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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday put forward a five-point approach to address common challenges facing the world, including protectionism, unilateralism at global financial organisations like the WTO and terrorism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-biggest-threat-to-humanity-pm-modi-at-informal-brics-leaders-meeting-in-osaka-231033">Speaking at the informal BRICS leaders' meeting</a> in Osaka, PM Modi said that there was an immediate need to strengthen the WTO, fighting protectionism, ensuring energy security and work together to fight terrorism.

"Today I will focus on three major challenges. First, the recession and uncertainty in the world economy. Unilateral decisions and rivalries are overshadowing rule-based multilateral international trade systems," PM Modi said.

"On the other hand, the lack of resources is reflected in the fact that there is a shortage of an estimated $1.3 trillion in investment for emerging market economies," he said.&nbsp;

He said making development and progress inclusive and sustainable is the second major challenge.

"Rapidly changing technologies such as digitisation and climate change are concerns not just for us, but also for future generations. Development is in the right direction when it reduces inequality and contributes to empowerment," the prime minister said.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;In BRICS meet on sidelines of G20 summit, PM Modi highlights the issue of terror

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/in-brics-meet-on-sidelines-of-g20-summit-pm-modi-highlights-the-issue-of-terror-231050/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Terror is the biggest threat to all humanity, he said.

"It not only takes the lives of innocent people, but also has a negative effect on economic progress and social stability," PM Modi said.

"There is a need to stop all the mediums of support to terrorism and racism," PM Modi said.

Talking about his five-point approach to tackle these challenges, PM Modi said the ill effects of unilateral decisions can be addressed to an extent by the coordination between the BRICS countries.&nbsp;

"We need to emphasise on the necessary reforms in international financial and business institutions and organisations for improving multilateralism," he said.&nbsp;

Energy resources like oil and gas should be available at low prices regularly for continuous economic development, the prime minister said.

For sustainable and inclusive development, the New Development Bank should give priority to the investment in the physical and social infrastructure and renewable energy programmes of member countries.

The New Development Bank is a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS states -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

India's initiative for Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure will help in the development of appropriate infrastructure in developed and&nbsp; 
developing countries to face natural calamities, PM Modi said.

"I invite you to join this coalition," he said.

"The movement of skilled workers around the world should be made easy. This will also benefit the countries where a large part of the population has crossed the working age," PM Modi said.

For fighting terrorism, the prime minister called for organising a global conference on terrorism.

"I have recently called for organising a Global Conference on Terrorism. Lack of necessary consent to fight against terrorism can not keep us inactive," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday put forward a five-point approach to address common challenges facing the world, including protectionism, unilateralism at global financial organisations like the WTO and terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday put forward a five-point approach to address common challenges facing the world, including protectionism, unilateralism at global financial organisations like the WTO and terrorism. Speaking at the informal BRICS leaders' meeting in Osaka, PM Modi said that there was an immediate need to strengthen the WTO, fighting protectionism, ensuring energy security and work together to fight terrorism. "Today I will focus on three major challenges. First, the recession and uncertainty in the world economy. Unilateral decisions and rivalries are overshadowing rule-based multilateral international trade systems," PM Modi said. "On the other hand, the lack of resources is reflected in the fact that there is a shortage of an estimated $1.3 trillion in investment for emerging market economies," he said. He said making development and progress inclusive and sustainable is the second major challenge. "Rapidly changing technologies such as digitisation and climate change are concerns not just for us, but also for future generations. Development is in the right direction when it reduces inequality and contributes to empowerment," the prime minister said. Watch: In BRICS meet on sidelines of G20 summit, PM Modi highlights the issue of terror Terror is the biggest threat to all humanity, he said. "It not only takes the lives of innocent people, but also has a negative effect on economic progress and social stability," PM Modi said. "There is a need to stop all the mediums of support to terrorism and racism," PM Modi said. Talking about his five-point approach to tackle these challenges, PM Modi said the ill effects of unilateral decisions can be addressed to an extent by the coordination between the BRICS countries. "We need to emphasise on the necessary reforms in international financial and business institutions and organisations for improving multilateralism," he said. Energy resources like oil and gas should be available at low prices regularly for continuous economic development, the prime minister said. For sustainable and inclusive development, the New Development Bank should give priority to the investment in the physical and social infrastructure and renewable energy programmes of member countries. The New Development Bank is a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS states -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. India's initiative for Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure will help in the development of appropriate infrastructure in developed and developing countries to face natural calamities, PM Modi said. "I invite you to join this coalition," he said. "The movement of skilled workers around the world should be made easy. This will also benefit the countries where a large part of the population has crossed the working age," PM Modi said. For fighting terrorism, the prime minister called for organising a global conference on terrorism. "I have recently called for organising a Global Conference on Terrorism. Lack of necessary consent to fight against terrorism can not keep us inactive," he said.

PM Modi puts forward five-point approach to tackle unilateralism, protectionism at G20 Summit

A terrorist was killed in an encounter on Friday which took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district, police said.

The encounter broke out in&nbsp;the early morning after a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Kralpora Checkpora area.

During the search operation, the hiding terrorists fired on the search party of the forces and it was retaliated.

The identification of the terrorist is yet unknown.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budgam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Budgam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/encounter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#encounter</a> update: 01 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/terrorist?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#terrorist</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/killed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#killed</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arms?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Arms</a> &amp; ammunition recovered. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Identity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Identity</a> &amp; affiliation being ascertained. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Search?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Search</a> continues. <a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a>
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KashmirPolice/status/1144434387737432064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter.

The spokesman said with the efforts of police and security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire.&nbsp;

A terrorist was killed in an encounter on Friday which took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district, police said. The encounter broke out in the early morning after a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Kralpora Checkpora area.

A terrorist was killed in an encounter on Friday which took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district, police said. The encounter broke out in the early morning after a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Kralpora Checkpora area. During the search operation, the hiding terrorists fired on the search party of the forces and it was retaliated. The identification of the terrorist is yet unknown. #Budgam #encounter update: 01 #terrorist #killed. #Arms & ammunition recovered. #Identity & affiliation being ascertained. #Search continues. @JmuKmrPolice — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) June 28, 2019 × Arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter. The spokesman said with the efforts of police and security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire.

Jammu and Kashmir: One terrorist killed in encounter in Budgam district

US President Donald Trump, travelling in Asia for the G20 summit, knocked 10 Democratic presidential hopefuls from afar on Thursday for pledging to cover healthcare for immigrants who live in the United States after coming to the country illegally.

During a televised debate in Miami, a moderator asked the presidential candidates, including former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Kamala Harris of California and South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, if their potential administrations would support covering healthcare for illegal immigrants.

All 10 candidates on the stage raised their hands in the affirmative.

Trump, who has made cracking down on illegal immigration a signature policy of his presidency, pounced via Twitter.

"All Democrats just raised their hands for giving millions of illegal aliens unlimited healthcare. How about taking care of American Citizens first!? That’s the end of that race!" the Republican tweeted.

Trump has promised to build a wall along the US border with Mexico and has declared a national emergency over the number of people crossing into the United States from the south.

The president is in Osaka meeting with world leaders at the Group of 20 summit, but as is customary for him when he travels abroad, he was focused at least in part on goings-on back home.

During a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Trump could not help mentioning the Democratic debate.

“You know they have a debate going on,” he said to Merkel. “They had the first debate last night. I don’t know if you saw. It wasn’t very exciting, I can tell you that."

Trump said he looked forward to spending time with Merkel rather than watching the show. The German leader, who worked closely with Republican President George W. Bush and Democratic President Barack Obama during her tenure, kept a straight face.

Thursday was the second night of two debates among 20 candidates who are running for the Democratic presidential nomination to take on Trump in the November 2020 election.

Trump's campaign said both nights would prove to be a boost for the White House incumbent.

“The cast of characters may have changed, but the second night’s script was eerily like the first: a two-hour-long infomercial for President Donald J. Trump's re-election campaign," spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement. "All of the Democrats tripped over each other in a race to see who could stand out as the most leftist candidate, threatening government control of every aspect of people’s lives."

Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale wrote on Twitter that the Democrats were offering everything from free college to free healthcare, houses, cars, boats, aeroplanes and ice cream.

"Nobody has to work! Everyone just gets everything for FREE! Amazing!" he tweeted.

Trump is fond of making fun of the Democratic candidates, assigning pejorative nicknames in the same way that he did to his Republican and Democratic opponents in 2016. On Thursday, the Republican National Committee, while refraining from nicknames, said the Democratic field was one of the extremists.

"Their policies are extreme and out of touch with the realities facing everyday Americans," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump, travelling in Asia for the G20 summit, knocked 10 Democratic presidential hopefuls from afar on Thursday for pledging to cover healthcare for immigrants who live in the United States after coming to the country illegally.

US President Donald Trump, travelling in Asia for the G20 summit, knocked 10 Democratic presidential hopefuls from afar on Thursday for pledging to cover healthcare for immigrants who live in the United States after coming to the country illegally. During a televised debate in Miami, a moderator asked the presidential candidates, including former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Kamala Harris of California and South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, if their potential administrations would support covering healthcare for illegal immigrants. All 10 candidates on the stage raised their hands in the affirmative. Trump, who has made cracking down on illegal immigration a signature policy of his presidency, pounced via Twitter. "All Democrats just raised their hands for giving millions of illegal aliens unlimited healthcare. How about taking care of American Citizens first!? That’s the end of that race!" the Republican tweeted. Trump has promised to build a wall along the US border with Mexico and has declared a national emergency over the number of people crossing into the United States from the south. The president is in Osaka meeting with world leaders at the Group of 20 summit, but as is customary for him when he travels abroad, he was focused at least in part on goings-on back home. During a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Trump could not help mentioning the Democratic debate. “You know they have a debate going on,” he said to Merkel. “They had the first debate last night. I don’t know if you saw. It wasn’t very exciting, I can tell you that." Trump said he looked forward to spending time with Merkel rather than watching the show. The German leader, who worked closely with Republican President George W. Bush and Democratic President Barack Obama during her tenure, kept a straight face. Thursday was the second night of two debates among 20 candidates who are running for the Democratic presidential nomination to take on Trump in the November 2020 election. Trump's campaign said both nights would prove to be a boost for the White House incumbent. “The cast of characters may have changed, but the second night’s script was eerily like the first: a two-hour-long infomercial for President Donald J. Trump's re-election campaign," spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement. "All of the Democrats tripped over each other in a race to see who could stand out as the most leftist candidate, threatening government control of every aspect of people’s lives." Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale wrote on Twitter that the Democrats were offering everything from free college to free healthcare, houses, cars, boats, aeroplanes and ice cream. "Nobody has to work! Everyone just gets everything for FREE! Amazing!" he tweeted. Trump is fond of making fun of the Democratic candidates, assigning pejorative nicknames in the same way that he did to his Republican and Democratic opponents in 2016. On Thursday, the Republican National Committee, while refraining from nicknames, said the Democratic field was one of the extremists. "Their policies are extreme and out of touch with the realities facing everyday Americans," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.

'That's the end of that race!': Trump knocks Democrats over healthcare for immigrants

Eight people were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra where several parts were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-gets-first-spell-of-heavy-rains-traffic-affected-231183">lashed by heavy rains on Friday</a>, even as dry weather prevailed in northern India.

In the national capital, monsoon is likely to make an onset on July 3, after a delay of four days. Normally, the wind system reaches Delhi around June 29.

"A low-pressure area is likely to develop in the Bay of Bengal on June 30 which will cause easterly winds to move towards north India and help the monsoon advance," senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Kuldeep Srivastava said.&nbsp;

"Monsoon is likely to make an onset in the national capital on July 3. Initially, the city will witness only light rain activity," he said.&nbsp;

On Friday, hot and dry conditions prevailed in the national capital, with the mercury crossing the 43-degree Celsius mark in some parts of the city.&nbsp;

The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides official figures for the city, recorded a maximum of 41.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27.2 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels oscillated between 26 and 69 per cent.

The weather stations at Palam, Ayanagar and Sports Complex recorded the mercury at 43.8, 42.9 and 43.4 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

In Mumbai, three persons were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents as the metropolis was lashed by the first spell of heavy rains this monsoon that marked its most delayed arrival in the city in 45 years.

Mumbaikars woke up to heavy rains, ending a long dry spell, but a few hours of incessant showers left the financial capital struggling with familiar monsoon woes of waterlogging, delayed trains, traffic jams and choked drains.

Three persons died of electric shocks, while two others were injured in two separate incidents in the western suburbs, a spokesperson of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

The deceased were identified as Kashima Yudiyar (60), a resident of Andheri (East), Rajendra Yadav (60) and Sanjay Yadav (24) -- both from Goregaon (East), the civic official said.

Two others suffered injuries in the Goregaon incident and were admitted to a local hospital, he said.

Three persons were injured when a portion of a wall collapsed in Dadar (East) amid rains, he said, adding that they were admitted to the civic-run KEM Hospital.

More rains have been forecast in the next 24 hours.

Suburban train services, considered Mumbai's lifeline, were running late by 10 to 15 minutes, said Railway officials.

Till 4 pm on June 28, the Colaba observatory had recorded 19.2 mm rain and the Santacruz observatory 138 mm rain, the BMC said.

In Palghar in Maharashtra, an eight-year-old boy died after being struck by lightning while two farm labourers were killed in Akola. Two persons, including a teenage girl, were killed in rain-related incidents in Nashik district which was lashed by heavy showers for the fourth consecutive day.

Several parts of eastern and central India, including Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, the Northeast and coastal areas were lashed by heavy rains with some places recording very heavy rains, according to the IMD.&nbsp;

In Chennai, which has been reeling under water crisis, a host of measures such as rainwater harvesting and increasing the number of trips by tankers have been taken to mitigate the crisis city.&nbsp;

From around 9,000 trips, the number has gone up to 11,360 trips every day, Rural and Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani said , adding "it was never done before."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Heat wave conditions intensified in Jammu as the maximum temperature settled at 42.4 degrees Celsius, 4.7 notches above the season's average, and the highest in the last two weeks, a meteorological (MeT) department official said.

The maximum temperature in the city marked an increase of 2.4 notches compared to previous days 40.2 degrees Celsius, forcing many to remain indoors.

Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar, on the other hand, continued to experience pleasant weather as the mercury recorded a dip following rain which lasted for several hours on Thursday evening.

The city recorded a high of 27.7 degrees Celsius (2.9 degrees below normal) and a low of 11.9 (5.4 degrees below normal), the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Parts of Rajasthan recorded rainfall ranging from 2 to 8 cm in the last 24 hours, a MeT official said.

Despite receiving 0.8 mm rainfall, Churu was the hottest place in the state recording a maximum temperature of 44.3 degree Celsius.

It was followed by Sriganganagar (43.2 degrees Celsius), Bikaner (43.1 degrees Celsius), Barmer (41.2 degrees Celsius) and Ajmer (41 degrees Celsius).

Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow recorded a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the normal.

Rain or thundershower is very likely at isolated places over the state on Jun 29, according to the MeT office.

Heat wave condition is very likely to prevail at isolated places over eastern Uttar Pradesh on June 29. Banda was the hottest place in UP at 44.2 degrees Celsius.

Most parts of Haryana and Punjab recorded maximum temperatures above the normal limits with Amritsar being the hottest place in both the state at 42 degrees Celsius.

Eight people were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra where several parts were lashed by heavy rains on Friday, even as dry weather prevailed in northern India.

Eight people were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra where several parts were lashed by heavy rains on Friday, even as dry weather prevailed in northern India. In the national capital, monsoon is likely to make an onset on July 3, after a delay of four days. Normally, the wind system reaches Delhi around June 29. "A low-pressure area is likely to develop in the Bay of Bengal on June 30 which will cause easterly winds to move towards north India and help the monsoon advance," senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Kuldeep Srivastava said. "Monsoon is likely to make an onset in the national capital on July 3. Initially, the city will witness only light rain activity," he said. On Friday, hot and dry conditions prevailed in the national capital, with the mercury crossing the 43-degree Celsius mark in some parts of the city. The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides official figures for the city, recorded a maximum of 41.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27.2 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels oscillated between 26 and 69 per cent. The weather stations at Palam, Ayanagar and Sports Complex recorded the mercury at 43.8, 42.9 and 43.4 degrees Celsius. In Mumbai, three persons were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents as the metropolis was lashed by the first spell of heavy rains this monsoon that marked its most delayed arrival in the city in 45 years. Mumbaikars woke up to heavy rains, ending a long dry spell, but a few hours of incessant showers left the financial capital struggling with familiar monsoon woes of waterlogging, delayed trains, traffic jams and choked drains. Three persons died of electric shocks, while two others were injured in two separate incidents in the western suburbs, a spokesperson of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The deceased were identified as Kashima Yudiyar (60), a resident of Andheri (East), Rajendra Yadav (60) and Sanjay Yadav (24) -- both from Goregaon (East), the civic official said. Two others suffered injuries in the Goregaon incident and were admitted to a local hospital, he said. Three persons were injured when a portion of a wall collapsed in Dadar (East) amid rains, he said, adding that they were admitted to the civic-run KEM Hospital. More rains have been forecast in the next 24 hours. Suburban train services, considered Mumbai's lifeline, were running late by 10 to 15 minutes, said Railway officials. Till 4 pm on June 28, the Colaba observatory had recorded 19.2 mm rain and the Santacruz observatory 138 mm rain, the BMC said. In Palghar in Maharashtra, an eight-year-old boy died after being struck by lightning while two farm labourers were killed in Akola. Two persons, including a teenage girl, were killed in rain-related incidents in Nashik district which was lashed by heavy showers for the fourth consecutive day. Several parts of eastern and central India, including Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, the Northeast and coastal areas were lashed by heavy rains with some places recording very heavy rains, according to the IMD. In Chennai, which has been reeling under water crisis, a host of measures such as rainwater harvesting and increasing the number of trips by tankers have been taken to mitigate the crisis city. From around 9,000 trips, the number has gone up to 11,360 trips every day, Rural and Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani said , adding "it was never done before." Heat wave conditions intensified in Jammu as the maximum temperature settled at 42.4 degrees Celsius, 4.7 notches above the season's average, and the highest in the last two weeks, a meteorological (MeT) department official said. The maximum temperature in the city marked an increase of 2.4 notches compared to previous days 40.2 degrees Celsius, forcing many to remain indoors. Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar, on the other hand, continued to experience pleasant weather as the mercury recorded a dip following rain which lasted for several hours on Thursday evening. The city recorded a high of 27.7 degrees Celsius (2.9 degrees below normal) and a low of 11.9 (5.4 degrees below normal), the spokesperson said. Parts of Rajasthan recorded rainfall ranging from 2 to 8 cm in the last 24 hours, a MeT official said. Despite receiving 0.8 mm rainfall, Churu was the hottest place in the state recording a maximum temperature of 44.3 degree Celsius. It was followed by Sriganganagar (43.2 degrees Celsius), Bikaner (43.1 degrees Celsius), Barmer (41.2 degrees Celsius) and Ajmer (41 degrees Celsius). Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow recorded a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the normal. Rain or thundershower is very likely at isolated places over the state on Jun 29, according to the MeT office. Heat wave condition is very likely to prevail at isolated places over eastern Uttar Pradesh on June 29. Banda was the hottest place in UP at 44.2 degrees Celsius. Most parts of Haryana and Punjab recorded maximum temperatures above the normal limits with Amritsar being the hottest place in both the state at 42 degrees Celsius.

8 killed in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra, no respite from heat in north India

In an apparent volte-face, on the first day of the Assembly session, Tamil Nadu's Opposition Party DMK decided not to insist on taking up the No-Confidence Motion against Assembly Speaker P.Dhanapal "considering the current circumstances".&nbsp;

The No-Confidence motion was expected to come up on July 1.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters at Fort St. George, DMK president and leader of the opposition M K Stalin said, "We will not insist on taking up the no-confidence motion. The situation has changed now. We have given a letter to the Speaker not insisting on the notice for the no-confidence motion".

On April 30, members of Tamil Nadu’s opposition party, the DMK met the Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretary to present a notice to move a no-confidence petition against the Assembly Speaker. This is in line with the party president M K Stalin’s earlier statement that the party would move a no-confidence motion against the speaker if he were to act in a biased manner. &nbsp;

This reaction from the DMK was triggered after the AIADMK party Chief whip S Rajendran on April 26 submitted a recommendation to Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal regarding the disqualification of three AIADMK MLAs on the grounds of ‘anti-party’ activities. The MLAs are E Rathinasabapathi, V T Kalaiselvan and Prabhu, who were elected from Aranthangi, Vridhachalam and Kallakurichi Assembly constituencies respectively.&nbsp;

It was perceived that the AIADMK had attempted to disqualify the MLAs in order to reduce the strength of the house, in order to safeguard their government if they fell short of seats in the 22 by-polls to Assembly seats.

However, the Supreme Court issued an interim stay on a notice sent by the Tamil Nadu Speaker to three MLAs of the ruling AIADMK, who were said to be loyal towards the TTV Dinakaran-led AMMK camp. Two of the MLAs who had received the notice from the Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal had approached the Supreme Court to stay the notice sent by the Speaker.

As the results to the by-polls are declared, the Tamil Nadu Assembly will now witness the participation of 232 legislators, out of the total house strength of 234. In the by-polls the ruling AIADMK won 9 seats, giving it up to 123 MLAs, well past the halfway mark of 118.&nbsp;

The opening day of the Assembly session today was adjourned after adopting obituary references for two legislators -- R. Kanagaraj of AIADMK and K. Radhamani of DMK -- who died recently. The House will meet on July 1 to take up the demands for grants for various departments. The Assembly session is expected to be stormy given the prevailing severe water crisis and the increased strength of DMK legislators after the by-polls to 22 Assembly constituencies.

Speaking to WION on the rationale behind the DMK's volte-face, senior journalist and political analyst Sumanth C Raman said, "obviously they wanted to avoid being defeated again on the floor of the house as the ruling AIADMK has the requisite numbers"

In an apparent volte-face, on the first day of the Assembly session, Tamil Nadu's Opposition Party DMK decided not to insist on taking up the No-Confidence Motion against Assembly Speaker P.

In an apparent volte-face, on the first day of the Assembly session, Tamil Nadu's Opposition Party DMK decided not to insist on taking up the No-Confidence Motion against Assembly Speaker P.Dhanapal "considering the current circumstances". The No-Confidence motion was expected to come up on July 1. Speaking to reporters at Fort St. George, DMK president and leader of the opposition M K Stalin said, "We will not insist on taking up the no-confidence motion. The situation has changed now. We have given a letter to the Speaker not insisting on the notice for the no-confidence motion". On April 30, members of Tamil Nadu’s opposition party, the DMK met the Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretary to present a notice to move a no-confidence petition against the Assembly Speaker. This is in line with the party president M K Stalin’s earlier statement that the party would move a no-confidence motion against the speaker if he were to act in a biased manner. This reaction from the DMK was triggered after the AIADMK party Chief whip S Rajendran on April 26 submitted a recommendation to Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal regarding the disqualification of three AIADMK MLAs on the grounds of ‘anti-party’ activities. The MLAs are E Rathinasabapathi, V T Kalaiselvan and Prabhu, who were elected from Aranthangi, Vridhachalam and Kallakurichi Assembly constituencies respectively. It was perceived that the AIADMK had attempted to disqualify the MLAs in order to reduce the strength of the house, in order to safeguard their government if they fell short of seats in the 22 by-polls to Assembly seats. However, the Supreme Court issued an interim stay on a notice sent by the Tamil Nadu Speaker to three MLAs of the ruling AIADMK, who were said to be loyal towards the TTV Dinakaran-led AMMK camp. Two of the MLAs who had received the notice from the Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal had approached the Supreme Court to stay the notice sent by the Speaker. As the results to the by-polls are declared, the Tamil Nadu Assembly will now witness the participation of 232 legislators, out of the total house strength of 234. In the by-polls the ruling AIADMK won 9 seats, giving it up to 123 MLAs, well past the halfway mark of 118. The opening day of the Assembly session today was adjourned after adopting obituary references for two legislators -- R. Kanagaraj of AIADMK and K. Radhamani of DMK -- who died recently. The House will meet on July 1 to take up the demands for grants for various departments. The Assembly session is expected to be stormy given the prevailing severe water crisis and the increased strength of DMK legislators after the by-polls to 22 Assembly constituencies. Speaking to WION on the rationale behind the DMK's volte-face, senior journalist and political analyst Sumanth C Raman said, "obviously they wanted to avoid being defeated again on the floor of the house as the ruling AIADMK has the requisite numbers"

Tamil Nadu: DMK to not push for no-confidence motion against Speaker

The ED Friday questioned former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar and Videocon promoter Venugopal Dhoot in connection with a money laundering case involving their business concern, officials said.

The three deposed as part of a regular summon and their statement is being recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said.

They have been grilled by the central agency in the past in connection with the alleged corruption case involving the bank and Videocon group.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had last month questioned and recorded the statements of Chanda Kochhar and Deepak Kochhar over multiple sessions at its office in Delhi.

The agency is also preparing to analyse the details of assets of the Kochhars and others so that they can be provisionally attached under the anti-money laundering law.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Chanda Kochhar's brother-in-law Rajiv Kochhar has also been grilled by the ED multiple times in the case.

The Kochhar couple and Dhoot were questioned at the ED's zonal office in Mumbai after the central agency conducted raids on March 1.

The searches were conducted at the premises of Chanda Kochhar, her family and Dhoot in Maharashtra's Mumbai and Aurangabad cities.

The ED registered a criminal case under the PMLA earlier this year against Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, Dhoot and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in sanctioning Rs 1,875-crore of loans by ICICI Bank to the corporate group.

This action of the agency was based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The CBI has named all the three and Dhoot's companies -- Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) and Videocon Industries Limited (VIL) -- in its case.

The anti-corruption probe agency also named Supreme Energy, a company founded by Dhoot, and NuPower Renewables, a company controlled by Deepak Kochhar, in the FIR.

The CBI alleged that Dhoot had invested in Nupower through his firm Supreme Energy in a quid pro quo to loans cleared by ICICI Bank after Chanda Kochhar took over as the bank's CEO on May 1, 2009.

The ownership of Nupower and Supreme Energy changed hands through a complex web of shared transactions between Deepak Kochhar and Dhoot, the CBI alleged.

During its preliminary enquiry, the CBI found that six loans worth Rs 1,875 crore were sanctioned to the Videocon Group and companies associated with it between June 2009 and October 2011 in alleged violation of laid-down policies of ICICI Bank, which have now become part of the probe.

The loans were declared non-performing assets in 2012, causing a loss of Rs 1,730 crore to the bank, it alleged.

The ED, sources said, is also probing at least two other instances of loans given by the ICICI Bank (during Chanda Kochhar's tenure) to Gujarat-based pharmaceutical firm

Sterling Biotech and to Bhushan Steel group, both of which are under its probe for alleged money laundering charges.&nbsp;

The ED Friday questioned former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar and Videocon promoter Venugopal Dhoot in connection with a money laundering case involving their business concern, officials said.

The ED Friday questioned former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar and Videocon promoter Venugopal Dhoot in connection with a money laundering case involving their business concern, officials said. The three deposed as part of a regular summon and their statement is being recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. They have been grilled by the central agency in the past in connection with the alleged corruption case involving the bank and Videocon group. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had last month questioned and recorded the statements of Chanda Kochhar and Deepak Kochhar over multiple sessions at its office in Delhi. The agency is also preparing to analyse the details of assets of the Kochhars and others so that they can be provisionally attached under the anti-money laundering law. Chanda Kochhar's brother-in-law Rajiv Kochhar has also been grilled by the ED multiple times in the case. The Kochhar couple and Dhoot were questioned at the ED's zonal office in Mumbai after the central agency conducted raids on March 1. The searches were conducted at the premises of Chanda Kochhar, her family and Dhoot in Maharashtra's Mumbai and Aurangabad cities. The ED registered a criminal case under the PMLA earlier this year against Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, Dhoot and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in sanctioning Rs 1,875-crore of loans by ICICI Bank to the corporate group. This action of the agency was based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The CBI has named all the three and Dhoot's companies -- Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) and Videocon Industries Limited (VIL) -- in its case. The anti-corruption probe agency also named Supreme Energy, a company founded by Dhoot, and NuPower Renewables, a company controlled by Deepak Kochhar, in the FIR. The CBI alleged that Dhoot had invested in Nupower through his firm Supreme Energy in a quid pro quo to loans cleared by ICICI Bank after Chanda Kochhar took over as the bank's CEO on May 1, 2009. The ownership of Nupower and Supreme Energy changed hands through a complex web of shared transactions between Deepak Kochhar and Dhoot, the CBI alleged. During its preliminary enquiry, the CBI found that six loans worth Rs 1,875 crore were sanctioned to the Videocon Group and companies associated with it between June 2009 and October 2011 in alleged violation of laid-down policies of ICICI Bank, which have now become part of the probe. The loans were declared non-performing assets in 2012, causing a loss of Rs 1,730 crore to the bank, it alleged. The ED, sources said, is also probing at least two other instances of loans given by the ICICI Bank (during Chanda Kochhar's tenure) to Gujarat-based pharmaceutical firm Sterling Biotech and to Bhushan Steel group, both of which are under its probe for alleged money laundering charges.

ICICI Bank-Videocon case: Enforcement Directorate grills Chanda Kochhar, husband and Venugopal Dhoot

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-saudi-crown-prince-salman-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-discusses-counter-terrorism-231041">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Friday said that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity which not only kills innocents but also severely affects the economic development and communal harmony.

Speaking at the informal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-400-missile-deal-not-discussed-by-pm-modi-and-trump-at-g20-summit-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-231037">BRICS leaders' meeting in Osaka</a>, Modi said that there is a need to stop all the mediums of support to terrorism and racism.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlines "Three major challenges" at the informal meeting of BRICS leaders on the sidelines of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a> in Osaka, Japan. <a href="https://t.co/hO6UprMbMf">pic.twitter.com/hO6UprMbMf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1144429631254278149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. It not only kills innocents but also severely affects economic development and social stability. We have to stop all mediums of support to terrorism and racism,'' Modi said.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi's Meet With Trump, Abe Focused On Connectivity, Infra In Indo-Pacific

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Stressing on World Trade Organisation (WTO) reform, Modi said the development of the global economy is largely driven by one-sided decisions and disputes felt by the entire system.&nbsp;

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BRICS leaders met in Osaka, on the sidelines of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> Summit. 
 
In his remarks, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> spoke about strengthening WTO, fighting protectionism, ensuring energy security and the need to work together to fight terrorism. <a href="https://t.co/c5QRoekSRg">pic.twitter.com/c5QRoekSRg</a>
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"We should still focus on the WTO&nbsp;reform to achieve balanced development of the global economy and so this growth is open to everyone," Modi said.

The Prime Minister is in Osaka for the G20 Summit.&nbsp;

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PM Modi at informal BRICS meeting in Osaka: Terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. Not only it takes lives of the innocents, it negatively affects economical development &amp; communal harmony. We have to stop all mediums of support to terrorism &amp; racism <a href="https://t.co/ppUP6qIc2g">pic.twitter.com/ppUP6qIc2g</a>
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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity which not only kills innocents but also severely affects the economic development and communal harmony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity which not only kills innocents but also severely affects the economic development and communal harmony. Speaking at the informal BRICS leaders' meeting in Osaka, Modi said that there is a need to stop all the mediums of support to terrorism and racism. #WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlines "Three major challenges" at the informal meeting of BRICS leaders on the sidelines of the #G20Summit in Osaka, Japan. pic.twitter.com/hO6UprMbMf — ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2019 × "Terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. It not only kills innocents but also severely affects economic development and social stability. We have to stop all mediums of support to terrorism and racism,'' Modi said. Watch: PM Modi's Meet With Trump, Abe Focused On Connectivity, Infra In Indo-Pacific Stressing on World Trade Organisation (WTO) reform, Modi said the development of the global economy is largely driven by one-sided decisions and disputes felt by the entire system. BRICS leaders met in Osaka, on the sidelines of the #G20 Summit. In his remarks, PM @narendramodi spoke about strengthening WTO, fighting protectionism, ensuring energy security and the need to work together to fight terrorism. pic.twitter.com/c5QRoekSRg — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 28, 2019 × "We should still focus on the WTO reform to achieve balanced development of the global economy and so this growth is open to everyone," Modi said. The Prime Minister is in Osaka for the G20 Summit. PM Modi at informal BRICS meeting in Osaka: Terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. Not only it takes lives of the innocents, it negatively affects economical development & communal harmony. We have to stop all mediums of support to terrorism & racism pic.twitter.com/ppUP6qIc2g — ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2019 ×

Terrorism biggest threat to humanity, says PM Modi at informal BRICS leaders' meeting in Osaka

The rising threat from protectionism and terrorism were in focus during the informal BRICS and RIC (Russia, India, China) meet that happened on the sidelines of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-global-leaders-at-g20-discusses-oil-prices-with-saudi-crown-prince-231298">14th G20 Summit today</a>.&nbsp;

Speaking at the BRICS meet, that has become a permanent fixture on the sidelines of the G20 summit, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-become-great-friends-well-work-together-in-many-ways-including-military-trump-to-pm-modi-at-g20-231285">PM Modi</a> said, "support to terror should be stopped". The prime minister talked about a global conference on the issue, the idea for which was given by him during his visit to the Maldives earlier this month.&nbsp;

PM Modi said, there is uncertainty in the global economic order and "rules-based multilateral order" can face problems due to one-sided decisions.&nbsp;

He gave five solutions to the current problems which included free flow of skilled man force which will benefit nations where the average age of the workforce is beyond the workable age.&nbsp;

The BRICS, in its joint declaration, came strong on states providing support to terror. They reiterated that it is the "responsibility of all states to prevent financing of terrorist networks and of terrorist actions from their territories" and "commitment to fight the exploitation of the internet for terrorist purposes."&nbsp;

The statement took a strong stance on protectionism and stated, "Protectionism and unilateralism run counter to the spirit and rules of the WTO". India said that any international rules on data should be done under WTO and not by any other grouping including the G20.&nbsp;

This comes even as Australia, Japan and the US push for a free flow of trade at the G20. It is interesting to know that the RIC meeting echoed the sentiment on trade and terror.

Speaking during the RIC meet, which was revived last year after 12 years, the PM said, "As the world's leading economies, exchange of views between us, on the economic, political and security situation of the world is important. Our trilateral meeting today is a useful medium for discussing and coordinating on major global issues."&nbsp;

RIC meet discussed global trading regime and need for rules-based trading order and support for WTO reforms while slamming protectionism. The PM talked about the idea of an international conference at the RIC meet and hoped Russia and China to back it.&nbsp;

It is interesting to know that all three members of the RIC are also members of the BRICS.

The rising threat from protectionism and terrorism were in focus during the informal BRICS and RIC (Russia, India, China) meet that happened on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit today.

The rising threat from protectionism and terrorism were in focus during the informal BRICS and RIC (Russia, India, China) meet that happened on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit today. Speaking at the BRICS meet, that has become a permanent fixture on the sidelines of the G20 summit, PM Modi said, "support to terror should be stopped". The prime minister talked about a global conference on the issue, the idea for which was given by him during his visit to the Maldives earlier this month. PM Modi said, there is uncertainty in the global economic order and "rules-based multilateral order" can face problems due to one-sided decisions. He gave five solutions to the current problems which included free flow of skilled man force which will benefit nations where the average age of the workforce is beyond the workable age. The BRICS, in its joint declaration, came strong on states providing support to terror. They reiterated that it is the "responsibility of all states to prevent financing of terrorist networks and of terrorist actions from their territories" and "commitment to fight the exploitation of the internet for terrorist purposes." The statement took a strong stance on protectionism and stated, "Protectionism and unilateralism run counter to the spirit and rules of the WTO". India said that any international rules on data should be done under WTO and not by any other grouping including the G20. This comes even as Australia, Japan and the US push for a free flow of trade at the G20. It is interesting to know that the RIC meeting echoed the sentiment on trade and terror. Speaking during the RIC meet, which was revived last year after 12 years, the PM said, "As the world's leading economies, exchange of views between us, on the economic, political and security situation of the world is important. Our trilateral meeting today is a useful medium for discussing and coordinating on major global issues." RIC meet discussed global trading regime and need for rules-based trading order and support for WTO reforms while slamming protectionism. The PM talked about the idea of an international conference at the RIC meet and hoped Russia and China to back it. It is interesting to know that all three members of the RIC are also members of the BRICS.

G20 Summit: India highlights protectionism, terror threats at BRICS and RIC meetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump held a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-our-countries-have-never-been-closer-trump-on-us-india-ties-231018">"very productive and open discussion"</a> on a range of issues including trade, tensions with Iran, and 5G technology, but did not touch upon the S-400 missile deal in their bilateral meeting,&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

"It was a very productive and open discussion. We will take things forward. There was very little discussion on defence issues. S-400 issue was not discussed. We highlighted the potential of cooperation in this area which was welcomed by President Trump," Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said at a press conference here on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit.

This comes a few days after US Secretary of State Micheal Pompeo had said the two countries should be able to provide security for themselves. It also comes at a time when the US has put forth suggestions for India to look for alternatives to the S-400 missile system, as transactions with Russia risk triggering CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).

At the press briefing, Gokhale said Modi and Trump agreed that they would meet at an early date to try and sort out issues pertaining to trade between the two countries.

"It was agreed that trade ministers of both countries would meet on an early date and would try to sort out these issues. Both US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and their Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin were in the room. Now, we expect an early meeting," he said.

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"The Prime Minister did mention in particular that we have taken some action after the GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) was revoked. That was something which already happened and now we should look forward and see how we can resolve these issues. President Trump welcomed this idea," Gokhale added.

With regards to tensions brewing between the US and Iran, the Foreign Secretary said the primary focus was on ensuring stability in the region, not just in the backdrop of energy needs, but also to ensure the safety of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf.

"On Iran, the primary focus was on how we ensure stability there, as instability affects us in many ways, not just in a matter of energy needs, but also in terms of our large diaspora in Gulf, 8 million Indians in the Gulf and economic interests. The two leaders agreed that they and officials will continue to remain in touch to ensure that the region remains stable; that is in the interest of us and the US," he noted.

Prime Minister Modi also tried to explore and leverage opportunities in order to achieve the goals under his flagship programme "Make in India" using 5G technology, Gokhale observed.

"On 5G, we were concerned to bring the focus on how can we leverage our market, our capabilities in design and technology of software, and our desire as to how to make this technology as part of Make in India. PM's real focus was on Make in India and the potential that this technology has to achieve this goal."

When asked if trade and defence tensions between the two large democracies can hamper their relationship, Gokhale said, "No one issue is going to impact the largest strategic relation between India and US which is deep and broad. We have some issues. We will work on it."

In the trilateral meeting held between US, India and Japan, Gokhale said the main topic of discussion was Indo-Pacific, how the three countries can work together in terms of connectivity, infrastructure, ensuring peace and security, and in terms of working together to build upon this new concept.

Besides India, the US and host Japan, UK, European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Russia, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are also participating in the Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump held a "very productive and open discussion" on a range of issues including trade, tensions with Iran, and 5G technology, but did not touch upon the S-400 missile deal in their bilateral meeting, Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump held a "very productive and open discussion" on a range of issues including trade, tensions with Iran, and 5G technology, but did not touch upon the S-400 missile deal in their bilateral meeting, Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. "It was a very productive and open discussion. We will take things forward. There was very little discussion on defence issues. S-400 issue was not discussed. We highlighted the potential of cooperation in this area which was welcomed by President Trump," Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said at a press conference here on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit. This comes a few days after US Secretary of State Micheal Pompeo had said the two countries should be able to provide security for themselves. It also comes at a time when the US has put forth suggestions for India to look for alternatives to the S-400 missile system, as transactions with Russia risk triggering CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). At the press briefing, Gokhale said Modi and Trump agreed that they would meet at an early date to try and sort out issues pertaining to trade between the two countries. "It was agreed that trade ministers of both countries would meet on an early date and would try to sort out these issues. Both US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and their Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin were in the room. Now, we expect an early meeting," he said. "The Prime Minister did mention in particular that we have taken some action after the GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) was revoked. That was something which already happened and now we should look forward and see how we can resolve these issues. President Trump welcomed this idea," Gokhale added. With regards to tensions brewing between the US and Iran, the Foreign Secretary said the primary focus was on ensuring stability in the region, not just in the backdrop of energy needs, but also to ensure the safety of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf. "On Iran, the primary focus was on how we ensure stability there, as instability affects us in many ways, not just in a matter of energy needs, but also in terms of our large diaspora in Gulf, 8 million Indians in the Gulf and economic interests. The two leaders agreed that they and officials will continue to remain in touch to ensure that the region remains stable; that is in the interest of us and the US," he noted. Prime Minister Modi also tried to explore and leverage opportunities in order to achieve the goals under his flagship programme "Make in India" using 5G technology, Gokhale observed. "On 5G, we were concerned to bring the focus on how can we leverage our market, our capabilities in design and technology of software, and our desire as to how to make this technology as part of Make in India. PM's real focus was on Make in India and the potential that this technology has to achieve this goal." When asked if trade and defence tensions between the two large democracies can hamper their relationship, Gokhale said, "No one issue is going to impact the largest strategic relation between India and US which is deep and broad. We have some issues. We will work on it." In the trilateral meeting held between US, India and Japan, Gokhale said the main topic of discussion was Indo-Pacific, how the three countries can work together in terms of connectivity, infrastructure, ensuring peace and security, and in terms of working together to build upon this new concept. Besides India, the US and host Japan, UK, European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Russia, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are also participating in the Summit.

S-400 missile deal not discussed by PM Modi and Trump at G20 Summit, says Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman on Friday on the sidelines of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-trilateral-meeting-with-us-president-trump-japan-pm-abe-231016">G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka</a>.

Both the countries discussed deepening cooperation in trade and investment, energy security and counter-terrorism with the "invaluable strategic partner".

"An invaluable strategic partner. PM @narendramodi met with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on the margins of the #G20. Discussed deepening cooperation in trade &amp; investment, energy security, counter-terrorism, among other areas," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

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An invaluable strategic partner. 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on the margins of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a>. Discussed deepening cooperation in trade &amp; investment, energy security, counter terrorism, among other areas. <a href="https://t.co/PdSqk9riP5">pic.twitter.com/PdSqk9riP5</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1144446134192001024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The meeting with Crown prince came after PM Modi attended the informal BRICS leaders' meeting.

PM Modi at the informal BRICS leaders' meeting said, "Terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. It not only kills innocents but also severely affects economic development and social stability. We have to stop all mediums of support to terrorism and racism.''

PM Modi also held <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-400-missile-deal-not-discussed-by-pm-modi-and-trump-at-g20-summit-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-231037">bilateral talks with US president</a> Donald Trump and discussed global issues including Iran, 5G communications networks, trade and defence.

This is PM Modi's sixth G-20 Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman on Friday on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman on Friday on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka. Both the countries discussed deepening cooperation in trade and investment, energy security and counter-terrorism with the "invaluable strategic partner". "An invaluable strategic partner. PM @narendramodi met with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on the margins of the #G20. Discussed deepening cooperation in trade & investment, energy security, counter-terrorism, among other areas," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. An invaluable strategic partner. PM @narendramodi met with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on the margins of the #G20. Discussed deepening cooperation in trade & investment, energy security, counter terrorism, among other areas. pic.twitter.com/PdSqk9riP5 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 28, 2019 × The meeting with Crown prince came after PM Modi attended the informal BRICS leaders' meeting. PM Modi at the informal BRICS leaders' meeting said, "Terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. It not only kills innocents but also severely affects economic development and social stability. We have to stop all mediums of support to terrorism and racism.'' PM Modi also held bilateral talks with US president Donald Trump and discussed global issues including Iran, 5G communications networks, trade and defence. This is PM Modi's sixth G-20 Summit.

PM Modi meets Saudi Crown Prince Salman at G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka, discusses counter-terrorism

Even by the diplomatic standards, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-world-leaders-at-g20-pm-modi-discusses-indo-pacific-terrorism-situation-in-gulf-231173">the first day of the G20 Summit</a> was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka.&nbsp;

While the two trilateral meetings with Russia, China and Japan, America - along with informal BRICS meet - dominated the day, key bilaterals with countries such as Saudi Arabia were an important element of the day.

Other than PM's much-touted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-become-great-friends-well-work-together-in-many-ways-including-military-trump-to-pm-modi-at-g20-231285">bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump</a>, he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.

With the Saudi Crown Prince, the PM discussed the current Gulf situation.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale stated, "They discussed the situation in the Gulf and the prime minister said that this could impact the oil prices which is important for India. The PM appreciated the efforts by Saudi Arabia in ensuring oil supplies have remained stable and oil prices have remained predictable in the last few months".

"Iran wasn't discussed," the Foreign Secretary added.

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Met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. We reviewed the full range of relations between India and Saudi Arabia. Our talks today will add great strength to bilateral ties between our nations. <a href="https://t.co/N15PFEUZgR">pic.twitter.com/N15PFEUZgR</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1144473374162219008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Crown Prince has invited PM Modi for a conference to his country which will happen later this year. The Haj quota has also been increased for Indians from 170,000 to 200,000.

While with Merkel, PM Modi discussed artificial intelligence, railway modernisation; with South Korea, the focus was on visa regime improvement between the two countries. South Korea has recently liberalized group visas for Indian tourists.

The PM also had pull-aside meetings with Vietnamese PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and World Bank President &nbsp;David Malpass. He also met several world leaders such as Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

PM Modi will be meeting Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Italian PM Giuseppe Conte, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, President of Chile Sebastián Piñera, and Australian PM Scott Morrison on the second and the final day of the G20 summit on Saturday. 
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Even by the diplomatic standards, the first day of the G20 Summit was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. While the two trilateral meetings with Russia, China and Japan, America - along with informal BRICS meet - dominated the day, key bilaterals with countries such as Saudi Arabia were an important element of the day.

Even by the diplomatic standards, the first day of the G20 Summit was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. While the two trilateral meetings with Russia, China and Japan, America - along with informal BRICS meet - dominated the day, key bilaterals with countries such as Saudi Arabia were an important element of the day. Other than PM's much-touted bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump, he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. With the Saudi Crown Prince, the PM discussed the current Gulf situation. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale stated, "They discussed the situation in the Gulf and the prime minister said that this could impact the oil prices which is important for India. The PM appreciated the efforts by Saudi Arabia in ensuring oil supplies have remained stable and oil prices have remained predictable in the last few months". "Iran wasn't discussed," the Foreign Secretary added. Met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. We reviewed the full range of relations between India and Saudi Arabia. Our talks today will add great strength to bilateral ties between our nations. pic.twitter.com/N15PFEUZgR — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2019 × The Crown Prince has invited PM Modi for a conference to his country which will happen later this year. The Haj quota has also been increased for Indians from 170,000 to 200,000. While with Merkel, PM Modi discussed artificial intelligence, railway modernisation; with South Korea, the focus was on visa regime improvement between the two countries. South Korea has recently liberalized group visas for Indian tourists. The PM also had pull-aside meetings with Vietnamese PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and World Bank President David Malpass. He also met several world leaders such as Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. PM Modi will be meeting Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Italian PM Giuseppe Conte, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, President of Chile Sebastián Piñera, and Australian PM Scott Morrison on the second and the final day of the G20 summit on Saturday.

PM Modi meets global leaders at G20; discusses oil prices with Saudi Crown Prince

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-biggest-threat-to-humanity-pm-modi-at-informal-brics-leaders-meeting-in-osaka-231033">Terrorism biggest threat to humanity, says PM Modi at informal BRICS leaders' meeting in Osaka</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity which not only kills innocents but also severely affects the economic development and communal harmony.

Speaking at the informal BRICS leaders' meeting in Osaka, Modi said that there is a need to stop all the mediums of support to terrorism and racism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-our-countries-have-never-been-closer-trump-on-us-india-ties-231018">G20 Summit: 'Our countries have never been closer', Trump on US-India ties</a>

''We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety,'' said US President Donald Trump during his bilateral talks with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-trilateral-meeting-with-us-president-trump-japan-pm-abe-231016">G20 Summit: PM Modi, Trump, Abe hold trilateral meeting; discuss Indo-Pacific, connectivity</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held "productive" trilateral talks with US President Donald Trump and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe in Osaka, Japan on Friday ahead of the formal opening of the G-20 Summit and extensively discussed issues of the Indo-Pacific region, connectivity and infrastructure development.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-design-chief-jony-ive-steve-jobs-confidant-to-leave-and-start-own-firm-231020">Apple design chief Jony Ive, Steve Jobs' confidant, to leave and start own firm</a>

Jony Ive, a close creative collaborator with Apple Inc co-founder Steve Jobs whose iPhone and other designs fueled Apple's rise to a $1 trillion company, will leave later this year to form an independent design company.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-on-course-to-exceed-nuclear-pact-limit-within-days-diplomats-231024">Iran on course to exceed nuclear pact limit within days: Diplomats</a>

Iran is on course to breach a threshold in its nuclear agreement within days by accumulating more enriched uranium than permitted, although it had not done so yet by a deadline it set for Thursday, diplomats said, citing UN inspectors' data.

Terrorism biggest threat to humanity, says PM Modi at informal BRICS leaders' meeting in Osaka Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity which not only kills innocents but also severely affects the economic development and communal harmony.

Terrorism biggest threat to humanity, says PM Modi at informal BRICS leaders' meeting in Osaka Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity which not only kills innocents but also severely affects the economic development and communal harmony. Speaking at the informal BRICS leaders' meeting in Osaka, Modi said that there is a need to stop all the mediums of support to terrorism and racism. G20 Summit: 'Our countries have never been closer', Trump on US-India ties ''We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety,'' said US President Donald Trump during his bilateral talks with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan. G20 Summit: PM Modi, Trump, Abe hold trilateral meeting; discuss Indo-Pacific, connectivity Prime Minister Narendra Modi held "productive" trilateral talks with US President Donald Trump and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe in Osaka, Japan on Friday ahead of the formal opening of the G-20 Summit and extensively discussed issues of the Indo-Pacific region, connectivity and infrastructure development. Apple design chief Jony Ive, Steve Jobs' confidant, to leave and start own firm Jony Ive, a close creative collaborator with Apple Inc co-founder Steve Jobs whose iPhone and other designs fueled Apple's rise to a $1 trillion company, will leave later this year to form an independent design company. Iran on course to exceed nuclear pact limit within days: Diplomats Iran is on course to breach a threshold in its nuclear agreement within days by accumulating more enriched uranium than permitted, although it had not done so yet by a deadline it set for Thursday, diplomats said, citing UN inspectors' data.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-our-countries-have-never-been-closer-trump-on-us-india-ties-231018">Narendra Modi held "productive"&nbsp;trilateral talks</a> with US President Donald Trump and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe in Osaka, Japan on Friday ahead of the formal opening of the G-20 Summit and extensively discussed issues of the Indo-Pacific region, connectivity and infrastructure development .

The discussion focused on how the three countries can together work together towards an open, stable and rule-based Indo-Pacific region. 
During the Japan-America-India trilateral meeting, Modi highlighted "the importance India attaches to" the grouping.

The main topic of discussion was Indo-Pacific, how the three countries can work together in terms of connectivity, infrastructure, ensuring peace and security, and working together to build upon this new concept, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

"Committed to a better future. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trade-in-focus-as-pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-us-president-trump-231014">Meeting of JAI (Japan-America-India)Trilateral takes place</a> in Osaka. PM @AbeShinzo welcomes the leaders. @POTUS congratulates Prime Ministers Modi and Abe for their electoral victories. PM Modi highlights the importance India attaches to JAI," the prime minister's office tweeted.

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Committed to a better future. 
 
Meeting of JAI (Japan-America-India)Trilateral takes place in Osaka. 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a> welcomes the leaders. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> congratulates Prime Ministers Modi and Abe for their electoral victories. 
 
PM Modi highlights the importance India attaches to JAI. <a href="https://t.co/IBjkzFuTKY">pic.twitter.com/IBjkzFuTKY</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1144403564590010368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Today's meeting of the JAI Trilateral was a productive one. We had extensive discussions on the Indo-Pacific region, improving connectivity and infrastructure development. Grateful to PM @AbeShinzo and President @realDonaldTrump for sharing their views as well," Modi tweeted later.

"2nd 'JAI' - Japan-America-India Trilateral Meeting between PM @narendramodi, Japanese PM @AbeShinzo &amp; POTUS @realDonaldTrump on margins of #G20 Summit. Discussion focused on how the 3 countries can together work together towards an open, stable &amp; rule-based Indo-Pacific region," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Twitter.

On Thursday, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Abe on the global economy, issues of fugitive economic offenders and disaster management.

Prime Minister Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin and other leaders during the June 28-29 summit.

This is be Modi's sixth G-20 Summit.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held "productive" trilateral talks with US President Donald Trump and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe in Osaka, Japan on Friday ahead of the formal opening of the G-20 Summit and extensively discussed issues of the Indo-Pacific region, connectivity and infrastructure development .

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held "productive" trilateral talks with US President Donald Trump and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe in Osaka, Japan on Friday ahead of the formal opening of the G-20 Summit and extensively discussed issues of the Indo-Pacific region, connectivity and infrastructure development . The discussion focused on how the three countries can together work together towards an open, stable and rule-based Indo-Pacific region. During the Japan-America-India trilateral meeting, Modi highlighted "the importance India attaches to" the grouping. The main topic of discussion was Indo-Pacific, how the three countries can work together in terms of connectivity, infrastructure, ensuring peace and security, and working together to build upon this new concept, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said. "Committed to a better future. Meeting of JAI (Japan-America-India)Trilateral takes place in Osaka. PM @AbeShinzo welcomes the leaders. @POTUS congratulates Prime Ministers Modi and Abe for their electoral victories. PM Modi highlights the importance India attaches to JAI," the prime minister's office tweeted. Committed to a better future. Meeting of JAI (Japan-America-India)Trilateral takes place in Osaka. PM @AbeShinzo welcomes the leaders. @POTUS congratulates Prime Ministers Modi and Abe for their electoral victories. PM Modi highlights the importance India attaches to JAI. pic.twitter.com/IBjkzFuTKY — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 28, 2019 × "Today's meeting of the JAI Trilateral was a productive one. We had extensive discussions on the Indo-Pacific region, improving connectivity and infrastructure development. Grateful to PM @AbeShinzo and President @realDonaldTrump for sharing their views as well," Modi tweeted later. "2nd 'JAI' - Japan-America-India Trilateral Meeting between PM @narendramodi, Japanese PM @AbeShinzo & POTUS @realDonaldTrump on margins of #G20 Summit. Discussion focused on how the 3 countries can together work together towards an open, stable & rule-based Indo-Pacific region," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Twitter. On Thursday, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Abe on the global economy, issues of fugitive economic offenders and disaster management. Prime Minister Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin and other leaders during the June 28-29 summit. This is be Modi's sixth G-20 Summit.

G20 Summit: PM Modi, Trump, Abe hold trilateral meeting; discuss Indo-Pacific, connectivity

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-team-to-visit-france-to-probe-possible-data-theft-during-rafale-office-break-in-221810">IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris</a> where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe.

"The cyber forensic team of the Air Force consisting three members has found that no data was stolen from the Indian Rafale project management team during the break-in by unidentified personnel there," Defence sources told ANI here.

The three-member team had left for Paris soon after the reports about a break-in on a weekend were received by the IAF, they said.

The team was sent to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office.

Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France in May in what was suspected to be a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans.

The Defence Ministry has also been informed that there was no data theft from the IAF office during the break-in.

The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring.

The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police are investigating the case.

Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices.

The Indian Rafale team office is situated in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.&nbsp;

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe.

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe. "The cyber forensic team of the Air Force consisting three members has found that no data was stolen from the Indian Rafale project management team during the break-in by unidentified personnel there," Defence sources told ANI here. The three-member team had left for Paris soon after the reports about a break-in on a weekend were received by the IAF, they said. The team was sent to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office. Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France in May in what was suspected to be a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans. The Defence Ministry has also been informed that there was no data theft from the IAF office during the break-in. The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring. The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police are investigating the case. Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices. The Indian Rafale team office is situated in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.

No data stolen from IAF's Rafale team office in Paris: Cyber forensic team

On learning that their 4-year-old daughter was missing, the parents frantically searched in the vicinity of their Thirumullaivoyal residence, near Avadi in Chennai. The mother had left the little girl home-alone for a while as she had to leave her 7-year old son at a nearby tuition class on Thursday evening.&nbsp;

On returning home and not finding their daughter, a complaint was filed in the nearby Thirumullaivoyal Police Station.

Later, a rice sack that was stuffed in a bucket of water was found in their bathroom. The girl was murdered and the body was stuffed into a sack bearing the name of a rice company. Based on the preliminary investigation, the police suspect that she was sexually assaulted before being murdered. The crime had taken place when her father was away at work and her mother and sibling were at the tuition class.&nbsp;

Senior police officials visited the house and examined the crime scene. Forensic experts collected samples from the girl's body and from the house.&nbsp;

On questioning the residents in the area, they claimed to have seen a neighbour, who is also related to the family, to have been near the house when the girl was left alone. The person in question is a 60-year old who is an ex-serviceman.&nbsp;

The police have detained him for questioning. The girl's body is said to have borne blood stains and has been sent for post-mortem at the Government General Hospital; the results are awaited. 
&nbsp;

On learning that their 4-year-old daughter was missing, the parents frantically searched in the vicinity of their Thirumullaivoyal residence, near Avadi in Chennai.

On learning that their 4-year-old daughter was missing, the parents frantically searched in the vicinity of their Thirumullaivoyal residence, near Avadi in Chennai. The mother had left the little girl home-alone for a while as she had to leave her 7-year old son at a nearby tuition class on Thursday evening. On returning home and not finding their daughter, a complaint was filed in the nearby Thirumullaivoyal Police Station. Later, a rice sack that was stuffed in a bucket of water was found in their bathroom. The girl was murdered and the body was stuffed into a sack bearing the name of a rice company. Based on the preliminary investigation, the police suspect that she was sexually assaulted before being murdered. The crime had taken place when her father was away at work and her mother and sibling were at the tuition class. Senior police officials visited the house and examined the crime scene. Forensic experts collected samples from the girl's body and from the house. On questioning the residents in the area, they claimed to have seen a neighbour, who is also related to the family, to have been near the house when the girl was left alone. The person in question is a 60-year old who is an ex-serviceman. The police have detained him for questioning. The girl's body is said to have borne blood stains and has been sent for post-mortem at the Government General Hospital; the results are awaited.

4-year-old girl killed in Chennai, body dumped in bucket; police suspect sexual assault

Enthused by stunning performance in the Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is planning to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' to more people this time by making special arrangements and utilising all possible means.

'Mann Ki Baat' programme is resuming from June 30 at 11 am.

In order to ensure that more and more people listen to Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme, the party cadres at all levels have been directed to ensure better facilities like big screens and better radio sets so that more people get attracted to the programme.

Many BJP leaders have also planned to listen to 'Mann Ki Baat' programme by sitting with the people and party workers.

BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh said: "Mann Ki Baat' programme is a part of BJP's annual event. On the direction of the party's national president Amit Shah, we are taking this programme to all booths in an effective manner."

PM Modi is also looking forward to discussing public insights in his upcoming episode of 'Mann Ki Baat.' He has asked everyone to share his thoughts on themes and issues that matter to the public.

This will be the first episode of 'Mann ki Baat' after PM Modi assumed office for the second time.

The final episode of the last season was aired on February 24 and the programme was later discontinued during the Lok Sabha elections.

Enthused by stunning performance in the Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is planning to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' to more people this time by making special arrangements and utilising all possible means.

Enthused by stunning performance in the Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is planning to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' to more people this time by making special arrangements and utilising all possible means. 'Mann Ki Baat' programme is resuming from June 30 at 11 am. In order to ensure that more and more people listen to Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme, the party cadres at all levels have been directed to ensure better facilities like big screens and better radio sets so that more people get attracted to the programme. Many BJP leaders have also planned to listen to 'Mann Ki Baat' programme by sitting with the people and party workers. BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh said: "Mann Ki Baat' programme is a part of BJP's annual event. On the direction of the party's national president Amit Shah, we are taking this programme to all booths in an effective manner." PM Modi is also looking forward to discussing public insights in his upcoming episode of 'Mann Ki Baat.' He has asked everyone to share his thoughts on themes and issues that matter to the public. This will be the first episode of 'Mann ki Baat' after PM Modi assumed office for the second time. The final episode of the last season was aired on February 24 and the programme was later discontinued during the Lok Sabha elections.

BJP plans to take PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme to more people

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit meeting on Friday.

The two leaders met shortly after the Japan-America-India (JAI) trilateral meeting during which Prime Minister&nbsp;Modi highlighted "the importance India attaches to" the grouping, the report added.

The Modi-Trump meeting assumes significance as the US president, championing his 'America First' policy, has been a vocal critic of India for levying "tremendously high" duties on US products.

Before his arrival in Japan on Thursday, Trump tweeted, "I look forward to speaking with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi about the fact that India, for years having put very high Tariffs against the United States, just recently increased the Tariffs even further. This is unacceptable and the Tariffs must be withdrawn!"

This was Modi's first meeting with Trump after the BJP's landslide win in the parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Focus on trade&nbsp;

The US President said he would be talking about trade with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the two leaders sit down for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit meeting on Friday.

Trump was speaking to reporters in the host city of Osaka, western Japan, ahead of a trilateral meeting with Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit meeting on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit meeting on Friday. The two leaders met shortly after the Japan-America-India (JAI) trilateral meeting during which Prime Minister Modi highlighted "the importance India attaches to" the grouping, the report added. The Modi-Trump meeting assumes significance as the US president, championing his 'America First' policy, has been a vocal critic of India for levying "tremendously high" duties on US products. Before his arrival in Japan on Thursday, Trump tweeted, "I look forward to speaking with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi about the fact that India, for years having put very high Tariffs against the United States, just recently increased the Tariffs even further. This is unacceptable and the Tariffs must be withdrawn!" This was Modi's first meeting with Trump after the BJP's landslide win in the parliamentary election. Focus on trade The US President said he would be talking about trade with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the two leaders sit down for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit meeting on Friday. Trump was speaking to reporters in the host city of Osaka, western Japan, ahead of a trilateral meeting with Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

G20 Summit: Trade in focus as PM Modi holds bilateral talks with US President Trump

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan on Friday said that he is doing whatever needs to be done along with Health Minister and Chief Minister of Bihar to deal with the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) outbreak in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district.

Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), which is handling the largest number of patients in the district, reported 111 deaths while there 21 deaths were reported at Kejriwal Hospital.

"If somebody goes there then you call it 'nautanki,'&nbsp;if we don't then you say why didn`t you go to see. Doing whatever is needed to be done along with the Health Minister and Chief Minister," Paswan told media here.

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.&nbsp;

This year 154 children have lost their lives in Muzaffarpur to an encephalopathy of unknown origin, says a report of a doctors'&nbsp;forum on Friday which has blamed these deaths on "administrative failure and state's apathy".

In the preliminary report of Progressive Medicos and Scientists'&nbsp;Forum (PMSF), a few unfamiliar facts and causes have been listed regarding the influx of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/working-on-long-term-plan-to-deal-with-encephalitis-syndrome-union-minister-for-health-231114">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome</a>&nbsp;(AES)-affected patients in Muzaffarpur this year even as various experts are trying to pinpoint the aetiology behind this convulsive illness and related deaths.

 
&nbsp;

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan on Friday said that he is doing whatever needs to be done along with Health Minister and Chief Minister of Bihar to deal with the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) outbreak in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district.

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan on Friday said that he is doing whatever needs to be done along with Health Minister and Chief Minister of Bihar to deal with the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) outbreak in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district. Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), which is handling the largest number of patients in the district, reported 111 deaths while there 21 deaths were reported at Kejriwal Hospital. "If somebody goes there then you call it 'nautanki,' if we don't then you say why didn`t you go to see. Doing whatever is needed to be done along with the Health Minister and Chief Minister," Paswan told media here. 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. This year 154 children have lost their lives in Muzaffarpur to an encephalopathy of unknown origin, says a report of a doctors' forum on Friday which has blamed these deaths on "administrative failure and state's apathy". In the preliminary report of Progressive Medicos and Scientists' Forum (PMSF), a few unfamiliar facts and causes have been listed regarding the influx of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)-affected patients in Muzaffarpur this year even as various experts are trying to pinpoint the aetiology behind this convulsive illness and related deaths.

Doing whatever is needed to be done: Paswan on encephalitis outbreak

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-protests-chinas-army-to-be-handed-prime-harbour-in-hong-kong-231230">Amid protests, China's Army to be handed prime harbour in Hong Kong</a>

The Chinese military will be handed prime Hong Kong waterfront land on Saturday, even as the city is&nbsp;rocked by anti-Beijing protests&nbsp;and just days before the anniversary of its return to China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-time-hottest-temperature-in-france-recorded-at-443c-weather-service-231244">All-time hottest temperature in France recorded at 44.3C: Weather service</a>

France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an&nbsp;early summer heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-target-root-of-terrorism-inside-pakistan-balakot-strikes-not-a-fluke-home-minister-amit-shah-in-lok-sabha-231174">We will target root of terrorism inside Pakistan, Balakot strikes not a fluke: Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha</a>

After PM Modi lashed out at&nbsp;Congress in Parliament, Home minister Amit Shah today hit out at Congress over the Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K) issue in Lok Sabha. "Congress weakened democracy in J&amp;K," India's home minister said, adding, "separatists have hurt democracy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-world-leaders-at-g20-pm-modi-discusses-indo-pacific-terrorism-situation-in-gulf-231173">In talks with world leaders at G20, PM Modi discusses Indo-Pacific, terrorism, situation in Gulf</a>

Even by diplomatic standards,&nbsp;the first day of the G20 Summit&nbsp;was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-heatwave-consistent-with-climate-change-more-to-come-un-231226">Europe's heatwave consistent with climate change, more to come: UN</a>

This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday.

Amid protests, China's Army to be handed prime harbour in Hong Kong The Chinese military will be handed prime Hong Kong waterfront land on Saturday, even as the city is rocked by anti-Beijing protests and just days before the anniversary of its return to China.

Amid protests, China's Army to be handed prime harbour in Hong Kong The Chinese military will be handed prime Hong Kong waterfront land on Saturday, even as the city is rocked by anti-Beijing protests and just days before the anniversary of its return to China. All-time hottest temperature in France recorded at 44.3C: Weather service France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an early summer heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said. We will target root of terrorism inside Pakistan, Balakot strikes not a fluke: Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha After PM Modi lashed out at Congress in Parliament, Home minister Amit Shah today hit out at Congress over the Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) issue in Lok Sabha. "Congress weakened democracy in J&K," India's home minister said, adding, "separatists have hurt democracy". In talks with world leaders at G20, PM Modi discusses Indo-Pacific, terrorism, situation in Gulf Even by diplomatic standards, the first day of the G20 Summit was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings. Europe's heatwave consistent with climate change, more to come: UN This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday.

Current account deficit (CAD) increased to $57.2 billion or 2.1 per cent of GDP in FY19 as against 1.8 per cent in the previous year, the Reserve Bank said Friday. 
The CAD, which is the net of foreign exchange inflows and outflows, had stood at $48.7 billion in FY18.

For FY19, the deficit widened despite a narrowing of the same in the March quarter to 0.7 per cent of GDP or $4.6 billion, as against $27.7 billion or 2.7 per cent in the December quarter and $13 billion or 1.8 per cent in the March 2018 quarter, the central bank data showed.

Overall trade performance was the prime influencer for both the contraction in CAD for the March quarter as well as a widening for the full year.

A lower trade deficit of $35.2 billion in the March quarter, compared to $41.6 billion in the year-ago period helped in CAD contraction, it said.

Similarly, an increase in the trade deficit to $180.3 billion for the year as a whole as against $160 billion in the year-ago period led to the widening of the CAD in FY19, the central bank said.

Net services receipts increased 5.8 per cent to $21.3 billion on the back of a rise in net earnings from telecommunications, computer and information services during the March quarter.

Private transfer receipts, representing mainly the remittances by expat Indians, declined by 0.9 per cent to $17.9 billion in the March quarter, it said.

It can be noted that inflows from the diaspora have been increasing for many years now, making the country the biggest beneficiary of remittances globally.

The net foreign direct investment stood at $6.4 billion in March quarter, the same level as the year-ago period, and rose marginally to $30.7 billion for the year as a whole.

Foreign portfolio investment recorded net inflow of $9.4 billion in March quarter versus $2.3 billion in the year-ago period on account of net purchases in both debt and equity markets, the RBI said.

However, for the entire year as a whole, net FPI flows dipped sharply to $2.4 billion as against $22.1 billion in the year-ago period.

The net inflows on account of external commercial borrowings jumped to $7.2 billion in the March quarter from $1 billion a year ago.

From a forex reserves perspective, there was a $3.3 billion depletion during the year, the central bank said.

Current account deficit (CAD) increased to $57.2 billion or 2.1 per cent of GDP in FY19 as against 1.8 per cent in the previous year, the Reserve Bank said Friday.

Current account deficit (CAD) increased to $57.2 billion or 2.1 per cent of GDP in FY19 as against 1.8 per cent in the previous year, the Reserve Bank said Friday. The CAD, which is the net of foreign exchange inflows and outflows, had stood at $48.7 billion in FY18. For FY19, the deficit widened despite a narrowing of the same in the March quarter to 0.7 per cent of GDP or $4.6 billion, as against $27.7 billion or 2.7 per cent in the December quarter and $13 billion or 1.8 per cent in the March 2018 quarter, the central bank data showed. Overall trade performance was the prime influencer for both the contraction in CAD for the March quarter as well as a widening for the full year. A lower trade deficit of $35.2 billion in the March quarter, compared to $41.6 billion in the year-ago period helped in CAD contraction, it said. Similarly, an increase in the trade deficit to $180.3 billion for the year as a whole as against $160 billion in the year-ago period led to the widening of the CAD in FY19, the central bank said. Net services receipts increased 5.8 per cent to $21.3 billion on the back of a rise in net earnings from telecommunications, computer and information services during the March quarter. Private transfer receipts, representing mainly the remittances by expat Indians, declined by 0.9 per cent to $17.9 billion in the March quarter, it said. It can be noted that inflows from the diaspora have been increasing for many years now, making the country the biggest beneficiary of remittances globally. The net foreign direct investment stood at $6.4 billion in March quarter, the same level as the year-ago period, and rose marginally to $30.7 billion for the year as a whole. Foreign portfolio investment recorded net inflow of $9.4 billion in March quarter versus $2.3 billion in the year-ago period on account of net purchases in both debt and equity markets, the RBI said. However, for the entire year as a whole, net FPI flows dipped sharply to $2.4 billion as against $22.1 billion in the year-ago period. The net inflows on account of external commercial borrowings jumped to $7.2 billion in the March quarter from $1 billion a year ago. From a forex reserves perspective, there was a $3.3 billion depletion during the year, the central bank said.

India's Current Account Deficit inches up to 2.1% to $57.2 billion

Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the safety of pilgrims during the 45-day long Amarnath Yatra from July 1 which will be conducted under the surveillance of CCTV cameras at vantage points.&nbsp;

Speaking to media, Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal, Kathua, said, CCTV has already been installed in Lakhnapur. "High security arrangements have been made on the National Highway from Lakhanpur for a 40-kilometre stretch which has been divided into four zones. Every security Zone will be supervised by DSP-rank officer.&nbsp;

On highways, special barriers have been set up and mobile Quick Reaction Teams will be there along with security officials," he said."We are also conducting surprise vehicle checks in order to foil the entry of any anti-social elements," he added. Kundal also said they have set up multiple reception centers which will provide information to the pilgrims on the availability of drinking water, toilets and other basic facilities."I have inspected the reception centres.&nbsp;

These centres will provide information on basic facilities such as yatra route, weather condition, registration counter, medical check-up counter, BSNL sim issue counter, one-time traffic check counter and other facilities of drinking water and sanitation. A meeting with the senior officer has also been arranged to finalise these arrangements," he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had on Wednesday held a review meeting on security arrangements for the upcoming yatra. State Governor Satyapal Malik also was also present in the review meeting. Before the Home Minister`s visit, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh visited units deployed for security of Amarnath yatra and reviewed the security arrangements on both the axis of Baltal and Pahalgam.&nbsp;

Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the safety of pilgrims during the 45-day long Amarnath Yatra from July 1 which will be conducted under the surveillance of CCTV cameras at vantage points.

Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the safety of pilgrims during the 45-day long Amarnath Yatra from July 1 which will be conducted under the surveillance of CCTV cameras at vantage points. Speaking to media, Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal, Kathua, said, CCTV has already been installed in Lakhnapur. "High security arrangements have been made on the National Highway from Lakhanpur for a 40-kilometre stretch which has been divided into four zones. Every security Zone will be supervised by DSP-rank officer. On highways, special barriers have been set up and mobile Quick Reaction Teams will be there along with security officials," he said."We are also conducting surprise vehicle checks in order to foil the entry of any anti-social elements," he added. Kundal also said they have set up multiple reception centers which will provide information to the pilgrims on the availability of drinking water, toilets and other basic facilities."I have inspected the reception centres. These centres will provide information on basic facilities such as yatra route, weather condition, registration counter, medical check-up counter, BSNL sim issue counter, one-time traffic check counter and other facilities of drinking water and sanitation. A meeting with the senior officer has also been arranged to finalise these arrangements," he said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had on Wednesday held a review meeting on security arrangements for the upcoming yatra. State Governor Satyapal Malik also was also present in the review meeting. Before the Home Minister`s visit, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh visited units deployed for security of Amarnath yatra and reviewed the security arrangements on both the axis of Baltal and Pahalgam.

Tight security arrangements made for Amarnath Yatra

This year 154 children have lost their lives in Muzaffarpur to an encephalopathy of unknown origin, says a report of a doctors'&nbsp;forum on Friday which has blamed these deaths on "administrative failure and state's apathy".

In the preliminary report of Progressive Medicos and Scientists'&nbsp;Forum (PMSF), a few unfamiliar facts and causes have been listed regarding the influx of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/working-on-long-term-plan-to-deal-with-encephalitis-syndrome-union-minister-for-health-231114">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome</a> (AES)-affected patients in Muzaffarpur this year even as various experts are trying to pinpoint the aetiology behind this convulsive illness and related deaths.

"We doctors from AIIMS, New Delhi, as part of PMSF on investigating this disaster come to a conclusion that whatever be the specific aetiology, these children are killed by administrative failure and state's apathy towards people," a press release by PMSF said.

The PMSF report said that all deaths occurred in children aged 1.5- 12 years exclusively belonging to families of lower socio-economic strata. Temporally, the cases peak in summer months of May-June while geographically, they are clustered in thatched-roof huts of Muzaffarpur.

Among the other points put forward in the report are - Most people did not have access to the public distribution system as they do not have ration cards. Many children were malnourished and none had been treated for it, none of them had growth monitoring cards.

Hospital wards and ICUs are not well equipped to cater to the patients coming to the medical college.

In nearest medical college SKMCH, emergency room catering to 500 patients per day is manned by just 4 doctors and 3 nurses there is no triage mechanism to sort patients.

Muzaffarpur is reeling under a severe paucity of drinking water and there is no functional sewerage system in the city. Extremely poor sanitation conditions and health care facilities have added to the plight of patients.

After witnessing AES symptoms in children, family members took them to the health facility on their own with a deadly delay with little help from local health officials.

These deaths from illness are being witnessed since 10 years, still, there are is no preventive mechanism and health awareness for specific illness or for any common illnesses like diarrhoea.ASHA, subcentres and anganwari services are deficient in their numbers and functions, people have lost faith in the local health system.

Children in none of the affected areas were immunized for Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JRV) vaccine.

Nearest primary health centre and community health centre are abysmally dysfunctional in terms of resources and manpower as compared to the national health standards.

It has been noted in some cases that after treating hypoglycemia, children were discharged in a few hours and they died at home due to developing hypoglycemia.

Despite faults at different levels, no action has been taken against any official. Rather a senior resident was suspended which apparently inappropriate action and would be deemed as scapegoating in an attempt to slide the gross negligence under the carpet.

"Looking at these points, this kind of disasters are always waiting to happen in this area. Government is trying to hide its apathy towards people behind the jargons of etiological research of a 'mysterious'&nbsp;disease" stated the press release.

The detailed investigation report will be released soon regarding the same.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

This year 154 children have lost their lives in Muzaffarpur to an encephalopathy of unknown origin, says a report of a doctors' forum on Friday which has blamed these deaths on "administrative failure and state's apathy".

This year 154 children have lost their lives in Muzaffarpur to an encephalopathy of unknown origin, says a report of a doctors' forum on Friday which has blamed these deaths on "administrative failure and state's apathy". In the preliminary report of Progressive Medicos and Scientists' Forum (PMSF), a few unfamiliar facts and causes have been listed regarding the influx of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)-affected patients in Muzaffarpur this year even as various experts are trying to pinpoint the aetiology behind this convulsive illness and related deaths. "We doctors from AIIMS, New Delhi, as part of PMSF on investigating this disaster come to a conclusion that whatever be the specific aetiology, these children are killed by administrative failure and state's apathy towards people," a press release by PMSF said. The PMSF report said that all deaths occurred in children aged 1.5- 12 years exclusively belonging to families of lower socio-economic strata. Temporally, the cases peak in summer months of May-June while geographically, they are clustered in thatched-roof huts of Muzaffarpur. Among the other points put forward in the report are - Most people did not have access to the public distribution system as they do not have ration cards. Many children were malnourished and none had been treated for it, none of them had growth monitoring cards. Hospital wards and ICUs are not well equipped to cater to the patients coming to the medical college. In nearest medical college SKMCH, emergency room catering to 500 patients per day is manned by just 4 doctors and 3 nurses there is no triage mechanism to sort patients. Muzaffarpur is reeling under a severe paucity of drinking water and there is no functional sewerage system in the city. Extremely poor sanitation conditions and health care facilities have added to the plight of patients. After witnessing AES symptoms in children, family members took them to the health facility on their own with a deadly delay with little help from local health officials. These deaths from illness are being witnessed since 10 years, still, there are is no preventive mechanism and health awareness for specific illness or for any common illnesses like diarrhoea.ASHA, subcentres and anganwari services are deficient in their numbers and functions, people have lost faith in the local health system. Children in none of the affected areas were immunized for Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JRV) vaccine. Nearest primary health centre and community health centre are abysmally dysfunctional in terms of resources and manpower as compared to the national health standards. It has been noted in some cases that after treating hypoglycemia, children were discharged in a few hours and they died at home due to developing hypoglycemia. Despite faults at different levels, no action has been taken against any official. Rather a senior resident was suspended which apparently inappropriate action and would be deemed as scapegoating in an attempt to slide the gross negligence under the carpet. "Looking at these points, this kind of disasters are always waiting to happen in this area. Government is trying to hide its apathy towards people behind the jargons of etiological research of a 'mysterious' disease" stated the press release. The detailed investigation report will be released soon regarding the same.

Doctors' forum say encephalitis deaths due to administrative failure, state apathy

The terrorist who was killed on Friday in an <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-budgam-district-231053">encounter with security forces</a> in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam has been identified as a Pakistani national called Zarar, news agency ANI reported.

As per reports, the slain terrorist was affiliated to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. &nbsp;

Security forces have recovered arms and ammunition and a case has been registered.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Budgam (J&amp;K) encounter: From the incriminating materials recovered, the killed terrorist has been identified as Zarar from Pakistan, who was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Arms &amp; ammunition recovered. Case registered.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1144577329118830594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The encounter broke out in the early morning today after a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Kralpora Checkpora area.

During the search operation, the hiding terrorists fired on the search party of the forces and it was retaliated.

The spokesperson said with efforts of police and security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

The terrorist who was killed on Friday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam has been identified as a Pakistani national called Zarar, news agency ANI reported.

The terrorist who was killed on Friday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam has been identified as a Pakistani national called Zarar, news agency ANI reported. As per reports, the slain terrorist was affiliated to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. Security forces have recovered arms and ammunition and a case has been registered. #UPDATE Budgam (J&K) encounter: From the incriminating materials recovered, the killed terrorist has been identified as Zarar from Pakistan, who was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Arms & ammunition recovered. Case registered. — ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2019 × The encounter broke out in the early morning today after a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Kralpora Checkpora area. During the search operation, the hiding terrorists fired on the search party of the forces and it was retaliated. The spokesperson said with efforts of police and security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorist killed in Budgam encounter affiliated to Jaish-e-Mohammed

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Sheila Dikshit has dissolved all 280 block Congress committees in the national capital "with immediate effect."

According to a press release, Dikshit took this decision "keeping in line with the report submitted by the five-member fact-finding committee constituted for the Lok Sabha elections 2019."

For the second time in a row, the Congress party drew a blank in the national capital in recently concluded parliamentary elections. BJP won all seven Lok Sabha seats in the city.

Dikshit unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha poll against BJP's Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari from the North-East Delhi seat.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has appointed Mohan Markam as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-appoints-legislator-mohan-markam-as-head-of-congresss-chhattisgarh-unit-231211">president of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee</a>.

The two-time Kondagaon MLA will replace Baghel as party's head in the state.

"Congress president has appointed Mohan Markam as the new president of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect. The party appreciates the contribution of outgoing PCC president Bhupesh Baghel," said an AICC release signed by party general secretary KC Venugopal.

The decision came after drubbing in general elections in which the Congress party could only win two seats when there was his government in the state.

BJP won nine Lok Sabha seats out of 11 constituencies.

Under the leadership of Baghel, Congress dislodged three-time Chief Minister Raman Singh`s government in the Assembly polls in December by winning 68 out of the 90 seats.&nbsp;

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Sheila Dikshit has dissolved all 280 block Congress committees in the national capital "with immediate effect." According to a press release, Dikshit took this decision "keeping in line with the report submitted by the five-member fact-finding committee constituted for the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Sheila Dikshit has dissolved all 280 block Congress committees in the national capital "with immediate effect." According to a press release, Dikshit took this decision "keeping in line with the report submitted by the five-member fact-finding committee constituted for the Lok Sabha elections 2019." For the second time in a row, the Congress party drew a blank in the national capital in recently concluded parliamentary elections. BJP won all seven Lok Sabha seats in the city. Dikshit unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha poll against BJP's Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari from the North-East Delhi seat. Meanwhile, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has appointed Mohan Markam as the president of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee. The two-time Kondagaon MLA will replace Baghel as party's head in the state. "Congress president has appointed Mohan Markam as the new president of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect. The party appreciates the contribution of outgoing PCC president Bhupesh Baghel," said an AICC release signed by party general secretary KC Venugopal. The decision came after drubbing in general elections in which the Congress party could only win two seats when there was his government in the state. BJP won nine Lok Sabha seats out of 11 constituencies. Under the leadership of Baghel, Congress dislodged three-time Chief Minister Raman Singh`s government in the Assembly polls in December by winning 68 out of the 90 seats.

Sheila Dikshit dissolves all 280 Block Congress committees in Delhi

There has been a nearly 15 per cent decline in particulate matter 2.5 and 10 levels in Delhi in the last three years and the number of days with good air quality are also on the rise, the government said Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bs-vi-emission-norms-will-be-implemented-across-india-next-year-javadekar-231198">Union Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar</a>, during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, said air pollution in the national capital started aggravating since 2007, but it was only in 2014 that action to curb it was undertaken.

Listing out steps taken by his government to tackle air pollution in Delhi, he said reducing vehicular pollution was one of the important objectives while combating the problem.

The government built two peripheral roads in the last four years so that heavy vehicles do not enter the national capital, he said.

The minister said the Badarpur Thermal Power Plant was also shut down and steps have been taken to bring down instances of stubble burning.

"In the last three years, PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels have come down by 15 and 16 per cent respectively. The 'good', 'moderate' and 'satisfactory' days of air quality too have gone up from 106 in 2016, 152 in 2017 and 159 in 2018," he said.

Rise in PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels leads to respiratory diseases.

He said stubble burning instances in the neighbouring states of Delhi too have come down by 15 per cent and the government is working to reduce the instances.

Efforts are being taken to convert the stubble waste to energy and the Centre is also coordinating with five states to deal with this issue, Javadekar added.&nbsp;

There has been a nearly 15 per cent decline in particulate matter 2.5 and 10 levels in Delhi in the last three years and the number of days with good air quality are also on the rise, the government said Friday.

There has been a nearly 15 per cent decline in particulate matter 2.5 and 10 levels in Delhi in the last three years and the number of days with good air quality are also on the rise, the government said Friday. Union Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar, during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, said air pollution in the national capital started aggravating since 2007, but it was only in 2014 that action to curb it was undertaken. Listing out steps taken by his government to tackle air pollution in Delhi, he said reducing vehicular pollution was one of the important objectives while combating the problem. The government built two peripheral roads in the last four years so that heavy vehicles do not enter the national capital, he said. The minister said the Badarpur Thermal Power Plant was also shut down and steps have been taken to bring down instances of stubble burning. "In the last three years, PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels have come down by 15 and 16 per cent respectively. The 'good', 'moderate' and 'satisfactory' days of air quality too have gone up from 106 in 2016, 152 in 2017 and 159 in 2018," he said. Rise in PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels leads to respiratory diseases. He said stubble burning instances in the neighbouring states of Delhi too have come down by 15 per cent and the government is working to reduce the instances. Efforts are being taken to convert the stubble waste to energy and the Centre is also coordinating with five states to deal with this issue, Javadekar added.

Number of days with good air quality on rise in Delhi: Government

Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-target-root-of-terrorism-inside-pakistan-balakot-strikes-not-a-fluke-home-minister-amit-shah-in-lok-sabha-231174">Amit Shah</a> said in Parliament on Friday that assembly elections in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-approves-extension-of-presidents-rule-in-jk-for-another-six-months-231201">Jammu and Kashmir</a> will be held in a democratic, free and fair manner as soon as the Election Commission announces the dates.

He also told Lok Sabha that Article 370 of the Constitution which extends special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is "temporary in nature" and "not permanent".

In a scathing attack on the Congress, he said that Partition of India on the basis of religion was a "historical mistake" by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Home Minister also said that the present situation in Kashmir was the outcome of the misdeeds of Nehru who referred the issue of 'Accession of Kashmir to India' to the United Nations and proclaimed Article 370 there.

"Article 370 is effective only in Jammu and Kashmir, which was negotiated by the then Prime Minister," Shah said.

"One-third of Jammu and Kashmir is not with us. Who is responsible for it? Who called for ceasefire back then? It was Jawaharlal Nehru who did it and gave that portion (PoK) to Pakistan. You say we don't take people into confidence, but Nehruji did it without taking the then Home Minister into confidence," he said.

Shah said if the then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was taken into confidence, the entire Kashmir had been part of India.

He also said that Sardar Patel led the accession of most of the princely states including Hyderabad and Junagarh and both are today part of India.

"The country is suffering due to his (Nehru's) mistakes. Thousands of people were killed in Partition and terrorism spread across the country," he said.

Shah's remarks led to verbal spat between the Opposition and the treasury benches with the Congress leaders objecting to the continued reference of Nehru by Shah.

Home Minister Amit Shah said in Parliament on Friday that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in a democratic, free and fair manner as soon as the Election Commission announces the dates.

Home Minister Amit Shah said in Parliament on Friday that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in a democratic, free and fair manner as soon as the Election Commission announces the dates. He also told Lok Sabha that Article 370 of the Constitution which extends special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is "temporary in nature" and "not permanent". In a scathing attack on the Congress, he said that Partition of India on the basis of religion was a "historical mistake" by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The Home Minister also said that the present situation in Kashmir was the outcome of the misdeeds of Nehru who referred the issue of 'Accession of Kashmir to India' to the United Nations and proclaimed Article 370 there. "Article 370 is effective only in Jammu and Kashmir, which was negotiated by the then Prime Minister," Shah said. "One-third of Jammu and Kashmir is not with us. Who is responsible for it? Who called for ceasefire back then? It was Jawaharlal Nehru who did it and gave that portion (PoK) to Pakistan. You say we don't take people into confidence, but Nehruji did it without taking the then Home Minister into confidence," he said. Shah said if the then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was taken into confidence, the entire Kashmir had been part of India. He also said that Sardar Patel led the accession of most of the princely states including Hyderabad and Junagarh and both are today part of India. "The country is suffering due to his (Nehru's) mistakes. Thousands of people were killed in Partition and terrorism spread across the country," he said. Shah's remarks led to verbal spat between the Opposition and the treasury benches with the Congress leaders objecting to the continued reference of Nehru by Shah.

Article 370 not permanent: Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament

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