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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday hosted a dinner for all members of parliament, which did not see the presence of prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav.

MPs from the Trinamool Congress, left parties like the CPI(M) and CPI, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the RJD abstained from the dinner.

The Parliamentary Affairs Ministry had earlier sent out invites to all members of both the Houses -- over 750 MPs. Only vegetarian dishes were served at the official dinner held at a state-run five-star hotel.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, various leaders of the ruling NDA, DMK's Kanimozhi, AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh and three of four TDP Rajya Sabha members who joined the BJP -- Y S Chowdary, C M Ramesh and T G Venkatesh -- among others attended the dinner at Hotel Ashok.

Sources said the dinner was hosted so that the prime minister and other members of the Union council of ministers could meet all MPs from both the Houses in an informal atmosphere.

"The MPs interacted with the prime minister in a very informal manner and they were seen clicking selfies with him," BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy said, adding that the atmosphere was very congenial.

The prime minister reportedly lauded the role played by previous Speaker Sumitra Mahajan at the gathering, the source said.

During the all-party meet on Sunday, ahead of the start of the Parliament session, Modi had told leaders that political differences can be kept aside to discuss issues related to public interest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday hosted a dinner for all members of parliament, which did not see the presence of prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday hosted a dinner for all members of parliament, which did not see the presence of prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav. MPs from the Trinamool Congress, left parties like the CPI(M) and CPI, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the RJD abstained from the dinner. The Parliamentary Affairs Ministry had earlier sent out invites to all members of both the Houses -- over 750 MPs. Only vegetarian dishes were served at the official dinner held at a state-run five-star hotel. Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, various leaders of the ruling NDA, DMK's Kanimozhi, AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh and three of four TDP Rajya Sabha members who joined the BJP -- Y S Chowdary, C M Ramesh and T G Venkatesh -- among others attended the dinner at Hotel Ashok. Sources said the dinner was hosted so that the prime minister and other members of the Union council of ministers could meet all MPs from both the Houses in an informal atmosphere. "The MPs interacted with the prime minister in a very informal manner and they were seen clicking selfies with him," BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy said, adding that the atmosphere was very congenial. The prime minister reportedly lauded the role played by previous Speaker Sumitra Mahajan at the gathering, the source said. During the all-party meet on Sunday, ahead of the start of the Parliament session, Modi had told leaders that political differences can be kept aside to discuss issues related to public interest.

PM Modi hosts dinner for MPs

At least 33&nbsp;people were killed and 37&nbsp;others were injured after a private bus fell into a drain in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday.

The accident occurred near Banjar area of Kullu when the bus fell into a deep gorge.

The bus which was carrying around 50 passengers was on its way from Banjar to Gadagushani area.

Superintendent of Police, Kullu, Shalini Agnihotri said that the bodies of 15 people killed in the accident were recovered.

"The injured were taken to the local hospital in Banjar," she added.

Eyewitnesses said the bus was overcrowded and the driver probably lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a turn.
<img alt="Bus accident" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73c8d0af-1273-42d9-ba78-efa9872cd114" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/kullu.JPG" />
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

"Deeply saddened by the bus accident in Kullu. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. The Himachal Pradesh Government is providing all possible assistance that is required," said Prime Minister Modi on the official twitter handle of PMO India.

At least 33 people were killed and 37 others were injured after a private bus fell into a drain in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday. The accident occurred near Banjar area of Kullu when the bus fell into a deep gorge.

At least 33 people were killed and 37 others were injured after a private bus fell into a drain in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday. The accident occurred near Banjar area of Kullu when the bus fell into a deep gorge. The bus which was carrying around 50 passengers was on its way from Banjar to Gadagushani area. Superintendent of Police, Kullu, Shalini Agnihotri said that the bodies of 15 people killed in the accident were recovered. "The injured were taken to the local hospital in Banjar," she added. Eyewitnesses said the bus was overcrowded and the driver probably lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a turn. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. "Deeply saddened by the bus accident in Kullu. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. The Himachal Pradesh Government is providing all possible assistance that is required," said Prime Minister Modi on the official twitter handle of PMO India.

At least 33 killed in bus accident in Himachal Pradesh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-shooting-down-american-drone-us-military-declines-to-comment-228857">Iran claims shooting down American drone, US military declines to comment</a>

The drone was downed when it entered Iranian airspace near the Kouhmobarak district in southern Iran's Hormuzgan province, according to IRNA.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tells-india-it-is-considering-caps-on-h-1b-visas-to-deter-data-rules-sources-228844">US tells India it is considering caps on H-1B visas to deter data rules: Sources</a>

The plan to restrict the popular H-1B visa programme, under which skilled foreign workers are brought to the United States each year, comes days ahead of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi.

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Investigators named three Russian suspects and one Ukranian behind the MH17 flight which crashed over Ukraine in July 2014.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-heads-to-north-korea-to-meet-kim-jong-un-ahead-of-trump-talks-228852">Xi Jinping heads to North Korea to meet Kim Jong Un ahead of Trump talks</a>

Xi and Kim have been working to repair ties, with the young North Korean leader visiting his older comrade four times in China in the past year and Beijing calling for sanctions to be relaxed. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hotels-firms-cut-back-on-water-use-as-taps-run-dry-in-chennai-228860">Hotels, firms cut back on water use as taps run dry in Chennai</a>

Hotels in Chennai are rationing water for guests amid searing heat while companies limit showers as the city of 4.6 million faces its worst shortage in years.

Iran claims shooting down American drone, US military declines to comment The drone was downed when it entered Iranian airspace near the Kouhmobarak district in southern Iran's Hormuzgan province, according to IRNA.

Iran claims shooting down American drone, US military declines to comment The drone was downed when it entered Iranian airspace near the Kouhmobarak district in southern Iran's Hormuzgan province, according to IRNA. US tells India it is considering caps on H-1B visas to deter data rules: Sources The plan to restrict the popular H-1B visa programme, under which skilled foreign workers are brought to the United States each year, comes days ahead of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi. Russia must ensure 'justice' after MH17 murder charges, says US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Investigators named three Russian suspects and one Ukranian behind the MH17 flight which crashed over Ukraine in July 2014. Xi Jinping heads to North Korea to meet Kim Jong Un ahead of Trump talks Xi and Kim have been working to repair ties, with the young North Korean leader visiting his older comrade four times in China in the past year and Beijing calling for sanctions to be relaxed. Hotels, firms cut back on water use as taps run dry in Chennai Hotels in Chennai are rationing water for guests amid searing heat while companies limit showers as the city of 4.6 million faces its worst shortage in years.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Hotels in Chennai are rationing water for guests amid searing heat while companies limit showers as the city of 4.6 million faces its worst shortage in years.

All four reservoirs that supply Chennai, known as the Detroit of South Asia for its flourishing automobile industry, have run dry this summer, largely because of poor monsoon rains last year.

Chennai is one of 21 cities that a government think-tank warned last year could run out of groundwater by 2020. This year's monsoon is delayed, further compounding problems across a swath of western and central India.

Employees in Chennai-based companies such as Fiat Chrysler, TCS, Wipro and Cognizant said they had been asked to cut back on water use in canteens and restrooms.

US-listed Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS), which employs thousands in the city, said it had cut down on water at its canteen and gym.

"We have also switched to biodegradable plates in all our cafeterias, temporarily closed shower facilities in our gyms, and minimised the washing of utensils in our campuses by our cafeteria vendors," CTS said in a statement.

Water storage levels in the city's four major reservoirs were one-hundredth of what they were this time last year - and at a mere 0.2% of capacity, according to state government data.

Chennai is entirely dependent on the northeast monsoon which begins in October. The last three months of 2018 received lower than average rainfall, with the deficit rising to as much as 80 per cent in the month of December, according to India's weather office.

Ananda, a small hotel in southern Chennai, had a notice at its entrance warning of a water shortage.

"It's not just us, all the hotels run the risk of shutting down because there's hardly enough water," said P. Chandrasekhar, a supervisor at the hotel.

State authorities said they had stepped up water supplies to the city each year. "In 2017, we were supplying 450 million litres of water. Now we are supplying 525 million litres per day," S. P. Velumani, the minister for municipal administration, said.

But across town, residents could be seen crowded around water tankers in temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius, holding buckets as media reported scuffles.

Hotels in Chennai are rationing water for guests amid searing heat while companies limit showers as the city of 4.6 million faces its worst shortage in years. All four reservoirs that supply Chennai, known as the Detroit of South Asia for its flourishing automobile industry, have run dry this summer, largely because of poor monsoon rains last year.

Hotels in Chennai are rationing water for guests amid searing heat while companies limit showers as the city of 4.6 million faces its worst shortage in years. All four reservoirs that supply Chennai, known as the Detroit of South Asia for its flourishing automobile industry, have run dry this summer, largely because of poor monsoon rains last year. Chennai is one of 21 cities that a government think-tank warned last year could run out of groundwater by 2020. This year's monsoon is delayed, further compounding problems across a swath of western and central India. Employees in Chennai-based companies such as Fiat Chrysler, TCS, Wipro and Cognizant said they had been asked to cut back on water use in canteens and restrooms. US-listed Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS), which employs thousands in the city, said it had cut down on water at its canteen and gym. "We have also switched to biodegradable plates in all our cafeterias, temporarily closed shower facilities in our gyms, and minimised the washing of utensils in our campuses by our cafeteria vendors," CTS said in a statement. Water storage levels in the city's four major reservoirs were one-hundredth of what they were this time last year - and at a mere 0.2% of capacity, according to state government data. Chennai is entirely dependent on the northeast monsoon which begins in October. The last three months of 2018 received lower than average rainfall, with the deficit rising to as much as 80 per cent in the month of December, according to India's weather office. Ananda, a small hotel in southern Chennai, had a notice at its entrance warning of a water shortage. "It's not just us, all the hotels run the risk of shutting down because there's hardly enough water," said P. Chandrasekhar, a supervisor at the hotel. State authorities said they had stepped up water supplies to the city each year. "In 2017, we were supplying 450 million litres of water. Now we are supplying 525 million litres per day," S. P. Velumani, the minister for municipal administration, said. But across town, residents could be seen crowded around water tankers in temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius, holding buckets as media reported scuffles.

Hotels, firms cut back on water use as taps run dry in Chennai

The Financial Action Task Force or the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-qureshi-briefs-pompeo-about-addressing-fatf-concerns-foreign-office-228266">FATF will announce its</a> decision on whether&nbsp;Pakistan will continue to remain on the grey list which is causing a loss of $10 billion to Pakistan's economy annually or will it be blacklisted.&nbsp;

The week-long plenary of FATF from 16th to 21st June in Orlando, Florida comes to an end on Friday with FATF president Marshall Billingslea set to do a presser at 9:30pm(IST) to decide Pakistan's fate.

While it is certain<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fails-to-complete-points-given-by-terror-financing-watchdog-fatf-report-227563"> Pakistan will remain on the grey list</a>, the decision on it being blacklisted is something which will be known only later Friday evening.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistan-tries-to-mollify-fatf-228809/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ahead of FATF's decision, Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi said, "Going to blacklist would be damaging for Pakistan, we understand its implications. At the diplomatic level, we are trying to avoid such a situation and for this the strategy and homework which was needed to be done, has been done from our end successfully."

On Pakistan being on the grey list, Qureshi said, "This government's desire is that Pakistan should not even be in the grey list of FATF for which certain steps were required and as I have said earlier, we have take a lot of steps...The capacity building, understanding the importance and other things and Inshahallah, we are fighting Pakistan's case in the best possible manner and would continue to do so."

FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) which met in China in mid-May wasn't impressed by Pakistan's action on terror financing.

Islamabad was put on the grey list last year which means the country comes under financial jurisdiction with “structural deficiencies” in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply - supports terror financing.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said,"It is a sensitive matter. It is a matter on which decision is taken by the members of FATF. At this stage, it will not be proper to come up with any expectations or in which direction things will go as far as FATF is concerned."&nbsp;

The FATF in its February meet had come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban."

The Financial Action Task Force or the FATF will announce its decision on whether Pakistan will continue to remain on the grey list which is causing a loss of $10 billion to Pakistan's economy annually or will it be blacklisted.

The Financial Action Task Force or the FATF will announce its decision on whether Pakistan will continue to remain on the grey list which is causing a loss of $10 billion to Pakistan's economy annually or will it be blacklisted. The week-long plenary of FATF from 16th to 21st June in Orlando, Florida comes to an end on Friday with FATF president Marshall Billingslea set to do a presser at 9:30pm(IST) to decide Pakistan's fate. While it is certain Pakistan will remain on the grey list, the decision on it being blacklisted is something which will be known only later Friday evening. Ahead of FATF's decision, Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi said, "Going to blacklist would be damaging for Pakistan, we understand its implications. At the diplomatic level, we are trying to avoid such a situation and for this the strategy and homework which was needed to be done, has been done from our end successfully." On Pakistan being on the grey list, Qureshi said, "This government's desire is that Pakistan should not even be in the grey list of FATF for which certain steps were required and as I have said earlier, we have take a lot of steps...The capacity building, understanding the importance and other things and Inshahallah, we are fighting Pakistan's case in the best possible manner and would continue to do so." FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) which met in China in mid-May wasn't impressed by Pakistan's action on terror financing. Islamabad was put on the grey list last year which means the country comes under financial jurisdiction with “structural deficiencies” in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply - supports terror financing. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said,"It is a sensitive matter. It is a matter on which decision is taken by the members of FATF. At this stage, it will not be proper to come up with any expectations or in which direction things will go as far as FATF is concerned." The FATF in its February meet had come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban."

Pakistan on grey list or black list? FATF to announce decision on Friday

The United States has told India it is considering caps on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/h-1b-visa-approvals-in-2018-dropped-10-us-immigration-data-224421">H-1B work visas</a> for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, widening the two countries' row over tariffs and trade.

The plan to restrict the popular<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-propose-hike-in-h-1b-application-fee-labour-secretary-216581"> H-1B visa programme,</a> under which skilled foreign workers are brought to the United States each year, comes days ahead of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi.

India, which has upset firms such as Mastercard and irked the US government with stringent new rules on data storage, is the largest recipient of these temporary visas, most of them to workers at big Indian technology firms.

The warning comes as trade tensions between the United States and India have resulted in tit-for-tat tariff actions in recent weeks. From Sunday, India imposed higher tariffs on some US goods, days after Washington withdrew a key trade privilege for New Delhi.

Trump administration to ban work permits for spouses of H-1B holders

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-administration-to-ban-work-permits-for-spouses-of-h-1b-holders-221976/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Two senior Indian government officials said on Wednesday they were briefed last week on a US government plan to cap H-1B visas issued each year to Indians at between 10% and 15% of the annual quota.

There is no current country-specific limit on the 85,000 H-1B work visas granted each year and an estimated 70% go to Indians.

Both officials said they were told the plan was linked to the global push for "data localisation", in which a country places restrictions on data as a way to gain better control over it and potentially curb the power of international companies. US firms have lobbied hard against data localisation rules around the world.

A Washington-based industry source aware of India-US negotiations also said the United States was deliberating capping the number of H-1B visas in response to global data storage rules. The move, however, was not solely targeted at India, the source said.

"The proposal is that any country that does data localisation, then it (H-1B visas) would be limited to about 15% of the quota. It's being discussed internally in the U.S. government," the person said.

The US Embassy in New Delhi did not respond to a request for comment. A spokeswoman for the US Trade Representative's office (USTR) referred questions to the State Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Most-affected by any such caps would be India's more than $150 billion IT sector, led by Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys Ltd, which uses H-1B visas to fly engineers and developers to service clients in the United States, their biggest market.

The Ministry of External Affairs has sought an "urgent response" from officials on how such a move by the United States could affect India, said one of the two government officials, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The Ministry of External Affairs, as well as the commerce department that is typically involved in such discussions, did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment.

Since last year, the US administration has been upset that US firms such as Mastercard and Visa suffer due to regulations in several countries that it says are protectionist and increasingly require companies to store more data locally.

India last year mandated foreign firms to store their payments data "only in India" for supervision, and New Delhi is working on a broad data protection law that would impose strict rules for local processing of data it considers sensitive.

While governments the world over have been announcing stricter data storage rules to better access data in their jurisdictions, critics say restricting cross-border data flows hurts innovation and raises companies' costs.

In March the USTR, in a press note, highlighted "key barriers to digital trade", citing data-flow restrictions in India, China, Indonesia and Vietnam, among others.

At a US-India Business Council event last week, Pompeo said the US administration would push for a free flow of data across borders, not just to help US companies, but also to secure consumers' privacy.

The United States has told India it is considering caps on H-1B work visas for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, widening the two countries' row over tariffs and trade.

The United States has told India it is considering caps on H-1B work visas for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, widening the two countries' row over tariffs and trade. The plan to restrict the popular H-1B visa programme, under which skilled foreign workers are brought to the United States each year, comes days ahead of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi. India, which has upset firms such as Mastercard and irked the US government with stringent new rules on data storage, is the largest recipient of these temporary visas, most of them to workers at big Indian technology firms. The warning comes as trade tensions between the United States and India have resulted in tit-for-tat tariff actions in recent weeks. From Sunday, India imposed higher tariffs on some US goods, days after Washington withdrew a key trade privilege for New Delhi. Trump administration to ban work permits for spouses of H-1B holders Two senior Indian government officials said on Wednesday they were briefed last week on a US government plan to cap H-1B visas issued each year to Indians at between 10% and 15% of the annual quota. There is no current country-specific limit on the 85,000 H-1B work visas granted each year and an estimated 70% go to Indians. Both officials said they were told the plan was linked to the global push for "data localisation", in which a country places restrictions on data as a way to gain better control over it and potentially curb the power of international companies. US firms have lobbied hard against data localisation rules around the world. A Washington-based industry source aware of India-US negotiations also said the United States was deliberating capping the number of H-1B visas in response to global data storage rules. The move, however, was not solely targeted at India, the source said. "The proposal is that any country that does data localisation, then it (H-1B visas) would be limited to about 15% of the quota. It's being discussed internally in the U.S. government," the person said. The US Embassy in New Delhi did not respond to a request for comment. A spokeswoman for the US Trade Representative's office (USTR) referred questions to the State Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Most-affected by any such caps would be India's more than $150 billion IT sector, led by Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys Ltd, which uses H-1B visas to fly engineers and developers to service clients in the United States, their biggest market. The Ministry of External Affairs has sought an "urgent response" from officials on how such a move by the United States could affect India, said one of the two government officials, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. The Ministry of External Affairs, as well as the commerce department that is typically involved in such discussions, did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment. Since last year, the US administration has been upset that US firms such as Mastercard and Visa suffer due to regulations in several countries that it says are protectionist and increasingly require companies to store more data locally. India last year mandated foreign firms to store their payments data "only in India" for supervision, and New Delhi is working on a broad data protection law that would impose strict rules for local processing of data it considers sensitive. While governments the world over have been announcing stricter data storage rules to better access data in their jurisdictions, critics say restricting cross-border data flows hurts innovation and raises companies' costs. In March the USTR, in a press note, highlighted "key barriers to digital trade", citing data-flow restrictions in India, China, Indonesia and Vietnam, among others. At a US-India Business Council event last week, Pompeo said the US administration would push for a free flow of data across borders, not just to help US companies, but also to secure consumers' privacy.

US tells India it is considering caps on H-1B visas to deter data rules: Sources

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel will be Thursday examined as a witness in the Gujarat High Court which is hearing a petition challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha from the state in 2017.

Patel will be cross-examined by the lawyers of BJP leader Balvantsinh Rajput, his rival in the election.

The court had earlier rejected Patel's application seeking more time and ordered him to remain present on June 20.

Rajput filed the election petition after he was defeated in the Rajya Sabha election held on August 8, 2017.

A former Congress MLA who switched over to the BJP, Rajput has accused Patel of bribing MLAs for getting votes.

Further, he has sought to quash the Election Commission's order invalidating the votes cast by two rebel Congress MLAs in his favour.

He has also sought invalidation of votes of two Congress MLAs which were counted and which went to Patel.

The EC's decision to invalidate the votes of then rebel Congress MLAs Bholabhai Gohil and Raghavji Patel helped Ahmed Patel get 44 votes, the minimum he needed to win. Rajput polled 38 votes.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel will be Thursday examined as a witness in the Gujarat High Court which is hearing a petition challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha from the state in 2017.

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel will be Thursday examined as a witness in the Gujarat High Court which is hearing a petition challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha from the state in 2017. Patel will be cross-examined by the lawyers of BJP leader Balvantsinh Rajput, his rival in the election. The court had earlier rejected Patel's application seeking more time and ordered him to remain present on June 20. Rajput filed the election petition after he was defeated in the Rajya Sabha election held on August 8, 2017. A former Congress MLA who switched over to the BJP, Rajput has accused Patel of bribing MLAs for getting votes. Further, he has sought to quash the Election Commission's order invalidating the votes cast by two rebel Congress MLAs in his favour. He has also sought invalidation of votes of two Congress MLAs which were counted and which went to Patel. The EC's decision to invalidate the votes of then rebel Congress MLAs Bholabhai Gohil and Raghavji Patel helped Ahmed Patel get 44 votes, the minimum he needed to win. Rajput polled 38 votes.

Ahmed Patel to be examined in Gujarat high court on election petition

US secretary of state Michael Pompeo will be on a three-day visit from June 25 to 27 during which he will meet external affairs minister S. Jaishankar.&nbsp;

This is will be the first high-level visit to India after the elections and according to the ministry of external affairs, "will be an important opportunity for both sides to explore ways to further strengthen the India-US strategic partnership".

The visit comes even as India US ties on trade have deteriorated over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tells-india-it-is-considering-caps-on-h-1b-visas-to-deter-data-rules-sources-228844">H-1B visa cap</a> to Washington proding New Delhi on data localisation and worries over Huawei.

On the issue of H-1B visa, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "India remains engaged with the US administration, with US Congress, emphasised time and again at high-level interaction, the contribution of Indian skilled professionals to growth and development of the US economy."

On data localisation, consultations are underway within the government and between the government and industry with MEA saying New Delhi remains engaged with THE US "and see how we can dispel any misconceptions on data localisation.&nbsp;

Data localisation is basically use of data of a country on how it is collected and stored.

While the global debate on the use of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-be-guided-by-our-economic-and-security-consideration-ministry-of-external-affairs-on-huawei-row-228972">China-based Huawei</a> continues with US raising concern, New Delhi said its decision will be "guided by economic and security interests".

Pompeo last visited India in September last year for the 2+2 dialogue between the then Indian defence and foreign ministers along with the American counterparts.

The US secretary of state's visit comes just ahead of PM Modi's meet with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan from June 28 to 29.

US secretary of state Michael Pompeo will be on a three-day visit from June 25 to 27 during which he will meet external affairs minister S. Jaishankar. This is will be the first high-level visit to India after the elections and according to the ministry of external affairs, "will be an important opportunity for both sides to explore ways to further strengthen the India-US strategic partnership".

US secretary of state Michael Pompeo will be on a three-day visit from June 25 to 27 during which he will meet external affairs minister S. Jaishankar. This is will be the first high-level visit to India after the elections and according to the ministry of external affairs, "will be an important opportunity for both sides to explore ways to further strengthen the India-US strategic partnership". The visit comes even as India US ties on trade have deteriorated over the H-1B visa cap to Washington proding New Delhi on data localisation and worries over Huawei. On the issue of H-1B visa, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "India remains engaged with the US administration, with US Congress, emphasised time and again at high-level interaction, the contribution of Indian skilled professionals to growth and development of the US economy." On data localisation, consultations are underway within the government and between the government and industry with MEA saying New Delhi remains engaged with THE US "and see how we can dispel any misconceptions on data localisation. Data localisation is basically use of data of a country on how it is collected and stored. While the global debate on the use of China-based Huawei continues with US raising concern, New Delhi said its decision will be "guided by economic and security interests". Pompeo last visited India in September last year for the 2+2 dialogue between the then Indian defence and foreign ministers along with the American counterparts. The US secretary of state's visit comes just ahead of PM Modi's meet with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan from June 28 to 29.

Pompeo arrives in India next week amid concerns over Huawei, H-1B visa

India has said its vote for Israel at a UN body should not be "construed as a vote against the Palestinian cause".&nbsp;

India on June 6 had voted in favour of Israel for not giving consultative or observer status to a Palestinian NGO-Non governmental organisation at UN's economic and social council - ECOSOC. &nbsp;

The proposal was submitted by Israel for further scrutiny by the Committee on NGOs of the application from an NGO 'Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness)'&nbsp;or Shahed requesting observer status. Israel said the NGO had close contacts with terrorist organisations.

Explaining India's vote, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "Our vote was in favour of the proposal in line with India’s position on greater scrutiny by the NGO Committee of the consultative status applications for possible terrorist linkages and to screen the NGO applications with the sanctions list of the UN Security Council before granting them ECOSOC status."

"It should not be linked to the Palestinian cause. It is something we have done in the past. This was done so that proper vetting of the NGO could be done before it could be admitted as ECOSOC Observer," the external affairs ministry spokesman added.

Twenty-eight countries including India have backed Isreal while fourteen countries&nbsp;voted against and five abstentions. Israel was quick to welcome India's decision. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted, "Thank you @NarendraModi, thank you India, for your support and for standing with Israel at the UN."

India has supported the establishment of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital existing alongside the state of Israel in conformity with the relevant UN resolutions.

Ties between India and Israel have grown in the past few years with a number of high-level visits between both the countries. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in July, 2017, the first visit by an Indian PM to the country. It was followed by a visit by Israeli PM Netanyahu to India in January last year.

PM Modi had visited Palestine in 2018 during which he was honoured with the highest civilian award.

India has said its vote for Israel at a UN body should not be "construed as a vote against the Palestinian cause". India on June 6 had voted in favour of Israel for not giving consultative or observer status to a Palestinian NGO-Non governmental organisation at UN's economic and social council - ECOSOC.

India has said its vote for Israel at a UN body should not be "construed as a vote against the Palestinian cause". India on June 6 had voted in favour of Israel for not giving consultative or observer status to a Palestinian NGO-Non governmental organisation at UN's economic and social council - ECOSOC. The proposal was submitted by Israel for further scrutiny by the Committee on NGOs of the application from an NGO 'Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness)' or Shahed requesting observer status. Israel said the NGO had close contacts with terrorist organisations. Explaining India's vote, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "Our vote was in favour of the proposal in line with India’s position on greater scrutiny by the NGO Committee of the consultative status applications for possible terrorist linkages and to screen the NGO applications with the sanctions list of the UN Security Council before granting them ECOSOC status." "It should not be linked to the Palestinian cause. It is something we have done in the past. This was done so that proper vetting of the NGO could be done before it could be admitted as ECOSOC Observer," the external affairs ministry spokesman added. Twenty-eight countries including India have backed Isreal while fourteen countries voted against and five abstentions. Israel was quick to welcome India's decision. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted, "Thank you @NarendraModi, thank you India, for your support and for standing with Israel at the UN." India has supported the establishment of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital existing alongside the state of Israel in conformity with the relevant UN resolutions. Ties between India and Israel have grown in the past few years with a number of high-level visits between both the countries. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in July, 2017, the first visit by an Indian PM to the country. It was followed by a visit by Israeli PM Netanyahu to India in January last year. PM Modi had visited Palestine in 2018 during which he was honoured with the highest civilian award.

Vote for Israel at UN not against Palestinian cause: India

A special PMLA court here Wednesday ordered controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, accused of laundering money to the tune of Rs 193 crore, to personally appear before it on July 31.

The court warned that if Naik fails to appear before it by July 31, a non-bailable warrant will be issued against him.

PMLA court judge Prashant P Rajvaidya gave the order after taking cognisance of the supplementary charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against one of the accused in the case - Abul Sathak.

Naik himself is absconding and is said to be in Malaysia.

He was booked by the ED in 2016 based on a National Investigation Agency (NIA) FIR that was registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).&nbsp;

A special PMLA court here Wednesday ordered controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, accused of laundering money to the tune of Rs 193 crore, to personally appear before it on July 31.

A special PMLA court here Wednesday ordered controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, accused of laundering money to the tune of Rs 193 crore, to personally appear before it on July 31. The court warned that if Naik fails to appear before it by July 31, a non-bailable warrant will be issued against him. PMLA court judge Prashant P Rajvaidya gave the order after taking cognisance of the supplementary charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against one of the accused in the case - Abul Sathak. Naik himself is absconding and is said to be in Malaysia. He was booked by the ED in 2016 based on a National Investigation Agency (NIA) FIR that was registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Money laundering case: Court orders Zakir Naik to appear before it on July 31

The ruling TRS in Telangana Wednesday welcomed the idea of simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies while its ally in the state, the AIMIM, said the proposal violated the basic structure of India's constitution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier convened an all-party meeting to discuss the issue of 'one nation, one election' which was attended by both the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).

However, several other opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the meeting as they were opposed to the idea.

A committee for giving "time-bound" suggestions on simultaneous elections will be set up by Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced after the meeting.

"It is definitely a welcome decision to conduct simultaneous elections whatever the practical problems," TRS working president K T Rama Rao told reporters in New Delhi.

Conducting elections in phases, with the model code of conduct remaining in force for about seven months created an impression among people that governance took a backseat, Rama Rao, who represented the TRS in the all-party meeting.

Holding elections in a time-bound manner would help in reducing the influence of money and budgeting would also be easy if national and state elections are held together, he said.

TRS would cooperate if any Constitutional amendments or other measures are required to be made for the purpose, Rama Rao, son of TRS president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said.

However, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, who represented his party at the meeting, said simultaneous elections violated the basic structure of India's constitution.

"I reiterated our stand that simultaneous elections are inconsistent with parliamentary democracy and federalism. Therefore, they violate the basic structure of our Constitution," he tweeted.&nbsp;

The ruling TRS in Telangana Wednesday welcomed the idea of simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies while its ally in the state, the AIMIM, said the proposal violated the basic structure of India's constitution.

The ruling TRS in Telangana Wednesday welcomed the idea of simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies while its ally in the state, the AIMIM, said the proposal violated the basic structure of India's constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier convened an all-party meeting to discuss the issue of 'one nation, one election' which was attended by both the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). However, several other opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the meeting as they were opposed to the idea. A committee for giving "time-bound" suggestions on simultaneous elections will be set up by Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced after the meeting. "It is definitely a welcome decision to conduct simultaneous elections whatever the practical problems," TRS working president K T Rama Rao told reporters in New Delhi. Conducting elections in phases, with the model code of conduct remaining in force for about seven months created an impression among people that governance took a backseat, Rama Rao, who represented the TRS in the all-party meeting. Holding elections in a time-bound manner would help in reducing the influence of money and budgeting would also be easy if national and state elections are held together, he said. TRS would cooperate if any Constitutional amendments or other measures are required to be made for the purpose, Rama Rao, son of TRS president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said. However, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, who represented his party at the meeting, said simultaneous elections violated the basic structure of India's constitution. "I reiterated our stand that simultaneous elections are inconsistent with parliamentary democracy and federalism. Therefore, they violate the basic structure of our Constitution," he tweeted.

TRS welcomes simultaneous elections; ally AIMIM says no

In a setback to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu, Rajya Sabha MPs YS Chowdary, TG Venkatesh, CM Ramesh and GM Rao&nbsp;on Thursday resigned from the TDP.&nbsp;

The four TDP MPs submitted their resignations to the vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu. &nbsp; 
 
They passed a resolution to merge Legislature Party of TDP&nbsp;with the BJP.

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TDP MPs of Rajya Sabha- YS Chowdary, CM Ramesh, TG Venkatesh and GM Rao, today passed a resolution to merge Legislature Party of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with BJP. <a href="https://t.co/3ln6qy5l8G">pic.twitter.com/3ln6qy5l8G</a>
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Welcoming the lawmakers in the party, BJP working president JP Nadda said that the party will be strengthened with their inclusion.&nbsp;"I assure them that the BJP believes in politics of positivity and inclusiveness," he said. 
 
Reacting to the development, Naidu said, "Central Ministers for Special Status, condemn attempts of BJP to weaken TDP. Crisis is not new to the party. Leaders &amp; cadre have nothing to be nervous about."

As Naidu suffered a major loss in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, most TDP leaders are keen to join the BJP.

Their decision to back the BJP will give a boost to the saffron party in the Upper House as the ruling National Democratic Alliance does not have a majority there yet.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a setback to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu, Rajya Sabha MPs YS Chowdary, TG Venkatesh, CM Ramesh and GM Rao on Thursday resigned from the TDP.

In a setback to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu, Rajya Sabha MPs YS Chowdary, TG Venkatesh, CM Ramesh and GM Rao on Thursday resigned from the TDP. The four TDP MPs submitted their resignations to the vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu. They passed a resolution to merge Legislature Party of TDP with the BJP. TDP MPs of Rajya Sabha- YS Chowdary, CM Ramesh, TG Venkatesh and GM Rao, today passed a resolution to merge Legislature Party of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with BJP. pic.twitter.com/3ln6qy5l8G — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2019 × Welcoming the lawmakers in the party, BJP working president JP Nadda said that the party will be strengthened with their inclusion. "I assure them that the BJP believes in politics of positivity and inclusiveness," he said. Reacting to the development, Naidu said, "Central Ministers for Special Status, condemn attempts of BJP to weaken TDP. Crisis is not new to the party. Leaders & cadre have nothing to be nervous about." As Naidu suffered a major loss in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, most TDP leaders are keen to join the BJP. Their decision to back the BJP will give a boost to the saffron party in the Upper House as the ruling National Democratic Alliance does not have a majority there yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Four TDP Rajya Sabha MPs resign, cross over to BJP

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-surveillance-asset-attacked-in-international-airspace-not-over-iran-pentagon-228977">US surveillance asset attacked in international airspace, not over Iran: Pentagon</a>

The Pentagon confirmed Thursday that Iranian forces shot down a&nbsp;US naval surveillance drone&nbsp;but insisted the aircraft was in international airspace, not that of Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-wins-fourth-ballot-sajid-javed-eliminated-228981">UK PM race: Boris Johnson wins fourth ballot, Sajid Javed eliminated</a>

British Conservative Party MPs today voted out Sajid Javid in the fourth ballot while voting heavily&nbsp;in favour of Boris Johnson&nbsp;in the race for next prime minister of United Kingdom.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-be-guided-by-our-economic-and-security-consideration-ministry-of-external-affairs-on-huawei-row-228972">Will be guided by our economic and security consideration: Ministry of external affairs on Huawei row</a>

After reports emerged that the&nbsp;US government had written&nbsp;to the external affairs ministry last month warning the government that companies found supplying equipment or other products of American origin to Huawei could face "punitive action", ministry of external affairs(MEA) spokesman Ravish Kumar said the matter was being debated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cwc-meeting-on-new-congress-president-may-take-place-soon-228965">CWC meeting on new Congress president may take place soon</a>

Sources in the Congress party&nbsp;have confirmed that a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting may take place in the next fortnight to deliberate on the issue of a&nbsp;new president as Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;has not changed his mind on his decision to quit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-cannot-negotiate-from-place-of-advantage-india-to-un-228947">Taliban cannot negotiate from place of advantage: India to UN</a>

India has said terror groups can not negotiate from a place of advantage, a remark directed towards groups such as&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;based in Pakistani territory.&nbsp;

US surveillance asset attacked in international airspace, not over Iran: Pentagon The Pentagon confirmed Thursday that Iranian forces shot down a US naval surveillance drone but insisted the aircraft was in international airspace, not that of Iran.

US surveillance asset attacked in international airspace, not over Iran: Pentagon The Pentagon confirmed Thursday that Iranian forces shot down a US naval surveillance drone but insisted the aircraft was in international airspace, not that of Iran. UK PM race: Boris Johnson wins fourth ballot, Sajid Javed eliminated British Conservative Party MPs today voted out Sajid Javid in the fourth ballot while voting heavily in favour of Boris Johnson in the race for next prime minister of United Kingdom. Will be guided by our economic and security consideration: Ministry of external affairs on Huawei row After reports emerged that the US government had written to the external affairs ministry last month warning the government that companies found supplying equipment or other products of American origin to Huawei could face "punitive action", ministry of external affairs(MEA) spokesman Ravish Kumar said the matter was being debated. CWC meeting on new Congress president may take place soon Sources in the Congress party have confirmed that a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting may take place in the next fortnight to deliberate on the issue of a new president as Rahul Gandhi has not changed his mind on his decision to quit. Taliban cannot negotiate from place of advantage: India to UN India has said terror groups can not negotiate from a place of advantage, a remark directed towards groups such as Taliban based in Pakistani territory.

It`s been more than five months that a boat allegedly sailed off from Kerala coast carrying over 243 Indians who went missing.&nbsp;

With no trace of them, their families are currently seeking help from the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi.

Kasturi, a relative of one of the 243 people, said, "My family informed us that they are going to Kerala and later we got to hear that they are going to New Zealand in a boat sailing off from Kerala coast. We came here to seek help from the government."

Sundar Lingam, a relative of one of the missing persons, said, "We are here to meet the External Affairs Minister and appeal the government to look into our issue. My family, relatives and beloved ones are missing and there`s no trace of them yet. I am not aware of a third party who is involved in this matter."

Devendra, who couldn`t go along with his wife and two children in the boat, told ANI, "People were taken in a bus to the coast. By the time it was my turn, the driver informed me that I can join them later as the bus would return and take remaining people. However, when I called them after a few hours, they informed me that the boat has already boarded from Kerala coast and there`s no space left."

He also alleged that a person named Ravinder allured the people of the Madangir village in the pretext of having a good life in New Zealand.

"Over 35 people from my family went in that boat and we have even approached the Kerala government to look into the matter. However, the government is paying no heed to our issue. Few enquiries were made by the police, but no action was taken in this regard," Ananti, another relative, told ANI.

Reportedly, many people from Madangir village have boarded the boat destined to New Zealand illegally in January.&nbsp;

It`s been more than five months that a boat allegedly sailed off from Kerala coast carrying over 243 Indians who went missing. With no trace of them, their families are currently seeking help from the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi.

It`s been more than five months that a boat allegedly sailed off from Kerala coast carrying over 243 Indians who went missing. With no trace of them, their families are currently seeking help from the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi. Kasturi, a relative of one of the 243 people, said, "My family informed us that they are going to Kerala and later we got to hear that they are going to New Zealand in a boat sailing off from Kerala coast. We came here to seek help from the government." Sundar Lingam, a relative of one of the missing persons, said, "We are here to meet the External Affairs Minister and appeal the government to look into our issue. My family, relatives and beloved ones are missing and there`s no trace of them yet. I am not aware of a third party who is involved in this matter." Devendra, who couldn`t go along with his wife and two children in the boat, told ANI, "People were taken in a bus to the coast. By the time it was my turn, the driver informed me that I can join them later as the bus would return and take remaining people. However, when I called them after a few hours, they informed me that the boat has already boarded from Kerala coast and there`s no space left." He also alleged that a person named Ravinder allured the people of the Madangir village in the pretext of having a good life in New Zealand. "Over 35 people from my family went in that boat and we have even approached the Kerala government to look into the matter. However, the government is paying no heed to our issue. Few enquiries were made by the police, but no action was taken in this regard," Ananti, another relative, told ANI. Reportedly, many people from Madangir village have boarded the boat destined to New Zealand illegally in January.

Families of 243 people missing from Kerala seek government's help

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strike-a-pose-international-yoga-day-stretches-around-world-146050">International Day of Yoga</a> from Ranchi on Friday with all arrangements being in place at the Prabhat Tara ground.

Since 2015, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21.

Yoga connects people and with the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi world has adopted yoga, an official release quoting Chief Minister Raghubar Das said in Ranchi on&nbsp;Thursday.

It is a matter of great pride that the Prime Minister will participate in the main programme of International Yoga Day in Ranchi. The state government is putting all efforts to make the programme success. Good arrangements have been made for the participants, Das said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/can-you-guess-who-took-yoga-to-the-west-294#the-yoga-travels-from-east-to-west-50266">Indian masters who got West hooked on Yoga</a>

During one of his previous yoga day speeches, the Prime Minister had said yoga has become one of the most powerful unifying forces in the world. 
The Prime Minister will reach Ranchi Thursday night, stay at the Raj Bhavan and participate in the fifth International Yoga day programme at 6am Friday, according to an official communique.

Adequate security arrangements have been made as over 40,000 yoga enthusiasts are expected to take part, an official release said.

Gates will be opened at 3am With free bus service, which will start Thursday night, it said.

A total 400 make-shift toilets, over 200 drinking water kiosks, eight medical teams, 21 ambulances, jawans of NDRF and more than 100 CCTV cameras are in place at the venue adjacent to the Prabhat Tara school.

A total of 28 display screens have been installed at the venue for live telecast of the event.

This year's slogan is --- Yoga for Heart-.

Besides the chief minister, Governor Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister of state (Independent) for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik and Jharkhand Health Minister Ramchandra Chandravanshi will share the stage with the Prime Minister, the communique said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the International Day of Yoga from Ranchi on Friday with all arrangements being in place at the Prabhat Tara ground. Since 2015, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the International Day of Yoga from Ranchi on Friday with all arrangements being in place at the Prabhat Tara ground. Since 2015, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21. Yoga connects people and with the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi world has adopted yoga, an official release quoting Chief Minister Raghubar Das said in Ranchi on Thursday. It is a matter of great pride that the Prime Minister will participate in the main programme of International Yoga Day in Ranchi. The state government is putting all efforts to make the programme success. Good arrangements have been made for the participants, Das said. Also read: Indian masters who got West hooked on Yoga During one of his previous yoga day speeches, the Prime Minister had said yoga has become one of the most powerful unifying forces in the world. The Prime Minister will reach Ranchi Thursday night, stay at the Raj Bhavan and participate in the fifth International Yoga day programme at 6am Friday, according to an official communique. Adequate security arrangements have been made as over 40,000 yoga enthusiasts are expected to take part, an official release said. Gates will be opened at 3am With free bus service, which will start Thursday night, it said. A total 400 make-shift toilets, over 200 drinking water kiosks, eight medical teams, 21 ambulances, jawans of NDRF and more than 100 CCTV cameras are in place at the venue adjacent to the Prabhat Tara school. A total of 28 display screens have been installed at the venue for live telecast of the event. This year's slogan is --- Yoga for Heart-. Besides the chief minister, Governor Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister of state (Independent) for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik and Jharkhand Health Minister Ramchandra Chandravanshi will share the stage with the Prime Minister, the communique said.

PM Modi to lead International Yoga day celebration at Ranchi

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that his government is prepared to deal with the challenge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/176-dengue-cases-reported-in-delhi-last-week-9072-this-year-25823">dengue</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chikungunya-outbreak-panic-a-bigger-cause-for-worry-than-fever-say-doctors-6532">chikungunya </a>-- two water-borne diseases which hit the city-state every year during the monsoon.

Asking the people to take preventive measures, Chief Minister Kejriwal said, "We are ready to face any challenges this year."

"The monsoon is about to reach Delhi. There are heavy chances of diseases like chikungunya and dengue. We wish you and your family a healthy life," he said.

Kejriwal on Thursday held a meeting with the officials of all departments concerned and reviewed the preparedness to deal with vector-borne diseases effectively.&nbsp;

As many as 2,700 cases of dengue were reported last year as compared to 15,000 cases in 2015. "We will try our best this year to keep the number low," said Kejriwal in the tweet.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that his government is prepared to deal with the challenge of dengue and chikungunya -- two water-borne diseases which hit the city-state every year during the monsoon.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that his government is prepared to deal with the challenge of dengue and chikungunya -- two water-borne diseases which hit the city-state every year during the monsoon. Asking the people to take preventive measures, Chief Minister Kejriwal said, "We are ready to face any challenges this year." "The monsoon is about to reach Delhi. There are heavy chances of diseases like chikungunya and dengue. We wish you and your family a healthy life," he said. Kejriwal on Thursday held a meeting with the officials of all departments concerned and reviewed the preparedness to deal with vector-borne diseases effectively. As many as 2,700 cases of dengue were reported last year as compared to 15,000 cases in 2015. "We will try our best this year to keep the number low," said Kejriwal in the tweet.

We are prepared to deal with challenge of dengue, chikungunya: Kejriwal

Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday dismissed Pakistan's claim that said PM Modi wrote a letter to Imran Khan expressing a desire to resume talks between the two countries.

Addressing a press conference, MEA spokesperson clarified that the letter sent by India was under established democratic protocol.

He also added that the letter stressed India's objective of maintaining&nbsp;cooperative relationships with all nations in South Asia.

Raveesh Kumar said, "There is no change in our position. We wrote a letter under the established democratic protocol of replying to congratulatory messages. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was also given a reply. Our EAM also replied to his counterpart."

Further reiterating&nbsp;India's stance over talks with Pakistan Kumar said the contents of the letter clarified that "terror and violence-free environment was necessary for normal and cooperative relation with the countries".

"The letter said that a terror and violence free environment is necessary for normal and cooperative relation with the countries. We only reiterated our stand in the letter. There was nothing in that letter that spoke about "talks" (between India and Pakistan)", he said."

"I think we've made it clear time and again that Pakistan has to take action which is irreversible. Unless we are convinced that action has been taken on the ground, and not the temporary action which we have seen several times in the past. We won't be fooled by some cosmetic action, " he added.

Raveesh Kumar also added that the letter by PM Modi to his Pakistani counterpart also included talks on early operationalisation of Kartarpur Corridor.

"In the letter that PM Narendra Modi wrote to Pakistan PM Imran Khan had mentioned about Kartarpur Corridor as well. It was written that 'We will continue to work for early operationalisation of Kartarpur Corridor, functional all year round', " he said.

Hitting out at Pakistan, Kumar said Pak media has the mentality of distorting facts.

"We have seen the mentality of distorting facts in Pakistan media in this case, like how they distorted this simple straight-forward letter. Letter says that India wants to maintain cooperative relation with all nations in South Asia".

MEA spokesperson also talked about the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Kumar said, "It'll be first high-level engagement with United States after elections in India. &nbsp;During his visit, he will hold talks with the External Affairs Minister and he will also call on other dignitaries in Government of India."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is scheduled to visit India from June 25-27.

Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday dismissed Pakistan's claim that said PM Modi wrote a letter to Imran Khan expressing a desire to resume talks between the two countries.

Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday dismissed Pakistan's claim that said PM Modi wrote a letter to Imran Khan expressing a desire to resume talks between the two countries. Addressing a press conference, MEA spokesperson clarified that the letter sent by India was under established democratic protocol. He also added that the letter stressed India's objective of maintaining cooperative relationships with all nations in South Asia. Raveesh Kumar said, "There is no change in our position. We wrote a letter under the established democratic protocol of replying to congratulatory messages. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was also given a reply. Our EAM also replied to his counterpart." Further reiterating India's stance over talks with Pakistan Kumar said the contents of the letter clarified that "terror and violence-free environment was necessary for normal and cooperative relation with the countries". "The letter said that a terror and violence free environment is necessary for normal and cooperative relation with the countries. We only reiterated our stand in the letter. There was nothing in that letter that spoke about "talks" (between India and Pakistan)", he said." "I think we've made it clear time and again that Pakistan has to take action which is irreversible. Unless we are convinced that action has been taken on the ground, and not the temporary action which we have seen several times in the past. We won't be fooled by some cosmetic action, " he added. Raveesh Kumar also added that the letter by PM Modi to his Pakistani counterpart also included talks on early operationalisation of Kartarpur Corridor. "In the letter that PM Narendra Modi wrote to Pakistan PM Imran Khan had mentioned about Kartarpur Corridor as well. It was written that 'We will continue to work for early operationalisation of Kartarpur Corridor, functional all year round', " he said. Hitting out at Pakistan, Kumar said Pak media has the mentality of distorting facts. "We have seen the mentality of distorting facts in Pakistan media in this case, like how they distorted this simple straight-forward letter. Letter says that India wants to maintain cooperative relation with all nations in South Asia". MEA spokesperson also talked about the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Kumar said, "It'll be first high-level engagement with United States after elections in India. During his visit, he will hold talks with the External Affairs Minister and he will also call on other dignitaries in Government of India." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is scheduled to visit India from June 25-27.

Pak media has the mentality of distorting facts: MEA on Pakistan's claim on PM Modi's letter

After reports emerged that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-says-trump-could-ease-up-on-huawei-if-trade-talks-advance-225724"> US government had written</a> to the external affairs ministry last month warning the government that companies found supplying equipment or other products of American origin to Huawei could face "punitive action", ministry of external affairs(MEA) spokesman Ravish Kumar said the matter was being debated.

"We will be guided by our economic and security consideration," MEA spokesman Ravish Kumar said.

Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei had recently said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-obtains-46-commercial-5g-contracts-in-30-countries-225175">US ban on its products </a>had hit revenue by $30 billion. The United States has put Huawei on an export blacklist citing national security issues. The Trump administration has been working the back channels with its allies in Europe and Asia to bar Huawei from various countries, including its 5G network

"We did not expect they would attack us on so many aspects," Ren said, adding,"we cannot get components supply, cannot participate in many international organisations, cannot work closely with many universities, cannot use anything with US components, and cannot even establish connection with networks that use such components."&nbsp;

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The ban has already led Alphabet Inc's Google and British chip designer ARM to limit its relationship with Huawei.

However, the Chinese company has been defiant in face of the US ban asserting that it could roll out its Hongmeng operating system (OS) after its phones were cut off from updates of Google's Android OS in the wake of the ban.

However, Russian President Putin has backed China over the Huawei row declaring that US moves were aimed at weakining China.

"Regarding attack on Huawei. How did it come about? And what's the intention? There's one and only intention: restriction of China's development. China has become a global competitor of another global power, United States," Putin said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that China is ready to share its expertise on 5G with other countries. &nbsp;

After a meeting between Xi and Putin in Moscow earlier this month, Russia's top mobile phone operator MTS and China's Huawei signed an agreement to develop 5G technology in Russia and to hold test launches this year and in 2020.

After reports emerged that the US government had written to the external affairs ministry last month warning the government that companies found supplying equipment or other products of American origin to Huawei could face "punitive action", ministry of external affairs(MEA) spokesman Ravish Kumar said the matter was being debated.

After reports emerged that the US government had written to the external affairs ministry last month warning the government that companies found supplying equipment or other products of American origin to Huawei could face "punitive action", ministry of external affairs(MEA) spokesman Ravish Kumar said the matter was being debated. "We will be guided by our economic and security consideration," MEA spokesman Ravish Kumar said. Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei had recently said that US ban on its products had hit revenue by $30 billion. The United States has put Huawei on an export blacklist citing national security issues. The Trump administration has been working the back channels with its allies in Europe and Asia to bar Huawei from various countries, including its 5G network "We did not expect they would attack us on so many aspects," Ren said, adding,"we cannot get components supply, cannot participate in many international organisations, cannot work closely with many universities, cannot use anything with US components, and cannot even establish connection with networks that use such components." The ban has already led Alphabet Inc's Google and British chip designer ARM to limit its relationship with Huawei. However, the Chinese company has been defiant in face of the US ban asserting that it could roll out its Hongmeng operating system (OS) after its phones were cut off from updates of Google's Android OS in the wake of the ban. However, Russian President Putin has backed China over the Huawei row declaring that US moves were aimed at weakining China. "Regarding attack on Huawei. How did it come about? And what's the intention? There's one and only intention: restriction of China's development. China has become a global competitor of another global power, United States," Putin said. Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that China is ready to share its expertise on 5G with other countries. After a meeting between Xi and Putin in Moscow earlier this month, Russia's top mobile phone operator MTS and China's Huawei signed an agreement to develop 5G technology in Russia and to hold test launches this year and in 2020.

Will be guided by our economic and security consideration: Ministry of external affairs on Huawei row

Sources in the Congress party&nbsp;have confirmed that a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting may take place in the next fortnight to deliberate on the issue of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-gets-down-to-business-without-its-president-rahul-gandhi-227096">new president as Rahul Gandhi</a> has not changed his mind on his decision to quit.

Sources confirmed that the choice for the top job is limited but appointment needs to come soon as the party will need to prepare for elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Haryana. Senior leaders are reticent to address the issue in the open as they feel they can be targeted in the process but privately admit that the issue needs a quick resolution.

Rahul Gandhi was asked this question outside Parliament and he said&nbsp;that it is the party and not him who is going to decide about the next Congress president. He also reiterated his stand on the Rafale deal. His response was sought on Rafale finding a mention in the Presidential address to which he said that he maintains the position that "theft" did take place.

Rafale as a Lok Sabha election issue had backfired for the Congress. The issue instead of discrediting the prime minister, ended up discrediting&nbsp;Congress. The party has already petitioned CVC for a probe in the alleged scam in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

Sources in the Congress party have confirmed that a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting may take place in the next fortnight to deliberate on the issue of a new president as Rahul Gandhi has not changed his mind on his decision to quit.

Sources in the Congress party have confirmed that a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting may take place in the next fortnight to deliberate on the issue of a new president as Rahul Gandhi has not changed his mind on his decision to quit. Sources confirmed that the choice for the top job is limited but appointment needs to come soon as the party will need to prepare for elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Haryana. Senior leaders are reticent to address the issue in the open as they feel they can be targeted in the process but privately admit that the issue needs a quick resolution. Rahul Gandhi was asked this question outside Parliament and he said that it is the party and not him who is going to decide about the next Congress president. He also reiterated his stand on the Rafale deal. His response was sought on Rafale finding a mention in the Presidential address to which he said that he maintains the position that "theft" did take place. Rafale as a Lok Sabha election issue had backfired for the Congress. The issue instead of discrediting the prime minister, ended up discrediting Congress. The party has already petitioned CVC for a probe in the alleged scam in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

CWC meeting on new Congress president may take place soon

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-india-all-eyes-on-a-monsoon-that-is-critical-for-the-economy-228605">India's annual monsoon</a> has covered some parts of the western state of Maharashtra and conditions are becoming favourable for further advancement into the southern part of the country, a weather department official said on Thursday.

Monsoon has covered southern parts of Maharashtra and drought-hit regions of the state are likely to get good rainfall in the next few days, K.S. Hosalikar, a senior official of the state-run India Meteorological Department, told Reuters.

"In the next 2-3 days, monsoon is likely to cover some more parts of Maharashtra," he said.

Maharashtra is the country's second biggest producer of cotton, sugar cane and soybeans, and top producer of onions and summer-sown pulses. 
&nbsp;

India's annual monsoon has covered some parts of the western state of Maharashtra and conditions are becoming favourable for further advancement into the southern part of the country, a weather department official said on Thursday.

India's annual monsoon has covered some parts of the western state of Maharashtra and conditions are becoming favourable for further advancement into the southern part of the country, a weather department official said on Thursday. Monsoon has covered southern parts of Maharashtra and drought-hit regions of the state are likely to get good rainfall in the next few days, K.S. Hosalikar, a senior official of the state-run India Meteorological Department, told Reuters. "In the next 2-3 days, monsoon is likely to cover some more parts of Maharashtra," he said. Maharashtra is the country's second biggest producer of cotton, sugar cane and soybeans, and top producer of onions and summer-sown pulses.

Monsoon has hit drought-hit Maharashtra, more rainfall expected: IMD

On the occasion of 53rd foundation day of Shiv Sena, party chief Uddhav Thackeray said that their friendship with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unbreakable and not a drama.

Lashing out at the opportunism of Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav, Thackeray said that the SP-BSP coalition in Uttar Pradesh ended soon after their debacle in the Lok Sabha elections because they had come together just to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from coming to power.

"Our friendship with BJP is not a drama, I think no other party has this kind of friendship. The drama was what happened in Uttar Pradesh, as soon as the election ended the coalition between Mayawati and Akhilesh too came to an end. On the other hand, whatever differences we had with the BJP were sorted out when Amit Shahji visited Matoshri," Shiv Sena chief&nbsp;said on Wednesday.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other leaders from both the parties were also present at the event. Fadnavis said that there were some differences between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, but now they have been ironed out.

The chief minister claimed that the two parties will score a thumping victory in the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra.

The two parties fought the Lok Sabha election together.

(With inputs from agencies)

On the occasion of 53rd foundation day of Shiv Sena, party chief Uddhav Thackeray said that their friendship with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unbreakable and not a drama.

On the occasion of 53rd foundation day of Shiv Sena, party chief Uddhav Thackeray said that their friendship with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unbreakable and not a drama. Lashing out at the opportunism of Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav, Thackeray said that the SP-BSP coalition in Uttar Pradesh ended soon after their debacle in the Lok Sabha elections because they had come together just to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from coming to power. "Our friendship with BJP is not a drama, I think no other party has this kind of friendship. The drama was what happened in Uttar Pradesh, as soon as the election ended the coalition between Mayawati and Akhilesh too came to an end. On the other hand, whatever differences we had with the BJP were sorted out when Amit Shahji visited Matoshri," Shiv Sena chief said on Wednesday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other leaders from both the parties were also present at the event. Fadnavis said that there were some differences between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, but now they have been ironed out. The chief minister claimed that the two parties will score a thumping victory in the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra. The two parties fought the Lok Sabha election together. (With inputs from agencies)

Shiv Sena's friendship with BJP is unbreakable: Uddhav Thackeray

A report on equitable water distribution across Mumbai has been prepared and the Maharashtra government will ask the city civic body to implement it, Minister of State for Urban Development Yogesh Sagar said on Thursday.

He was responding to a question raised by NCP member Rahul Narvekar through a Calling Attention notice in the state Legislative Council.

"A comprehensive report on equitable water distribution for Mumbai city and its suburban areas is ready. The report will be shared with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) soon and the civic body will be asked to implement it," Sagar said in the House.

To another question, he said people living on forest land in Mumbai for years were not getting adequate drinking water supply, but the government will soon ensure it for them.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in 2016 announced setting up a committee to ensure equitable water distribution for the region coming under jurisdiction of the BMC.

The Mumbai civic body loses around 25 to 27 per cent water due to leakages, Sagar noted.

"The government is trying hard to minimise such losses so that it can cater to the growing drinking water demand," he said.

Sagar said though the number of city's permanent residents is limited, its floating population (those who keep moving from place to place) puts a lot of pressure on the administration.

"It is necessary to supply 270 litre of water per person in city areas, mainly due to the pressure of the floating population," the minister said

A report on equitable water distribution across Mumbai has been prepared and the Maharashtra government will ask the city civic body to implement it, Minister of State for Urban Development Yogesh Sagar said on Thursday.

A report on equitable water distribution across Mumbai has been prepared and the Maharashtra government will ask the city civic body to implement it, Minister of State for Urban Development Yogesh Sagar said on Thursday. He was responding to a question raised by NCP member Rahul Narvekar through a Calling Attention notice in the state Legislative Council. "A comprehensive report on equitable water distribution for Mumbai city and its suburban areas is ready. The report will be shared with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) soon and the civic body will be asked to implement it," Sagar said in the House. To another question, he said people living on forest land in Mumbai for years were not getting adequate drinking water supply, but the government will soon ensure it for them. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in 2016 announced setting up a committee to ensure equitable water distribution for the region coming under jurisdiction of the BMC. The Mumbai civic body loses around 25 to 27 per cent water due to leakages, Sagar noted. "The government is trying hard to minimise such losses so that it can cater to the growing drinking water demand," he said. Sagar said though the number of city's permanent residents is limited, its floating population (those who keep moving from place to place) puts a lot of pressure on the administration. "It is necessary to supply 270 litre of water per person in city areas, mainly due to the pressure of the floating population," the minister said

Maharashtra government to ask BMC to ensure equitable water supply: Minister

To accommodate the rising number of encephalitis patients, Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzfafarpur has converted prisoners' ward into an ICU, reported news agency ANI.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who visited the hospital on Tuesday, had instructed the hospital management to convert the prisoners' ward into an ICU to meet the acute crisis of beds.

Encephalitis has claimed lives of over 120 children in Muzaffarpur district. The chief minister has announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the children who died due to encephalitis.

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 petition, filed by advocate Manohar Pratap, has sought a direction to the Centre for constituting a board of experts in the medical field and immediately sending it to the place of the outbreak i.e. Muzaffarpur, to review and assist the emergency situation and provide all necessary medical equipment for the effective treatment of the children. 
 
On Sunday, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan visited the families of the children suffering from suspected acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur and assured them of all possible help from the Centre. He also held a meeting with senior officials and doctors. 
 
"I assure the people of the area, especially the affected families, that the government will extend all possible help and measures to the state government," Vardhan said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

To accommodate the rising number of encephalitis patients, Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzfafarpur has converted prisoners' ward into an ICU, reported news agency ANI.

To accommodate the rising number of encephalitis patients, Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzfafarpur has converted prisoners' ward into an ICU, reported news agency ANI. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who visited the hospital on Tuesday, had instructed the hospital management to convert the prisoners' ward into an ICU to meet the acute crisis of beds. Encephalitis has claimed lives of over 120 children in Muzaffarpur district. The chief minister has announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the children who died due to encephalitis. 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 petition, filed by advocate Manohar Pratap, has sought a direction to the Centre for constituting a board of experts in the medical field and immediately sending it to the place of the outbreak i.e. Muzaffarpur, to review and assist the emergency situation and provide all necessary medical equipment for the effective treatment of the children. On Sunday, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan visited the families of the children suffering from suspected acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur and assured them of all possible help from the Centre. He also held a meeting with senior officials and doctors. "I assure the people of the area, especially the affected families, that the government will extend all possible help and measures to the state government," Vardhan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Encephalitis outbreak in Bihar: Muzaffarpur hospital converts prisoners' ward into ICU to accommodate more children

A Gujarat court on Thursday sentenced sacked IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt to life imprisonment in a 1990 custodial death case.

Bhat has been convicted under section IPC 302 in 1990 custodial death case.&nbsp;

Pronouncing the verdict, District Judge of Jamnagar sessions court DM Vyas charged Bhatt and then police constable Pravinsinh Jhala with murder.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had quashed the sacked IPS officer's plea who sought examination of 11 additional witnesses in the case. He had claimed that the examination of these 11 witnesses was crucial for arriving at a just and fair decision in the case.

A Gujarat court on Thursday sentenced sacked IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt to life imprisonment in a 1990 custodial death case. Bhat has been convicted under section IPC 302 in 1990 custodial death case.

A Gujarat court on Thursday sentenced sacked IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt to life imprisonment in a 1990 custodial death case. Bhat has been convicted under section IPC 302 in 1990 custodial death case. Pronouncing the verdict, District Judge of Jamnagar sessions court DM Vyas charged Bhatt and then police constable Pravinsinh Jhala with murder. Earlier, the Supreme Court had quashed the sacked IPS officer's plea who sought examination of 11 additional witnesses in the case. He had claimed that the examination of these 11 witnesses was crucial for arriving at a just and fair decision in the case.

Former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt gets life imprisonment in 1990 custodial death case

Hunger, unemployment, illiteracy, violence and hatred in society need to be fought through education, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said on Thursday and asserted educators of Delhi government are committed to carry out "surgical strikes" on these ills.

The purpose of education is happiness of the children and how they use it and contribute to happiness of others in the society, Sisodia said at an administrative capacity building programme for heads and inspectors of Delhi government schools.

''In newspapers we read headlines that make us sad. The army can not do a surgical strike on it, you will have to do it. The teachers and education staff of Delhi will conduct surgical strike on these ills of unemployment, hunger, illiteracy, violence and hatred that become headlines in newspapers," he said.

Sisodia, who is also Education minister of Delhi, highlighted achievements of the AAP government in uplifting education sector in Delhi and laid emphasis on 'happiness' curriculum and 'entrepreneurship mindset' launched for government schools in Delhi.

"Entrepreneurship mindset curriculum is aimed at preparing job providers not job seekers," he said about the curriculum for Class IX-XII students which has been launched on pilot basis in some of the city government schools.

There should not be any confusion that the curriculum is intended to prepare entrepreneurs as it is aimed at cultivating entrepreneurial mindset in students so that they become job providers and problem solvers in any field they work after the school education, Sisodia said.

The Deputy Chief Minister asked education department officials to issue a circular on teacher innovation fund of Rs 1.0-1.5 lakh per school which was announced in Delhi government budget.

In reply to a question, Sisodia said all the eligible vice principals wiil be promoted as principals if Delhi government is given power over Services department.

He also said that the government has removed the income cap on scholarship for meritorious students so that most of them will be benefited by it.

Sisodia highlighted human resource and infrastructure developments in the Education sector under the AAP government and overall improvement in results of Delhi schools in last 4.5 years.

He claimed 2.5 times increase in Education budget from Rs 6600 crore in 2015 to Rs 15600 crore in 2019 and said by November this year 45118 classrooms will be ready against 24157 in 2015.&nbsp;

Hunger, unemployment, illiteracy, violence and hatred in society need to be fought through education, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said on Thursday and asserted educators of Delhi government are committed to carry out "surgical strikes" on these ills.

Hunger, unemployment, illiteracy, violence and hatred in society need to be fought through education, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said on Thursday and asserted educators of Delhi government are committed to carry out "surgical strikes" on these ills. The purpose of education is happiness of the children and how they use it and contribute to happiness of others in the society, Sisodia said at an administrative capacity building programme for heads and inspectors of Delhi government schools. ''In newspapers we read headlines that make us sad. The army can not do a surgical strike on it, you will have to do it. The teachers and education staff of Delhi will conduct surgical strike on these ills of unemployment, hunger, illiteracy, violence and hatred that become headlines in newspapers," he said. Sisodia, who is also Education minister of Delhi, highlighted achievements of the AAP government in uplifting education sector in Delhi and laid emphasis on 'happiness' curriculum and 'entrepreneurship mindset' launched for government schools in Delhi. "Entrepreneurship mindset curriculum is aimed at preparing job providers not job seekers," he said about the curriculum for Class IX-XII students which has been launched on pilot basis in some of the city government schools. There should not be any confusion that the curriculum is intended to prepare entrepreneurs as it is aimed at cultivating entrepreneurial mindset in students so that they become job providers and problem solvers in any field they work after the school education, Sisodia said. The Deputy Chief Minister asked education department officials to issue a circular on teacher innovation fund of Rs 1.0-1.5 lakh per school which was announced in Delhi government budget. In reply to a question, Sisodia said all the eligible vice principals wiil be promoted as principals if Delhi government is given power over Services department. He also said that the government has removed the income cap on scholarship for meritorious students so that most of them will be benefited by it. Sisodia highlighted human resource and infrastructure developments in the Education sector under the AAP government and overall improvement in results of Delhi schools in last 4.5 years. He claimed 2.5 times increase in Education budget from Rs 6600 crore in 2015 to Rs 15600 crore in 2019 and said by November this year 45118 classrooms will be ready against 24157 in 2015.

Educators need to do 'surgical strike' on hunger, violence, unemployment: Sisodia

India has rubbished reports in Pakistani media that PM Modi wrote a letter to his Pakistani counterpart expressing desire to resume talks between the two countries.

Responding to queries on PM Modi's response to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's congratulatory message on BJP's win in Indian general elections, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "The Indian response is as per the established diplomatic practice and the India side highlighted that New Delhi seeks normal and cooperative relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan."

PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, responding to congratulatory letters by Imran Khan and Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi, asked Islamabad to create an environment free of terror. India seeks normal and cooperative relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan, both PM Modi and foreign minister Jaishankar highlighted in their letters.

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In his message, PM Modi said, "It is important to build an environment of trust, free of terror, violence and hostility." Foreign minister Jaishankar emphasised the need for an "atmosphere free from the shadow of terror and violence".

India has said no talks with Pakistan will happen till it takes action on terror groups on its territory and that has been Modi government's policy in its first term.

During the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO meet in Bishkek both Indian and Pakistani premiers were in the same room many times but no bilateral meeting or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-modi-imran-pull-aside-at-sco-as-new-delhi-strongly-raises-terror-227148">pull-aside</a> happened though <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-and-imran-khan-exchange-pleasantries-at-sco-summit-227199">pleasantries were exchanged</a> once.

Pakistani PM Imran Khan had called PM Modi after his election victory on May 23. During the conversation, no invite was extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking of Narendra Modi on May 30 and New Delhi had called for the need to create an environment free of terrorism.

Ties between the two countries are frayed since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India has rubbished reports in Pakistani media that PM Modi wrote a letter to his Pakistani counterpart expressing desire to resume talks between the two countries.

India has rubbished reports in Pakistani media that PM Modi wrote a letter to his Pakistani counterpart expressing desire to resume talks between the two countries. Responding to queries on PM Modi's response to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's congratulatory message on BJP's win in Indian general elections, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "The Indian response is as per the established diplomatic practice and the India side highlighted that New Delhi seeks normal and cooperative relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan." PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, responding to congratulatory letters by Imran Khan and Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi, asked Islamabad to create an environment free of terror. India seeks normal and cooperative relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan, both PM Modi and foreign minister Jaishankar highlighted in their letters. × In his message, PM Modi said, "It is important to build an environment of trust, free of terror, violence and hostility." Foreign minister Jaishankar emphasised the need for an "atmosphere free from the shadow of terror and violence". India has said no talks with Pakistan will happen till it takes action on terror groups on its territory and that has been Modi government's policy in its first term. During the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO meet in Bishkek both Indian and Pakistani premiers were in the same room many times but no bilateral meeting or pull-aside happened though pleasantries were exchanged once. Pakistani PM Imran Khan had called PM Modi after his election victory on May 23. During the conversation, no invite was extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking of Narendra Modi on May 30 and New Delhi had called for the need to create an environment free of terrorism. Ties between the two countries are frayed since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India rubbishes Pak media reports on PM Modi's letter, says terror and talks can't go together

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India rubbishes Pak media reports on PM Modi's letter, says terror and talks can't go together