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Uzbek envoy to India Farhod Arziev has said that India has an important role at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) and New Delhi being a leader in innovation &amp; IT can help the grouping.&nbsp;

Farhod Arziev spoke to WION on a host of issues surrounding the SCO—from India-Uzbekistan ties to connectivity programmes.

WION: How do you see ties between the two countries?

Farhod Arziev: First of all, I like to say election just concluded and it was a big event for India, and as soon as election results were announced with the BJP and NDA winning the elections, President of Uzbekistan H E Mr Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent his congratulatory letter. Soon after reappointment of PM Modi for his second term, President sent the congratulatory message again. Election results show the big trust people of India have on govt and leadership of Narendra Modi and clear testimony of recognition of the results of effort he has been taking to make India more prosperous. Bilateral ties between both countries have been growing dynamically. We have identified new priorities for bilateral ties. With the new government formed under the leadership of PM Modi, we are confident that the strategic relationship will further deepen.&nbsp;

 
WION: Can we expect some high-level visit between the two countries this year?

Farhod Arziev: This year we working on a number of visits at the bilateral level, at the level of different ministries, at parliamentarian level &amp; people to people to contacts expanding. Just recently we had Uzbek India innovation &amp; IT form which shows our cooperation in areas of innovation is also expanding. We also plan to have Uzbek India youth forum. &amp; Also, we will hold, Uzbek India regional summit this year. Gujarat &amp; Andijan are partner regions, and we expect big delegation from Gujarat and other regions of India as well.

WION: How do you see India's role at SCO?

Farhod Arziev: Uzbekistan, we have fully supported full membership of India to SCO, and we believe India's membership to SCO has been a big contribution to further expansion and development of the organisation as an international institution with India being one of the fastest growing countries. It has many things to offer for the development of SCO. Like, expansion of trade and economics or transport or communication, opportunities for SCO members, there we see India can play a big role. In areas like innovation &amp; IT, India holds a strong position, can also play contribution at SCO. Also in areas of tourism, also in areas of cultural exchange, we know India has initiated, put forward the idea of SCO members cinema and we fully support this initiative. Many more areas were India can play an important role within the SCO framework. I would also like to stress the fact, we have very good cooperation and coordination with India within the framework of international and regional organisations like SCO and almost on every agenda at the org we have similar positions.&nbsp;

WION: How to see India's connectivity programmes?

Farhod Arziev: Uzbekistan is not only landlocked but double landlocked country. Connectivity projects can help us reach international markets and reduce the cost and distance in reaching international markets to the interest of my country. We see a big scope for Cooperation with India in expanding the connectivity options between India and Uzbekistan and India and central Asia as a whole and there are many connectivity projects and transport projects, being developed. One of them is Chabahar. We see the project as a positive contribution to expanding connectivity between our regions and of course we working connectivity options via Afghanistan. You know there existing railway connection between Uzbekistan and Mazar-e-Sharif which plans to be expanded to Herat. It can eventually reach to Chabahar port.

Uzbek envoy to India Farhod Arziev has said that India has an important role at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) and New Delhi being a leader in innovation & IT can help the grouping.

Uzbek envoy to India Farhod Arziev has said that India has an important role at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) and New Delhi being a leader in innovation & IT can help the grouping. Farhod Arziev spoke to WION on a host of issues surrounding the SCO—from India-Uzbekistan ties to connectivity programmes. WION: How do you see ties between the two countries? Farhod Arziev: First of all, I like to say election just concluded and it was a big event for India, and as soon as election results were announced with the BJP and NDA winning the elections, President of Uzbekistan H E Mr Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent his congratulatory letter. Soon after reappointment of PM Modi for his second term, President sent the congratulatory message again. Election results show the big trust people of India have on govt and leadership of Narendra Modi and clear testimony of recognition of the results of effort he has been taking to make India more prosperous. Bilateral ties between both countries have been growing dynamically. We have identified new priorities for bilateral ties. With the new government formed under the leadership of PM Modi, we are confident that the strategic relationship will further deepen. WION: Can we expect some high-level visit between the two countries this year? Farhod Arziev: This year we working on a number of visits at the bilateral level, at the level of different ministries, at parliamentarian level & people to people to contacts expanding. Just recently we had Uzbek India innovation & IT form which shows our cooperation in areas of innovation is also expanding. We also plan to have Uzbek India youth forum. & Also, we will hold, Uzbek India regional summit this year. Gujarat & Andijan are partner regions, and we expect big delegation from Gujarat and other regions of India as well. WION: How do you see India's role at SCO? Farhod Arziev: Uzbekistan, we have fully supported full membership of India to SCO, and we believe India's membership to SCO has been a big contribution to further expansion and development of the organisation as an international institution with India being one of the fastest growing countries. It has many things to offer for the development of SCO. Like, expansion of trade and economics or transport or communication, opportunities for SCO members, there we see India can play a big role. In areas like innovation & IT, India holds a strong position, can also play contribution at SCO. Also in areas of tourism, also in areas of cultural exchange, we know India has initiated, put forward the idea of SCO members cinema and we fully support this initiative. Many more areas were India can play an important role within the SCO framework. I would also like to stress the fact, we have very good cooperation and coordination with India within the framework of international and regional organisations like SCO and almost on every agenda at the org we have similar positions. WION: How to see India's connectivity programmes? Farhod Arziev: Uzbekistan is not only landlocked but double landlocked country. Connectivity projects can help us reach international markets and reduce the cost and distance in reaching international markets to the interest of my country. We see a big scope for Cooperation with India in expanding the connectivity options between India and Uzbekistan and India and central Asia as a whole and there are many connectivity projects and transport projects, being developed. One of them is Chabahar. We see the project as a positive contribution to expanding connectivity between our regions and of course we working connectivity options via Afghanistan. You know there existing railway connection between Uzbekistan and Mazar-e-Sharif which plans to be expanded to Herat. It can eventually reach to Chabahar port.

India has an important role at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Uzbekistan envoy

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Newly appointed Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Siachen, the highest militarised zone in the world, on Monday to meet the armed forces troops posted there. In his first visit since assuming office in the new government, Singh will also interact with army personnel in Srinagar

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flies to Siachen

The trial in the case of rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir is nearing completion nearly a year after it began at a court in Punjab's Pathankot, officials said Sunday.

Defence lawyers are likely to complete their final arguments on Monday, followed by a brief concluding statement from the prosecution team led by JK Chopra, they said, adding that the verdict is expected thereafter.

The day-to-day in-camera trial began in the first week of June last year at the district and session court in Pathankot after the Supreme Court directed that the case be shifted out of Jammu and Kashmir after lawyers in Kathua had prevented crime branch officials from filing the charge sheet in the case.

A political turmoil was witnessed in the Jammu region last January after the Jammu and Kashmir Police's crime branch took over the case and arrested eight people, including a juvenile and two police officials who were accused of destruction of evidence.

The case became a bone of contention between the ruling alliance partners PDP and BJP. The BJP had to sack two of its ministers, Chowdhury Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga, for participating in a rally of Hindu Ekta Manch in support of those arrested by the crime branch in the case.

The crime branch arrested village head Sanji Ram, his son Vishal, juvenile nephew and his friend Anand Dutta, and two special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma. Head constable Tilak Raj and sub-inspector Anand Dutta, who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Sanji Ram and destroyed crucial evidence, were also arrested by the crime branch.

Charges of rape and murder were framed by the district and sessions judge against seven out of the eight accused. The trial against the juvenile is yet to begin as his petition regarding his age is to be heard by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

In its May 7 order, the apex court said "the pivotal fact around which the controversy centres, is an abduction, rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl. An FIR was lodged at Hiranagar Police Station, Kathua...The investigating agency, namely, the Crime Branch, which took over the investigation on 22nd January 2018 from the local police has already filed the charge-sheet on 9th April 2018, in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kathua in the State of Jammu and Kashmir".

However, the country's topmost court did not say anything about handing over the case to the CBI and rather transferred the trial to the District and Sessions judge in Pathankot in Punjab, 30 km from Kathua.

"The learned district and sessions judge, Pathankot, shall himself take up the trial and not assign it to any additional sessions judge and shall fast-track the trial and take it up on day-to-day basis so that there is no delay in trial," the three-judge bench of the Supreme Court had said in April last year.

All the accused, barring the juvenile, have been shifted to Gurdaspur jail following an intervention by the Supreme Court which also restricted the appearance of the defence lawyers and limited it to one or maximum of two per accused.

The crime branch had submitted the charge sheet in the crime on April 9 before the Kathua court.&nbsp;

The case hit the headlines after lawyers tried to prevent the police from filing the charge sheet.

According to the charge sheet, the eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped on January 10 this year, was allegedly raped by in captivity in a small village temple in Kathua district after having been kept sedated for four days before she was bludgeoned to death.

The abduction, rape and killing of the child was part of a carefully planned strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area, the 15-page charge sheet says.&nbsp;

During trial, the prosecution presented opinions of doctors to suggest that an overdose of sedatives, forcibly administered to the victim before the murder, could have led her into "coma" (loss of consciousness).

The crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police had sent a sample of viscera to examine the effect of "manner" candies (believed to be local cannabis) and "Epitril 0.5 mg" tablets for further opinion to a forensic laboratory.

The crime branch had decided to seek further medical opinion after it was claimed by the accused people and their lawyers in the court as well as on social media through their supporters that it was virtually impossible that the eight-year-old girl could not have cried for help when such an alleged brutal attack was happening on her.

The doctors after examining the viscera, which contains internal organs of the body, specifically those within the chest (as the heart or lungs) or abdomen (as the liver, pancreas or intestines), opined that medicine administered to the victim contains Clonazepam salt and has to be administered under medical supervision keeping in mind the age and weight of the patient.

"Considering her (victim) of 30 Kgs body weight, the therapeutic dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mgs per day divided in three doses for the patient (is recommended)," it said.

"She was forcefully administered five tablets of Clonazepam 0.5 mg each on January 11, 2018, which is higher than the safe therapeutic dose. Subsequently, more tablets were given...The signs and symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slow reflexes, slowed or stopped breathing, coma (loss of consciousness) and death," the opinion of the doctor had said.&nbsp;

The trial in the case of rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir is nearing completion nearly a year after it began at a court in Punjab's Pathankot, officials said Sunday.

The trial in the case of rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir is nearing completion nearly a year after it began at a court in Punjab's Pathankot, officials said Sunday. Defence lawyers are likely to complete their final arguments on Monday, followed by a brief concluding statement from the prosecution team led by JK Chopra, they said, adding that the verdict is expected thereafter. The day-to-day in-camera trial began in the first week of June last year at the district and session court in Pathankot after the Supreme Court directed that the case be shifted out of Jammu and Kashmir after lawyers in Kathua had prevented crime branch officials from filing the charge sheet in the case. A political turmoil was witnessed in the Jammu region last January after the Jammu and Kashmir Police's crime branch took over the case and arrested eight people, including a juvenile and two police officials who were accused of destruction of evidence. The case became a bone of contention between the ruling alliance partners PDP and BJP. The BJP had to sack two of its ministers, Chowdhury Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga, for participating in a rally of Hindu Ekta Manch in support of those arrested by the crime branch in the case. The crime branch arrested village head Sanji Ram, his son Vishal, juvenile nephew and his friend Anand Dutta, and two special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma. Head constable Tilak Raj and sub-inspector Anand Dutta, who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Sanji Ram and destroyed crucial evidence, were also arrested by the crime branch. Charges of rape and murder were framed by the district and sessions judge against seven out of the eight accused. The trial against the juvenile is yet to begin as his petition regarding his age is to be heard by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. In its May 7 order, the apex court said "the pivotal fact around which the controversy centres, is an abduction, rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl. An FIR was lodged at Hiranagar Police Station, Kathua...The investigating agency, namely, the Crime Branch, which took over the investigation on 22nd January 2018 from the local police has already filed the charge-sheet on 9th April 2018, in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kathua in the State of Jammu and Kashmir". However, the country's topmost court did not say anything about handing over the case to the CBI and rather transferred the trial to the District and Sessions judge in Pathankot in Punjab, 30 km from Kathua. "The learned district and sessions judge, Pathankot, shall himself take up the trial and not assign it to any additional sessions judge and shall fast-track the trial and take it up on day-to-day basis so that there is no delay in trial," the three-judge bench of the Supreme Court had said in April last year. All the accused, barring the juvenile, have been shifted to Gurdaspur jail following an intervention by the Supreme Court which also restricted the appearance of the defence lawyers and limited it to one or maximum of two per accused. The crime branch had submitted the charge sheet in the crime on April 9 before the Kathua court. The case hit the headlines after lawyers tried to prevent the police from filing the charge sheet. According to the charge sheet, the eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped on January 10 this year, was allegedly raped by in captivity in a small village temple in Kathua district after having been kept sedated for four days before she was bludgeoned to death. The abduction, rape and killing of the child was part of a carefully planned strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area, the 15-page charge sheet says. During trial, the prosecution presented opinions of doctors to suggest that an overdose of sedatives, forcibly administered to the victim before the murder, could have led her into "coma" (loss of consciousness). The crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police had sent a sample of viscera to examine the effect of "manner" candies (believed to be local cannabis) and "Epitril 0.5 mg" tablets for further opinion to a forensic laboratory. The crime branch had decided to seek further medical opinion after it was claimed by the accused people and their lawyers in the court as well as on social media through their supporters that it was virtually impossible that the eight-year-old girl could not have cried for help when such an alleged brutal attack was happening on her. The doctors after examining the viscera, which contains internal organs of the body, specifically those within the chest (as the heart or lungs) or abdomen (as the liver, pancreas or intestines), opined that medicine administered to the victim contains Clonazepam salt and has to be administered under medical supervision keeping in mind the age and weight of the patient. "Considering her (victim) of 30 Kgs body weight, the therapeutic dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mgs per day divided in three doses for the patient (is recommended)," it said. "She was forcefully administered five tablets of Clonazepam 0.5 mg each on January 11, 2018, which is higher than the safe therapeutic dose. Subsequently, more tablets were given...The signs and symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slow reflexes, slowed or stopped breathing, coma (loss of consciousness) and death," the opinion of the doctor had said.

Trial in Kathua rape-and-murder case nearing completion

GDP growth fell to 5.8% in March quatrer. Annual GDP growth has dropped to 6.8% from 7.2%. Experts said that consumption rates has slowed down in India. Watch this video to know more.

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In this segment of India Watch, Have a look at changes made in National Education Policy 2019 after row over Hindi.

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A special NIA court here on Monday directed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malegaon-blast-case-pragya-singh-thakur-two-other-accused-exempted-from-court-appearance-220372">Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur</a> and all other accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case to appear before it once a week.

Special NIA Judge Vinod Padalkar while asking BJP leader Thakur to be present before the court referred to a recent Supreme Court order which said hearing in criminal cases against public representatives be expedited.

Of the seven accused in the case, Samir Kulkarni, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and Ajay Rahirkar were present in the court, while the others filed exemption applications.

The judge directed that all the accused including Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sameer Kulkarni must appear at least once a week. All the seven are on bail.

They have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The charges include sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act) of the UAPA and sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 153 (a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups) of the IPC.

The accused have also been charged under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act.

On September 29, 2018, six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon city. (ANI)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A special NIA court here on Monday directed Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur and all other accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case to appear before it once a week. Special NIA Judge Vinod Padalkar while asking BJP leader Thakur to be present before the court referred to a recent Supreme Court order which said hearing in criminal cases against public representatives be expedited.

A special NIA court here on Monday directed Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur and all other accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case to appear before it once a week. Special NIA Judge Vinod Padalkar while asking BJP leader Thakur to be present before the court referred to a recent Supreme Court order which said hearing in criminal cases against public representatives be expedited. Of the seven accused in the case, Samir Kulkarni, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and Ajay Rahirkar were present in the court, while the others filed exemption applications. The judge directed that all the accused including Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sameer Kulkarni must appear at least once a week. All the seven are on bail. They have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The charges include sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act) of the UAPA and sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 153 (a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups) of the IPC. The accused have also been charged under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act. On September 29, 2018, six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon city. (ANI)

Malegaon blast case: NIA court asks Pragya Thakur to appear before it once a week

The newly-appointed defence minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/siachen-to-be-rajnath-singhs-first-visit-as-defence-minister-223574">Rajnath Singh began his Siachen visit</a> as he left New Delhi for Ladakh in the early hours on Monday.&nbsp;Rajnath Singh is visiting Siachen to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan.

Announcing his visit on Twitter, Singh said, "Leaving New Delhi for Ladakh on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir."

"Looking forward to interact&nbsp;with the troops in Siachen," he also said.

Later in the day, he will also be meeting Indian Army personnel in Srinagar.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Leaving New Delhi for Ladakh on a day long visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Looking forward to interact with the troops in Siachen. 
 
Later in the day, I would be meeting the Indian Army personnel in Srinagar.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1135351560903352320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to a report by ANI, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-and-health-services-equally-important-for-the-nation-rajnath-singh-223707">Rajnath Singh</a> will be accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officials from the Defence Ministry.

At the glacier, Rajnath Singh would be briefed about the operations being conducted by the Army, along with the support of air effort by the Indian Air Force.

Siachen glacier is the world's highest battlefield. The Indian Army has deployed a brigade in the area where some posts are located above the altitude of 23,000 altitude which even poses difficulty in breathing.

The Indian Army has been maintaining the Siachen Glacier since 1984 under the Operation Meghdoot where Army soldiers doubled as mountaineers to reach the peaks and capture them defeating the Pakistan Army.

The newly-appointed defence minister, Rajnath Singh began his Siachen visit as he left New Delhi for Ladakh in the early hours on Monday. Rajnath Singh is visiting Siachen to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan.

The newly-appointed defence minister, Rajnath Singh began his Siachen visit as he left New Delhi for Ladakh in the early hours on Monday. Rajnath Singh is visiting Siachen to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan. Announcing his visit on Twitter, Singh said, "Leaving New Delhi for Ladakh on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir." "Looking forward to interact with the troops in Siachen," he also said. Later in the day, he will also be meeting Indian Army personnel in Srinagar. Leaving New Delhi for Ladakh on a day long visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Looking forward to interact with the troops in Siachen. Later in the day, I would be meeting the Indian Army personnel in Srinagar. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 3, 2019 × According to a report by ANI, Rajnath Singh will be accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officials from the Defence Ministry. At the glacier, Rajnath Singh would be briefed about the operations being conducted by the Army, along with the support of air effort by the Indian Air Force. Siachen glacier is the world's highest battlefield. The Indian Army has deployed a brigade in the area where some posts are located above the altitude of 23,000 altitude which even poses difficulty in breathing. The Indian Army has been maintaining the Siachen Glacier since 1984 under the Operation Meghdoot where Army soldiers doubled as mountaineers to reach the peaks and capture them defeating the Pakistan Army.

Rajnath Singh leaves for Siachen, will review security situation along the border

Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothes, stay indoors and avoid drinking alcohol, tea and coffee, the government said on Monday in a health advisory issued in view of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/worlds-15-hottest-places-are-in-india-pakistan-as-pre-monsoon-heat-builds-223862">ongoing spell of a heatwave</a> in parts of the country.

"Heatwave can cause adverse effects on human health, including other sectors," the advisory, issued by the Health Ministry, stated as it suggested a series of Dos and Don'ts.

The advisory asked people to use an umbrella or cap or towel when outside and frequently drink water and salted drinks like lassi, lemon water, fruit juice and ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution).

It also asked people to eat fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, lemon and orange, and take a frequent bath and reduce room temperature by using curtains, fan, cooler and air conditioner.

Watch:&nbsp;Heatwave grips northern India, red alert warning issued for Delhi

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"Person feeling unwell, especially old aged, young children, pregnant women, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and outdoor workers, should be immediately shifted to a cooler place, put on minimum clothing, be sponged with cold water, applied ice packs wrapped in cloth, and transported to nearest health facility," the advisory said.

It asked people not to venture out in the sun, especially between 12 pm and 3 pm.

India has been reeling under heatwave conditions over the past few days with the mercury crossing the 50 degrees Celsius-mark in Rajasthan's Churu.&nbsp;

On Monday, Churu recorded 50.3 degrees Celsius being the hottest place in the country for the third consecutive day.

At present, heatwave conditions are prevailing over parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, the advisory stated.&nbsp;

Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothes, stay indoors and avoid drinking alcohol, tea and coffee, the government said on Monday in a health advisory issued in view of the ongoing spell of a heatwave in parts of the country.

Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothes, stay indoors and avoid drinking alcohol, tea and coffee, the government said on Monday in a health advisory issued in view of the ongoing spell of a heatwave in parts of the country. "Heatwave can cause adverse effects on human health, including other sectors," the advisory, issued by the Health Ministry, stated as it suggested a series of Dos and Don'ts. The advisory asked people to use an umbrella or cap or towel when outside and frequently drink water and salted drinks like lassi, lemon water, fruit juice and ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). It also asked people to eat fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, lemon and orange, and take a frequent bath and reduce room temperature by using curtains, fan, cooler and air conditioner. Watch: Heatwave grips northern India, red alert warning issued for Delhi "Person feeling unwell, especially old aged, young children, pregnant women, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and outdoor workers, should be immediately shifted to a cooler place, put on minimum clothing, be sponged with cold water, applied ice packs wrapped in cloth, and transported to nearest health facility," the advisory said. It asked people not to venture out in the sun, especially between 12 pm and 3 pm. India has been reeling under heatwave conditions over the past few days with the mercury crossing the 50 degrees Celsius-mark in Rajasthan's Churu. On Monday, Churu recorded 50.3 degrees Celsius being the hottest place in the country for the third consecutive day. At present, heatwave conditions are prevailing over parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, the advisory stated.

Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol, stay indoors: Government issues advisory as India reels under heatwave

Heatwave conditions continued to prevail in most parts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-across-country-to-continue-for-next-two-days-subside-gradually-imd-223675">north and western&nbsp;India on Sunday</a> with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting little respite in the days ahead.

On Sunday, the highest maximum temperature of 48.9° was recorded at Churu in Rajasthan. The mercury in Churu had crossed the 50-degree mark on Saturday. The desert city had recorded 50.8 degrees Celsius, nine notches above normal, according to the meteorological department office.

A farmer died in Rajasthan's at Necchwa in Sikar district on Sunday as a result of heatstroke. &nbsp;

India's national capital Delhi has been reeling under severe heatwave conditions with Palam observatory recording 46.1°C on Friday, as a result, the IMD had issued the highest "red-colour" warning for the city.&nbsp;

IMD said some parts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra experienced a heatwave in the last 24 hours while there was rain in isolated places. Wardha in Vidarbha recorded the maximum temperature in the state at 45.5 degree Celsius on Sunday.

Solapur recorded a maximum temperature of 41 degree Celsius, Jalgaon 43, Aurangabad 40.7, Parbhani 43.6, Nanded 42.5, Akola 44.2, Amravati 44.8, Buldhana 44.2, Chandrapur 42.6, Nagpur 43.8, Yavatmal 42.5 and Gondia 40.4.

The IMD said heatwave conditions would prevail in Vidarbha over the next few days.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh got some respite from the heat wave Sunday with light showers in some parts bringing down the maximum temperatures. Light rains were witnessed in some parts of the state from Saturday evening, including Dharamshala (15 mm), capital Shimla (5 mm), Bhuntar (0.4 mm) and Sundernagar (0.1 mm), the Met said.

Una recorded the highest temperature at 42.6 degrees Celsius, Shimla&nbsp;meteorological department&nbsp;informed.

(With PTI, ANI inputs)

Heatwave conditions continued to prevail in most parts of north and western India on Sunday with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting little respite in the days ahead.

Heatwave conditions continued to prevail in most parts of north and western India on Sunday with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting little respite in the days ahead. On Sunday, the highest maximum temperature of 48.9° was recorded at Churu in Rajasthan. The mercury in Churu had crossed the 50-degree mark on Saturday. The desert city had recorded 50.8 degrees Celsius, nine notches above normal, according to the meteorological department office. A farmer died in Rajasthan's at Necchwa in Sikar district on Sunday as a result of heatstroke. India's national capital Delhi has been reeling under severe heatwave conditions with Palam observatory recording 46.1°C on Friday, as a result, the IMD had issued the highest "red-colour" warning for the city. IMD said some parts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra experienced a heatwave in the last 24 hours while there was rain in isolated places. Wardha in Vidarbha recorded the maximum temperature in the state at 45.5 degree Celsius on Sunday. Solapur recorded a maximum temperature of 41 degree Celsius, Jalgaon 43, Aurangabad 40.7, Parbhani 43.6, Nanded 42.5, Akola 44.2, Amravati 44.8, Buldhana 44.2, Chandrapur 42.6, Nagpur 43.8, Yavatmal 42.5 and Gondia 40.4. The IMD said heatwave conditions would prevail in Vidarbha over the next few days. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh got some respite from the heat wave Sunday with light showers in some parts bringing down the maximum temperatures. Light rains were witnessed in some parts of the state from Saturday evening, including Dharamshala (15 mm), capital Shimla (5 mm), Bhuntar (0.4 mm) and Sundernagar (0.1 mm), the Met said. Una recorded the highest temperature at 42.6 degrees Celsius, Shimla meteorological department informed. (With PTI, ANI inputs)

Heatwave continues over north and western India; 1 dead

Congress MP and former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said the solution to the three-language formula is not by abandoning the idea but ensure its better implementation.

"The solution is not to abandon the three languages formula but to implement it in a better manner," said Tharoor when asked to comment on the new draft policy of National Education, which recommends among other things three languages formula in schools.

Tharoor said that the three-language formula goes back to mid-1960s but it was never properly implemented.

"Most of us in the South learn Hindi as a second language but nobody in the North is learning Malayalam or Tamil," he said.

In the draft National Education Policy 2019, the three-language formula recommends inclusion of English and Hindi besides mother tongue in non-Hindi speaking states, while Hindi speaking states should include English and one Indian language from other parts of the country.

When asked about the guests who were aggressively turned away by Pakistani security officials from an 'Iftar'&nbsp;party hosted by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Tharoor said, "I am sorry. I was not aware of that incident. Unfortunately, the relationship between India and Pakistan is really in a bad shape. It's in a trough."

"The new government really needs to do a thorough review of our Pakistan policy and decide in what ways and how they will pursue the matter. As you know the Pakistani government was not among the one invited for the Prime Minister's swearing-in unlike 2014, so the question that comes up is whether we are going to allow a negative feeling on both sides or whether some serious efforts have to be made to change this relationship," he said.

On being asked about the US withdrawing preferential trade agreement with India, Tharoor said, "The US policy on trade has become much tougher or shall we see less generous than it used to be. Not only India, even with China the US is at a trade war at the moment and other countries are facing the brunt as well."

"I leave to our competent negotiators to figure out what kind of solution is possible. I am told that there are about 11,000 goods we sell to the US and more than 5,000 will be affected by the new tariffs that will hurt our economy, our exporters and businesses. It is in our interest to find some sort of compromising formula at least for the majority of these items," he added.

Replying about his visit to his constituency after the Lok Sabha poll victory, Tharoor said, "It is a lovely Kerala tradition where we do 'thank you'&nbsp;parade and tour the constituency. I will be spending one day in every assembly constituency meeting the people and thanking them for their support."

Congress MP and former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said the solution to the three-language formula is not by abandoning the idea but ensure its better implementation.

Congress MP and former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said the solution to the three-language formula is not by abandoning the idea but ensure its better implementation. "The solution is not to abandon the three languages formula but to implement it in a better manner," said Tharoor when asked to comment on the new draft policy of National Education, which recommends among other things three languages formula in schools. Tharoor said that the three-language formula goes back to mid-1960s but it was never properly implemented. "Most of us in the South learn Hindi as a second language but nobody in the North is learning Malayalam or Tamil," he said. In the draft National Education Policy 2019, the three-language formula recommends inclusion of English and Hindi besides mother tongue in non-Hindi speaking states, while Hindi speaking states should include English and one Indian language from other parts of the country. When asked about the guests who were aggressively turned away by Pakistani security officials from an 'Iftar' party hosted by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Tharoor said, "I am sorry. I was not aware of that incident. Unfortunately, the relationship between India and Pakistan is really in a bad shape. It's in a trough." "The new government really needs to do a thorough review of our Pakistan policy and decide in what ways and how they will pursue the matter. As you know the Pakistani government was not among the one invited for the Prime Minister's swearing-in unlike 2014, so the question that comes up is whether we are going to allow a negative feeling on both sides or whether some serious efforts have to be made to change this relationship," he said. On being asked about the US withdrawing preferential trade agreement with India, Tharoor said, "The US policy on trade has become much tougher or shall we see less generous than it used to be. Not only India, even with China the US is at a trade war at the moment and other countries are facing the brunt as well." "I leave to our competent negotiators to figure out what kind of solution is possible. I am told that there are about 11,000 goods we sell to the US and more than 5,000 will be affected by the new tariffs that will hurt our economy, our exporters and businesses. It is in our interest to find some sort of compromising formula at least for the majority of these items," he added. Replying about his visit to his constituency after the Lok Sabha poll victory, Tharoor said, "It is a lovely Kerala tradition where we do 'thank you' parade and tour the constituency. I will be spending one day in every assembly constituency meeting the people and thanking them for their support."

Solution to three languages formula lies in its better implementation: Shashi Tharoor on centre's draft education plan

Hours after Delhi Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kejriwal-announces-free-travel-for-women-in-delhi-metro-dtc-buses-223816">Arvind Kejriwal announced free ride for women</a> in DTC buses, cluster buses and metro trains, BJP state unit chief Manoj Tiwari on Monday questioned the timing of the scheme and called it as another attempt to mislead people.

"Delhi's 'ghoshnamantri'&nbsp;has made new announcements. He has been labelled as 'nakampanthi'. They deceived people with 70 promises. It has been 52 months of AAP government and they have only eight months left. Suddenly, they thought of announcing new schemes otherwise they would lose their ground in Delhi," he told reporters in a press conference.

"We are not opposing the idea but something that couldn`t even be started in 52 months, how can it be done in 5-6 months? Arvind Kejriwal is only trying to deceive people," he added.

The decision comes ten days after the ruling AAP suffered a massive defeat and lost all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi in the general elections.

The party contested 40 seats across nine states and Union Territories and could win only one seat-Sangrur in Punjab.

Tiwari alleged that the scheme is an attempt to buy votes.

"This is only a beginning, there would be many announcements in the coming time. They had said that they will win 7 Lok Sabha seats but later he said that this was not their election. They are trying to buy votes," he said.

"For 1.5 crore women in Delhi, there are only 3,800 buses. He had promised to deploy Marshals for the safety of women and panic buttons in buses, it seems he himself is now panicking. He cannot understand what new tactic to use to mislead people of Delhi," the BJP leader said.

Tiwari, who won the parliamentary seat of North East Delhi, said that BJP will bring a scheme in which no one has to pay for tickets in buses if voted to power in the national capital.&nbsp;

Hours after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced free ride for women in DTC buses, cluster buses and metro trains, BJP state unit chief Manoj Tiwari on Monday questioned the timing of the scheme and called it as another attempt to mislead people.

Hours after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced free ride for women in DTC buses, cluster buses and metro trains, BJP state unit chief Manoj Tiwari on Monday questioned the timing of the scheme and called it as another attempt to mislead people. "Delhi's 'ghoshnamantri' has made new announcements. He has been labelled as 'nakampanthi'. They deceived people with 70 promises. It has been 52 months of AAP government and they have only eight months left. Suddenly, they thought of announcing new schemes otherwise they would lose their ground in Delhi," he told reporters in a press conference. "We are not opposing the idea but something that couldn`t even be started in 52 months, how can it be done in 5-6 months? Arvind Kejriwal is only trying to deceive people," he added. The decision comes ten days after the ruling AAP suffered a massive defeat and lost all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi in the general elections. The party contested 40 seats across nine states and Union Territories and could win only one seat-Sangrur in Punjab. Tiwari alleged that the scheme is an attempt to buy votes. "This is only a beginning, there would be many announcements in the coming time. They had said that they will win 7 Lok Sabha seats but later he said that this was not their election. They are trying to buy votes," he said. "For 1.5 crore women in Delhi, there are only 3,800 buses. He had promised to deploy Marshals for the safety of women and panic buttons in buses, it seems he himself is now panicking. He cannot understand what new tactic to use to mislead people of Delhi," the BJP leader said. Tiwari, who won the parliamentary seat of North East Delhi, said that BJP will bring a scheme in which no one has to pay for tickets in buses if voted to power in the national capital.

'Free ride scheme' an attempt to mislead people: Manoj Tiwari

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-temporarily-shuts-embassy-in-venezuela-over-diplomats-accreditation-row-223738">Canada temporarily shuts embassy in Venezuela over diplomats accreditation row</a>

Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily shutting its embassy in Venezuela, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-execution-reports-north-koreas-ex-nuclear-envoy-seen-with-kim-jong-un-223735">Amid execution reports, North Korea's ex-nuclear envoy seen with Kim Jong-un</a>

North Korean senior official and former top nuclear envoy Kim Yong Chol accompanied leader Kim Jong-un to a Sunday art performance, state media KCNA said on Monday, signalling that the former spymaster is alive and remains a force in North Korea’s power structure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/medium-haul-737-aircraft-including-737-max-8-could-have-defective-wing-part-boeing-223745">Medium haul 737 aircraft, including 737 MAX 8, could have defective wing part: Boeing</a>

Boeing announced on Sunday that some of its medium-haul 737s, including the 737 MAX 8, could have a defective wing part, but that there had been no reports of flight issues linked to the defect.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/im-extremely-disappointed-and-gutted-says-faf-du-plessis-after-bangladesh-defeat-223732">I'm extremely disappointed and gutted, says Faf du Plessis after Bangladesh defeat</a>

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis warned his team to expect "harsh words" as he fights to save his country's spluttering World Cup challenge after they lost to Bangladesh on Sunday

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-bombing-killing-in-syrias-idlib-us-president-donald-trump-223729">'STOP!' bombing, killing in Syria's Idlib: US President Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump on Sunday told Syria and Russia to stop "bombing the hell" out of Syria's last jihadist stronghold Idlib.

&nbsp;

Canada temporarily shuts embassy in Venezuela over diplomats accreditation row Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily shutting its embassy in Venezuela, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime.

Canada temporarily shuts embassy in Venezuela over diplomats accreditation row Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily shutting its embassy in Venezuela, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime. Amid execution reports, North Korea's ex-nuclear envoy seen with Kim Jong-un North Korean senior official and former top nuclear envoy Kim Yong Chol accompanied leader Kim Jong-un to a Sunday art performance, state media KCNA said on Monday, signalling that the former spymaster is alive and remains a force in North Korea’s power structure. Medium haul 737 aircraft, including 737 MAX 8, could have defective wing part: Boeing Boeing announced on Sunday that some of its medium-haul 737s, including the 737 MAX 8, could have a defective wing part, but that there had been no reports of flight issues linked to the defect. I'm extremely disappointed and gutted, says Faf du Plessis after Bangladesh defeat South Africa captain Faf du Plessis warned his team to expect "harsh words" as he fights to save his country's spluttering World Cup challenge after they lost to Bangladesh on Sunday 'STOP!' bombing, killing in Syria's Idlib: US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump on Sunday told Syria and Russia to stop "bombing the hell" out of Syria's last jihadist stronghold Idlib.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Two terrorists were gunned down on Monday during an exchange of fire with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district.

The encounter broke out in Molu-Chitragam area which has now been cordoned off.

According to the source, the duo was killed in retaliation after they fired at the army.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that terrorists opened fire on the Quick Reaction Team of Indian Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles while they were passing through the area. The operation is now over.

Bodies have been recovered from the area. However, the identification of terrorists is yet to ascertain.

Last week on Friday, three terrorists were killed in Shopian in Dragad Sugan area.

Two terrorists were gunned down on Monday during an exchange of fire with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district. The encounter broke out in Molu-Chitragam area which has now been cordoned off.

Two terrorists were gunned down on Monday during an exchange of fire with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district. The encounter broke out in Molu-Chitragam area which has now been cordoned off. According to the source, the duo was killed in retaliation after they fired at the army. Reports suggest that terrorists opened fire on the Quick Reaction Team of Indian Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles while they were passing through the area. The operation is now over. Bodies have been recovered from the area. However, the identification of terrorists is yet to ascertain. Last week on Friday, three terrorists were killed in Shopian in Dragad Sugan area.

J&K:  Two terrorists gunned down in Shopian encounter; operation over

The Indian Air Force on Monday clarified that no <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-an-32-aircraft-with-13-passengers-on-board-goes-missing-after-takeoff-223865">wreckage of its missing AN-32 aircraft</a> has been sighted.

The IAF has said that while some reports of possible location of the crash site were received, no wreckage has been sighted so far, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

It added that search operations will continue from the air and by ground parties of the Indian Army throughout the night.

IAF's AN-32 aircraft took off from Assam's Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm today and went missing after 1 pm.&nbsp;

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IAF is coordinating with Indian Army, various government and civil agencies to locate the missing aircraft. Search operations will continue from air and by ground parties of Indian Army through the night. 4/4
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1135538224078569472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The aircraft, which had 13 crew members aboard, was headed to Arunachal Pradesh's Mechuka airfield near the China border.

It was supposed to cover 205 kilometres between Assam's Jorhat and Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh.

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Some reports of possible location of crash site were received, however, no wreckage has been sighted so far. 3/4
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1135538222442745856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The IAF has launched Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft and C-130 Special Ops aircraft on a search mission for locating the IAF AN-32 aircraft. The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have also been deployed in the search operation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to IAF vice chief, Air Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria regarding the matter today. Singh took to Twitter and posted that Bhadauria has informed him about the search operation.&nbsp;

"He has apprised me of the steps taken by the IAF to find the missing aircraft. I pray for the safety of all passengers on board," his tweet read.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indian Air Force’s AN-32 aircraft with 13 onboard goes missing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-air-forces-an-32-aircraft-with-13-onboard-goes-missing-223891/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A similar incident occurred in July 2016 when an AN-32 aircraft went missing over the Bay of Bengal. The aircraft had over 25 people aboard. India launched its largest search operation involving 16 ships and a submarine to locate the plane. All passengers were presumed dead.

&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force on Monday clarified that no wreckage of its missing AN-32 aircraft has been sighted. The IAF has said that while some reports of possible location of the crash site were received, no wreckage has been sighted so far, news agency ANI reported.

The Indian Air Force on Monday clarified that no wreckage of its missing AN-32 aircraft has been sighted. The IAF has said that while some reports of possible location of the crash site were received, no wreckage has been sighted so far, news agency ANI reported. It added that search operations will continue from the air and by ground parties of the Indian Army throughout the night. IAF's AN-32 aircraft took off from Assam's Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm today and went missing after 1 pm. IAF is coordinating with Indian Army, various government and civil agencies to locate the missing aircraft. Search operations will continue from air and by ground parties of Indian Army through the night. 4/4 — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 3, 2019 × The aircraft, which had 13 crew members aboard, was headed to Arunachal Pradesh's Mechuka airfield near the China border. It was supposed to cover 205 kilometres between Assam's Jorhat and Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh. Some reports of possible location of crash site were received, however, no wreckage has been sighted so far. 3/4 — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 3, 2019 × The IAF has launched Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft and C-130 Special Ops aircraft on a search mission for locating the IAF AN-32 aircraft. The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have also been deployed in the search operation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to IAF vice chief, Air Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria regarding the matter today. Singh took to Twitter and posted that Bhadauria has informed him about the search operation. "He has apprised me of the steps taken by the IAF to find the missing aircraft. I pray for the safety of all passengers on board," his tweet read. Watch: Indian Air Force’s AN-32 aircraft with 13 onboard goes missing A similar incident occurred in July 2016 when an AN-32 aircraft went missing over the Bay of Bengal. The aircraft had over 25 people aboard. India launched its largest search operation involving 16 ships and a submarine to locate the plane. All passengers were presumed dead.

No wreckage has been sighted so far: Indian Air Force on missing AN-32 aircraft

Joining ranks with the recent protests over the pan-India three language formula proposed in the draft National Education Policy 2019, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena on Sunday spoke against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-is-not-hindi-speaking-states-alone-dmk-chief-mk-stalin-221665">enforcement of Hindi asserting </a>that it is not their mother tongue.

The official Twitter handle of MNS, quoted state leader and spokesperson Anil Shidore as stating "Hindi is not our mother tongue, do not enforce it on us and incite us."

On Friday, a huge controversy broke out in Tamil Nadu over the three language formula with political parties warning a language war over "attempts" to impose Hindi, even as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-is-not-hindi-speaking-states-alone-dmk-chief-mk-stalin-221665">Centre stepped in to say that there was no intention</a> to impose any language on anyone.

However, as the controversy snowballed, the Centre dismissed apprehensions on the issue and said there was no move to impose any language on anyone.

"Only a report has been submitted on the new education policy. Government has not taken any decision on it. It has not even considered it and therefore the misunderstanding that the government has decided on the new education policy is not true," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar told the media.

"After we will get the public feedback, then only it will come up before the government. More importantly, the Modi government has always promoted all Indian languages and therefore there is no case of or intention of imposing any language on anybody. We want to promote all Indian languages," he said.

The draft of New Education Policy prepared by the Kasturirangan Committee was released on Friday, which spoke of the continuation of three-language formula in the schools.&nbsp;

Joining ranks with the recent protests over the pan-India three language formula proposed in the draft National Education Policy 2019, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena on Sunday spoke against enforcement of Hindi asserting that it is not their mother tongue.

Joining ranks with the recent protests over the pan-India three language formula proposed in the draft National Education Policy 2019, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena on Sunday spoke against enforcement of Hindi asserting that it is not their mother tongue. The official Twitter handle of MNS, quoted state leader and spokesperson Anil Shidore as stating "Hindi is not our mother tongue, do not enforce it on us and incite us." On Friday, a huge controversy broke out in Tamil Nadu over the three language formula with political parties warning a language war over "attempts" to impose Hindi, even as the Centre stepped in to say that there was no intention to impose any language on anyone. However, as the controversy snowballed, the Centre dismissed apprehensions on the issue and said there was no move to impose any language on anyone. "Only a report has been submitted on the new education policy. Government has not taken any decision on it. It has not even considered it and therefore the misunderstanding that the government has decided on the new education policy is not true," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar told the media. "After we will get the public feedback, then only it will come up before the government. More importantly, the Modi government has always promoted all Indian languages and therefore there is no case of or intention of imposing any language on anybody. We want to promote all Indian languages," he said. The draft of New Education Policy prepared by the Kasturirangan Committee was released on Friday, which spoke of the continuation of three-language formula in the schools.

Hindi not our mother tongue, don't enforce it on us: Raj Thackeray's MNS party on centre's draft education plan

A massive security lapse was detected on an Air India flight after a gaping hole was found in the aircraft carrying around 225 passengers.

The flight was cordoned off as soon as it landed in San Francisco.

The flight, AI-183, had taken off from New Delhi on Sunday and the route is considered as one of the world's longest.

Air India has begun an internal investigation into the incident."Boeing B777 aircraft, VT-ALH arrived in SFO on AI 183. During walk around inspection on arrival, a small cut/crack on the bottom right corner of the left side to the entry door. Air India is trying to get help from the local Aircraft Maintenance Repair Agencies for the repair, failing which men and material would be sent from India," Air India spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar told ANI.

Sources in Air India said that "crew members of the aircraft are to be questioned regarding the massive safety lapses."&nbsp;

A massive security lapse was detected on an Air India flight after a gaping hole was found in the aircraft carrying around 225 passengers. The flight was cordoned off as soon as it landed in San Francisco.

A massive security lapse was detected on an Air India flight after a gaping hole was found in the aircraft carrying around 225 passengers. The flight was cordoned off as soon as it landed in San Francisco. The flight, AI-183, had taken off from New Delhi on Sunday and the route is considered as one of the world's longest. Air India has begun an internal investigation into the incident."Boeing B777 aircraft, VT-ALH arrived in SFO on AI 183. During walk around inspection on arrival, a small cut/crack on the bottom right corner of the left side to the entry door. Air India is trying to get help from the local Aircraft Maintenance Repair Agencies for the repair, failing which men and material would be sent from India," Air India spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar told ANI. Sources in Air India said that "crew members of the aircraft are to be questioned regarding the massive safety lapses."

Massive safety breach: 'Hole' detected in Air India aircraft

Rajasthan Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ashok-gehlot-priyanka-gandhi-sachin-pilot-spotted-at-rahul-gandhis-residence-222184">Ashok Gehlot </a>Sunday said his government will soon enact a law on "right to health" to ensure good health services to everyone in the state.

"Our government is working on a right to health bill which will be introduced soon. The aim of our government is to provide good health services to everyone,"&nbsp;Gehlot said at a function here.&nbsp;

He said the free medical scheme launched by his earlier government was appreciated worldwide and nearly 17 states of the country introduced similar schemes on this pattern.

The chief minister also called upon private players in the medical field to serve the society instead of making health care business.&nbsp;

Right to health was promised by the Congress in its election manifesto during the December 2018 assembly elections in the state. Congress had promised quality health services to citizens through a law right to health.

Gehlot was speaking at a free medical camp for heart diseases at Shree Satya Sai College here. Health minister Raghu Sharma and others were also present on the occasion.

The CM said that the government was working on the bill so that all the people can have access to quality health care services in the state.

Gehlot said it should be the responsibility of the government to ensure quality healthcare services to all the citizens and his government was working in that direction.

However, he also said the government alone cannot do everything and private sector players should also play an active role in serving the society.

"Former UPA government had started the era of Rights in the country by giving the right to information, right to education, food security, MGNREGA. We now want that people get right to health in the state," Gehlot told reporters after the event.

"The government should take care of people's health. A lot of money is spent on treatment," he said.

Gehlot said that the free medicine scheme launched in the state during his earlier term (2008-13) was appreciated at various level, including by the WHO.

"We have now increased the number of the medicines under the scheme and next we want to enact the right to health law to strengthen (the healthcare system)," he added.

Under the free medicine scheme launched by the Congress government in its earlier term, generic medicines of common diseases are given free in the hospitals.&nbsp;

The number of medicines has been increased and medicines for the treatment of cancer, kidney and heart diseases are also being provided free under the scheme in government hospitals of the state.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Sunday said his government will soon enact a law on "right to health" to ensure good health services to everyone in the state.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Sunday said his government will soon enact a law on "right to health" to ensure good health services to everyone in the state. "Our government is working on a right to health bill which will be introduced soon. The aim of our government is to provide good health services to everyone," Gehlot said at a function here. He said the free medical scheme launched by his earlier government was appreciated worldwide and nearly 17 states of the country introduced similar schemes on this pattern. The chief minister also called upon private players in the medical field to serve the society instead of making health care business. Right to health was promised by the Congress in its election manifesto during the December 2018 assembly elections in the state. Congress had promised quality health services to citizens through a law right to health. Gehlot was speaking at a free medical camp for heart diseases at Shree Satya Sai College here. Health minister Raghu Sharma and others were also present on the occasion. The CM said that the government was working on the bill so that all the people can have access to quality health care services in the state. Gehlot said it should be the responsibility of the government to ensure quality healthcare services to all the citizens and his government was working in that direction. However, he also said the government alone cannot do everything and private sector players should also play an active role in serving the society. "Former UPA government had started the era of Rights in the country by giving the right to information, right to education, food security, MGNREGA. We now want that people get right to health in the state," Gehlot told reporters after the event. "The government should take care of people's health. A lot of money is spent on treatment," he said. Gehlot said that the free medicine scheme launched in the state during his earlier term (2008-13) was appreciated at various level, including by the WHO. "We have now increased the number of the medicines under the scheme and next we want to enact the right to health law to strengthen (the healthcare system)," he added. Under the free medicine scheme launched by the Congress government in its earlier term, generic medicines of common diseases are given free in the hospitals. The number of medicines has been increased and medicines for the treatment of cancer, kidney and heart diseases are also being provided free under the scheme in government hospitals of the state.

Rajasthan to enact a 'right to health' law: Ashok Gehlot

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wreckage-of-missing-indian-air-force-an-32-aircraft-spotted-223911">Wreckage of missing Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft spotted</a>

The wreckage of Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft has reportedly been found, sources reported. The aircraft took off from Assam's Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm on Monday and went missing after 1 pm.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/recession-could-hit-us-in-less-than-a-year-if-china-trade-war-worsens-survey-223893">Recession could hit US in less than a year if China trade war worsens: Survey</a>

The odds of a US recession by next year have increased sharply, with mounting protectionism continuing to pose the greatest economic threat, according to a business economic survey Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-fugitive-and-absconder-enforcement-directorate-tells-bombay-high-court-223892">Mehul Choksi 'fugitive and absconder', Enforcement Directorate tells Bombay High Court</a>

Diamantaire Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank scam, is a "fugitive and absconder", the Enforcement Directorate told the Bombay High Court on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-country-to-achieve-gender-equality-by-2030-global-report-2019-223874">No country to achieve gender equality by 2030: Global report 2019</a>

According to the Global reports 2019 released by Equal Measures 2030, no country in the world is set to achieve gender equality by 2030.

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Gender Index which was released on Monday, assess the state of gender equality across 129 countries across the globe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/stock-markets-close-at-record-high-sensex-surges-553-points-nifty-ends-above-12000-for-first-time-223868">Stock markets close at record high: Sensex surges 553 points, Nifty ends above 12,000 for first time</a>

The key Indian equity indices created new benchmarks on Monday with the Sensex hitting a record high level of 40,283.54 points.

The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange touched its fresh all-time high of 12,081.85 points.

Wreckage of missing Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft spotted The wreckage of Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft has reportedly been found, sources reported. The aircraft took off from Assam's Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm on Monday and went missing after 1 pm.

Wreckage of missing Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft spotted The wreckage of Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft has reportedly been found, sources reported. The aircraft took off from Assam's Jorhat airbase at 12:25 pm on Monday and went missing after 1 pm. Recession could hit US in less than a year if China trade war worsens: Survey The odds of a US recession by next year have increased sharply, with mounting protectionism continuing to pose the greatest economic threat, according to a business economic survey Monday. Mehul Choksi 'fugitive and absconder', Enforcement Directorate tells Bombay High Court Diamantaire Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank scam, is a "fugitive and absconder", the Enforcement Directorate told the Bombay High Court on Monday. No country to achieve gender equality by 2030: Global report 2019 According to the Global reports 2019 released by Equal Measures 2030, no country in the world is set to achieve gender equality by 2030. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Gender Index which was released on Monday, assess the state of gender equality across 129 countries across the globe. Stock markets close at record high: Sensex surges 553 points, Nifty ends above 12,000 for first time The key Indian equity indices created new benchmarks on Monday with the Sensex hitting a record high level of 40,283.54 points. The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange touched its fresh all-time high of 12,081.85 points.

A special court on Monday issued a notice to the CBI on an application by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-fugitive-and-absconder-enforcement-directorate-tells-bombay-high-court-223892">fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi</a> who termed the investigation into the PNB scam case as ''incomplete" and sought further probe.

The plea filed by Mehul Choski's counsel Vijay Agarwal came up for hearing before Special CBI Judge UM Mudholkar, who posted the matter for hearing to June 17.

"There has been an incomplete investigation of various vital aspects by the investigating officer. The IO has submitted an incomplete charge sheet before the court without making proper and complete investigation," the application said.

It contended that the incomplete investigation led to the "failure" of Choksi's business.

"The failure of the applicant's business was termed as 'fraud'&nbsp;by the CBI. The flaws were on the part of the bank and the auditors and not the accused," the plea submitted.

The petitioner claimed that "false" FIRs were filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against him on February 2 and February 15, 2018.

Speaking to ANI, Choksi's counsel Vijay Agarwal said, "We moved an application in the court today contending that no lapses were made on the part of my client. In fact, they were made on the part of Punjab National Bank (PNB) officers and auditors... We explained several lapses to the judge during the hearing, which had been ignored by the investigating officer."

Mehul Choksi and nephew Nirav Modi are key accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

They fled the country a year ago. The scam is estimated at two billion US dollars.

Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018.

On March 22, Choksi had moved an application before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, stating his long history of heart ailment and a blood clot in the brain as the reason for not being able to appear before it.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A special court on Monday issued a notice to the CBI on an application by fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi who termed the investigation into the PNB scam case as ''incomplete" and sought further probe.

A special court on Monday issued a notice to the CBI on an application by fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi who termed the investigation into the PNB scam case as ''incomplete" and sought further probe. The plea filed by Mehul Choski's counsel Vijay Agarwal came up for hearing before Special CBI Judge UM Mudholkar, who posted the matter for hearing to June 17. "There has been an incomplete investigation of various vital aspects by the investigating officer. The IO has submitted an incomplete charge sheet before the court without making proper and complete investigation," the application said. It contended that the incomplete investigation led to the "failure" of Choksi's business. "The failure of the applicant's business was termed as 'fraud' by the CBI. The flaws were on the part of the bank and the auditors and not the accused," the plea submitted. The petitioner claimed that "false" FIRs were filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against him on February 2 and February 15, 2018. Speaking to ANI, Choksi's counsel Vijay Agarwal said, "We moved an application in the court today contending that no lapses were made on the part of my client. In fact, they were made on the part of Punjab National Bank (PNB) officers and auditors... We explained several lapses to the judge during the hearing, which had been ignored by the investigating officer." Mehul Choksi and nephew Nirav Modi are key accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. They fled the country a year ago. The scam is estimated at two billion US dollars. Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018. On March 22, Choksi had moved an application before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, stating his long history of heart ailment and a blood clot in the brain as the reason for not being able to appear before it.

PNB case: Court issues notice to CBI on plea by Mehul Choksi

Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-opposes-robert-vadras-plea-to-travel-abroad-222487">Robert Vadra</a> to appear before the agency on Tuesday, in connection with a land grabbing case.

He has been summoned for questioning in c<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/money-laundering-case-robert-vadra-appears-before-enforcement-directorate-again-222657">ases related to alleged land grab in Delhi NCR</a>, Bikaner, and properties abroad.

On May 30 too, Vadra had appeared before the ED for questioning in the same case.

On the same day, he had stated that he will comply with all summons by the government agencies until his name is cleared of "false allegations".

"Till date, I have deposed 11 times with questioning of approximately 70 hours. In the future also, I will cooperate as always, till my name is cleared of all false allegations and accusations. I maintain my belief in the Indian judiciary is unshakeable I have and will adhere to all summons/norms of the government agencies," Vadra had said in a Facebook post.

On May 24, the agency had requested the Delhi High Court for custodial interrogation of Vadra for questioning him about the source of funds used for the purchase of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds and ascertain the role of certain other people, who allegedly helped him launder the money.&nbsp;

Watch: Robert Vadra in trouble again

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Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra to appear before the agency on Tuesday, in connection with a land grabbing case.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra to appear before the agency on Tuesday, in connection with a land grabbing case. He has been summoned for questioning in cases related to alleged land grab in Delhi NCR, Bikaner, and properties abroad. On May 30 too, Vadra had appeared before the ED for questioning in the same case. On the same day, he had stated that he will comply with all summons by the government agencies until his name is cleared of "false allegations". "Till date, I have deposed 11 times with questioning of approximately 70 hours. In the future also, I will cooperate as always, till my name is cleared of all false allegations and accusations. I maintain my belief in the Indian judiciary is unshakeable I have and will adhere to all summons/norms of the government agencies," Vadra had said in a Facebook post. On May 24, the agency had requested the Delhi High Court for custodial interrogation of Vadra for questioning him about the source of funds used for the purchase of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds and ascertain the role of certain other people, who allegedly helped him launder the money. Watch: Robert Vadra in trouble again ×

Enforcement Directorate summons Robert Vadra again in land grabbing case

A special court on Monday reserved its order till June 7 on the plea of Rajiv Kochhar, brother-in-law of former ICICI CEO and MD Chanda Kochhar, seeking cancellation of the Look Out Circular (LOC) against him in connection with the ICICI-Videocon loan case.

Advocate Geeta Luthra, appearing for Rajiv Kochhar, contended before Special CBI Judge Anju Bajaj Chanana that he has cooperated with the investigation."He will join the probe as and when called," the counsel submitted.

Opposing the plea, Enforcement Directorate (ED) counsel Nitesh Rana contended that he is still required in the investigation.

"There is a flight risk," he said. Rajiv Kochhar, brother of Chanda Kochhar's husband Deepak Kochhar, had moved the court on May 15 seeking cancellation of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against him.

All three have already been questioned by ED as well as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case.

The ED had questioned Rajiv Kochhar from April 30 to May 2, alleging that he withheld crucial information pertaining to the matter.

The case relates to alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in the sanction of Rs 1,875 crore loan by ICICI Bank to Videocon Group between 2009 and 2011.

The ED had on March 1 carried out searches at the premises of Pacific Capital Services Private Limited and Quality Techno Advisors Pvt Ltd.

Both Rajiv and Deepak Kocchar hold stakes in these two companies.

The two firms had earlier moved a petition in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) appellate tribunal, seeking the release of documents which were allegedly seized by the ED on March 1.&nbsp;

A special court on Monday reserved its order till June 7 on the plea of Rajiv Kochhar, brother-in-law of former ICICI CEO and MD Chanda Kochhar, seeking cancellation of the Look Out Circular (LOC) against him in connection with the ICICI-Videocon loan case.

A special court on Monday reserved its order till June 7 on the plea of Rajiv Kochhar, brother-in-law of former ICICI CEO and MD Chanda Kochhar, seeking cancellation of the Look Out Circular (LOC) against him in connection with the ICICI-Videocon loan case. Advocate Geeta Luthra, appearing for Rajiv Kochhar, contended before Special CBI Judge Anju Bajaj Chanana that he has cooperated with the investigation."He will join the probe as and when called," the counsel submitted. Opposing the plea, Enforcement Directorate (ED) counsel Nitesh Rana contended that he is still required in the investigation. "There is a flight risk," he said. Rajiv Kochhar, brother of Chanda Kochhar's husband Deepak Kochhar, had moved the court on May 15 seeking cancellation of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against him. All three have already been questioned by ED as well as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case. The ED had questioned Rajiv Kochhar from April 30 to May 2, alleging that he withheld crucial information pertaining to the matter. The case relates to alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in the sanction of Rs 1,875 crore loan by ICICI Bank to Videocon Group between 2009 and 2011. The ED had on March 1 carried out searches at the premises of Pacific Capital Services Private Limited and Quality Techno Advisors Pvt Ltd. Both Rajiv and Deepak Kocchar hold stakes in these two companies. The two firms had earlier moved a petition in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) appellate tribunal, seeking the release of documents which were allegedly seized by the ED on March 1.

ICICI-Videocon case: Court reserves order on plea of Rajiv Kochhar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a state visit to the Republic of Maldives and Sri Lanka on June 8 and 9, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) has announced. This will be his first foreign visit in his second term.

The MEA in a release said, "visits to the Maldives and Sri Lanka will demonstrate the priority India attaches to its ‘Neighbourhood-First Policy’ and the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) Doctrine."

Under the SAGAR doctrine, India has been focusing on regional collaboration while under neighbourhood first policy, New Delhi has accorded priority to its relations with neighbouring countries.

During his Maldives visit, PM Modi will meet Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and&nbsp;other political leaders of the country.

The release said, "visit is reflective of the new momentum in high-level exchanges between India and Maldives."

During the visit, the PM Modi will address the Maldivian Parliament.

Last 6 months have seen a number of high-level visits between India and Maldives. PM Modi had visited the Indian Ocean island country during the oath-taking ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This visit was followed by visits by Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid &amp; President Solih.

In March of this year Sushma Swaraj, in her capacity as the minister of external affairs under the Modi Govt's first term visited the country in which India announced 100 million rufiyaa grant.

While coming back from the Maldives, he will visit Sri Lanka on 9th.

During the first term of his govt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Island country twice, first in 2015 and then in 2017 when he was the Chief Guest at the International Day of Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena was in India last week for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan &amp; had a bilateral with PM later.

Bhutan was the first foreign country PM Modi visited in his 1st term after taking charge in 2014. During that visit, he addressed the joint session of Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a state visit to the Republic of Maldives and Sri Lanka on June 8 and 9, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) has announced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a state visit to the Republic of Maldives and Sri Lanka on June 8 and 9, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) has announced. This will be his first foreign visit in his second term. The MEA in a release said, "visits to the Maldives and Sri Lanka will demonstrate the priority India attaches to its ‘Neighbourhood-First Policy’ and the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) Doctrine." Under the SAGAR doctrine, India has been focusing on regional collaboration while under neighbourhood first policy, New Delhi has accorded priority to its relations with neighbouring countries. During his Maldives visit, PM Modi will meet Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and other political leaders of the country. The release said, "visit is reflective of the new momentum in high-level exchanges between India and Maldives." During the visit, the PM Modi will address the Maldivian Parliament. Last 6 months have seen a number of high-level visits between India and Maldives. PM Modi had visited the Indian Ocean island country during the oath-taking ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This visit was followed by visits by Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid & President Solih. In March of this year Sushma Swaraj, in her capacity as the minister of external affairs under the Modi Govt's first term visited the country in which India announced 100 million rufiyaa grant. While coming back from the Maldives, he will visit Sri Lanka on 9th. During the first term of his govt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Island country twice, first in 2015 and then in 2017 when he was the Chief Guest at the International Day of Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena was in India last week for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan & had a bilateral with PM later. Bhutan was the first foreign country PM Modi visited in his 1st term after taking charge in 2014. During that visit, he addressed the joint session of Parliament.

PM Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka, Maldives in early June: Ministry of External Affairs

In his first visit as Defence Minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-leaves-for-siachen-will-review-security-situation-along-the-borders-223743">Rajnath Singh on Monday visited the world's highest battlefield - the Siachen Glacier</a> - where he interacted with Army troops and paid tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

"I salute your spirit, your valour from the bottom of my heart. Jawans and officers in the Armed forces have a sense of pride, that is the strongest sentiment in the heart of any human," Singh said while addressing personnel at the Siachen Base Camp.

In a series of tweets, Rajnath lauded the personnel for performing their duty with great courage despite unfavourable terrain.

"Visited a forward post and Siachen base camp today and interacted with the Army personnel serving in this region which is also known as the 'the highest battlefield in the world'," he wrote.

"Our soldiers in Siachen are performing their duty with great courage and fortitude even in extreme conditions and treacherous terrain. I salute their vigour and valour," Rajnath added in another tweet.

The Defence Minister praised the troops and said he will send thank you notes to the parents of the personnel deployed in the area.

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Paid tributes to the martyred soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving in Siachen. 
 
More than 1100 soldiers have made supreme sacrifice defending the Siachen Glacier. 
 
The nation will always remain indebted to their service and sacrifice. <a href="https://t.co/buWxgv6Nmg">pic.twitter.com/buWxgv6Nmg</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1135466644862464001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I am proud of all Army personnel serving in Siachen who are leaving no stone unturned to defend our motherland. I am also proud of their parents who have sent their children to serve the nation by joining the Armed forces. I will personally send a thank you note to them," another tweet from Rajnath read.

"Paid tributes to the martyred soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving in Siachen. More than 1100 soldiers have made supreme sacrifice defending the Siachen Glacier. The nation will always remain indebted to their service and sacrifice," read another tweet by Singh.

The Defence Minister is accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lt General Ranbir Singh and other senior officials from the Defence Ministry.

Rajnath is in Siachen to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan. Later in the day, he will visit Srinagar and meet Indian Army personnel there.

Watch: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches 'highest battleground' Siachen

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During the day-long visit, the Minister would be briefed about the security situation in the Kashmir valley and the counterinsurgency operations being carried out by the security forces.

After taking over as the Defence Minister on June 1, Rajnath had asked the officers-in-charge of different departments to prepare a detailed presentation for him on the ongoing projects and programmes and brief him on them soon.

The officers have also been asked to complete the projects in a time-bound manner to move effectively towards modernising the armed forces. 
&nbsp;

In his first visit as Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh on Monday visited the world's highest battlefield - the Siachen Glacier - where he interacted with Army troops and paid tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

In his first visit as Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh on Monday visited the world's highest battlefield - the Siachen Glacier - where he interacted with Army troops and paid tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. "I salute your spirit, your valour from the bottom of my heart. Jawans and officers in the Armed forces have a sense of pride, that is the strongest sentiment in the heart of any human," Singh said while addressing personnel at the Siachen Base Camp. In a series of tweets, Rajnath lauded the personnel for performing their duty with great courage despite unfavourable terrain. "Visited a forward post and Siachen base camp today and interacted with the Army personnel serving in this region which is also known as the 'the highest battlefield in the world'," he wrote. "Our soldiers in Siachen are performing their duty with great courage and fortitude even in extreme conditions and treacherous terrain. I salute their vigour and valour," Rajnath added in another tweet. The Defence Minister praised the troops and said he will send thank you notes to the parents of the personnel deployed in the area. Paid tributes to the martyred soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving in Siachen. More than 1100 soldiers have made supreme sacrifice defending the Siachen Glacier. The nation will always remain indebted to their service and sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/buWxgv6Nmg — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 3, 2019 × "I am proud of all Army personnel serving in Siachen who are leaving no stone unturned to defend our motherland. I am also proud of their parents who have sent their children to serve the nation by joining the Armed forces. I will personally send a thank you note to them," another tweet from Rajnath read. "Paid tributes to the martyred soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving in Siachen. More than 1100 soldiers have made supreme sacrifice defending the Siachen Glacier. The nation will always remain indebted to their service and sacrifice," read another tweet by Singh. The Defence Minister is accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lt General Ranbir Singh and other senior officials from the Defence Ministry. Rajnath is in Siachen to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan. Later in the day, he will visit Srinagar and meet Indian Army personnel there. Watch: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches 'highest battleground' Siachen During the day-long visit, the Minister would be briefed about the security situation in the Kashmir valley and the counterinsurgency operations being carried out by the security forces. After taking over as the Defence Minister on June 1, Rajnath had asked the officers-in-charge of different departments to prepare a detailed presentation for him on the ongoing projects and programmes and brief him on them soon. The officers have also been asked to complete the projects in a time-bound manner to move effectively towards modernising the armed forces.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacts with troops in Siachen

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacts with troops in Siachen