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

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

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

F1 set to return to Africa for first time since 1993 

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

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

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

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

Which jobs are safest from humanoid robots?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Somaliland celebrates after Trump calls it 'a totally different country', raise hopes of US recognition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Global energy crisis hits Indian economy 

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

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

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

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

After flydubai co-pilot attack, Air France bans Pakistani, Muslim-majority crew on Israel flights

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

As Prime Minister Modi wraps up his first multilateral summit after his re-election, the question is what was India doing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO? What's India's position, role and target?

Let's start from the beginning. India was inducted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on Russia's insistence. It wanted to counter China. But the Russia-China equation has changed since. They have become strategic allies. So India must figure out its place and agenda. At the SCO, India's biggest opportunities are also its biggest challenges.

Trade: The yawning gap

The SCO has eight member countries. They cover 20 per cent of the world's GDP and 42 per cent of the world's population. The commercial potential is immense. Yet Central Asia hasn't been the traditional focus of India when it comes to trade. Look at the numbers. India's bilateral trade with Central Asia is one-fiftieth that of China's. While India's figures stood at less than $2 billion, China's trade with Central Asia crossed $50 billion in 2018. Same with Russia. The bilateral trade between India and Russia is barely $10 billion. That number for China and Russia is more than $100 billion. Why hasn't India done more? That brings us to the next challenge/opportunity.

Connectivity: The China-Pakistan Cordon

India shares no land border with any of the Central Asian countries. It must travel via Pakistan or China. Poor connectivity results in poor trade, that's a no-brainer. The operationalisation of the Chabahar port may change that, but it's early days. Geography remains a constraint. As does policy (though in this case, we're following the best). India is the only SCO country that has not endorsed China's Belt and Road Initiative. By the looks of it, that may not change. So India will have to create alternatives.

Counter-terrorism: With Pakistan?

Terrorism the biggest talking point and the biggest challenge too. The elephant in the room is Pakistan, an established state sponsor of terrorism. But it won't be singled out at China's insistence. So under SCO, India participates in counter-terror military exercises with Pakistan and China, the two countries that are the most likely adversaries of India in war, the only two countries with which India has fought a war. Sounds ridiculous? There's more. All member countries are part of RATS - the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. It requires all members to share intelligence to combat terrorism. India should share intelligence with a group that has Pakistan on board?

It is one thing to say that multi-lateral forums keep bilateral differences at bay. It's quite another to walk the talk. PM Modi of India and PM Imran Khan of Pakistan came face to face in Bishkek seven times. They did not talk, or so the reports say. It is hard to believe this strained relationship won't have a bearing on the summit.

Challenges vs opportunities

Plus India must balance ties with the Americans. Buying the S-400 missile defence system from Russia despite objections from Washington, working with China to counter trade protectionism in the middle of Beijing's trade war with Washington - it's walking the diplomatic tightrope. We call it strategic autonomy.

So challenges abound. As do opportunities. SCO isn't just about photo ops. Central Asian countries want a bigger role for India. They aren't beholden to China. They shot down Beijing's proposal for an SCO development bank and free trade agreement. If India makes the right moves, it can emerge as the more reliable partner and regional power for countries that have always lived under the shadow of Russia and China.

As Prime Minister Modi wraps up his first multilateral summit after his re-election, the question is what was India doing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO?

As Prime Minister Modi wraps up his first multilateral summit after his re-election, the question is what was India doing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO? What's India's position, role and target? Let's start from the beginning. India was inducted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on Russia's insistence. It wanted to counter China. But the Russia-China equation has changed since. They have become strategic allies. So India must figure out its place and agenda. At the SCO, India's biggest opportunities are also its biggest challenges. Trade: The yawning gap The SCO has eight member countries. They cover 20 per cent of the world's GDP and 42 per cent of the world's population. The commercial potential is immense. Yet Central Asia hasn't been the traditional focus of India when it comes to trade. Look at the numbers. India's bilateral trade with Central Asia is one-fiftieth that of China's. While India's figures stood at less than $2 billion, China's trade with Central Asia crossed $50 billion in 2018. Same with Russia. The bilateral trade between India and Russia is barely $10 billion. That number for China and Russia is more than $100 billion. Why hasn't India done more? That brings us to the next challenge/opportunity. Connectivity: The China-Pakistan Cordon India shares no land border with any of the Central Asian countries. It must travel via Pakistan or China. Poor connectivity results in poor trade, that's a no-brainer. The operationalisation of the Chabahar port may change that, but it's early days. Geography remains a constraint. As does policy (though in this case, we're following the best). India is the only SCO country that has not endorsed China's Belt and Road Initiative. By the looks of it, that may not change. So India will have to create alternatives. Counter-terrorism: With Pakistan? Terrorism the biggest talking point and the biggest challenge too. The elephant in the room is Pakistan, an established state sponsor of terrorism. But it won't be singled out at China's insistence. So under SCO, India participates in counter-terror military exercises with Pakistan and China, the two countries that are the most likely adversaries of India in war, the only two countries with which India has fought a war. Sounds ridiculous? There's more. All member countries are part of RATS - the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. It requires all members to share intelligence to combat terrorism. India should share intelligence with a group that has Pakistan on board? It is one thing to say that multi-lateral forums keep bilateral differences at bay. It's quite another to walk the talk. PM Modi of India and PM Imran Khan of Pakistan came face to face in Bishkek seven times. They did not talk, or so the reports say. It is hard to believe this strained relationship won't have a bearing on the summit. Challenges vs opportunities Plus India must balance ties with the Americans. Buying the S-400 missile defence system from Russia despite objections from Washington, working with China to counter trade protectionism in the middle of Beijing's trade war with Washington - it's walking the diplomatic tightrope. We call it strategic autonomy. So challenges abound. As do opportunities. SCO isn't just about photo ops. Central Asian countries want a bigger role for India. They aren't beholden to China. They shot down Beijing's proposal for an SCO development bank and free trade agreement. If India makes the right moves, it can emerge as the more reliable partner and regional power for countries that have always lived under the shadow of Russia and China.

Analysis: What is India doing at the SCO?

The Calcutta High Court on Friday refused to pass any interim order on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-doctors-strike-spreads-to-other-states-hospital-operations-hit-227037">strike by junior doctors</a> at state-run hospitals in protest against the attack on two of their colleagues by family members of a patient.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice TBN Radhakrishnan and Justice Suvra Ghosh asked the state government to persuade the striking doctors to resume work and provide usual services to patients.

The court also directed the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government to apprise it of the steps taken following the attack on the junior doctors at a city hospital on Monday night.

The Chief Justice, during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), reminded the striking doctors of the 'Hippocratic Oath' they take to ensure the welfare of all patients. The bench fixed June 21 for further hearing of the petition.

Junior doctors across all state-run hospitals in West Bengal have called for a strike, demanding adequate security in medical colleges and hospitals, after two of their colleagues were brutally beaten up at NRS Medical College and Hospital in the city.

Emergency wards, outdoor facilities, pathological units of many state-run medical colleges and hospitals and a number of private medical facilities in the state have remained closed over the past three days in the wake of the protest.&nbsp;

The Calcutta High Court on Friday refused to pass any interim order on the strike by junior doctors at state-run hospitals in protest against the attack on two of their colleagues by family members of a patient.

The Calcutta High Court on Friday refused to pass any interim order on the strike by junior doctors at state-run hospitals in protest against the attack on two of their colleagues by family members of a patient. A division bench comprising Chief Justice TBN Radhakrishnan and Justice Suvra Ghosh asked the state government to persuade the striking doctors to resume work and provide usual services to patients. The court also directed the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government to apprise it of the steps taken following the attack on the junior doctors at a city hospital on Monday night. The Chief Justice, during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), reminded the striking doctors of the 'Hippocratic Oath' they take to ensure the welfare of all patients. The bench fixed June 21 for further hearing of the petition. Junior doctors across all state-run hospitals in West Bengal have called for a strike, demanding adequate security in medical colleges and hospitals, after two of their colleagues were brutally beaten up at NRS Medical College and Hospital in the city. Emergency wards, outdoor facilities, pathological units of many state-run medical colleges and hospitals and a number of private medical facilities in the state have remained closed over the past three days in the wake of the protest.

Calcutta High Court refuses to pass interim order on doctors' strike

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared an All India Protest Day Friday in the wake of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/calcutta-high-court-refuses-to-pass-interim-order-on-doctors-strike-227100">violence against doctors in Kolkata</a>.

"The past few days have seen violence on doctors and hospitals in many states. The gruesome incident in NRS Medical College, Kolkata is of barbaric nature. Dr Paribaha Mukharjee, who was brutally attacked, is critical and fighting for his life. IMA condemns the violence perpetrated on a young doctor. Entire medical fraternity expresses our solidarity with the Residents who are on strike", the IMA said in a press release.

The IMA has released a set of 10 directives to coordinate action in all the local branches under their jurisdiction in connection with the planned protest. Among them are members directed to wear the black badges and give a memorandum to district authorities across the country.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Delhi Medical Association, today, also called for a 'total medical bandh to protest.&nbsp;

Doctors have been on a protest from Tuesday in West Bengal after an intern at the Nil Ratan Sarkar (NRS) Medical College and Hospital was allegedly attacked by the relative of a patient who died on June 10.&nbsp;

Watch: Chaos in West Bengal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-chaos-in-west-bengal-226960/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Doctors from various medical institutions in Telangana joined the nationwide protest demanding justice and protection to them in the wake of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/calcutta-high-court-refuses-to-pass-interim-order-on-doctors-strike-227100">recent assault on doctors in Kolkata</a>.

Doctors in Kolkata have been on strike after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured over an issue of alleged negligence at the NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Doctors of NIMS Hyderabad also gathered on the road in sympathy with the striking doctors of Kolkata.

Speaking to ANI, a doctor said,&nbsp;"We demand justice for what has happened with the junior doctors in West Bengal. If doctors are not safe then how come patients will be safe. All we need is safety for the saviours."

Talking about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's ultimatum to the doctors to stop the protest, the doctor added, "This is not a political issue. It is not about politics but about the safety of the doctors. Sitting on such a position she is not supposed to give such statements."

The doctors have demanded the implementation of the Central Protection Act for them all across the country.

 
&nbsp;

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared an All India Protest Day Friday in the wake of violence against doctors in Kolkata. "The past few days have seen violence on doctors and hospitals in many states.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared an All India Protest Day Friday in the wake of violence against doctors in Kolkata. "The past few days have seen violence on doctors and hospitals in many states. The gruesome incident in NRS Medical College, Kolkata is of barbaric nature. Dr Paribaha Mukharjee, who was brutally attacked, is critical and fighting for his life. IMA condemns the violence perpetrated on a young doctor. Entire medical fraternity expresses our solidarity with the Residents who are on strike", the IMA said in a press release. The IMA has released a set of 10 directives to coordinate action in all the local branches under their jurisdiction in connection with the planned protest. Among them are members directed to wear the black badges and give a memorandum to district authorities across the country. Meanwhile, Delhi Medical Association, today, also called for a 'total medical bandh to protest. Doctors have been on a protest from Tuesday in West Bengal after an intern at the Nil Ratan Sarkar (NRS) Medical College and Hospital was allegedly attacked by the relative of a patient who died on June 10. Watch: Chaos in West Bengal Meanwhile, Doctors from various medical institutions in Telangana joined the nationwide protest demanding justice and protection to them in the wake of the recent assault on doctors in Kolkata. Doctors in Kolkata have been on strike after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured over an issue of alleged negligence at the NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Tuesday. Doctors of NIMS Hyderabad also gathered on the road in sympathy with the striking doctors of Kolkata. Speaking to ANI, a doctor said, "We demand justice for what has happened with the junior doctors in West Bengal. If doctors are not safe then how come patients will be safe. All we need is safety for the saviours." Talking about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's ultimatum to the doctors to stop the protest, the doctor added, "This is not a political issue. It is not about politics but about the safety of the doctors. Sitting on such a position she is not supposed to give such statements." The doctors have demanded the implementation of the Central Protection Act for them all across the country.

Indian Medical Association declares all-India protest for state branches

New civil aviation minister said on Friday he is confident that problems at grounded Jet Airways Ltd will be solved, in the government's first comments on the debt-laden carrier since it was reelected last month.

"(We are) very confident we can solve the problems at the now defunct carrier," Hardeep Singh Puri said on the sidelines of a conference in New Delhi, in comments widely interpreted as referring to Jet.

Massive debt and suffocating price competition forced what was once India's biggest private-sector airline to halt operations in April at the cost of thousands of jobs, and resulting in higher airfares across the industry.

The airline and its lenders have been searching for new investors, while employee unions have been calling for government intervention. The government, however, has largely been quiet on the issue since its election victory.

Puri has assumed office at a time of distress in areas of Indian aviation. Last year, the government unsuccessfully sought a buyer for money-losing state-owned carrier Air India Ltd.

"We have made mistakes in civil aviation in the past which we need to correct," Puri said.

Jet's share price was 9% lower in early afternoon trade. The stock sunk in the last two trading sessions after India's largest stock exchange limited speculative trading in the firm.

New civil aviation minister said on Friday he is confident that problems at grounded Jet Airways Ltd will be solved, in the government's first comments on the debt-laden carrier since it was reelected last month.

New civil aviation minister said on Friday he is confident that problems at grounded Jet Airways Ltd will be solved, in the government's first comments on the debt-laden carrier since it was reelected last month. "(We are) very confident we can solve the problems at the now defunct carrier," Hardeep Singh Puri said on the sidelines of a conference in New Delhi, in comments widely interpreted as referring to Jet. Massive debt and suffocating price competition forced what was once India's biggest private-sector airline to halt operations in April at the cost of thousands of jobs, and resulting in higher airfares across the industry. The airline and its lenders have been searching for new investors, while employee unions have been calling for government intervention. The government, however, has largely been quiet on the issue since its election victory. Puri has assumed office at a time of distress in areas of Indian aviation. Last year, the government unsuccessfully sought a buyer for money-losing state-owned carrier Air India Ltd. "We have made mistakes in civil aviation in the past which we need to correct," Puri said. Jet's share price was 9% lower in early afternoon trade. The stock sunk in the last two trading sessions after India's largest stock exchange limited speculative trading in the firm.

Civil aviation minister says confident Jet Airways' problems will be solved

Doctors from various medical institutions in Telangana joined the nationwide protest demanding justice and protection to them in the wake of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/calcutta-high-court-refuses-to-pass-interim-order-on-doctors-strike-227100">recent assault on doctors in Kolkata</a>.

Doctors in Kolkata have been on strike after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured over an issue of alleged negligence at the NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Doctors of NIMS Hyderabad also gathered on the road in sympathy with the striking doctors of Kolkata.

Speaking to ANI, a doctor said,&nbsp;"We demand justice for what has happened with the junior doctors in West Bengal. If doctors are not safe then how come patients will be safe. All we need is safety for the saviours."

Talking about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's ultimatum to the doctors to stop the protest, the doctor added, "This is not a political issue. It is not about politics but about the safety of the doctors. Sitting on such a position she is not supposed to give such statements."

The doctors have demanded the implementation of the Central Protection Act for them all across the country.

Watch: Chaos in West Bengal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-chaos-in-west-bengal-226960/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Protests were carried out by Osmania Medical College students and staff also. Also, doctors from Gandhi Hospital staged a protest condemning the attack on the junior doctors in West Bengal.

Dr Mariam said, "It's very difficult for us to discharge our duty all day. There is no security for us. Each patient is accompanied by at least 5 to 10 people, sometimes they are drunk and even misbehave with us. The public must understand that the patient gets referred here (government hospital) only when no other private hospital is ready to accept the patient, that means the patient is in a very critical stage.

"They think that even an 85-year-old person is not supposed to die. Once the patient dies, all the relatives enter and beat us up and leave and then the police enter the play. I would request the people to understand the fact that we being doctors are trying our best to save their lives."

Dr&nbsp;Nidha Fatima said, "I request families and attendants of patients to understand that human beings are destined to die, no matter what your age is. So learn to accept the death with dignity. Respect the person who lost his life. But attacking or hitting the person who tried to save the life of your loved ones just because they could not save your loved ones is completely defeating the purpose. So people please educate yourself."

The public has also come out in support of the doctors. "It is really sad that the doctors are getting beaten even after offering their service to the public. Sometimes mistakes happen and that does not mean that they should be beaten. If the patient or his relatives feel that something has gone wrong, then they should approach the police and go ahead as per the law. Hitting the doctors does not make any good to the society," a local&nbsp;

Doctors from various medical institutions in Telangana joined the nationwide protest demanding justice and protection to them in the wake of the recent assault on doctors in Kolkata.

Doctors from various medical institutions in Telangana joined the nationwide protest demanding justice and protection to them in the wake of the recent assault on doctors in Kolkata. Doctors in Kolkata have been on strike after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured over an issue of alleged negligence at the NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Tuesday. Doctors of NIMS Hyderabad also gathered on the road in sympathy with the striking doctors of Kolkata. Speaking to ANI, a doctor said, "We demand justice for what has happened with the junior doctors in West Bengal. If doctors are not safe then how come patients will be safe. All we need is safety for the saviours." Talking about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's ultimatum to the doctors to stop the protest, the doctor added, "This is not a political issue. It is not about politics but about the safety of the doctors. Sitting on such a position she is not supposed to give such statements." The doctors have demanded the implementation of the Central Protection Act for them all across the country. Watch: Chaos in West Bengal Protests were carried out by Osmania Medical College students and staff also. Also, doctors from Gandhi Hospital staged a protest condemning the attack on the junior doctors in West Bengal. Dr Mariam said, "It's very difficult for us to discharge our duty all day. There is no security for us. Each patient is accompanied by at least 5 to 10 people, sometimes they are drunk and even misbehave with us. The public must understand that the patient gets referred here (government hospital) only when no other private hospital is ready to accept the patient, that means the patient is in a very critical stage. "They think that even an 85-year-old person is not supposed to die. Once the patient dies, all the relatives enter and beat us up and leave and then the police enter the play. I would request the people to understand the fact that we being doctors are trying our best to save their lives." Dr Nidha Fatima said, "I request families and attendants of patients to understand that human beings are destined to die, no matter what your age is. So learn to accept the death with dignity. Respect the person who lost his life. But attacking or hitting the person who tried to save the life of your loved ones just because they could not save your loved ones is completely defeating the purpose. So people please educate yourself." The public has also come out in support of the doctors. "It is really sad that the doctors are getting beaten even after offering their service to the public. Sometimes mistakes happen and that does not mean that they should be beaten. If the patient or his relatives feel that something has gone wrong, then they should approach the police and go ahead as per the law. Hitting the doctors does not make any good to the society," a local

Telangana doctors join nationwide protest; demand justice, implementation of Protection Act

The Congress on Friday released a list of legislators in Maharashtra for certain positions in the state Assembly. The interesting part in this list is that it has been approved by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) instead of party president Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi has been in London since Tuesday and unavailable to the Congress leadership for any decisions.

The list approved the name of Balasaheb Thorat as the leader of the legislative party in Maharashtra who will replace Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who quit the party earlier this month. Also included in the list is the name of Sharad Ranpise, who has been appointed leader of the Upper House. Generally, appointments for Congress party positions are announced on behalf of the party president.

<img alt="AICC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b7d601ec-f9c9-4779-9c9d-3aaa063d06ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/AICC.jpg" />

(The list approved by the AICC)

The names were proposed by the state in-charge Mallikarjun Kharge which was approved by the Congress general secretary in-charge of organisation, KC Venugopal.

Before the elections, Rahul Gandhi was taking most of the decisions. He even approved the appointment of Gurdaspur district president in January, 2019. But this time, Gandhi's absence in the party's official release took many by surprise.

<img alt="Congress list" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="364a9c2b-6313-41cb-b1e5-21254fb80d5a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20190614-WA0039.jpg" />

(The list approved by Rahul Gandhi in January)

As of now, there is no clarity on the decision-making process at the top in the Congress party. However, the party's media cell in-charge Randeep Surjewala has been insisting that Rahul Gandhi continues as president and would remain so in the position.

The Congress will also need to appoint leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in Lok Sabha. This authority is vested in Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) president Sonia Gandhi, she can directly appoint any MP as the leader of the party in the Lower House (Lok Sabha) of Parliament.

Senior Congress leaders and few chief ministers are expected to meet today (June 14) for dinner hosted by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath. Sources said the official reason is to make a common strategy for the meeting which they will attend on Saturday at Niti Aayog. Sources also said that Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrindar Singh may skip the dinner today, but the top menu of the dinner will remain the future of the Congress party as Rahul Gandhi continues to stick to his decision of not being the party president.

The Congress on Friday released a list of legislators in Maharashtra for certain positions in the state Assembly. The interesting part in this list is that it has been approved by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) instead of party president Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress on Friday released a list of legislators in Maharashtra for certain positions in the state Assembly. The interesting part in this list is that it has been approved by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) instead of party president Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi has been in London since Tuesday and unavailable to the Congress leadership for any decisions. The list approved the name of Balasaheb Thorat as the leader of the legislative party in Maharashtra who will replace Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who quit the party earlier this month. Also included in the list is the name of Sharad Ranpise, who has been appointed leader of the Upper House. Generally, appointments for Congress party positions are announced on behalf of the party president. (The list approved by the AICC) The names were proposed by the state in-charge Mallikarjun Kharge which was approved by the Congress general secretary in-charge of organisation, KC Venugopal. Before the elections, Rahul Gandhi was taking most of the decisions. He even approved the appointment of Gurdaspur district president in January, 2019. But this time, Gandhi's absence in the party's official release took many by surprise. (The list approved by Rahul Gandhi in January) As of now, there is no clarity on the decision-making process at the top in the Congress party. However, the party's media cell in-charge Randeep Surjewala has been insisting that Rahul Gandhi continues as president and would remain so in the position. The Congress will also need to appoint leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in Lok Sabha. This authority is vested in Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) president Sonia Gandhi, she can directly appoint any MP as the leader of the party in the Lower House (Lok Sabha) of Parliament. Senior Congress leaders and few chief ministers are expected to meet today (June 14) for dinner hosted by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath. Sources said the official reason is to make a common strategy for the meeting which they will attend on Saturday at Niti Aayog. Sources also said that Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrindar Singh may skip the dinner today, but the top menu of the dinner will remain the future of the Congress party as Rahul Gandhi continues to stick to his decision of not being the party president.

Congress gets down to business without its president Rahul Gandhi

West Bengal doctors who have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-fails-to-end-impasse-at-government-hospitals-mass-resignations-begin-226948">agitating since Tuesday</a> demanding better security at workplace&nbsp;after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured at the NRS medical college and hospital in Kolkata were joined by a series of doctors from across the country today.

Exhibiting solidarity to their community, doctors from Hyderabad, Nagpur, Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Jaipur&nbsp;staged protests on Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-setback-to-mamata-banerjee-her-nephew-seen-leading-protest-against-west-bengal-government-226937">In setback to Mamata Banerjee, her nephew seen leading protest against West Bengal government</a>

Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) and Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of AIIMS from Delhi observed strike in support of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-doctors-on-strike-defy-mamatas-deadline-to-continue-stir-till-demands-are-met-226856"> West Bengal's doctor</a>.

An official statement released by the MARD said, "We are shutting down our OPD, ward and academic services from 8 am to 5 pm today. Emergency services will not be hampered."

Holding posters, 'Save the Saviour' and 'Stand with NRSMCH', doctors from Nagpur also protested against the violence in West Bengal.

Resident Doctors at Raipur's Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Chhattisgarh raised slogans of 'We Want Justice' during their protest over violence.&nbsp;

Marking protest over the violence, doctors from Jaipur hospital carried out their duties wearing black bands in their hands.
<img alt="Doctors' protesting in Jaipur" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8e5d11c-a6d5-43fa-8da5-81d454f41772" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/black%20band.JPG" />
Members of Indian Medical Association, Trivandrum in Kerala also joined the protest against doctors in West Bengal.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Students of NRS Medical College and Hospital are on a sit on a protest over the violence against doctors in the state.
<img alt="Doctors' protest in Kerala" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f43683d0-5140-4467-a33f-c21ec1183e97" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DOC.JPG" />
The doctors in West Bengal have been protesting since Tuesday after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured at the NRS medical college and hospital in Kolkata.

Services have been affected over the past three days in emergency wards, outpatient facilities and pathological units of many state-run medical colleges and hospitals and a large number of private medical facilities in the state due to the strike.
<img alt="Doctors protest" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25c97932-feed-459b-ad9c-6880d241ede0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/doc3.JPG" />
Meanwhile, the&nbsp;India Medical Association has also declared "All India Protest Day" on Friday against the incident and expressed solidarity with the striking doctors.

West Bengal doctors who have been agitating since Tuesday demanding better security at workplace after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured at the NRS medical college and hospital in Kolkata were joined by a series of doctors from across the country today.

West Bengal doctors who have been agitating since Tuesday demanding better security at workplace after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured at the NRS medical college and hospital in Kolkata were joined by a series of doctors from across the country today. Exhibiting solidarity to their community, doctors from Hyderabad, Nagpur, Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Jaipur staged protests on Friday. Also read: In setback to Mamata Banerjee, her nephew seen leading protest against West Bengal government Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) and Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of AIIMS from Delhi observed strike in support of the West Bengal's doctor. An official statement released by the MARD said, "We are shutting down our OPD, ward and academic services from 8 am to 5 pm today. Emergency services will not be hampered." Holding posters, 'Save the Saviour' and 'Stand with NRSMCH', doctors from Nagpur also protested against the violence in West Bengal. Resident Doctors at Raipur's Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Chhattisgarh raised slogans of 'We Want Justice' during their protest over violence. Marking protest over the violence, doctors from Jaipur hospital carried out their duties wearing black bands in their hands. Members of Indian Medical Association, Trivandrum in Kerala also joined the protest against doctors in West Bengal. Meanwhile, Kolkata Students of NRS Medical College and Hospital are on a sit on a protest over the violence against doctors in the state. The doctors in West Bengal have been protesting since Tuesday after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured at the NRS medical college and hospital in Kolkata. Services have been affected over the past three days in emergency wards, outpatient facilities and pathological units of many state-run medical colleges and hospitals and a large number of private medical facilities in the state due to the strike. Meanwhile, the India Medical Association has also declared "All India Protest Day" on Friday against the incident and expressed solidarity with the striking doctors.

West Bengal doctors' strike spreads to other states; hospital operations hit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-provided-stability-and-momentum-to-india-china-ties-pm-modi-to-xi-226895">Wuhan provided 'stability and momentum' to India-China ties: PM Modi to Xi Jinping</a> 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-delighted-to-win-first-round-of-race-for-british-prime-minister-226898">Boris Johnson 'delighted' to win first round of race for British Prime Minister</a> 
 
Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-uk-foreign-secretary-signs-wikileaks-founders-us-extradition-papers-226823">Julian Assange: UK Foreign Secretary Javid signs WikiLeaks founder's US extradition papers&nbsp;</a> 
 
UK home secretary, Sajid Javid, on Friday said that he had signed a request to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US where he faces charges of computer hacking.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-us-russia-relations-are-getting-worse-and-worse-226830">Putin says US-Russia relations are getting 'worse and worse'</a>

President Vladimir Putin said relations between Moscow and Washington were getting worse and worse, noting in an interview published on Thursday that the current US administration had imposed dozens of sanctions on Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-rescue-team-recovers-bodies-of-all-personnel-aboard-an-32-aircraft-226844">Indian Air Force's rescue team recovers bodies of all personnel aboard AN-32 aircraft</a> 
 
Indian Air Force's search and rescue team has recovered bodies of all 13 personnel who were aboard IAF's missing AN-32 aircraft. The black box of transport aircraft has also been recovered. Choppers would be used to carry the dead bodies from the crash site, news agency ANI reported.

Wuhan provided 'stability and momentum' to India-China ties: PM Modi to Xi Jinping Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened.

Wuhan provided 'stability and momentum' to India-China ties: PM Modi to Xi Jinping Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened. Boris Johnson 'delighted' to win first round of race for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May. Julian Assange: UK Foreign Secretary Javid signs WikiLeaks founder's US extradition papers UK home secretary, Sajid Javid, on Friday said that he had signed a request to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US where he faces charges of computer hacking. Putin says US-Russia relations are getting 'worse and worse' President Vladimir Putin said relations between Moscow and Washington were getting worse and worse, noting in an interview published on Thursday that the current US administration had imposed dozens of sanctions on Russia. Indian Air Force's rescue team recovers bodies of all personnel aboard AN-32 aircraft Indian Air Force's search and rescue team has recovered bodies of all 13 personnel who were aboard IAF's missing AN-32 aircraft. The black box of transport aircraft has also been recovered. Choppers would be used to carry the dead bodies from the crash site, news agency ANI reported.

News brief: Big stories of the day

An eight-member team of scientists from the Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala, and National Institute of Virology. Pune, arrived in North Paravur, Ernakulam, to collect samples from fruit-eating bats to find the source of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-four-suspected-of-nipah-virus-discharged-from-isolation-ward-in-kochi-225645">Nipah virus</a>.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr&nbsp;Harsh Vardhan had said on June 4 that the Centre has rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus.

There has been widespread panic caused by the emergence of cases testing positive for the viral infection.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus but it can also be transmitted from person to person and through contaminated food.

World Health Organisation says that Nipah Virus is caused by fruit bats and is potentially fatal to humans as well as animals.

Along with respiratory illness, it is also known to cause fever, muscular pain, headache, fever, dizziness, and nausea.

The virus caused 17 deaths in Kerala last year. Those who have visited Ernakulam and its neighbouring districts have been alerted to be wary of any such symptoms caused by the virus.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

An eight-member team of scientists from the Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala, and National Institute of Virology. Pune, arrived in North Paravur, Ernakulam, to collect samples from fruit-eating bats to find the source of Nipah virus.

An eight-member team of scientists from the Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala, and National Institute of Virology. Pune, arrived in North Paravur, Ernakulam, to collect samples from fruit-eating bats to find the source of Nipah virus. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan had said on June 4 that the Centre has rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus. There has been widespread panic caused by the emergence of cases testing positive for the viral infection. Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus but it can also be transmitted from person to person and through contaminated food. World Health Organisation says that Nipah Virus is caused by fruit bats and is potentially fatal to humans as well as animals. Along with respiratory illness, it is also known to cause fever, muscular pain, headache, fever, dizziness, and nausea. The virus caused 17 deaths in Kerala last year. Those who have visited Ernakulam and its neighbouring districts have been alerted to be wary of any such symptoms caused by the virus.

Scientists arrive in Kerala to find source of Nipah Virus outbreak

Amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-doctors-strike-spreads-to-other-states-hospital-operations-hit-227037">nationwide protest by the doctors</a>, the&nbsp;Resident Doctors Association of AIIMS on Friday met with the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in Delhi over the violence against doctors in West Bengal.

Expressing concern over the issue Harsh Vardhan said that he would try to resolve the matter and&nbsp;discuss the issue with West Bengal chief minister&nbsp;Mamata Banerjee.

"I appeal with folded hands to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to not make this an issue of prestige. Despite getting beaten so badly, doctors only asked her to provide them adequate security and take action against all those behind this as per the law. But, she didn`t do this and gave an ultimatum to the doctors after which doctors of West Bengal and across the country got angry and went on strike. If the Chief Minister changes her attitude, then patients will not suffer across India."

"Today, I will write a letter to Mamata Banerjee. I will also try to talk to her,"&nbsp;he added.

Harsh Vardhan&nbsp;further assured safety to all the doctors working and requested them to continue with their duties.

"I'd like to assure all doctors that Govt is committed towards their safety. I appeal to doctors to hold symbolic protests only and continue to carry out their duties, " he said.

A nationwide protest erupted in the country on Friday in support of the West Bengal doctors who have have been agitating demanding better security at the workplace.

West Bengal doctors' protest began after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured at the NRS medical college and hospital in Kolkata.

Exhibiting solidarity to their community, doctors from Hyderabad, Nagpur, Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Jaipur&nbsp;staged protests on Friday.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Amid the nationwide protest by the doctors, the Resident Doctors Association of AIIMS on Friday met with the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in Delhi over the violence against doctors in West Bengal.

Amid the nationwide protest by the doctors, the Resident Doctors Association of AIIMS on Friday met with the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in Delhi over the violence against doctors in West Bengal. Expressing concern over the issue Harsh Vardhan said that he would try to resolve the matter and discuss the issue with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. "I appeal with folded hands to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to not make this an issue of prestige. Despite getting beaten so badly, doctors only asked her to provide them adequate security and take action against all those behind this as per the law. But, she didn`t do this and gave an ultimatum to the doctors after which doctors of West Bengal and across the country got angry and went on strike. If the Chief Minister changes her attitude, then patients will not suffer across India." "Today, I will write a letter to Mamata Banerjee. I will also try to talk to her," he added. Harsh Vardhan further assured safety to all the doctors working and requested them to continue with their duties. "I'd like to assure all doctors that Govt is committed towards their safety. I appeal to doctors to hold symbolic protests only and continue to carry out their duties, " he said. A nationwide protest erupted in the country on Friday in support of the West Bengal doctors who have have been agitating demanding better security at the workplace. West Bengal doctors' protest began after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured at the NRS medical college and hospital in Kolkata. Exhibiting solidarity to their community, doctors from Hyderabad, Nagpur, Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Jaipur staged protests on Friday.

Appeal to Mamata Banerjee to not make this a prestige issue: Harsh Vardhan on doctors' protest

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday.

He added that more beds are being provided in both hospitals. The state government has constituted a team comprising one professor, three associate professors, four assistant professors, nine senior residents and 15 junior residents are looking into the crisis.

Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan held a meeting with Pandey and assured all support and assistance to the state government. "I have held two meetings with the Bihar health minister and assured him of providing of all possible help," said Vardhan.

He further added that a team of doctors from the Centre visited both hospitals where children are being treated and has been advising the state government in management and containment of the cases.

He pitched for an extensive awareness campaign. The union health minister said people should be sensitised to the need for taking their children for timely treatment to nearby primary health centres (PHCs) before the child gets critical. "Timely identification of the symptoms of hypoglycemia shall hugely contribute to timely and effective treatment. The children should be brought to the PHC as soon as these symptoms are noticed," he said.

Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday.

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday. He added that more beds are being provided in both hospitals. The state government has constituted a team comprising one professor, three associate professors, four assistant professors, nine senior residents and 15 junior residents are looking into the crisis. Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan held a meeting with Pandey and assured all support and assistance to the state government. "I have held two meetings with the Bihar health minister and assured him of providing of all possible help," said Vardhan. He further added that a team of doctors from the Centre visited both hospitals where children are being treated and has been advising the state government in management and containment of the cases. He pitched for an extensive awareness campaign. The union health minister said people should be sensitised to the need for taking their children for timely treatment to nearby primary health centres (PHCs) before the child gets critical. "Timely identification of the symptoms of hypoglycemia shall hugely contribute to timely and effective treatment. The children should be brought to the PHC as soon as these symptoms are noticed," he said. Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches. (With inputs from agencies)

Encephalitis toll climbs to 57 in Bihar; Union health minister Harsh Vardhan assures all assistance to state government

Union Home Minister&nbsp;Amit Shah held a meeting with the party`s national office bearers and state presidents in New Delhi on Thursday.

The meeting organised at the Bharatiya Janata Party's national headquarter is likely to decide the party president for the BJP.

This happens to be the first meeting of all state chiefs with BJP president after a euphoric win in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting is&nbsp;attended by&nbsp;state in-charges and other senior states functionaries.

The BJP on Wednesday reconstituted its Parliamentary Party Executive Committee with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as its members.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been appointed as the deputy leader of the party in Lok Sabha. Thawar Chand Gehlot has been appointed as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha with Piyush Goyal as his deputy, according to a statement released by the party.

The Committee was constituted on Tuesday, the party said.

Prahlad Joshi has been appointed the government`s Chief Whip while Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Murleedharan will be the Deputy Chief Whip of the government in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha respectively.

Dr Sanjay Jaiswal has been appointed party`s Chief Whip in Lok Sabha and Narayan Lal Panchariya has been appointed the party`s Chief Whip in Upper House of Parliament. Gopal Shetty will be the new Treasurer.

The other leaders who have been appointed as the whips in Lok Sabha are - Pratima Bhaumik, Sunil Singh, Parvesh Verma, Kirit Bhai Solanki, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Nalin Kumar Kateel, Sudhir Gupta, Santosh Pandey, Kapil Moreshwar Patil, Suresh Pujari, Kanalmal Katara, Ajay Mishra, Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Pankaj Chaudhary, Khagen Murmu, Ranjanaben Bhatt, Shobha Karandlaje, Locket Chatterjee.

Amar Sanker Sable, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Shwait Malik, Chunnibhai Patel, Ajay Pratap Singh, and Ashok Bajpai have been appointed as whips in Rajya Sabha.

According to the statement released by the BJP -- Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Arjun Munda, Narendra Singh Tomar, Smriti Irani, Jual Oram are the special invitees for Lok Sabha.

For Rajya Sabha, the special invitees include - JP Nadda, Om Prakash Mathur, Nirmala Sitharaman, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Prakash Javadekar.

&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with the party`s national office bearers and state presidents in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting organised at the Bharatiya Janata Party's national headquarter is likely to decide the party president for the BJP.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with the party`s national office bearers and state presidents in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting organised at the Bharatiya Janata Party's national headquarter is likely to decide the party president for the BJP. This happens to be the first meeting of all state chiefs with BJP president after a euphoric win in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. The meeting is attended by state in-charges and other senior states functionaries. The BJP on Wednesday reconstituted its Parliamentary Party Executive Committee with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as its members. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been appointed as the deputy leader of the party in Lok Sabha. Thawar Chand Gehlot has been appointed as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha with Piyush Goyal as his deputy, according to a statement released by the party. The Committee was constituted on Tuesday, the party said. Prahlad Joshi has been appointed the government`s Chief Whip while Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Murleedharan will be the Deputy Chief Whip of the government in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha respectively. Dr Sanjay Jaiswal has been appointed party`s Chief Whip in Lok Sabha and Narayan Lal Panchariya has been appointed the party`s Chief Whip in Upper House of Parliament. Gopal Shetty will be the new Treasurer. The other leaders who have been appointed as the whips in Lok Sabha are - Pratima Bhaumik, Sunil Singh, Parvesh Verma, Kirit Bhai Solanki, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Nalin Kumar Kateel, Sudhir Gupta, Santosh Pandey, Kapil Moreshwar Patil, Suresh Pujari, Kanalmal Katara, Ajay Mishra, Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Pankaj Chaudhary, Khagen Murmu, Ranjanaben Bhatt, Shobha Karandlaje, Locket Chatterjee. Amar Sanker Sable, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Shwait Malik, Chunnibhai Patel, Ajay Pratap Singh, and Ashok Bajpai have been appointed as whips in Rajya Sabha. According to the statement released by the BJP -- Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Arjun Munda, Narendra Singh Tomar, Smriti Irani, Jual Oram are the special invitees for Lok Sabha. For Rajya Sabha, the special invitees include - JP Nadda, Om Prakash Mathur, Nirmala Sitharaman, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Prakash Javadekar.

Amit Shah holds meeting with key BJP leaders

Indian Air Force(IAF) on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/probable-crash-point-shows-an-32-aircraft-probably-couldnt-get-past-hill-crashed-due-to-blockage-of-view-226544">mobilised fifteen personnel</a> for rescue operation of the AN-32 transport aircraft which crashed on June 3.&nbsp;

However, adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain have halted their progress, forcing the rescuers to camp overnight

The wreckage of the plane was found around 16 kilometres north of the lipo area in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, at a height of twelve thousand feet.

The 15-member team comprising&nbsp;of nine climbers from the IAF mountaineering team including four from the Indian Army and two civilians have been trying to get to the crash area since Wednesday.

"The terrain weather and thick vegetation is slowing down the progress of rescue team," the IAF said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a> mobilised 15 personnel for rescue operations of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/An32?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#An32</a> crash. The rescuers are expected to reach the crash site by tonight. The terrain weather &amp;thick vegetation is slowing down the progress of rescue team. IAF is making every effort possible to reach the site. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rescue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rescue</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1138804343262523393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Garuds of the IAF are part of the recovery party dropped by helicopter near the crash site, where a camp has been established, it added.

The AN-32 aircraft with 13 people on board – eight officers and five passengers had taken off from the Jorhat air base around 12:25 pm on June 3 and was headed for Mechuka -&nbsp;an advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh closer to the Chinese border.&nbsp;

The transport aircraft lost contact with the radar and ground staff and did not reach the Mechuka air base at its scheduled landing time at 1pm the same day. &nbsp;

The wreckage of the aircraft was located following an&nbsp;eight-day search operation.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian Air Force(IAF) on Wednesday mobilised fifteen personnel for rescue operation of the AN-32 transport aircraft which crashed on June 3. However, adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain have halted their progress, forcing the rescuers to camp overnight The wreckage of the plane was found around 16 kilometres north of the lipo area in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, at a height of twelve thousand feet.

Indian Air Force(IAF) on Wednesday mobilised fifteen personnel for rescue operation of the AN-32 transport aircraft which crashed on June 3. However, adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain have halted their progress, forcing the rescuers to camp overnight The wreckage of the plane was found around 16 kilometres north of the lipo area in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, at a height of twelve thousand feet. The 15-member team comprising of nine climbers from the IAF mountaineering team including four from the Indian Army and two civilians have been trying to get to the crash area since Wednesday. "The terrain weather and thick vegetation is slowing down the progress of rescue team," the IAF said in a tweet. Today #IAF mobilised 15 personnel for rescue operations of #An32 crash. The rescuers are expected to reach the crash site by tonight. The terrain weather &thick vegetation is slowing down the progress of rescue team. IAF is making every effort possible to reach the site. #Rescue — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 12, 2019 × Garuds of the IAF are part of the recovery party dropped by helicopter near the crash site, where a camp has been established, it added. The AN-32 aircraft with 13 people on board – eight officers and five passengers had taken off from the Jorhat air base around 12:25 pm on June 3 and was headed for Mechuka - an advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh closer to the Chinese border. The transport aircraft lost contact with the radar and ground staff and did not reach the Mechuka air base at its scheduled landing time at 1pm the same day. The wreckage of the aircraft was located following an eight-day search operation.

Rescue operation halted in AN-32 crash site as IAF mountaineers face adverse weather

Properties belonging to All India Waqf Board will be geo-tagged and facilities like school, college, hospital, community centre, common centre and hostel will be constructed on them, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has announced.

"All Waqf properties will be geo-tagged and digitised. Schools, colleges, hospitals, community centres, common centres and hostels will be built on them," Naqvi told the media reporters on Wednesday.

He said that funds to construct these facilities will be provided under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram.

The minister also said that the Centre will extend free coaching to Muslim girls for UPSC, banking and state services exams.

"Muslim girls will be given free coaching for UPSC, state services and banking services entrance exams preparation. We have talked to a few institutes and the process will begin this year after talking to all of them," Naqvi said.

On Tuesday, Naqvi had announced to connect Madrasas with the formal education system of the country in order to enable the students of these seminaries to "contribute to the development of the society".

The government has recently announced its decision to provided scholarship to five crore students belonging to the minority community in the next five years.

The announcements are considered as Bharatiya Janata Party`s outreach to the Muslim community to gain their faith.

Modernisation of Madrasas is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s plan that he laid out in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections in 2014.

"Hold Quran in one hand and computer in other," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said.&nbsp;

Properties belonging to All India Waqf Board will be geo-tagged and facilities like school, college, hospital, community centre, common centre and hostel will be constructed on them, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has announced.

Properties belonging to All India Waqf Board will be geo-tagged and facilities like school, college, hospital, community centre, common centre and hostel will be constructed on them, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has announced. "All Waqf properties will be geo-tagged and digitised. Schools, colleges, hospitals, community centres, common centres and hostels will be built on them," Naqvi told the media reporters on Wednesday. He said that funds to construct these facilities will be provided under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram. The minister also said that the Centre will extend free coaching to Muslim girls for UPSC, banking and state services exams. "Muslim girls will be given free coaching for UPSC, state services and banking services entrance exams preparation. We have talked to a few institutes and the process will begin this year after talking to all of them," Naqvi said. On Tuesday, Naqvi had announced to connect Madrasas with the formal education system of the country in order to enable the students of these seminaries to "contribute to the development of the society". The government has recently announced its decision to provided scholarship to five crore students belonging to the minority community in the next five years. The announcements are considered as Bharatiya Janata Party`s outreach to the Muslim community to gain their faith. Modernisation of Madrasas is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s plan that he laid out in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections in 2014. "Hold Quran in one hand and computer in other," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said.

All Waqf properties will be geo-tagged and digitised: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

Watch 'India Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on the world's biggest democratic nation's exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

Watch: India Watch, 13th June 2019

Severe Parts in India are facing water crisis. Jal Shakti Minister said that Water crisis is a 'Media Hype'. 50% Villages in India face drought like conditions. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: Severe Water Crisis In India

Congress did not even poll 10% votes in UP. Congress workers want Priyanka as CM face in UP. Congress' remains weak as organisation in UP. Congress is not even one of the major parties in UP.

India Watch: Priyanka Congress' CM face in UP?

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has promised to punish non-performers in UP. As Congress suffered a drubbing in LS Polls 2019. Is Rahul Gandhi Congress' Star Non-Performer?

India Watch: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra To Punish Non-Performers

India is now planning to set up a space station. ISRO said that it will focus on Gaganyaan Mission. Gaganyaan is India's first human space mission. Dr. K. Sivan has announced that there will be a separate space station of India.

India Watch: India Plans Its Own Space Station

Anitha, a 24-year-old woman from Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu committed suicide after being scolded for spending too much time on video sharing mobile application TikTok. She filmed her suicide on the app as she consumed pesticide and left behind a statement asking her husband to take care of their two kids.

The TokTok app is owned by Chinese-based Bytedance that claims to have over 50 million active users in India. The app allows users to create and ashore short videos with special effects and is popular across the globe.

Anitha hailed from Senthurai in Perambalur district and was married to Palanivel; the couple has a four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son. Palanivel who was in the agricultural trade moved to Singapore a few years ago for work.

Anitha was introduced to TikTok via her friend. Family members alleged that she was neglecting the family and kids due to her addiction to the video sharing app.

When her addiction went beyond a point the family informed her husband who later called and tried reasoning with her. But it is said that Anitha refused to let go of the app and her activity on it.

The family members say that the couple's daughter got hurt once while playing as Anitha was busy using TikTok.

When family members informed her husband of the incident, Anitha's husband yelled at him over the phone. The argument reached a point where Palanivel reportedly said he would destroy her phone.

Upset over her husband's scolding, Anitha consumed pesticide while recording the entire act on TikTok. The shocking video has been doing the rounds on social media and instant messaging applications.

She was rushed to Ariyalur General Hospital and later to a private hospital in Trichy, but she died without responding to treatment.

TikTok had faced the wrath of the Madras High Court earlier this year when advocate and social activist Muthu Kumar filed a plea to ban the app for providing access to pornographic content and potential of exposing children and young users to sexual predators.

On April 3, the Madras High Court asked the Centre to ban the application, but the interim ban was lifted on April 24 subject to certain conditions.

Anitha, a 24-year-old woman from Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu committed suicide after being scolded for spending too much time on video sharing mobile application TikTok.

Anitha, a 24-year-old woman from Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu committed suicide after being scolded for spending too much time on video sharing mobile application TikTok. She filmed her suicide on the app as she consumed pesticide and left behind a statement asking her husband to take care of their two kids. The TokTok app is owned by Chinese-based Bytedance that claims to have over 50 million active users in India. The app allows users to create and ashore short videos with special effects and is popular across the globe. Anitha hailed from Senthurai in Perambalur district and was married to Palanivel; the couple has a four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son. Palanivel who was in the agricultural trade moved to Singapore a few years ago for work. Anitha was introduced to TikTok via her friend. Family members alleged that she was neglecting the family and kids due to her addiction to the video sharing app. When her addiction went beyond a point the family informed her husband who later called and tried reasoning with her. But it is said that Anitha refused to let go of the app and her activity on it. The family members say that the couple's daughter got hurt once while playing as Anitha was busy using TikTok. When family members informed her husband of the incident, Anitha's husband yelled at him over the phone. The argument reached a point where Palanivel reportedly said he would destroy her phone. Upset over her husband's scolding, Anitha consumed pesticide while recording the entire act on TikTok. The shocking video has been doing the rounds on social media and instant messaging applications. She was rushed to Ariyalur General Hospital and later to a private hospital in Trichy, but she died without responding to treatment. TikTok had faced the wrath of the Madras High Court earlier this year when advocate and social activist Muthu Kumar filed a plea to ban the app for providing access to pornographic content and potential of exposing children and young users to sexual predators. On April 3, the Madras High Court asked the Centre to ban the application, but the interim ban was lifted on April 24 subject to certain conditions.

Asked to stop using TikTok, Tamil Nadu woman kills self; records act on app

At the informal dinner hosted by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov on day 1 of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart exchanged no pleasantries.

Both the leaders entered the dining hall almost the same time, with PM Modi entering a step ahead of cricketer-turned-politician Khan.&nbsp;

Except for each other, both the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-provided-stability-and-momentum-to-india-china-ties-pm-modi-to-xi-226895">leaders shook hands</a> with everyone. No interaction has taken place between the two sides all throughout the event.

PM Modi was seated towards the right of PM Khan on the fourth seat.

Ahead of the Bishkek summit, India had dismissed reports of any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/during-bilateral-talks-pm-modi-and-xi-jinping-discuss-pakistan-terror-and-boundary-dispute-226899">bilateral-level talks</a> between the two South Asian neighbours.&nbsp;

"To the best of my knowledge no meeting has been planned between PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the SCO Summit in Bishkek," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told WION.

Meanwhile, in what many see as a diplomatic gaffe, Pakistan PM Imran Khan continued to be seated while the host --President of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbekov and other leaders entered the venue.&nbsp;

At the informal dinner hosted by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov on day 1 of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart exchanged no pleasantries.

At the informal dinner hosted by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov on day 1 of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart exchanged no pleasantries. Both the leaders entered the dining hall almost the same time, with PM Modi entering a step ahead of cricketer-turned-politician Khan. Except for each other, both the leaders shook hands with everyone. No interaction has taken place between the two sides all throughout the event. PM Modi was seated towards the right of PM Khan on the fourth seat. Ahead of the Bishkek summit, India had dismissed reports of any bilateral-level talks between the two South Asian neighbours. "To the best of my knowledge no meeting has been planned between PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the SCO Summit in Bishkek," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told WION. Meanwhile, in what many see as a diplomatic gaffe, Pakistan PM Imran Khan continued to be seated while the host --President of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbekov and other leaders entered the venue.

No pleasantries exchanged between PM Modi and Imran Khan on day 1 of SCO summit 

Beleaguered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-turning-into-a-divided-house-due-to-infighting-among-leaders-225821">Congress leaders</a> met on Wednesday to thrash out strategy for states where assembly election will take place later this year. Interestingly, the meeting took place in the absence of party president Rahul Gandhi who is currently in London.

The reason for his London trip is not known but he is expected to be back in India before the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Rahul Gandhi flew out to UK on Tuesday.

"The meeting was held to discuss the strategy for the coming elections in Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand and Haryana. It was attended by senior leaders like Ahmad Patel, P Chidambaramn, Jairam Ramesh, AK Antony, Mallikarjun Kharge, Randeep Surjewalana and KC Venugopal," said Congress leader Randeep Surjewala.

At the meeting held at Congress war room, the party also dissolved the core group which was made in wake of Lok Sabha elections.

Party sources said that very soon a meeting of general secretaries of the election going states would be called. They also said that there was no discussion on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/olympian-aslam-sher-khan-offers-to-replace-rahul-gandhi-as-the-congress-chief-225363">who will succeed Rahul Gandhi</a>.

The fact that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-will-fight-to-defend-the-constitution-of-india-rahul-gandhi-223323">Rahul Gandhi</a> this time around did not tweet about his journey indicates that he has not changed his mind about his decision to quit as Congress president. After a lot of criticism, Gandhi had started to tweet about the journeys he took abroad. A highly placed Congress source said that since he sent in his resignation and is only functioning for the interim period, he does not need to tweet and inform people in general as he would do as a fully functional president of the Congress party.

This development has been noticed by all in the Congress. Sources also said that as of now, Gandhi has not changed his mind about his decision to quit and all efforts to mollycoddle him have come to a naught.

After the meeting, Congress leaders insisted that Rahul Gandhi continues to be the party president as his resignation was rejected by the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party. The point to be noted here is that after massive defeat in Lok Sabha and the stormy CWC meet in the party's headquarters in Delhi, Gandhi has not made himself available to party for any substantial meeting on any substantial issue. He made time for visit to his new constituency Wayanad and a photo op with cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Siddhu. Gandhi He also met Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar but remained unavailable to rest of the party.

The Monsoon Session of the Parliament will begin on June 17 and Congress will have to announce the leader of the party's parliamentary party in the Lok Sabha. As of now, no name has been finalised but three names doing the round are Manish Tewari, Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary and Shashi Tharoor.

Beleaguered Congress leaders met on Wednesday to thrash out strategy for states where assembly election will take place later this year. Interestingly, the meeting took place in the absence of party president Rahul Gandhi who is currently in London.

Beleaguered Congress leaders met on Wednesday to thrash out strategy for states where assembly election will take place later this year. Interestingly, the meeting took place in the absence of party president Rahul Gandhi who is currently in London. The reason for his London trip is not known but he is expected to be back in India before the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Rahul Gandhi flew out to UK on Tuesday. "The meeting was held to discuss the strategy for the coming elections in Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand and Haryana. It was attended by senior leaders like Ahmad Patel, P Chidambaramn, Jairam Ramesh, AK Antony, Mallikarjun Kharge, Randeep Surjewalana and KC Venugopal," said Congress leader Randeep Surjewala. At the meeting held at Congress war room, the party also dissolved the core group which was made in wake of Lok Sabha elections. Party sources said that very soon a meeting of general secretaries of the election going states would be called. They also said that there was no discussion on who will succeed Rahul Gandhi. The fact that Rahul Gandhi this time around did not tweet about his journey indicates that he has not changed his mind about his decision to quit as Congress president. After a lot of criticism, Gandhi had started to tweet about the journeys he took abroad. A highly placed Congress source said that since he sent in his resignation and is only functioning for the interim period, he does not need to tweet and inform people in general as he would do as a fully functional president of the Congress party. This development has been noticed by all in the Congress. Sources also said that as of now, Gandhi has not changed his mind about his decision to quit and all efforts to mollycoddle him have come to a naught. After the meeting, Congress leaders insisted that Rahul Gandhi continues to be the party president as his resignation was rejected by the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party. The point to be noted here is that after massive defeat in Lok Sabha and the stormy CWC meet in the party's headquarters in Delhi, Gandhi has not made himself available to party for any substantial meeting on any substantial issue. He made time for visit to his new constituency Wayanad and a photo op with cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Siddhu. Gandhi He also met Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar but remained unavailable to rest of the party. The Monsoon Session of the Parliament will begin on June 17 and Congress will have to announce the leader of the party's parliamentary party in the Lok Sabha. As of now, no name has been finalised but three names doing the round are Manish Tewari, Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary and Shashi Tharoor.

Congress leaders hold meeting without Rahul Gandhi, insist he is still party president

Sparing Gujarat after changing course, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-rajnath-reviews-preparations-of-indian-coast-guard-navy-226862">Cyclone Vayu</a> Thursday began moving away from the state coast towards Oman, even as the danger of heavy winds and rain in coastal areas continued, officials said.

Though the "eye of the storm" is away from land, the cyclone's outer periphery would leave its impact on the coast, officials said.

State authorities have already evacuated three lakh people from low-lying areas near the coast to safer places.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said, "According to IMD bulletin, Cyclone Vayu, which was going to hit Gujarat, has moved towards Oman. But the administration will continue to be on high alert for the next 24 hours."

Schools in coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch will remain closed Friday as a precaution, the chief minister said.

Rupani, who reviewed the situation late Thursday evening, said the cyclone "no longer poses any danger" but the administration in the coastal region will remain on alert.

"The IMD said the cyclone no longer poses any danger as it (has) moved towards Oman without making a landfall in the coastal belt," Rupani told reporters in Gandhinagar.

"The cyclone is very likely to move north-northwestwards for some time and then northwestwards skirting the Saurashtra coast affecting Gir Somnath, Diu, Junagarh, Porbandar and Devbhoomi Dwarka with wind speed 90- 100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph during next 12 hours," the IMD said in a release issued late Thursday evening.

"Though Vayu started skirting from the mainland, the danger is still there in the form of heavy rains or blowing of strong winds. We are not declaring as of now that there is no danger. All our measures will remain in place till tomorrow morning. We are not taking any chances," said Gujarat Chief Secretary, J N Singh.

A dozen talukas in the coastal belt received more than one inch of rain since Thursday morning due to the cyclone, an official release by the Gujarat government said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Rupani and took stock of the situation in his home state, after reaching Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Summit, the release said.

Modi held a telephonic talk with Rupani on cyclone preparations immediately after reaching Bishkek and assured all assistance and support from Central Government to mitigate the effects of Cyclone Vayu, it said.

Though the direction of the cyclone has changed, the cyclone is still dangerous and will leave its impact on the coast despite the fact that the "eye of the storm" is not expected to hit land, state Additional Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar said.

"A cyclone is not about the eye of the storm. This storm is spread across 900 km. The risk is still there and severe winds and huge waves can cause damage in areas along the coastline. The impact of the storm is important, not the landfall. The state government will continue to remain alert for the next 48 hours," he said.

No casualty has been reported so far due to Vayu, Kumar said.

"People have been advised to stay away from the coast. The situation is still critical. All the ports have been asked to hoist the storm warning signal number 9. Many areas near the coast are now receiving rain. The cyclone may bring very heavy to extremely heavy rain in some areas," he said.

A 150-year-old Bhuteshwar Mahadev temple collapsed in Porbandar Thursday as waves and heavy rains lashed the coastal area.

A Coast Guard official said they have been monitoring the cyclone and took pre-emptive actions to ensure that there were no fishermen or boats out in the sea.

Besides taking help of the armed forces and the Coast Guard, the state government has deployed 33 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) (each having 90 to 100 personnel) and nine teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in 10 coastal districts of the state, he said.

In addition, 11 columns of the army (each having nearly 70 personnel), two companies of the Border Security Force, 14 companies of the State Reserve Police and 300 commandos are deployed at different locations in the Kutch and Saurashtra areas.

The state government on Wednesday announced that operations at all the ports and airports situated near the coastline were halted for the time being.

The railways has cancelled 86 trains and short terminated 37 others due to cyclone Vayu, officials said.

Western Railway said the cancellations were made as a precaution even though the cyclone changed its course and is unlikely to make landfall in Gujarat. However, it will cause heavy rain in several coastal districts of the state.

Since all the airports in Kutch and Saurashtra have been asked to shut their operations completely, flights to these destinations from the Ahmedabad airport stand cancelled.&nbsp;

Sparing Gujarat after changing course, Cyclone Vayu Thursday began moving away from the state coast towards Oman, even as the danger of heavy winds and rain in coastal areas continued, officials said.

Sparing Gujarat after changing course, Cyclone Vayu Thursday began moving away from the state coast towards Oman, even as the danger of heavy winds and rain in coastal areas continued, officials said. Though the "eye of the storm" is away from land, the cyclone's outer periphery would leave its impact on the coast, officials said. State authorities have already evacuated three lakh people from low-lying areas near the coast to safer places. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said, "According to IMD bulletin, Cyclone Vayu, which was going to hit Gujarat, has moved towards Oman. But the administration will continue to be on high alert for the next 24 hours." Schools in coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch will remain closed Friday as a precaution, the chief minister said. Rupani, who reviewed the situation late Thursday evening, said the cyclone "no longer poses any danger" but the administration in the coastal region will remain on alert. "The IMD said the cyclone no longer poses any danger as it (has) moved towards Oman without making a landfall in the coastal belt," Rupani told reporters in Gandhinagar. "The cyclone is very likely to move north-northwestwards for some time and then northwestwards skirting the Saurashtra coast affecting Gir Somnath, Diu, Junagarh, Porbandar and Devbhoomi Dwarka with wind speed 90- 100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph during next 12 hours," the IMD said in a release issued late Thursday evening. "Though Vayu started skirting from the mainland, the danger is still there in the form of heavy rains or blowing of strong winds. We are not declaring as of now that there is no danger. All our measures will remain in place till tomorrow morning. We are not taking any chances," said Gujarat Chief Secretary, J N Singh. A dozen talukas in the coastal belt received more than one inch of rain since Thursday morning due to the cyclone, an official release by the Gujarat government said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Rupani and took stock of the situation in his home state, after reaching Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Summit, the release said. Modi held a telephonic talk with Rupani on cyclone preparations immediately after reaching Bishkek and assured all assistance and support from Central Government to mitigate the effects of Cyclone Vayu, it said. Though the direction of the cyclone has changed, the cyclone is still dangerous and will leave its impact on the coast despite the fact that the "eye of the storm" is not expected to hit land, state Additional Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar said. "A cyclone is not about the eye of the storm. This storm is spread across 900 km. The risk is still there and severe winds and huge waves can cause damage in areas along the coastline. The impact of the storm is important, not the landfall. The state government will continue to remain alert for the next 48 hours," he said. No casualty has been reported so far due to Vayu, Kumar said. "People have been advised to stay away from the coast. The situation is still critical. All the ports have been asked to hoist the storm warning signal number 9. Many areas near the coast are now receiving rain. The cyclone may bring very heavy to extremely heavy rain in some areas," he said. A 150-year-old Bhuteshwar Mahadev temple collapsed in Porbandar Thursday as waves and heavy rains lashed the coastal area. A Coast Guard official said they have been monitoring the cyclone and took pre-emptive actions to ensure that there were no fishermen or boats out in the sea. Besides taking help of the armed forces and the Coast Guard, the state government has deployed 33 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) (each having 90 to 100 personnel) and nine teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in 10 coastal districts of the state, he said. In addition, 11 columns of the army (each having nearly 70 personnel), two companies of the Border Security Force, 14 companies of the State Reserve Police and 300 commandos are deployed at different locations in the Kutch and Saurashtra areas. The state government on Wednesday announced that operations at all the ports and airports situated near the coastline were halted for the time being. The railways has cancelled 86 trains and short terminated 37 others due to cyclone Vayu, officials said. Western Railway said the cancellations were made as a precaution even though the cyclone changed its course and is unlikely to make landfall in Gujarat. However, it will cause heavy rain in several coastal districts of the state. Since all the airports in Kutch and Saurashtra have been asked to shut their operations completely, flights to these destinations from the Ahmedabad airport stand cancelled.

Cyclone Vayu spares Gujarat, Chief Minister Rupani says 'administration will be on high alert for next 24 hours'

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said today that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/flight-operations-in-gujarat-suspended-as-cyclone-vayu-approaches-226676">Cyclone Vayu</a> won't be hitting Gujarat, instead&nbsp;it will pass nearby from Veraval, Porbandar and Dwarka.

"Cyclone Vayu's effect will be seen on the coastal regions as there will be heavy wind speed and heavy rain as well," Manorama Mohanty, scientist at India Meteorological Department, said.

Ahead of the cyclone due to high tide in the Arabian Sea, all beaches in Kokan region were shut down. Gujarat had taken elaborate measures with food packets prepared for regions which may have been affected, now the threat has passed.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gujarat-evacuates-hundreds-of-thousands-as-cyclone-vayu-builds-fury-226586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier, the cyclone was moving straight towards the Gujarat coast, but is has now slightly moved away, the (IMD) said.

"But going by its extension, there is no relief from the high alert sounded for the Gujarat coast. The cyclonic storm is going to hit Porbandar in Gujarat and other parts till Kutch area," an IMD official said.

The IMD will issue further updates about the cyclone in the afternoon.

"The threat of a surge in wind, dust storm and rainfall stays very much. The centre of the storm -&nbsp;known as the eye -&nbsp;has slightly moved away from the Gujarat coast, but its diameter is well over 900 km," the official added.

More than 2.75 lakh people were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-reviews-cyclone-vayu-preparations-226256">evacuated in Gujarat</a> ahead of the cyclone.&nbsp;While heading towards Gujarat earlier, the cyclonic storm had brought some good spell of rain to Mumbai and neighbouring Raigad, Thane and Palghar districts of Maharashtra.

Strong winds hit several areas as the entrance of Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district was damaged. Strong winds were also seen in &nbsp;Veraval as the sea turned rough.

&nbsp;"The sea condition is very likely to very rough to high along and off Maharashtra coast and northern parts of east and central Arabian Sea," the IMD said.

Gujarat had posted several teams of NDRF troops including Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard to mitigate any damage from Cyclone Vayu. The state's disaster management team was also put on standby with police patrolling throughout the night on Wednesday.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said today that Cyclone Vayu won't be hitting Gujarat, instead it will pass nearby from Veraval, Porbandar and Dwarka.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said today that Cyclone Vayu won't be hitting Gujarat, instead it will pass nearby from Veraval, Porbandar and Dwarka. "Cyclone Vayu's effect will be seen on the coastal regions as there will be heavy wind speed and heavy rain as well," Manorama Mohanty, scientist at India Meteorological Department, said. Ahead of the cyclone due to high tide in the Arabian Sea, all beaches in Kokan region were shut down. Gujarat had taken elaborate measures with food packets prepared for regions which may have been affected, now the threat has passed. Earlier, the cyclone was moving straight towards the Gujarat coast, but is has now slightly moved away, the (IMD) said. "But going by its extension, there is no relief from the high alert sounded for the Gujarat coast. The cyclonic storm is going to hit Porbandar in Gujarat and other parts till Kutch area," an IMD official said. The IMD will issue further updates about the cyclone in the afternoon. "The threat of a surge in wind, dust storm and rainfall stays very much. The centre of the storm - known as the eye - has slightly moved away from the Gujarat coast, but its diameter is well over 900 km," the official added. More than 2.75 lakh people were evacuated in Gujarat ahead of the cyclone. While heading towards Gujarat earlier, the cyclonic storm had brought some good spell of rain to Mumbai and neighbouring Raigad, Thane and Palghar districts of Maharashtra. Strong winds hit several areas as the entrance of Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district was damaged. Strong winds were also seen in Veraval as the sea turned rough. "The sea condition is very likely to very rough to high along and off Maharashtra coast and northern parts of east and central Arabian Sea," the IMD said. Gujarat had posted several teams of NDRF troops including Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard to mitigate any damage from Cyclone Vayu. The state's disaster management team was also put on standby with police patrolling throughout the night on Wednesday.

Cyclone Vayu not to hit Gujarat, will pass nearby from Veraval, Porbandar & Dwarka: IMD

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-doctors-on-strike-defy-mamatas-deadline-to-continue-stir-till-demands-are-met-226856">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> intervened four days after the junior doctors at Nil Ratan Sarkar Medical College and Hospital began their agitation after a doctor was brutally beaten up by a patient’s family on Sunday. However, she failed to end the impasse and the junior doctors refused to return to work.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-setback-to-mamata-banerjee-her-nephew-seen-leading-protest-against-west-bengal-government-226937">Banerjee</a> reached SSKM hospital in South Kolkata on Thursday morning and issued an ultimatum for doctors to join work by 2 pm. “The doctors must get back to work by 2 pm as the protests have affected services at government hospitals across the state. Those doctors who don’t return to work must leave the hostel. Agitating doctors are outsiders. The government will not support them in any way. I condemn doctors who have gone on strike. Policemen die in the line of duty but the police don’t go on a strike,” Banerjee said.

“The state spends Rs 25 lakh on each doctor and then they shirk work. This won’t be tolerated. Are they doctors?” she added.&nbsp;

The chief minister launched a blistering attack on the BJP claiming that they were adding communal colours to this incident.&nbsp;

Slammed for not even visiting protesting doctors since the outrage over Monday’s assault on the junior doctor, the protesters raised slogans against the Banerjee on her arrival at the SSKM hospital.

On the other hand, junior doctors maintained their stand and continued the strike. &nbsp;The doctors demanded deployment of armed police officers on hospital premises to ensure their safety and security.&nbsp;

A delegation from the NRS hospital met the Governor of West Bengal Keshari Nath Tripathi and briefed him about the situation. “We told the Governor about the problems we are facing. We had expected that the chief minister would stand by us. She visited SSKM hospital but instead of standing by us, she termed us as ‘outsiders’. All that we demanded was the arrest of the accused persons and deployment of armed police officers. The way our colleague was attacked was inhuman. His skull has been injured seriously,” said the delegation from the NRS hospital.&nbsp;

Mass resignations began on Thursday evening as 18 doctors from Sagar Dutta Medical College and Hospital sent their resignation to the state health department. The hospital where the doctor was assaulted saw the resignation of principal, superintendent and five other doctors from the forensic medicine department.&nbsp;

The superintendent of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital wrote to the state health department that the entire staff of the hospital went for a complete shut down following the chief minister’s statements. The superintendent further added that it was difficult to run the hospital beyond 24 hours without adequate manpower and security.&nbsp;

On Monday, a clash broke out at NRS Medical College and Hospital after an elderly patient died. Relatives of the deceased claimed medical negligence and beat up two junior doctors. One of the junior doctors, Paribaha Mukhopadhyay suffered serious injuries on his skull and is presently undergoing treatment at a city hospital. Since Monday night, junior doctors are on a strike and demanding safety from the government and police.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee intervened four days after the junior doctors at Nil Ratan Sarkar Medical College and Hospital began their agitation after a doctor was brutally beaten up by a patient’s family on Sunday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee intervened four days after the junior doctors at Nil Ratan Sarkar Medical College and Hospital began their agitation after a doctor was brutally beaten up by a patient’s family on Sunday. However, she failed to end the impasse and the junior doctors refused to return to work. Banerjee reached SSKM hospital in South Kolkata on Thursday morning and issued an ultimatum for doctors to join work by 2 pm. “The doctors must get back to work by 2 pm as the protests have affected services at government hospitals across the state. Those doctors who don’t return to work must leave the hostel. Agitating doctors are outsiders. The government will not support them in any way. I condemn doctors who have gone on strike. Policemen die in the line of duty but the police don’t go on a strike,” Banerjee said. “The state spends Rs 25 lakh on each doctor and then they shirk work. This won’t be tolerated. Are they doctors?” she added. The chief minister launched a blistering attack on the BJP claiming that they were adding communal colours to this incident. Slammed for not even visiting protesting doctors since the outrage over Monday’s assault on the junior doctor, the protesters raised slogans against the Banerjee on her arrival at the SSKM hospital. On the other hand, junior doctors maintained their stand and continued the strike. The doctors demanded deployment of armed police officers on hospital premises to ensure their safety and security. A delegation from the NRS hospital met the Governor of West Bengal Keshari Nath Tripathi and briefed him about the situation. “We told the Governor about the problems we are facing. We had expected that the chief minister would stand by us. She visited SSKM hospital but instead of standing by us, she termed us as ‘outsiders’. All that we demanded was the arrest of the accused persons and deployment of armed police officers. The way our colleague was attacked was inhuman. His skull has been injured seriously,” said the delegation from the NRS hospital. Mass resignations began on Thursday evening as 18 doctors from Sagar Dutta Medical College and Hospital sent their resignation to the state health department. The hospital where the doctor was assaulted saw the resignation of principal, superintendent and five other doctors from the forensic medicine department. The superintendent of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital wrote to the state health department that the entire staff of the hospital went for a complete shut down following the chief minister’s statements. The superintendent further added that it was difficult to run the hospital beyond 24 hours without adequate manpower and security. On Monday, a clash broke out at NRS Medical College and Hospital after an elderly patient died. Relatives of the deceased claimed medical negligence and beat up two junior doctors. One of the junior doctors, Paribaha Mukhopadhyay suffered serious injuries on his skull and is presently undergoing treatment at a city hospital. Since Monday night, junior doctors are on a strike and demanding safety from the government and police.

Mamata Banerjee fails to end impasse at government hospitals; mass resignations begin

As Chennai reels under the searing heat, the water crisis that is getting worse by the day is only making the impact more severe. Now, large IT parks and office complexes that house several thousands of employees are forced to take measures to bring down water consumption to a bare minimum.

Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), otherwise known as Rajiv Gandhi Salai, is Chennai’s IT capital with hundreds of large IT parks and tech firms dotting the stretch. Lakhs of employees contributing to information technology and information technology-enabled service sector work in this line.

But with the capability to house more and more employees in workspaces comes the requirement of copious amounts of water supply for keeping the air-conditioning plants and other facilities round-the-clock.

IT firms are exploring and implementing a range of measures to help tide over the current crisis. They include using disposable plates in the cafeteria, procuring packaged drinking water, closure of non-critical washrooms and toilets, restricted availability of water in wash basins among others.&nbsp;

Some firms are shifting to Air cooled chillers from water cooled chillers, closing down the gym and arena in order to reduce water consumption by the cooling plant.

Speaking to WION, Sowmya, an employee with a firm in Sholinganallur said, “recycled water is being used for flushing toilets and watering the plants, additional equipment has been installed in every tap to restrict the water flow and all restrooms are fitted with these”.&nbsp;

Besides these measures, the company has also been sending weekly awareness emails informing about the current crisis and providing conservation tips, she added.

“Wash basins where we wash our utensils after lunch in the cafeteria have been closed, only the hand wash is open and that too with a restricted flow” Krupa Ranjani an employee working in ELCOT SEZ told WION.

Rahul Pareek who works for a firm in Kandanchavady said, “the new floor that was inaugurated at our premises uses automatic taps. Even on existing taps, the water flow has been decreased to ensure judicious use”.

Though Chennai has endured and overcome the peak summer heat all-though May, there seems to be no let up in the temperature in June with mercury hovering around 41 C. With wells, reservoirs and water sources in the vicinity of the city drying up, options are running out and all that the city can do is to hope for rains.

As Chennai reels under the searing heat, the water crisis that is getting worse by the day is only making the impact more severe. Now, large IT parks and office complexes that house several thousands of employees are forced to take measures to bring down water consumption to a bare minimum.

As Chennai reels under the searing heat, the water crisis that is getting worse by the day is only making the impact more severe. Now, large IT parks and office complexes that house several thousands of employees are forced to take measures to bring down water consumption to a bare minimum. Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), otherwise known as Rajiv Gandhi Salai, is Chennai’s IT capital with hundreds of large IT parks and tech firms dotting the stretch. Lakhs of employees contributing to information technology and information technology-enabled service sector work in this line. But with the capability to house more and more employees in workspaces comes the requirement of copious amounts of water supply for keeping the air-conditioning plants and other facilities round-the-clock. IT firms are exploring and implementing a range of measures to help tide over the current crisis. They include using disposable plates in the cafeteria, procuring packaged drinking water, closure of non-critical washrooms and toilets, restricted availability of water in wash basins among others. Some firms are shifting to Air cooled chillers from water cooled chillers, closing down the gym and arena in order to reduce water consumption by the cooling plant. Speaking to WION, Sowmya, an employee with a firm in Sholinganallur said, “recycled water is being used for flushing toilets and watering the plants, additional equipment has been installed in every tap to restrict the water flow and all restrooms are fitted with these”. Besides these measures, the company has also been sending weekly awareness emails informing about the current crisis and providing conservation tips, she added. “Wash basins where we wash our utensils after lunch in the cafeteria have been closed, only the hand wash is open and that too with a restricted flow” Krupa Ranjani an employee working in ELCOT SEZ told WION. Rahul Pareek who works for a firm in Kandanchavady said, “the new floor that was inaugurated at our premises uses automatic taps. Even on existing taps, the water flow has been decreased to ensure judicious use”. Though Chennai has endured and overcome the peak summer heat all-though May, there seems to be no let up in the temperature in June with mercury hovering around 41 C. With wells, reservoirs and water sources in the vicinity of the city drying up, options are running out and all that the city can do is to hope for rains.

Companies along Chennai’s IT corridor ratchet up measures to reduce water consumption amid severe shortage

india-news

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

india news