on in the coming years? Dr Mylswamy Annadurai: We must consolidate on our strengths of using space for societal applications such as agriculture, communication, earth observation, resource mapping, navigation etc. Given that we have been fabricating world-class satellites, with further Government permissions, we should be able to commercialize and build satellites for foreign customers. As there are very few players in launching satellites that weight below 1.5 tons, we could focus on that market segment as well. WION: How can collaboration with private firms and academia enhance ISRO’s capabilities? Dr Mylswamy Annadurai: Already a couple of satellites are made by the industry collaborators, when satellite-fabrication was opened up for private players there was heavy competition. When more launch-related processes are outsourced to industry, ISRO can focus on the core research and development areas. When more private players and academia offer support, we can achieve more in less time. Ideally, we would require that military-industry-academia collaboration /nexus that drove the science and technology sector in America during the 1960s. WION: As advances in rocket technology furthers the reach, does the moon play a more significant role? Dr Mylswamy Annadurai: Currently the International Space Station(ISS) is our outpost in Space. But as the ISS is nearing the end of its operational life, we may need a new stopover for exploring deep space. It would be more prudent to develop infrastructure on the moon rather than develop another Space Station. The moon could be used as an outpost on a journey to Mars. We could also explore options for installing telescopes on the moon. Such a Lunar Space Station should also involve the active participation of countries like India, as we are not a part of the few countries that control the ISS. Commercial players also will get encouraged if space tourism leads to the moon. WION: Foreign Media has tried to belittle our progress when India succeeds in ambitious missions. How do you react to them as a veteran Indian Scientist? Dr Mylswamy Annadurai: As Swami Vivekananda says, any great thing you do, first others will neglect us, then they will laugh at us, oppose us and eventually they will recognize us. Either way, Indian scientists are motivated to work for the progress of our country.

Chandrayaan’s discovery of water on moon’s surface re-started race for lunar exploration: Padma Shri Mylswamy Annadurai

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed a plaintiff to file an application seeking an early hearing in the Ram Mandir-Babri mosque title dispute case. The plaintiff Gopal Singh Visharad moved India's top court claiming that not much progress has been made in the court-ordered mediation process in the case.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi agreed to consider the matter and allowed the plaintiff to file an application.

In order to resolve the title dispute case, the court had appointed a mediation panel headed by former Supreme Court judge FM Khalifullah along with spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and senior advocate Sri Ram Panchu. While forming the panel, the court had asked the mediation panel to maintain utmost confidentiality and disallowed media from reporting the panel proceedings.

The court had earlier granted more time to the mediation committee to reach an amicable solution in the case. The court extended the deadline till August 15 for the mediation panel to help solve the dispute at Ayodhya.

The mediation is taking place at Faizabad, close to Ayodhya.

The court had said the mediators will be at liberty to co-opt other members of the panel if needed and seek further legal assistance as and when required. The mediation process must be completed in eight weeks, it further said.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed a plaintiff to file an application seeking an early hearing in the Ram Mandir-Babri mosque title dispute case. The plaintiff Gopal Singh Visharad moved India's top court claiming that not much progress has been made in the court-ordered mediation process in the case.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed a plaintiff to file an application seeking an early hearing in the Ram Mandir-Babri mosque title dispute case. The plaintiff Gopal Singh Visharad moved India's top court claiming that not much progress has been made in the court-ordered mediation process in the case. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi agreed to consider the matter and allowed the plaintiff to file an application. In order to resolve the title dispute case, the court had appointed a mediation panel headed by former Supreme Court judge FM Khalifullah along with spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and senior advocate Sri Ram Panchu. While forming the panel, the court had asked the mediation panel to maintain utmost confidentiality and disallowed media from reporting the panel proceedings. The court had earlier granted more time to the mediation committee to reach an amicable solution in the case. The court extended the deadline till August 15 for the mediation panel to help solve the dispute at Ayodhya. The mediation is taking place at Faizabad, close to Ayodhya. The court had said the mediators will be at liberty to co-opt other members of the panel if needed and seek further legal assistance as and when required. The mediation process must be completed in eight weeks, it further said.

No progress made in Ayodhya case, plaintiff tells Supreme Court

As the political situation gets precarious in the state, Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Tuesday said that he has written to the Governor Vajubhai Vala apprising him on the ongoing crisis in the state and asked the rebel MLAs to meet him. 
 
"Have written to Governor that none of the rebel MLAs have met me. He has expressed confidence that I'll uphold constitutional norms. Out of 13 resignations, 8 are not according to law. I've given them time to present themselves before me," he said. 
 
The Speaker also said he has received a petition from Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramiah seekig disqualification of the dissident MLAs. 
 
Earlier today, Congress leader Siddaramaiah had said that his party would seek the disqualification of the rebel legislators for their alleged anti-party activities.&nbsp;

After the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting, the party also urged Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to ban these MLAs, who have "colluded" with the BJP, from contesting elections for at least six years.

"The CLP has decided to submit a petition to the Speaker seeking disqualification of the members who are trying to resign from their membership. Not only to disqualify them, but they shall not be allowed to contest the election for the next six years," Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting.

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 BJP doesn't want the Congress to be in power anywhere, be it in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan or Karnataka. They are conspiring to topple the government in Karnataka," alleged Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday.

However, BJP leaders have asserted that the Saffron Party has nothing to do with the ongoing crisis in Karnataka.

Responding to Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury who accused the BJP of engineering defections to destabilise the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that his party does not believe in politics of horse-trading and is committed to parliamentary democracy.

Former chief minister and BJP's state unit president BS Yeddyurappa on Monday demanded the resignation of chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, saying the Congress-JD(S) government in the state has lost the majority.

The BJP has made it clear that if a new government is formed in the state, Yeddyurappa will become the chief minister.

Meanwhile, chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday claimed that the current crisis in the state will be resolved and the government will run smoothly. The Chief Minister's statement came after 21 state minister of the Congress stepped down from their positions. Similarly, all JD(S) ministers also resigned, paving way for the restructuring of the cabinet. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As the political situation gets precarious in the state, Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Tuesday said that he has written to the Governor Vajubhai Vala apprising him on the ongoing crisis in the state and asked the rebel MLAs to meet him.

As the political situation gets precarious in the state, Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Tuesday said that he has written to the Governor Vajubhai Vala apprising him on the ongoing crisis in the state and asked the rebel MLAs to meet him. "Have written to Governor that none of the rebel MLAs have met me. He has expressed confidence that I'll uphold constitutional norms. Out of 13 resignations, 8 are not according to law. I've given them time to present themselves before me," he said. The Speaker also said he has received a petition from Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramiah seekig disqualification of the dissident MLAs. Earlier today, Congress leader Siddaramaiah had said that his party would seek the disqualification of the rebel legislators for their alleged anti-party activities. After the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting, the party also urged Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to ban these MLAs, who have "colluded" with the BJP, from contesting elections for at least six years. "The CLP has decided to submit a petition to the Speaker seeking disqualification of the members who are trying to resign from their membership. Not only to disqualify them, but they shall not be allowed to contest the election for the next six years," Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting. 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 BJP doesn't want the Congress to be in power anywhere, be it in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan or Karnataka. They are conspiring to topple the government in Karnataka," alleged Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday. However, BJP leaders have asserted that the Saffron Party has nothing to do with the ongoing crisis in Karnataka. Responding to Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury who accused the BJP of engineering defections to destabilise the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that his party does not believe in politics of horse-trading and is committed to parliamentary democracy. Former chief minister and BJP's state unit president BS Yeddyurappa on Monday demanded the resignation of chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, saying the Congress-JD(S) government in the state has lost the majority. The BJP has made it clear that if a new government is formed in the state, Yeddyurappa will become the chief minister. Meanwhile, chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday claimed that the current crisis in the state will be resolved and the government will run smoothly. The Chief Minister's statement came after 21 state minister of the Congress stepped down from their positions. Similarly, all JD(S) ministers also resigned, paving way for the restructuring of the cabinet. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka crisis: Assembly Speaker writes to Governor, summons rebel MLAs

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at 110 locations across 19 states in connection with corruption, criminal misconduct and arms smuggling cases.

The probe agency has filed 30 separate cases, said agency officials.

According to officials, the raids were carried out in various cities including, Delhi, Bharatpur, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Pune, Goa, Jaipur, Kanpur, Raipur, Hyderabad, Madurai, Kolkata, Rourkela, Ranchi, Bokaro. 
 
This is second massive search operation by the agency in a week. Last week, the CBI had carried out searches at over 50 places in 14 states in connection with bank frauds.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at 110 locations across 19 states in connection with corruption, criminal misconduct and arms smuggling cases.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at 110 locations across 19 states in connection with corruption, criminal misconduct and arms smuggling cases. The probe agency has filed 30 separate cases, said agency officials. According to officials, the raids were carried out in various cities including, Delhi, Bharatpur, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Pune, Goa, Jaipur, Kanpur, Raipur, Hyderabad, Madurai, Kolkata, Rourkela, Ranchi, Bokaro. This is second massive search operation by the agency in a week. Last week, the CBI had carried out searches at over 50 places in 14 states in connection with bank frauds. (With inputs from agencies)

In a nationwide crackdown, CBI searches 110 locations across 19 states

Janardan Dwivedi, the former speech writer of Sonia Gandhi and longest serving general secretary of the Congress, has said that the reason for the party's defeat in India's general election is inside, not outside of the organisation.

He also said that some constitutional mechanism should have been put in place by Rahul Gandhi after he resigned as Congress president so that party could have properly moved ahead. "Some constitutional mechanism should have been constituted by the party president under which opinion of members of working committee should have been taken," the 73-year-old leader said.

Dwivedi served as general secretary of the Congress party from 2004 to 2017, but was replaced by KC Venugopal. Dwivedi was finally cast out of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) last year.

He said that there were number of issues on which he differed from the leadership. "I also apprised them of my differences. Reservation for economically backward classes was one such issue where I and leadership differed," Dwivedi said.

The basic objection raised by Dwivedi is that the consultation process is taking place under the banner of coordination committee which should not have been the case. He also said that many leaders are still sitting pretty and not ready to vacate their position after a major defeat.

He said that a gap has been left after Rahul Gandhi's resignation and norms and conventions which should have been followed in ideal condition have been set aside. He also made a point to share his resignation letter of September 15, 2014, which was rejected by the then Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Congress is grappling with one of biggest crises in its 150-year-old history. A major setback in the April-May general elections in India saw Congress's tally reduced to a meagre 52, threatening an existential crisis for it and subsequently leading to the resignation of its president Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul resigned as the party chief taking reponsiility for the party's dismal performance in the elections. But for weeks, Congress leaders kept urging Rahul to take back his resignation and asking him not to be too harsh on himself. The drama finally ended last week when Rahul Gandhi tweeted his resignation letter and asked the party to take the process of appointing his successor forward.

Janardan Dwivedi, the former speech writer of Sonia Gandhi and longest serving general secretary of the Congress, has said that the reason for the party's defeat in India's general election is inside, not outside of the organisation.

Janardan Dwivedi, the former speech writer of Sonia Gandhi and longest serving general secretary of the Congress, has said that the reason for the party's defeat in India's general election is inside, not outside of the organisation. He also said that some constitutional mechanism should have been put in place by Rahul Gandhi after he resigned as Congress president so that party could have properly moved ahead. "Some constitutional mechanism should have been constituted by the party president under which opinion of members of working committee should have been taken," the 73-year-old leader said. Dwivedi served as general secretary of the Congress party from 2004 to 2017, but was replaced by KC Venugopal. Dwivedi was finally cast out of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) last year. He said that there were number of issues on which he differed from the leadership. "I also apprised them of my differences. Reservation for economically backward classes was one such issue where I and leadership differed," Dwivedi said. The basic objection raised by Dwivedi is that the consultation process is taking place under the banner of coordination committee which should not have been the case. He also said that many leaders are still sitting pretty and not ready to vacate their position after a major defeat. He said that a gap has been left after Rahul Gandhi's resignation and norms and conventions which should have been followed in ideal condition have been set aside. He also made a point to share his resignation letter of September 15, 2014, which was rejected by the then Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Congress is grappling with one of biggest crises in its 150-year-old history. A major setback in the April-May general elections in India saw Congress's tally reduced to a meagre 52, threatening an existential crisis for it and subsequently leading to the resignation of its president Rahul Gandhi. Rahul resigned as the party chief taking reponsiility for the party's dismal performance in the elections. But for weeks, Congress leaders kept urging Rahul to take back his resignation and asking him not to be too harsh on himself. The drama finally ended last week when Rahul Gandhi tweeted his resignation letter and asked the party to take the process of appointing his successor forward.

Reason for electoral loss is inside and not outside the Congress, says old loyalist Janardhan Dwivedi

South Korean carmaker Hyundai on Tuesday launched its first fully electric SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), the Kona, in India. The car has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 25.30 lakh (ex-showroom).

Hyundai has said that the car will have a range of 452 kilometre in a single charge, claiming that the running cost of the Kona will be one-fifth of the traditional (petrol and diesel) engines which are curently in use.

The car is powered by a 139.2 kWh advanced lithium-ion polymer battery which can be fully charged in just about an hour using a fast charger. At the launch, the company announced that it is two chargers to those who are willing to buy this car.

It delivers 134 bhp of power and offers four different driving modes - Eco, Eco+, Comfort and Sport.

India plans to achieve electric mobility by 2030 and taking the initial steps, the government cleared the second iteration of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles or FAME-II in February this year.

The main objective of the scheme is to encourage faster adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by way of offering upfront incentive on purchase of electric vehicles and also by way of establishing necessary charging infrastructure for them.

In this year's Budget, Finance Ministr Nirmala Sitharaman sops to boost use of electric vehicles. She proposed an additional income tax deduction of Rs 1.5 lakh on interest paid on loans taken to purchase EVs and also asked the GST Council to reduce tax rate on EVs from 12 per cent to five per cent.

Customs duty on certain parts of EVs has also been reduced.

South Korean carmaker Hyundai on Tuesday launched its first fully electric SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), the Kona, in India. The car has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 25.

South Korean carmaker Hyundai on Tuesday launched its first fully electric SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), the Kona, in India. The car has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 25.30 lakh (ex-showroom). Hyundai has said that the car will have a range of 452 kilometre in a single charge, claiming that the running cost of the Kona will be one-fifth of the traditional (petrol and diesel) engines which are curently in use. The car is powered by a 139.2 kWh advanced lithium-ion polymer battery which can be fully charged in just about an hour using a fast charger. At the launch, the company announced that it is two chargers to those who are willing to buy this car. It delivers 134 bhp of power and offers four different driving modes - Eco, Eco+, Comfort and Sport. India plans to achieve electric mobility by 2030 and taking the initial steps, the government cleared the second iteration of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles or FAME-II in February this year. The main objective of the scheme is to encourage faster adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by way of offering upfront incentive on purchase of electric vehicles and also by way of establishing necessary charging infrastructure for them. In this year's Budget, Finance Ministr Nirmala Sitharaman sops to boost use of electric vehicles. She proposed an additional income tax deduction of Rs 1.5 lakh on interest paid on loans taken to purchase EVs and also asked the GST Council to reduce tax rate on EVs from 12 per cent to five per cent. Customs duty on certain parts of EVs has also been reduced.

Hyundai launches Kona EV in India in line with government's push for electric vehicles

The human cost of the three-month conflict over Imphal and Kohima was immense. Thirty thousand Japanese died in the campaign, Of the 6,000 INA who fought, 2,000 died.

When Indian and British soldiers defeated Japan in World War-II

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News brief: Big stories of the day

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News brief: Big stories of the day

India's high tariffs on American products 'no longer acceptable', says US President Donald Trump

Infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir reduced by 43% after Balakot airstrike, says Government

Chandrayaan’s discovery of water on moon’s surface re-started race for lunar exploration: Padma Shri Mylswamy Annadurai

No progress made in Ayodhya case, plaintiff tells Supreme Court

Karnataka crisis: Assembly Speaker writes to Governor, summons rebel MLAs

In a nationwide crackdown, CBI searches 110 locations across 19 states

Reason for electoral loss is inside and not outside the Congress, says old loyalist Janardhan Dwivedi

Hyundai launches Kona EV in India in line with government's push for electric vehicles

When Indian and British soldiers defeated Japan in World War-II