Navratri 2026: 9 days, 9 forms of Goddess Durga and 9 colours- Check the complete list

Is America trying to ‘destabilise’ India or change its regime? How influence operations became a recurring theme in political rhetoric

Researchers believe AI could cure cancer patients around the world

US considering use of ‘mother of all bombs’ in its war with Iran: Report

Russian woman and Bihar boy's love story goes viral after she reaches India to marry him

Arijit Singh 9-city India stadium tour to start from January: Check venue and ticket prices

Leave India notice to Imran Khan explained: What are OCI rules and why can't foreigners protest in India?

'Don't ever mess with nature!': Trump’s tiger attack post triggers social media backlash as victim's family issues heartbreaking tribute

Ankita Bhandari’s parents detained after overnight India Gate protest; released later: Why are they protesting

US judge blocks Trump administration sanctions on human rights groups supporting Gaza war crimes investigation

Washington calls for 'de-escalation' as Ethiopia-Eritrea tensions fuel war fears

US midterms: Trump rallies behind Husted as Brown mounts challenge in crucial Ohio race

US police foil alleged mass shooting plot targeting Illinois Hindu temple during Navratri; 19-year-old’s manifesto called Indians ‘subhumans’

Group of men cheered and asked 'when’s it my turn?' as woman was assaulted inside bathroom at University of Chicago frat party

‘Rise up, young patriots!’: American singer Mary Millben says US donors funding CJP, backs Modi govt

Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay calls on US to 'get back to' being defender of human rights

Who is Abu Dhabi royal Mahrah Al Nahyan, found unconscious on London street with toddler after cocaine use

Iranian woman, 23, handed death sentence for ‘blasphemy’ in social media post; appeals for help

'Turn approver, resign, we'll forgive you': Rahul Gandhi claims receiving messages from CEC Gyanesh Kumar

'Leakers should be shot': Trump rages over leak of US military plans to attack Iran, slams media

Australian woman charged for adding snail poison to lover's curry at work

Bangladesh man killed after mob storms hospital, drags him away over blasphemy allegations

‘My president, I mean my husband’: Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing goes off the rails in 14 minutes

Mars is not for man: Human heart is too weak to survive the trip, study shows

Girl 'dead' for 8 hours wakes up at her own funeral, dad insists she wasn't breathing

India-Afghanistan relations: Growing India-Kabul ties to rattle Islamabad?

New OTT releases this week (October 12-18, 2026): Sacrifice, Koffee with Karan S9, Roadies Rebirth- 6 titles coming on Netflix, JioHotstar and more

Actor Imran Khan asked to leave India by the Mumbai Police days after participating in CJP-led protest

India’s naval priorities: Ex-Navy Chief calls for third aircraft carrier, more warships and submarines

Did the US withhold missile warnings? Ukraine questions Washington's 'bad weather' explanation after Russian strikes kill six, cut power to 600,000

'Troubling pattern of threats': Hindu groups issue advisory after man arrested for alleged plot to target Illinois temple

Hidden video recording device found on Australian Navy ship amid claims of secret filming

'White supremacist' terror plot against Illinois Hindu temple foiled by jammed gun: Who is Alexandros Paporakis?

Zelensky feels betrayed by Trump, urges Musk to restore Starlink in Ukraine; Musk responds

'Girls are uncomfortable': Salman Khan calls out paparazzi for bad angles, speaks on PR on Koffee With Karan

Indonesia Wildfires: Thousands deployed to fight massive wildfire 

US midterms 2026: Trump under election watch? Democrats deploy 100 observers across nine states

The death toll in Bihar due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/acute-encephalitis-syndrome-advanced-life-support-ambulances-pressed-into-service-in-bihar-229038">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)</a> has risen to 136 affecting children across 16 districts.

According to statistics released by the department, the total number of AES cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts.

The government has also announced that it would reimburse any expenses involved in getting children treated at private hospitals and nursing homes or hiring of ambulances.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-acute-encephalitis-syndrome-breakout-227219/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Accordingly, eight additional ALS ambulances were pressed into service for the transportation of critical patients under the National Health Mission (NHM), a statement issued by the health ministry said.

To accommodate the rising number of encephalitis patients, Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur has converted prisoners' ward into an ICU.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea next Monday, seeking a direction to the Centre to urgently constitute a team of medical experts for the treatment of the children in Muzaffarpur.

The death toll in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has risen to 136 affecting children across 16 districts. According to statistics released by the department, the total number of AES cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136.

The death toll in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has risen to 136 affecting children across 16 districts. According to statistics released by the department, the total number of AES cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts. The government has also announced that it would reimburse any expenses involved in getting children treated at private hospitals and nursing homes or hiring of ambulances. Accordingly, eight additional ALS ambulances were pressed into service for the transportation of critical patients under the National Health Mission (NHM), a statement issued by the health ministry said. To accommodate the rising number of encephalitis patients, Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur has converted prisoners' ward into an ICU. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea next Monday, seeking a direction to the Centre to urgently constitute a team of medical experts for the treatment of the children in Muzaffarpur.

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: Death toll rises to 136 in Bihar, over 600 cases registered

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-needs-to-meet-diplomacy-with-diplomacy-not-military-force-us-229256">Iran needs to meet diplomacy with diplomacy, not military force: US</a>

The US said on Friday that Iran has no right to respond to diplomacy "with military force", a day after Tehran shot down a&nbsp;US reconnaissance drone&nbsp;over the Strait of Hormuz.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-us-drone-p-8-plane-with-35-on-board-also-entered-airspace-we-could-have-shot-it-down-but-didnt-iran-revolutionary-guard-229268">With US drone, P-8 plane with 35 on board also entered airspace, we could have shot it down, but didn't: Iran Revolutionary Guard</a>

Iran refrained from shooting down a US plane with 35 people on board that was accompanying the&nbsp;downed drone in the Gulf, a Revolutionary Guards commander said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-bandar-was-iafs-code-name-for-balakot-airstrike-229212">'Operation Bandar' was IAF's code name for Balakot airstrike: Sources</a>

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in&nbsp;Balakot on February 26, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-government-posts-yogaday-on-twitter-indian-flag-pops-deleted-later-as-twitter-takes-a-dig-229245">Pakistan government's Yoga Day tweet leads to Indian flag pop-up; deleted later as Twitter takes a dig</a>

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the government of Pakistan posted&nbsp;a picture on&nbsp;its Twitter handle @pid_gov with the hashtag #YogaDay only to realise an Indian flag had popped up with a person meditating.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/creating-g7-task-force-to-ensure-facebooks-libra-governed-by-regulations-france-229231">Creating G7 task force to ensure Facebook's Libra governed by regulations: France</a>

France is creating a G7 task force to study how central banks ensure&nbsp;cryptocurrencies like Facebook's Libra&nbsp;are governed by regulations ranging from money-laundering laws to consumer-protection rules, France's central bank governor said on Friday.

Iran needs to meet diplomacy with diplomacy, not military force: US The US said on Friday that Iran has no right to respond to diplomacy "with military force", a day after Tehran shot down a US reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran needs to meet diplomacy with diplomacy, not military force: US The US said on Friday that Iran has no right to respond to diplomacy "with military force", a day after Tehran shot down a US reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz. With US drone, P-8 plane with 35 on board also entered airspace, we could have shot it down, but didn't: Iran Revolutionary Guard Iran refrained from shooting down a US plane with 35 people on board that was accompanying the downed drone in the Gulf, a Revolutionary Guards commander said on Friday. 'Operation Bandar' was IAF's code name for Balakot airstrike: Sources When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy. Pakistan government's Yoga Day tweet leads to Indian flag pop-up; deleted later as Twitter takes a dig On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the government of Pakistan posted a picture on its Twitter handle @pid_gov with the hashtag #YogaDay only to realise an Indian flag had popped up with a person meditating. Creating G7 task force to ensure Facebook's Libra governed by regulations: France France is creating a G7 task force to study how central banks ensure cryptocurrencies like Facebook's Libra are governed by regulations ranging from money-laundering laws to consumer-protection rules, France's central bank governor said on Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-rejects-keralas-offer-of-20-lakh-litres-drinking-water-229085">Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu </a>amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation.

Welcoming Kerala's gesture to supply water to Tamil Nadu, the CM asked the Kerala government to cooperate in strengthening&nbsp;Mullaperiyar Dam.

Palaniswami said, "Tamil Nadu government is working to strengthen Mullaperiyar Dam in order to store more water. Unfortunately, the Kerala government is not letting us do this. I urge Kerala government to cooperate with us on this."&nbsp;

Pointing to the Supreme Court judgement on the Mullaiperiyar dam which had said that water could be stored to the full level of 152 ft after carrying out strengthening works, he alleged that Kerala, however, scuttled refurbishment works.

"I thank the Kerala Chief Minister, but 2 MLD water will not be sufficient. We are every day supplying 525 MLD water (in Chennai) and if 2 MLD water could be given every day, it will be useful for the people," he said.

"The four lakes that supply water to the city have dried up, the government has drawn up a plan to implement to bring water from Jolarpettai through railway. We'll get daily 10 MLD of water for the supply,"&nbsp;he added.

"Poondi, Chembarambakkam, Sholavaram and Red Hills reservoirs in Chennai have dried up and despite that supplies were being made to the people," he said.

The Kerala government Thursday expressed willingness to provide 20 lakh litres drinking water to Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu chief minister also raked up a controversy by his comments claiming that&nbsp;drought and deficient monsoon had resulted in depletion of groundwater levels but the issue was not as big as was being made out, especially in the media.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation.

A day after Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation. Welcoming Kerala's gesture to supply water to Tamil Nadu, the CM asked the Kerala government to cooperate in strengthening Mullaperiyar Dam. Palaniswami said, "Tamil Nadu government is working to strengthen Mullaperiyar Dam in order to store more water. Unfortunately, the Kerala government is not letting us do this. I urge Kerala government to cooperate with us on this." Pointing to the Supreme Court judgement on the Mullaiperiyar dam which had said that water could be stored to the full level of 152 ft after carrying out strengthening works, he alleged that Kerala, however, scuttled refurbishment works. "I thank the Kerala Chief Minister, but 2 MLD water will not be sufficient. We are every day supplying 525 MLD water (in Chennai) and if 2 MLD water could be given every day, it will be useful for the people," he said. "The four lakes that supply water to the city have dried up, the government has drawn up a plan to implement to bring water from Jolarpettai through railway. We'll get daily 10 MLD of water for the supply," he added. "Poondi, Chembarambakkam, Sholavaram and Red Hills reservoirs in Chennai have dried up and despite that supplies were being made to the people," he said. The Kerala government Thursday expressed willingness to provide 20 lakh litres drinking water to Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu chief minister also raked up a controversy by his comments claiming that drought and deficient monsoon had resulted in depletion of groundwater levels but the issue was not as big as was being made out, especially in the media. (With inputs from agencies)

Chennai water crisis: Palaniswami welcomes Kerala's water offer, asks for more cooperation

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the government of Pakistan posted&nbsp;a picture on&nbsp;its Twitter handle @pid_gov with the hashtag #YogaDay only to realise an Indian flag had popped up with a person meditating.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Pakistan government's tweet on International Yoga Day" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8daba29-b21a-45a1-8b0f-fe47191c552b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/YogaD.jpg" />

The post was quickly deleted and reposted, this time without the hashtag. The new post&nbsp;can still be seen on the government's Twitter handle.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The fifth International Day of Yoga is being celebrated under the theme " Yoga for Climate Action". Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. <a href="https://t.co/7VpeYwzBTr">pic.twitter.com/7VpeYwzBTr</a>
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/1141962505994022912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, Twitter followers were quick to point out the folly and did not waste any time to take a dig at Pakistan's latest gaffe on social media.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Removed the Hashtag which had colours of Indian flag. Burn!!! 😂
— Ujwal.Mokashi (@ujwalmokashi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ujwalmokashi/status/1141965700493271040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
at least grudgingly now you recognise your hindu heritage through these Yoga publicity campaigns... Pakistan must ultimately understand that its native traditions are Indic not arabic or Middle Eastern. Once it makes peace with its ancestral part it will be at peace with itself
— WHF ( Indic Chapter ) (@WHF_Global) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHF_Global/status/1141975603597340678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yogaday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yogaday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalDayOfYoga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InternationalDayOfYoga</a> 
 
Tirange se darr lagta h kya?
— if u block me I win (@pee_pee_tea) <a href="https://twitter.com/pee_pee_tea/status/1141974447991091200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/PuqjHo4q0B">https://t.co/PuqjHo4q0B</a>
— Vikram Rajpurohit🇮🇳 (@viksa_dhabar) <a href="https://twitter.com/viksa_dhabar/status/1141964984013877249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/PuqjHo4q0B">https://t.co/PuqjHo4q0B</a>
— Vikram Rajpurohit🇮🇳 (@viksa_dhabar) <a href="https://twitter.com/viksa_dhabar/status/1141964984013877249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The event was celebrated across the world especially in India with Prime Minister Modi leading the celebration with a grand&nbsp;Yoga session in Ranchi with several citizens taking part.

Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das and various other ministers were present at&nbsp;the event.&nbsp;A total of 28 display screens were&nbsp;been installed at the venue for the live telecast of the event as millions followed the prime minister on their&nbsp;television screens at home.

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the government of Pakistan posted a picture on its Twitter handle @pid_gov with the hashtag #YogaDay only to realise an Indian flag had popped up with a person meditating.

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the government of Pakistan posted a picture on its Twitter handle @pid_gov with the hashtag #YogaDay only to realise an Indian flag had popped up with a person meditating. The post was quickly deleted and reposted, this time without the hashtag. The new post can still be seen on the government's Twitter handle. The fifth International Day of Yoga is being celebrated under the theme " Yoga for Climate Action". Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. pic.twitter.com/7VpeYwzBTr — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) June 21, 2019 × However, Twitter followers were quick to point out the folly and did not waste any time to take a dig at Pakistan's latest gaffe on social media. Removed the Hashtag which had colours of Indian flag. Burn!!! 😂 — Ujwal.Mokashi (@ujwalmokashi) June 21, 2019 × at least grudgingly now you recognise your hindu heritage through these Yoga publicity campaigns... Pakistan must ultimately understand that its native traditions are Indic not arabic or Middle Eastern. Once it makes peace with its ancestral part it will be at peace with itself — WHF ( Indic Chapter ) (@WHF_Global) June 21, 2019 × #yogaday #InternationalDayOfYoga Tirange se darr lagta h kya? — if u block me I win (@pee_pee_tea) June 21, 2019 × https://t.co/PuqjHo4q0B — Vikram Rajpurohit🇮🇳 (@viksa_dhabar) June 21, 2019 × https://t.co/PuqjHo4q0B — Vikram Rajpurohit🇮🇳 (@viksa_dhabar) June 21, 2019 × The event was celebrated across the world especially in India with Prime Minister Modi leading the celebration with a grand Yoga session in Ranchi with several citizens taking part. Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das and various other ministers were present at the event. A total of 28 display screens were been installed at the venue for the live telecast of the event as millions followed the prime minister on their television screens at home.

Pakistan government's Yoga Day tweet leads to Indian flag pop-up; deleted later as Twitter takes a dig

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-chief-minister-nitish-kumar-meets-officials-as-heat-wave-claims-over-100-lives-229070">Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar</a> on Friday evaded questions posed by journalists who were trying to ask him about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/acute-encephalitis-syndrome-death-toll-rises-to-136-in-bihar-over-600-registered-229053">rising number of deaths </a>in the state due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Spreading across 16 districts the death toll in Bihar rose to over 136.

According to statistics released by the department, the total number of AES cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136.

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has announced that all 17 BJP MPs of Bihar will donate Rs 25 lakh for their respective constituencies to build PICUs in Sadar Hospitals there.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had&nbsp;issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts.

The government has also announced that it would reimburse any expenses involved in getting children treated at private hospitals and nursing homes or hiring of ambulances.

<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/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Bihar: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar evades questions of journalists as they ask him about the deaths of children in the state due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). <a href="https://t.co/37cQrlOskB">pic.twitter.com/37cQrlOskB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1142007654551867393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Muzaffarpur district has bore the maximum brunt, accounting for 117 deaths so far. Besides, deaths have been reported from districts like Bhagalpur, East Champaran, Vaishali, Sitamarhi and Samastipur.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday evaded questions posed by journalists who were trying to ask him about the rising number of deaths in the state due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday evaded questions posed by journalists who were trying to ask him about the rising number of deaths in the state due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). Spreading across 16 districts the death toll in Bihar rose to over 136. According to statistics released by the department, the total number of AES cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has announced that all 17 BJP MPs of Bihar will donate Rs 25 lakh for their respective constituencies to build PICUs in Sadar Hospitals there. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts. The government has also announced that it would reimburse any expenses involved in getting children treated at private hospitals and nursing homes or hiring of ambulances. #WATCH Bihar: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar evades questions of journalists as they ask him about the deaths of children in the state due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). pic.twitter.com/37cQrlOskB — ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2019 × Muzaffarpur district has bore the maximum brunt, accounting for 117 deaths so far. Besides, deaths have been reported from districts like Bhagalpur, East Champaran, Vaishali, Sitamarhi and Samastipur. (With inputs from agencies)

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar evades question on rising deaths in Bihar

Former PM and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Friday clarified his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mid-term-polls-imminent-in-karnataka-says-janata-dal-secular-chief-deve-gowda-229141">remarks that hinted on a possible rift between the Congress-JD(S) alliance</a> in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters Gowda said his previous comments on mid-term polls was for local body elections and not for assembly polls.

Adding that the alliance in Karnataka will continue for the next four years, Gowda said, "There is an understanding signed between JD(S) and Congress."

"I said it for local body elections and not assembly elections. I'm here to build my party. As HD Kumaraswamy had mentioned, the government will continue for next four years. There is an understanding signed between JD(S) and Congress, "he added.

Earlier during the day, Gowda had hinted on a possible rift between the Congress-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka.

Deve Gowda said, "The leaders of the party(Congress) are worried that they will perish if they continue to go forward with us. They are observing extreme caution in maintaining the coalition government. To ensure this they have even taken a cabinet berth that was allotted to the JD(S). We are just enduring everything and moving forward."

When questioned over the possibility of mid-term polls, the JD(S) supremo said 'There is no doubt that it will be held. They had promised to support this government for five years. But their behaviour is out in the open for everyone to see. People are aware of this'.

He also slammed the Congress saying the behaviour of the party " has not been appropriate".

Gowda's statements came just a day after reports indicated&nbsp;that former CM Siddaramaiah had suggested to Rahul Gandhi to break away from the coalition as it was doing more harm than good to the Congress party. Though Siddaramaiah denied making such suggestions, his previous clashes with chief minister Kumaraswamy and HD Deve Gowda did not let it slide away.

While speaking at an event on Tuesday HD Kumaraswamy said that he was in immense pain while managing the government in the state.&nbsp;'I can't tell you the pain. From outside I may be the CM. But every day I'm going through pain, but if I tell you who'll solve the problems of the people?’ said Kumaraswamy on June 18.&nbsp;

However, reacting to his father's statement on mid-term polls the Chief Minister said that Deve Gowda was talking about urban local body elections and that he is confident that the government will run for another &nbsp;4 years.

The fresh round of tensions come in the backdrop of cabinet expansion where two independents H Nagesh and R Shankar had been inducted. Both the independents had withdrawn support to the government in January 2019 amidst dissidence that threatened to bring down the government and lasted for several days. Rewarding the dissidents has angered many senior leaders, especially within the Congress, many of whom have gone public with their anger. Former Minister Roshan Baig was also suspended for indulging in anti-party activities as he accused Siddaramaiah and KC Venugopal for being responsible for Congress’ downfall in the state.

Though the dissidence within the coalition has been making news since Kumaraswamy took oath a year ago, the severe drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections have further embarrassed the two partners. Of the 28 seats, Congress and JD(S) managed to win just one seat each and BJP won the lion's share of 25 seats. The coalition currently stands at 119 in the 224 member house, while BJP is at 104. Even as JD(S) and Congress engage in a daily battle over differences, a buoyed BJP seems to be patiently playing the wait-and-watch game.

Former PM and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Friday clarified his remarks that hinted on a possible rift between the Congress-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters Gowda said his previous comments on mid-term polls was for local body elections and not for assembly polls.

Former PM and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Friday clarified his remarks that hinted on a possible rift between the Congress-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters Gowda said his previous comments on mid-term polls was for local body elections and not for assembly polls. Adding that the alliance in Karnataka will continue for the next four years, Gowda said, "There is an understanding signed between JD(S) and Congress." "I said it for local body elections and not assembly elections. I'm here to build my party. As HD Kumaraswamy had mentioned, the government will continue for next four years. There is an understanding signed between JD(S) and Congress, "he added. Earlier during the day, Gowda had hinted on a possible rift between the Congress-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka. Deve Gowda said, "The leaders of the party(Congress) are worried that they will perish if they continue to go forward with us. They are observing extreme caution in maintaining the coalition government. To ensure this they have even taken a cabinet berth that was allotted to the JD(S). We are just enduring everything and moving forward." When questioned over the possibility of mid-term polls, the JD(S) supremo said 'There is no doubt that it will be held. They had promised to support this government for five years. But their behaviour is out in the open for everyone to see. People are aware of this'. He also slammed the Congress saying the behaviour of the party " has not been appropriate". Gowda's statements came just a day after reports indicated that former CM Siddaramaiah had suggested to Rahul Gandhi to break away from the coalition as it was doing more harm than good to the Congress party. Though Siddaramaiah denied making such suggestions, his previous clashes with chief minister Kumaraswamy and HD Deve Gowda did not let it slide away. While speaking at an event on Tuesday HD Kumaraswamy said that he was in immense pain while managing the government in the state. 'I can't tell you the pain. From outside I may be the CM. But every day I'm going through pain, but if I tell you who'll solve the problems of the people?’ said Kumaraswamy on June 18. However, reacting to his father's statement on mid-term polls the Chief Minister said that Deve Gowda was talking about urban local body elections and that he is confident that the government will run for another 4 years. The fresh round of tensions come in the backdrop of cabinet expansion where two independents H Nagesh and R Shankar had been inducted. Both the independents had withdrawn support to the government in January 2019 amidst dissidence that threatened to bring down the government and lasted for several days. Rewarding the dissidents has angered many senior leaders, especially within the Congress, many of whom have gone public with their anger. Former Minister Roshan Baig was also suspended for indulging in anti-party activities as he accused Siddaramaiah and KC Venugopal for being responsible for Congress’ downfall in the state. Though the dissidence within the coalition has been making news since Kumaraswamy took oath a year ago, the severe drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections have further embarrassed the two partners. Of the 28 seats, Congress and JD(S) managed to win just one seat each and BJP won the lion's share of 25 seats. The coalition currently stands at 119 in the 224 member house, while BJP is at 104. Even as JD(S) and Congress engage in a daily battle over differences, a buoyed BJP seems to be patiently playing the wait-and-watch game.

There is an understanding signed between JD(S)-Congress: HD Deve Gowda takes U-turn

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said India is well placed to handle the "crossfire" resulting from global trade war on the strength of the country's economy.

At a time when the world is witnessing trade wars across nations, India too will be impacted.

"Obviously, in a situation when the world is seeing trade wars across nations, across continents, India will come in the crossfire. But then it's a crossfire which we can handle," the minister said during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha.

The global trade war has been triggered by the US after it raised duties on imports, including aluminium and steel. Other countries, including India too retaliated by raising import duty on goods from the US.

The minister said irrespective of the world trade situation, India is looking at ways to "encash' opportunities to further exports. 
 
The minister further said India is competent to handle the international trade situation.

Goyal also dismissed contentions that India's exports have been hit badly after the US has terminated its Preferential Trade Treatment or GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) to India from June 5 this year.

"I would like to submit that the total impact of GSP is under $250-269 million in a year and for a country of size and strength of India, I can assure members (of the House) that it will not have any significant impact. India can handle the situation," he said when asked if India was discussing the issue with the US.

GSP, the minister said was unilateral, non-obligatory concession given by the US to India as a developing country.

"Some of the demands that were raised on India were such that India could not yield. I think national sovereignty and national interest is paramount," he said when asked if the government would initiate further negotiations in this regard with the US.

He further said India will continue to negotiate with all countries, including the US, but it will not be at the cost of sovereignty. 
 
On the country's exports, Goyal said it increased significantly during the last fiscal and in the current year also, the outward shipments are showing increasing trends.

He further said India has fortified its foreign exchange reserves and the government is taking pro-active measures to promote exports.

On a question related to the forthcoming visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to India, Goyal said there will be discussions on several issues.

Pompeo will be visiting India from June 25-27.&nbsp;

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said India is well placed to handle the "crossfire" resulting from global trade war on the strength of the country's economy.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said India is well placed to handle the "crossfire" resulting from global trade war on the strength of the country's economy. At a time when the world is witnessing trade wars across nations, India too will be impacted. "Obviously, in a situation when the world is seeing trade wars across nations, across continents, India will come in the crossfire. But then it's a crossfire which we can handle," the minister said during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha. The global trade war has been triggered by the US after it raised duties on imports, including aluminium and steel. Other countries, including India too retaliated by raising import duty on goods from the US. The minister said irrespective of the world trade situation, India is looking at ways to "encash' opportunities to further exports. The minister further said India is competent to handle the international trade situation. Goyal also dismissed contentions that India's exports have been hit badly after the US has terminated its Preferential Trade Treatment or GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) to India from June 5 this year. "I would like to submit that the total impact of GSP is under $250-269 million in a year and for a country of size and strength of India, I can assure members (of the House) that it will not have any significant impact. India can handle the situation," he said when asked if India was discussing the issue with the US. GSP, the minister said was unilateral, non-obligatory concession given by the US to India as a developing country. "Some of the demands that were raised on India were such that India could not yield. I think national sovereignty and national interest is paramount," he said when asked if the government would initiate further negotiations in this regard with the US. He further said India will continue to negotiate with all countries, including the US, but it will not be at the cost of sovereignty. On the country's exports, Goyal said it increased significantly during the last fiscal and in the current year also, the outward shipments are showing increasing trends. He further said India has fortified its foreign exchange reserves and the government is taking pro-active measures to promote exports. On a question related to the forthcoming visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to India, Goyal said there will be discussions on several issues. Pompeo will be visiting India from June 25-27.

India well placed to deal with global trade crossfire, says Piyush Goyal

Congress president Rahul Gandhi was trolled today for a tweet mocking the International Yoga Day. Gandhi shared a collage of photos showing Indian Army's dog unit performing different yoga poses with their trainers.

The caption of the tweet said "New India".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
New India. <a href="https://t.co/10yDJJVAHD">pic.twitter.com/10yDJJVAHD</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1142019983485988864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Twitterati slammed Gandhi for the tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Absolutely unnecessary tweet. You could have said it better with this <a href="https://t.co/DSD6uldg9R">pic.twitter.com/DSD6uldg9R</a>
— sarvarta (@sarvarta) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarvarta/status/1142020664284594176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
You have lost it completely... your SM team is useful only to degrade the country and its citizens. What a waste you turned out to be. Om Shanti!!
— Wolverine_Rider 🇮🇳 (@Wolverine_201) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wolverine_201/status/1142024406333456391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Rahul ghandhi ji apko ye tweet delete karni chahiye
— Patel Aniket Gurjar (@PatelAniketGur4) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatelAniketGur4/status/1142024921364590593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

From the United Nations to the Indian Parliament premises and from Beijing to Ranchi, thousands of people stretched and twisted, breathed in and breathed out, reached for the skies and bent to touch their toes as India and the world marked the fifth <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yoga-for-heart-care-this-years-theme-pm-modi-in-ranchi-229057">International Day of Yoga</a> on Friday.

The ancient wellness regime was the theme and its enthusiasts on the mat - literally - performing poses simple and complex amid chants of "Om" and "Shanti" in several global capitals and across towns and villages in India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the observance of the day.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014 on a proposal mooted by Modi.

While Modi led the celebrations in Ranchi, the capital of eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, his ministers spread out across the country with Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-credits-pm-narendra-modi-for-taking-yoga-to-the-world-229203">Amit Shah</a> participating in a function in Rohtak, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital, where many hundreds did yoga in the rolling greens of Rajpath, and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur.

The world joined in in marking the day.

In a first of its kind yoga celebration, the iconic General Assembly hall of the United Nations reverberated with chants of 'Om' and 'Shanti' as UN officials and diplomats joined hundreds of others to commemorate the day.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi was trolled today for a tweet mocking the International Yoga Day. Gandhi shared a collage of photos showing Indian Army's dog unit performing different yoga poses with their trainers.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi was trolled today for a tweet mocking the International Yoga Day. Gandhi shared a collage of photos showing Indian Army's dog unit performing different yoga poses with their trainers. The caption of the tweet said "New India". New India. pic.twitter.com/10yDJJVAHD — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 21, 2019 × Twitterati slammed Gandhi for the tweet. Absolutely unnecessary tweet. You could have said it better with this pic.twitter.com/DSD6uldg9R — sarvarta (@sarvarta) June 21, 2019 × You have lost it completely... your SM team is useful only to degrade the country and its citizens. What a waste you turned out to be. Om Shanti!! — Wolverine_Rider 🇮🇳 (@Wolverine_201) June 21, 2019 × Rahul ghandhi ji apko ye tweet delete karni chahiye — Patel Aniket Gurjar (@PatelAniketGur4) June 21, 2019 × From the United Nations to the Indian Parliament premises and from Beijing to Ranchi, thousands of people stretched and twisted, breathed in and breathed out, reached for the skies and bent to touch their toes as India and the world marked the fifth International Day of Yoga on Friday. The ancient wellness regime was the theme and its enthusiasts on the mat - literally - performing poses simple and complex amid chants of "Om" and "Shanti" in several global capitals and across towns and villages in India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the observance of the day. The United Nations General Assembly adopted June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014 on a proposal mooted by Modi. While Modi led the celebrations in Ranchi, the capital of eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, his ministers spread out across the country with Home Minister Amit Shah participating in a function in Rohtak, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital, where many hundreds did yoga in the rolling greens of Rajpath, and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur. The world joined in in marking the day. In a first of its kind yoga celebration, the iconic General Assembly hall of the United Nations reverberated with chants of 'Om' and 'Shanti' as UN officials and diplomats joined hundreds of others to commemorate the day.

'New India': Rahul Gandhi's tweet on Yoga Day slammed by Twitterati

The Triple Talaq Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday amid&nbsp;opposition from Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and&nbsp;All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi over criminalising the offence.

The bill was put to vote and 156 members voted for introduction and 74 against it.

The voting was held through paper slips as the new Members of Parliament have not yet been allotted division number that allows them to vote using polling machine.

Speaker Om Birla then allowed Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to introduce the bill. Earlier he put up a stiff defence of the government move saying the issue was not of religion but of women.

Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the bill and said, ''Rights of Muslim women will be protected. It is about justice &amp; empowerment of women.''

''People have chosen us to make laws. It is our work to make laws. Law is to give justice to the victims of Triple Talaq,'' Prasad added.

Shashi Tharoor opposed the introduction of Triple Talaq Bill and said, ''The bill does nothing to improve the status of Muslim women.''

Asaduddin Owaisi also opposed and said,''&nbsp;Triple Talaq bill is unconstitutional. It's a violation of Constitution's Article 14 &amp; 15. We already have Domestic Violence Act 2005, CrPC Section 125, Muslim Women Marriage Act. If Triple Talaq Bill becomes a law it will be even greater injustice against women.''

Ravi Shankar Prasad on Congress opposing the Bill&nbsp;said,''&nbsp;It was a matter of great distress that Congress chose to oppose the introduction of Triple Talaq Bill. Earlier they had not opposed it, last time they had walked out from Lok Sabha. But today they were siding with the likes of Mr Owaisi who were opposing it.&nbsp;A woman leader like Sonia Gandhi ji is the leader of Congress party, yet Congress party takes an anti-women position in the Lok Sabha, opposing even the introduction of the Bill, I must say it is not only painful but deeply regrettable.''

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 seeks to replace an ordinance by the government in February.

The Triple Talaq Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday amid opposition from Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi over criminalising the offence.

The Triple Talaq Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday amid opposition from Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi over criminalising the offence. The bill was put to vote and 156 members voted for introduction and 74 against it. The voting was held through paper slips as the new Members of Parliament have not yet been allotted division number that allows them to vote using polling machine. Speaker Om Birla then allowed Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to introduce the bill. Earlier he put up a stiff defence of the government move saying the issue was not of religion but of women. Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the bill and said, ''Rights of Muslim women will be protected. It is about justice & empowerment of women.'' ''People have chosen us to make laws. It is our work to make laws. Law is to give justice to the victims of Triple Talaq,'' Prasad added. Shashi Tharoor opposed the introduction of Triple Talaq Bill and said, ''The bill does nothing to improve the status of Muslim women.'' Asaduddin Owaisi also opposed and said,'' Triple Talaq bill is unconstitutional. It's a violation of Constitution's Article 14 & 15. We already have Domestic Violence Act 2005, CrPC Section 125, Muslim Women Marriage Act. If Triple Talaq Bill becomes a law it will be even greater injustice against women.'' Ravi Shankar Prasad on Congress opposing the Bill said,'' It was a matter of great distress that Congress chose to oppose the introduction of Triple Talaq Bill. Earlier they had not opposed it, last time they had walked out from Lok Sabha. But today they were siding with the likes of Mr Owaisi who were opposing it. A woman leader like Sonia Gandhi ji is the leader of Congress party, yet Congress party takes an anti-women position in the Lok Sabha, opposing even the introduction of the Bill, I must say it is not only painful but deeply regrettable.'' The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 seeks to replace an ordinance by the government in February.

Opposition parties clash as Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduces Triple Talaq Bill in Lok Sabha

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes to the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who died in an An-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh.

&nbsp;"Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss," he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Paid tributes to brave Air-warriors <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a>, who lost their lives in the unfortunate An-32 crash on 03 June, 19 in Arunachal Pradesh. 
 
They served the nation with confidence and courage. I salute their sacrifice in the line of duty. <a href="https://t.co/V8bH2aWh4L">pic.twitter.com/V8bH2aWh4L</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1141927924418789376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The defence minister also met the family members of the deceased air warriors and offered his condolences.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. 
 
My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss. <a href="https://t.co/YcqmUrNNBz">pic.twitter.com/YcqmUrNNBz</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1141929931590361089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The IAF on Thursday completed the task of retrieving bodies of all its 13 personnel from the crash site of its AN-32 aircraft in the Pari mountains in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

All 13 personnel aboard the Russian-made AN-32 had perished in the crash on June 3 about 30 minutes after the aircraft took off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh.

The plane had gone missing and remained traceless till June 11, when its wreckage was located in the Pari mountains.

(With inputs from PTI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes to the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who died in an An-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh. "Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes to the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who died in an An-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh. "Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss," he tweeted. Paid tributes to brave Air-warriors @IAF_MCC, who lost their lives in the unfortunate An-32 crash on 03 June, 19 in Arunachal Pradesh. They served the nation with confidence and courage. I salute their sacrifice in the line of duty. pic.twitter.com/V8bH2aWh4L — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 21, 2019 × The defence minister also met the family members of the deceased air warriors and offered his condolences. Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss. pic.twitter.com/YcqmUrNNBz — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 21, 2019 × The IAF on Thursday completed the task of retrieving bodies of all its 13 personnel from the crash site of its AN-32 aircraft in the Pari mountains in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. All 13 personnel aboard the Russian-made AN-32 had perished in the crash on June 3 about 30 minutes after the aircraft took off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh. The plane had gone missing and remained traceless till June 11, when its wreckage was located in the Pari mountains. (With inputs from PTI)

Rajnath Singh pays tribute to IAF personnel killed in AN-32 crash, meets their family members

Expressing deep concern over the frequent disruptions and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-lapse-as-rajya-sabha-adjourned-sine-die-197104">low productivity in the Parliament</a>, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday pitched for parliamentary reforms while urging the members to find a way to ensure that the bills passed by the Lok Sabha does not lapse in Rajya Sabha with the dissolution of the House of the People.

In a statement in Rajya Sabha, Naidu also said that the committee set up to look into the rules and suggesting ways to stop growing dysfunctional tendencies, has submitted its reports and urged the members to give their suggestions so that the House could reach a feasible solution.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-curious-case-of-the-lokpal-bill-15038">The curious case of the Lokpal Bill</a>

"Twenty-two bills passed by the 16th Lok Sabha were pending in the Upper House. They got lapsed with the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. This means that the Lok Sabha has to take up these bills again for passing. It would take a minimum of two sessions for doing so," Naidu said.

The Rajya Sabha chairman said that the bills that got lapsed were of socio-economic importance.

"Can we make any changes in this regard?" he said suggesting the members have a wider debate on the matter of automatic lapsing of bills in the Upper House. The Bills include Triple Talaq Bill, Motor Vehicle Amendment bill, Citizenship Amendment Bill and Consumer Protection Bill.

"Three bills were pending for more than three years and six bills were pending for 10-12 years. Indian Medical Council Amendment Bill, the oldest pending bill, has been pending for more than 32 years. All these bills are important and merit timely consideration and passing," he said.

The environment of disruptive politics must change, Naidu said urging the members to use their time in a constructive manner.

"I don`t get sleep on some days," he said adding that due to disruptions, a negative public perception is being made against the parliamentarians."

A committee has been set up to look into the rules and also some of the suggestions for improvement (in functioning of the house). The committee has submitted its reports and the report has been sent to the leaders for further considerations," Naidu informed the Upper House.

"I request all the members to seriously ponder over the issues and see to it that the House functions smoothly, effectively and meaningfully and everybody be it small or big party get a reasonable opportunity to raise their issues," he added.&nbsp;

Expressing deep concern over the frequent disruptions and low productivity in the Parliament, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday pitched for parliamentary reforms while urging the members to find a way to ensure that the bills passed by the Lok Sabha does not lapse in Rajya Sabha with the dissolution of the House of the People.

Expressing deep concern over the frequent disruptions and low productivity in the Parliament, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday pitched for parliamentary reforms while urging the members to find a way to ensure that the bills passed by the Lok Sabha does not lapse in Rajya Sabha with the dissolution of the House of the People. In a statement in Rajya Sabha, Naidu also said that the committee set up to look into the rules and suggesting ways to stop growing dysfunctional tendencies, has submitted its reports and urged the members to give their suggestions so that the House could reach a feasible solution. Also read: The curious case of the Lokpal Bill "Twenty-two bills passed by the 16th Lok Sabha were pending in the Upper House. They got lapsed with the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. This means that the Lok Sabha has to take up these bills again for passing. It would take a minimum of two sessions for doing so," Naidu said. The Rajya Sabha chairman said that the bills that got lapsed were of socio-economic importance. "Can we make any changes in this regard?" he said suggesting the members have a wider debate on the matter of automatic lapsing of bills in the Upper House. The Bills include Triple Talaq Bill, Motor Vehicle Amendment bill, Citizenship Amendment Bill and Consumer Protection Bill. "Three bills were pending for more than three years and six bills were pending for 10-12 years. Indian Medical Council Amendment Bill, the oldest pending bill, has been pending for more than 32 years. All these bills are important and merit timely consideration and passing," he said. The environment of disruptive politics must change, Naidu said urging the members to use their time in a constructive manner. "I don`t get sleep on some days," he said adding that due to disruptions, a negative public perception is being made against the parliamentarians." A committee has been set up to look into the rules and also some of the suggestions for improvement (in functioning of the house). The committee has submitted its reports and the report has been sent to the leaders for further considerations," Naidu informed the Upper House. "I request all the members to seriously ponder over the issues and see to it that the House functions smoothly, effectively and meaningfully and everybody be it small or big party get a reasonable opportunity to raise their issues," he added.

Vice President Naidu suggests parliamentary reforms to avoid bill lapse

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-lets-un-team-assess-loss-of-trees-in-balakot-bars-meeting-with-hafiz-saeed-202044">Balakot on February 26</a>, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy.

"In order to maintain secrecy and ensure that the plans don't leak out, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/balakot-air-strike-is-indias-googly-response-to-imran-khans-in-swinger-199863">Balakot operations</a> were given the codename Operation Bandar," senior defence sources said.

Without detailing any specific reason behind the name, sources said monkeys have always held a special place in India's war culture as seen in the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama`s lieutenant Lord Hanuman quietly sneaked into Lanka and destroyed the entire capital city of the demon Ravana.

On February 26, 12 Mirages having taken off from multiple air bases crossed over into the Pakistani air space and carried out missile attacks on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunwa province.

The attacks carried out by the Indian Air Force, pilots had dropped five Spice 2000 bombs out of which four penetrated the rooftops of the building in which the terrorists were sleeping.

The attacks were carried out at 3.30am and within a few minutes after dropping the bombs on their designated targets, the Indian Air Force planes returned to their bases.

The aircraft used in the attack belonged to the No 7 and No 9 squadrons of the Indian Air Force and included the non-upgraded planes as the upgraded Mirages of the No 1 squadron did not have the air to ground strike capability at that moment.

While some of the Mirage aircraft carried out the attack on Jaish positions, a team of other few Mirages and Su-30MKI combat aircraft kept the Pakistan air force planes away from causing any hindrance or launching any counter-offensive.

As per the Air Force briefings to the government, 80 per cent of the bombs had been dropped successfully on their targets and had carried out the requisite damage to the enemy locations.&nbsp;

The operations were ably supported by the indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control systems (AEW&amp;C) plane Netra.

The Indian Air Force had also kept its team of Garud commandos on stand-by for any kind of operations that may have been required due to any kind of emergency there.

The Indian Air Force is also planning to reward the IAF pilots who took part in the attack with Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry for their acts of bravery.

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy.

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy. "In order to maintain secrecy and ensure that the plans don't leak out, the Balakot operations were given the codename Operation Bandar," senior defence sources said. Without detailing any specific reason behind the name, sources said monkeys have always held a special place in India's war culture as seen in the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama`s lieutenant Lord Hanuman quietly sneaked into Lanka and destroyed the entire capital city of the demon Ravana. On February 26, 12 Mirages having taken off from multiple air bases crossed over into the Pakistani air space and carried out missile attacks on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The attacks carried out by the Indian Air Force, pilots had dropped five Spice 2000 bombs out of which four penetrated the rooftops of the building in which the terrorists were sleeping. The attacks were carried out at 3.30am and within a few minutes after dropping the bombs on their designated targets, the Indian Air Force planes returned to their bases. The aircraft used in the attack belonged to the No 7 and No 9 squadrons of the Indian Air Force and included the non-upgraded planes as the upgraded Mirages of the No 1 squadron did not have the air to ground strike capability at that moment. While some of the Mirage aircraft carried out the attack on Jaish positions, a team of other few Mirages and Su-30MKI combat aircraft kept the Pakistan air force planes away from causing any hindrance or launching any counter-offensive. As per the Air Force briefings to the government, 80 per cent of the bombs had been dropped successfully on their targets and had carried out the requisite damage to the enemy locations. The operations were ably supported by the indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control systems (AEW&C) plane Netra. The Indian Air Force had also kept its team of Garud commandos on stand-by for any kind of operations that may have been required due to any kind of emergency there. The Indian Air Force is also planning to reward the IAF pilots who took part in the attack with Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry for their acts of bravery.

'Operation Bandar' was IAF's code name for Balakot airstrike: Sources

Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the world, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that the ancient Indian practice has become ambassador of the country's culture around the globe.

Shah praised Modi's efforts towards promoting Yoga and said it was due to the prime minister's initiatives that yoga has got international recognition and June 21 is now celebrated as the International Day of Yoga.

Addressing state-level yoga day celebrations organised by the Haryana government here, Shah said on December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the 'International Day of Yoga', months after Prime Minister Modi proposed the idea.

The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21 to raise global awareness about the benefits of the ancient Indian practice.

"Modi ji has helped take yoga to the world. It has also helped promote our culture. Yoga today has become ambassador of our culture to the world and has helped attract millions across the world to our culture... It has played a key role in promoting our culture," Shah said.

Without naming anyone, Shah said there are some who point fingers by saying what will be gained by doing yoga for a day. 
 
"I want to humbly tell those pointing fingers that today, on this occasion, in 200 nations crores of people who are doing yoga will help inspire millions of children, who will take a pledge to connect yoga with their life," he said.

He said in the past when India was under foreign rule including by the Britishers, yoga was restricted to saints and seers. 
 
Shah said that later many people made their contributions to promote yoga, but international recognition came only in 2014.

"Several people held different programmes and contributed to revive yoga. But it gained recognition at the world level when country witnessed a big change in 2014 when people decided to elect Narendra Modi as the prime minister. Addressing the UN General Assembly on December 11, 2014, Modi presented our heritage before the world," the Union home minister said.

"Within 70 days of putting the proposal of observing June 21 as Yoga day, 177 countries accepted it. As a result of it, the whole world is celebrating International Yoga Day," he said.

Shah said in western nations and at other places a patent is registered for any invention, but yoga, he added, was India's gift to the world and it was for the welfare and well-being of the entire world.

Shah also expressed gratitude to saints and seers as also to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Ramdev for popularising this ancient Indian practice. 
 
Expressing happiness on a large number of people taking to yoga, the home minister said he is surprised to see a gathering of 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh attending early morning yoga camps of Ramdev.

"I want to express gratitude and thank all those who have helped promote yoga and make it as a revolution," he said.&nbsp;He congratulated the Manohar Lal Khattar government for setting up a Yoga Council in the state.

Shah highlighted the benefits of the ancient Indian practice for overall well-being, saying yoga keeps body and mind healthy.&nbsp;Yoga is showing the world the way towards a healthy life, he said. ?&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

"Yoga is the symbol of India's ancient history and diversity which is showing the world the way towards a healthy life," he tweeted after the event.

Earlier, Chief Minister Khattar touched upon steps taken by the Modi government and his own dispensation for promotion of yoga.&nbsp;He said yoga day celebrations were held at 80 places in Haryana.

On the occasion, Shah, Khattar and others performed various yoga 'asanas' including 'Kapal Bhati', 'Anulom Vilom' and 'Bhramari Pranayama'.

Among others who were present on the occasion included Haryana ministers Anil Vij, Manish Grover, senior BJP leader Anil Jain, BJP MP from Rohtak, Arvind Sharma and state BJP chief Subhash Barala.&nbsp;

Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the world, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that the ancient Indian practice has become ambassador of the country's culture around the globe.

Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the world, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that the ancient Indian practice has become ambassador of the country's culture around the globe. Shah praised Modi's efforts towards promoting Yoga and said it was due to the prime minister's initiatives that yoga has got international recognition and June 21 is now celebrated as the International Day of Yoga. Addressing state-level yoga day celebrations organised by the Haryana government here, Shah said on December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the 'International Day of Yoga', months after Prime Minister Modi proposed the idea. The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21 to raise global awareness about the benefits of the ancient Indian practice. "Modi ji has helped take yoga to the world. It has also helped promote our culture. Yoga today has become ambassador of our culture to the world and has helped attract millions across the world to our culture... It has played a key role in promoting our culture," Shah said. Without naming anyone, Shah said there are some who point fingers by saying what will be gained by doing yoga for a day. "I want to humbly tell those pointing fingers that today, on this occasion, in 200 nations crores of people who are doing yoga will help inspire millions of children, who will take a pledge to connect yoga with their life," he said. He said in the past when India was under foreign rule including by the Britishers, yoga was restricted to saints and seers. Shah said that later many people made their contributions to promote yoga, but international recognition came only in 2014. "Several people held different programmes and contributed to revive yoga. But it gained recognition at the world level when country witnessed a big change in 2014 when people decided to elect Narendra Modi as the prime minister. Addressing the UN General Assembly on December 11, 2014, Modi presented our heritage before the world," the Union home minister said. "Within 70 days of putting the proposal of observing June 21 as Yoga day, 177 countries accepted it. As a result of it, the whole world is celebrating International Yoga Day," he said. Shah said in western nations and at other places a patent is registered for any invention, but yoga, he added, was India's gift to the world and it was for the welfare and well-being of the entire world. Shah also expressed gratitude to saints and seers as also to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Ramdev for popularising this ancient Indian practice. Expressing happiness on a large number of people taking to yoga, the home minister said he is surprised to see a gathering of 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh attending early morning yoga camps of Ramdev. "I want to express gratitude and thank all those who have helped promote yoga and make it as a revolution," he said. He congratulated the Manohar Lal Khattar government for setting up a Yoga Council in the state. Shah highlighted the benefits of the ancient Indian practice for overall well-being, saying yoga keeps body and mind healthy. Yoga is showing the world the way towards a healthy life, he said. ? "Yoga is the symbol of India's ancient history and diversity which is showing the world the way towards a healthy life," he tweeted after the event. Earlier, Chief Minister Khattar touched upon steps taken by the Modi government and his own dispensation for promotion of yoga. He said yoga day celebrations were held at 80 places in Haryana. On the occasion, Shah, Khattar and others performed various yoga 'asanas' including 'Kapal Bhati', 'Anulom Vilom' and 'Bhramari Pranayama'. Among others who were present on the occasion included Haryana ministers Anil Vij, Manish Grover, senior BJP leader Anil Jain, BJP MP from Rohtak, Arvind Sharma and state BJP chief Subhash Barala.

Amit Shah credits PM Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the world

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government.

"I have congratulated him and wished him luck for the next five years. I told him that it is important for Centre and state government to work together for the development of Delhi. I have assured him that Delhi government will work with them and hopes that we will get support from Centre too," Kejriwal said.

The Delhi chief minister briefly discussed Ayushman Bharat scheme with Modi. "Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme," he tweeted after the meeting.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme. <a href="https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6">https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1141961167700578304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Water harvesting-related issues were also discussed between the two. "Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support," Kejriwal said in another tweet. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Met Sh <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji n congratulated him for LS victory 
 
1. Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support 
 
2. Invited PM to visit a Mohalla clinic n Del govt school
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1141958983286050816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

AAP chief also invited the Prime Minister to visit Mohalla clinic and a Delhi government school.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government.

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government. "I have congratulated him and wished him luck for the next five years. I told him that it is important for Centre and state government to work together for the development of Delhi. I have assured him that Delhi government will work with them and hopes that we will get support from Centre too," Kejriwal said. The Delhi chief minister briefly discussed Ayushman Bharat scheme with Modi. "Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme," he tweeted after the meeting. Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme. https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6 — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 21, 2019 × Water harvesting-related issues were also discussed between the two. "Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support," Kejriwal said in another tweet. Met Sh @narendramodi ji n congratulated him for LS victory 1. Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support 2. Invited PM to visit a Mohalla clinic n Del govt school — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 21, 2019 × AAP chief also invited the Prime Minister to visit Mohalla clinic and a Delhi government school. (With inputs from agencies)

Arvind Kejriwal meets PM Narendra Modi, says Delhi government and Centre must work together

Amid widening rift between Congress and Janata Dal (Secular), former prime minister and JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda on Friday said that mid-term polls&nbsp;are imminent in Karnataka.

Slamming the Congress, he said that the party's behaviour has not been appropriate.

"There is no doubt that there will be mid-term polls. They said they will support us for 5 years but look at their behaviour now. Our people are smart," the JD(S) chief said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy had hinted at the growing differences within the ruling coalition.

"I promise I will fulfil your expectations. I can't express the pain I am going through every day. I want to express it with you, but cannot. But I need to solve the pain of people of the state. I have the responsibility of running the government smoothly," he said at an event in Channapatna in Karnataka.&nbsp; 
 
However, senior Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah refuted the reports of any rift between JD(S) and Congress. "There is absolutely no threat to the government in Karnataka, there is no problem. They (BJP) are trying desperately but they will not succeed," he said.&nbsp; 
 
In the 225-member state Assembly, Congress has 79 MLAs while JD(S) has 37. The BJP is the single largest party with 105 members.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid widening rift between Congress and Janata Dal (Secular), former prime minister and JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda on Friday said that mid-term polls are imminent in Karnataka.

Amid widening rift between Congress and Janata Dal (Secular), former prime minister and JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda on Friday said that mid-term polls are imminent in Karnataka. Slamming the Congress, he said that the party's behaviour has not been appropriate. "There is no doubt that there will be mid-term polls. They said they will support us for 5 years but look at their behaviour now. Our people are smart," the JD(S) chief said. Earlier on Tuesday, Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy had hinted at the growing differences within the ruling coalition. "I promise I will fulfil your expectations. I can't express the pain I am going through every day. I want to express it with you, but cannot. But I need to solve the pain of people of the state. I have the responsibility of running the government smoothly," he said at an event in Channapatna in Karnataka. However, senior Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah refuted the reports of any rift between JD(S) and Congress. "There is absolutely no threat to the government in Karnataka, there is no problem. They (BJP) are trying desperately but they will not succeed," he said. In the 225-member state Assembly, Congress has 79 MLAs while JD(S) has 37. The BJP is the single largest party with 105 members. (With inputs from agencies)

Mid-term polls imminent in Karnataka, says Janata Dal (Secular) chief  Deve Gowda

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday held a pre-budget meeting with finance ministers of all the states. She is scheduled to present the budget for 2019-20 on July 5. The Economic Survey for the current financial year will be tabled on July 4.

On Wednesday, the Finance Minister held the 20th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) to review the current global and domestic economic situation and financial stability issues including, inter-alia, those concerning Banking and NBFCs.

The Council was also apprised of the progress made towards setting-up of the Financial Data Management Centre (FDMC) to facilitate integrated data aggregation and analysis as also a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-Fin) towards strengthening the cybersecurity framework for the financial sector.

The Council also held consultations to obtain inputs/ suggestions of the financial sector regulators for the Budget. All the regulators presented their proposals for the Union Budget 2019-20. It als0 took note of the activities undertaken by the FSDC Sub-Committee Chaired by Governor, RBI and the action taken by Members on the decisions taken in earlier Meetings of the Council.

Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier reviewed the state of the economy and discussed various budget-related suggestions and proposals at a meeting with financial sector regulators here on Wednesday.

The FSDC Meeting was also attended by Anurag Thakur, MoS (Finance &amp;Corporate Affairs), Shaktikanta Das, Governor, Reserve Bank of India (RBI); Subhash Chandra Garg, Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs; Rajiv Kumar, Secretary, Department of Financial Services; Injeti Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Revenue Secretary; Dr&nbsp;Krishnamurthy V&nbsp;Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance; Ajay Tyagi, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India; Subhash Chandra Khuntia, Chairman, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India(IRDAI); Dr&nbsp;MS&nbsp;Sahoo, Chairperson, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI); Ravi Mital, Additional Secretary, Department of Financial Services and in charge, Chairperson, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority(PFRDA); and other senior officers of the Government of India and the Financial Sector Regulators.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday held a pre-budget meeting with finance ministers of all the states. She is scheduled to present the budget for 2019-20 on July 5.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday held a pre-budget meeting with finance ministers of all the states. She is scheduled to present the budget for 2019-20 on July 5. The Economic Survey for the current financial year will be tabled on July 4. On Wednesday, the Finance Minister held the 20th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) to review the current global and domestic economic situation and financial stability issues including, inter-alia, those concerning Banking and NBFCs. The Council was also apprised of the progress made towards setting-up of the Financial Data Management Centre (FDMC) to facilitate integrated data aggregation and analysis as also a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-Fin) towards strengthening the cybersecurity framework for the financial sector. The Council also held consultations to obtain inputs/ suggestions of the financial sector regulators for the Budget. All the regulators presented their proposals for the Union Budget 2019-20. It als0 took note of the activities undertaken by the FSDC Sub-Committee Chaired by Governor, RBI and the action taken by Members on the decisions taken in earlier Meetings of the Council. Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier reviewed the state of the economy and discussed various budget-related suggestions and proposals at a meeting with financial sector regulators here on Wednesday. The FSDC Meeting was also attended by Anurag Thakur, MoS (Finance &Corporate Affairs), Shaktikanta Das, Governor, Reserve Bank of India (RBI); Subhash Chandra Garg, Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs; Rajiv Kumar, Secretary, Department of Financial Services; Injeti Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Revenue Secretary; Dr Krishnamurthy V Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance; Ajay Tyagi, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India; Subhash Chandra Khuntia, Chairman, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India(IRDAI); Dr MS Sahoo, Chairperson, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI); Ravi Mital, Additional Secretary, Department of Financial Services and in charge, Chairperson, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority(PFRDA); and other senior officers of the Government of India and the Financial Sector Regulators.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman holds pre-budget meeting with finance ministers of all states

Opposition leaders, including TMC's Saugata Roy, Friday expressed concern in the Lok Sabha over absence of ministers when issues related to their ministries are being discussed in the House.

However, Speaker Om Birla said he has the power to allow any other minister to reply in their place.

Roy and a few other opposition MPs protested when Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan stood up to reply to a question related to setting up of more Siddha units in CGHS dispensaries during the Question Hour.

"This is for the second time that a minister is not present and someone else is replying. This is not acceptable," Roy said.

However, Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi said there was precedence of a minister not related to the ministry concerned giving reply in the House.

"The minister is on leave and has gone to attend a Yoga Day event and the Speaker has given permission. Are you challenging the order of the Speaker," he asked.

Roy then said he was not challenging the Speaker's order but it was not proper for a minister to take leave when the House is taking up the issue of his ministry.

Vardhan, however, clarified that the question was related to his ministry as the question was on Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) dispensaries, which come under him.

Shripad Yesso Naik is the union minister of state (Independent&nbsp;Charge) for Ayurveda, Yoga Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoepathy.

Opposition leaders, including TMC's Saugata Roy, Friday expressed concern in the Lok Sabha over absence of ministers when issues related to their ministries are being discussed in the House.

Opposition leaders, including TMC's Saugata Roy, Friday expressed concern in the Lok Sabha over absence of ministers when issues related to their ministries are being discussed in the House. However, Speaker Om Birla said he has the power to allow any other minister to reply in their place. Roy and a few other opposition MPs protested when Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan stood up to reply to a question related to setting up of more Siddha units in CGHS dispensaries during the Question Hour. "This is for the second time that a minister is not present and someone else is replying. This is not acceptable," Roy said. However, Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi said there was precedence of a minister not related to the ministry concerned giving reply in the House. "The minister is on leave and has gone to attend a Yoga Day event and the Speaker has given permission. Are you challenging the order of the Speaker," he asked. Roy then said he was not challenging the Speaker's order but it was not proper for a minister to take leave when the House is taking up the issue of his ministry. Vardhan, however, clarified that the question was related to his ministry as the question was on Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) dispensaries, which come under him. Shripad Yesso Naik is the union minister of state (Independent Charge) for Ayurveda, Yoga Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoepathy.

MPs express concern over absence of minister in Lok Sabha

Preparations are in full swing in Ranchi to host the International Yoga Day 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform yoga with thousands of yoga enthusiast at Prabhat Tara Ground as part of the celebration on 21st June. Watch to know more about the special arrangements made for IYD 2019.

Special arrangements for 5th International Yoga Day in Ranchi, Jharkhand

Six bodies and remains of seven others have been recovered from the crash site of the ill-fated AN-32 days after a massive search operation was initiated, Defence spokesperson Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh in Shillong said on Thursday.

The black box of the aircraft which crashed in Arunachal Pradesh with 13 personnel on board <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/blackbox-of-crashed-an-32-damaged-data-retrieval-for-accident-probe-may-get-delayed-227934">has suffered damage</a> and an investigation by the Indian Air Force to find out the actual cause of the crash may take more time, defence sources had said on Monday.

The black box of the plane was recovered by a team of mountaineers on June 9.

The AN-32 aircraft went missing on June 3 after taking off from Assam's Jorhat. The aircraft was headed for Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh when it lost contact with ground authorities at around 1 pm.

After a massive search and rescue operation for eight days, during which assets from several agencies were deployed, the wreckage of the aircraft was located by a Mi-17 chopper. The wreckage was located 16 km north of Lipo in Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of 12,000 feet.

Six bodies and remains of seven others have been recovered from the crash site of the ill-fated AN-32 days after a massive search operation was initiated, Defence spokesperson Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh in Shillong said on Thursday.

Six bodies and remains of seven others have been recovered from the crash site of the ill-fated AN-32 days after a massive search operation was initiated, Defence spokesperson Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh in Shillong said on Thursday. The black box of the aircraft which crashed in Arunachal Pradesh with 13 personnel on board has suffered damage and an investigation by the Indian Air Force to find out the actual cause of the crash may take more time, defence sources had said on Monday. The black box of the plane was recovered by a team of mountaineers on June 9. The AN-32 aircraft went missing on June 3 after taking off from Assam's Jorhat. The aircraft was headed for Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh when it lost contact with ground authorities at around 1 pm. After a massive search and rescue operation for eight days, during which assets from several agencies were deployed, the wreckage of the aircraft was located by a Mi-17 chopper. The wreckage was located 16 km north of Lipo in Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of 12,000 feet.

Six bodies, remains of seven others recovered from AN-32 crash site

2019 general elections enhanced the credibility of India's democracy and with the active participation of women voters, people gave a stronger and clear mandate than 2014 for development, said President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday.

Kovind was addressing a joint session of both Houses of Parliament.

''In this Lok Sabha elections, more than 61 crore citizens cast their vote and set a new record. The people of India gave a clear mandate' and the government is working for Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,'' he added.

In his first presidential address of the 17th Lok Sabha, Kovind said that the government was committed to the goal of nation-building and inclusive growth.&nbsp;

Removing practices like triple talaq and "nikah halala" are essential to give equality to women, he said.

''My government giving residential, health facilities to poor as&nbsp;Poverty can be removed only by empowering them. 26 lakh poor patients have benefitted from Ayushman&nbsp;Bharat scheme and&nbsp;1.5 wellness centres likely to function by 2022,'' he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To help farmers and small traders to lead their life with dignity, the government has&nbsp;started the pension scheme, he said.

He also lauded Election Commission (EC) and the security forces for successful polls and added, despair and instability prevailed in the country before 2014.&nbsp;

People gave absolute majority for a government after three decades, he said and added, more than 61 crore people cast their ballot in the polls.&nbsp;

Work is underway on a large scale to develop the 112 &nbsp;'aspiration districts' of the country, he said.

''We have to conserve water for our future generations. In this direction, the creation of Jal Shakti Ministry is a decisive step,'' he said amid growing concern over the looming water crisis in the country.

Government working towards inclusive development.

2019 general elections enhanced the credibility of India's democracy and with the active participation of women voters, people gave a stronger and clear mandate than 2014 for development, said President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday.

2019 general elections enhanced the credibility of India's democracy and with the active participation of women voters, people gave a stronger and clear mandate than 2014 for development, said President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday. Kovind was addressing a joint session of both Houses of Parliament. ''In this Lok Sabha elections, more than 61 crore citizens cast their vote and set a new record. The people of India gave a clear mandate' and the government is working for Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,'' he added. In his first presidential address of the 17th Lok Sabha, Kovind said that the government was committed to the goal of nation-building and inclusive growth. Removing practices like triple talaq and "nikah halala" are essential to give equality to women, he said. ''My government giving residential, health facilities to poor as Poverty can be removed only by empowering them. 26 lakh poor patients have benefitted from Ayushman Bharat scheme and 1.5 wellness centres likely to function by 2022,'' he said. To help farmers and small traders to lead their life with dignity, the government has started the pension scheme, he said. He also lauded Election Commission (EC) and the security forces for successful polls and added, despair and instability prevailed in the country before 2014. People gave absolute majority for a government after three decades, he said and added, more than 61 crore people cast their ballot in the polls. Work is underway on a large scale to develop the 112 'aspiration districts' of the country, he said. ''We have to conserve water for our future generations. In this direction, the creation of Jal Shakti Ministry is a decisive step,'' he said amid growing concern over the looming water crisis in the country. Government working towards inclusive development.

2019 elections enhanced credibility of India's democracy: President Kovind 

Two earthquakes measuring 4.8 and 3.0 respectively on the Richter Scale hit Satara district of Maharashtra on Sunday morning, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said, reported news agency ANI.

The first quake struck at around 7:47 am with the depth of 10 km, while the second struck at 8:27 am, the report added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
IMD: An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 struck Satara. Maharashtra at 8;27 am today. <a href="https://t.co/w80eJoxXRp">https://t.co/w80eJoxXRp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1141572844259696640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

No casualties have been reported so far.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Two earthquakes measuring 4.8 and 3.0 respectively on the Richter Scale hit Satara district of Maharashtra on Sunday morning, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said, reported news agency ANI.

Two earthquakes measuring 4.8 and 3.0 respectively on the Richter Scale hit Satara district of Maharashtra on Sunday morning, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said, reported news agency ANI. The first quake struck at around 7:47 am with the depth of 10 km, while the second struck at 8:27 am, the report added. IMD: An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 struck Satara. Maharashtra at 8;27 am today. https://t.co/w80eJoxXRp — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2019 × No casualties have been reported so far.

2 quakes reported in Maharashtra's Satara district

The AAP Wednesday approached Delhi Assembly speaker, seeking disqualification of its two rebel MLAs who joined the BJP ahead of Lok Sabha polls, party spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said.

The two MLAs - Anil Bajpai and Devinder Sehrawat - had been openly critical of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on May 3 and May 6 respectively.

Bharadwaj confirmed that a petition has been moved against the rebel MLAs, seeking their disqualification from the assembly.

Sehrawat said that he had received the notice from the speaker.

"Under the existing laws, they (AAP) have not issued a proper notice. Even on the BJP dais, I had said that I have not taken the party membership... There is a due process before seeking my disqualification and I have not received any notice from AAP," he said.&nbsp;

The AAP Wednesday approached Delhi Assembly speaker, seeking disqualification of its two rebel MLAs who joined the BJP ahead of Lok Sabha polls, party spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said.

The AAP Wednesday approached Delhi Assembly speaker, seeking disqualification of its two rebel MLAs who joined the BJP ahead of Lok Sabha polls, party spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said. The two MLAs - Anil Bajpai and Devinder Sehrawat - had been openly critical of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on May 3 and May 6 respectively. Bharadwaj confirmed that a petition has been moved against the rebel MLAs, seeking their disqualification from the assembly. Sehrawat said that he had received the notice from the speaker. "Under the existing laws, they (AAP) have not issued a proper notice. Even on the BJP dais, I had said that I have not taken the party membership... There is a due process before seeking my disqualification and I have not received any notice from AAP," he said.

AAP moves Delhi Speaker, seeks disqualification of 2 rebel MLAs 

In a major development, the Indian Navy has launched "Operation Sankalp" in the Gulf of Oman as a measure to reassure Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region. The development comes in the aftermath of the attack on<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-borders-represent-our-red-line-revolutionary-guard-head-hossein-salami-228935"> oil tankers raising tensions</a> between US and Iran.

While Tehran denies involvement, Washington says that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-surveillance-asset-attacked-in-international-airspace-not-over-iran-pentagon-228977">West Asian country was behind it.</a> Pentagon has released footage of Iran's special forces allegedly removing magnetic mines.

Navy spokesperson Captain DK Sharma in a release said, "Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of Indian maritime trade and merchant vessels operating in the region and contributing towards maintaining a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean Region."

DG Shipping had issued two advisories on June 13 and&nbsp;16 to all Indian flagged vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian/ Arabian Gulf&nbsp;region and&nbsp;advised them to take appropriate protection measures.

India has deployed its ship INS Chennai and INS Sunayna in the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf to undertake maritime security operations. Both the gulfs are busy shipping routes through which international trade occurs, aerial surveillance is also being undertaken by India in the area.&nbsp;

The Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram, is also keeping a close watch on the movement of ships in the Gulf. It was launched by India last year to keep a tab on maritime terrorism, piracy, human and contraband trafficking, illegal and unregulated fishing etc.

Seventy-five per cent of the world’s maritime trade and fifty per cent of global oil consumption passes through the Indian Ocean region.

In a major development, the Indian Navy has launched "Operation Sankalp" in the Gulf of Oman as a measure to reassure Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region.

In a major development, the Indian Navy has launched "Operation Sankalp" in the Gulf of Oman as a measure to reassure Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region. The development comes in the aftermath of the attack on oil tankers raising tensions between US and Iran. While Tehran denies involvement, Washington says that the West Asian country was behind it. Pentagon has released footage of Iran's special forces allegedly removing magnetic mines. Navy spokesperson Captain DK Sharma in a release said, "Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of Indian maritime trade and merchant vessels operating in the region and contributing towards maintaining a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean Region." DG Shipping had issued two advisories on June 13 and 16 to all Indian flagged vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian/ Arabian Gulf region and advised them to take appropriate protection measures. India has deployed its ship INS Chennai and INS Sunayna in the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf to undertake maritime security operations. Both the gulfs are busy shipping routes through which international trade occurs, aerial surveillance is also being undertaken by India in the area. The Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram, is also keeping a close watch on the movement of ships in the Gulf. It was launched by India last year to keep a tab on maritime terrorism, piracy, human and contraband trafficking, illegal and unregulated fishing etc. Seventy-five per cent of the world’s maritime trade and fifty per cent of global oil consumption passes through the Indian Ocean region.

Gulf crisis: Navy launches 'Operation Sankalp' to reassure Indian vessels amid US-Iran row

In view of the rising incidents of deaths due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/ Japanese Encephalitis (AES/JE) in Muzaffarpur and adjoining areas in Bihar, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts.

Accordingly, eight additional ALS ambulances were pressed into service for the transportation of critical patients under the National Health Mission (NHM), a statement issued by the health ministry said.

The central teams comprising 10 paediatricians and five paramedics each had started working on the ground, in coordination with the state government, it added.

The teams were sent to Bihar on Wednesday.

Vardhan further informed that 16 senior district officials and medical personnel were sent to the vulnerable blocks for monitoring and early identification of cases and ensuring daily reporting.

Their headquarters were also shifted to these blocks, he said, adding that the district collector was involved in the process now and was personally taking responsibility for the same.

The collector had deputed senior deputy collectors (SDCs) or district-level officers to lead various block teams, Vardhan was quoted in the statement as saying.

These teams would be assisted by a district-level medical officer and a medical officer in-charge (MOIC) to do the overall work at the block level, the statement said.

It added that the authorities in Bihar were given instructions to switch to daily surveillance and monitoring for detecting early warning signs of the disease.

"The state government has started a social audit, along with an active case-finding campaign through a house-to-house survey, and is moving the prospective patients to the nearest PHC for early intervention. Surprise checks are also being conducted at the PHCs by SDCs.

"Additionally, the early morning inspection of anganwadi centres is also being undertaken by SDCs and child development project officers (CDPOs). They are also giving ORS to each house in the affected villages," the statement said.

The auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and accredited social health activists (ASHAs) were directed to visit every house to raise awareness on Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/Japanese Encephalitis (AES/JE) by distributing pamphlets and brochures, it said, adding that awareness was also being created through other measures such as announcements through microphones and inter-personal communication.

Also, a team of experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was deployed at the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur for making the virology laboratory operational at the earliest, Vardhan was quoted as saying in the statement.

He added that the multi-disciplinary team deployed earlier was reviewing all the case records of the AES patients admitted to the hospital in 2019.

"The team is reviewing the case records of discharged and deceased AES patients at SKMCH, using a standardised tool to know the reasons for mortality. We expect to complete the activity in the next two to three days.

A similar exercise will be undertaken at the Kejriwal Hospital," the Union health minister said.

The multi-disciplinary team will systematically collect clinical, nutritional and epidemiological information from the AES patients hospitalised since May 18. Blood, urine and CSF samples will be collected from these patients to rule out infectious aetiology.

It would also carry out a case-control study (by taking household/village controls) to reconfirm the role of missing meals and litchi consumption (including the quantity), the statement said.

Orientation training of all paediatricians of SKMCH will also be conducted in batches over the next few days on clinical case management and the treatment protocol of AES and the new teams will be briefed about case assessment, investigations and the treatment protocols already in place.&nbsp;

They would also be requested to continue with the same, the statement said.

In view of the rising incidents of deaths due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/ Japanese Encephalitis (AES/JE) in Muzaffarpur and adjoining areas in Bihar, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts.

In view of the rising incidents of deaths due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/ Japanese Encephalitis (AES/JE) in Muzaffarpur and adjoining areas in Bihar, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has issued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts. Accordingly, eight additional ALS ambulances were pressed into service for the transportation of critical patients under the National Health Mission (NHM), a statement issued by the health ministry said. The central teams comprising 10 paediatricians and five paramedics each had started working on the ground, in coordination with the state government, it added. The teams were sent to Bihar on Wednesday. Vardhan further informed that 16 senior district officials and medical personnel were sent to the vulnerable blocks for monitoring and early identification of cases and ensuring daily reporting. Their headquarters were also shifted to these blocks, he said, adding that the district collector was involved in the process now and was personally taking responsibility for the same. The collector had deputed senior deputy collectors (SDCs) or district-level officers to lead various block teams, Vardhan was quoted in the statement as saying. These teams would be assisted by a district-level medical officer and a medical officer in-charge (MOIC) to do the overall work at the block level, the statement said. It added that the authorities in Bihar were given instructions to switch to daily surveillance and monitoring for detecting early warning signs of the disease. "The state government has started a social audit, along with an active case-finding campaign through a house-to-house survey, and is moving the prospective patients to the nearest PHC for early intervention. Surprise checks are also being conducted at the PHCs by SDCs. "Additionally, the early morning inspection of anganwadi centres is also being undertaken by SDCs and child development project officers (CDPOs). They are also giving ORS to each house in the affected villages," the statement said. The auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and accredited social health activists (ASHAs) were directed to visit every house to raise awareness on Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/Japanese Encephalitis (AES/JE) by distributing pamphlets and brochures, it said, adding that awareness was also being created through other measures such as announcements through microphones and inter-personal communication. Also, a team of experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was deployed at the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur for making the virology laboratory operational at the earliest, Vardhan was quoted as saying in the statement. He added that the multi-disciplinary team deployed earlier was reviewing all the case records of the AES patients admitted to the hospital in 2019. "The team is reviewing the case records of discharged and deceased AES patients at SKMCH, using a standardised tool to know the reasons for mortality. We expect to complete the activity in the next two to three days. A similar exercise will be undertaken at the Kejriwal Hospital," the Union health minister said. The multi-disciplinary team will systematically collect clinical, nutritional and epidemiological information from the AES patients hospitalised since May 18. Blood, urine and CSF samples will be collected from these patients to rule out infectious aetiology. It would also carry out a case-control study (by taking household/village controls) to reconfirm the role of missing meals and litchi consumption (including the quantity), the statement said. Orientation training of all paediatricians of SKMCH will also be conducted in batches over the next few days on clinical case management and the treatment protocol of AES and the new teams will be briefed about case assessment, investigations and the treatment protocols already in place. They would also be requested to continue with the same, the statement said.

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: Advanced life-support ambulances pressed into service in Bihar 

A young Donald Trump's fan from Konnea village in Telangana recently unveiled a six-feet statue of the US president and said that he observes fast every Friday for the Republican leader.

Bussa Krishna unveiled the statue on the occasion of Trump`s birthday on June 14 and performed `Abhishek`.

"I have installed Donald Trump`s statue on his birthday and I pray to him like a God. For the first time, I saw Trump in my dream and it has repeated for the second time. The day India vs Pakistan match was held I saw him in my dream and thankfully India won the match. After this incident, I have kept Trump`s picture as my display wallpaper of my mobile," he reportedly told news agency ANI.

Trump's statue cost Krishna around Rs 1.3 lakh.

"I installed Trump`s statue with my own money and it cost me around Rs 1.3 lakh. After installing his statue many people are calling me a Trump fan. I also observe fast on every Friday for Trump. I will live as Trump fan and die as Trump fan," he added.

"I thought Krishna has gone mad as he was worshipping Trump. He is continuously performing pooja for the last three years. Later, I started respecting him for his passion. He also celebrates Trumps birthday grandly," one of the villagers said reportedly told ANi.

Krishna said he was impressed by Trump's straightforwardness.&nbsp;

Interestingly, Krishna`s love for Trump has attracted international media as well. Many foreign media outlets have come forward to cover him in the recent past.

(With inputs from ANI)

A young Donald Trump's fan from Konnea village in Telangana recently unveiled a six-feet statue of the US president and said that he observes fast every Friday for the Republican leader.

A young Donald Trump's fan from Konnea village in Telangana recently unveiled a six-feet statue of the US president and said that he observes fast every Friday for the Republican leader. Bussa Krishna unveiled the statue on the occasion of Trump`s birthday on June 14 and performed `Abhishek`. "I have installed Donald Trump`s statue on his birthday and I pray to him like a God. For the first time, I saw Trump in my dream and it has repeated for the second time. The day India vs Pakistan match was held I saw him in my dream and thankfully India won the match. After this incident, I have kept Trump`s picture as my display wallpaper of my mobile," he reportedly told news agency ANI. Trump's statue cost Krishna around Rs 1.3 lakh. "I installed Trump`s statue with my own money and it cost me around Rs 1.3 lakh. After installing his statue many people are calling me a Trump fan. I also observe fast on every Friday for Trump. I will live as Trump fan and die as Trump fan," he added. "I thought Krishna has gone mad as he was worshipping Trump. He is continuously performing pooja for the last three years. Later, I started respecting him for his passion. He also celebrates Trumps birthday grandly," one of the villagers said reportedly told ANi. Krishna said he was impressed by Trump's straightforwardness. Interestingly, Krishna`s love for Trump has attracted international media as well. Many foreign media outlets have come forward to cover him in the recent past. (With inputs from ANI)

'I will live and die as Trump fan', says Telangana man after unveiling statue

The IAF Thursday completed the task of retrieving <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/six-bodies-remains-of-seven-others-recovered-from-an-32-crash-site-228889">bodies of all its 13 personnel from the crash site</a> of its AN-32 aircraft in the Pari mountains in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh and flew them to Jorhat airport in Assam.

While six bodies were retrieved Wednesday from the crash site, the remains of seven others were recovered Thursday.

All 13 personnel aboard the Russian-made AN-32 had perished in the crash on June 3 about 30 minutes after the aircraft took off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh.

The plane had simply gone missing and remained traceless till June 11, when its wreckage was located in the Pari mountains.

The Indian Air Force had been making efforts to retrieve the bodies from the crash site since then but the inclement weather and difficult terrain had been making the recovery difficult.

"The mortal remains of the 13 air-warriors have been recovered and sent to the Air Force Station, Jorhat," said IAF in a statement.

It said the IAF had been coordinating with the state administration at all levels and a ground team comprising its Garud commandos, the Indian Army's special forces personnel, civilian porters and hunters reached the crash site late Wednesday.

"The mortal remains will (now) be sent to their hometown, where their funeral will be carried out as per service customs," the IAF said.&nbsp;

"The IAF stands with the families and next-of-kin of all the air-warriors who lost their lives in the line of duty," it added.

After tracing the wreckage on June 11, a team of 15 mountaineers was air-dropped near the crash site the very next day to locate the bodies. Later, three more mountaineers had joined the team.

While six bodies were airlifted to Aalo in West Siang around 5 pm Wednesday, the remains of seven others were transported to the district headquarters around noon, said Siang Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Takuk Thursday.

The IAF had to halt the operation to recover the mortal remains of its personnel midway Wednesday after the weather turned inclement, he added.&nbsp;

The IAF, however, managed to complete the operation Thursday after the weather condition improved in the hills, he added.

The IAF had also been able to recover the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) too last week from the site.&nbsp;

"The IAF thanks Indian Army, Indian Navy, NTRO, state administration and civil population for their unstinted support during search and rescue operations," the Air Force said.

The IAF Thursday completed the task of retrieving bodies of all its 13 personnel from the crash site of its AN-32 aircraft in the Pari mountains in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh and flew them to Jorhat airport in Assam.

The IAF Thursday completed the task of retrieving bodies of all its 13 personnel from the crash site of its AN-32 aircraft in the Pari mountains in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh and flew them to Jorhat airport in Assam. While six bodies were retrieved Wednesday from the crash site, the remains of seven others were recovered Thursday. All 13 personnel aboard the Russian-made AN-32 had perished in the crash on June 3 about 30 minutes after the aircraft took off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh. The plane had simply gone missing and remained traceless till June 11, when its wreckage was located in the Pari mountains. The Indian Air Force had been making efforts to retrieve the bodies from the crash site since then but the inclement weather and difficult terrain had been making the recovery difficult. "The mortal remains of the 13 air-warriors have been recovered and sent to the Air Force Station, Jorhat," said IAF in a statement. It said the IAF had been coordinating with the state administration at all levels and a ground team comprising its Garud commandos, the Indian Army's special forces personnel, civilian porters and hunters reached the crash site late Wednesday. "The mortal remains will (now) be sent to their hometown, where their funeral will be carried out as per service customs," the IAF said. "The IAF stands with the families and next-of-kin of all the air-warriors who lost their lives in the line of duty," it added. After tracing the wreckage on June 11, a team of 15 mountaineers was air-dropped near the crash site the very next day to locate the bodies. Later, three more mountaineers had joined the team. While six bodies were airlifted to Aalo in West Siang around 5 pm Wednesday, the remains of seven others were transported to the district headquarters around noon, said Siang Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Takuk Thursday. The IAF had to halt the operation to recover the mortal remains of its personnel midway Wednesday after the weather turned inclement, he added. The IAF, however, managed to complete the operation Thursday after the weather condition improved in the hills, he added. The IAF had also been able to recover the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) too last week from the site. "The IAF thanks Indian Army, Indian Navy, NTRO, state administration and civil population for their unstinted support during search and rescue operations," the Air Force said.

AN-32 crash: IAF retrieves remains of all 13 'air-warriors'

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news