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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that he will leave "no stone unturned to lift the morale of armed forces".&nbsp;

Singh, who took charge as the defence minister earlier this month, said he is honoured to get "an opportunity to do something for the Armed Forces". Singh was responding to a tweet wherein he was thanked for&nbsp;restoring ration in kind for the families of the officers&nbsp;of the armed forces. "It is the least we can do," Singh tweeted.&nbsp;

"I will leave no stone unturned to lift the morale of armed forces and support their families. It is an honour for me to get an opportunity to do something for the Armed Forces," Singh tweeted out.&nbsp;

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. <a href="https://twitter.com/MajDPSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MajDPSingh</a>, it is the least we can do. 
 
As the Raksha Mantri, I will leave no stone unturned to lift the morale of India’s Armed forces and support their families. 
 
It is an honour for me to get an opportunity to do something for the Armed Forces. <a href="https://t.co/If8phj8oM9">https://t.co/If8phj8oM9</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1141022083373137920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Singh's statement came when security forces in the state of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered nearly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-4-terrorists-10-security-personnel-killed-in-7-days-228363">10 casualties in the last seven days</a> while eliminating four terrorists in two districts of Anantnag and Pulwama.&nbsp;

Right after assuming office earlier this month, Singh held a meeting with the top military brass. After taking charge, the former home minister held a meeting with Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and newly appointed Navy chief Karambir Singh.

On June 3, Singh visited the world's highest battlefield - the Siachen Glacier - where he interacted with Army troops and paid tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

"I salute your spirit, your valour from the bottom of my heart. Jawans and officers in the Armed forces have a sense of pride, that is the strongest sentiment in the heart of any human," Singh had said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that he will leave "no stone unturned to lift the morale of armed forces". Singh, who took charge as the defence minister earlier this month, said he is honoured to get "an opportunity to do something for the Armed Forces".

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that he will leave "no stone unturned to lift the morale of armed forces". Singh, who took charge as the defence minister earlier this month, said he is honoured to get "an opportunity to do something for the Armed Forces". Singh was responding to a tweet wherein he was thanked for restoring ration in kind for the families of the officers of the armed forces. "It is the least we can do," Singh tweeted. "I will leave no stone unturned to lift the morale of armed forces and support their families. It is an honour for me to get an opportunity to do something for the Armed Forces," Singh tweeted out. . @MajDPSingh, it is the least we can do. As the Raksha Mantri, I will leave no stone unturned to lift the morale of India’s Armed forces and support their families. It is an honour for me to get an opportunity to do something for the Armed Forces. https://t.co/If8phj8oM9 — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 18, 2019 × Singh's statement came when security forces in the state of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered nearly 10 casualties in the last seven days while eliminating four terrorists in two districts of Anantnag and Pulwama. Right after assuming office earlier this month, Singh held a meeting with the top military brass. After taking charge, the former home minister held a meeting with Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and newly appointed Navy chief Karambir Singh. On June 3, Singh visited the world's highest battlefield - the Siachen Glacier - where he interacted with Army troops and paid tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. "I salute your spirit, your valour from the bottom of my heart. Jawans and officers in the Armed forces have a sense of pride, that is the strongest sentiment in the heart of any human," Singh had said.

Will leave no stone unturned to lift morale of armed forces: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

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A special court in Prayagraj will announce the verdict in the 2005 Ayodhya terror attack case on Tuesday.

Special judge Dinesh Chandra will be&nbsp;hearing the case.&nbsp;The attack took place on July 5, 2005.

Due to security reasons, the verdict will be announced in Naini Central Jail, where all the accused are imprisoned.

Among those accused are Irrfan, Mohammad Shakeel, Mohammad Naseem, Mohammad Aziz, Asif Iqbal and Farookh.

A special court in Prayagraj will announce the verdict in the 2005 Ayodhya terror attack case on Tuesday. Special judge Dinesh Chandra will be hearing the case. The attack took place on July 5, 2005.

A special court in Prayagraj will announce the verdict in the 2005 Ayodhya terror attack case on Tuesday. Special judge Dinesh Chandra will be hearing the case. The attack took place on July 5, 2005. Due to security reasons, the verdict will be announced in Naini Central Jail, where all the accused are imprisoned. Among those accused are Irrfan, Mohammad Shakeel, Mohammad Naseem, Mohammad Aziz, Asif Iqbal and Farookh.

Ayodhya terror attack: Prayagraj court to pronounce verdict today

Ahead of the maiden budget of his second term in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday brainstormed with top bureaucrats of finance and other ministries to finalise the government's 100-day agenda with a focus to revive the sagging economy and create jobs.

Sources said the meeting at the Prime Minister's residence had in attendance all five secretaries in the finance ministry and other key ministries as well as top officials of the Niti Aayog.

The high-level meeting is also expected to clear a five-year vision for the government with a view to achieving a $5-trillion economy goal in the shortest possible time-frame.

It is believed that future course of many of the prime minister's pet projects like doubling farmers' income, PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, piped water for all, electricity for all and others was discussed.

With the farm sector facing headwinds, Modi last week stressed upon the need for structural reforms in agriculture which would boost private investment, strengthen logistics and provide ample market support to farmers.

The prime minister is likely to have discussed the road map for reforms for every department with a view to making it easier to do business in the country and boost the economy.

The agenda for increasing revenue mop-up and taking reform steps to push GDP growth, which has slipped to a 5-year low of 6.8 per cent in 2018-19, may have also figured in the meeting, they said.

Data showed that even though inflation continued to be within the RBI's comfort range, economic growth in January-March quarter slumped to a 5-year low of 5.8 per cent, pushing India behind China, due to a poor showing by agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

With 2019-20 budget scheduled to be presented on July 5, Modi has started holding deliberations with topmost bureaucrats for ideas, which could form part of the Budget.

While steps to promote investments in manufacturing would be high on the agenda, the Modi 2.0 government would also look at steps to address agriculture distress and improve farm income in the upcoming Budget.

The Budget, which would be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is expected to address issues like the slowing economy, financial sector troubles like rising

NPAs and liquidity crisis in NBFCs, job creation, private investments, exports revival, agrarian crisis, besides raising public investment without compromising on fiscal prudence.

In their pre-budget meeting with Sitharaman last week, economists suggested Insolvency &amp; Bankruptcy Code (IBC)-type framework for NBFC sector, besides initiating job-oriented growth measures and maintaining fiscal prudence. Financial sector on their part pitched for a special liquidity window for non-banking finance companies.

Labour survey report released officially last month showed unemployment touched a 45-year high of 6.1 per cent in 2017-18.&nbsp;

Ahead of the maiden budget of his second term in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday brainstormed with top bureaucrats of finance and other ministries to finalise the government's 100-day agenda with a focus to revive the sagging economy and create jobs.

Ahead of the maiden budget of his second term in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday brainstormed with top bureaucrats of finance and other ministries to finalise the government's 100-day agenda with a focus to revive the sagging economy and create jobs. Sources said the meeting at the Prime Minister's residence had in attendance all five secretaries in the finance ministry and other key ministries as well as top officials of the Niti Aayog. The high-level meeting is also expected to clear a five-year vision for the government with a view to achieving a $5-trillion economy goal in the shortest possible time-frame. It is believed that future course of many of the prime minister's pet projects like doubling farmers' income, PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, piped water for all, electricity for all and others was discussed. With the farm sector facing headwinds, Modi last week stressed upon the need for structural reforms in agriculture which would boost private investment, strengthen logistics and provide ample market support to farmers. The prime minister is likely to have discussed the road map for reforms for every department with a view to making it easier to do business in the country and boost the economy. The agenda for increasing revenue mop-up and taking reform steps to push GDP growth, which has slipped to a 5-year low of 6.8 per cent in 2018-19, may have also figured in the meeting, they said. Data showed that even though inflation continued to be within the RBI's comfort range, economic growth in January-March quarter slumped to a 5-year low of 5.8 per cent, pushing India behind China, due to a poor showing by agriculture and manufacturing sectors. With 2019-20 budget scheduled to be presented on July 5, Modi has started holding deliberations with topmost bureaucrats for ideas, which could form part of the Budget. While steps to promote investments in manufacturing would be high on the agenda, the Modi 2.0 government would also look at steps to address agriculture distress and improve farm income in the upcoming Budget. The Budget, which would be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is expected to address issues like the slowing economy, financial sector troubles like rising NPAs and liquidity crisis in NBFCs, job creation, private investments, exports revival, agrarian crisis, besides raising public investment without compromising on fiscal prudence. In their pre-budget meeting with Sitharaman last week, economists suggested Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC)-type framework for NBFC sector, besides initiating job-oriented growth measures and maintaining fiscal prudence. Financial sector on their part pitched for a special liquidity window for non-banking finance companies. Labour survey report released officially last month showed unemployment touched a 45-year high of 6.1 per cent in 2017-18.

PM Modi meets key secretaries to finalise 100-day agenda

BJP MP Om Birla is likely to be NDA's nominee for Lok Sabha speaker's post, sources said on Tuesday.

Once nominated, Birla, who won from Kota-Bundi parliamentary seat in Rajasthan, will easily become the speaker as the National Democratic Alliance has a clear majority in the House. 
&nbsp; 
On being asked about the report of him being chosen for speaker post, Birla said, ''I have no information, I had just went to meet the Working President as a 'karyakarta'.''

Birla's wife Amita Birla said, ''It is a very proud and a happy moment for us. We are very thankful to the cabinet for choosing him.''

If necessary, the election for the post may be held on Wednesday.&nbsp;

BJP MP Om Birla is likely to be NDA's nominee for Lok Sabha speaker's post, sources said on Tuesday. Once nominated, Birla, who won from Kota-Bundi parliamentary seat in Rajasthan, will easily become the speaker as the National Democratic Alliance has a clear majority in the House.

BJP MP Om Birla is likely to be NDA's nominee for Lok Sabha speaker's post, sources said on Tuesday. Once nominated, Birla, who won from Kota-Bundi parliamentary seat in Rajasthan, will easily become the speaker as the National Democratic Alliance has a clear majority in the House. On being asked about the report of him being chosen for speaker post, Birla said, ''I have no information, I had just went to meet the Working President as a 'karyakarta'.'' Birla's wife Amita Birla said, ''It is a very proud and a happy moment for us. We are very thankful to the cabinet for choosing him.'' If necessary, the election for the post may be held on Wednesday.

Om Birla to be NDA's nominee for Lok Sabha speaker's post: Sources

Public grief gave way to outrage as angry people raised slogans against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday when he visited a hospital in Muzaffarpur district, where over 100 children had died so far due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES).

Kumar, who was away in New Delhi since Saturday, had returned to Patna on Monday evening and held an emergency review meeting on the AES situation with officials.

On Tuesday morning, the chief minister rushed to the Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1 and close to 90 of them died.

Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi and local MLA Suresh Sharma went inside the ICU to meet the patients before holding an impromptu review meeting with the hospital authorities and other state Health Department officials.

In the meantime, scores of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", as they vent their anger over the chief minister for visiting the area after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark.

Speaking to journalists, they pointed out to a water tanker. "This is today's development. Things are being spruced up so that it makes a favourable impression on the chief minister," one of the protesters said. "Had the CM visited earlier, it would have made the officials concerned pull up their socks and many lives could have been saved."

The death toll has climbed to 110 in the SKMCH and the Kejriwal hospital, while one died in neighbouring East Champaran district. Although most of the AES cases have been reported from Muzaffarpur, it has also been reported from adjoining districts like East Champaran and Vaishali.

Eyewitnesses said no sooner than Kumar stepped inside the ICU, parents and guardians burst into sobs and begged the chief minister to save their children who are battling for lives. Kumar reportedly consoled them and interacted with the ailing children, enquiring whether they were getting food and medicines in time.

Officials of the Union health department had visited the district over the weekend and clarified that AES was an umbrella of symptoms, unlike a viral infection like Japanese encephalitis. The symptoms include high fever, convulsions and extremely-low blood-sugar level.

Among the factors said to trigger the syndrome are malnutrition. Moreover, the lychee grown in Muzaffarpur is said to contain a toxin that can cause a drop in blood-sugar levels if consumed by a malnourished child.

The Opposition, meanwhile, attacked the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the deaths.

In a series of tweets, former chief minister Rabri Devi asked whether Kumar, in power for about 14 years, should be held accountable for the deaths.

Without mentioning any name, the Rashtriya Janata Dal vice-president apparently took potshots at Union Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey and state Health Minister Mangal Pandey for their reported conduct during their visit to Muzaffarpur on Sunday.

While Choubey is said to have been dozing off while Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan briefed the media, Pandey was reportedly inquiring about the score of the World Cup match between India and Pakistan at a review meeting with health officials.

State Congress president Madan Mohan Jha led a candlelight march in the evening in protest against the loss of lives because of the AES outbreak and the intense heatwave that has been reeling for the past few days.

Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, who accompanied the chief minister to Muzaffarpur, briefed the media in Patna about important decisions taken by the state government.

"The CM and his team went to almost every bed and enquired the patients' parents. None of them complained about arrangements (at hospital), nor made any comment. We are satisfied with the doctors' work," the chief secretary said.

The official said Nitish Kumar had directed the implementation of both short-term and long-term measures to improve the situation at the SKMCH, which include upgrading 600 beds at the hospital to 2,500.

"Nine-hundred beds will be added by the next year, while the remaining will be added gradually. Besides, the existing 50-bed paediatric ICU will be upgraded to 100 beds," he said, adding that a rest house would be constructed for the people coming for treatment.

The official asserted that there were no dearth of doctors at the SKMCH and 31 doctors were treating the patients. He added that eight more doctors would be sent to the hospital from the Patna Medical College and Hospital and Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital.

Stating that the reason behind the deaths was still not known, the chief secretary said a "socio-economic- environmental study" would be conducted of all the affected families, numbering over 400, from Wednesday.

The survey team will try to find out whether the affected families' overall condition, especially economic situation, level of sanitation, environmental issue (hot-and- humid conditions) were among the possible reasons for the outbreak of the disease.&nbsp;

Public grief gave way to outrage as angry people raised slogans against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday when he visited a hospital in Muzaffarpur district, where over 100 children had died so far due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES).

Public grief gave way to outrage as angry people raised slogans against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday when he visited a hospital in Muzaffarpur district, where over 100 children had died so far due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES). Kumar, who was away in New Delhi since Saturday, had returned to Patna on Monday evening and held an emergency review meeting on the AES situation with officials. On Tuesday morning, the chief minister rushed to the Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1 and close to 90 of them died. Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi and local MLA Suresh Sharma went inside the ICU to meet the patients before holding an impromptu review meeting with the hospital authorities and other state Health Department officials. In the meantime, scores of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", as they vent their anger over the chief minister for visiting the area after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark. Speaking to journalists, they pointed out to a water tanker. "This is today's development. Things are being spruced up so that it makes a favourable impression on the chief minister," one of the protesters said. "Had the CM visited earlier, it would have made the officials concerned pull up their socks and many lives could have been saved." The death toll has climbed to 110 in the SKMCH and the Kejriwal hospital, while one died in neighbouring East Champaran district. Although most of the AES cases have been reported from Muzaffarpur, it has also been reported from adjoining districts like East Champaran and Vaishali. Eyewitnesses said no sooner than Kumar stepped inside the ICU, parents and guardians burst into sobs and begged the chief minister to save their children who are battling for lives. Kumar reportedly consoled them and interacted with the ailing children, enquiring whether they were getting food and medicines in time. Officials of the Union health department had visited the district over the weekend and clarified that AES was an umbrella of symptoms, unlike a viral infection like Japanese encephalitis. The symptoms include high fever, convulsions and extremely-low blood-sugar level. Among the factors said to trigger the syndrome are malnutrition. Moreover, the lychee grown in Muzaffarpur is said to contain a toxin that can cause a drop in blood-sugar levels if consumed by a malnourished child. The Opposition, meanwhile, attacked the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the deaths. In a series of tweets, former chief minister Rabri Devi asked whether Kumar, in power for about 14 years, should be held accountable for the deaths. Without mentioning any name, the Rashtriya Janata Dal vice-president apparently took potshots at Union Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey and state Health Minister Mangal Pandey for their reported conduct during their visit to Muzaffarpur on Sunday. While Choubey is said to have been dozing off while Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan briefed the media, Pandey was reportedly inquiring about the score of the World Cup match between India and Pakistan at a review meeting with health officials. State Congress president Madan Mohan Jha led a candlelight march in the evening in protest against the loss of lives because of the AES outbreak and the intense heatwave that has been reeling for the past few days. Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, who accompanied the chief minister to Muzaffarpur, briefed the media in Patna about important decisions taken by the state government. "The CM and his team went to almost every bed and enquired the patients' parents. None of them complained about arrangements (at hospital), nor made any comment. We are satisfied with the doctors' work," the chief secretary said. The official said Nitish Kumar had directed the implementation of both short-term and long-term measures to improve the situation at the SKMCH, which include upgrading 600 beds at the hospital to 2,500. "Nine-hundred beds will be added by the next year, while the remaining will be added gradually. Besides, the existing 50-bed paediatric ICU will be upgraded to 100 beds," he said, adding that a rest house would be constructed for the people coming for treatment. The official asserted that there were no dearth of doctors at the SKMCH and 31 doctors were treating the patients. He added that eight more doctors would be sent to the hospital from the Patna Medical College and Hospital and Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital. Stating that the reason behind the deaths was still not known, the chief secretary said a "socio-economic- environmental study" would be conducted of all the affected families, numbering over 400, from Wednesday. The survey team will try to find out whether the affected families' overall condition, especially economic situation, level of sanitation, environmental issue (hot-and- humid conditions) were among the possible reasons for the outbreak of the disease.

Protests greet Nitish Kumar during Muzaffarpur hospital visit; toll climbs to 111 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday wrote to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi expressing her inability to attend Wednesday's meeting of leaders of political parties.

The meeting has been convened&nbsp;by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issue of "one nation one election".

Earlier, Banerjee had declined to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Modi on May 23, objecting to families of BJP workers allegedly killed in political violence in the state being invited to the function.

The Lok Sabha polls witnessed a heated verbal duel between Modi and Banerjee who spearheaded the campaigns of their parties in West Bengal.

Besides winning 303 Lok Sabha seats on his own (the NDA tally being 352), the BJP came up with a surprising poll show in West Bengal by bagging 18 of the state's 42 seats, only four less than the TMC's 22.

The saffron party leapt from two seats in the state in 2014 to 18, while the TMC slided to 22 from 34. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday wrote to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi expressing her inability to attend Wednesday's meeting of leaders of political parties.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday wrote to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi expressing her inability to attend Wednesday's meeting of leaders of political parties. The meeting has been convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issue of "one nation one election". Earlier, Banerjee had declined to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Modi on May 23, objecting to families of BJP workers allegedly killed in political violence in the state being invited to the function. The Lok Sabha polls witnessed a heated verbal duel between Modi and Banerjee who spearheaded the campaigns of their parties in West Bengal. Besides winning 303 Lok Sabha seats on his own (the NDA tally being 352), the BJP came up with a surprising poll show in West Bengal by bagging 18 of the state's 42 seats, only four less than the TMC's 22. The saffron party leapt from two seats in the state in 2014 to 18, while the TMC slided to 22 from 34. (With inputs from agencies)

Mamata Banerjee not to attend all-party meeting on Wednesday

Three persons of ISIS module were arrested and remanded to judicial custody till June 28 on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. An FIR into the matter has been registered.&nbsp;

As per reports, those arrested are suspected of planning an attack on public and intelligence officials as well as on public sites such as churches, temples, mosques and other religious places in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

This comes just a few days after three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-tamil-nadu-isis-module-3-terror-suspects-sent-to-judicial-custody-227435">sent to judicial custody on Saturday</a>.

Information was received that the three suspects were staunch supporters of ISIS and have been propagating the terror group's ideologies on social media, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Coimbatore: Three persons of ISIS module arrested and remanded to judicial custody till 28th June. FIR registered. They are suspected of planning an attack on public, intelligence officials, churches, temples, mosques, &amp; other religious places in Coimbatore
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They were also an active supporter of alleged Sri Lankan bombings mastermind Zahran Hashim.

In a search conducted at their residence, digital devices including cell phones, SIM cards computers, hard disks, bank account documents, pen drives, memory cards and certain other incriminating documents were recovered from their possession.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Three persons of ISIS module were arrested and remanded to judicial custody till June 28 on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. An FIR into the matter has been registered.

Three persons of ISIS module were arrested and remanded to judicial custody till June 28 on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. An FIR into the matter has been registered. As per reports, those arrested are suspected of planning an attack on public and intelligence officials as well as on public sites such as churches, temples, mosques and other religious places in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This comes just a few days after three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were sent to judicial custody on Saturday. Information was received that the three suspects were staunch supporters of ISIS and have been propagating the terror group's ideologies on social media, news agency ANI reported. Coimbatore: Three persons of ISIS module arrested and remanded to judicial custody till 28th June. FIR registered. They are suspected of planning an attack on public, intelligence officials, churches, temples, mosques, & other religious places in Coimbatore — ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2019 × They were also an active supporter of alleged Sri Lankan bombings mastermind Zahran Hashim. In a search conducted at their residence, digital devices including cell phones, SIM cards computers, hard disks, bank account documents, pen drives, memory cards and certain other incriminating documents were recovered from their possession. (With inputs from agencies)

Tamil Nadu: 3 arrested in connection to ISIS module, remanded to judicial custody till June 28

In the backdrop of Trinamool Congress lagging behind other political parties in more than 50% civic bodies in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the party supremo Mamata Banerjee sounded the bugle for the 2020 civic body polls on Tuesday.

Banerjee held a meeting with close to 3,000 corporators and councillors from several municipalities and municipal corporations across the state.&nbsp;

She sent out a stern message that those who take ‘cut money’ and ‘commission’ will not be spared. Even if they wish to leave the party, they must do it right away.&nbsp;

"Now I’m witnessing a new trend, once you conduct an audit and if someone is found to be at fault, they will switch parties. No matter how many parties you switch, you will not be spared. You will be booked. If someone wants to leave the party, please leave now," &nbsp;Banerjee said. &nbsp;

Ahead of the semi-final before the final battle of the 2021 assembly elections in Bengal, the state is all set to go for civic body polls next year, where the Trinamool Congress will be tested.&nbsp;

The party faced a major setback recently after five municipal bodies governed by TMC were taken over by BJP with corporators and councillors joining the BJP in Delhi at the party headquarters.

Five municipalities – Halisahar, Kachrapara, Bhatpara, Naihati and Darjeeling were recently taken over by BJP. &nbsp;

In the backdrop of Trinamool Congress lagging behind other political parties in more than 50% civic bodies in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the party supremo Mamata Banerjee sounded the bugle for the 2020 civic body polls on Tuesday.

In the backdrop of Trinamool Congress lagging behind other political parties in more than 50% civic bodies in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the party supremo Mamata Banerjee sounded the bugle for the 2020 civic body polls on Tuesday. Banerjee held a meeting with close to 3,000 corporators and councillors from several municipalities and municipal corporations across the state. She sent out a stern message that those who take ‘cut money’ and ‘commission’ will not be spared. Even if they wish to leave the party, they must do it right away. "Now I’m witnessing a new trend, once you conduct an audit and if someone is found to be at fault, they will switch parties. No matter how many parties you switch, you will not be spared. You will be booked. If someone wants to leave the party, please leave now," Banerjee said. Ahead of the semi-final before the final battle of the 2021 assembly elections in Bengal, the state is all set to go for civic body polls next year, where the Trinamool Congress will be tested. The party faced a major setback recently after five municipal bodies governed by TMC were taken over by BJP with corporators and councillors joining the BJP in Delhi at the party headquarters. Five municipalities – Halisahar, Kachrapara, Bhatpara, Naihati and Darjeeling were recently taken over by BJP.

West Bengal: TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee addresses corporators and councillors ahead of 2020 civic body polls

India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit.&nbsp;

The summit will take place from July 7-8&nbsp;in its capital Niamey. The grant assistance was handed over to Niger deputy foreign minister Lamido Ousseini Bala Goga Salamatou by the Indian envoy to Niger Rajesh Agarwal.&nbsp;

This is the first time the country is hosting the AU summit and India's support was in response to a specific request made by the Niger government. The AU summit is expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Indian assistance comes even as the government&nbsp;increases its engagement with the continent.&nbsp;

New Delhi in October 2015 had hosted the India-Africa summit that had seen&nbsp;maximum participation of African head of states and governments. Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou had participated in the 2015 summit and also visited India in March 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance.&nbsp;

India opened its mission in Niamey in 2009 and has provided Lines of Credit worth $ 96.54 million to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water. &nbsp;

New Delhi is also establishing Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) in the country and is likely to host meetings associated with the upcoming AU summit.

India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit. The summit will take place from July 7-8 in its capital Niamey.

India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit. The summit will take place from July 7-8 in its capital Niamey. The grant assistance was handed over to Niger deputy foreign minister Lamido Ousseini Bala Goga Salamatou by the Indian envoy to Niger Rajesh Agarwal. This is the first time the country is hosting the AU summit and India's support was in response to a specific request made by the Niger government. The AU summit is expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Indian assistance comes even as the government increases its engagement with the continent. New Delhi in October 2015 had hosted the India-Africa summit that had seen maximum participation of African head of states and governments. Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou had participated in the 2015 summit and also visited India in March 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance. India opened its mission in Niamey in 2009 and has provided Lines of Credit worth $ 96.54 million to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water. New Delhi is also establishing Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) in the country and is likely to host meetings associated with the upcoming AU summit.

India extends $15 million to Niger for African Union summit

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-reaches-out-to-sonia-gandhi-ahead-of-parliament-session-225236">Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to chair a meeting</a> of her party's Parliament strategy group today to chalk out an approach for the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.

In the meeting, leaders are likely to discuss a common agenda to ensure better floor coordination among the Opposition parties, a source in the party said.

Talking to ANI, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma had earlier given a sense of what will be his party's line during the session. "The government should end the ordinance culture. It should respect the parliamentary process and important bills should be sent to Parliament Committees before being discussed in the house," Sharma had said.

Appointment of the party's leader in the Lok Sabha will also be taken up in the meeting. Though the announcement would be made after the election of Lok Sabha speaker, the above-mentioned source said. Sonia Gandhi holds the authority of appointing the leader of the party in the Lower House.

Congress needs to chalk out a strategy for the first session of Parliament after the elections. The session becomes more important as the Union Budget and some key legislations including the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill will be presented.

Being the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, Congress has the responsibility to coordinate among the opposition parties to corner the government at various issues. However, it falls short of the required number for the leader of the Opposition post. Congress won a meagre 52 seats in the recently concluded general elections.

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to chair a meeting of her party's Parliament strategy group today to chalk out an approach for the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to chair a meeting of her party's Parliament strategy group today to chalk out an approach for the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament. In the meeting, leaders are likely to discuss a common agenda to ensure better floor coordination among the Opposition parties, a source in the party said. Talking to ANI, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma had earlier given a sense of what will be his party's line during the session. "The government should end the ordinance culture. It should respect the parliamentary process and important bills should be sent to Parliament Committees before being discussed in the house," Sharma had said. Appointment of the party's leader in the Lok Sabha will also be taken up in the meeting. Though the announcement would be made after the election of Lok Sabha speaker, the above-mentioned source said. Sonia Gandhi holds the authority of appointing the leader of the party in the Lower House. Congress needs to chalk out a strategy for the first session of Parliament after the elections. The session becomes more important as the Union Budget and some key legislations including the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill will be presented. Being the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, Congress has the responsibility to coordinate among the opposition parties to corner the government at various issues. However, it falls short of the required number for the leader of the Opposition post. Congress won a meagre 52 seats in the recently concluded general elections.

Sonia Gandhi to chair Congress' Parliamentary strategy meet today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-deployment-of-1000-additional-troops-to-middle-east-amid-iran-tensions-228136">US approves deployment of 1,000 additional troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions</a>

The United States said on Monday it has approved the deployment of 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East, against the backdrop of soaring tensions with Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mohamed-morsi-ousted-president-of-egypt-dies-in-court-during-trial-228135">Muslim Brotherhood blames Egyptian authorities for Morsi's 'deliberate slow death'</a>

The Muslim Brotherhood accused Egyptian authorities of being responsible for Mohamed Morsi's "deliberate slow death" after the former Islamist president died after falling ill in a Cairo court on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toronto-raptors-rally-4-wounded-3-arrested-in-shooting-at-the-celebration-of-nba-title-228145">Toronto Raptors rally: 4 wounded, 3 arrested in shooting at the celebration of NBA title</a>

Four people were shot and wounded and three people were arrested at the victory rally in Toronto celebrating the Raptors' NBA championship.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/circular-economy-can-generate-14-crore-jobs-in-next-5-7-years-niti-aayog-ceo-amitabh-kant-228151">Circular economy can generate 1.4 crore jobs in next 5-7 years: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant</a>

Circular economy has potential to create nearly one-and-half crore jobs in next five to seven years and create lakhs of new entrepreneurs, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said here on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-population-to-cross-chinas-in-next-8-years-un-report-228138">India's population to cross China’s in next 8 years: UN report</a>

India, projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country around 2027, is expected to add nearly 273 million people between now and 2050 and will remain the most populated country through the end of the current century, a UN report said on Monday.

US approves deployment of 1,000 additional troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions The United States said on Monday it has approved the deployment of 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East, against the backdrop of soaring tensions with Iran.

US approves deployment of 1,000 additional troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions The United States said on Monday it has approved the deployment of 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East, against the backdrop of soaring tensions with Iran. Muslim Brotherhood blames Egyptian authorities for Morsi's 'deliberate slow death' The Muslim Brotherhood accused Egyptian authorities of being responsible for Mohamed Morsi's "deliberate slow death" after the former Islamist president died after falling ill in a Cairo court on Monday. Toronto Raptors rally: 4 wounded, 3 arrested in shooting at the celebration of NBA title Four people were shot and wounded and three people were arrested at the victory rally in Toronto celebrating the Raptors' NBA championship. Circular economy can generate 1.4 crore jobs in next 5-7 years: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant Circular economy has potential to create nearly one-and-half crore jobs in next five to seven years and create lakhs of new entrepreneurs, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said here on Monday. India's population to cross China’s in next 8 years: UN report India, projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country around 2027, is expected to add nearly 273 million people between now and 2050 and will remain the most populated country through the end of the current century, a UN report said on Monday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

An Army driver was injured and some other soldiers suffered minor bruises after terrorists attempted to attack their vehicle in Arihal area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. According to the Army, the terrorists tried to attack a mobile vehicle patrol of 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) with an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the evening.

J&K: One Soldier Injured, Others Suffer Bruises In Terror Attack In Pulwama

The incident comes in less than 24 hours after an Army Major and a militant were killed, while another officer and two troopers were injured in an encounter between security forces and the ultras in Anantnag district.

J&K: Militants, security forces locked in encounter in Anantnag district

Dialogue partners for 'BIMSTEC: One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity'

Air India will begin services on Mumbai-Patna-Amritsar and Mumbai-Nairobi routes from September 27, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday.

The minister also said that the national carrier will launch its operation on Delhi-Chennai-Bali route from October 27.

"I am delighted to announce that on the occasion of World Tourism Day on 27th Sept 2019, Air India will begin a direct Mumbai-Nairobi flight (4 days a week) to improve air connectivity between India &amp; Kenya," he said in a tweet.

Last Friday, Puri had said that the national carrier will start Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto flight from September 27.

"To honour another long pending demand of devotees to provide air connectivity between Guru Nagri &amp; Sri Patna Sahib, I am delighted to announce the commencement of a daily Air India flight between Mumbai-Patna-Amritsar from 27th Sept 2019," he had tweeted.

Later in the day, the minister also tweeted, "Delighted to announce the commencement of a four days a week @airindiain flight to connect Delhi-Chennai-Bali from 27th October 2019. This flight will enhance connectivity &amp; push the flow of tourists &amp; travellers between India &amp; Bali."

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Delighted to announce the commencement of a four days a week <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> flight to connect Delhi-Chennai-Bali from 27th October 2019. This flight will enhance connectivity &amp; push the flow of tourists &amp; travellers between India &amp; Bali. <a href="https://t.co/JJkJa5PuMz">pic.twitter.com/JJkJa5PuMz</a>
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1140632365204512768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Puri, who is currently a Rajya Sabha member, had fought the 2019 general elections from the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat, but lost to Congress' Gurjeet Singh Aujla.

Air India will begin services on Mumbai-Patna-Amritsar and Mumbai-Nairobi routes from September 27, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday. The minister also said that the national carrier will launch its operation on Delhi-Chennai-Bali route from October 27.

Air India will begin services on Mumbai-Patna-Amritsar and Mumbai-Nairobi routes from September 27, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday. The minister also said that the national carrier will launch its operation on Delhi-Chennai-Bali route from October 27. "I am delighted to announce that on the occasion of World Tourism Day on 27th Sept 2019, Air India will begin a direct Mumbai-Nairobi flight (4 days a week) to improve air connectivity between India & Kenya," he said in a tweet. Last Friday, Puri had said that the national carrier will start Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto flight from September 27. "To honour another long pending demand of devotees to provide air connectivity between Guru Nagri & Sri Patna Sahib, I am delighted to announce the commencement of a daily Air India flight between Mumbai-Patna-Amritsar from 27th Sept 2019," he had tweeted. Later in the day, the minister also tweeted, "Delighted to announce the commencement of a four days a week @airindiain flight to connect Delhi-Chennai-Bali from 27th October 2019. This flight will enhance connectivity & push the flow of tourists & travellers between India & Bali." Delighted to announce the commencement of a four days a week @airindiain flight to connect Delhi-Chennai-Bali from 27th October 2019. This flight will enhance connectivity & push the flow of tourists & travellers between India & Bali. pic.twitter.com/JJkJa5PuMz — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) June 17, 2019 × Puri, who is currently a Rajya Sabha member, had fought the 2019 general elections from the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat, but lost to Congress' Gurjeet Singh Aujla.

Air India to start services on three routes: Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jp-nadda-appointed-working-president-of-bjp-228080">newly appointed working president</a> Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday said that he will work to strengthen the party as its worker.

Nadda also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for showing faith in him.

Nadda tweeted, ''Respected Prime Minister' gratitude to the conscience of the heart. Under your guidance, we will take the party's policies and government plans to the last man. Your personality and leadership have given the party public support, I will try to strengthen it as an activist.''

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आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री जी ह्रदय के अंत:करण से आभार। आपके मार्गदर्शन मे हम पार्टी की नीतियों और सरकार की योजनाओं को अंतिम पायदान पर खड़े व्यक्ति तक ले जाएँगे। आपके व्यक्तित्व और नेतृत्व से पार्टी को जनसमर्थन मिला है, मैं कार्यकर्ता के रूप में उसको मज़बूती प्रदान करने की कोशिश करूँगा। <a href="https://t.co/NGlLHbAu12">https://t.co/NGlLHbAu12</a>
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1140673132103176192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Nadda also tweeted out to Amit Shah saying, ''Respected Chairman, Mr Mr You @amitshah and the party have expressed my faith in me. The way you have elevated the party to new heights is exemplary. This is how I will continue to serve the party. Thank you again.''

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आदरणीय अध्यक्ष श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@amitshah</a> जी आपने और पार्टी ने जो विश्वास मुझ पर व्यक्त किया है उसके लिए मैं ह्रदय से आभारी हूँ। आपने जिस प्रकार पार्टी को नित नई ऊँचाइयों पर पहुँचाया है, वह अनुकरणीय है। मैं इसी प्रकार पार्टी की सेवा करता रहूँगा। 
आपका पुनः आभार। <a href="https://t.co/suw0SRysyv">https://t.co/suw0SRysyv</a>
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1140674602647064579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former Union minister was appointed as BJP's working president during the party's parliamentary board meeting on Monday.

The decision by BJP's highest decision-making body was announced by former party president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.

Amit Shah will continue to be BJP's national president.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) newly appointed working president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday said that he will work to strengthen the party as its worker. Nadda also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for showing faith in him.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) newly appointed working president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday said that he will work to strengthen the party as its worker. Nadda also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for showing faith in him. Nadda tweeted, ''Respected Prime Minister' gratitude to the conscience of the heart. Under your guidance, we will take the party's policies and government plans to the last man. Your personality and leadership have given the party public support, I will try to strengthen it as an activist.'' आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री जी ह्रदय के अंत:करण से आभार। आपके मार्गदर्शन मे हम पार्टी की नीतियों और सरकार की योजनाओं को अंतिम पायदान पर खड़े व्यक्ति तक ले जाएँगे। आपके व्यक्तित्व और नेतृत्व से पार्टी को जनसमर्थन मिला है, मैं कार्यकर्ता के रूप में उसको मज़बूती प्रदान करने की कोशिश करूँगा। https://t.co/NGlLHbAu12 — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 17, 2019 × Nadda also tweeted out to Amit Shah saying, ''Respected Chairman, Mr Mr You @amitshah and the party have expressed my faith in me. The way you have elevated the party to new heights is exemplary. This is how I will continue to serve the party. Thank you again.'' आदरणीय अध्यक्ष श्री @amitshah जी आपने और पार्टी ने जो विश्वास मुझ पर व्यक्त किया है उसके लिए मैं ह्रदय से आभारी हूँ। आपने जिस प्रकार पार्टी को नित नई ऊँचाइयों पर पहुँचाया है, वह अनुकरणीय है। मैं इसी प्रकार पार्टी की सेवा करता रहूँगा। आपका पुनः आभार। https://t.co/suw0SRysyv — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 17, 2019 × Former Union minister was appointed as BJP's working president during the party's parliamentary board meeting on Monday. The decision by BJP's highest decision-making body was announced by former party president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. Amit Shah will continue to be BJP's national president.

Will try to strengthen party as an activist: BJP's working president JP Nadda

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-kamal-nath-calls-on-pm-modi-discusses-issues-concerning-his-state-224944">Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath</a> has met Home Minister Amit Shah and asked him to release over Rs 800 crore as central grant to check crime against women and children in his state more effectively.

Some other issues related to the state were discussed during the Sunday meeting, officials said on Monday.

Nath, who took over as the chief minister in December, has also written a letter to the home minister in this regard.

In the letter, he drew the home minister's attention towards one of the sensitive issues of the crime against women and children.

"Considering the sensitivity of this issue, the state government is proposing a project for comprehensive set up of investigating officers/legal advisors/prosecutors and counsellors apart from DNA laboratories and mobile forensic teams exclusively for dealing with the crime against women and children. The budget outlay required is Rs 880 crore," Nath said.

He requested the home minister to support this initiative as "this will help in dealing with one of the most sensitive issues in the state".

In a horrific incident, an eight-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal earlier this month.&nbsp;

According to the latest data of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), as many as 34,651 cases of rape were registered in 2015. The number increased to 38,947 in 2016.&nbsp;

Overall crimes against women rose from 3,29,243 in 2015 to 3,38,954 in 2016, according to the NCRB data.&nbsp;

The highest number of rapes has been reported from Madhya Pradesh (4,882), followed by Uttar Pradesh (4,816) and Maharashtra (4,189) in 2016, it said.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh has reported 6,016 cases of kidnapping and abduction of children in 2016, the data said. There were 2,467 cases of child rape in the state in 2016.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has met Home Minister Amit Shah and asked him to release over Rs 800 crore as central grant to check crime against women and children in his state more effectively.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has met Home Minister Amit Shah and asked him to release over Rs 800 crore as central grant to check crime against women and children in his state more effectively. Some other issues related to the state were discussed during the Sunday meeting, officials said on Monday. Nath, who took over as the chief minister in December, has also written a letter to the home minister in this regard. In the letter, he drew the home minister's attention towards one of the sensitive issues of the crime against women and children. "Considering the sensitivity of this issue, the state government is proposing a project for comprehensive set up of investigating officers/legal advisors/prosecutors and counsellors apart from DNA laboratories and mobile forensic teams exclusively for dealing with the crime against women and children. The budget outlay required is Rs 880 crore," Nath said. He requested the home minister to support this initiative as "this will help in dealing with one of the most sensitive issues in the state". In a horrific incident, an eight-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal earlier this month. According to the latest data of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), as many as 34,651 cases of rape were registered in 2015. The number increased to 38,947 in 2016. Overall crimes against women rose from 3,29,243 in 2015 to 3,38,954 in 2016, according to the NCRB data. The highest number of rapes has been reported from Madhya Pradesh (4,882), followed by Uttar Pradesh (4,816) and Maharashtra (4,189) in 2016, it said. Madhya Pradesh has reported 6,016 cases of kidnapping and abduction of children in 2016, the data said. There were 2,467 cases of child rape in the state in 2016.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath seeks over Rs 800 crore central grant to tackle crime against women

India has a key role to play in Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC. And New Delhi can fully realise it only if it acts as a good neighbour, professor &amp; ambassador Veena Sikri has said.

Speaking on WION World Order, Professor Sikri said, "Today, people are much more receptive to the issue of security because of terrorism. There is no country in the BIMSTEC region which has not been affected by terrorism. Radicalisation and extremism are very real factors in the region and so, sharing information on these and having a common programme is a strengthening factor for BIMSTEC."

If you see all the declarations, their wording is of course by consensus, but it is so strong, she added.

"We saw it is Sri Lanka, during the dastardly Easter Day attacks. A lot of information was shared - this is the live example. This should happen more among the BIMSTEC countries," professor Sikri said.

She acknowledged that every country has its red lines. "But these red lines have to be discussed - in friendship, in understanding - not imposed."

"Make yourself real and important as far as that country's own interest is concerned. Find the meeting ground, the win-win situation. This will make India a good neighbour, a welcome neighbour," she said.

Professor Sikri hoped that India will achieve its rightful place in the BIMSTEC region under the second term of Narendra Modi government, which has renewed its focus on the region under new External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7 trillion.

India has a key role to play in Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC. And New Delhi can fully realise it only if it acts as a good neighbour, professor & ambassador Veena Sikri has said.

India has a key role to play in Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC. And New Delhi can fully realise it only if it acts as a good neighbour, professor & ambassador Veena Sikri has said. Speaking on WION World Order, Professor Sikri said, "Today, people are much more receptive to the issue of security because of terrorism. There is no country in the BIMSTEC region which has not been affected by terrorism. Radicalisation and extremism are very real factors in the region and so, sharing information on these and having a common programme is a strengthening factor for BIMSTEC." If you see all the declarations, their wording is of course by consensus, but it is so strong, she added. "We saw it is Sri Lanka, during the dastardly Easter Day attacks. A lot of information was shared - this is the live example. This should happen more among the BIMSTEC countries," professor Sikri said. She acknowledged that every country has its red lines. "But these red lines have to be discussed - in friendship, in understanding - not imposed." "Make yourself real and important as far as that country's own interest is concerned. Find the meeting ground, the win-win situation. This will make India a good neighbour, a welcome neighbour," she said. Professor Sikri hoped that India will achieve its rightful place in the BIMSTEC region under the second term of Narendra Modi government, which has renewed its focus on the region under new External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7 trillion.

India should create a win-win situation for BIMSTEC neighbours and it will be welcomed: Professor and Ambassador Veena Sikri

A day after terrorists targeted an Army patrol at Pulwama in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pulwama-attack-key-conspirator-killed-in-anantnag-encounter-228205">Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K)</a>, terrorists today lobbed a grenade at a police station.

The bomb exploded outside the police station, reports said,&nbsp;resulting&nbsp;in injuries&nbsp;to a few cilivians. Authorities have cordoned off the area after the attack.

On Monday, nine<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-fresh-encounter-erupts-in-pulwama-two-killed-in-shopian-223259"> Army personnel and two civilians</a> were injured when terrorits triggered an IED in an Army vehicle. The vehicle belonged to the 44 Rashtriya Rifles. The injured were taken to a hospital immediately and were in stable condiction, doctors said.

The site of the blast was a few kms away from the area where a convoy of vehicles carrying CRPF&nbsp;personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway were attacked by a suicide bomber on February 14 in which over 40 soliders were killed.

The key conspirators - Sajjad Maqbool Bhat and Tauseef- belonging to &nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) were killed in an encounter with security forces on Tuesday in Anantnag district.

On Friday, in another incident, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Pulwama's Braw Bandina area of Awantipora. There have been several encounters in the past fortnight between security forces and terrorits in the area.

Last week, four terrorits were killed by security forces in Pulwama's Lassipora district leading to recovery of 3 AK-47 rifles.

&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A day after terrorists targeted an Army patrol at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), terrorists today lobbed a grenade at a police station. The bomb exploded outside the police station, reports said, resulting in injuries to a few cilivians.

A day after terrorists targeted an Army patrol at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), terrorists today lobbed a grenade at a police station. The bomb exploded outside the police station, reports said, resulting in injuries to a few cilivians. Authorities have cordoned off the area after the attack. On Monday, nine Army personnel and two civilians were injured when terrorits triggered an IED in an Army vehicle. The vehicle belonged to the 44 Rashtriya Rifles. The injured were taken to a hospital immediately and were in stable condiction, doctors said. The site of the blast was a few kms away from the area where a convoy of vehicles carrying CRPF personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway were attacked by a suicide bomber on February 14 in which over 40 soliders were killed. The key conspirators - Sajjad Maqbool Bhat and Tauseef- belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) were killed in an encounter with security forces on Tuesday in Anantnag district. On Friday, in another incident, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Pulwama's Braw Bandina area of Awantipora. There have been several encounters in the past fortnight between security forces and terrorits in the area. Last week, four terrorits were killed by security forces in Pulwama's Lassipora district leading to recovery of 3 AK-47 rifles.

J&K: Terrorists attack police station in Pulwama; civilians injured

United Arab Emirates' (UAE)&nbsp;Minister of State and ADNOC Group CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber has assured India of uninterrupted supply of oil and liquefied petroleum gas despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Monday.

Pradhan said he discussed collaboration between India and the UAE during a telephone conversation with Jaber.

Attacks on two oil tankers last week raised concerns about potential supply disruptions as a fifth of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Gulf of Oman: Saudi Arabia blames tanker attacks on rival Iran

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gulf-of-oman-saudi-arabia-blames-tanker-attacks-on-rival-iran-227499/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Oil prices rose after United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington will take all actions necessary to guarantee safe navigation in the Middle East.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-deployment-of-1000-additional-troops-to-middle-east-amid-iran-tensions-228136">US has blamed Iran for attacks on two tankers</a> in the Gulf of Oman, a charge Tehran has denied as "baseless."

The US&nbsp;has approved the deployment of 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East amid tensions.

United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Minister of State and ADNOC Group CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber has assured India of uninterrupted supply of oil and liquefied petroleum gas despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Monday.

United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Minister of State and ADNOC Group CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber has assured India of uninterrupted supply of oil and liquefied petroleum gas despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Monday. Pradhan said he discussed collaboration between India and the UAE during a telephone conversation with Jaber. Attacks on two oil tankers last week raised concerns about potential supply disruptions as a fifth of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf of Oman: Saudi Arabia blames tanker attacks on rival Iran Oil prices rose after United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington will take all actions necessary to guarantee safe navigation in the Middle East. The US has blamed Iran for attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman, a charge Tehran has denied as "baseless." The US has approved the deployment of 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East amid tensions.

UAE assures supply of oil, LPG despite tanker attacks: Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-population-grew-at-12-average-annual-rate-between-2010-and-2019-un-209434">India</a>, projected to surpass China as the world's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-population-would-be-65-pc-of-indias-by-2050-due-to-low-fertility-trap-expert-150527">most populous country</a> around 2027, is expected to add nearly 273 million people between now and 2050 and will remain the most populated country through the end of the current century, a UN report said on Monday.

''The World Population Prospects 2019: Highlights'', published by the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said the world's population is expected to increase by two billion people in the next 30 years, from 7.7 billion currently to 9.7 billion in 2050.

The world's population could reach its peak around the end of the current century, at a level of nearly 11 billion, according to the study, which presents the main results of the 26th round of the UN's global population estimates, projections and global demographic patterns.

The new report said that more than half of the projected increase in the global population up to 2050 will be concentrated in just nine countries, led by India and followed by Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Indonesia, Egypt and the US.

The report highlighted that "disparate population growth rates" among the world's largest countries will re-order their ranking by size.

India is projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country around 2027, according to current projections made in the report.

"India is expected to add nearly 273 million people between 2019 and 2050, while the population of Nigeria is projected to grow by 200 million. Together, these two countries could account for 23 per cent of the global population increase to 2050," the report said.

Previous UN projections had estimated that India will surpass China as the world's most populous country as early as 2022. The 2017 world population report, released by the UN two years ago, had estimated that the population of India will surpass that of China's by around 2024. In its 24th round of estimates released in 2015, the UN had projected that India will become more populous than China by 2022.

China, with 1.43 billion people in 2019, and India, with 1.37 billion, have long been the two most populous countries of the world, comprising 19 and 18 per cent, respectively, of the global total in 2019. They are followed by the United States of America, with 329 million in 2019, and Indonesia, with 271 million, the 2019 report said.

The report said that after this re-ordering between 2019 and 2050, the ranking of the five largest countries is projected to be preserved through the end of the century, when India could remain the world's most populous country with nearly 1.5 billion inhabitants, followed by China with just under 1.1 billion, Nigeria with 733 million, the US with 434 million, and Pakistan with 403 million inhabitants.

It further said that in 2019, around 40 per cent of the world's population lives in intermediate-fertility countries, where women have on average between 2.1 and four births over a lifetime.

Average lifetime fertility of 2.1 live births per woman is roughly the level required for populations with low mortality to have a growth rate of zero in the long run. Intermediate-fertility countries are found in many regions, with the largest being India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mexico, the Philippines and Egypt.

The report also confirmed that the world's population is growing older due to increasing life expectancy and falling fertility levels and that the number of countries experiencing a reduction in population size is growing.

By 2050, one in six people in the world will be over age 65 (16 per cent), up from one in 11 in 2019 (9 per cent). The number of persons aged 80 years or over is projected to triple, from 143 million in 2019 to 426 million in 2050.

Global fertility rate, which fell from 3.2 births per woman in 1990 to 2.5 in 2019, is projected to decline further to 2.2 in 2050. A fertility level of 2.1 births per woman is needed to ensure the replacement of generations and avoid population decline over the long run in the absence of immigration.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Liu Zhenmin said the report offers a roadmap indicating where to target action and interventions.

"Many of the fastest growing populations are in the poorest countries, where population growth brings additional challenges in the effort to eradicate poverty, achieve greater equality, combat hunger and malnutrition and strengthen the coverage and quality of health and education systems to ensure that no one is left behind."

A growing number of countries are experiencing a reduction in population size. Since 2010, 27 countries or areas have experienced a reduction of one per cent or more in the size of their populations, caused by sustained low levels of fertility.

In China, the population is projected to decrease by 31.4 million, or around 2.2 per cent, between 2019 and 2050.

Further, life expectancy at birth for the world, which increased from 64.2 years in 1990 to 72.6 years in 2019, is expected to increase further to 77.1 years in 2050.

The report added that migration has become a major component of population change in some countries. Between 2010 and 2020, 14 countries or areas will see a net inflow of more than one million migrants, while 10 countries will see a net outflow of similar magnitude.

India, projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country around 2027, is expected to add nearly 273 million people between now and 2050 and will remain the most populated country through the end of the current century, a UN report said on Monday.

India, projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country around 2027, is expected to add nearly 273 million people between now and 2050 and will remain the most populated country through the end of the current century, a UN report said on Monday. ''The World Population Prospects 2019: Highlights'', published by the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said the world's population is expected to increase by two billion people in the next 30 years, from 7.7 billion currently to 9.7 billion in 2050. The world's population could reach its peak around the end of the current century, at a level of nearly 11 billion, according to the study, which presents the main results of the 26th round of the UN's global population estimates, projections and global demographic patterns. The new report said that more than half of the projected increase in the global population up to 2050 will be concentrated in just nine countries, led by India and followed by Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Indonesia, Egypt and the US. The report highlighted that "disparate population growth rates" among the world's largest countries will re-order their ranking by size. India is projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country around 2027, according to current projections made in the report. "India is expected to add nearly 273 million people between 2019 and 2050, while the population of Nigeria is projected to grow by 200 million. Together, these two countries could account for 23 per cent of the global population increase to 2050," the report said. Previous UN projections had estimated that India will surpass China as the world's most populous country as early as 2022. The 2017 world population report, released by the UN two years ago, had estimated that the population of India will surpass that of China's by around 2024. In its 24th round of estimates released in 2015, the UN had projected that India will become more populous than China by 2022. China, with 1.43 billion people in 2019, and India, with 1.37 billion, have long been the two most populous countries of the world, comprising 19 and 18 per cent, respectively, of the global total in 2019. They are followed by the United States of America, with 329 million in 2019, and Indonesia, with 271 million, the 2019 report said. The report said that after this re-ordering between 2019 and 2050, the ranking of the five largest countries is projected to be preserved through the end of the century, when India could remain the world's most populous country with nearly 1.5 billion inhabitants, followed by China with just under 1.1 billion, Nigeria with 733 million, the US with 434 million, and Pakistan with 403 million inhabitants. It further said that in 2019, around 40 per cent of the world's population lives in intermediate-fertility countries, where women have on average between 2.1 and four births over a lifetime. Average lifetime fertility of 2.1 live births per woman is roughly the level required for populations with low mortality to have a growth rate of zero in the long run. Intermediate-fertility countries are found in many regions, with the largest being India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mexico, the Philippines and Egypt. The report also confirmed that the world's population is growing older due to increasing life expectancy and falling fertility levels and that the number of countries experiencing a reduction in population size is growing. By 2050, one in six people in the world will be over age 65 (16 per cent), up from one in 11 in 2019 (9 per cent). The number of persons aged 80 years or over is projected to triple, from 143 million in 2019 to 426 million in 2050. Global fertility rate, which fell from 3.2 births per woman in 1990 to 2.5 in 2019, is projected to decline further to 2.2 in 2050. A fertility level of 2.1 births per woman is needed to ensure the replacement of generations and avoid population decline over the long run in the absence of immigration. UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Liu Zhenmin said the report offers a roadmap indicating where to target action and interventions. "Many of the fastest growing populations are in the poorest countries, where population growth brings additional challenges in the effort to eradicate poverty, achieve greater equality, combat hunger and malnutrition and strengthen the coverage and quality of health and education systems to ensure that no one is left behind." A growing number of countries are experiencing a reduction in population size. Since 2010, 27 countries or areas have experienced a reduction of one per cent or more in the size of their populations, caused by sustained low levels of fertility. In China, the population is projected to decrease by 31.4 million, or around 2.2 per cent, between 2019 and 2050. Further, life expectancy at birth for the world, which increased from 64.2 years in 1990 to 72.6 years in 2019, is expected to increase further to 77.1 years in 2050. The report added that migration has become a major component of population change in some countries. Between 2010 and 2020, 14 countries or areas will see a net inflow of more than one million migrants, while 10 countries will see a net outflow of similar magnitude.

India's population to cross China’s in next 8 years: UN report

Tamil Nadu is facing its worst water crisis this year. With searing temperatures and delayed monsoon, most of the regions are facing water a terrible shortage of water.

Wells have dried up in the southernmost tip of India that has left people looking for alternative sources of water.

The wells in the area are a source of fresh water that the residents have and if the present situation continues they will be left with no choice but to rely on pricey private water tanker facilities.

Tamil Nadu is facing drought from three years because of successive failure of north east monsoons.

The bore wells inside the Rameshwaram temple are turning dry.

At the famous Ramanathaswamy temple here, water from 19 wells is poured on the heads of the people visiting the temple as part of a ritual.

The ritual faces the threat of being stopped.

In the areas in and around the state capital, Chennai, residents are sinking borewells up to 600 feet in Ambattur, Pallavaram, Chromepet and Avadi as there is no piped water facility and private water tanker facility comes at a cost.

There is no assurance on the quality of the water bought at a high price.

People are forced to draw water from the ground illegally and over 200 motors have been seized by the Chennai Metrowater department in over a span of 15 days.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu is facing its worst water crisis this year. With searing temperatures and delayed monsoon, most of the regions are facing water a terrible shortage of water.

Tamil Nadu is facing its worst water crisis this year. With searing temperatures and delayed monsoon, most of the regions are facing water a terrible shortage of water. Wells have dried up in the southernmost tip of India that has left people looking for alternative sources of water. The wells in the area are a source of fresh water that the residents have and if the present situation continues they will be left with no choice but to rely on pricey private water tanker facilities. Tamil Nadu is facing drought from three years because of successive failure of north east monsoons. The bore wells inside the Rameshwaram temple are turning dry. At the famous Ramanathaswamy temple here, water from 19 wells is poured on the heads of the people visiting the temple as part of a ritual. The ritual faces the threat of being stopped. In the areas in and around the state capital, Chennai, residents are sinking borewells up to 600 feet in Ambattur, Pallavaram, Chromepet and Avadi as there is no piped water facility and private water tanker facility comes at a cost. There is no assurance on the quality of the water bought at a high price. People are forced to draw water from the ground illegally and over 200 motors have been seized by the Chennai Metrowater department in over a span of 15 days.

Severe water crisis hits Tamil Nadu

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/waves-of-voices-within-us-against-additional-tariffs-going-higher-china-228368">Waves of voices within US against additional tariffs going higher: China</a>

China on Tuesday urged the United States to properly solve trade disputes through consultations based on the principles of equality and mutual respect.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-response-to-s-400-missile-defence-not-in-spirit-of-an-alliance-turkey-228392">US response to S-400 missile defence not in spirit of an alliance: Turkey</a>

Turkey on Tuesday accused the US of not acting as an ally in its official response to Washington's ultimatum to Ankara to abandon a Russian missile defence system deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2005-ayodhya-terror-attack-case-prayagraj-court-sentences-four-to-life-imprisonment-acquits-one-228322">2005 Ayodhya terror attack case: Prayagraj court sentences four to life imprisonment, acquits one&nbsp;</a>

Prayagraj Special Court on Tuesday pronounced its verdict on 2005 Ayodhya terror attack case. Four convicts have been sentenced to life imprisonment, whereas one person has been acquitted, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-inks-3-loan-deals-worth-918-million-with-world-bank-228323">Cash-strapped Pakistan inks 3 loan deals worth $918 million with World Bank</a>

Pakistan on Tuesday signed three loan agreements worth a total of $918 million with the World Bank, Prime Minister Imran Khan's adviser on finance has said as the cash-strapped country tries to overcome a ballooning balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple its economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-wage-war-says-iran-president-hassan-rouhani-as-us-deploys-more-troops-to-middle-east-228306">'Won't wage war,' says Iran President Hassan Rouhani as US deploys more troops to Middle East</a>

President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday Iran would not wage war against any nation, sounding a note of restraint after the United States announced more troop deployments to the Middle East.

Waves of voices within US against additional tariffs going higher: China China on Tuesday urged the United States to properly solve trade disputes through consultations based on the principles of equality and mutual respect.

Waves of voices within US against additional tariffs going higher: China China on Tuesday urged the United States to properly solve trade disputes through consultations based on the principles of equality and mutual respect. US response to S-400 missile defence not in spirit of an alliance: Turkey Turkey on Tuesday accused the US of not acting as an ally in its official response to Washington's ultimatum to Ankara to abandon a Russian missile defence system deal. 2005 Ayodhya terror attack case: Prayagraj court sentences four to life imprisonment, acquits one Prayagraj Special Court on Tuesday pronounced its verdict on 2005 Ayodhya terror attack case. Four convicts have been sentenced to life imprisonment, whereas one person has been acquitted, news agency ANI reported. Cash-strapped Pakistan inks 3 loan deals worth $918 million with World Bank Pakistan on Tuesday signed three loan agreements worth a total of $918 million with the World Bank, Prime Minister Imran Khan's adviser on finance has said as the cash-strapped country tries to overcome a ballooning balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple its economy. 'Won't wage war,' says Iran President Hassan Rouhani as US deploys more troops to Middle East President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday Iran would not wage war against any nation, sounding a note of restraint after the United States announced more troop deployments to the Middle East.

The Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday claimed that over 90 per cent people have favoured free rides for women in Delhi Metro and buses.

According to senior AAP leader Gopal Rai, the finding&nbsp;was based on a survey conducted by his party legislators, municipal councillors and women wing.

He added that more than 71,000 people participated in the survey which went on for ten days.

"We met all the sections of society. The party held 1,120 meetings and found that out of 71,572 people, as many as 64,972 were in favour of the free rides for women in metros and buses," news agency PTI quoted Rai.

The finding&nbsp;will now be submitted to the Delhi chief minister. Arvind Kejriwal had on June 3 announced his government's decision to provide&nbsp;free travel to&nbsp;women in DTC&nbsp;buses and Metro trains. 
 
Meanwhile, former Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), E Sreedharan, has opposed the AAP government's proposed free travel scheme for women in Delhi Metro trains. In a letter to the Prime Minister, he urged him not to agree to the proposal as it would set "alarming precedence". &nbsp; 
 
"Now, if ladies are to be given free travel concession in Delhi Metro, it would set alarming precedence to all other metros in the country. The argument of the Delhi government that the revenue losses would be reimbursed to the DMRC is a poor solace," the former DMRC managing director said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday claimed that over 90 per cent people have favoured free rides for women in Delhi Metro and buses. According to senior AAP leader Gopal Rai, the finding was based on a survey conducted by his party legislators, municipal councillors and women wing.

The Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday claimed that over 90 per cent people have favoured free rides for women in Delhi Metro and buses. According to senior AAP leader Gopal Rai, the finding was based on a survey conducted by his party legislators, municipal councillors and women wing. He added that more than 71,000 people participated in the survey which went on for ten days. "We met all the sections of society. The party held 1,120 meetings and found that out of 71,572 people, as many as 64,972 were in favour of the free rides for women in metros and buses," news agency PTI quoted Rai. The finding will now be submitted to the Delhi chief minister. Arvind Kejriwal had on June 3 announced his government's decision to provide free travel to women in DTC buses and Metro trains. Meanwhile, former Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), E Sreedharan, has opposed the AAP government's proposed free travel scheme for women in Delhi Metro trains. In a letter to the Prime Minister, he urged him not to agree to the proposal as it would set "alarming precedence". "Now, if ladies are to be given free travel concession in Delhi Metro, it would set alarming precedence to all other metros in the country. The argument of the Delhi government that the revenue losses would be reimbursed to the DMRC is a poor solace," the former DMRC managing director said. (With inputs from agencies)

90% people favour free rides for women in metros and buses, claims AAP

A farmer, Ganapati Bhat, has invented the answer to the woes of traditional tree-climbers of southern India, who risk their lives to pluck nuts from areca trees.

A farmer invents tree climbing machine to pluck nuts from tall areca trees

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Will leave no stone unturned to lift morale of armed forces: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

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PM Modi meets key secretaries to finalise 100-day agenda

Om Birla to be NDA's nominee for Lok Sabha speaker's post: Sources

Protests greet Nitish Kumar during Muzaffarpur hospital visit; toll climbs to 111

Mamata Banerjee not to attend all-party meeting on Wednesday

Tamil Nadu: 3 arrested in connection to ISIS module, remanded to judicial custody till June 28

West Bengal: TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee addresses corporators and councillors ahead of 2020 civic body polls

India extends $15 million to Niger for African Union summit

Sonia Gandhi to chair Congress' Parliamentary strategy meet today

News brief: Big stories of the day

J&K: One Soldier Injured, Others Suffer Bruises In Terror Attack In Pulwama

J&K: Militants, security forces locked in encounter in Anantnag district

Dialogue partners for 'BIMSTEC: One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity'

Air India to start services on three routes: Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

Will try to strengthen party as an activist: BJP's working president JP Nadda

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath seeks over Rs 800 crore central grant to tackle crime against women

India should create a win-win situation for BIMSTEC neighbours and it will be welcomed: Professor and Ambassador Veena Sikri

J&K: Terrorists attack police station in Pulwama; civilians injured

UAE assures supply of oil, LPG despite tanker attacks: Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan

India's population to cross China’s in next 8 years: UN report

Severe water crisis hits Tamil Nadu

News brief: Big stories of the day

90% people favour free rides for women in metros and buses, claims AAP

A farmer invents tree climbing machine to pluck nuts from tall areca trees