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Shortly after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-takes-charge-as-union-home-minister-223339">Union Home Minister Amit Shah</a> was reported of discussing the long pending delimitation of constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir in a meeting on Tuesday, sources at the Home Affairs ministry denied the same.&nbsp;

"No discussion on delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir took place today," MHA sources noted.&nbsp;

Shah, earlier in the day, held a meeting wherein he was given a detailed presentation on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. It was reported that the&nbsp;Home Minister may have carried out a discussion on delimitation in the state but the MHA, in the meanwhile, has denied the same.&nbsp;

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and senior officials of the Kashmir division in the Home Ministry were present in the briefing today. The meeting comes at a time when the state BJP unit has been raising the issue of withdrawal of a 16-year-old freeze on carrying out delimitation exercise in the state.Watch:&nbsp;Amit Shah takes charge as India's Home Minister

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amit-shah-takes-charge-as-indias-home-minister-223331/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Bharatiya Janata Party has been pushing for carrying out a delimitation exercise for getting more seats for Jammu region in the state assembly.

In today's meeting, Shah was also told about the security arrangements being made for the annual Amarnath yatra, slated to begin on July 1, a home ministry official said, adding he is likely to visit the state soon, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today tweeted on the matter, saying that the Jammu &amp; Kashmir National Conference will oppose "any attempt to make changes without a mandate from the people of the state".&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
When delimitation takes place in the rest of the country the BJP is welcome to apply it to J&amp;K until then we in the <a href="https://twitter.com/JKNC_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JKNC_</a> will oppose, tooth &amp; nail, any attempt to make changes without a mandate from the people of the state.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1135913644489756672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"When delimitation takes place in the rest of the country the BJP is welcome to apply it to J&amp;K until then we in the @JKNC_ will oppose, tooth &amp; nail, any attempt to make changes without a mandate from the people of the state," his tweet read.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Tuesday said it will announce the schedule for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-polls-likely-later-this-year-election-commission-to-announce-schedule-after-amarnath-yatra-224349">Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls after the Amarnath Yatra</a>, which begins next month, making it clear that the electoral exercise could be held sometime later this year.

In a statement, the poll panel said it has unanimously decided that "holding of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir shall be considered later in this year".

Shortly after Union Home Minister Amit Shah was reported of discussing the long pending delimitation of constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir in a meeting on Tuesday, sources at the Home Affairs ministry denied the same.

Shortly after Union Home Minister Amit Shah was reported of discussing the long pending delimitation of constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir in a meeting on Tuesday, sources at the Home Affairs ministry denied the same. "No discussion on delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir took place today," MHA sources noted. Shah, earlier in the day, held a meeting wherein he was given a detailed presentation on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. It was reported that the Home Minister may have carried out a discussion on delimitation in the state but the MHA, in the meanwhile, has denied the same. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and senior officials of the Kashmir division in the Home Ministry were present in the briefing today. The meeting comes at a time when the state BJP unit has been raising the issue of withdrawal of a 16-year-old freeze on carrying out delimitation exercise in the state. Watch: Amit Shah takes charge as India's Home Minister The Bharatiya Janata Party has been pushing for carrying out a delimitation exercise for getting more seats for Jammu region in the state assembly. In today's meeting, Shah was also told about the security arrangements being made for the annual Amarnath yatra, slated to begin on July 1, a home ministry official said, adding he is likely to visit the state soon, news agency PTI reported. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today tweeted on the matter, saying that the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference will oppose "any attempt to make changes without a mandate from the people of the state". When delimitation takes place in the rest of the country the BJP is welcome to apply it to J&K until then we in the @JKNC_ will oppose, tooth & nail, any attempt to make changes without a mandate from the people of the state. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 4, 2019 × "When delimitation takes place in the rest of the country the BJP is welcome to apply it to J&K until then we in the @JKNC_ will oppose, tooth & nail, any attempt to make changes without a mandate from the people of the state," his tweet read. Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Tuesday said it will announce the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls after the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, making it clear that the electoral exercise could be held sometime later this year. In a statement, the poll panel said it has unanimously decided that "holding of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir shall be considered later in this year".

Ministry of Home Affairs denies discussing delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir: Sources

A Pune Sessions Court on Tuesday rejected the Central Bureau of Investigation's&nbsp;(CBI)&nbsp;plea seeking 14 days custody of two accused- Sanjeev Punalekar and Vikram Bhave in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-lawyer-arrested-in-narendra-dabholkar-murder-case-221669">Narendra Dabholkar murder case</a>.

The agency also submitted the results of the forensic psychology and statement analysis tests of Punalekar before the court. The CBI told the court that the responses of Punalekar which he gave in the test were found deceptive.

Both the accused have been sent to the magisterial custody.

The court order also stated that Punalekar's laptop and mobile are seized from him and data retrieved will be used to confront the accused.

"Punalekar needs to be confronted with the incriminating evidence recovered from his laptop (This includes some names, contact number and files)," the order said.

Vikram Bhave's motorcycle alleged to have been used in the crime is yet to be recovered.

Earlier on Saturday, the court sent both the two accused to CBI custody.

The agency had arrested Punalekar and Bhave from Mumbai on May 25 in connection with the murder case. Punalekar is also an advocate for the case and has been advocating for many right-wing accused in different cases.

Founder of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), Narendra Dabholkar was shot by bike-borne assailants while returning home from a morning walk on August 20, 2013.

A Pune Sessions Court on Tuesday rejected the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) plea seeking 14 days custody of two accused- Sanjeev Punalekar and Vikram Bhave in Narendra Dabholkar murder case.

A Pune Sessions Court on Tuesday rejected the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) plea seeking 14 days custody of two accused- Sanjeev Punalekar and Vikram Bhave in Narendra Dabholkar murder case. The agency also submitted the results of the forensic psychology and statement analysis tests of Punalekar before the court. The CBI told the court that the responses of Punalekar which he gave in the test were found deceptive. Both the accused have been sent to the magisterial custody. The court order also stated that Punalekar's laptop and mobile are seized from him and data retrieved will be used to confront the accused. "Punalekar needs to be confronted with the incriminating evidence recovered from his laptop (This includes some names, contact number and files)," the order said. Vikram Bhave's motorcycle alleged to have been used in the crime is yet to be recovered. Earlier on Saturday, the court sent both the two accused to CBI custody. The agency had arrested Punalekar and Bhave from Mumbai on May 25 in connection with the murder case. Punalekar is also an advocate for the case and has been advocating for many right-wing accused in different cases. Founder of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), Narendra Dabholkar was shot by bike-borne assailants while returning home from a morning walk on August 20, 2013.

Dabholkar murder case: Pune Court rejects CBI's plea seeking custody of accused

According to the private weather forecaster Skymet Weather - The pre-monsoon rainfall in the country was the second lowest in 65 years. Watch full video to know more. #PreMonsoonRainfall #LowestRains #IndiaMonsoon

Pre-monsoon rainfall in India 2nd lowest in 65 years: Skymet

The Election Commission on&nbsp;Tuesday said it will announce the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls after the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, making it clear that the electoral exercise could be held sometime later this year.

In a statement, the poll panel said it has unanimously decided that "holding of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir shall be considered later in this year".

Jammu and Kashmir do not have an elected dispensation since the PDP-BJP coalition government fell apart in June 2018.

The state was placed under Governor's Rule, as provided by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, on June 19, 2018, after the BJP withdrew from its coalition with the PDP.&nbsp;

As mandated by the Constitution, the state was brought under President's Rule on December 19, 2018. The term of the central rule ends on June 19 which is set to be extended.&nbsp;

"The Commission will keep on regularly, and on real-time basis, monitoring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, taking inputs from all necessary quarters and after the conclusion of Amarnath Yatra will announce the election schedule for the conduct of assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir," the statement said.

The 46-day-long Amarnath yatra will begin on July 1, the day of Masik Shivratri, and would conclude on August 15, the day of Shravan Purnima.&nbsp;

In April, when representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir government had met the EC here, they had indicated their reluctance of holding polls to the state legislative assembly in the near future in view of the ongoing tourist season and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra in the Valley, which will begin on July 1.

The EC, during the meeting, rejected had the assertion of the officials from Jammu and Kashmir that the situation in the state needs to be assessed before conducting the assembly polls.

The Commission was of the view that if the Lok Sabha polls could be held, there should be no issue in holding the elections to the state assembly.

The April meeting between J&amp;K officials and EC top brass had taken place days after the three special observers appointed by the EC submitted their report on the possibility of holding assembly polls in the state after the Lok Sabha polls.

When the dates for the Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10, the poll panel had decided against holding parliamentary and assembly polls simultaneously in the state.

It had said that the situation in J&amp;K was not conducive for holding assembly polls. The Lok Sabha polls were held by and large peacefully in the state though the turnout of voters was low.&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Tuesday said it will announce the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls after the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, making it clear that the electoral exercise could be held sometime later this year.

The Election Commission on Tuesday said it will announce the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls after the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, making it clear that the electoral exercise could be held sometime later this year. In a statement, the poll panel said it has unanimously decided that "holding of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir shall be considered later in this year". Jammu and Kashmir do not have an elected dispensation since the PDP-BJP coalition government fell apart in June 2018. The state was placed under Governor's Rule, as provided by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, on June 19, 2018, after the BJP withdrew from its coalition with the PDP. As mandated by the Constitution, the state was brought under President's Rule on December 19, 2018. The term of the central rule ends on June 19 which is set to be extended. "The Commission will keep on regularly, and on real-time basis, monitoring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, taking inputs from all necessary quarters and after the conclusion of Amarnath Yatra will announce the election schedule for the conduct of assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir," the statement said. The 46-day-long Amarnath yatra will begin on July 1, the day of Masik Shivratri, and would conclude on August 15, the day of Shravan Purnima. In April, when representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir government had met the EC here, they had indicated their reluctance of holding polls to the state legislative assembly in the near future in view of the ongoing tourist season and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra in the Valley, which will begin on July 1. The EC, during the meeting, rejected had the assertion of the officials from Jammu and Kashmir that the situation in the state needs to be assessed before conducting the assembly polls. The Commission was of the view that if the Lok Sabha polls could be held, there should be no issue in holding the elections to the state assembly. The April meeting between J&K officials and EC top brass had taken place days after the three special observers appointed by the EC submitted their report on the possibility of holding assembly polls in the state after the Lok Sabha polls. When the dates for the Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10, the poll panel had decided against holding parliamentary and assembly polls simultaneously in the state. It had said that the situation in J&K was not conducive for holding assembly polls. The Lok Sabha polls were held by and large peacefully in the state though the turnout of voters was low.

Jammu and Kashmir polls likely later this year; Election Commission to announce schedule after Amarnath Yatra

DMK president M K Stalin alleged on Monday that the Centre's move on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-uproar-over-hindi-imposition-centre-alters-draft-education-policy-223801">dropping the clause on compulsory Hindi learning</a> in the draft National Education Policy was aimed at deceiving Tamil Nadu and demanded an explanation over it.

He sought a categorical assurance that Hindi will not be thrust on the southern state.

Presiding over a function to celebrate the 96th birth anniversary of his father and DMK patriarch, late M Karunanidhi here, Stalin said in the absence of such an explanation, Tamil Nadu will witness a massive agitation on the lines of the 1965 stir to oppose Hindi.

Recalling the demonstration led by Karunanidhi during the pre-Independence era and the 1965 protests against Hindi in Tamil Nadu, he said a situation was now emerging for reprising such massive agitations.&nbsp;

"The announcement (by the Centre on dropping the contentious clause mandating Hindi learning) has been made with an intent to deceive and if there is no explanation (assuring that Hindi will not be thrust) in two to three days, the leaders of the alliance partners here will get together, decide and following that, Tamil Nadu will witness a massive agitation, be prepared," Stalin told party workers.

The DMK chief alleged that the BJP-led Centre was enacting a drama on the language issue after seeing the huge opposition to the proposal in the draft National Education Policy on Hindi learning in Tamil Nadu.

DMK president M K Stalin alleged on Monday that the Centre's move on dropping the clause on compulsory Hindi learning in the draft National Education Policy was aimed at deceiving Tamil Nadu and demanded an explanation over it.

DMK president M K Stalin alleged on Monday that the Centre's move on dropping the clause on compulsory Hindi learning in the draft National Education Policy was aimed at deceiving Tamil Nadu and demanded an explanation over it. He sought a categorical assurance that Hindi will not be thrust on the southern state. Presiding over a function to celebrate the 96th birth anniversary of his father and DMK patriarch, late M Karunanidhi here, Stalin said in the absence of such an explanation, Tamil Nadu will witness a massive agitation on the lines of the 1965 stir to oppose Hindi. Recalling the demonstration led by Karunanidhi during the pre-Independence era and the 1965 protests against Hindi in Tamil Nadu, he said a situation was now emerging for reprising such massive agitations. "The announcement (by the Centre on dropping the contentious clause mandating Hindi learning) has been made with an intent to deceive and if there is no explanation (assuring that Hindi will not be thrust) in two to three days, the leaders of the alliance partners here will get together, decide and following that, Tamil Nadu will witness a massive agitation, be prepared," Stalin told party workers. The DMK chief alleged that the BJP-led Centre was enacting a drama on the language issue after seeing the huge opposition to the proposal in the draft National Education Policy on Hindi learning in Tamil Nadu.

Centre's move on language aimed at deceiving Tamil Nadu: Stalin

The newly-appointed External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said that India has a special relationship with Japan during a phone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Kono Taro, according to Japanese embassy readout.

The Japanese Foreign Minister had called Jaishankar to congratulate him on his appointment as the External Affairs Minister.&nbsp;

The Japanese embassy in Delhi said, "Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hopes to further expand the scope of cooperation with Japan with which India enjoys a special relationship, and looks forward to meeting Foreign Minister Kono Taro again."

During the conversation, the Japanese foreign minister said, ''India has an extremely huge role and responsibility as a global power for the realisation of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Indo-Pacific as a concept has been gaining currency and has the backing of Tokyo, Washington and Delhi, but Bejing sees it suspiciously.&nbsp;

During the phone call, Kono confirmed the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to India later this year. Abe will be visiting&nbsp;for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit which alternates between the two countries.&nbsp;

Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit. In a special gesture, Modi's 2018 visit was hosted by Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader. In 2017, Abe visited PM Modi's home state of Gujarat where he was given a special welcome.

Kono was the first foreign leader to congratulate Modi on phone for his reelection on May 23. Both leaders will be meeting by the end of this month in Osaka on the sidelines of G20 summit.

Meanwhile, Kono has invited Jaishankar to the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in November and said "He would like to coordinate the schedule to hold a '2+2' Ministerial meeting as soon as possible to which both Japan and India&nbsp;agreed.

Jaishankar had served at the Indian mission in Tokyo from 1996 to 2000 as the deputy chief of the mission and knows Japanese.

The newly-appointed External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said that India has a special relationship with Japan during a phone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Kono Taro, according to Japanese embassy readout.

The newly-appointed External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said that India has a special relationship with Japan during a phone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Kono Taro, according to Japanese embassy readout. The Japanese Foreign Minister had called Jaishankar to congratulate him on his appointment as the External Affairs Minister. The Japanese embassy in Delhi said, "Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hopes to further expand the scope of cooperation with Japan with which India enjoys a special relationship, and looks forward to meeting Foreign Minister Kono Taro again." During the conversation, the Japanese foreign minister said, ''India has an extremely huge role and responsibility as a global power for the realisation of a free and open Indo-Pacific." Indo-Pacific as a concept has been gaining currency and has the backing of Tokyo, Washington and Delhi, but Bejing sees it suspiciously. During the phone call, Kono confirmed the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to India later this year. Abe will be visiting for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit which alternates between the two countries. Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit. In a special gesture, Modi's 2018 visit was hosted by Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader. In 2017, Abe visited PM Modi's home state of Gujarat where he was given a special welcome. Kono was the first foreign leader to congratulate Modi on phone for his reelection on May 23. Both leaders will be meeting by the end of this month in Osaka on the sidelines of G20 summit. Meanwhile, Kono has invited Jaishankar to the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in November and said "He would like to coordinate the schedule to hold a '2+2' Ministerial meeting as soon as possible to which both Japan and India agreed. Jaishankar had served at the Indian mission in Tokyo from 1996 to 2000 as the deputy chief of the mission and knows Japanese.

India has a special relationship with Japan: External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

Amit Shah seems to have hit the ground running in the very first week of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-takes-charge-as-union-home-minister-223339">taking over as India’s Home Minister</a>. He has held a slew of review meetings, mostly on internal security and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the latest review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday - his second in as many days - Shah reportedly discussed redrawing the long pending delimitation of constituencies in the state. However, there has been no confirmation from the Ministry of Home Affairs on whether the delimitation matter was discussed at the meeting today.&nbsp;

As of now, four MLAs are elected from the Ladakh region, 46 MLAs come from Kashmir and 37 from the Jammu region.&nbsp;

In case delimitation is implemented in J&amp;K, it will lead to an increase in number of seats from the Jammu region, thereby opening the door for a Hindu Chief Minister. Till now, the state has always seen a Muslim chief minister. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad was the first Muslim chief minister from the Jammu region. Rest of the chief ministers have come from the Kashmir region.

Traditionally, the position of deputy chief minister has always been accorded a Hindu from the state no matter which government came in power.

Watch:&nbsp;Amit Shah takes charge as India's Home Minister

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With President’s Rule operational in Jammu and Kashmir, Shah has already had a closed-door meeting with Governor Satyapal Malik. He also met Intelligence Bureau Director Rajiv Jain and Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba.

In December 2016, a Cabinet sub-committee on implementation of agenda of the alliance of PDP-BJP had referred the said issue of working out the modalities for delimitation to a high-level of the bureaucratic panel but it could not fructify. At the crux of delimitation is redrawing the scope and size of Assembly constituencies and determine the number of seats to be reserved for Scheduled Castes.

This is being planned to correct regional disparity long suffered by the Jammu region, and provide representation to all reserved categories in the State Assembly. As per the 2011 Census, Jammu holds 25.93 per cent of the area with 42.89 per cent of the population whereas the Kashmir valley has 15.73 per cent of the area and 54.93 per cent of the population. The Ladakh region holds 58.33 per cent of the area but only 2.18 per cent of the population.

The last time delimitation took place in Kashmir was in 1995 by a commission headed by Justice (retired) KK Gupta.

The Constitution of India provides for delimitation to be carried out every 10 years. Going by this logic, the next delimitation would have taken place in 2005 but in 2002 Farooq Abdullah chose to freeze delimitation exercise in the state until 2026 by amending the Jammu and Kashmir Representation Act and Section 47(3) of the state’s constitution. It put the contentious matter in abeyance.

This is where the Governor comes in. He is competent to amend Section 47 of the J&amp;K constitution because, during the President’s Rule, the legislative authority is vested in the Governor. During the last delimitation exercise, the state was divided into 87 Assembly constituencies.

Amit Shah seems to have hit the ground running in the very first week of taking over as India’s Home Minister. He has held a slew of review meetings, mostly on internal security and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Amit Shah seems to have hit the ground running in the very first week of taking over as India’s Home Minister. He has held a slew of review meetings, mostly on internal security and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In the latest review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday - his second in as many days - Shah reportedly discussed redrawing the long pending delimitation of constituencies in the state. However, there has been no confirmation from the Ministry of Home Affairs on whether the delimitation matter was discussed at the meeting today. As of now, four MLAs are elected from the Ladakh region, 46 MLAs come from Kashmir and 37 from the Jammu region. In case delimitation is implemented in J&K, it will lead to an increase in number of seats from the Jammu region, thereby opening the door for a Hindu Chief Minister. Till now, the state has always seen a Muslim chief minister. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad was the first Muslim chief minister from the Jammu region. Rest of the chief ministers have come from the Kashmir region. Traditionally, the position of deputy chief minister has always been accorded a Hindu from the state no matter which government came in power. Watch: Amit Shah takes charge as India's Home Minister With President’s Rule operational in Jammu and Kashmir, Shah has already had a closed-door meeting with Governor Satyapal Malik. He also met Intelligence Bureau Director Rajiv Jain and Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba. In December 2016, a Cabinet sub-committee on implementation of agenda of the alliance of PDP-BJP had referred the said issue of working out the modalities for delimitation to a high-level of the bureaucratic panel but it could not fructify. At the crux of delimitation is redrawing the scope and size of Assembly constituencies and determine the number of seats to be reserved for Scheduled Castes. This is being planned to correct regional disparity long suffered by the Jammu region, and provide representation to all reserved categories in the State Assembly. As per the 2011 Census, Jammu holds 25.93 per cent of the area with 42.89 per cent of the population whereas the Kashmir valley has 15.73 per cent of the area and 54.93 per cent of the population. The Ladakh region holds 58.33 per cent of the area but only 2.18 per cent of the population. The last time delimitation took place in Kashmir was in 1995 by a commission headed by Justice (retired) KK Gupta. The Constitution of India provides for delimitation to be carried out every 10 years. Going by this logic, the next delimitation would have taken place in 2005 but in 2002 Farooq Abdullah chose to freeze delimitation exercise in the state until 2026 by amending the Jammu and Kashmir Representation Act and Section 47(3) of the state’s constitution. It put the contentious matter in abeyance. This is where the Governor comes in. He is competent to amend Section 47 of the J&K constitution because, during the President’s Rule, the legislative authority is vested in the Governor. During the last delimitation exercise, the state was divided into 87 Assembly constituencies.

Amit Shah holds meetings on Jammu and Kashmir

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

India Watch; 04th June 2019

A massive fire fuelled by high-intensity winds gutted over 250 shanties of labourers in the city's Trikutanagar area early Monday, officials said.

No casualties were reported in the blaze, they said.

The fire broke out in the Maratha cluster near Trikutnagar Railway Station area around 0100 hours and rapidly spread to the entire area due to high-intensity winds, according to locals.

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.

"Suddenly flames started erupting from the Bengali shanties at around 1 am. They spread fast due to winds and turned into a massive fire", Raju, a labourer hailing from Bihar said.

Sarojni Devi of West Bengal, who lost all her possessions in the blaze, said there are over 400-500 shanties in the area.

The fire was doused after over three hours, the officials said.&nbsp;

A massive fire fuelled by high-intensity winds gutted over 250 shanties of labourers in the city's Trikutanagar area early Monday, officials said. No casualties were reported in the blaze, they said.

A massive fire fuelled by high-intensity winds gutted over 250 shanties of labourers in the city's Trikutanagar area early Monday, officials said. No casualties were reported in the blaze, they said. The fire broke out in the Maratha cluster near Trikutnagar Railway Station area around 0100 hours and rapidly spread to the entire area due to high-intensity winds, according to locals. 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. "Suddenly flames started erupting from the Bengali shanties at around 1 am. They spread fast due to winds and turned into a massive fire", Raju, a labourer hailing from Bihar said. Sarojni Devi of West Bengal, who lost all her possessions in the blaze, said there are over 400-500 shanties in the area. The fire was doused after over three hours, the officials said.

Over 250 shanties gutted in massive fire in Jammu

Only Two Cities In India Have Drinkable Tap Water. The Lack Of Clean Drinking Water Can Trigger A Major Crisis. By 2020, India Could Be Called 'Water Stressed'. Watch This Report From Gravitas.

Gravitas: Over 70 Years After Independence, Only Two Indian Cities Have Clear Tap Water

The government is proposing a mechanism to ensure that songs and videos reach a maximum number of people at an affordable price, which in case of dispute may be fixed by a quasi-judicial body Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB).

These changes are proposed in the Copyright (Amendment) Rules, 2019, the draft of which has been made public by the commerce and industry ministry for stakeholders' views and comments till June 29.

Once the changes are approved, it would become easier for websites, portals and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/spotify-loses-access-to-songs-from-major-indian-label-saregama-213387">music streaming firms</a> to buy contents (songs and videos) and upload them.

However, the move could hurt the commercial interest of content owners of songs and videos.

Currently, the Act covers only radio, and TV broadcast firms are allowed to take permission from the owners and negotiate a price bilaterally or through IPAB under Section 31D of the Act.

Now, the draft rule proposes to cover companies operating through digital mode like websites and music streaming firms.

"In order to ensure smooth and flawless compliance of Copyright Act in the light of technological advancement in digital era and to bring them in parity with other relevant legislation, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has now proposed to introduce the Copyright Amendment Rules, 2019," an official statement said.

The copyright regime is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Copyright Rules, 2013. The rules were last amended in 2016.

An official source said that although the Act provides protection and rights to the content owners but at the same time, it is their responsibility to make available that content to more and more people at affordable prices.

"The content owners should not have the sole monopoly over the content and it should reach more and more people," the source said.

An expert said that to implement the proposal, the government would also have to amend the Copyright Act.

Amit Dutta, partner, Saikrishna Associates, said the Act only talks about radio, television and not about any other mode of communication.

The government will have to amend the Act to give effect to the amendments being proposed in the rules.

"The proposed changes are against the interest of song and video content owners. There is a high court ruling also in the favour of the owners," Dutta said.&nbsp;

The government is proposing a mechanism to ensure that songs and videos reach a maximum number of people at an affordable price, which in case of dispute may be fixed by a quasi-judicial body Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB).

The government is proposing a mechanism to ensure that songs and videos reach a maximum number of people at an affordable price, which in case of dispute may be fixed by a quasi-judicial body Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB). These changes are proposed in the Copyright (Amendment) Rules, 2019, the draft of which has been made public by the commerce and industry ministry for stakeholders' views and comments till June 29. Once the changes are approved, it would become easier for websites, portals and music streaming firms to buy contents (songs and videos) and upload them. However, the move could hurt the commercial interest of content owners of songs and videos. Currently, the Act covers only radio, and TV broadcast firms are allowed to take permission from the owners and negotiate a price bilaterally or through IPAB under Section 31D of the Act. Now, the draft rule proposes to cover companies operating through digital mode like websites and music streaming firms. "In order to ensure smooth and flawless compliance of Copyright Act in the light of technological advancement in digital era and to bring them in parity with other relevant legislation, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has now proposed to introduce the Copyright Amendment Rules, 2019," an official statement said. The copyright regime is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Copyright Rules, 2013. The rules were last amended in 2016. An official source said that although the Act provides protection and rights to the content owners but at the same time, it is their responsibility to make available that content to more and more people at affordable prices. "The content owners should not have the sole monopoly over the content and it should reach more and more people," the source said. An expert said that to implement the proposal, the government would also have to amend the Copyright Act. Amit Dutta, partner, Saikrishna Associates, said the Act only talks about radio, television and not about any other mode of communication. The government will have to amend the Act to give effect to the amendments being proposed in the rules. "The proposed changes are against the interest of song and video content owners. There is a high court ruling also in the favour of the owners," Dutta said.

Government proposes changes in copyright rules, may benefit websites, music streaming firms

BJP pushing for J&K Delimitation since 2008. Amit Shah held closed-door meeting with J&K Governor. Basically delimitation could impact J&K Assembly Polls. Governor has the authority to ensure delimitation. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: Significance Of Govt's Delimitation Push In J&K

A bitter war between TMC-BJP continues. Mamata begins campaign to ''Re-Capture'' TMC offices. There is a move after row over 'Jai Shri Ram' slogan. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: 'Jai Shri Ram' Row Hits TMC Chief

Enforcement Directorate said that Robert Vadra could tamper evidence in PMLA case. Vadra has faced serious cases of Money Laundering act. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: ED Opposed Robert Vadra's Plea

A bitter war between TMC-BJP continues. Mamata begins campaign to ''Re-Capture'' TMC offices. There is a move after row over 'Jai Shri Ram'slogan. Watch this video to know more.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) troops will undertake a first-of-its-kind daring rescue operation to retrieve the mortal remains of at least eight mountaineers suspected to have been killed in an avalanche near an unscaled peak adjoining Nanda Devi East in Uttarakhand, a senior official said Tuesday.

The Pithoragarh district administration has sought the services of the mountain-warfare trained troops of ITBP to undertake the mission under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act of 2005.

"A team comprising the best ITBP mountaineers has been formed. This is a high-risk mission as the only way to retrieve the bodies is through a heliborne operation. This is possibly the first time that bodies will be retrieved from a height of about 20,000 feet from a mountain peak in India," ITBP spokesperson Vivek Kumar Pandey told PTI here.

He said the ITBP climbers will be lowered down from the helicopter to fetch the bodies and the operation is expected to be launched on Wednesday on board an Indian Air Force helicopter.

It will be very difficult to launch a trekking rescue mission at this height and as it is, will take a very long time, Pandey said.

The spokesperson added that the ITBP headquarters is in constant touch with its 14th battalion based in Pithoragarh and adjoining units to undertake the operation.&nbsp;

All the required gadgets and equipment have been provided to the special rescue team and the district administration is being informed about it, he said.&nbsp;

Eight mountaineers, including from the US, the UK and Australia, were reported missing after they left Munsiyari on May 13 to scale the peak, but did not return to the base camp on the scheduled date of May 25.&nbsp;

The team was led by British mountaineer Martin Moran to the 7,434-metre peak.

It was a twelve-member group and four of them were rescued on Sunday.

IAF choppers spotted five bodies on Monday during their second day of aerial search.

The missing mountaineers comprised seven from the UK, the US and Australia, and a liaison officer from Delhi's Indian Mountaineering Foundation.

They have been identified as team leader Martin Moran, members John McLaren, Richard Payne, Rupert Havel (from the UK); Anthony Sudekum and Rachel Bimmel (from the US); Ruth Macrain (from Australia); and liaison officer Chetan Pandey.

The route to the peak begins from Munsiyari, about 132 km from the district headquarters.&nbsp;

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) troops will undertake a first-of-its-kind daring rescue operation to retrieve the mortal remains of at least eight mountaineers suspected to have been killed in an avalanche near an unscaled peak adjoining Nanda Devi East in Uttarakhand, a senior official said Tuesday.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) troops will undertake a first-of-its-kind daring rescue operation to retrieve the mortal remains of at least eight mountaineers suspected to have been killed in an avalanche near an unscaled peak adjoining Nanda Devi East in Uttarakhand, a senior official said Tuesday. The Pithoragarh district administration has sought the services of the mountain-warfare trained troops of ITBP to undertake the mission under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act of 2005. "A team comprising the best ITBP mountaineers has been formed. This is a high-risk mission as the only way to retrieve the bodies is through a heliborne operation. This is possibly the first time that bodies will be retrieved from a height of about 20,000 feet from a mountain peak in India," ITBP spokesperson Vivek Kumar Pandey told PTI here. He said the ITBP climbers will be lowered down from the helicopter to fetch the bodies and the operation is expected to be launched on Wednesday on board an Indian Air Force helicopter. It will be very difficult to launch a trekking rescue mission at this height and as it is, will take a very long time, Pandey said. The spokesperson added that the ITBP headquarters is in constant touch with its 14th battalion based in Pithoragarh and adjoining units to undertake the operation. All the required gadgets and equipment have been provided to the special rescue team and the district administration is being informed about it, he said. Eight mountaineers, including from the US, the UK and Australia, were reported missing after they left Munsiyari on May 13 to scale the peak, but did not return to the base camp on the scheduled date of May 25. The team was led by British mountaineer Martin Moran to the 7,434-metre peak. It was a twelve-member group and four of them were rescued on Sunday. IAF choppers spotted five bodies on Monday during their second day of aerial search. The missing mountaineers comprised seven from the UK, the US and Australia, and a liaison officer from Delhi's Indian Mountaineering Foundation. They have been identified as team leader Martin Moran, members John McLaren, Richard Payne, Rupert Havel (from the UK); Anthony Sudekum and Rachel Bimmel (from the US); Ruth Macrain (from Australia); and liaison officer Chetan Pandey. The route to the peak begins from Munsiyari, about 132 km from the district headquarters.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police to retrieve bodies of Uttarakhand climbers in heliborne operation

Mayawati blames SP cadre for bad performance in LS Polls. Akhilesh Yadav says that He is not worried at all. By-election in 11 assembly seats to take place in UP. Data showed that Mayawati retained her core votes in LS Polls. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: Why Mayawati Quits Grand Alliance In UP?

Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh Monday called for strengthening security along the Indo-Pak border ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-2018-several-pilgrims-injured-after-their-minibus-rams-into-a-parked-truck-in-udhampur-jk-150950">Amarnath Yatra </a>and said a three-tier system should be put in place.

Singh, who visited border districts of Kathua and Poonch, said vulnerable areas should be kept under surveillance.

The DGP issued directions to all officials of Kathua district and other security agencies to make all possible efforts to further strengthen the security grid along the border, officials said.

Singh said arrangements should be made for single-window clearance and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-amarnath-yatra-remains-suspended-due-to-bad-weather-149134">checking of vehicles for the yatra</a>, which will begin on July 1.

He said control rooms and security checkpoints should be established at suitable places to keep a vigil on anti-social elements.

Singh visited Dudu Basantgrah and Bani Lothang in twin districts of Udhampur and Kathua, and later went to Mendhar border belt of Poonch district, the officials said.

While interacting with jawans, the DGP also impressed upon strengthening village defence committees (VDCs).

The DGP stressed for enhanced synergy among the security forces for the conduct of the peaceful yatra.

Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh Monday called for strengthening security along the Indo-Pak border ahead of the Amarnath Yatra and said a three-tier system should be put in place.

Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh Monday called for strengthening security along the Indo-Pak border ahead of the Amarnath Yatra and said a three-tier system should be put in place. Singh, who visited border districts of Kathua and Poonch, said vulnerable areas should be kept under surveillance. The DGP issued directions to all officials of Kathua district and other security agencies to make all possible efforts to further strengthen the security grid along the border, officials said. Singh said arrangements should be made for single-window clearance and checking of vehicles for the yatra, which will begin on July 1. He said control rooms and security checkpoints should be established at suitable places to keep a vigil on anti-social elements. Singh visited Dudu Basantgrah and Bani Lothang in twin districts of Udhampur and Kathua, and later went to Mendhar border belt of Poonch district, the officials said. While interacting with jawans, the DGP also impressed upon strengthening village defence committees (VDCs). The DGP stressed for enhanced synergy among the security forces for the conduct of the peaceful yatra.

Strengthen security along Indo-Pak border ahead of Amarnath yatra: DGP Dilbag Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/post-tiananmen-chinese-citizens-subjected-to-new-wave-of-abuses-us-224032">Post-Tiananmen, Chinese citizens subjected to new wave of abuses: US</a>

The United States said Monday it had lost hope for human rights progress in China 30 years after the crackdown on Tiananmen Square as Beijing, in rare official comments on the bloodshed, insisted it had "immunized" itself against turmoil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inept-to-inspiring-i-always-say-be-patient-with-us-says-captain-sarfaraz-after-beating-england-224025">Inept to inspiring: I always say be patient with us, says captain Sarfaraz after beating England</a>

Pakistan lived up to their 'unpredictable' billing by beating world number one England in a World Cup match on Monday, just three days after losing to world number eight West Indies in their first game of the tournament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-drops-itunes-previews-ios-13-dark-mode-for-mobile-devices-in-developers-conference-224021">Apple drops iTunes, previews iOS 13 'dark mode' for mobile devices in developers conference</a>

Apple on Monday announced enhanced privacy features as it harmonised software across its lineup of devices while dropping its groundbreaking iTunes store as it gears up for new kinds of digital content.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-month-after-fani-164-lakh-families-still-in-darkness-224019">Month after cyclone Fani in Odisha, 1.64 lakh families still in darkness</a>

More than five lakh people of 1.64 lakh households in Odisha's coastal districts continue to struggle with hot and humid weather conditions due to lack of power restoration though one month has passed since the cyclone Fani made landfall near Puri on May 3.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-calls-queen-elizabeth-a-great-great-woman-at-state-banquet-224027">Donald Trump calls Queen Elizabeth a 'great, great woman' at state banquet</a>

Donald Trump hailed Queen Elizabeth II as a "great, great woman" as the British monarch threw a lavish banquet for the US president on Monday to kick off his three-day state visit. 
&nbsp;

Post-Tiananmen, Chinese citizens subjected to new wave of abuses: US The United States said Monday it had lost hope for human rights progress in China 30 years after the crackdown on Tiananmen Square as Beijing, in rare official comments on the bloodshed, insisted it had "immunized" itself against turmoil.

Post-Tiananmen, Chinese citizens subjected to new wave of abuses: US The United States said Monday it had lost hope for human rights progress in China 30 years after the crackdown on Tiananmen Square as Beijing, in rare official comments on the bloodshed, insisted it had "immunized" itself against turmoil. Inept to inspiring: I always say be patient with us, says captain Sarfaraz after beating England Pakistan lived up to their 'unpredictable' billing by beating world number one England in a World Cup match on Monday, just three days after losing to world number eight West Indies in their first game of the tournament. Apple drops iTunes, previews iOS 13 'dark mode' for mobile devices in developers conference Apple on Monday announced enhanced privacy features as it harmonised software across its lineup of devices while dropping its groundbreaking iTunes store as it gears up for new kinds of digital content. Month after cyclone Fani in Odisha, 1.64 lakh families still in darkness More than five lakh people of 1.64 lakh households in Odisha's coastal districts continue to struggle with hot and humid weather conditions due to lack of power restoration though one month has passed since the cyclone Fani made landfall near Puri on May 3. Donald Trump calls Queen Elizabeth a 'great, great woman' at state banquet Donald Trump hailed Queen Elizabeth II as a "great, great woman" as the British monarch threw a lavish banquet for the US president on Monday to kick off his three-day state visit.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Today Top ministers of BJP Govt. meet Amit Shah. S. Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, Sitharaman meet Amit Shah today. Dharmendra Pradhan was also present. This was the meeting to review the internal security. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: Know What's on Amit Shah's Agenda

The OIC in its communiqué had mentioned Jammu and Kashmir six times. MEA has countered by stating that the OIC has no locus standi in matters relating to the state.

India slams OIC for its references to Jammu and Kashmir

Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Tuesday reprimanded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/giriraj-singh-modi-loyalist-who-wears-hindutva-on-his-sleeve-222886">Union Minister Giriraj Singh</a> for his remarks against NDA leaders on attending Iftar parties, news agency PTI reported.

The development follows Singh's remark wherein he had said that it would have been "beautiful" to see similar get-togethers and fruit feasts organised during the Navratras as well.

"How beautiful would the picture have emerged, had phalaahaar (a fruit feast) been organized during Navaratra with the same fervour with splendid photographs taken. Why do we lag behind in observance of our own karm-dharm (religious customs) in public, while staying ahead in making a show for those of others," Singh tweeted in Hindi.

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कितनी खूबसूरत तस्वीर होती जब इतनी ही चाहत से नवरात्रि पे फलाहार का आयोजन करते और सुंदर सुदंर फ़ोटो आते??...अपने कर्म धर्म मे हम पिछड़ क्यों जाते और दिखावा में आगे रहते है??? <a href="https://t.co/dy7s1UgBgy">pic.twitter.com/dy7s1UgBgy</a>
— Shandilya Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/girirajsinghbjp/status/1135770253416206336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Singh's tweeted his comment along with pictures of Iftaar parties hosted in Patna, Bihar by Janata Dal (United), former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM and NDA ally Lok Janshakti Party which is headed by Ram Vilas Paswan.

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Singh retained Begusarai for the BJP and defeated CPI's Kanhaiya Kumar by a margin of over four lakh votes.

Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Tuesday reprimanded Union Minister Giriraj Singh for his remarks against NDA leaders on attending Iftar parties, news agency PTI reported.

Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Tuesday reprimanded Union Minister Giriraj Singh for his remarks against NDA leaders on attending Iftar parties, news agency PTI reported. The development follows Singh's remark wherein he had said that it would have been "beautiful" to see similar get-togethers and fruit feasts organised during the Navratras as well. "How beautiful would the picture have emerged, had phalaahaar (a fruit feast) been organized during Navaratra with the same fervour with splendid photographs taken. Why do we lag behind in observance of our own karm-dharm (religious customs) in public, while staying ahead in making a show for those of others," Singh tweeted in Hindi. कितनी खूबसूरत तस्वीर होती जब इतनी ही चाहत से नवरात्रि पे फलाहार का आयोजन करते और सुंदर सुदंर फ़ोटो आते??...अपने कर्म धर्म मे हम पिछड़ क्यों जाते और दिखावा में आगे रहते है??? pic.twitter.com/dy7s1UgBgy — Shandilya Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) June 4, 2019 × Singh's tweeted his comment along with pictures of Iftaar parties hosted in Patna, Bihar by Janata Dal (United), former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM and NDA ally Lok Janshakti Party which is headed by Ram Vilas Paswan. In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Singh retained Begusarai for the BJP and defeated CPI's Kanhaiya Kumar by a margin of over four lakh votes.

Amit Shah reprimands Union Minister Giriraj Singh for remarks on iftar parties

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sec-probes-siemens-ge-philips-in-alleged-china-medical-equipment-scheme-report-224228">US SEC probes Siemens, GE, Philips in alleged China medical equipment scheme: Report</a>

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Siemens AG, Philips NV and General Electric Co for allegedly using local middlemen to negotiate bribes with the Chinese government and hospital officials to sell medical equipment, two US sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-promises-uk-pm-theresa-may-very-substantial-trade-deal-after-brexit-224218">Donald Trump promises UK PM Theresa May 'very substantial' trade deal after Brexit</a>

US President Donald Trump touted a "very, very substantial trade deal" between the United States and Britain after Brexit as he met Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday for fraught talks held amid street protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/people-expect-century-but-my-focus-is-on-victory-says-virat-kohli-ahead-of-south-africa-clash-224280">People expect century but my focus is on victory, says Virat Kohli ahead of South Africa clash</a>

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli addressed a press conference a day before team's first match against South Africa on Wednesday at Southampton's Rose Bowl stadium.&nbsp;

Virat answered several questions asked by the reporters regarding Team India's planning for the World Cup tournament.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-holds-meetings-on-jammu-and-kashmir-delimitation-discussed-224193">Amit Shah holds meetings on Jammu and Kashmir, delimitation discussed</a>

Amit Shah has hit the ground running in the very first week of taking over as India’s Home Minister. He has held a slew of review meetings, mostly on internal security and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/satellites-spy-planes-roped-in-to-locate-indian-air-forces-missing-an-32-aircraft-224202">Satellites, spy planes roped in to locate Indian Air Force's missing AN-32 aircraft</a>

ISRO satellites and Naval P-8I spy planes have been pressed into service to locate the wreckage of the missing AN-32 aircraft which went missing Monday afternoon with 13 IAF personnel on board.

US SEC probes Siemens, GE, Philips in alleged China medical equipment scheme: Report The US Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Siemens AG, Philips NV and General Electric Co for allegedly using local middlemen to negotiate bribes with the Chinese government and hospital officials to sell medical equipment, two US sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

US SEC probes Siemens, GE, Philips in alleged China medical equipment scheme: Report The US Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Siemens AG, Philips NV and General Electric Co for allegedly using local middlemen to negotiate bribes with the Chinese government and hospital officials to sell medical equipment, two US sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Donald Trump promises UK PM Theresa May 'very substantial' trade deal after Brexit US President Donald Trump touted a "very, very substantial trade deal" between the United States and Britain after Brexit as he met Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday for fraught talks held amid street protests. People expect century but my focus is on victory, says Virat Kohli ahead of South Africa clash Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli addressed a press conference a day before team's first match against South Africa on Wednesday at Southampton's Rose Bowl stadium. Virat answered several questions asked by the reporters regarding Team India's planning for the World Cup tournament. Amit Shah holds meetings on Jammu and Kashmir, delimitation discussed Amit Shah has hit the ground running in the very first week of taking over as India’s Home Minister. He has held a slew of review meetings, mostly on internal security and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Satellites, spy planes roped in to locate Indian Air Force's missing AN-32 aircraft ISRO satellites and Naval P-8I spy planes have been pressed into service to locate the wreckage of the missing AN-32 aircraft which went missing Monday afternoon with 13 IAF personnel on board.

More than five lakh people of 1.64 lakh households in Odisha's coastal districts continue to struggle with hot and humid weather conditions due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-about-48-of-people-still-without-power-in-odishas-puri-223529">lack of power restoration</a> though one month has passed since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-odisha-government-says-adequate-steps-taken-to-avoid-outbreak-of-any-epidemic-219507">cyclone Fani made landfall near Puri</a> on May 3.

The worst affected was Puri district where only 1,51,889 out of 2,91,171 affected electricity consumers (52 per cent) have got back power so far, an official said adding, Fani had completely damaged power infrastructure in the district.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-pegs-cyclone-fani-loss-at-rs-12000-crore-seeks-relaxation-of-norms-218998">cyclone had affected a total of 1.65 crore people</a> in 14 districts of the state.

At least 64 persons including 39 from Puri district alone were killed in the calamity.

The official said of the total 25,01,131 affected electricity consumers, power has been restored to 23,36,584 consumers.

The affected districts were Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Puri, Nayagarh, Khurdha, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur and Jajpur.

There has been a significant improvement in the drinking water, banking, telecom and other services in the cyclone-hit areas.

Odisha's school and mass education minister Samir Ranjan Dash, who hails from Puri district, said the authorities have been asked to repair the schools as the summer vacation will be over on June 19.

The minister said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-disney-donates-rs-2-crore-to-cyclone-fani-relief-in-odisha-221967">all-out efforts are being made</a> to restore power in the rural areas of Puri district.

"Though we have set a target to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-cm-naveen-patnaik-writes-to-pm-modi-seeks-centres-help-218444">complete power restoration work</a> within June, no specific date can be fixed," a senior official of the power department said.

Meanwhile, special relief commissioner B P Sethi in a letter to the collectors of cyclone-hit districts said that the ground report on the number of houses damage should be made keeping in mind the actual damage of houses.

"If you are recommending X amount of money for a damaged house, will it be sufficient for a hapless person, whose house has been damaged due to superstorm Fani? " Sethi asked in the letter.

Watch: NASA releases images of power situation after Fani

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The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) have already announced the amount of assistance for damaged houses during a disaster for the period 2015-2020.

For fully damaged and destroyed houses in the plains, Rs 95,100 has been allotted per house and Rs 1,01,900 has been allotted per house in the hilly areas.

Meanwhile, an inter-ministerial central team visited Odisha from May 12 to 15 and conducted an on the spot assessment of the damages caused due to the cyclone.

A preliminary report of damage amounting to Rs 11,942.68 crore was shared with the central team, an official said.

More than five lakh people of 1.64 lakh households in Odisha's coastal districts continue to struggle with hot and humid weather conditions due to lack of power restoration though one month has passed since the cyclone Fani made landfall near Puri on May 3.

More than five lakh people of 1.64 lakh households in Odisha's coastal districts continue to struggle with hot and humid weather conditions due to lack of power restoration though one month has passed since the cyclone Fani made landfall near Puri on May 3. The worst affected was Puri district where only 1,51,889 out of 2,91,171 affected electricity consumers (52 per cent) have got back power so far, an official said adding, Fani had completely damaged power infrastructure in the district. The cyclone had affected a total of 1.65 crore people in 14 districts of the state. At least 64 persons including 39 from Puri district alone were killed in the calamity. The official said of the total 25,01,131 affected electricity consumers, power has been restored to 23,36,584 consumers. The affected districts were Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Puri, Nayagarh, Khurdha, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur and Jajpur. There has been a significant improvement in the drinking water, banking, telecom and other services in the cyclone-hit areas. Odisha's school and mass education minister Samir Ranjan Dash, who hails from Puri district, said the authorities have been asked to repair the schools as the summer vacation will be over on June 19. The minister said all-out efforts are being made to restore power in the rural areas of Puri district. "Though we have set a target to complete power restoration work within June, no specific date can be fixed," a senior official of the power department said. Meanwhile, special relief commissioner B P Sethi in a letter to the collectors of cyclone-hit districts said that the ground report on the number of houses damage should be made keeping in mind the actual damage of houses. "If you are recommending X amount of money for a damaged house, will it be sufficient for a hapless person, whose house has been damaged due to superstorm Fani? " Sethi asked in the letter. Watch: NASA releases images of power situation after Fani × The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) have already announced the amount of assistance for damaged houses during a disaster for the period 2015-2020. For fully damaged and destroyed houses in the plains, Rs 95,100 has been allotted per house and Rs 1,01,900 has been allotted per house in the hilly areas. Meanwhile, an inter-ministerial central team visited Odisha from May 12 to 15 and conducted an on the spot assessment of the damages caused due to the cyclone. A preliminary report of damage amounting to Rs 11,942.68 crore was shared with the central team, an official said.

Month after cyclone Fani in Odisha, 1.64 lakh families still in darkness

A Delhi court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Tihar jail Superintendent to appear in person on July 19 along with the status report on the convicts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-convicts-may-file-curative-petition-in-court-200757">Nirbhaya rape and murder case</a>.

Additional Sessions Judge Pawan Kumar Jain, acting on the application filed by Nirbhaya's parents seeking expeditious execution of the rape convicts, asked the jail authorities to apprise it of the various legal remedies that all the four convicts have availed of and on those which are pending.

Speaking to the media, Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi said,&nbsp;"For some reason, the case is being stretched. I request the Central and state government to expedite the process and execute the convicts."

The Supreme Court had on December 12, 2018, dismissed the PIL filed by a lawyer, Alakh Alok Srivastava, seeking a direction to the Centre to execute the death penalty awarded to four convicts- Mukesh, Pawan, Vinay and Akshay- in the sensational Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case.

Following this, in February this year, Nirbhaya's parents moved an application in the court seeking the procedure to hang all four convicts in the case to be fast-tracked.

In 2012, the 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on December 16 inside a running bus in South Delhi by six persons.

She was physically assaulted and was thrown out on the road along with her male friend. She succumbed to injuries at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on December 29, where she was airlifted for medical treatment.

The incident led to a huge public outcry, prompting the government to overhaul anti-rape laws.

Out of the six rapists, one of the accused, Ram Singh, committed suicide by hanging himself in the prison, while another, a juvenile served the maximum punishment of three years in a reform home and was set free in 2015.

In 2013, the four adult defendants were convicted and given death sentence by a trial court, which was confirmed by the Delhi High Court in March 2014.

The Supreme Court, in 2017, upheld the Delhi High Court's verdict. The petition, filed by Alakh Alok Srivastava, stated that a delay in execution of death penalty "apparently gives an impression in the minds of the rapists that they would also be harmless if they commit such heinous crimes".

The plea had also sought guidelines to prescribe strict timelines for speedy execution of death row convicts in rape-cum-murder cases.

It further said that the fate of the accused must be decided within a period of eight months from the lower court to the apex court.

In July 2018, the apex court had dismissed the pleas filed by Mukesh, Pawan, and Vinay seeking review of the SC verdict which had upheld the judgments of the Delhi High Court and the lower court awarding death punishment to them.

A Delhi court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Tihar jail Superintendent to appear in person on July 19 along with the status report on the convicts in the Nirbhaya rape and murder case.

A Delhi court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Tihar jail Superintendent to appear in person on July 19 along with the status report on the convicts in the Nirbhaya rape and murder case. Additional Sessions Judge Pawan Kumar Jain, acting on the application filed by Nirbhaya's parents seeking expeditious execution of the rape convicts, asked the jail authorities to apprise it of the various legal remedies that all the four convicts have availed of and on those which are pending. Speaking to the media, Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi said, "For some reason, the case is being stretched. I request the Central and state government to expedite the process and execute the convicts." The Supreme Court had on December 12, 2018, dismissed the PIL filed by a lawyer, Alakh Alok Srivastava, seeking a direction to the Centre to execute the death penalty awarded to four convicts- Mukesh, Pawan, Vinay and Akshay- in the sensational Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case. Following this, in February this year, Nirbhaya's parents moved an application in the court seeking the procedure to hang all four convicts in the case to be fast-tracked. In 2012, the 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on December 16 inside a running bus in South Delhi by six persons. She was physically assaulted and was thrown out on the road along with her male friend. She succumbed to injuries at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on December 29, where she was airlifted for medical treatment. The incident led to a huge public outcry, prompting the government to overhaul anti-rape laws. Out of the six rapists, one of the accused, Ram Singh, committed suicide by hanging himself in the prison, while another, a juvenile served the maximum punishment of three years in a reform home and was set free in 2015. In 2013, the four adult defendants were convicted and given death sentence by a trial court, which was confirmed by the Delhi High Court in March 2014. The Supreme Court, in 2017, upheld the Delhi High Court's verdict. The petition, filed by Alakh Alok Srivastava, stated that a delay in execution of death penalty "apparently gives an impression in the minds of the rapists that they would also be harmless if they commit such heinous crimes". The plea had also sought guidelines to prescribe strict timelines for speedy execution of death row convicts in rape-cum-murder cases. It further said that the fate of the accused must be decided within a period of eight months from the lower court to the apex court. In July 2018, the apex court had dismissed the pleas filed by Mukesh, Pawan, and Vinay seeking review of the SC verdict which had upheld the judgments of the Delhi High Court and the lower court awarding death punishment to them.

Nirbhaya rape case: Court seeks status report from Tihar jail authorities

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Month after cyclone Fani in Odisha, 1.64 lakh families still in darkness

Nirbhaya rape case: Court seeks status report from Tihar jail authorities