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With upscaling infrastructure investments to Rs 100 lakh crore over the next five years and measures to rejuvenate the rural and urban economy, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-here-is-what-favours-you-and-what-does-not-233308">Union Budget for 2019-20</a> sets a clear action plan for making India a five trillion dollar economy by 2025, according to leading industry chambers.

"Directionally the budget is good and it takes forward the plan that was laid out by the government during the interim Budget. There are several positives in the budget, and it provides a set of benefits for most segments of the society," said FICCI President Sandip Somany.

"We see a clear action plan for realising the vision of making India a five trillion dollar economy over the next few years with a focus on ease of living," he said appreciating the Budget's focus on infrastructure development. "We are also encouraged by the focus on promoting public-private partnership for modernisation and upgradation of the nation's railway infrastructure."

So many said the announcement to further provide Rs 70,000 crore for capital infusion into public sector banks along with measures to strengthen the governance processes within the banks should help in improving the credit flow to the industry.

CII President Vikram Kirloskar said the adherence to fiscal consolidation path while providing the necessary boost to consumption, investment and special emphasis on agriculture and rural sector steps in the right&nbsp;direction to take the economy to five trillion dollar mark.

"The measures are expected to debottleneck the economy and create a healthy eco-system for the revival of business sentiment. The Budget did well to bring all companies having turnover upto Rs 400 crore under the 25 per cent corporate tax rate ambit from the erstwhile limit of Rs 250 crore. This is a good beginning and as it is expected to provide a fillip to the corporate sector earnings which could be ploughed back in investments," he said.

Kirloskar said measures, like strengthening of logistics infrastructure and stepping up efforts in rural housing, are likely to provide a significant impetus to investment spending and consumption in the economy. Apart from boosting growth in the near to medium term, they will also help generate jobs in the economy.

Budget 2019-20: What Will Become Costlier &amp; Cheaper Now

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2019-20-what-will-become-costlier-cheaper-now-233474/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

ASSOCHAM President B K Goenka said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirmala-sitharaman-delivers-longest-ever-budget-speech-of-2-hours-17-mins-233293">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</a>'s maiden budget is a mega investment-oriented initiative with a strong focus on scaling up rural infrastructure and demand along with slew of tax simplification measures.

"The disinvestment target of Rs 1.05 lakh crore along with the commitment to disinvest Air India will be good efforts to enhance the fiscal stability with fiscal deficit being pegged lower at 3.7 per cent of GDP," he said adding that initiatives like e-assessment, inter-changeability of PAN and Aadhaar, digital payment will make a big difference to taxpayers.

The next phases of affordable housing, national highway projects should also be growth drivers, said Goenka. "The focus on Make in India is visible as also emphasis on sustainable development by measures like electric vehicles and renewable energy. Boost to high-technology manufacturing like semi-conductor and commercialisation of space technologies are innovative measures."

With upscaling infrastructure investments to Rs 100 lakh crore over the next five years and measures to rejuvenate the rural and urban economy, the Union Budget for 2019-20 sets a clear action plan for making India a five trillion dollar economy by 2025, according to leading industry chambers.

With upscaling infrastructure investments to Rs 100 lakh crore over the next five years and measures to rejuvenate the rural and urban economy, the Union Budget for 2019-20 sets a clear action plan for making India a five trillion dollar economy by 2025, according to leading industry chambers. "Directionally the budget is good and it takes forward the plan that was laid out by the government during the interim Budget. There are several positives in the budget, and it provides a set of benefits for most segments of the society," said FICCI President Sandip Somany. "We see a clear action plan for realising the vision of making India a five trillion dollar economy over the next few years with a focus on ease of living," he said appreciating the Budget's focus on infrastructure development. "We are also encouraged by the focus on promoting public-private partnership for modernisation and upgradation of the nation's railway infrastructure." So many said the announcement to further provide Rs 70,000 crore for capital infusion into public sector banks along with measures to strengthen the governance processes within the banks should help in improving the credit flow to the industry. CII President Vikram Kirloskar said the adherence to fiscal consolidation path while providing the necessary boost to consumption, investment and special emphasis on agriculture and rural sector steps in the right direction to take the economy to five trillion dollar mark. "The measures are expected to debottleneck the economy and create a healthy eco-system for the revival of business sentiment. The Budget did well to bring all companies having turnover upto Rs 400 crore under the 25 per cent corporate tax rate ambit from the erstwhile limit of Rs 250 crore. This is a good beginning and as it is expected to provide a fillip to the corporate sector earnings which could be ploughed back in investments," he said. Kirloskar said measures, like strengthening of logistics infrastructure and stepping up efforts in rural housing, are likely to provide a significant impetus to investment spending and consumption in the economy. Apart from boosting growth in the near to medium term, they will also help generate jobs in the economy. Budget 2019-20: What Will Become Costlier & Cheaper Now ASSOCHAM President B K Goenka said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's maiden budget is a mega investment-oriented initiative with a strong focus on scaling up rural infrastructure and demand along with slew of tax simplification measures. "The disinvestment target of Rs 1.05 lakh crore along with the commitment to disinvest Air India will be good efforts to enhance the fiscal stability with fiscal deficit being pegged lower at 3.7 per cent of GDP," he said adding that initiatives like e-assessment, inter-changeability of PAN and Aadhaar, digital payment will make a big difference to taxpayers. The next phases of affordable housing, national highway projects should also be growth drivers, said Goenka. "The focus on Make in India is visible as also emphasis on sustainable development by measures like electric vehicles and renewable energy. Boost to high-technology manufacturing like semi-conductor and commercialisation of space technologies are innovative measures."

Budget sets clear action plan for making India $5 trillion economy: FICCI, CII

After receiving the reports of 49 deaths and 190 positive cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Assam, the Sarbananda Sonowal government on Saturday said that it has kept on hold leaves for all doctors and paramedical staff across the state.

"Leaves for all doctors and paramedical staff including surveillance workers will be kept on hold. Any kind of emergency leave will be granted only with the prior approval of the Deputy Commissioner of the District," read a statement issued by Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.The Minister said that unauthorised absence from the place of posting even after duty hours will be treated seriously amounting to criminal dereliction of duty and instructed the state's Principal Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare to hold a weekly review conference with all DCs and JDs to ensure the vigil continues."

A total of 3,622 fever cases have been transferred to the health facilities during June 2019. Vaccination for JE through the routine immunization for children is currently going on regularly.

Realizing the importance of adult vaccination was done in 20 Districts of Assam during 2016-17 where the coverage was about 68 per cent.

However, there is a need for adult vaccination mop up to prevent the outbreak in all the remaining districts," the order said.

Sharma said that in order to ensure that JE patients needing ICU critical care are not deterred from getting timely medical treatment, all costs of ICU care including hospital charges, drugs, diagnostics will be made free of cost to the patient at the point of care in all the government hospitals operating ICU facilities.

He said in case of non-availability of government ICU beds, a consolidated ICU treatment allowance up to Rs1 Lakh per patient will be paid directly to the private hospital in the name of the treating patient.

Highlighting the efforts of the state government in response to tackling the crisis, Sarma said that 12.8 lakhs blood slides have been collected and diagnostic services for JE were already available in all district hospitals and medical colleges.

"After the identification of JE cases, the affected areas are covered extensively for awareness generation, intensified fogging operation. A total of 1,094 affected villages have been covered through intensified fogging operations already," he said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

After receiving the reports of 49 deaths and 190 positive cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Assam, the Sarbananda Sonowal government on Saturday said that it has kept on hold leaves for all doctors and paramedical staff across the state.

After receiving the reports of 49 deaths and 190 positive cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Assam, the Sarbananda Sonowal government on Saturday said that it has kept on hold leaves for all doctors and paramedical staff across the state. "Leaves for all doctors and paramedical staff including surveillance workers will be kept on hold. Any kind of emergency leave will be granted only with the prior approval of the Deputy Commissioner of the District," read a statement issued by Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.The Minister said that unauthorised absence from the place of posting even after duty hours will be treated seriously amounting to criminal dereliction of duty and instructed the state's Principal Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare to hold a weekly review conference with all DCs and JDs to ensure the vigil continues." A total of 3,622 fever cases have been transferred to the health facilities during June 2019. Vaccination for JE through the routine immunization for children is currently going on regularly. Realizing the importance of adult vaccination was done in 20 Districts of Assam during 2016-17 where the coverage was about 68 per cent. However, there is a need for adult vaccination mop up to prevent the outbreak in all the remaining districts," the order said. Sharma said that in order to ensure that JE patients needing ICU critical care are not deterred from getting timely medical treatment, all costs of ICU care including hospital charges, drugs, diagnostics will be made free of cost to the patient at the point of care in all the government hospitals operating ICU facilities. He said in case of non-availability of government ICU beds, a consolidated ICU treatment allowance up to Rs1 Lakh per patient will be paid directly to the private hospital in the name of the treating patient. Highlighting the efforts of the state government in response to tackling the crisis, Sarma said that 12.8 lakhs blood slides have been collected and diagnostic services for JE were already available in all district hospitals and medical colleges. "After the identification of JE cases, the affected areas are covered extensively for awareness generation, intensified fogging operation. A total of 1,094 affected villages have been covered through intensified fogging operations already," he said.

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome outbreak: Assam government keeps leaves of doctors, paramedics on hold

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has rightly given top priority to infrastructure in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-go-up-in-delhi-petrol-up-by-rs-245-at-rs-7296-233462">Union Budget for 2019-20</a> which will generate employment, attract investment and enable India to be the fastest growing major economy in the world, her predecessor Arun Jaitley said on Saturday.

"The Finance Minister has rightly given top priority to infrastructure. This priority is self-evident in the fact that the rural roads programme connecting every village with a motorable road is nearing completion. National highways are moving at a pace faster than ever before. Adequate amount of allocations have been made in the Budget for this," Jaitley said in his blog.

While presenting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-it-gives-wings-to-farmers-youngsters-women-home-minister-amit-shah-233399">Union Budget</a> in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Sitharaman said that the government will spend Rs 100 lakh crore on infrastructure upgradation over the next five years.

Jaitley said massive infrastructure creation also has the ability to generate employment and attract investment. So does a boost to the construction and real estate sector.

"India will continue to be the fastest growing major economy in the world. In the last two to three-quarters, growth has seen a moderation," he added.

Jaitley said the railways is one of the top priorities of the government. Besides faster trains, modernised coaches, additional railway safety measures, very soon India will witness the modernisation of its railway stations similar to what today has happened to the airports.

"Increase in port capacity, further development of inland water transportation and expanding the aviation sector to the remotest corner of the country is the roadmap which the Finance Minister has presented. This will be the India of 2024," he said.

Saying that modernisation of cities with all-weather roads, an effective metro system, better urban roads are being given an impetus, Jaitley said, "A major tax incentive has been given to those who borrow to buy affordable houses. This move will not merely help the system to utilise the unsold stock of affordable houses but will also be instrumental in injecting liquidity into the real estate market."

The direction of reforms in the banking and financial sector has been maintained. Consolidation of public sector banks is being undertaken so as to have fewer but mega and financially strong banks.

A sizeable allocation has been made for recapitalisation of banks so that their capacity to lend for growth improves.

"The Budget contains concrete proposals about support to the NBFCs whose liquidity, for the last several months, was under strain and had reduced the purchasing power of the consumer. The sectors most affected by this were real estate, automobiles, and the MSMEs," said Jaitley.

While the GST reforms are being carried out, a lot of simplification for direct tax assesses has been proposed.

Jaitley said besides affordable housing, electric vehicles and start-ups are the sectors on which the Budget places an adequate emphasis.In the last two years, he said, when the global crude oil prices hardened, duties had been cut by the Central government on at least two occasions in a major way.

"It is the softening of crude oil prices which persuaded the government to raise excise duty on petrol and diesel marginally so that this money could be transferred to a special fund meant for infrastructure creation, particularly for the national highways and the rural roads programme," Jaitley said.

 
&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has rightly given top priority to infrastructure in the Union Budget for 2019-20 which will generate employment, attract investment and enable India to be the fastest growing major economy in the world, her predecessor Arun Jaitley said on Saturday.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has rightly given top priority to infrastructure in the Union Budget for 2019-20 which will generate employment, attract investment and enable India to be the fastest growing major economy in the world, her predecessor Arun Jaitley said on Saturday. "The Finance Minister has rightly given top priority to infrastructure. This priority is self-evident in the fact that the rural roads programme connecting every village with a motorable road is nearing completion. National highways are moving at a pace faster than ever before. Adequate amount of allocations have been made in the Budget for this," Jaitley said in his blog. While presenting the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Sitharaman said that the government will spend Rs 100 lakh crore on infrastructure upgradation over the next five years. Jaitley said massive infrastructure creation also has the ability to generate employment and attract investment. So does a boost to the construction and real estate sector. "India will continue to be the fastest growing major economy in the world. In the last two to three-quarters, growth has seen a moderation," he added. Jaitley said the railways is one of the top priorities of the government. Besides faster trains, modernised coaches, additional railway safety measures, very soon India will witness the modernisation of its railway stations similar to what today has happened to the airports. "Increase in port capacity, further development of inland water transportation and expanding the aviation sector to the remotest corner of the country is the roadmap which the Finance Minister has presented. This will be the India of 2024," he said. Saying that modernisation of cities with all-weather roads, an effective metro system, better urban roads are being given an impetus, Jaitley said, "A major tax incentive has been given to those who borrow to buy affordable houses. This move will not merely help the system to utilise the unsold stock of affordable houses but will also be instrumental in injecting liquidity into the real estate market." The direction of reforms in the banking and financial sector has been maintained. Consolidation of public sector banks is being undertaken so as to have fewer but mega and financially strong banks. A sizeable allocation has been made for recapitalisation of banks so that their capacity to lend for growth improves. "The Budget contains concrete proposals about support to the NBFCs whose liquidity, for the last several months, was under strain and had reduced the purchasing power of the consumer. The sectors most affected by this were real estate, automobiles, and the MSMEs," said Jaitley. While the GST reforms are being carried out, a lot of simplification for direct tax assesses has been proposed. Jaitley said besides affordable housing, electric vehicles and start-ups are the sectors on which the Budget places an adequate emphasis.In the last two years, he said, when the global crude oil prices hardened, duties had been cut by the Central government on at least two occasions in a major way. "It is the softening of crude oil prices which persuaded the government to raise excise duty on petrol and diesel marginally so that this money could be transferred to a special fund meant for infrastructure creation, particularly for the national highways and the rural roads programme," Jaitley said.

Budget rightly gives top priority to infrastructure: Arun Jaitley

The Delhi government on Saturday announced compensation for the family of the minor girl who was allegedly raped recently.Speaking to media, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government will give Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the survivor.

"We will give Rs 10 lakhs as compensation to the family of the 6-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted in Dwarka. I met doctors. She is stable now and out of danger. We will also provide an advocate to the family," he said.

On July 2, the six-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man in Dwarka area of the national capital.

On Friday, Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal met the victim at the hospital and expressed dismay on the brutality of the incident.

"Met 6 year old rape survivor in Hospital. Shell shocked! Each inch of her body has marks of brutality... Last year I kept hunger strike for 10 days for death to child rapists but yet to be implemented even in Delhi. The system is responsible for this rape!" she had tweeted. The police have arrested the accused with the help of CCTV footage.

 
&nbsp;

The Delhi government on Saturday announced compensation for the family of the minor girl who was allegedly raped recently.Speaking to media, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government will give Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the survivor.

The Delhi government on Saturday announced compensation for the family of the minor girl who was allegedly raped recently.Speaking to media, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government will give Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the survivor. "We will give Rs 10 lakhs as compensation to the family of the 6-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted in Dwarka. I met doctors. She is stable now and out of danger. We will also provide an advocate to the family," he said. On July 2, the six-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man in Dwarka area of the national capital. On Friday, Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal met the victim at the hospital and expressed dismay on the brutality of the incident. "Met 6 year old rape survivor in Hospital. Shell shocked! Each inch of her body has marks of brutality... Last year I kept hunger strike for 10 days for death to child rapists but yet to be implemented even in Delhi. The system is responsible for this rape!" she had tweeted. The police have arrested the accused with the help of CCTV footage.

Delhi government to give Rs 10 lakh compensation to kin of 6-year-old rape survivor

The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Pune on Saturday passed an order asking fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides to repay an amount to the tune of Rs 7,300 crore with interest to Punjab National Bank.

This comes just days after the Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/singapore-high-court-orders-freezing-of-accounts-of-nirav-modis-sister-brother-in-law-232328">freezing of a bank account belonging to Nirav Modi's sister</a> and brother-in-law, news agency ANI reported.

On the request of the Enforcement Directorate, the high court directed the freezing of balance of $6.122 million (Rs 44.41 crore) in the account maintained in Singapore by Pavilion Point Corporation, a company owned by Mayank Mehta and Purvi Modi, it said.

The request by the probe agency was made on the ground that the money deposited in the account was illegally siphoned off from Indian banks.

The Swiss authorities had frozen four accounts belonging to Modi and his sister Purvi previously.&nbsp;

Nirav Modi was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the PNB loan default case.

India is seeking Modi's extradition on charges of fraud and money laundering. He is lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Pune on Saturday passed an order asking fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides to repay an amount to the tune of Rs 7,300 crore with interest to Punjab National Bank.

The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Pune on Saturday passed an order asking fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides to repay an amount to the tune of Rs 7,300 crore with interest to Punjab National Bank. This comes just days after the Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the freezing of a bank account belonging to Nirav Modi's sister and brother-in-law, news agency ANI reported. On the request of the Enforcement Directorate, the high court directed the freezing of balance of $6.122 million (Rs 44.41 crore) in the account maintained in Singapore by Pavilion Point Corporation, a company owned by Mayank Mehta and Purvi Modi, it said. The request by the probe agency was made on the ground that the money deposited in the account was illegally siphoned off from Indian banks. The Swiss authorities had frozen four accounts belonging to Modi and his sister Purvi previously. Nirav Modi was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the PNB loan default case. India is seeking Modi's extradition on charges of fraud and money laundering. He is lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London. (With inputs from ANI)

Nirav Modi, aides to pay Rs 7,300 crore with interest to PNB: Debt Recovery Tribunal

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar on Saturday stated in a Delhi court that it is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of journalist Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness regarding the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace.

Akbar, who appeared before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal for his cross-examination in connection with a defamation case filed by him against Ramani, said in court, "It is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness of pervasiveness of the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace."

He added, "It is also wrong to suggest that Ramani's disclosures in her tweets and articles relating to him were true and made in good faith for public interest and for public good."

Claiming that he had no intention to target Ramani by filing a defamation case in the matter against her, he said, "It is wrong to say that present complaint I filed is false and without merit and that I have been selective in filing this complaint against Priya Ramani in order to target her."

"I worked with a journalist Pallavi Gogoi in 1994 at Asian Age. I was made aware of an article Mark-M written by Pallavi Gogoi in the Washington Post dated 01.11.2018. But I deny all those allegations. It is a matter of public record that on 02.11.2018, I released a statement to ANI in relation to the allegations made by Pallavi Gogoi. It is correct that my wife has also released a statement to ANI from portion A to A on 02.11.2018," Akbar said in response to a question put forth by Ramani's counsel, senior advocate Rebecca John.

The court has posted the matter for cross-examination of Akbar's witness for July 15 and 17.

Ramani had on April 10 pleaded not guilty before the court and claimed trial after the court framed defamation charges against her on a criminal complaint of Akbar.

In one of the past hearings, the ACMM had also granted a permanent exemption to Ramani from personal appearance in the hearings to follow.

In February, Ramani was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000. She was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign.

Akbar had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct. The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on October 17, 2018.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar on Saturday stated in a Delhi court that it is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of journalist Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness regarding the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace.

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar on Saturday stated in a Delhi court that it is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of journalist Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness regarding the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace. Akbar, who appeared before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal for his cross-examination in connection with a defamation case filed by him against Ramani, said in court, "It is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness of pervasiveness of the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace." He added, "It is also wrong to suggest that Ramani's disclosures in her tweets and articles relating to him were true and made in good faith for public interest and for public good." Claiming that he had no intention to target Ramani by filing a defamation case in the matter against her, he said, "It is wrong to say that present complaint I filed is false and without merit and that I have been selective in filing this complaint against Priya Ramani in order to target her." "I worked with a journalist Pallavi Gogoi in 1994 at Asian Age. I was made aware of an article Mark-M written by Pallavi Gogoi in the Washington Post dated 01.11.2018. But I deny all those allegations. It is a matter of public record that on 02.11.2018, I released a statement to ANI in relation to the allegations made by Pallavi Gogoi. It is correct that my wife has also released a statement to ANI from portion A to A on 02.11.2018," Akbar said in response to a question put forth by Ramani's counsel, senior advocate Rebecca John. The court has posted the matter for cross-examination of Akbar's witness for July 15 and 17. Ramani had on April 10 pleaded not guilty before the court and claimed trial after the court framed defamation charges against her on a criminal complaint of Akbar. In one of the past hearings, the ACMM had also granted a permanent exemption to Ramani from personal appearance in the hearings to follow. In February, Ramani was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000. She was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign. Akbar had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct. The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on October 17, 2018.

Wrong to suggest Priya Ramani's tweets were meant to raise awareness on sexual harassment: MJ Akbar

PM Modi on Saturday kicked-off BJP's Membership Drive in his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-varanasi-to-launch-bjps-membership-drive-inaugurates-statue-of-former-pm-lal-bahadur-shastri-233485">Parliamentary constituency Varanasi</a>. Shortly after reaching the city, the prime minister in his address praised centre's $5 trillion economy growth goal and said that the 'New India' is yearning to run on the path of growth.&nbsp;

In his address, the prime minister urged people to stop the wastage of water and conserve it.&nbsp;

"More than the availability of water, the wastage and careless use of water are bigger problems. So be it use in homes or for irrigation, we have to stop the wastage of water," he said.&nbsp;

"In the budget, we gave direction to achieve the goal of $5 trillion economy and decisions related to it were announced. We have presented the confidence that we have stepped in the field with a vision of coming 10 years. We will become a $5 trillion economy in the next 5 years," the prime minister said.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM Modi in Varanasi: In budget, we gave direction to achieve goal of $5 trillion economy &amp; decisions related to it were announced. We have presented the confidence that we have stepped in the field with a vision of coming 10 yrs. We will become a $5 trillion economy in next 5 yrs <a href="https://t.co/Vo69Icx1jH">pic.twitter.com/Vo69Icx1jH</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1147400786432921601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, PM Modi was welcomed and greeted by BJP working president JP Nadda, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and party state chief MN Pandey at Varanasi airport.

He inaugurated a statue of former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri at Varanasi airport and launched a tree plantation drive.&nbsp;

Later in the day, PM Modi will visit the Virtual Museum at Man Mahal.&nbsp;

"Situated near the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat, this is a cultural landmark of the city. It showcases aspects of our great cultural heritage," PM had tweeted.&nbsp;

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I look forward to being in Varanasi tomorrow, where I will take part in various programmes. 
 
The first programme is the unveiling of the great Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji’s statue at the airport. 
 
This will be followed by the programme marking the launch of a tree-plantation drive.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1147136039141564419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi, on Friday, took to Twitter and posted about his visit to Varanasi today. The prime minister is set to take part in "various programmes" today.

"The first programme is the unveiling of the great Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji’s statue at the airport. This will be followed by the programme marking the launch of a tree-plantation drive," his tweet read.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi calls it the budget for New India

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2019-pm-modi-calls-it-the-budget-for-new-india-233360/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"This drive will further connect people from all walks of life with the BJP family. It will strengthen our party," he tweeted.&nbsp;

PM Modi on Saturday kicked-off BJP's Membership Drive in his Parliamentary constituency Varanasi. Shortly after reaching the city, the prime minister in his address praised centre's $5 trillion economy growth goal and said that the 'New India' is yearning to run on the path of growth.

PM Modi on Saturday kicked-off BJP's Membership Drive in his Parliamentary constituency Varanasi. Shortly after reaching the city, the prime minister in his address praised centre's $5 trillion economy growth goal and said that the 'New India' is yearning to run on the path of growth. In his address, the prime minister urged people to stop the wastage of water and conserve it. "More than the availability of water, the wastage and careless use of water are bigger problems. So be it use in homes or for irrigation, we have to stop the wastage of water," he said. "In the budget, we gave direction to achieve the goal of $5 trillion economy and decisions related to it were announced. We have presented the confidence that we have stepped in the field with a vision of coming 10 years. We will become a $5 trillion economy in the next 5 years," the prime minister said. PM Modi in Varanasi: In budget, we gave direction to achieve goal of $5 trillion economy & decisions related to it were announced. We have presented the confidence that we have stepped in the field with a vision of coming 10 yrs. We will become a $5 trillion economy in next 5 yrs pic.twitter.com/Vo69Icx1jH — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 6, 2019 × Earlier in the day, PM Modi was welcomed and greeted by BJP working president JP Nadda, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and party state chief MN Pandey at Varanasi airport. He inaugurated a statue of former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri at Varanasi airport and launched a tree plantation drive. Later in the day, PM Modi will visit the Virtual Museum at Man Mahal. "Situated near the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat, this is a cultural landmark of the city. It showcases aspects of our great cultural heritage," PM had tweeted. I look forward to being in Varanasi tomorrow, where I will take part in various programmes. The first programme is the unveiling of the great Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji’s statue at the airport. This will be followed by the programme marking the launch of a tree-plantation drive. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2019 × PM Modi, on Friday, took to Twitter and posted about his visit to Varanasi today. The prime minister is set to take part in "various programmes" today. "The first programme is the unveiling of the great Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji’s statue at the airport. This will be followed by the programme marking the launch of a tree-plantation drive," his tweet read. Watch: PM Modi calls it the budget for New India "This drive will further connect people from all walks of life with the BJP family. It will strengthen our party," he tweeted.

'New India' is ready to run on path of growth: PM Modi in Varanasi 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived this morning in Varanasi, his constituency, and launched a membership drive for the BJP. This is his second visit to the temple town in Uttar Pradesh after his party clinched a spectacular win in the national election held in April and May.

"Connect With BJP Family"- PM Launches BJP Membership Drive In Varanasi

This segment of WION brings to you latest updates on Indian Union Budget 2019-20 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Watch this video for more information.

Budget 2019: Will it be Populist or Pragmatic?

Watch this special episode of India Watch, on the newly presented Union Budget for FY 2018-19 by the Indian Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

India Watch, 5th July, 2019

National Congress Party (NCP) youth workers staged a protest against Maharashtra Government over Water Conservation Minister Tanaji Sawant's statement calling 'a large number of crabs'&nbsp;being the reason behind the breach in Ratnagiri's Tiware dam, on Friday.

NCP workers reached Shahupuri police station in Kolhapur, holding live crabs and demanded to register an FIR under Indian Penal Code (IPC) 302 (murder) against crabs.

"There were no leakages earlier. Leakage happened after a large number of crabs gathered around the dam. Locals brought the issue to our notice and our department acted on it. The incident is unfortunate," Sawant told media on Friday.

On being asked if the construction was weak, the minister said that he came to know the shoddy construction work from the farmers and villagers of the area.

The death toll reached 19 in Ratnagiri's Tiware Dam breach incident as one more body was recovered during the search operation, which resumed on Friday morning.

The search operation was restarted by the police and the National Disaster Force (NDRF) this morning as several more people are feared dead in the incident, an official said.

The Tiware dam developed a breach on the night of July 3 due to heavy rains.

The breach caused a flood-like situation in seven downstream villages.

According to police, villagers have been moved to safer places and the situation is under control now.&nbsp;

National Congress Party (NCP) youth workers staged a protest against Maharashtra Government over Water Conservation Minister Tanaji Sawant's statement calling 'a large number of crabs' being the reason behind the breach in Ratnagiri's Tiware dam, on Friday.

National Congress Party (NCP) youth workers staged a protest against Maharashtra Government over Water Conservation Minister Tanaji Sawant's statement calling 'a large number of crabs' being the reason behind the breach in Ratnagiri's Tiware dam, on Friday. NCP workers reached Shahupuri police station in Kolhapur, holding live crabs and demanded to register an FIR under Indian Penal Code (IPC) 302 (murder) against crabs. "There were no leakages earlier. Leakage happened after a large number of crabs gathered around the dam. Locals brought the issue to our notice and our department acted on it. The incident is unfortunate," Sawant told media on Friday. On being asked if the construction was weak, the minister said that he came to know the shoddy construction work from the farmers and villagers of the area. The death toll reached 19 in Ratnagiri's Tiware Dam breach incident as one more body was recovered during the search operation, which resumed on Friday morning. The search operation was restarted by the police and the National Disaster Force (NDRF) this morning as several more people are feared dead in the incident, an official said. The Tiware dam developed a breach on the night of July 3 due to heavy rains. The breach caused a flood-like situation in seven downstream villages. According to police, villagers have been moved to safer places and the situation is under control now.

Maharashtra: NCP workers stage protest over Tiware Dam Breach, demand FIR against 'crabs'

This will be Nirmala Sitharaman's first Budget presentation as the new finance minister under the Modi government which won a second term after a mammoth victory in the general election on May 23rd.

Copies arrive in Parliament as FM Sitharaman gets ready to present Budget

Nirmala Sitharaman presented her maiden Union Budget 2019-20 at 11 AM in Lok Sabha today. Indian Budget this time tapped into various sectors.

India Watch: Innovative plans in Budget 2019

Watch this segment of India Watch, which decodes newly presented Budget for FY 2018-19 by the Indian Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

India Watch: Decoding the Budget 2019

Watch this special episode of India Watch to know the taxation picture of the newly presented Union Budget 2019.

India Watch | Budget 2019: The taxation picture

The voting for by-elections for two Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat's Gandhinagar is underway.

The two seats fell vacant after Smriti Irani and Home Minister Amit Shah were elected to the Lok Sabha from Amethi and Gandhinagar respectively.

BJP has fielded External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and OBC leader Jugal&nbsp;Thakur and the Congress former MLA Chandrika Chudasama and party leader from Valsad, Gaurav Pandya, as party candidates for Rajya Sabha by-elections.

Earlier on Thursday, Congress had shifted its MLAs to a resort in Palanpur area in Banaskatha district of the state in a bid to avoid horse trading.

As many as 69 Congress MLAs from the state have been shifted to Balaram resort which is 150 kilometres away from Ahmedabad.

The voting for by-elections for two Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat's Gandhinagar is underway. The two seats fell vacant after Smriti Irani and Home Minister Amit Shah were elected to the Lok Sabha from Amethi and Gandhinagar respectively.

The voting for by-elections for two Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat's Gandhinagar is underway. The two seats fell vacant after Smriti Irani and Home Minister Amit Shah were elected to the Lok Sabha from Amethi and Gandhinagar respectively. BJP has fielded External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and OBC leader Jugal Thakur and the Congress former MLA Chandrika Chudasama and party leader from Valsad, Gaurav Pandya, as party candidates for Rajya Sabha by-elections. Earlier on Thursday, Congress had shifted its MLAs to a resort in Palanpur area in Banaskatha district of the state in a bid to avoid horse trading. As many as 69 Congress MLAs from the state have been shifted to Balaram resort which is 150 kilometres away from Ahmedabad.

Voting underway for two Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat

GDP growth lowest in last five years, but higher than 2014. Exports crossed over $300 Bn in 2014. Rupee's value against the Dollar has dropped. In this video look at the difference between Indian economy of 2014 & 2019. Watch this video to know more.

Indian Economy: 2014 vs 2019, Then And Now

This segment of WION brings to you latest updates on Indian Union Budget 2019-20 going to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Watch this video for more information. #Budget2019 #UnionBudget2019 #IndiaBudget2019 #Budget

What will be the focus of Budget 2019?

The death toll in the Tiware dam breach has gone up to 19 with the recovery of one more body on Friday morning, NDRF Inspector Mahesh Kumar said.&nbsp;

"One more body was recovered this morning, total 19 bodies have been recovered so far. We are doing continuous search operation," Kumar said.&nbsp;

The search operation has now entered its third day. The local people have been helping the NDRF and police in the search operation.&nbsp;

The Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on June 2 due to heavy rainfall.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/6-killed-20-missing-after-dam-breach-in-maharashtras-ratnagiri-district-232633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the incident. He has also asked his Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Girish Mahajan to visit Ratnagiri and provide relief to affected families.

Parts of Maharashtra are hit by worst monsoon rain with Mumbai, country's financial capital, recording the second highest rainfall in the last 45 years.

The death toll in the Tiware dam breach has gone up to 19 with the recovery of one more body on Friday morning, NDRF Inspector Mahesh Kumar said. "One more body was recovered this morning, total 19 bodies have been recovered so far.

The death toll in the Tiware dam breach has gone up to 19 with the recovery of one more body on Friday morning, NDRF Inspector Mahesh Kumar said. "One more body was recovered this morning, total 19 bodies have been recovered so far. We are doing continuous search operation," Kumar said. The search operation has now entered its third day. The local people have been helping the NDRF and police in the search operation. The Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on June 2 due to heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the incident. He has also asked his Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Girish Mahajan to visit Ratnagiri and provide relief to affected families. Parts of Maharashtra are hit by worst monsoon rain with Mumbai, country's financial capital, recording the second highest rainfall in the last 45 years.

Maharashtra: Death toll reaches 19 in Ratnagiri's Tiware dam breach

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani claimed that BJP candidates -- External Affair Minister S Jaishankar and Jugal Ji Thakor -- have won the Rajya Sabha election held on Friday.

"External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Jugal Ji Thakor of BJP have been elected to Rajya Sabha from Gujarat. Official results yet to be declared, but it is clear that we have won," said Rupani at a press conference here.

Though official results are yet to be declared by the Election Commission (EC) for the two seats that fell vacant after Union Ministers Amit Shah and Smriti Irani were elected to Lok Sabha in recent polls.

State BJP president Jitu Vaghani claimed that parties part of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) also voted for the two BJP candidates in the polls.

He said, "The results will be officially declared by the EC. We were inside the counting centre and we have won. Not only BJP but parties who were with UPA also voted for our candidates."

Speaking at the press conference, Jaishankar thanked legislators for their support to him.

"I want to thank everyone for the support. Like I said during my nomination, External Affairs Minister and Gujarat have a natural partnership. There is no such country where there is no Gujarati. If the prestige of India has increased internationally, Gujarat has a role in it," he said.

"For taking India from $3 trillion to a $5 trillion economy, Gujarat's contribution is essential.

Also, our partnership will play a big role in bringing investment and technologies that are needed for making India a $5 trillion economy, We have today built a special relation," he added.

Elections for the upper House of Parliament saw a dramatic turn of events on Friday, with Congress MLAs Alpesh Thakor and his aide Dhavalsinh Zala resigning from the membership of the Assembly after casting their votes in favour of BJP candidates.&nbsp;

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani claimed that BJP candidates -- External Affair Minister S Jaishankar and Jugal Ji Thakor -- have won the Rajya Sabha election held on Friday.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani claimed that BJP candidates -- External Affair Minister S Jaishankar and Jugal Ji Thakor -- have won the Rajya Sabha election held on Friday. "External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Jugal Ji Thakor of BJP have been elected to Rajya Sabha from Gujarat. Official results yet to be declared, but it is clear that we have won," said Rupani at a press conference here. Though official results are yet to be declared by the Election Commission (EC) for the two seats that fell vacant after Union Ministers Amit Shah and Smriti Irani were elected to Lok Sabha in recent polls. State BJP president Jitu Vaghani claimed that parties part of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) also voted for the two BJP candidates in the polls. He said, "The results will be officially declared by the EC. We were inside the counting centre and we have won. Not only BJP but parties who were with UPA also voted for our candidates." Speaking at the press conference, Jaishankar thanked legislators for their support to him. "I want to thank everyone for the support. Like I said during my nomination, External Affairs Minister and Gujarat have a natural partnership. There is no such country where there is no Gujarati. If the prestige of India has increased internationally, Gujarat has a role in it," he said. "For taking India from $3 trillion to a $5 trillion economy, Gujarat's contribution is essential. Also, our partnership will play a big role in bringing investment and technologies that are needed for making India a $5 trillion economy, We have today built a special relation," he added. Elections for the upper House of Parliament saw a dramatic turn of events on Friday, with Congress MLAs Alpesh Thakor and his aide Dhavalsinh Zala resigning from the membership of the Assembly after casting their votes in favour of BJP candidates.

EAM S Jaishankar, Jugal Ji Thakor win Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat: BJP

The death toll in Bihar's&nbsp;Muzaffarpur district&nbsp;due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-chief-minister-nitish-kumar-visits-muzaffarpur-to-take-stock-of-acute-encephalitis-outbreak-228249">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)</a> mounted to 140&nbsp;on Friday.

Around 119 deaths were reported at Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), which is handling the largest number of patients in the district, while 21 deaths at Kejriwal Hospital, so far.

AES is a viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and in extreme cases, brain dysfunction, seizure, and inflammation of heart and kidney.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-acute-encephalitis-syndrome-breakout-227219/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the children who died due to AES.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Wednesday protested at the Legislative Assembly against Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey and demanded his resignation following the outbreak of 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.

The top court had also asked the state government to file an affidavit on the concerns raised regarding the nutrition, hygiene and adequacy in the hospitals.&nbsp;

The death toll in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) mounted to 140 on Friday. Around 119 deaths were reported at Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), which is handling the largest number of patients in the district, while 21 deaths at Kejriwal Hospital, so far.

The death toll in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) mounted to 140 on Friday. Around 119 deaths were reported at Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), which is handling the largest number of patients in the district, while 21 deaths at Kejriwal Hospital, so far. AES is a viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and in extreme cases, brain dysfunction, seizure, and inflammation of heart and kidney. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the children who died due to AES. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Wednesday protested at the Legislative Assembly against Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey and demanded his resignation following the outbreak of 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. The top court had also asked the state government to file an affidavit on the concerns raised regarding the nutrition, hygiene and adequacy in the hospitals.

Bihar: Death toll rises to 140 in Muzaffarpur due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome

Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Central government and The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Aadhaar ordinance for permitting voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank accounts and procuring mobile phone connections.

A Bench of Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde and Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai asked the Centre and UIDAI to file reply on the plea by retired Indian Army Officers SG Vombatkare and Human Rights activist Bezwada Wilson.

The petition filed by advocate Vipin Nair said that the Aadhaar Ordinance creates a "backdoor to permit private parties" to access the Aadhaar eco-system, thus enabling state and private surveillance of citizens.

The petition added that the Ordinance and regulations permit the commercial exploitation of personal and sensitive information which has been collected and stored for state purposes only.

It sought a direction that private entities which have access to the Aadhaar database are under a public duty to ensure that Aadhaar numbers and the data available through the Aadhaar database are not stored by these private entities.

The petition sought direction "to declare the Aadhaar (Pricing of Aadhaar Authentication Services) Regulations, 2019 as ultra vires, unconstitutional, null and void, and in particular violative of Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India."

Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Central government and The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Aadhaar ordinance for permitting voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank accounts and procuring mobile phone connections.

Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Central government and The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Aadhaar ordinance for permitting voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank accounts and procuring mobile phone connections. A Bench of Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde and Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai asked the Centre and UIDAI to file reply on the plea by retired Indian Army Officers SG Vombatkare and Human Rights activist Bezwada Wilson. The petition filed by advocate Vipin Nair said that the Aadhaar Ordinance creates a "backdoor to permit private parties" to access the Aadhaar eco-system, thus enabling state and private surveillance of citizens. The petition added that the Ordinance and regulations permit the commercial exploitation of personal and sensitive information which has been collected and stored for state purposes only. It sought a direction that private entities which have access to the Aadhaar database are under a public duty to ensure that Aadhaar numbers and the data available through the Aadhaar database are not stored by these private entities. The petition sought direction "to declare the Aadhaar (Pricing of Aadhaar Authentication Services) Regulations, 2019 as ultra vires, unconstitutional, null and void, and in particular violative of Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India."

Supreme Court issues notices to Centre, UIDAI on petition challenging Aadhar ordinance

In this segment watch the breakdown, from where the Indian Government's money comes from and where it goes.

Budget 2019: 10 points vision for the decade

Nirmala Sitharaman presented her maiden Union Budget 2019-20 at 11 AM in Lok Sabha today. Indian Budget this time tapped into various sectors which reflects Indian Prime Minister Modi's vision. Watch this video to know more.

Budget 2019: Budget reflects Modi's vision

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel made a human shield to protect the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Baltal from getting injured by the stones falling from the glacier above on the mountain.

The ITBP personnel came to the rescue after pilgrims could not cross a bridge in Baltal while going towards the cave shrine due to stones shooting from a glacier.

They made a human shield and ensured no hindrance in the journey of the pilgrims.

A total of 1617 pilgrims (1174 men, 379 women, 15 children, 49 saints) began their journey to Amarnath cave shrine from Baltal axis and 2800 pilgrims (2321 men, 463 women, 16 children) started from Pahalgam axis on July 1.

Amid tight security, the Amarnath yatra was flagged off by SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal and Gadetbal Additional Deputy Commissioner Shafqat.&nbsp;

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel made a human shield to protect the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Baltal from getting injured by the stones falling from the glacier above on the mountain.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel made a human shield to protect the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Baltal from getting injured by the stones falling from the glacier above on the mountain. The ITBP personnel came to the rescue after pilgrims could not cross a bridge in Baltal while going towards the cave shrine due to stones shooting from a glacier. They made a human shield and ensured no hindrance in the journey of the pilgrims. A total of 1617 pilgrims (1174 men, 379 women, 15 children, 49 saints) began their journey to Amarnath cave shrine from Baltal axis and 2800 pilgrims (2321 men, 463 women, 16 children) started from Pahalgam axis on July 1. Amid tight security, the Amarnath yatra was flagged off by SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal and Gadetbal Additional Deputy Commissioner Shafqat.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel makes human shield to help Amarnath Yatra pilgrims

A Special Rouse Avenue Court on Friday framed charges against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and former state Law Minister Somnath Bharti in the case pertaining to the 2014 protest outside Rail Bhawan.

The accused pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal, on the other hand, discharged Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and former AAP leader Ashutosh of all charges in the case due to lack of evidence.

The court framed charges against the accused under the following Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) - 143 (unlawful assembly), 145(continuing unlawful assembly after commanded to disperse), 188(disobedience to order by public servant), 147 (rioting), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of duty), 353(force to deter public servant from duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from duty) and 149(Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence).

The court also ordered framing of charges against MLA Rakhi Bidlan under same sections but she was not present in the court.

The court in its order said that Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Rakhi Birla, Somnath Bharti are concerned, there is insufficient evidence to come to a conclusion that there exists a prima facie case and grave suspicion about the commission of the aforesaid discussed offences.

The court has slated commence of trial and prosecution of evidence in the case for July 26, 27, 29 and 30.

The court had on, July 2, reserved its order after the conclusion of arguments to determine the charges against the accused in the case.

AAP chief Kejriwal had violated the prohibitory orders under section 144 (unlawful assembly), by organising a protest outside the Rail Bhawan on January 20, 2014, demanding action against police officers who allegedly refused to cooperate with the Somnath Bharti.

A Special Rouse Avenue Court on Friday framed charges against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and former state Law Minister Somnath Bharti in the case pertaining to the 2014 protest outside Rail Bhawan.

A Special Rouse Avenue Court on Friday framed charges against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and former state Law Minister Somnath Bharti in the case pertaining to the 2014 protest outside Rail Bhawan. The accused pleaded not guilty and claimed trial. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal, on the other hand, discharged Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and former AAP leader Ashutosh of all charges in the case due to lack of evidence. The court framed charges against the accused under the following Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) - 143 (unlawful assembly), 145(continuing unlawful assembly after commanded to disperse), 188(disobedience to order by public servant), 147 (rioting), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of duty), 353(force to deter public servant from duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from duty) and 149(Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence). The court also ordered framing of charges against MLA Rakhi Bidlan under same sections but she was not present in the court. The court in its order said that Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Rakhi Birla, Somnath Bharti are concerned, there is insufficient evidence to come to a conclusion that there exists a prima facie case and grave suspicion about the commission of the aforesaid discussed offences. The court has slated commence of trial and prosecution of evidence in the case for July 26, 27, 29 and 30. The court had on, July 2, reserved its order after the conclusion of arguments to determine the charges against the accused in the case. AAP chief Kejriwal had violated the prohibitory orders under section 144 (unlawful assembly), by organising a protest outside the Rail Bhawan on January 20, 2014, demanding action against police officers who allegedly refused to cooperate with the Somnath Bharti.

Court frames charges against Kejriwal, others in 2014 Rail Bhawan protest case

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