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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a brief stop in Kerala today, on his way to the Maldives, which is his first international visit since becoming prime minister for his second term. Watch full video to know more.

Kerala: PM Modi performs traditional pooja at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur of Thrissur

The Indian Air Force on Saturday announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh to anyone providing information about location of the AN-32 transport aircraft which went missing six days ago around remote Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh.

Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command Air Marshal R D Mathur made the announcement of the cash reward as the aircraft could not be located after six days of massive search operation.

"While the search for the missing aircraft is on, Air Marshal RD Mathur, AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command, has announced a cash award of Rs 5 Lakh for person(s) or group who provide credible information leading to finding of the aircraft," a Shillong-based spokesperson of the IAF said.

Phone numbers for sharing information relating to the aircraft are -- 9436499477 / 9402077267 / 9402132477, he said.

The Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft with 13 people on board lost contact on Monday afternoon after taking off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka advanced landing ground near the border with China.

IAF had launched a massive search operation hours after the aircraft went missing.

The Indian Air Force on Saturday announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh to anyone providing information about location of the AN-32 transport aircraft which went missing six days ago around remote Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Indian Air Force on Saturday announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh to anyone providing information about location of the AN-32 transport aircraft which went missing six days ago around remote Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh. Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command Air Marshal R D Mathur made the announcement of the cash reward as the aircraft could not be located after six days of massive search operation. "While the search for the missing aircraft is on, Air Marshal RD Mathur, AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command, has announced a cash award of Rs 5 Lakh for person(s) or group who provide credible information leading to finding of the aircraft," a Shillong-based spokesperson of the IAF said. Phone numbers for sharing information relating to the aircraft are -- 9436499477 / 9402077267 / 9402132477, he said. The Russian-origin AN-32 aircraft with 13 people on board lost contact on Monday afternoon after taking off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka advanced landing ground near the border with China. IAF had launched a massive search operation hours after the aircraft went missing.

IAF announces Rs 5 lakh reward for information on missing An-32 aircraft 

Search and Rescue Operations (SAR) for the missing Indian Air Force An-32 aircraft entered sixth day on Saturday. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa visited the Jorhat Air Force Station to review the SAR operations for the missing aircraft.&nbsp;

“Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa visited Air Force Station Jorhat today to assess the ongoing search operations. He was given a detailed briefing about the operations and was apprised with the inputs received so far. He interacted with families of the officers and airmen who were onboard the aircraft,” said a release from the Ministry of Defence.&nbsp;

On Saturday, SAR operations were affected briefly due to bad weather. After the weather cleared, SAR operations by Mi-17, ALH and Cheetah helicopters resumed.&nbsp;

“Indian Air Force has increased the deployment of its helicopters and transport aircraft and has expanded the search area significantly since the beginning of the operations. More and more area is being covered by airborne sensors and satellites and the imaging is being followed-up by close analysis of the data for its synergistic amalgamation in the search operations,” added the release.&nbsp;

Resources from various agencies, including ISRO were brought into the operation to enhance its effectiveness.&nbsp;

This apart, the Arunchal Pradesh’s civil administration set up three ground search parties – first team for Bayor Adi mountain range, second for the Pari Adi mountain range and the third for the Sibir Gong mountain range.

The area of search is mountainous and heavily forested with thick undergrowth. The weather in the area has been inclement with low clouds and rain during most hours. Combined with the inhospitable terrain, the weather has posed serious challenges to aerial search operations.

“Since the area is completely cut off and is a far-flung area falling near the Indo-China border, we are taking help of the locals who are well versed with the terrain. The place where the aircraft was last spotted does not have any inhabitants, there is no mobile network and there is no motorable road making the operations for the ground search parties extremely difficult,” said a senior officer of Arunachal Pradesh government.

The An-32 with 13 people on board – eight officers and five passengers took off from the Jorhat air base around 12:25pm on Monday and was headed for Mechuka – an advanced landing ground in Arunchal Pradesh closer to the Chinese border. However, the aircraft lost contact with the radar and ground staff and did not reach the Mechuka air base at its scheduled landing time at 1pm.&nbsp;

Search and Rescue Operations (SAR) for the missing Indian Air Force An-32 aircraft entered sixth day on Saturday. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa visited the Jorhat Air Force Station to review the SAR operations for the missing aircraft.

Search and Rescue Operations (SAR) for the missing Indian Air Force An-32 aircraft entered sixth day on Saturday. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa visited the Jorhat Air Force Station to review the SAR operations for the missing aircraft. “Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa visited Air Force Station Jorhat today to assess the ongoing search operations. He was given a detailed briefing about the operations and was apprised with the inputs received so far. He interacted with families of the officers and airmen who were onboard the aircraft,” said a release from the Ministry of Defence. On Saturday, SAR operations were affected briefly due to bad weather. After the weather cleared, SAR operations by Mi-17, ALH and Cheetah helicopters resumed. “Indian Air Force has increased the deployment of its helicopters and transport aircraft and has expanded the search area significantly since the beginning of the operations. More and more area is being covered by airborne sensors and satellites and the imaging is being followed-up by close analysis of the data for its synergistic amalgamation in the search operations,” added the release. Resources from various agencies, including ISRO were brought into the operation to enhance its effectiveness. This apart, the Arunchal Pradesh’s civil administration set up three ground search parties – first team for Bayor Adi mountain range, second for the Pari Adi mountain range and the third for the Sibir Gong mountain range. The area of search is mountainous and heavily forested with thick undergrowth. The weather in the area has been inclement with low clouds and rain during most hours. Combined with the inhospitable terrain, the weather has posed serious challenges to aerial search operations. “Since the area is completely cut off and is a far-flung area falling near the Indo-China border, we are taking help of the locals who are well versed with the terrain. The place where the aircraft was last spotted does not have any inhabitants, there is no mobile network and there is no motorable road making the operations for the ground search parties extremely difficult,” said a senior officer of Arunachal Pradesh government. The An-32 with 13 people on board – eight officers and five passengers took off from the Jorhat air base around 12:25pm on Monday and was headed for Mechuka – an advanced landing ground in Arunchal Pradesh closer to the Chinese border. However, the aircraft lost contact with the radar and ground staff and did not reach the Mechuka air base at its scheduled landing time at 1pm.

Search for missing An-32 continues; IAF chief Dhanoa visits Jorhat Air Force Station to review SAR operations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Guruvayur temple in Thrissur district of Kerala to offer prayers. Watch full video to know more.

Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur of Thrissur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday jointly inaugurated the coastal surveillance radar system built by India as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks to bolster their bilateral cooperation in key areas like defence and maritime security.

The inauguration assumes significance as China views the Maldives as key to its Maritime Silk Road project in the Indian Ocean as it has already acquired Hambantota port in Sri Lanka and Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.

The Costal Surveillance Radar is the primary sensor for Integrated Costal Surveillance System.

The Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems (CSRS) programme contributes in creating a network of information to maritime domain awareness in the strategic Indian Ocean region.

According to defence officials, India has an older version of these radars in Seychelles, Mauritious and Sri Lanka.

Modi arrived in the Indian Ocean archipelago on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

The joint inauguration came as the two countries signed six agreements.

The two sides have also signed a technical agreement on sharing white shipping information between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday jointly inaugurated the coastal surveillance radar system built by India as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks to bolster their bilateral cooperation in key areas like defence and maritime security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday jointly inaugurated the coastal surveillance radar system built by India as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks to bolster their bilateral cooperation in key areas like defence and maritime security. The inauguration assumes significance as China views the Maldives as key to its Maritime Silk Road project in the Indian Ocean as it has already acquired Hambantota port in Sri Lanka and Djibouti in the Horn of Africa. The Costal Surveillance Radar is the primary sensor for Integrated Costal Surveillance System. The Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems (CSRS) programme contributes in creating a network of information to maritime domain awareness in the strategic Indian Ocean region. According to defence officials, India has an older version of these radars in Seychelles, Mauritious and Sri Lanka. Modi arrived in the Indian Ocean archipelago on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. The joint inauguration came as the two countries signed six agreements. The two sides have also signed a technical agreement on sharing white shipping information between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force.

PM Modi, Maldives President Solih inaugurate coastal surveillance radar system built by India

The Karnataka BJP Chief B S Yeddyurappa Saturday predicted that Congress-JD(S) government's exercise to quell the growing dissent within the coalition through cabinet rejig on June 12 would only flame rebellion.

"There is information that one or two independent MLAs will be made ministers in the government.

If they are made ministers, it will only add fuel to the fire. Those MLAs aspiring for ministerial berths will turn against the government," Yeddyurappa told reporters in Koppal, commenting on the proposed cabinet expansion.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced that the cabinet expansion would take place on June 12.

Kumaraswamy made the announcement in a tweet after meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala, which comes after weeks of consultations between him and Congress leaders amid coalition worries compounded by the Lok Sabha poll rout.

The measure is seen as an exercise to douse dissidence among the MLAs of the coalition government, especially among Congress legislators.

As a fallout of the rout of the coalition partners, Congress and JD(S), in the recent Lok Sabha polls, in which both the parties barely survived the Modi wave, getting one seat each, many MLAs grew vocal against the government, threatening its longevity.

The BJP swept the polls, capturing 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka.

Claiming that the government would not continue for long Yeddyurappa alleged the internal fight has brought all the development works to a halt. 
"If you see their infighting, it gives an impression that they will not remain in power for long... It is hindering development," Yeddyurappa said.

He ruled out the possibility of the BJP forming the government and said the party would continue to remain in the opposition.

The BJP state President said if the coalition partners fail in their duty, they should resign.

"Let them (coalition partners in government) do some good work. If they cannot do it, let them resign and go," he said.&nbsp;

The Karnataka BJP Chief B S Yeddyurappa Saturday predicted that Congress-JD(S) government's exercise to quell the growing dissent within the coalition through cabinet rejig on June 12 would only flame rebellion.

The Karnataka BJP Chief B S Yeddyurappa Saturday predicted that Congress-JD(S) government's exercise to quell the growing dissent within the coalition through cabinet rejig on June 12 would only flame rebellion. "There is information that one or two independent MLAs will be made ministers in the government. If they are made ministers, it will only add fuel to the fire. Those MLAs aspiring for ministerial berths will turn against the government," Yeddyurappa told reporters in Koppal, commenting on the proposed cabinet expansion. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced that the cabinet expansion would take place on June 12. Kumaraswamy made the announcement in a tweet after meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala, which comes after weeks of consultations between him and Congress leaders amid coalition worries compounded by the Lok Sabha poll rout. The measure is seen as an exercise to douse dissidence among the MLAs of the coalition government, especially among Congress legislators. As a fallout of the rout of the coalition partners, Congress and JD(S), in the recent Lok Sabha polls, in which both the parties barely survived the Modi wave, getting one seat each, many MLAs grew vocal against the government, threatening its longevity. The BJP swept the polls, capturing 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka. Claiming that the government would not continue for long Yeddyurappa alleged the internal fight has brought all the development works to a halt. "If you see their infighting, it gives an impression that they will not remain in power for long... It is hindering development," Yeddyurappa said. He ruled out the possibility of the BJP forming the government and said the party would continue to remain in the opposition. The BJP state President said if the coalition partners fail in their duty, they should resign. "Let them (coalition partners in government) do some good work. If they cannot do it, let them resign and go," he said.

Karnataka cabinet rejig will only flame rebellion: Yeddyurappa

Ahead of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-focus-on-neighbourhood-first-pm-modi-leaves-for-first-foreign-visit-on-saturday-225292">visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning visited Guruvayur temple in Thrissur, Kerala and offered prayers. Prime Minister paid for the prayers and rituals via digital payment mode.

The prime minister will is expected to address BJP workers for the first time in Kerala after his astounding victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

He arrived in Kochi, Kerala on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.

At the airport, Modi was received by Union Minister V Muraleedharan, Governor of Kerala Justice P. Sathasivam, and a number of other dignitaries.

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Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur of Thrissur. <a href="https://t.co/nJIH2tDW3f">pic.twitter.com/nJIH2tDW3f</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1137222274493272064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi ji to offer prayers at #Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple on June 8. Public meet at Guruvayoor Sree Krishna HS Ground at 10:00 am. All are Welcome," BJP's Kerala unit had tweeted on Friday.

PM Modi will later proceed for his state visit to the Maldives, a day after which he is slated to visit Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The foreign engagements will be the first to be undertaken by him after coming back to power for a second term as the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

Modi's visit to Kerala comes at a time when Congress president Rahul Gandhi is on a three-day visit to his parliamentary constituency of Wayanad.

In the recently concluded polls, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) bagged 19 out of the 20 seats in Kerala while the BJP drew a blank.&nbsp;

Ahead of his visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning visited Guruvayur temple in Thrissur, Kerala and offered prayers.

Ahead of his visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning visited Guruvayur temple in Thrissur, Kerala and offered prayers. Prime Minister paid for the prayers and rituals via digital payment mode. The prime minister will is expected to address BJP workers for the first time in Kerala after his astounding victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. He arrived in Kochi, Kerala on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. At the airport, Modi was received by Union Minister V Muraleedharan, Governor of Kerala Justice P. Sathasivam, and a number of other dignitaries. Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur of Thrissur. pic.twitter.com/nJIH2tDW3f — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019 × "Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi ji to offer prayers at #Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple on June 8. Public meet at Guruvayoor Sree Krishna HS Ground at 10:00 am. All are Welcome," BJP's Kerala unit had tweeted on Friday. PM Modi will later proceed for his state visit to the Maldives, a day after which he is slated to visit Sri Lanka. The foreign engagements will be the first to be undertaken by him after coming back to power for a second term as the Prime Minister. Modi's visit to Kerala comes at a time when Congress president Rahul Gandhi is on a three-day visit to his parliamentary constituency of Wayanad. In the recently concluded polls, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) bagged 19 out of the 20 seats in Kerala while the BJP drew a blank.

Ahead of visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka, PM Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur temple in Thrissur

Former union minister Aslam Sher Khan on Friday said he has offered to step into Rahul Gandhi's shoes as the Congress President after Rahul said he wanted someone from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to assume the responsibility.

"I wrote the letter when Rahul Gandhi offered to leave the post of Congress President and asked someone from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to take over his role. In the letter, I mentioned that if Rahul wanted to continue at the post he very well could, but if not, then I would like to assume the responsibility for two years," he told ANI here.

Khan is the first leader to stake claim to the post after Gandhi offered his resignation at the Congress Working Committee meeting in Delhi on May 25 following the debacle in Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) had unanimously rejected the offer and passed a new resolution which authorised Gandhi to revamp the organisation.Khan added his intent behind writing the letter was to ensure a makeover of the party and there were no hopes for any personal gains.

"The letter was not written for personal gains. It is because I believe Congress needs a makeover and it needs to be realigned with the nationalist identity. It is because of these reasons that I became ready to assume the responsibilities when the party is going through tough times," he said.

Khan, however, said he did not blame Rahul for the defeat as "he left no stone unturned but the narrative of the Congress simply failed to connect with the people and they again went with Narendra Modi."

He talked about luck stating that a change is needed to improve the chances of the oldest party in India and added, "No doubt a change is needed and if someone who is a better candidate than me, can also be given the role."

Former union minister Aslam Sher Khan on Friday said he has offered to step into Rahul Gandhi's shoes as the Congress President after Rahul said he wanted someone from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to assume the responsibility.

Former union minister Aslam Sher Khan on Friday said he has offered to step into Rahul Gandhi's shoes as the Congress President after Rahul said he wanted someone from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to assume the responsibility. "I wrote the letter when Rahul Gandhi offered to leave the post of Congress President and asked someone from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to take over his role. In the letter, I mentioned that if Rahul wanted to continue at the post he very well could, but if not, then I would like to assume the responsibility for two years," he told ANI here. Khan is the first leader to stake claim to the post after Gandhi offered his resignation at the Congress Working Committee meeting in Delhi on May 25 following the debacle in Lok Sabha elections. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) had unanimously rejected the offer and passed a new resolution which authorised Gandhi to revamp the organisation.Khan added his intent behind writing the letter was to ensure a makeover of the party and there were no hopes for any personal gains. "The letter was not written for personal gains. It is because I believe Congress needs a makeover and it needs to be realigned with the nationalist identity. It is because of these reasons that I became ready to assume the responsibilities when the party is going through tough times," he said. Khan, however, said he did not blame Rahul for the defeat as "he left no stone unturned but the narrative of the Congress simply failed to connect with the people and they again went with Narendra Modi." He talked about luck stating that a change is needed to improve the chances of the oldest party in India and added, "No doubt a change is needed and if someone who is a better candidate than me, can also be given the role."

Olympian Aslam Sher Khan offers to replace Rahul Gandhi as Congress chief

A massive fire broke out at a chemical godown close to Jagannath Ghat near Kolkata's iconic Howrah Bridge on Saturday morning. As many as 20 fire tenders are present at the spot while fire fighting operations are underway.

More details are awaited; no loss of life or any word on people injured has been reported yet. The cause of fire is not known.&nbsp;

Debtanu Bose, fire officer said, "no casualty reported and 25 fire tenders present. Fire is yet to be controlled. We're unable to make an entry inside the building, roof in the middle part of the building has also collapsed."&nbsp;

Earlier this week, a massive fire fuelled by high-intensity winds gutted over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-250-shanties-gutted-in-massive-fire-in-jammu-224058">250 shanties of labourers in the city's Trikutanagar area in Jammu</a>. No casualties were reported in the blaze.

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West Bengal: Fire breaks out at a chemical godown near Jagannath Ghat in Kolkata earlier this morning. 20 fire tenders are present at the spot. Fire fighting operations are underway. <a href="https://t.co/G41qIT1Kvy">pic.twitter.com/G41qIT1Kvy</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1137177180855648256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Army distributed food and relief material to over 150 civilians, an official said.

The Maratha cluster mainly housed migrant labourers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, besides some Rohingyas.

A massive fire broke out at a chemical godown close to Jagannath Ghat near Kolkata's iconic Howrah Bridge on Saturday morning. As many as 20 fire tenders are present at the spot while fire fighting operations are underway.

A massive fire broke out at a chemical godown close to Jagannath Ghat near Kolkata's iconic Howrah Bridge on Saturday morning. As many as 20 fire tenders are present at the spot while fire fighting operations are underway. More details are awaited; no loss of life or any word on people injured has been reported yet. The cause of fire is not known. Debtanu Bose, fire officer said, "no casualty reported and 25 fire tenders present. Fire is yet to be controlled. We're unable to make an entry inside the building, roof in the middle part of the building has also collapsed." Earlier this week, a massive fire fuelled by high-intensity winds gutted over 250 shanties of labourers in the city's Trikutanagar area in Jammu. No casualties were reported in the blaze. West Bengal: Fire breaks out at a chemical godown near Jagannath Ghat in Kolkata earlier this morning. 20 fire tenders are present at the spot. Fire fighting operations are underway. pic.twitter.com/G41qIT1Kvy — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019 × The Army distributed food and relief material to over 150 civilians, an official said. The Maratha cluster mainly housed migrant labourers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, besides some Rohingyas.

West Bengal: Fire breaks out near Kolkata's Howrah Bridge, 20 fire tenders at spot

One terrorist has been killed in an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Verinag area of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday morning, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

A search operation has been launched, more details are awaited.&nbsp;

This comes a day after terrorists hurled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-two-policemen-injured-in-sopores-grenade-attack-225229">a grenade at a police station in Sopore</a> area of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Friday.

While two policemen were reported as injured, no loss of life was reported.&nbsp;

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Exchange of fire underway between terrorists and security forces in Verinag, Anantnag district. More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/MxOtOpTXfs">pic.twitter.com/MxOtOpTXfs</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1137172561232572416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on Friday, four Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists, including special police officers who had deserted the force recently, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district.

The security forces also recovered 3 AK rifles from the slain terrorists.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

One terrorist has been killed in an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Verinag area of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday morning, news agency ANI reported.

One terrorist has been killed in an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Verinag area of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday morning, news agency ANI reported. A search operation has been launched, more details are awaited. This comes a day after terrorists hurled a grenade at a police station in Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Friday. While two policemen were reported as injured, no loss of life was reported. Jammu & Kashmir: Exchange of fire underway between terrorists and security forces in Verinag, Anantnag district. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/MxOtOpTXfs — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019 × Earlier on Friday, four Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists, including special police officers who had deserted the force recently, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district. The security forces also recovered 3 AK rifles from the slain terrorists.

Jammu and Kashmir: One terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Anantnag

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-reaches-deal-with-us-on-migration-averting-tariff-war-trump-225346">Mexico reaches deal with US on migration, averts tariff war: Trump</a> 
 
'Mexico, in turn, has agreed to take strong measures to stem the tide of Migration through Mexico, and to our Southern Border. This is being done to greatly reduce, or eliminate, Illegal Immigration coming from Mexico and into the United States,'' Trump added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-kochi-will-visit-guruvayur-temple-in-thrissur-225348">PM Modi to offer prayers at Guruvayur temple in Thrissur ahead of his visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka</a> 
 
The foreign engagements will be the first to be undertaken by him after coming back to power for a second term as Prime Minister.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-delayed-fix-of-defective-737-max-warning-light-for-three-years-us-lawmakers-225351">Boeing delayed fix of defective 737 MAX warning light for three years: US lawmakers</a> 
 
Those crashes, which killed 346 people, have triggered investigations by aviation regulators and US lawmakers and left Chicago-based Boeing facing one of the biggest crises in its more than 100-year history.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-fire-breaks-out-near-kolkatas-howrah-bridge-20-fire-tenders-at-spot-225353">West Bengal: Fire breaks out near Kolkata's Howrah Bridge, 20 fire tenders at spot</a> 
 
More details are awaited; no loss of life or any word on people injured has been reported yet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-encounter-underway-between-security-forces-terrorists-in-anantnag-225349">Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway between security forces, terrorists in Anantnag</a>

This comes a day after terrorists hurled a grenade at a police station in Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Friday.

Mexico reaches deal with US on migration, averts tariff war: Trump 'Mexico, in turn, has agreed to take strong measures to stem the tide of Migration through Mexico, and to our Southern Border.

Mexico reaches deal with US on migration, averts tariff war: Trump 'Mexico, in turn, has agreed to take strong measures to stem the tide of Migration through Mexico, and to our Southern Border. This is being done to greatly reduce, or eliminate, Illegal Immigration coming from Mexico and into the United States,'' Trump added. PM Modi to offer prayers at Guruvayur temple in Thrissur ahead of his visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka The foreign engagements will be the first to be undertaken by him after coming back to power for a second term as Prime Minister. Boeing delayed fix of defective 737 MAX warning light for three years: US lawmakers Those crashes, which killed 346 people, have triggered investigations by aviation regulators and US lawmakers and left Chicago-based Boeing facing one of the biggest crises in its more than 100-year history. West Bengal: Fire breaks out near Kolkata's Howrah Bridge, 20 fire tenders at spot More details are awaited; no loss of life or any word on people injured has been reported yet. Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway between security forces, terrorists in Anantnag This comes a day after terrorists hurled a grenade at a police station in Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Terror, climate change and Indo-pacific were the three main issues Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about during his address to the Maldivian Parliament.&nbsp;

Modi is only the second foreign Head of State or Government to address the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-conferred-with-maldives-highest-honour-accorded-to-foreign-dignitaries-order-of-nishanizzuddeen-225498">People’s Majlis </a>in its 86 year history.

Coming hard on "state sponsorship of terror" PM called it a huge challenge which is a danger for the entire humanity and requested the international community to host a global conference to tackle terror.&nbsp;

He said, "There is not a single day when terrorist does not kill innocents.&nbsp;

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Terrorists don't have their banks or ammunition factories, yet they never have a lack of ammunition. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-cricket-diplomacy-as-pm-modi-gifts-bat-to-maldives-president-solih-225524">Who gives them these ammunitions?</a> This is a pity that people still try to differentiate between good and bad terrorists."

Calling climate change " not a myth", PM said "drying rivers and erratic weather is impacting farmers and rising water levels is threatening countries like Maldives." &nbsp;

India has supported the Maldives on climate change and has provided 2500 LED lights to the capital Male.&nbsp;

Without naming Pakistan, PM said, "the water is now rising above the head. Combating terrorism and radicalisation is the most accurate test of leadership in the world"

While lauding speaker of the Maldivian Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, who as the President held the first cabinet meeting underwater to highlight the challenges of climate change PM said, "The Maldives has taken a number of initiatives for sustainable development"

The focus was also on Indo-Pacific with PM saying there are a number of unresolved disputes in the region. Calling for a "Free and OpenIndo-Pacific", PM said, "India will not only use its strength to strengthen its own nation but also its neighbours and their bright future," adding, for "Maldives will be great partner for India's vision for Indo-Pacific as both are neighbours and friends".&nbsp;

PM Modi last year at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore detailed India's vision on Indo-Pacific which he said is inclusive.

The speaker of the Maldives Parliament gifted PM Modi the first copy of Maldivian constitution as a token of "India's defence towards Maldives".

This is the 11th time PM Modi addressed a Parliament of a foreign country since 2014 but first time in his second term. Overall in his first term, PM Modi addressed Parliaments of 10 countries. In the past he has addressed the parliaments of Bhutan, Nepal, Australia, Fiji, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Afghanistan, US and Uganda.&nbsp;

(Anshu Dubey contributed to this story)

Terror, climate change and Indo-pacific were the three main issues Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about during his address to the Maldivian Parliament.

Terror, climate change and Indo-pacific were the three main issues Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about during his address to the Maldivian Parliament. Modi is only the second foreign Head of State or Government to address the People’s Majlis in its 86 year history. Coming hard on "state sponsorship of terror" PM called it a huge challenge which is a danger for the entire humanity and requested the international community to host a global conference to tackle terror. He said, "There is not a single day when terrorist does not kill innocents. × Terrorists don't have their banks or ammunition factories, yet they never have a lack of ammunition. Who gives them these ammunitions? This is a pity that people still try to differentiate between good and bad terrorists." Calling climate change " not a myth", PM said "drying rivers and erratic weather is impacting farmers and rising water levels is threatening countries like Maldives." India has supported the Maldives on climate change and has provided 2500 LED lights to the capital Male. Without naming Pakistan, PM said, "the water is now rising above the head. Combating terrorism and radicalisation is the most accurate test of leadership in the world" While lauding speaker of the Maldivian Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, who as the President held the first cabinet meeting underwater to highlight the challenges of climate change PM said, "The Maldives has taken a number of initiatives for sustainable development" The focus was also on Indo-Pacific with PM saying there are a number of unresolved disputes in the region. Calling for a "Free and OpenIndo-Pacific", PM said, "India will not only use its strength to strengthen its own nation but also its neighbours and their bright future," adding, for "Maldives will be great partner for India's vision for Indo-Pacific as both are neighbours and friends". PM Modi last year at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore detailed India's vision on Indo-Pacific which he said is inclusive. The speaker of the Maldives Parliament gifted PM Modi the first copy of Maldivian constitution as a token of "India's defence towards Maldives". This is the 11th time PM Modi addressed a Parliament of a foreign country since 2014 but first time in his second term. Overall in his first term, PM Modi addressed Parliaments of 10 countries. In the past he has addressed the parliaments of Bhutan, Nepal, Australia, Fiji, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Afghanistan, US and Uganda. (Anshu Dubey contributed to this story)

Terror, climate change, Indo-Pacific dominate PM Modi's address to Maldivian Parliament

The ICC on Friday denied former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni permission to wear the insignia on his wicket-keeping gloves during the World Cup. Watch full video to know more.

Dhoni Glove Controversy: ICC denies MS Dhoni permission to wear gloves with insignia at World Cup

Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi are arriving in the state of Kerala on Friday for short visits after the Lok Sabha elections.Watch full visit to know more.

PM Modi to offer prayers at Kerala temple, Rahul Gandhi to visit Wayanad

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-conferred-with-maldives-highest-honour-accorded-to-foreign-dignitaries-order-of-nishanizzuddeen-225498">Narendra Modi </a>said India will help promote cricket in the Maldives and fulfil President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-ibrahim-solih-hails-india-maldives-relations-225509">country to consolidate people-to-people relations</a>.

Modi gifted a cricket bat to Solih signed by the Indian cricket team after holding bilateral talks.

"Connected by cricket! My friend, President Solih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by Team India playing at the CWC2019," Modi said on Twitter.

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<img alt="India-Maldives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88dc6df0-789e-4f0a-a6ad-16ba2150fa8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20190608-WA0051.jpg" />

India is helping in training Maldivian cricket players and bringing it up to the requisite standard, the External Affairs Ministry said in New Delhi on Thursday.

India is also looking into constructing a stadium in the Island nation which is another request made by it, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

He said the ministry is working with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to train Maldivian cricketers.

"A team from the BCCI visited the Maldives earlier in May for the training of Maldivian cricketers, organising coaching programmes and supply of kits," he said.

To consolidate people-to-people relations, Modi's latest emphasis is on cricket diplomacy in the island nation, helping the mission of President Solih to develop cricket, official sources said.

In April, Solih attended an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Bengaluru and subsequently expressed interest to develop a cricket team in the Maldives and sought India's assistance in training this team and bringing it up to the requisite standard.

Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties.

While Modi visited the Maldives in November 2018 to attend President Solih's swearing-in, this visit is the first by an Indian prime minister at a bilateral level in eight years.

The two-day state visit of Prime Minister Modi is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

India in March assured the Maldives that it will "positively consider" its request to help build a cricket stadium in the island nation during then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit.

A joint statement at the end of Swaraj's visit to the Maldives in March said that the Maldivian side requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium.

"The Indian side agreed to positively consider the request," it said.

Cricket Board of Maldives governs the gentleman's game in the island nation. It became a member of the Asian Cricket Council and an affiliate of the International Cricket Council in 1998.

The Maldives national cricket team represents the country in international cricket. It made its Twenty20 International debut in January this year after the

International Cricket Council decided to grant full Twenty20 International (T20I) status to all its members.

Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will help promote cricket in the Maldives and fulfil President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in the country to consolidate people-to-people relations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will help promote cricket in the Maldives and fulfil President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in the country to consolidate people-to-people relations. Modi gifted a cricket bat to Solih signed by the Indian cricket team after holding bilateral talks. "Connected by cricket! My friend, President Solih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by Team India playing at the CWC2019," Modi said on Twitter. India is helping in training Maldivian cricket players and bringing it up to the requisite standard, the External Affairs Ministry said in New Delhi on Thursday. India is also looking into constructing a stadium in the Island nation which is another request made by it, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said. He said the ministry is working with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to train Maldivian cricketers. "A team from the BCCI visited the Maldives earlier in May for the training of Maldivian cricketers, organising coaching programmes and supply of kits," he said. To consolidate people-to-people relations, Modi's latest emphasis is on cricket diplomacy in the island nation, helping the mission of President Solih to develop cricket, official sources said. In April, Solih attended an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Bengaluru and subsequently expressed interest to develop a cricket team in the Maldives and sought India's assistance in training this team and bringing it up to the requisite standard. Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties. While Modi visited the Maldives in November 2018 to attend President Solih's swearing-in, this visit is the first by an Indian prime minister at a bilateral level in eight years. The two-day state visit of Prime Minister Modi is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago. India in March assured the Maldives that it will "positively consider" its request to help build a cricket stadium in the island nation during then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit. A joint statement at the end of Swaraj's visit to the Maldives in March said that the Maldivian side requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium. "The Indian side agreed to positively consider the request," it said. Cricket Board of Maldives governs the gentleman's game in the island nation. It became a member of the Asian Cricket Council and an affiliate of the International Cricket Council in 1998. The Maldives national cricket team represents the country in international cricket. It made its Twenty20 International debut in January this year after the International Cricket Council decided to grant full Twenty20 International (T20I) status to all its members. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000.

Focus on cricket diplomacy as PM Modi gifts bat to Maldives President Solih

India on Saturday reaffirmed its ties with the Maldives with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that New Delhi will always stand with the Indian Ocean archipelago&nbsp;and give it utmost priority.&nbsp;

Modi in his address after holding bilateral talks with country's&nbsp;President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, said, "India gives utmost importance to its relationship with the Maldives. We want to have a strong partnership with each other, adding that it is "willing to help in every way possible."

"May the friendship between India and Maldives last forever," PM Modi added.

Mentioning Solih's December visit, Modi spoke about India's development aid to the country and support to projects like community development centres, water supply,&nbsp;sewerage services, SME development financing and several other projects.

"People of our countries want stability and development", PM Modi said.

During the address, he reiterated the Indian government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and stressed on the "high importance" that India attaches to its relationship with the Maldives.

President Solih also congratulated PM Modi for his overwhelming mandate in the recently concluded&nbsp;general elections and reaffirmed his government’s "India-First Policy".

The two leaders reaffirmed their "unequivocal and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, both within the region and elsewhere."

India and Maldives have agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism and de-radicalisation.

India will support the conservation of Friday mosque (Hukuru Miskiy), which was built using Coral in Addu and to boost connectivity between the countries a passenger-cum-cargo ferry service will be launched between Kochi in India to Kulhudhuffushi and Malé in the Maldives.

To strengthen Maldives' defence, both leaders jointly inaugurated two important defence related projects--One is the coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives national defence forces (MNDF).

The composite training centre was requested by the Maldives to provide a central training facility to its forces. The coastal surveillance radar will have 10 autonomous radar systems across the country &amp; will help Malé monitor white shipping and preserve its sovereignty in EEZ or exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

Six MoUs between the 2 countries, including in Hydrography, Health, Customs, Establishment of Passenger and Cargo Services by Sea, training of civil servants and Sharing White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force

PM Modi arrived in the country on Saturday afternoon and was received at the airport by Foreign minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid and Indian envoy to the country Sanjay Sudhir. This is his first foreign visit abroad in his second term. He was later accorded ceremonial reception at capital's Male's Republic square, followed by a bilateral meet with President of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.&nbsp;

India on Saturday reaffirmed its ties with the Maldives with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that New Delhi will always stand with the Indian Ocean archipelago and give it utmost priority.

India on Saturday reaffirmed its ties with the Maldives with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that New Delhi will always stand with the Indian Ocean archipelago and give it utmost priority. Modi in his address after holding bilateral talks with country's President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, said, "India gives utmost importance to its relationship with the Maldives. We want to have a strong partnership with each other, adding that it is "willing to help in every way possible." "May the friendship between India and Maldives last forever," PM Modi added. Mentioning Solih's December visit, Modi spoke about India's development aid to the country and support to projects like community development centres, water supply, sewerage services, SME development financing and several other projects. "People of our countries want stability and development", PM Modi said. During the address, he reiterated the Indian government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and stressed on the "high importance" that India attaches to its relationship with the Maldives. President Solih also congratulated PM Modi for his overwhelming mandate in the recently concluded general elections and reaffirmed his government’s "India-First Policy". The two leaders reaffirmed their "unequivocal and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, both within the region and elsewhere." India and Maldives have agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism and de-radicalisation. India will support the conservation of Friday mosque (Hukuru Miskiy), which was built using Coral in Addu and to boost connectivity between the countries a passenger-cum-cargo ferry service will be launched between Kochi in India to Kulhudhuffushi and Malé in the Maldives. To strengthen Maldives' defence, both leaders jointly inaugurated two important defence related projects--One is the coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives national defence forces (MNDF). The composite training centre was requested by the Maldives to provide a central training facility to its forces. The coastal surveillance radar will have 10 autonomous radar systems across the country & will help Malé monitor white shipping and preserve its sovereignty in EEZ or exclusive economic zone. Six MoUs between the 2 countries, including in Hydrography, Health, Customs, Establishment of Passenger and Cargo Services by Sea, training of civil servants and Sharing White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force PM Modi arrived in the country on Saturday afternoon and was received at the airport by Foreign minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid and Indian envoy to the country Sanjay Sudhir. This is his first foreign visit abroad in his second term. He was later accorded ceremonial reception at capital's Male's Republic square, followed by a bilateral meet with President of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Important for world community to come together to fight challenge of terrorism and radicalisation: PM Modi

In a development that may raise eyebrows in Washington and New Delhi, Deputy National Security Advisors of 5 countries - Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Russia and China will be meeting in Kabul on June 10. The meet is devised to tackle regional challenges and development in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India and the US are not part of the meeting, even though they are key stakeholders when it comes to the development in landlocked South Asian countries.&nbsp;

These are the number of processes currently underway to help stabilise Afghanistan including a Moscow-backed process which the US hasn't been keen to join.&nbsp;

New Delhi has been Afghanistan's biggest supporter in the region. India, through its community development scheme since 2005, has supported over 550 projects throughout Afghanistan. Of these, around 345 projects have been completed while the remaining are in various stages of completion.&nbsp;

The projects are aimed at building basic infrastructure such as schools, public health centres, bridges, roads for local communities. India is the largest donor to Afghanistan in the region and, since 2001 after the fall of the Taliban, has undertaken projects and programmes worth over $2 billion. 
&nbsp;

In a development that may raise eyebrows in Washington and New Delhi, Deputy National Security Advisors of 5 countries - Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Russia and China will be meeting in Kabul on June 10.

In a development that may raise eyebrows in Washington and New Delhi, Deputy National Security Advisors of 5 countries - Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Russia and China will be meeting in Kabul on June 10. The meet is devised to tackle regional challenges and development in Afghanistan. India and the US are not part of the meeting, even though they are key stakeholders when it comes to the development in landlocked South Asian countries. These are the number of processes currently underway to help stabilise Afghanistan including a Moscow-backed process which the US hasn't been keen to join. New Delhi has been Afghanistan's biggest supporter in the region. India, through its community development scheme since 2005, has supported over 550 projects throughout Afghanistan. Of these, around 345 projects have been completed while the remaining are in various stages of completion. The projects are aimed at building basic infrastructure such as schools, public health centres, bridges, roads for local communities. India is the largest donor to Afghanistan in the region and, since 2001 after the fall of the Taliban, has undertaken projects and programmes worth over $2 billion.

Deputy National Security Advisors of 5 countries to meet in Kabul; India, US not invited

The Maldives on Saturday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) in recognition his services to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between two countries and for the magnanimous assistance that India has continued to provide the Maldives.&nbsp;

Modi was conferred with the award at the Maldivian President's office by Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih confers upon PM Narendra Modi, Maldives' highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, 'The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen'. <a href="https://t.co/dzl79XZXzN">pic.twitter.com/dzl79XZXzN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1137342430716485632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“Order of Nishan Izzuddeen” in the past has been conferred by Maldives to Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip; Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma; former President of South Korea, Chun Doo Hwan; former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Shridath Surendranath Ramphal and Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.

Earlier this year, PM Modi was conferred with Russia and UAE's highest civilian award. While Russia conferred PM Modi with its "Order of St Andrew the Apostle", the UAE conferred him with the Zayed Medal.

In the past, PM Modi has been conferred with the highest civilian award of Saudi Arabia - the King Abdulaziz Sash ( 2016), Afghanistan's highest civilian honour, the Amir Amanullah Khan Award (2016); Grand Collar of the State of Palestine which is is the highest order given to foreign dignitaries (2018); UN's highest environmental honour - Champions of the Earth award (2018) and 2018 Seoul Peace Prize.

Earlier, Modi said India will help promote cricket in the Maldives and fulfil President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in the country to consolidate people-to-people relations.

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Connected by cricket! 
 
My friend, President <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibusolih</a> is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>&nbsp; playing at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a>. <a href="https://t.co/G0pggAZ60e">pic.twitter.com/G0pggAZ60e</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1137335902718398464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi gifted a cricket bat to Solih signed by the Indian cricket team after holding bilateral talks.

"Connected by cricket! My friend, President Solih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by Team India playing at the CWC2019," Modi said on Twitter.

The Maldives on Saturday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) in recognition his services to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between two countries and for the magnanimous assistance that India has continued to provide the Maldives.

The Maldives on Saturday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) in recognition his services to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between two countries and for the magnanimous assistance that India has continued to provide the Maldives. Modi was conferred with the award at the Maldivian President's office by Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. #WATCH President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih confers upon PM Narendra Modi, Maldives' highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, 'The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen'. pic.twitter.com/dzl79XZXzN — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019 × “Order of Nishan Izzuddeen” in the past has been conferred by Maldives to Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip; Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma; former President of South Korea, Chun Doo Hwan; former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Shridath Surendranath Ramphal and Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, PM Modi was conferred with Russia and UAE's highest civilian award. While Russia conferred PM Modi with its "Order of St Andrew the Apostle", the UAE conferred him with the Zayed Medal. In the past, PM Modi has been conferred with the highest civilian award of Saudi Arabia - the King Abdulaziz Sash ( 2016), Afghanistan's highest civilian honour, the Amir Amanullah Khan Award (2016); Grand Collar of the State of Palestine which is is the highest order given to foreign dignitaries (2018); UN's highest environmental honour - Champions of the Earth award (2018) and 2018 Seoul Peace Prize. Earlier, Modi said India will help promote cricket in the Maldives and fulfil President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in the country to consolidate people-to-people relations. Connected by cricket! My friend, President @ibusolih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by #TeamIndia playing at the #CWC19. pic.twitter.com/G0pggAZ60e — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2019 × Modi gifted a cricket bat to Solih signed by the Indian cricket team after holding bilateral talks. "Connected by cricket! My friend, President Solih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by Team India playing at the CWC2019," Modi said on Twitter.

PM Modi conferred with Maldives' highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - Order of Nishanizzuddeen

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-conferred-with-maldives-highest-honour-accorded-to-foreign-dignitaries-order-of-nishanizzuddeen-225498">PM Modi conferred with Maldives' highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - Order of Nishanizzuddeen</a>

The Maldives on Saturday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) in recognition his services to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between two countries and for the magnanimous assistance that India has continued to provide the Maldives.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/onus-for-indo-pak-peace-on-pakistan-white-house-225491">Onus for Indo-Pak peace on Pakistan: White House</a>

Amidst new peace overtures from the Imran Khan government after the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House has made it clear to Pakistan that the onus for sustained peace in South Asia was on it by putting the terror groups out of business.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-us-sanctions-show-offer-of-talks-with-iran-not-genuine-iranian-foreign-ministry-225438">New US sanctions show offer of talks not genuine: Iranian foreign ministry</a>

Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-selling-oil-through-unconventional-means-225493">Iran says selling oil through 'unconventional' means</a>

Iran is keeping up oil sales through "unconventional" means to circumvent US sanctions, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said in an interview published Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-maithripala-sirisena-sacks-intelligence-chief-sisira-mendis-over-easter-attacks-probe-225440">Sri Lanka President Sirisena sacks intelligence chief over Easter attacks probe</a>

Sri Lanka's President has sacked the national intelligence chief and will not cooperate with a parliamentary investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, officials said Saturday.

&nbsp;

PM Modi conferred with Maldives' highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - Order of Nishanizzuddeen The Maldives on Saturday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) in recognition his services to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between two countries and for the magnanimous assistance that India has continued to provide the Maldives.

PM Modi conferred with Maldives' highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - Order of Nishanizzuddeen The Maldives on Saturday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) in recognition his services to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between two countries and for the magnanimous assistance that India has continued to provide the Maldives. Onus for Indo-Pak peace on Pakistan: White House Amidst new peace overtures from the Imran Khan government after the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House has made it clear to Pakistan that the onus for sustained peace in South Asia was on it by putting the terror groups out of business. New US sanctions show offer of talks not genuine: Iranian foreign ministry Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday. Iran says selling oil through 'unconventional' means Iran is keeping up oil sales through "unconventional" means to circumvent US sanctions, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said in an interview published Saturday. Sri Lanka President Sirisena sacks intelligence chief over Easter attacks probe Sri Lanka's President has sacked the national intelligence chief and will not cooperate with a parliamentary investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, officials said Saturday.

In PM Narendra Modi's Kerala visit, his clothes have a message

Amidst new peace overtures from the Imran Khan government after the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House has made it clear to Pakistan that the onus for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mike-pompeo-discusses-indo-pak-situation-with-british-national-security-advisor-202169">sustained peace in South Asia</a> was on it by putting the terror groups out of business.

Khan has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-imran-khan-writes-to-pm-modi-seeks-to-maintain-peaceful-neighbourhood-225327">written a second letter to Prime Minister Modi</a> after his re-election, saying that Pakistan wants talks with India to resolve all differences, including on the Kashmir issue.

The Pakistani premier said talks between the two nations were the only solution to help both countries' people overcome poverty and that it was important to work together for regional development.

However, India has rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/strengthen-security-along-indo-pak-border-ahead-of-amarnath-yatra-dgp-dilbag-singh-224044">Pakistan's offer of talks</a>, maintaining that terror and talks cannot go together and said that no bilateral meeting has been planned between the two premiers on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Summit (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on June 13-14.

What the United States is really looking for in Pakistan are arrests and prosecutions and not allowing these groups to operate and move around freely, acquire weapons, cross into India, carry out attacks, a senior White House official told this week.

The United States is looking for sustained and irreversible steps that shut down their operations, asserted the official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Until these groups are put out of business, it's going to be very difficult for India and Pakistan to achieve a sustained peace. So the onus is on Pakistan to ensure that they crack down on these groups, said the White House official responding to a question on the US assessment of the Indo-Pak tension.

A senior State Department official said that in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack, the US has seen Pakistan taking some initial actions against designated terrorist organisations and more steps to enhance counter terrorism financing measures.

We welcome those steps, the official said.

We have always agreed that the underlying causes of the tensions between India and Pakistan needed to be addressed and the underlying tension has been the role of terrorist forces that have sanctuary on Pakistani soil. So we certainly encourage the creation of an environment that will lead to a dialogue, the official said.

Pakistan needs to take practical steps to demonstrate that it is countering terrorist financing and extremists that are located on their territory, a senior State Department Official told reporters last week.

Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups.

In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the JeM, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).&nbsp;

Amidst new peace overtures from the Imran Khan government after the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House has made it clear to Pakistan that the onus for sustained peace in South Asia was on it by putting the terror groups out of business.

Amidst new peace overtures from the Imran Khan government after the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House has made it clear to Pakistan that the onus for sustained peace in South Asia was on it by putting the terror groups out of business. Khan has written a second letter to Prime Minister Modi after his re-election, saying that Pakistan wants talks with India to resolve all differences, including on the Kashmir issue. The Pakistani premier said talks between the two nations were the only solution to help both countries' people overcome poverty and that it was important to work together for regional development. However, India has rejected Pakistan's offer of talks, maintaining that terror and talks cannot go together and said that no bilateral meeting has been planned between the two premiers on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Summit (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on June 13-14. What the United States is really looking for in Pakistan are arrests and prosecutions and not allowing these groups to operate and move around freely, acquire weapons, cross into India, carry out attacks, a senior White House official told this week. The United States is looking for sustained and irreversible steps that shut down their operations, asserted the official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Until these groups are put out of business, it's going to be very difficult for India and Pakistan to achieve a sustained peace. So the onus is on Pakistan to ensure that they crack down on these groups, said the White House official responding to a question on the US assessment of the Indo-Pak tension. A senior State Department official said that in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack, the US has seen Pakistan taking some initial actions against designated terrorist organisations and more steps to enhance counter terrorism financing measures. We welcome those steps, the official said. We have always agreed that the underlying causes of the tensions between India and Pakistan needed to be addressed and the underlying tension has been the role of terrorist forces that have sanctuary on Pakistani soil. So we certainly encourage the creation of an environment that will lead to a dialogue, the official said. Pakistan needs to take practical steps to demonstrate that it is countering terrorist financing and extremists that are located on their territory, a senior State Department Official told reporters last week. Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups. In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the JeM, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

Onus for Indo-Pak peace on Pakistan: White House

Goa Airport was temporarily shut down on Saturday after a portion of the main runway caught fire after a drop tank of a MiG-29K aircraft fell down from the jet while it was taking off. The minor fire was caused due to the fuel spillage. Both the pilot and the aircraft are safe.

Operations at Goa Airport resume after fire in a fuel tank dropped by MiG-29 disrupts flights

Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Modi was received at Male airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

The two-day state visit of Prime Minister Modi is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Upon his arrival, Modi said on Twitter: "Reached the Republic of Maldives. This visit indicates the importance India attaches to strong ties with the Republic of Maldives and the desire to boost cooperation in various spheres".

President Solih and Modi exchanged plasantaries upon the prime minister's arrival at Republic Square where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome.

The prime minister also inspected the guard of honour.

During his visit there, the Prime Minister would be conferred with the highest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-to-honour-pm-modi-with-highest-award-offered-to-foreign-dignitaries-225426">honour accorded </a>to foreign dignitaries - Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen.

Modi will also address the Majlis (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coastal-surveillance-radar-system-ferry-service-from-kochi-high-on-pm-modis-agenda-during-maldives-visit-225125">Parliament of Maldives)</a>.

Modi, along with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, will jointly inaugurate two defence related projects -- a coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives national defence forces (MNDF) at the total cost of $180 crores.&nbsp;

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Furthering friendship with a key maritime neighbour. 
 
The Prime Minister landed in the Republic of Maldives, where he was received by Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abdulla_shahid</a> and other eminent dignitaries. 
 
PM will hold talks with President <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibusolih</a> and address the People’s Majlis. <a href="https://t.co/LB4lJpjNBP">pic.twitter.com/LB4lJpjNBP</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1137316630046756864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Several MoUs are expected to be signed including training of civil servants, customs and white shipping.

Modi will be visiting Sri Lanka on Sunday, a visit that has been termed as a solidarity visit. The Indian PM will be the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the 21st April terror attacks that killed more than 250 people.&nbsp;

Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Modi was received at Male airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The two-day state visit of Prime Minister Modi is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago. Upon his arrival, Modi said on Twitter: "Reached the Republic of Maldives. This visit indicates the importance India attaches to strong ties with the Republic of Maldives and the desire to boost cooperation in various spheres". President Solih and Modi exchanged plasantaries upon the prime minister's arrival at Republic Square where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome. The prime minister also inspected the guard of honour. During his visit there, the Prime Minister would be conferred with the highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen. Modi will also address the Majlis (Parliament of Maldives). Modi, along with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, will jointly inaugurate two defence related projects -- a coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives national defence forces (MNDF) at the total cost of $180 crores. Furthering friendship with a key maritime neighbour. The Prime Minister landed in the Republic of Maldives, where he was received by Foreign Minister @abdulla_shahid and other eminent dignitaries. PM will hold talks with President @ibusolih and address the People’s Majlis. pic.twitter.com/LB4lJpjNBP — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 8, 2019 × Several MoUs are expected to be signed including training of civil servants, customs and white shipping. Modi will be visiting Sri Lanka on Sunday, a visit that has been termed as a solidarity visit. The Indian PM will be the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the 21st April terror attacks that killed more than 250 people.

PM Modi arrives in Maldives in his first overseas visit after re-election

Ahead of Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-maldives-to-address-parliament-of-maldives-225458">Narendra Modi's&nbsp;Maldives'&nbsp;visit</a>,&nbsp;Minister of Youth, sports and community empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, Maldives&nbsp;said they had "successful meeting with India's&nbsp;Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)"&nbsp;and now expect that they will help the neighbouring island country in developing cricket.

"India's support would mean a lot to us,"&nbsp;Mahloof added.

Mahloof also said that "Like Afghanistan Cricket Board was adopted by BCCI, it has an expectation that the board will also help the Maldives in the "area of cricket".

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Minister of Youth,Sports&amp;Community Empowerment of Maldives,Ahmed Mahloof: We received a lot of support from the Indian govt in area of youth &amp; sports. We had a successful meeting with BCCI&amp; we expect they will help us develop cricket here. India's support would mean a lot to us. <a href="https://t.co/QuBQ0dkrzh">pic.twitter.com/QuBQ0dkrzh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1137288722137772032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Maldives is keen to have its own cricket team and a cricket stadium and asked for Indian assistance.&nbsp;

India in May sent a team of BCCI to the Maldives for the training of Maldivian cricketers.&nbsp;

India has also given cricket kits and is expected to coach Maldivian cricketers.&nbsp;

Earlier, India had invited President Solih in April for an IPL match in Bengaluru. India sees it as important "people to people" exercise and has in the past helped countries like Afghanistan.

PM Modi arrives in the Maldives on Saturday on his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-to-honour-pm-modi-with-highest-award-offered-to-foreign-dignitaries-225426">first foreign visit</a> after re-election as Prime Minister, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Modi was received at Male airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

The visit is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maldives' visit, Minister of Youth, sports and community empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, Maldives said they had "successful meeting with India's Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)" and now expect that they will help the neighbouring island country in developing cricket.

Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maldives' visit, Minister of Youth, sports and community empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, Maldives said they had "successful meeting with India's Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)" and now expect that they will help the neighbouring island country in developing cricket. "India's support would mean a lot to us," Mahloof added. Mahloof also said that "Like Afghanistan Cricket Board was adopted by BCCI, it has an expectation that the board will also help the Maldives in the "area of cricket". Minister of Youth,Sports&Community Empowerment of Maldives,Ahmed Mahloof: We received a lot of support from the Indian govt in area of youth & sports. We had a successful meeting with BCCI& we expect they will help us develop cricket here. India's support would mean a lot to us. pic.twitter.com/QuBQ0dkrzh — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019 × The Maldives is keen to have its own cricket team and a cricket stadium and asked for Indian assistance. India in May sent a team of BCCI to the Maldives for the training of Maldivian cricketers. India has also given cricket kits and is expected to coach Maldivian cricketers. Earlier, India had invited President Solih in April for an IPL match in Bengaluru. India sees it as important "people to people" exercise and has in the past helped countries like Afghanistan. PM Modi arrives in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Modi was received at Male airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The visit is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

'We expect India's BCCI help us in area of cricket,' says Maldives sports minister

Flight operations at Goa`s Dabolim International Airport have resumed after it was temporarily suspended following a fuel tank attached to a MiG-29K aircraft fell on the runway while taking off on Saturday.&nbsp;

"Due to jettisoned fuel tank on runway during MIG sortie the operations are closed for two hrs at Goa airport. Pl bear with us," official Twitter handle of Goa International Airport tweeted earlier.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day the Navy Spokesperson said that efforts were underway to resume the flight services soon.

"Flash. #GoaAirport closed temporarily for a few hours view incident of fire caused by a drop tank of MiG 29K which got detached whilst taking off. All efforts in hand to resume flights ASAP. MiG 29K fighter ac is safe. @aaigoaairport @AAI_Official," the Navy put out a tweet informing about the incident.

The images posted by the spokesperson showed thick smoke on the tarmac.&nbsp;

As many as seven flights from different parts of the country, which were supposed to land at Goa airport, were diverted following the incident.

The Navy operates MiG-29Ks off the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and the squadron is based at Naval air station, Goa.

Flight operations at Goa`s Dabolim International Airport have resumed after it was temporarily suspended following a fuel tank attached to a MiG-29K aircraft fell on the runway while taking off on Saturday.

Flight operations at Goa`s Dabolim International Airport have resumed after it was temporarily suspended following a fuel tank attached to a MiG-29K aircraft fell on the runway while taking off on Saturday. "Due to jettisoned fuel tank on runway during MIG sortie the operations are closed for two hrs at Goa airport. Pl bear with us," official Twitter handle of Goa International Airport tweeted earlier. Earlier in the day the Navy Spokesperson said that efforts were underway to resume the flight services soon. "Flash. #GoaAirport closed temporarily for a few hours view incident of fire caused by a drop tank of MiG 29K which got detached whilst taking off. All efforts in hand to resume flights ASAP. MiG 29K fighter ac is safe. @aaigoaairport @AAI_Official," the Navy put out a tweet informing about the incident. The images posted by the spokesperson showed thick smoke on the tarmac. As many as seven flights from different parts of the country, which were supposed to land at Goa airport, were diverted following the incident. The Navy operates MiG-29Ks off the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and the squadron is based at Naval air station, Goa.

Goa Ínternational Airport resumes operations after MiG-29K incident 

A day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ruled out implementing Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in a letter asked the Delhi CM to be part of Centre's flagship programme for the larger good of Delhi.&nbsp;

"I invite you to work together with us for the larger good of people of Delhi and be a part of Ayushman Bharat," Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan reportedly said in a letter to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Delhi CM on Friday in his response to Union health minister's request to implement the Centre's flagship Ayushman Bharat programme said that Delhi government's health scheme is "ten times bigger and comprehensive" than the Centre's flagship Ayushman Bharat programme. &nbsp;

Kejriwal said if the AAP government's health scheme is closed and the Ayushman Bharat is implemented in Delhi, it will be a loss for the citizens of the national capital.

The AAP chief's comments come a week after Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had said that the AAP dispensation would not implement Ayushman Bharat scheme in the city as it seeks to provide equitable treatment to all residents.

Jain had also said if the Centre's Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is so good, why people from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are "forced" to seek treatment in government hospitals in Delhi. 
His comments came days after Harsh Vardhan wrote to the chief ministers of Delhi, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal, urging them to join the Centre's flagship health insurance scheme.

In his two-page letter in Hindi to Harsh Vardhan, Kejriwal said despite Ayushman Bharat being in place in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, lakhs of patients from these two states come to Delhi every day to get medical treatment.

Hardly any citizen of Delhi goes to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to get treatment, which indicates that Delhi's health scheme is functioning well, Kejriwal said.

A day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ruled out implementing Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in a letter asked the Delhi CM to be part of Centre's flagship programme for the larger good of Delhi.

A day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ruled out implementing Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in a letter asked the Delhi CM to be part of Centre's flagship programme for the larger good of Delhi. "I invite you to work together with us for the larger good of people of Delhi and be a part of Ayushman Bharat," Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan reportedly said in a letter to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Delhi CM on Friday in his response to Union health minister's request to implement the Centre's flagship Ayushman Bharat programme said that Delhi government's health scheme is "ten times bigger and comprehensive" than the Centre's flagship Ayushman Bharat programme. Kejriwal said if the AAP government's health scheme is closed and the Ayushman Bharat is implemented in Delhi, it will be a loss for the citizens of the national capital. The AAP chief's comments come a week after Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had said that the AAP dispensation would not implement Ayushman Bharat scheme in the city as it seeks to provide equitable treatment to all residents. Jain had also said if the Centre's Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is so good, why people from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are "forced" to seek treatment in government hospitals in Delhi. His comments came days after Harsh Vardhan wrote to the chief ministers of Delhi, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal, urging them to join the Centre's flagship health insurance scheme. In his two-page letter in Hindi to Harsh Vardhan, Kejriwal said despite Ayushman Bharat being in place in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, lakhs of patients from these two states come to Delhi every day to get medical treatment. Hardly any citizen of Delhi goes to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to get treatment, which indicates that Delhi's health scheme is functioning well, Kejriwal said.

Harsh Vardhan writes to Kejriwal, asks him to be part of Ayushman Bharat

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