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As many as 31 children have died so far in the month of June reportedly due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the Muzaffarpur district.

Sunil Shahi, Superintendent SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, told ANI, "From January to June 2, 13 patients were admitted, of them, three had died.&nbsp;

However, since the beginning of June to this day 86 people have been admitted and of them, 31 have died".

In total 109 have been admitted in this year so far in which 34 children have died, he said.

As many as 14 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Encephalitis is a viral infection, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever or a headache. &nbsp;

As many as 31 children have died so far in the month of June reportedly due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the Muzaffarpur district. Sunil Shahi, Superintendent SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, told ANI, "From January to June 2, 13 patients were admitted, of them, three had died.

As many as 31 children have died so far in the month of June reportedly due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the Muzaffarpur district. Sunil Shahi, Superintendent SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, told ANI, "From January to June 2, 13 patients were admitted, of them, three had died. However, since the beginning of June to this day 86 people have been admitted and of them, 31 have died". In total 109 have been admitted in this year so far in which 34 children have died, he said. As many as 14 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). Encephalitis is a viral infection, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever or a headache.

Muzaffarpur: 31 children died of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in June

Surya Kiran, Mirage 2000 jet to AN-32 aircraft: IAF has lost nearly 10 aircraft this year

Visitors who spend more than three hours at the Taj Mahal will now be charged an additional fee, as a circular implementing the three-hour limit has come into force.

In order to prevent unauthorised entry, turnstile gates have been introduced at the iconic monument.

"7 turnstile gates have been installed at both the East and West entry point. 5 gates are for the exit. For the entry of foreign tourists, there are separate gates. Entry is only through token which is valid for three hours, exceeding which, a visitor is required to recharge it at the counter at the exit gates," said Basant Kumar, superintendent, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Earlier, visitors were allowed to stay from morning till evening, that is, from opening time (30 minutes before Sunrise) to closing time (30 minutes before sunset).

Tourists are dismayed by the new rules, asserting that it would cost heavily on tourism.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, Mohammad Mustafa Hussain, a tourist from Hyderabad, said, "A person comes here for relaxation and to spend some time. If the sightseeing is limited to three hours and the charges are so much then anyone will think twice before coming here."

Another visitor Seikh Nizam said, "This will discourage tourism. Time slot should be increased"Celina, who came from America, said the tickets are almost 10 times costlier for foreign tourists as compared to Indians."

Foreign tourists are required to pay 10 times as compared to Indians. It would be really nice to stay long here but timings are limited," she opined.

The Supreme Court had in February slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for poor maintenance of the Taj Mahal and asked it to show seriousness in preserving the monument.

In July last year, the Uttar Pradesh government had submitted its draft vision document to the court on the restoration of Taj Mahal and assured that it will take several steps for the conservation of the heritage structure.

Visitors who spend more than three hours at the Taj Mahal will now be charged an additional fee, as a circular implementing the three-hour limit has come into force.

Visitors who spend more than three hours at the Taj Mahal will now be charged an additional fee, as a circular implementing the three-hour limit has come into force. In order to prevent unauthorised entry, turnstile gates have been introduced at the iconic monument. "7 turnstile gates have been installed at both the East and West entry point. 5 gates are for the exit. For the entry of foreign tourists, there are separate gates. Entry is only through token which is valid for three hours, exceeding which, a visitor is required to recharge it at the counter at the exit gates," said Basant Kumar, superintendent, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Earlier, visitors were allowed to stay from morning till evening, that is, from opening time (30 minutes before Sunrise) to closing time (30 minutes before sunset). Tourists are dismayed by the new rules, asserting that it would cost heavily on tourism. Speaking to ANI, Mohammad Mustafa Hussain, a tourist from Hyderabad, said, "A person comes here for relaxation and to spend some time. If the sightseeing is limited to three hours and the charges are so much then anyone will think twice before coming here." Another visitor Seikh Nizam said, "This will discourage tourism. Time slot should be increased"Celina, who came from America, said the tickets are almost 10 times costlier for foreign tourists as compared to Indians." Foreign tourists are required to pay 10 times as compared to Indians. It would be really nice to stay long here but timings are limited," she opined. The Supreme Court had in February slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for poor maintenance of the Taj Mahal and asked it to show seriousness in preserving the monument. In July last year, the Uttar Pradesh government had submitted its draft vision document to the court on the restoration of Taj Mahal and assured that it will take several steps for the conservation of the heritage structure.

3-hour time limit implemented at Taj Mahal, tourists perturbed

Mumbai and some neighbouring coastal areas of Maharashtra witnessed a windy Wednesday morning as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-thunderstorm-lightning-alert-issued-for-various-districts-of-gujarat-orange-warning-for-goa-226379">cyclone 'Vayu' </a>turned into a "very severe cyclonic storm", the weather department said.

As the cyclone continued to progress towards Saurashtra and Kutch regions of neighbouring Gujarat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its severity condition.

"Cyclone Vayu has turned into a very severe cyclonic storm. It would cause gusty winds to blow at a speed of 145 kmph to 170 kmph by Thursday morning," the IMD said.

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) started landing in Gujarat with the help of the Indian Air Force to undertake preventive evacuation of people living on the west coast, an IAF official said.

Because of the cyclonic storm, the Arabian Sea has turned turbulent and bigger waves are advancing towards coastal areas, the IMD said.

Huge sea waves lashed Devbaug village in Malvan tehsil of Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district on Wednesday.

An official at the district collectorate said since Devbaug is located in a low-lying area, it often gets inundated when the sea is rough and maintained that so far the situation is under control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-reviews-cyclone-vayu-preparations-226256">Union Home Minister Amit Shah</a> on Tuesday reviewed the preparations for cyclone Vayu, which is expected to make landfall in Gujarat on Thursday, and directed officials to ensure all possible steps for the safety of people.

The Indian Coast Guard, the Navy, Army and Air Force units have been put on standby and surveillance aircraft and helicopters are carrying out aerial surveillance, an official earlier said.

Mumbai and some neighbouring coastal areas of Maharashtra witnessed a windy Wednesday morning as cyclone 'Vayu' turned into a "very severe cyclonic storm", the weather department said.

Mumbai and some neighbouring coastal areas of Maharashtra witnessed a windy Wednesday morning as cyclone 'Vayu' turned into a "very severe cyclonic storm", the weather department said. As the cyclone continued to progress towards Saurashtra and Kutch regions of neighbouring Gujarat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its severity condition. "Cyclone Vayu has turned into a very severe cyclonic storm. It would cause gusty winds to blow at a speed of 145 kmph to 170 kmph by Thursday morning," the IMD said. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) started landing in Gujarat with the help of the Indian Air Force to undertake preventive evacuation of people living on the west coast, an IAF official said. Because of the cyclonic storm, the Arabian Sea has turned turbulent and bigger waves are advancing towards coastal areas, the IMD said. Huge sea waves lashed Devbaug village in Malvan tehsil of Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district on Wednesday. An official at the district collectorate said since Devbaug is located in a low-lying area, it often gets inundated when the sea is rough and maintained that so far the situation is under control. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday reviewed the preparations for cyclone Vayu, which is expected to make landfall in Gujarat on Thursday, and directed officials to ensure all possible steps for the safety of people. The Indian Coast Guard, the Navy, Army and Air Force units have been put on standby and surveillance aircraft and helicopters are carrying out aerial surveillance, an official earlier said.

Cyclone Vayu turns 'very severe', advances towards Gujarat

In view of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-turns-very-severe-10-districts-of-gujarat-on-alert-226555">approaching Cyclone Vayu</a>, Airports Authority of India (AAI) suspended flight operations at AAI airports in Porbandar, Diu, Bhavnagar, Keshod and Kandla from 12 midnight IST today to 12 midnight tomorrow.

Senior management of AAI took stock of the preparedness of airports in Gujarat today through a video conference on Wednesday.

As per the technical circular issued by AAI, this is done keeping safety in mind and in order to minimise damage to the airport infrastructure and to avoid inconvenience to any of stakeholders including passengers, AAI The Regional Executive Director (Western Region), AAI and all Airport Directors in Gujarat have been advised to be in readiness to handle any exigency occurring out of this natural calamity and to issue appropriate NOTAM action.

Equipment and heavy machinery have been moved to safety at respective airports and the Airport Directors of AAI's Bhuj and Jamnagar Airports have been asked to write to the Indian Air Force to suspend operations of civil flights from these two airports also.

Watch: Hundreds and thousands of people evacuated as Cyclone Vayu inches closer

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A decision in respect of suspending operations at AAI's Surat Airport will be taken after analysing the weather.

As per the latest information received, a total of 27 flights got diverted till 7:50 pm today.&nbsp;

'Vayu'&nbsp;is expected to make landfall as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm in the south of Veraval and Porbandar on Thursday, the IMD said on Wednesday.

MeT Department Director RK Jenamani said, "Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'VAYU'&nbsp;is about 280 km from the south of Veraval and 360 km from the south of Porbandar in Gujarat. It will cross Gujarat coast between Dwarka and Veraval as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speed 155-165 kmph around the afternoon of June 13."

"Cyclones are naturally formed in the sea and they are formed due to the low pressure of the wind. VAYU has intensified and moved ahead towards North. Vayu's intensity is of a severe cyclonic storm. It is moving in the northern direction. Tomorrow it is expected to touch Gujarat's coast. Heavy rain would take place," he added.

"We are estimating that what impact can the cyclone have. On June 16 and 17, Delhi would see a rainfall. Our meteorological centre in Ahmadabad is very closely in contact with the Gujarat government.&nbsp;

Around 2.15 lakh people have been shifted and more than 500 villages have been evacuated from the coastal regions.

"People are also supporting us in the evacuation process. From midnight police will be patrolling the vulnerable areas. According to IMD, Vayu cyclone is far away, around 280 km from Veraval and 360 km away from Porbandar," Pankaj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Gujarat Revenue Department said.

36 teams of NDRF are deployed and 11 more team is ready. Nine teams of SRDF, 14 companies of SRP, 300 marine commandos have also been deployed. Besides 9 helicopters have also been placed at strategic points, the Coast Guard said.

Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in a statement said that it has deployed its 40 rescue and relief teams along the coastal areas of Gujarat and Diu in the wake of anticipated cyclonic storm Vayu.

"36 teams have been pre-positioned/deployed at Kutch, Morbi, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Dwarka, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Junagarh, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Valsad, Surat and Gandhi Nagar while 04 teams have been pre-positioned at Diu for a prompt response," it said in a statement.

NDRF teams are assisting the local administration in evacuating the people to safer places. "Today, NDRF teams relocated over 74,000 people from coastal areas of Morbi, Bhavnagar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Jam Nagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Kutch, Porbandar, Rajkot and Amreli districts of Gujarat. The evacuation is still in progress," it said.

In addition, 6 NDRF teams each are being airlifted from Patna Airport and INS Rajali to Gujarat. This will raise the number to 52 teams in Gujarat (47 teams) and Diu (05 Teams) for assisting the local administration in rescue and relief work.

Director General, NDRF is regularly coordinating with the concerned authorities for an effective response during the anticipated cyclonic storm, the statement said.

The cyclone is expected to touch Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Veraval and Diu region as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph on the morning of June 13.

Cyclone Vayu is likely to cause heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Gujarat along with storm surge, which may cause inundation in the low lying coastal areas of Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagarh, Diu, Gir, Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts at the time of landfall.&nbsp;

In view of the approaching Cyclone Vayu, Airports Authority of India (AAI) suspended flight operations at AAI airports in Porbandar, Diu, Bhavnagar, Keshod and Kandla from 12 midnight IST today to 12 midnight tomorrow.

In view of the approaching Cyclone Vayu, Airports Authority of India (AAI) suspended flight operations at AAI airports in Porbandar, Diu, Bhavnagar, Keshod and Kandla from 12 midnight IST today to 12 midnight tomorrow. Senior management of AAI took stock of the preparedness of airports in Gujarat today through a video conference on Wednesday. As per the technical circular issued by AAI, this is done keeping safety in mind and in order to minimise damage to the airport infrastructure and to avoid inconvenience to any of stakeholders including passengers, AAI The Regional Executive Director (Western Region), AAI and all Airport Directors in Gujarat have been advised to be in readiness to handle any exigency occurring out of this natural calamity and to issue appropriate NOTAM action. Equipment and heavy machinery have been moved to safety at respective airports and the Airport Directors of AAI's Bhuj and Jamnagar Airports have been asked to write to the Indian Air Force to suspend operations of civil flights from these two airports also. Watch: Hundreds and thousands of people evacuated as Cyclone Vayu inches closer × A decision in respect of suspending operations at AAI's Surat Airport will be taken after analysing the weather. As per the latest information received, a total of 27 flights got diverted till 7:50 pm today. 'Vayu' is expected to make landfall as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm in the south of Veraval and Porbandar on Thursday, the IMD said on Wednesday. MeT Department Director RK Jenamani said, "Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'VAYU' is about 280 km from the south of Veraval and 360 km from the south of Porbandar in Gujarat. It will cross Gujarat coast between Dwarka and Veraval as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speed 155-165 kmph around the afternoon of June 13." "Cyclones are naturally formed in the sea and they are formed due to the low pressure of the wind. VAYU has intensified and moved ahead towards North. Vayu's intensity is of a severe cyclonic storm. It is moving in the northern direction. Tomorrow it is expected to touch Gujarat's coast. Heavy rain would take place," he added. "We are estimating that what impact can the cyclone have. On June 16 and 17, Delhi would see a rainfall. Our meteorological centre in Ahmadabad is very closely in contact with the Gujarat government. Around 2.15 lakh people have been shifted and more than 500 villages have been evacuated from the coastal regions. "People are also supporting us in the evacuation process. From midnight police will be patrolling the vulnerable areas. According to IMD, Vayu cyclone is far away, around 280 km from Veraval and 360 km away from Porbandar," Pankaj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Gujarat Revenue Department said. 36 teams of NDRF are deployed and 11 more team is ready. Nine teams of SRDF, 14 companies of SRP, 300 marine commandos have also been deployed. Besides 9 helicopters have also been placed at strategic points, the Coast Guard said. Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in a statement said that it has deployed its 40 rescue and relief teams along the coastal areas of Gujarat and Diu in the wake of anticipated cyclonic storm Vayu. "36 teams have been pre-positioned/deployed at Kutch, Morbi, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Dwarka, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Junagarh, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Valsad, Surat and Gandhi Nagar while 04 teams have been pre-positioned at Diu for a prompt response," it said in a statement. NDRF teams are assisting the local administration in evacuating the people to safer places. "Today, NDRF teams relocated over 74,000 people from coastal areas of Morbi, Bhavnagar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Jam Nagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Kutch, Porbandar, Rajkot and Amreli districts of Gujarat. The evacuation is still in progress," it said. In addition, 6 NDRF teams each are being airlifted from Patna Airport and INS Rajali to Gujarat. This will raise the number to 52 teams in Gujarat (47 teams) and Diu (05 Teams) for assisting the local administration in rescue and relief work. Director General, NDRF is regularly coordinating with the concerned authorities for an effective response during the anticipated cyclonic storm, the statement said. The cyclone is expected to touch Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Veraval and Diu region as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph on the morning of June 13. Cyclone Vayu is likely to cause heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Gujarat along with storm surge, which may cause inundation in the low lying coastal areas of Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagarh, Diu, Gir, Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts at the time of landfall.

Flight operations in Gujarat suspended as Cyclone Vayu approaches

Eight days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/debris-of-aircraft-believed-to-be-that-of-iaf-an-32-lopcated-report-226246">AN-32 aircraft wreckage</a> was found in heavily forested mountainous terrain in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force(IAF) has&nbsp;sent&nbsp;its search teams comprising of Garud commandos including Mi17s and light helicopters&nbsp;to look for evidence of those missing.

The AN-32 transport&nbsp;aircraft was spotted 16 kms North of Lipo, north east of Tato from an IAF Mi-17 helicopter on Tuesday. There were 13 IAF personnel on board when the plane crashed.

"Efforts are now continuing to establish the status of occupants and establish survivors," the IAF said.

The Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft was going from Jorhat in Assam to Menchuka advanced landing ground near the border with China on June 3 when it lost contact with ground staff at 1pm, within 33 minutes of taking off.

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After bad weather hampered operations, the IAF had pressed Sukhoi-30 aircraft in addition to a fleet of C-130J, Mi-17 and ALH helicopters along with ground forces including&nbsp;troops from the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and state police.

The Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft was also deployed earlier this week as it has electro-optical and infra-red sensors which are&nbsp;helpful in search operations.

ISRO's Cartosat and RISAT satellites were also used to take images of the area around Menchuka.

"After identification of the wreckage of AN-32 by Mi-17V5, the Cheetah of reached the crash site. Due to high elevation and dense forest, helicopters could not land next to the crash site," the IAF had said on Tuesday.

(Inputs: PTI)

Eight days after the AN-32 aircraft wreckage was found in heavily forested mountainous terrain in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force(IAF) has sent its search teams comprising of Garud commandos including Mi17s and light helicopters to look for evidence of those missing.

Eight days after the AN-32 aircraft wreckage was found in heavily forested mountainous terrain in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force(IAF) has sent its search teams comprising of Garud commandos including Mi17s and light helicopters to look for evidence of those missing. The AN-32 transport aircraft was spotted 16 kms North of Lipo, north east of Tato from an IAF Mi-17 helicopter on Tuesday. There were 13 IAF personnel on board when the plane crashed. "Efforts are now continuing to establish the status of occupants and establish survivors," the IAF said. The Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft was going from Jorhat in Assam to Menchuka advanced landing ground near the border with China on June 3 when it lost contact with ground staff at 1pm, within 33 minutes of taking off. After bad weather hampered operations, the IAF had pressed Sukhoi-30 aircraft in addition to a fleet of C-130J, Mi-17 and ALH helicopters along with ground forces including troops from the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and state police. The Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft was also deployed earlier this week as it has electro-optical and infra-red sensors which are helpful in search operations. ISRO's Cartosat and RISAT satellites were also used to take images of the area around Menchuka. "After identification of the wreckage of AN-32 by Mi-17V5, the Cheetah of reached the crash site. Due to high elevation and dense forest, helicopters could not land next to the crash site," the IAF had said on Tuesday. (Inputs: PTI)

Garud commandos, IAF planes resume operation to retrieve AN-32 aircraft in Arunachal Pradesh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-raids-in-tamil-nadu-four-arrested-in-connection-with-sri-lanka-blasts-226506">The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday</a> arrested Mohammed Azarudeen, the alleged mastermind of ISIS Tamil Nadu module who was a Facebook friend of Sri Lankan suicide bomber Zahran Hashim after it carried out searches at seven locations in Coimbatore, officials said.

During the searches, the agency seized 14 mobile phones, 29 SIM cards, 10 pen drives, three laptops, six memory cards, four hard disc drives, an internet dongle and 13 CDs/DVDs, besides one dagger, an electric baton, 300 air-gun pellets and a large number of incriminating documents, the NIA said in a statement.

A few pamphlets of Popular Front of India and Social Democratic Party of India, both under the scanner of security agencies, have also been seized from the houses and workplaces of the accused, it said.

Based on the recoveries, the agency has started questioning the accused about the material, it added.

A case was registered on May 30 this year against the module allegedly led by the 32-year-old Azarudeen of Coimbatore and five other residents of the city.

The agency had received the information that the accused persons and their associates were allegedly propagating the ideology of proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS on social media with the intention of recruiting vulnerable youth into the group for carrying out terrorist attacks in south India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the NIA said.

It alleged that Azarudeen was the leader of the module and maintained a Facebook page named "KhilafahGFX" through which he had been propagating the ideology of the banned West Asian terror group.&nbsp;

The NIA has alleged that Azarudeen has been a Facebook friend of Sri Lankan suicide bomber Zahran Hashim.

The IS had claimed responsibility for the serial bombings in Sri Lanka on April 21 in which around nine suicide bombers were involved. Total 258 people were killed and 500 others injured in the terror attacks in the island nation.

The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday arrested Mohammed Azarudeen, the alleged mastermind of ISIS Tamil Nadu module who was a Facebook friend of Sri Lankan suicide bomber Zahran Hashim after it carried out searches at seven locations in Coimbatore, officials said.

The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday arrested Mohammed Azarudeen, the alleged mastermind of ISIS Tamil Nadu module who was a Facebook friend of Sri Lankan suicide bomber Zahran Hashim after it carried out searches at seven locations in Coimbatore, officials said. During the searches, the agency seized 14 mobile phones, 29 SIM cards, 10 pen drives, three laptops, six memory cards, four hard disc drives, an internet dongle and 13 CDs/DVDs, besides one dagger, an electric baton, 300 air-gun pellets and a large number of incriminating documents, the NIA said in a statement. A few pamphlets of Popular Front of India and Social Democratic Party of India, both under the scanner of security agencies, have also been seized from the houses and workplaces of the accused, it said. Based on the recoveries, the agency has started questioning the accused about the material, it added. A case was registered on May 30 this year against the module allegedly led by the 32-year-old Azarudeen of Coimbatore and five other residents of the city. The agency had received the information that the accused persons and their associates were allegedly propagating the ideology of proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS on social media with the intention of recruiting vulnerable youth into the group for carrying out terrorist attacks in south India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the NIA said. It alleged that Azarudeen was the leader of the module and maintained a Facebook page named "KhilafahGFX" through which he had been propagating the ideology of the banned West Asian terror group. The NIA has alleged that Azarudeen has been a Facebook friend of Sri Lankan suicide bomber Zahran Hashim. The IS had claimed responsibility for the serial bombings in Sri Lanka on April 21 in which around nine suicide bombers were involved. Total 258 people were killed and 500 others injured in the terror attacks in the island nation.

NIA arrests mastermind of ISIS Tamil Nadu module after searches

India has slipped by four points in an annual global index on peacefulness this year, finishing at 141 among 163 countries, while Iceland remained at the top position, according to a report by an international think tank.

The Global Peace Index (GPI) gauges ongoing domestic and international conflict, safety and security in society, and the degree of militarisation in 163 countries and territories by taking into account 23 indicators.

Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world, a position it has held since 2008, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) said in a statement.

It is joined at the top of the index by New Zealand, Austria, Portugal, and Denmark. Bhutan has recorded the largest improvement of any country in the top 20, rising 43 places in the last 12 years, it added.

"India's rank has moved down to 141 from in GPI 2019 (from its previous position at 136), among 163 countries, and it stands at fifth in the (South Asian) region," the statement said.

The IEP prepares the GPI report that presents the most comprehensive data-driven analysis to date on peace, its economic value, trends, and how to develop peaceful societies, it said.

The 13th edition of the annual report, the world's leading measure of global peacefulness, also shows that the "average level of global peacefulness improved for the first time in five years", the statement said.

"However, despite the improvement, the world remains considerably less peaceful now than a decade ago, with the average level of peacefulness deteriorating by nearly four per cent since 2008," the report claimed.

The 2019 report also includes new research on the possible effects of climate change on peace, the statement said.

"India together with the Philippines, Japan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Pakistan are the nine countries with the highest risk of multiple climate hazards. India has the seventh highest overall natural hazard score," according to the report.&nbsp;

The report also claimed that the gap between the least and most peaceful countries "continues to grow".

Eighty-six countries improved their score in the 2019 report, while 76 deteriorated.

Afghanistan is now the least peaceful country in the world, replacing Syria, which is now the second least peaceful. South Sudan, Yemen, and Iraq comprise the remaining five least peaceful countries, it said.

This is the first year since the inception of the index that Yemen has been ranked amongst the five least peaceful countries, the statement said.

The report covers 99.7 per cent of the world's population and uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources to compile the index. These indicators are grouped into three key domains - ongoing conflict, safety and security, and militarisation, the IEP said.

The IEP is an international and independent think tank dedicated to shifting the world's focus to peace as a positive, achievable and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. It has offices in Sydney, Brussels, New York, The Hague, Mexico City and Harare, the statement said.&nbsp;

India has slipped by four points in an annual global index on peacefulness this year, finishing at 141 among 163 countries, while Iceland remained at the top position, according to a report by an international think tank.

India has slipped by four points in an annual global index on peacefulness this year, finishing at 141 among 163 countries, while Iceland remained at the top position, according to a report by an international think tank. The Global Peace Index (GPI) gauges ongoing domestic and international conflict, safety and security in society, and the degree of militarisation in 163 countries and territories by taking into account 23 indicators. Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world, a position it has held since 2008, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) said in a statement. It is joined at the top of the index by New Zealand, Austria, Portugal, and Denmark. Bhutan has recorded the largest improvement of any country in the top 20, rising 43 places in the last 12 years, it added. "India's rank has moved down to 141 from in GPI 2019 (from its previous position at 136), among 163 countries, and it stands at fifth in the (South Asian) region," the statement said. The IEP prepares the GPI report that presents the most comprehensive data-driven analysis to date on peace, its economic value, trends, and how to develop peaceful societies, it said. The 13th edition of the annual report, the world's leading measure of global peacefulness, also shows that the "average level of global peacefulness improved for the first time in five years", the statement said. "However, despite the improvement, the world remains considerably less peaceful now than a decade ago, with the average level of peacefulness deteriorating by nearly four per cent since 2008," the report claimed. The 2019 report also includes new research on the possible effects of climate change on peace, the statement said. "India together with the Philippines, Japan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Pakistan are the nine countries with the highest risk of multiple climate hazards. India has the seventh highest overall natural hazard score," according to the report. The report also claimed that the gap between the least and most peaceful countries "continues to grow". Eighty-six countries improved their score in the 2019 report, while 76 deteriorated. Afghanistan is now the least peaceful country in the world, replacing Syria, which is now the second least peaceful. South Sudan, Yemen, and Iraq comprise the remaining five least peaceful countries, it said. This is the first year since the inception of the index that Yemen has been ranked amongst the five least peaceful countries, the statement said. The report covers 99.7 per cent of the world's population and uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources to compile the index. These indicators are grouped into three key domains - ongoing conflict, safety and security, and militarisation, the IEP said. The IEP is an international and independent think tank dedicated to shifting the world's focus to peace as a positive, achievable and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. It has offices in Sydney, Brussels, New York, The Hague, Mexico City and Harare, the statement said.

India slips to 141 in annual Global Peace Index; Iceland retains top spot

Govt adapts 'Horses For Courses'approach. Modi Govt seems to be intrested in lateral entry.Lateral entry is a good way to acquire talent. Modi govt to expand pool of lateral entrants. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: Significance Of Lateral Entrants In Modi Cabinet

It was a partly cloudy Wednesday morning in the national capital, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average.

Delhiites may get some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-ncr-may-get-respite-from-scorching-heat-in-the-coming-days-imd-226167">respite from the oppressive heat </a>as gusty winds and thunderstorm are likely in the later half of the day, a Meteorological Department official said.

The maximum temperature would be around 42 degrees Celsius, he said.

Relative humidity was 47 per cent at 8.30 am, the official added.

On Tuesday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-respite-from-heat-as-delhi-sizzles-at-46-degree-celsius-226143">maximum temperature in the city </a>was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average.&nbsp;

It was a partly cloudy Wednesday morning in the national capital, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average.

It was a partly cloudy Wednesday morning in the national capital, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average. Delhiites may get some respite from the oppressive heat as gusty winds and thunderstorm are likely in the later half of the day, a Meteorological Department official said. The maximum temperature would be around 42 degrees Celsius, he said. Relative humidity was 47 per cent at 8.30 am, the official added. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average.

Partly cloudy morning in Delhi, respite from heat likely later in the day

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Watch: India Watch, 12th June 2019

Former civil aviation minister and NCP leader Praful Patel has been summoned for questioning by the ED again next week as he sought exemption from the session Wednesday in connection with a money-laundering probe related to losses suffered by Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore aviation scam, officials said.

The Rajya Sabha MP was grilled by the agency over two separate sessions on Monday and Tuesday and his statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

He has been summoned again next week for June 17, the officials said.

They said Patel, 62, was asked about the policy decisions taken by the civil aviation ministry during his tenure and his links with alleged aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar, under arrest in this case, during the two rounds of grilling.

The case emerges from a criminal complaint registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to probe alleged irregularities in fixing air slots for international airlines that purportedly led to losses for national carrier Air India. A case for the purchase of 111 aircraft for the national carrier during Patel's tenure is also under probe.

The former Lok Sabha MP from the Bhandara-Gondia seat in Maharashtra has also been named in a recent charge sheet filed by the federal agency before a court, as a person known to alleged aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, who was in charge of the civil aviation ministry between 2004 and 2011, has not been mentioned as an accused in the case.

The ED has already questioned a number of people in the senior management of the state-owned airline and the aviation ministry.

The agency had said in the charge sheet "the investigation so far from the accused and others reveal that Patel is a dear friend of Deepak Talwar".&nbsp;

Patel had earlier told the media that "he will be happy to cooperate with the ED for their understanding of the complexities of the aviation sector".

The ED charge sheet in the case named Talwar and claimed that he was in regular touch with Patel. It has alleged that Talwar finalised various communications addressed to Patel on behalf of Emirates and Air Arabia.

According to the charge sheet, Talwar obtained undue favours for private airlines using his contacts.

The agency has also alleged that Talwar was engaged in lobbying with politicians, ministers, public servants and officials in the civil aviation ministry for Emirates, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways in order to secure undue benefits for these airlines.

"He (Talwar) illegally managed to secure favourable traffic rights for these airlines during 2008-2009 at the cost of national carrier Air India," the ED has claimed.

It has also been alleged that in lieu of securing favourable traffic rights, these airlines made payments to the tune of Rs 272 crore to Talwar during 2008-2009.

"He created a web of his own entities and used the companies of his son, Aditya Talwar, in India and international offshore havens to launder Rs 272 crore received from foreign airlines.

"Part of these payments were made to a bank account in the Bank of Singapore, belonging to a company called Asiafield Limited, registered in the British Virgin Islands and beneficially owned by Deepak Talwar," the agency has said in the charge sheet.

Talwar was arrested by the ED early this year after he was deported from Dubai.&nbsp;

Former civil aviation minister and NCP leader Praful Patel has been summoned for questioning by the ED again next week as he sought exemption from the session Wednesday in connection with a money-laundering probe related to losses suffered by Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore aviation scam, officials said.

Former civil aviation minister and NCP leader Praful Patel has been summoned for questioning by the ED again next week as he sought exemption from the session Wednesday in connection with a money-laundering probe related to losses suffered by Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore aviation scam, officials said. The Rajya Sabha MP was grilled by the agency over two separate sessions on Monday and Tuesday and his statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He has been summoned again next week for June 17, the officials said. They said Patel, 62, was asked about the policy decisions taken by the civil aviation ministry during his tenure and his links with alleged aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar, under arrest in this case, during the two rounds of grilling. The case emerges from a criminal complaint registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to probe alleged irregularities in fixing air slots for international airlines that purportedly led to losses for national carrier Air India. A case for the purchase of 111 aircraft for the national carrier during Patel's tenure is also under probe. The former Lok Sabha MP from the Bhandara-Gondia seat in Maharashtra has also been named in a recent charge sheet filed by the federal agency before a court, as a person known to alleged aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, who was in charge of the civil aviation ministry between 2004 and 2011, has not been mentioned as an accused in the case. The ED has already questioned a number of people in the senior management of the state-owned airline and the aviation ministry. The agency had said in the charge sheet "the investigation so far from the accused and others reveal that Patel is a dear friend of Deepak Talwar". Patel had earlier told the media that "he will be happy to cooperate with the ED for their understanding of the complexities of the aviation sector". The ED charge sheet in the case named Talwar and claimed that he was in regular touch with Patel. It has alleged that Talwar finalised various communications addressed to Patel on behalf of Emirates and Air Arabia. According to the charge sheet, Talwar obtained undue favours for private airlines using his contacts. The agency has also alleged that Talwar was engaged in lobbying with politicians, ministers, public servants and officials in the civil aviation ministry for Emirates, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways in order to secure undue benefits for these airlines. "He (Talwar) illegally managed to secure favourable traffic rights for these airlines during 2008-2009 at the cost of national carrier Air India," the ED has claimed. It has also been alleged that in lieu of securing favourable traffic rights, these airlines made payments to the tune of Rs 272 crore to Talwar during 2008-2009. "He created a web of his own entities and used the companies of his son, Aditya Talwar, in India and international offshore havens to launder Rs 272 crore received from foreign airlines. "Part of these payments were made to a bank account in the Bank of Singapore, belonging to a company called Asiafield Limited, registered in the British Virgin Islands and beneficially owned by Deepak Talwar," the agency has said in the charge sheet. Talwar was arrested by the ED early this year after he was deported from Dubai.

Praful Patel to appear before Enforcement Directorate again next week

People living along the India-Pakistan international border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir will get the benefits of reservation in direct recruitment, promotion and admission in different professional courses, at par with those living along the Actual Line of Control (ALoC).

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday.

In keeping with its pro-people initiatives and especially for those at the last mile of the development, the Union Cabinet cleared the decks for approval of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which will be introduced in the forthcoming session of Parliament, according to an official statement.

"The Cabinet decision is a reflection of Prime Minister Modi's vision of a pro-people government committed to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas and Sabka Vishwas," the statement said.

The move will go a long way in providing relief to the people living in areas adjoining the international border in Jammu and Kashmir.

They can now avail the benefits of reservation in direct recruitment, promotion and admission in different professional courses, the statement said.

The Bill will replace the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 through amendments in the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 and bringing the persons residing in areas adjoining the IB within the ambit of reservation, at par with those living in areas adjoining the ALoC.

The people living in areas adjoining the IB in Jammu and Kashmir were not included in the ambit of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 and Rules, 2005.

The rules provided for reservation in direct recruitment, promotions and admission in different professional courses to various categories, including the residents of areas adjoining the ALoC. Thus, those living in areas adjoining the IB in Jammu and Kashmir were not getting these benefits for a long time.

Due to continuous cross-border tensions, persons living along the IB suffer from socio-economic and educational backwardness. Shelling from across the border often compels these residents to move to safer places, which adversely impacts their education as schools and colleges remain closed for long periods.

Hence, it was felt justifiable to extend the reservation benefits to persons residing in the areas adjoining the IB, on the lines of those living in areas adjoining the ALoC.

Since Jammu and Kashmir is currently under the President's Rule, the powers of the state Assembly are vested with Parliament and hence, it was decided to replace the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 with the Bill to be placed in both the Houses of Parliament.&nbsp;

People living along the India-Pakistan international border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir will get the benefits of reservation in direct recruitment, promotion and admission in different professional courses, at par with those living along the Actual Line of Control (ALoC).

People living along the India-Pakistan international border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir will get the benefits of reservation in direct recruitment, promotion and admission in different professional courses, at par with those living along the Actual Line of Control (ALoC). The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday. In keeping with its pro-people initiatives and especially for those at the last mile of the development, the Union Cabinet cleared the decks for approval of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which will be introduced in the forthcoming session of Parliament, according to an official statement. "The Cabinet decision is a reflection of Prime Minister Modi's vision of a pro-people government committed to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas and Sabka Vishwas," the statement said. The move will go a long way in providing relief to the people living in areas adjoining the international border in Jammu and Kashmir. They can now avail the benefits of reservation in direct recruitment, promotion and admission in different professional courses, the statement said. The Bill will replace the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 through amendments in the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 and bringing the persons residing in areas adjoining the IB within the ambit of reservation, at par with those living in areas adjoining the ALoC. The people living in areas adjoining the IB in Jammu and Kashmir were not included in the ambit of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 and Rules, 2005. The rules provided for reservation in direct recruitment, promotions and admission in different professional courses to various categories, including the residents of areas adjoining the ALoC. Thus, those living in areas adjoining the IB in Jammu and Kashmir were not getting these benefits for a long time. Due to continuous cross-border tensions, persons living along the IB suffer from socio-economic and educational backwardness. Shelling from across the border often compels these residents to move to safer places, which adversely impacts their education as schools and colleges remain closed for long periods. Hence, it was felt justifiable to extend the reservation benefits to persons residing in the areas adjoining the IB, on the lines of those living in areas adjoining the ALoC. Since Jammu and Kashmir is currently under the President's Rule, the powers of the state Assembly are vested with Parliament and hence, it was decided to replace the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 with the Bill to be placed in both the Houses of Parliament.

Government to give reservation benefits to people living along Indo-Pak border in Jammu and Kashmir

Bihar Cabinet-led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has approved a proposal to punish sons and daughters who abandon their elderly parents with a jail term.&nbsp;

The proposal of Bihar social welfare department has provisions for punishments which could go up to imprisonment if wards do not look after their parents properly in their old ages.

The cases against the wards will be registered under the non-bail able section in Bihar after receiving complaints from the elderly parents.

Many other decisions were also taken during the cabinet meeting that took place on Tuesday.

Bihar Cabinet-led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has approved a proposal to punish sons and daughters who abandon their elderly parents with a jail term. The proposal of Bihar social welfare department has provisions for punishments which could go up to imprisonment if wards do not look after their parents properly in their old ages.

Bihar Cabinet-led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has approved a proposal to punish sons and daughters who abandon their elderly parents with a jail term. The proposal of Bihar social welfare department has provisions for punishments which could go up to imprisonment if wards do not look after their parents properly in their old ages. The cases against the wards will be registered under the non-bail able section in Bihar after receiving complaints from the elderly parents. Many other decisions were also taken during the cabinet meeting that took place on Tuesday.

Bihar: Abandoning elderly parents will now land sons, daughters in jail

A terrorist attack took place at a police party at KP road in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Five&nbsp;CRPF were killed as terrorists and security forces exchanged heavy firing.

As many as three CRPF personnel have been injured. Station House Officer of Anantnag Police Station, Arshad Ahmed, was injured in the attack and has been shifted to Srinagar for treatment. One terrorist has been killed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

CRPF in a statement said that motorcycle-borne terrorists fired upon troops of B/116 battalion and Jammu and Kashmir police who were deployed for law and order duty.&nbsp;

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J&amp;K Police on today's Anantnag terrorist attack: Three security forces personnel including SHO Anantnag, Inspector Arshid Khan sustained gunshot injuries. <a href="https://t.co/dhYC8asx9e">https://t.co/dhYC8asx9e</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138837101687058432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sources in the police say that terrorists opened indiscriminate fire at the forces in which a girl also sustained injuries. The area has been cordoned off as forces have trapped one terrorist near the spot.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Total 5 CRPF personnel have lost their lives in Anantnag terrorist attack in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, today. <a href="https://t.co/sXoVnbkqzi">pic.twitter.com/sXoVnbkqzi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138800728896524289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sopore-encounter-body-of-1-terrorist-retrieved-by-security-forces-226385">the body of a terrorist was recovered</a> by security forces on Wednesday morning after an encounter took place on Tuesday in Bomai area of Sopore in Baramulla district, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The encounter broke out at 5:25 pm yesterday between terrorists and the troops of 177, 179 and 92 Battalion of CRPF, SOG Sopore, 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR).

Though the body of the terrorist was retrieved from the site of the encounter his identity and affiliation is being ascertained, Jammu and Kashmir Police said.

"On a credible input, a cordon and search operation was launched jointly by police and security forces at the area. During the search operation, the hiding terrorist fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter," police explained in a press release.

&nbsp;

A terrorist attack took place at a police party at KP road in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday. Five CRPF were killed as terrorists and security forces exchanged heavy firing.

A terrorist attack took place at a police party at KP road in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday. Five CRPF were killed as terrorists and security forces exchanged heavy firing. As many as three CRPF personnel have been injured. Station House Officer of Anantnag Police Station, Arshad Ahmed, was injured in the attack and has been shifted to Srinagar for treatment. One terrorist has been killed. CRPF in a statement said that motorcycle-borne terrorists fired upon troops of B/116 battalion and Jammu and Kashmir police who were deployed for law and order duty. J&K Police on today's Anantnag terrorist attack: Three security forces personnel including SHO Anantnag, Inspector Arshid Khan sustained gunshot injuries. https://t.co/dhYC8asx9e — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × Sources in the police say that terrorists opened indiscriminate fire at the forces in which a girl also sustained injuries. The area has been cordoned off as forces have trapped one terrorist near the spot. #UPDATE Total 5 CRPF personnel have lost their lives in Anantnag terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir, today. pic.twitter.com/sXoVnbkqzi — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × Meanwhile, the body of a terrorist was recovered by security forces on Wednesday morning after an encounter took place on Tuesday in Bomai area of Sopore in Baramulla district, news agency ANI reported. The encounter broke out at 5:25 pm yesterday between terrorists and the troops of 177, 179 and 92 Battalion of CRPF, SOG Sopore, 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR). Though the body of the terrorist was retrieved from the site of the encounter his identity and affiliation is being ascertained, Jammu and Kashmir Police said. "On a credible input, a cordon and search operation was launched jointly by police and security forces at the area. During the search operation, the hiding terrorist fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter," police explained in a press release.

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists attack police party in Anantnag; five CRPF personnel, one terrorist killed

The body of a terrorist was recovered by security forces on Wednesday morning after an encounter took place on Tuesday in Bomai area of Sopore in Baramulla district.

The encounter broke out at 5:25 pm yesterday between terrorists and the troops of 177, 179 and 92 Battalion of CRPF, SOG Sopore, 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR).

Though&nbsp;the body of the terrorist was retrieved from the site of the encounter his identity and affiliation is being ascertained, Jammu and Kashmir Police said.

"On a credible input, a cordon and search operation was launched jointly by police and security forces at the area. During the search operation, the hiding terrorist fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter," police explained in a press release.

Incriminating material including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter.

The police have requested citizens not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials.&nbsp;

They have further requested people to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials if any.&nbsp;

The body of a terrorist was recovered by security forces on Wednesday morning after an encounter took place on Tuesday in Bomai area of Sopore in Baramulla district.

The body of a terrorist was recovered by security forces on Wednesday morning after an encounter took place on Tuesday in Bomai area of Sopore in Baramulla district. The encounter broke out at 5:25 pm yesterday between terrorists and the troops of 177, 179 and 92 Battalion of CRPF, SOG Sopore, 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR). Though the body of the terrorist was retrieved from the site of the encounter his identity and affiliation is being ascertained, Jammu and Kashmir Police said. "On a credible input, a cordon and search operation was launched jointly by police and security forces at the area. During the search operation, the hiding terrorist fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter," police explained in a press release. Incriminating material including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter. The police have requested citizens not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. They have further requested people to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials if any.

Jammu and Kashmir: Body of 1 terrorist retrieved by security forces in Sopore encounter

The BJP Wednesday announced its parliamentary party executive committee with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its leader in Lok Sabha and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the deputy leader.

In Rajya Sabha, Union minister Thaawarchand Gehlot, a veteran dalit face of the BJP, has been appointed as leader of the house and his cabinet colleague Piyush Goyal as the deputy leader.

Gehlot replaced senior BJP leader and former Union minister Arun Jaitley as leader of the house in Rajya Sabha. Jaitley had requested the leadership to relieve him from key positions in view of his poor health.

Union minister Smriti Irani's induction as a special invitee in the BJP's parliamentary party executive committee underscores elevation in her stature within the party after she defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from the Amethi parliamentary constituency.

The party has appointed Sanjay Jaiswal as its chief whip. It also appointed for the first time three women MPs as its whips for women parliamentarians.

Besides these three women whips, 15 other whips for Lok Sabha have also been appointed for parliamentarians from different states. In Lok Sabha, the BJP's strength has increased to 303.

Other special invitees from Lok Sabha to the BJP's parliamentary party executive are Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Arjun Munda, Narendra Singh Tomar and Jual Oram.

The BJP has also appointed six whips for the upper house, where it is the single largest party with 70 members.

Special invitees to the committee from Rajya Sabha are J P Nadda, Om Prakash Mathur, Nirmala Sitharaman, Dharmedndra Pradhan and Prakash Javadekar.

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has been reappointed as in-charge of the party's parliamentary office and Balasubrahmanyam Kumarsu as secretary.

The newly constituted BJP parliamentary party executive committee marks a generational shift in the party as party veterans L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, who have been its members for a long time, are not part of it, as both are not MPs.&nbsp;

Besides them, senior leaders Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj are also not its members.

The first meeting of the executive will be held on June 16 at 3:30 pm, a day before the commencement of Parliament session. The government has also called an all-party meeting in the morning of June 16 which will be chaired by the prime minister.&nbsp;

The BJP Wednesday announced its parliamentary party executive committee with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its leader in Lok Sabha and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the deputy leader.

The BJP Wednesday announced its parliamentary party executive committee with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its leader in Lok Sabha and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the deputy leader. In Rajya Sabha, Union minister Thaawarchand Gehlot, a veteran dalit face of the BJP, has been appointed as leader of the house and his cabinet colleague Piyush Goyal as the deputy leader. Gehlot replaced senior BJP leader and former Union minister Arun Jaitley as leader of the house in Rajya Sabha. Jaitley had requested the leadership to relieve him from key positions in view of his poor health. Union minister Smriti Irani's induction as a special invitee in the BJP's parliamentary party executive committee underscores elevation in her stature within the party after she defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from the Amethi parliamentary constituency. The party has appointed Sanjay Jaiswal as its chief whip. It also appointed for the first time three women MPs as its whips for women parliamentarians. Besides these three women whips, 15 other whips for Lok Sabha have also been appointed for parliamentarians from different states. In Lok Sabha, the BJP's strength has increased to 303. Other special invitees from Lok Sabha to the BJP's parliamentary party executive are Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Arjun Munda, Narendra Singh Tomar and Jual Oram. The BJP has also appointed six whips for the upper house, where it is the single largest party with 70 members. Special invitees to the committee from Rajya Sabha are J P Nadda, Om Prakash Mathur, Nirmala Sitharaman, Dharmedndra Pradhan and Prakash Javadekar. BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has been reappointed as in-charge of the party's parliamentary office and Balasubrahmanyam Kumarsu as secretary. The newly constituted BJP parliamentary party executive committee marks a generational shift in the party as party veterans L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, who have been its members for a long time, are not part of it, as both are not MPs. Besides them, senior leaders Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj are also not its members. The first meeting of the executive will be held on June 16 at 3:30 pm, a day before the commencement of Parliament session. The government has also called an all-party meeting in the morning of June 16 which will be chaired by the prime minister.

BJP forms new parliamentary party executive; PM Modi leader in Lok Sabha, Rajnath Singh his deputy 

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Protesters have blocked two main highways in central&nbsp;Hong Kong in ralliesagainst a divisive government plan to allow extraditions to China.

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Sudan`s military and&nbsp;opposition groups&nbsp;have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council, an Ethiopian envoy said on Tuesday, as an opposition alliance said it was suspending its campaign of civil disobedience and strikes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-thunderstorm-lightning-alert-issued-for-various-districts-of-gujarat-orange-warning-for-goa-226379">Cyclone Vayu: Thunderstorm, lightning alert issued for various districts of Gujarat;'orange' warning for Goa</a>

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of thunderstorm and lightning accompanied by gusty wind (40-50 kmph) at isolated places in the districts of North Gujarat region including Banaskantha and Sabarkantha for Wednesday and Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/life-imprisonment-for-mumbai-man-who-created-hijack-scare-on-jet-plane-226369">Life imprisonment for Mumbai man who created hijack scare on Jet plane</a>

In the first conviction under the amended anti-hijacking law, a special NIA court Tuesday awarded life term to a Mumbai-based businessman and also imposed a hefty Rs 5 crore fine for triggering a hijack scare on a Jet Airways plane in 2017.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistani-fans-love-cricket-they-wont-boo-steven-smith-captain-sarfaraz-ahmed-226376">Pakistani fans love cricket, they won't boo Steven Smith: Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed</a>

Sarfaraz Ahmed insists Pakistan fans won't boo shamed Australia star&nbsp;Steven Smith during their World Cup&nbsp;match in Taunton on Wednesday. Pakistan fans are expected to make up a large chunk of the crowd in the west country and there are fears they might follow the example of the India supporters who jeered Smith at the Oval on Sunday.

Protesters block roads in Hong Kong in anti-China demonstration against extradition bill Protesters have blocked two main highways in central Hong Kong in ralliesagainst a divisive government plan to allow extraditions to China.

Protesters block roads in Hong Kong in anti-China demonstration against extradition bill Protesters have blocked two main highways in central Hong Kong in ralliesagainst a divisive government plan to allow extraditions to China. Envoy says Sudan talks to resume as strike suspended Sudan`s military and opposition groups have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council, an Ethiopian envoy said on Tuesday, as an opposition alliance said it was suspending its campaign of civil disobedience and strikes. Cyclone Vayu: Thunderstorm, lightning alert issued for various districts of Gujarat;'orange' warning for Goa The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of thunderstorm and lightning accompanied by gusty wind (40-50 kmph) at isolated places in the districts of North Gujarat region including Banaskantha and Sabarkantha for Wednesday and Thursday. Life imprisonment for Mumbai man who created hijack scare on Jet plane In the first conviction under the amended anti-hijacking law, a special NIA court Tuesday awarded life term to a Mumbai-based businessman and also imposed a hefty Rs 5 crore fine for triggering a hijack scare on a Jet Airways plane in 2017. Pakistani fans love cricket, they won't boo Steven Smith: Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed Sarfaraz Ahmed insists Pakistan fans won't boo shamed Australia star Steven Smith during their World Cup match in Taunton on Wednesday. Pakistan fans are expected to make up a large chunk of the crowd in the west country and there are fears they might follow the example of the India supporters who jeered Smith at the Oval on Sunday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Images captured of the probable crash point of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/garud-commandos-iaf-planes-resume-operation-to-retrieve-an-32-aircraft-in-arunachal-pradesh-226398">missing Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft</a> show that the aircraft was quite close to clearing a hill. The aircraft may have failed flying past the hill probably due to the blockage of view due to clouds, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

In the meanwhile, 15 mountaineers have been inducted by Mi-17s and ALH, with all equipment. As many as 9 personnel from the Indian Air Force's mountaineering team, 4 from Army and 2 civilian mountaineers have joined the operations in Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

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Indian Air Force: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AN32Aircraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AN32Aircraft</a> crash site in Arunachal Pradesh showing the probable crash point of the aircraft. It shows how close the plane was to clear the hill but could not, probably due to blockage of view due to clouds. <a href="https://t.co/o3jRQ6gU4T">pic.twitter.com/o3jRQ6gU4T</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138755008139161600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The mountaineers are yet to reach the crash site due to inclement weather and terrain. The team will be camping overnight due to difficult terrain and weather, will close into the crash site tomorrow, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

It has been eight days since Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft went missing in Arunachal Pradesh after taking off from Jorhat, Assam.

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Rescue update of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AN32Aircraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AN32Aircraft</a> : 15 mountaineers have been inducted by Mi-17s &amp; ALH, with all equipment - 9 from IAF mountaineering team, 4 from Army &amp; 2 civilian mountaineers. Some have reached the crash site &amp; some are still tracking. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArunachalPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArunachalPradesh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138753482612137985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft was going from Jorhat in Assam to Mechuka advanced landing ground near the border with China on June 3 when it lost contact with ground staff at &nbsp;1 pm, within 33 minutes of taking off.

Watch: Wreckage of missing Air Force An-32 plane found in Arunachal Pradesh

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Aircraft's wreckage was found in heavily forested mountainous terrain in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has sent its search teams comprising of Garud commandos including Mi17s and light helicopters to look for evidence of those missing.

"Efforts are now continuing to establish the status of occupants and establish survivors," the IAF said. 
&nbsp;

Images captured of the probable crash point of missing Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft show that the aircraft was quite close to clearing a hill. The aircraft may have failed flying past the hill probably due to the blockage of view due to clouds, news agency ANI reported.

Images captured of the probable crash point of missing Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft show that the aircraft was quite close to clearing a hill. The aircraft may have failed flying past the hill probably due to the blockage of view due to clouds, news agency ANI reported. In the meanwhile, 15 mountaineers have been inducted by Mi-17s and ALH, with all equipment. As many as 9 personnel from the Indian Air Force's mountaineering team, 4 from Army and 2 civilian mountaineers have joined the operations in Arunachal Pradesh. Indian Air Force: #AN32Aircraft crash site in Arunachal Pradesh showing the probable crash point of the aircraft. It shows how close the plane was to clear the hill but could not, probably due to blockage of view due to clouds. pic.twitter.com/o3jRQ6gU4T — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × The mountaineers are yet to reach the crash site due to inclement weather and terrain. The team will be camping overnight due to difficult terrain and weather, will close into the crash site tomorrow, news agency ANI reported. It has been eight days since Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft went missing in Arunachal Pradesh after taking off from Jorhat, Assam. Rescue update of #AN32Aircraft : 15 mountaineers have been inducted by Mi-17s & ALH, with all equipment - 9 from IAF mountaineering team, 4 from Army & 2 civilian mountaineers. Some have reached the crash site & some are still tracking. #ArunachalPradesh — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × The Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft was going from Jorhat in Assam to Mechuka advanced landing ground near the border with China on June 3 when it lost contact with ground staff at 1 pm, within 33 minutes of taking off. Watch: Wreckage of missing Air Force An-32 plane found in Arunachal Pradesh Aircraft's wreckage was found in heavily forested mountainous terrain in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has sent its search teams comprising of Garud commandos including Mi17s and light helicopters to look for evidence of those missing. "Efforts are now continuing to establish the status of occupants and establish survivors," the IAF said.

AN-32 aircraft probably couldn't get past hill, crashed due to blockage of view

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/partly-cloudy-morning-in-delhi-respite-from-heat-likely-later-in-the-day-226394">The national capital on Wednesday</a> evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts.&nbsp;

Operations were temporarily halted at Indira Gandhi International airport due to the dust storm, news agency ANI reported. Till 7.50 pm, 27 flights had been diverted from Delhi airport.&nbsp;

Delhiites woke up to a partly cloudy morning on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average.

The weather department predicted some respite from the oppressive heat later in the day with gusty winds and thunderstorm to occur.

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Dust storm hits Delhi; Skymet Weather says "intense rains ahead, expect some parts to see heavy showers as well." <a href="https://t.co/tozHQSoG2Y">pic.twitter.com/tozHQSoG2Y</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138803277863112705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, all forces are on alert as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-turns-very-severe-10-districts-of-gujarat-on-alert-226555">Gujarat braces for Cyclone Vayu</a> to make landfall on Thursday. The Army, the Air Force, and the NDRF teams are deployed and put on standby for rescue and relief operations along with the coastal districts.

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Heavy dust storm hits Janpath Road and India Gate, in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/WqiYvZq8Kq">pic.twitter.com/WqiYvZq8Kq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138804824181420034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also deployed ships and aircraft to enable search and rescue post the landfall of the cyclonic storm.

Authorities have managed to evacuate around 1.60 lakh people on the coast to safer places.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The national capital on Wednesday evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts.

The national capital on Wednesday evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts. Operations were temporarily halted at Indira Gandhi International airport due to the dust storm, news agency ANI reported. Till 7.50 pm, 27 flights had been diverted from Delhi airport. Delhiites woke up to a partly cloudy morning on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average. The weather department predicted some respite from the oppressive heat later in the day with gusty winds and thunderstorm to occur. Dust storm hits Delhi; Skymet Weather says "intense rains ahead, expect some parts to see heavy showers as well." pic.twitter.com/tozHQSoG2Y — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average. Meanwhile, all forces are on alert as Gujarat braces for Cyclone Vayu to make landfall on Thursday. The Army, the Air Force, and the NDRF teams are deployed and put on standby for rescue and relief operations along with the coastal districts. Heavy dust storm hits Janpath Road and India Gate, in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/WqiYvZq8Kq — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also deployed ships and aircraft to enable search and rescue post the landfall of the cyclonic storm. Authorities have managed to evacuate around 1.60 lakh people on the coast to safer places. (With inputs from agencies)

Dust storm grips Delhi, 'intense rain ahead' predicts Skymet  

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-sco-summit-member-countries-say-india-has-important-role-to-play-226250">19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit</a> and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections.

In a pre-departure statement ahead of the SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region".

Explaining further, "India has actively participated in various SCO dialogue mechanisms since its full membership of SCO two years ago. We have extended full cooperation to the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past year."

PM Modi will not be using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-not-to-fly-over-pak-airspace-for-sco-summit-226462">Pakistan's airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit</a>, instead, he will flying over Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries to reach the country.

Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistan's airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek.&nbsp;

The prime minister will be reaching Kyrgyzstan by midday on Thursday and is set to have a packed day. His first engagement will be inaugurating India-Kyrgyz textile exhibition along with Kyrgystan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the theme of "Colors and Weaves of India and Central Asia”.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan

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The first day will also see him meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with the Chinese President this year and first since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year, Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

Last year PM Modi and Chinese President met four times starting with the Wuhan informal summit followed by a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, the BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina.&nbsp;

The second day of PM's Kyrgyzstan trip will have two components - his participation at the SCO summit and his engagement with the Kyrgyz counterpart.&nbsp;

India is expected to raise a number of issues, from terror to trade to connectivity and ties with central Asia at the summit. New Delhi became an SCO member in 2017 and this is the second time PM Modi is participating in the summit.

"Prime Minister, when he participates, when he makes his intervention, he will reflect the Indian concerns and priorities with respect to the SCO process," Secretary West, Gitesh Sarma said in a media briefing ahead of the summit.

The organization represents &nbsp;42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with Central Asian countries.&nbsp;

"We live in a globalised world. The distances are much shorter and multilateralism of this order is the new order of the world relationship," Alok A Dimri, Indian envoy to Kyrgyzstan, told WION in Bishkek.

In the afternoon of June 14, the prime minister will participate in India Kyrgyz Business Forum followed by his bilateral meet with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Remember, India had invited the Kyrgyz president for the oathtaking ceremony of PM Modi on May 30 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Reacting on the invite, Kyrgyz Envoy Asein Isaev had told WION, "It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that, he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here".

This is the second visit of PM Modi to the central Asian country. In his first term, he had visited all the central Asian countries.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that there will be no structured formal talks between PM Modi and Pakistan's PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit but a pull aside is something that is keeping everyone on tenterhooks with huge media presence from both India and Pakistan in Bishkek.

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings.

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections. In a pre-departure statement ahead of the SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region". Explaining further, "India has actively participated in various SCO dialogue mechanisms since its full membership of SCO two years ago. We have extended full cooperation to the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past year." PM Modi will not be using Pakistan's airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit, instead, he will flying over Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries to reach the country. Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistan's airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek. The prime minister will be reaching Kyrgyzstan by midday on Thursday and is set to have a packed day. His first engagement will be inaugurating India-Kyrgyz textile exhibition along with Kyrgystan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the theme of "Colors and Weaves of India and Central Asia”. Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan × The first day will also see him meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with the Chinese President this year and first since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year, Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit. Last year PM Modi and Chinese President met four times starting with the Wuhan informal summit followed by a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, the BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina. The second day of PM's Kyrgyzstan trip will have two components - his participation at the SCO summit and his engagement with the Kyrgyz counterpart. India is expected to raise a number of issues, from terror to trade to connectivity and ties with central Asia at the summit. New Delhi became an SCO member in 2017 and this is the second time PM Modi is participating in the summit. "Prime Minister, when he participates, when he makes his intervention, he will reflect the Indian concerns and priorities with respect to the SCO process," Secretary West, Gitesh Sarma said in a media briefing ahead of the summit. The organization represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with Central Asian countries. "We live in a globalised world. The distances are much shorter and multilateralism of this order is the new order of the world relationship," Alok A Dimri, Indian envoy to Kyrgyzstan, told WION in Bishkek. In the afternoon of June 14, the prime minister will participate in India Kyrgyz Business Forum followed by his bilateral meet with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Remember, India had invited the Kyrgyz president for the oathtaking ceremony of PM Modi on May 30 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Reacting on the invite, Kyrgyz Envoy Asein Isaev had told WION, "It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that, he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here". This is the second visit of PM Modi to the central Asian country. In his first term, he had visited all the central Asian countries. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that there will be no structured formal talks between PM Modi and Pakistan's PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit but a pull aside is something that is keeping everyone on tenterhooks with huge media presence from both India and Pakistan in Bishkek.

PM Modi's two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan begins from Thursday; will meet Xi, Putin 

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President's rule in J&K extended for 6 months. Elections in J&K likely in second half of 2019. Govt approves J&K reservation (Amendment) Bill. Govt approves J&K reservation(Amendment) Bill.

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The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of thunderstorm and lightning accompanied by gusty wind (40-50 kmph) at isolated places in the districts of North Gujarat region including Banaskantha and Sabarkantha for Wednesday and Thursday.

The warnings have&nbsp;been issued at a time when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclonic-storm-vayu-to-cross-gujarat-coast-on-june-13-imd-226175">Gujarat coast</a> between Porbandar and Mahuva around Veraval and Diu region is expected to be hit by cyclone "Vayu"&nbsp;on the morning of June 13.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-reviews-cyclone-vayu-preparations-226256">cyclonic storm</a> is likely to be of speed 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph.

Heavy to very heavy rains are predicted at isolated places in Saurashtra ta Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath, Junagadh and Diu. Heavy rains are very likely at isolated places in districts of South Gujarat region, in Navsari, Valsad, Daman, Dadra Nagar Haveli on 12 June, according to IMD.

Cyclone Vayu is likely to cause heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Gujarat along with storm surge, which may cause inundation in the low lying coastal areas of Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagarh, Diu, Gir, Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts at the time of landfall.

While heavy rains will be observed at isolated places in Kutch district, in the districts of South Gujarat region namely Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, Dadra Nagar Haveli on June 13, heavy to very heavy rains very likely at isolated places in the districts of Saurashtra-Kutch namely Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Morbi, Dwarka and Kutch on June 14.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea along and off Gujarat coast during 12-15 June as well as into East-central Arabian Sea and along and off Maharashtra Coast today and into the northeast Arabian Sea from June 12-13.

NDRF has mobilised 35 teams in Gujarat and four teams in Diu in coordination with the local administration. Rescue teams of SDRF, Army, Coast Guard, and BSF are also in the readiness.

The onset of the cyclone will also trigger heavy rains in Goa and the Konkan area for the next two days, the IMD added.

The department has issued the "orange" warning for Goa in view of the deep depression over East Central and adjoining South East Arabian sea, which has intensified into a cyclonic storm.

"Goa will receive widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places on June 12. There will be fairly widespread rainfall with heavy falls at isolated places on June 13 too," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Meanwhile, sea water levels exceeded its usual limit Tuesday, prompting the authorities to close the shoreline for swimming.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of thunderstorm and lightning accompanied by gusty wind (40-50 kmph) at isolated places in the districts of North Gujarat region including Banaskantha and Sabarkantha for Wednesday and Thursday.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of thunderstorm and lightning accompanied by gusty wind (40-50 kmph) at isolated places in the districts of North Gujarat region including Banaskantha and Sabarkantha for Wednesday and Thursday. The warnings have been issued at a time when the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Veraval and Diu region is expected to be hit by cyclone "Vayu" on the morning of June 13. The cyclonic storm is likely to be of speed 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph. Heavy to very heavy rains are predicted at isolated places in Saurashtra ta Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath, Junagadh and Diu. Heavy rains are very likely at isolated places in districts of South Gujarat region, in Navsari, Valsad, Daman, Dadra Nagar Haveli on 12 June, according to IMD. Cyclone Vayu is likely to cause heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Gujarat along with storm surge, which may cause inundation in the low lying coastal areas of Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagarh, Diu, Gir, Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts at the time of landfall. While heavy rains will be observed at isolated places in Kutch district, in the districts of South Gujarat region namely Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, Dadra Nagar Haveli on June 13, heavy to very heavy rains very likely at isolated places in the districts of Saurashtra-Kutch namely Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Morbi, Dwarka and Kutch on June 14. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea along and off Gujarat coast during 12-15 June as well as into East-central Arabian Sea and along and off Maharashtra Coast today and into the northeast Arabian Sea from June 12-13. NDRF has mobilised 35 teams in Gujarat and four teams in Diu in coordination with the local administration. Rescue teams of SDRF, Army, Coast Guard, and BSF are also in the readiness. The onset of the cyclone will also trigger heavy rains in Goa and the Konkan area for the next two days, the IMD added. The department has issued the "orange" warning for Goa in view of the deep depression over East Central and adjoining South East Arabian sea, which has intensified into a cyclonic storm. "Goa will receive widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places on June 12. There will be fairly widespread rainfall with heavy falls at isolated places on June 13 too," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Meanwhile, sea water levels exceeded its usual limit Tuesday, prompting the authorities to close the shoreline for swimming. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Vayu: Thunderstorm, lightning alert issued for various districts of Gujarat;'orange' warning for Goa

Several parts of the country continued to reel under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-records-all-time-high-of-48-degree-celsius-226013">sweltering heat</a> Tuesday with mercury crossing the 45-degree mark, even as four elderly pilgrims travelling on a train from Agra to Coimbatore died due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-why-the-heat-wave-should-worry-us-158593">extreme heat</a>.

The pilgrims, hailing from Tamil Nadu, were travelling in non-AC coaches of Kerala Express. They complained of uneasiness and by the time, the train reached Jhansi, three of them died. One of the pilgrims died in a hospital, officials said.&nbsp;

Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh has been experiencing severe heat wave in recent weeks. It recorded a high of 48 degrees Celsius Tuesday.&nbsp;The maximum temperature hovered close to 45 degrees Celsius at most places in Punjab and Haryana.&nbsp;

Hisar in Haryana and Patiala in Punjab sizzled at 45.5 degrees Celsius, a MeT official said.&nbsp;

Intense heat wave conditions also swept Bhiwani at 45.3 degrees Celsius, while Karnal and Narnaul recorded above normal temperature of 44 degrees Celsius each.

Common capital Chandigarh recorded a high of 43.9 degrees Celsius, up by five notches against normal.

In the national capital, Safdarjung observatory, reading of which is considered official for the city, recorded a high of 44.5 degrees Celsius, five notches above the season's average.&nbsp;

The weatherman, however, has forecast that the mercury will see a fall in the city.&nbsp;

Over the next few days, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-ncr-may-get-respite-from-scorching-heat-in-the-coming-days-imd-226167">Delhi may experience thunderstorm or dust storm</a> leading to slight rain, said a MeT department official.

The official said the maximum temperature is likely to be between 41 to 42 degrees Celsius on June 12 and 13; 43 degrees Celsius between June 14-16; and 39 degrees Celsius on June 17 in the city.&nbsp;

The maximum temperature in most parts of Rajasthan remained near and above 45 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

Though isolated places in east Rajasthan recorded light rainfall and lightening, whereas the western parts of the state witnessed heat wave conditions. 
Churu remained the hottest place in the desert state at 47.3 degrees Celsius followed by 46.2 degrees in Sriganganagar, 45.9 degrees in Kota and 45.1 degrees Celsius in Bikaner. Barmer and Jaisalmer also recorded maximum temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius.

Dry weather prevailed in most parts of Uttar Pradesh with state capital Lucknow recording a maximum temperature of 42.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal.&nbsp;

According to the meteorological department, rain or thunderstorm is very likely at isolated places in the state. It also warned that severe heatwave conditions are likely to prevail at isolated places in the state.&nbsp;

Jhansi was the hottest place in the state where the mercury soared to 48 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the normal mark. Allahabad witnessed a high of 46 degree Celsius.&nbsp;

The temperature soared above 40 degrees Celsius in at least 13 places in Odisha.&nbsp;

While the entire western region sizzled under boiling heat, coastal and interior areas of the state also encountered unbearable weather conditions due to rising temperature coupled with high level of relative humidity.

Sambalpur in western Odisha turned out to be the hottest place in the state, recording 45 degrees Celsius followed by 44.4 degrees in neighbouring Hirakud and 44.2 degrees in Jharsuguda, the Meteorological Centre here said. &nbsp; &nbsp;The state capital Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius, up from 37.8 degrees Celsius measured on Monday, while relative humidity in the city stood at 87 per cent, it said.

The MeT has forecast heat wave conditions to prevail in many parts of the state for at least next three days.&nbsp;

People of Himachal Pradesh, however, got some respite from the scorching heat as light rains lashed isolated parts of the state.&nbsp;

Shimla and Kufri were lashed by 8 mm rains each followed by Bhuntar 3 mm, Manali 2 mm, Chamba and Baghi 1 mm each and Kangra recorded 0.1 mm rain.

Una was the hottest place at 44.8 degrees Celsius.

There were reports of mild snowfall on high peaks of Lahaul and Spiti.&nbsp;Rain is also likely to occur in several parts of the state on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Met Centre has issued yellow weather warning of thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds for plains, low and mid hills of the state on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Several parts of the country continued to reel under sweltering heat Tuesday with mercury crossing the 45-degree mark, even as four elderly pilgrims travelling on a train from Agra to Coimbatore died due to extreme heat.

Several parts of the country continued to reel under sweltering heat Tuesday with mercury crossing the 45-degree mark, even as four elderly pilgrims travelling on a train from Agra to Coimbatore died due to extreme heat. The pilgrims, hailing from Tamil Nadu, were travelling in non-AC coaches of Kerala Express. They complained of uneasiness and by the time, the train reached Jhansi, three of them died. One of the pilgrims died in a hospital, officials said. Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh has been experiencing severe heat wave in recent weeks. It recorded a high of 48 degrees Celsius Tuesday. The maximum temperature hovered close to 45 degrees Celsius at most places in Punjab and Haryana. Hisar in Haryana and Patiala in Punjab sizzled at 45.5 degrees Celsius, a MeT official said. Intense heat wave conditions also swept Bhiwani at 45.3 degrees Celsius, while Karnal and Narnaul recorded above normal temperature of 44 degrees Celsius each. Common capital Chandigarh recorded a high of 43.9 degrees Celsius, up by five notches against normal. In the national capital, Safdarjung observatory, reading of which is considered official for the city, recorded a high of 44.5 degrees Celsius, five notches above the season's average. The weatherman, however, has forecast that the mercury will see a fall in the city. Over the next few days, Delhi may experience thunderstorm or dust storm leading to slight rain, said a MeT department official. The official said the maximum temperature is likely to be between 41 to 42 degrees Celsius on June 12 and 13; 43 degrees Celsius between June 14-16; and 39 degrees Celsius on June 17 in the city. The maximum temperature in most parts of Rajasthan remained near and above 45 degrees Celsius. Though isolated places in east Rajasthan recorded light rainfall and lightening, whereas the western parts of the state witnessed heat wave conditions. Churu remained the hottest place in the desert state at 47.3 degrees Celsius followed by 46.2 degrees in Sriganganagar, 45.9 degrees in Kota and 45.1 degrees Celsius in Bikaner. Barmer and Jaisalmer also recorded maximum temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius. Dry weather prevailed in most parts of Uttar Pradesh with state capital Lucknow recording a maximum temperature of 42.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal. According to the meteorological department, rain or thunderstorm is very likely at isolated places in the state. It also warned that severe heatwave conditions are likely to prevail at isolated places in the state. Jhansi was the hottest place in the state where the mercury soared to 48 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the normal mark. Allahabad witnessed a high of 46 degree Celsius. The temperature soared above 40 degrees Celsius in at least 13 places in Odisha. While the entire western region sizzled under boiling heat, coastal and interior areas of the state also encountered unbearable weather conditions due to rising temperature coupled with high level of relative humidity. Sambalpur in western Odisha turned out to be the hottest place in the state, recording 45 degrees Celsius followed by 44.4 degrees in neighbouring Hirakud and 44.2 degrees in Jharsuguda, the Meteorological Centre here said. The state capital Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius, up from 37.8 degrees Celsius measured on Monday, while relative humidity in the city stood at 87 per cent, it said. The MeT has forecast heat wave conditions to prevail in many parts of the state for at least next three days. People of Himachal Pradesh, however, got some respite from the scorching heat as light rains lashed isolated parts of the state. Shimla and Kufri were lashed by 8 mm rains each followed by Bhuntar 3 mm, Manali 2 mm, Chamba and Baghi 1 mm each and Kangra recorded 0.1 mm rain. Una was the hottest place at 44.8 degrees Celsius. There were reports of mild snowfall on high peaks of Lahaul and Spiti. Rain is also likely to occur in several parts of the state on Wednesday. The Met Centre has issued yellow weather warning of thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds for plains, low and mid hills of the state on Wednesday.

Heat wave rages on; four elderly pilgrims die of heat in train in Jhansi

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