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<p>With Assembly polls due early next year in the city, the Aam Aadmi Party government is considering to make metro and bus travel free for women in Delhi "to encourage them to use public transport".</p>

<p>At a public meeting in New Delhi Saturday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also said his government is in touch with city's power regulator to bring down fixed charge component of electricity bill.</p>

<p>"The government is considering to waive fare for women in DTC buses and Delhi Metro to encourage them to use public transport in view of their safety.</p>

<p>An announcement in this regard will be made on June 3," the chief minister said at the public meeting in New Delhi.</p>

<p>A Delhi government official said Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot has already taken meetings to discuss various aspects of fare-waiver to women in all public transport buses -- run by DTC and DIMTS -- and Delhi metro.</p>

<p>However, Transport Department officials point out that while allowing free travel in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses run by the Delhi Integrated Multi Modal System(DIMTS) may not be difficult, it will be "challenging" to do so in Metro trains.</p>

<p>The Delhi government and the Centre are 50:50 equity partners in the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.</p>

<p>An official pointed out that the Delhi government and the centre's Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry have not been on the same page over several issues related to metro, including fare hike and Phase-IV of the Metro network.</p>

<p>"Besides other factors like technical and financial feasibility of such a move, the persisting disagreements between the two sides may also play a crucial role in going ahead with the proposal for giving free ride to women in Metro trains," said a senior official.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Kejriwal also claimed that the fixed charge component of power tariff were raised by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Authority (DERC) last year "without consulting" the Delhi government.</p>

<p>"Next month new tariff is to be fixed. We have asked the DERC to bring back fixed charges to previous levels and they are likely to agree to it," he said.</p>

<p>The monthly fixed charges were raised for domestic consumers having up to 2 KW load from Rs 20 to Rs 125.</p>

<p>The Delhi government provides subsidy to such consumers.</p>

<p>However, in other categories, consumers pay higher fixed charges.</p>

<p>The hike in fixed charges for other slabs were -- for 2-5 kw, from Rs 35 to Rs 140; 5-15 KW, Rs 45 to Rs 175; 15-25 kw, from Rs 60 to Rs 200; and for more than 25 KW, from Rs 100 to Rs 250.</p>

<p>In the just-concluded Lok Sabha polls, the AAP won only one seat out of over 40 it contested in nine states and Union Territories.</p>

<p>The poll results came as a jolt to the party as it builds up for the assembly elections in Delhi early next year.</p>

<p>Stung by the dismal performance, the AAP government swung into action just a day after the Model Code of Conduct was lifted with Chief Minister directing his ministers on May 27 to speed up work on flagship schemes like Mohalla Clinic, procurement of buses and the CCTV project.</p>


With Assembly polls due early next year in the city, the Aam Aadmi Party government is considering to make metro and bus travel free for women in Delhi "to encourage them to use public transport".

With Assembly polls due early next year in the city, the Aam Aadmi Party government is considering to make metro and bus travel free for women in Delhi "to encourage them to use public transport". At a public meeting in New Delhi Saturday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also said his government is in touch with city's power regulator to bring down fixed charge component of electricity bill. "The government is considering to waive fare for women in DTC buses and Delhi Metro to encourage them to use public transport in view of their safety. An announcement in this regard will be made on June 3," the chief minister said at the public meeting in New Delhi. A Delhi government official said Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot has already taken meetings to discuss various aspects of fare-waiver to women in all public transport buses -- run by DTC and DIMTS -- and Delhi metro. However, Transport Department officials point out that while allowing free travel in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses run by the Delhi Integrated Multi Modal System(DIMTS) may not be difficult, it will be "challenging" to do so in Metro trains. The Delhi government and the Centre are 50:50 equity partners in the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. An official pointed out that the Delhi government and the centre's Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry have not been on the same page over several issues related to metro, including fare hike and Phase-IV of the Metro network. "Besides other factors like technical and financial feasibility of such a move, the persisting disagreements between the two sides may also play a crucial role in going ahead with the proposal for giving free ride to women in Metro trains," said a senior official. Chief Minister Kejriwal also claimed that the fixed charge component of power tariff were raised by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Authority (DERC) last year "without consulting" the Delhi government. "Next month new tariff is to be fixed. We have asked the DERC to bring back fixed charges to previous levels and they are likely to agree to it," he said. The monthly fixed charges were raised for domestic consumers having up to 2 KW load from Rs 20 to Rs 125. The Delhi government provides subsidy to such consumers. However, in other categories, consumers pay higher fixed charges. The hike in fixed charges for other slabs were -- for 2-5 kw, from Rs 35 to Rs 140; 5-15 KW, Rs 45 to Rs 175; 15-25 kw, from Rs 60 to Rs 200; and for more than 25 KW, from Rs 100 to Rs 250. In the just-concluded Lok Sabha polls, the AAP won only one seat out of over 40 it contested in nine states and Union Territories. The poll results came as a jolt to the party as it builds up for the assembly elections in Delhi early next year. Stung by the dismal performance, the AAP government swung into action just a day after the Model Code of Conduct was lifted with Chief Minister directing his ministers on May 27 to speed up work on flagship schemes like Mohalla Clinic, procurement of buses and the CCTV project.

Delhi government plans to make metro, bus travel free for women: Arvind Kejriwal

<p>About 48 per cent of the electricity consumers in Puri district are yet to get back their power connection even though 28-days have passed after the extremely severe cyclone 'Fani' made landfall near Puri town on May 3, officials said Saturday.</p>

<p>This was revealed at a meeting when the new Revenue and Disaster Management minister Sudam Marandi took stock of the restoration work in the cyclone-affected districts.</p>

<p>The minister stressed on repair and restoration of primary school buildings damaged into cyclone before reopening of schools after summer vacation. He also emphasized on the quick restoration of the Anganwadi Centres, health institutions and electricity in all the affected areas</p>

<p>"Only 1,51,889 out of 2,91,171 affected consumers (52%) have got electricity in Puri district within a month," the official said, adding that water supply in both urban and rural areas has already been restored.</p>

<p>The extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' had made a landfall on May 3 near Puri and had affected 14 districts of the state. Nearly 1.65 crore people were affected while 64 people lost their lives in the disaster.</p>

<p>Out of 25,01,131 affected consumers in the districts of Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Puri, Nayagarh, Khurdha, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur and Jajpur, electricity has been restored to 23,36,584 consumers till May 31, an official said.</p>

<p>While 99 per cent consumers have got electricity in Cuttack district, power has been restored in 96 per cent of the consumers in Khurda. All the consumers in Kendrapara and Kagatsinghpur have got power supply.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the state government claimed that the damage assessment by the departments and the Collectors is almost over and the memorandum to the Government of India will be submitted soon.</p>

<p>An Inter-Ministerial Central Team visited Odisha from May 12 to 15 and conducted an on the spot assessment of the damages caused due to the cyclone. A preliminary report of damage amounting to Rs 11,942.68 crore was shared with the central team, the official said.</p>

<p>International Development Partners- EU, World Bank and UN Systems along with Departments and various institutions are also separately carrying out a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) on the cyclone 'Fani', said special relief commissioner B P Sethi.</p>


About 48 per cent of the electricity consumers in Puri district are yet to get back their power connection even though 28-days have passed after the extremely severe cyclone 'Fani' made landfall near Puri town on May 3, officials said Saturday.

About 48 per cent of the electricity consumers in Puri district are yet to get back their power connection even though 28-days have passed after the extremely severe cyclone 'Fani' made landfall near Puri town on May 3, officials said Saturday. This was revealed at a meeting when the new Revenue and Disaster Management minister Sudam Marandi took stock of the restoration work in the cyclone-affected districts. The minister stressed on repair and restoration of primary school buildings damaged into cyclone before reopening of schools after summer vacation. He also emphasized on the quick restoration of the Anganwadi Centres, health institutions and electricity in all the affected areas "Only 1,51,889 out of 2,91,171 affected consumers (52%) have got electricity in Puri district within a month," the official said, adding that water supply in both urban and rural areas has already been restored. The extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' had made a landfall on May 3 near Puri and had affected 14 districts of the state. Nearly 1.65 crore people were affected while 64 people lost their lives in the disaster. Out of 25,01,131 affected consumers in the districts of Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Puri, Nayagarh, Khurdha, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur and Jajpur, electricity has been restored to 23,36,584 consumers till May 31, an official said. While 99 per cent consumers have got electricity in Cuttack district, power has been restored in 96 per cent of the consumers in Khurda. All the consumers in Kendrapara and Kagatsinghpur have got power supply. Meanwhile, the state government claimed that the damage assessment by the departments and the Collectors is almost over and the memorandum to the Government of India will be submitted soon. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team visited Odisha from May 12 to 15 and conducted an on the spot assessment of the damages caused due to the cyclone. A preliminary report of damage amounting to Rs 11,942.68 crore was shared with the central team, the official said. International Development Partners- EU, World Bank and UN Systems along with Departments and various institutions are also separately carrying out a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) on the cyclone 'Fani', said special relief commissioner B P Sethi.

Cyclone Fani: About 48% of people still without power in Odisha's Puri

<p>Kartarpur Sahib corridor will be completed by September end this year, said Punjab Public Works Minister Vijay Inder Singla on Saturday after reviewing the construction work of the passage.</p>

<p>"25 per cent of the construction work of the road has been accomplished. The entire construction of the passage will be accomplished by September 30, well in time before the 550th Parkash Purab celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji," said Singla.</p>

<p>"The world-class infrastructure will be in place to facilitate the devotees, who are expected to pay obeisance at Sri Kartarpur Sahib via this corridor. The construction of the corridor will be at par with a state-of-the-art expressway," he said.</p>

<p>The total length of the corridor is 4.2 km with 3.6 km being the linear stretch which would be equipped with median lights, carriageway and raised footpaths on both sides.</p>

<p>The remaining 0.6 km stretch comprises the approach roads from the historical Gurudwara Sahib in Dera Baba Nanak and that from the BSF Check Post.</p>

<p>In order to facilitate the inflow of pilgrims, all roads connected to the corridor have been strengthened.</p>

<p>"Keeping in view the inflow of pilgrims from all quarters the approach roads to Dera Baba Nanak from Batala, Fatehgarh Churian and Ramdas are also being strengthened and upgraded to facilitate the pilgrims," Singla said.</p>

<p>India and Pakistan have done several rounds of talks with regard to the construction of Kartarpur Sahib corridor.</p>

<p>The first round of talks between the two sides was held at Attari in Punjab on March 14 during which issues like the finalisation of the draft agreement between the two countries were discussed.</p>


Kartarpur Sahib corridor will be completed by September end this year, said Punjab Public Works Minister Vijay Inder Singla on Saturday after reviewing the construction work of the passage.

Kartarpur Sahib corridor will be completed by September end this year, said Punjab Public Works Minister Vijay Inder Singla on Saturday after reviewing the construction work of the passage. "25 per cent of the construction work of the road has been accomplished. The entire construction of the passage will be accomplished by September 30, well in time before the 550th Parkash Purab celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji," said Singla. "The world-class infrastructure will be in place to facilitate the devotees, who are expected to pay obeisance at Sri Kartarpur Sahib via this corridor. The construction of the corridor will be at par with a state-of-the-art expressway," he said. The total length of the corridor is 4.2 km with 3.6 km being the linear stretch which would be equipped with median lights, carriageway and raised footpaths on both sides. The remaining 0.6 km stretch comprises the approach roads from the historical Gurudwara Sahib in Dera Baba Nanak and that from the BSF Check Post. In order to facilitate the inflow of pilgrims, all roads connected to the corridor have been strengthened. "Keeping in view the inflow of pilgrims from all quarters the approach roads to Dera Baba Nanak from Batala, Fatehgarh Churian and Ramdas are also being strengthened and upgraded to facilitate the pilgrims," Singla said. India and Pakistan have done several rounds of talks with regard to the construction of Kartarpur Sahib corridor. The first round of talks between the two sides was held at Attari in Punjab on March 14 during which issues like the finalisation of the draft agreement between the two countries were discussed.

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor will be completed by September: Punjab minister

<p>Scorching <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-sizzles-at-45-degrees-as-heatwave-continues-its-spell-223345">heatwave conditions</a> gripped large swathes of the country Saturday as the mercury crossed the 50-degree mark in Rajasthan's Churu, while several other places endured maximum temperatures markedly above normal with the weatherman saying there will be no respite until next week.</p>

<p>The national capital battled weather conditions in the "red category" as the maximum temperature recorded at the Palam observatory was 46.1°C, according to the India Meteorological Department. The Safdarjung observatory recorded a maximum of 43.5°C.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The India Meteorological Department Friday issued the highest "red-colour" warning for the city. Mahesh Palawat of the Skymet Weather said heatwave conditions will persist in Delhi for another week and the maximum temperature will hover around 46 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Churu in the western part of the desert state of Rajasthan was the hottest place in the country at 50.8 degrees Celsius, nine notches above normal, according to the met department office in Jaipur.</p>

<p>The entire state reeled under intense heatwave conditions with Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Kota recording their maximums at 49, 47.9, 47.2 and 46 degrees Celsius. Jodhpur, Jaipur and Barmer registered their maximum day temperatures at 45.6, 45.2, 44.5 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Uttar Pradesh, the highest maximum temperature was recorded in Banda at 48.4 degrees Celsius. Several areas in the state reeled under heatwave conditions.</p>

<p>The IMD said heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are very likely to prevail over Rajasthan, Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh during the next five days and over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi and south Uttar Pradesh during the next three.</p>

<p>A heat wave is usually declared when the maximum temperature remains above 45 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days.</p>

<p>Heatwave conditions intensified in Punjab and Haryana also, with Narnaul (Haryana) sizzling at 47.2 degrees Celsius. Hisar experienced blistering heatwave conditions at 45.6 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal, as per a meteorological department report.</p>

<p>In Punjab, Amritsar and Ludhiana reeled under severe heatwave conditions with 45.7 and 44.1 degrees Celsius, up by five degrees above normal, respectively. Union Territory Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, sizzled at 42.4 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the hill state of Himachal Pradesh, at least four places recorded their maximum temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius. The hottest place in the state was Una at 44.9 followed by Bilaspur 43, Hamirpur 40.6, Mandi 40.5 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, capital Shimla and some other parts of the state got some relief from the scorching heat as thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds came towards the evening, Shimla MeT Centre Director Manmohan Singh said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Severe heat wave across the globe</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu city recorded a maximum of 43.6 degrees Celsius, 4.2 notches above season's average. While heatwave conditions continued throughout the day, there was a light dust storm in Jammu.</p>

<p>Elsewhere, the IMD said the maximum temperatures were markedly above normal (5.1°C or more) at many places over central Maharashtra and in some parts of Himachal Pradesh, west Rajasthan, east Madhya Pradesh and north interior Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The maximum temperatures were 3.1°C-5.0°C above normal at most places in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, New Delhi, Vidarbha and Marathwada and at a few places over Rayalaseema and Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The heatwave condition continued to prevail in the western part of Odisha while the coastal region encountered high humidity levels as 10 places in the state recorded maximum temperatures above 40 degree Celsius Saturday, IMD sources said.</p>

<p>Jharsuguda and Angul in the western region of the state recorded the temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius and 42.1 degrees Celsius, respectively.</p>


Scorching heatwave conditions gripped large swathes of the country Saturday as the mercury crossed the 50-degree mark in Rajasthan's Churu, while several other places endured maximum temperatures markedly above normal with the weatherman saying there will be no respite until next week.

Scorching heatwave conditions gripped large swathes of the country Saturday as the mercury crossed the 50-degree mark in Rajasthan's Churu, while several other places endured maximum temperatures markedly above normal with the weatherman saying there will be no respite until next week. The national capital battled weather conditions in the "red category" as the maximum temperature recorded at the Palam observatory was 46.1°C, according to the India Meteorological Department. The Safdarjung observatory recorded a maximum of 43.5°C. The India Meteorological Department Friday issued the highest "red-colour" warning for the city. Mahesh Palawat of the Skymet Weather said heatwave conditions will persist in Delhi for another week and the maximum temperature will hover around 46 degrees Celsius. Churu in the western part of the desert state of Rajasthan was the hottest place in the country at 50.8 degrees Celsius, nine notches above normal, according to the met department office in Jaipur. The entire state reeled under intense heatwave conditions with Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Kota recording their maximums at 49, 47.9, 47.2 and 46 degrees Celsius. Jodhpur, Jaipur and Barmer registered their maximum day temperatures at 45.6, 45.2, 44.5 degrees Celsius. In Uttar Pradesh, the highest maximum temperature was recorded in Banda at 48.4 degrees Celsius. Several areas in the state reeled under heatwave conditions. The IMD said heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are very likely to prevail over Rajasthan, Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh during the next five days and over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi and south Uttar Pradesh during the next three. A heat wave is usually declared when the maximum temperature remains above 45 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days. Heatwave conditions intensified in Punjab and Haryana also, with Narnaul (Haryana) sizzling at 47.2 degrees Celsius. Hisar experienced blistering heatwave conditions at 45.6 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal, as per a meteorological department report. In Punjab, Amritsar and Ludhiana reeled under severe heatwave conditions with 45.7 and 44.1 degrees Celsius, up by five degrees above normal, respectively. Union Territory Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, sizzled at 42.4 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal. In the hill state of Himachal Pradesh, at least four places recorded their maximum temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius. The hottest place in the state was Una at 44.9 followed by Bilaspur 43, Hamirpur 40.6, Mandi 40.5 degrees Celsius. However, capital Shimla and some other parts of the state got some relief from the scorching heat as thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds came towards the evening, Shimla MeT Centre Director Manmohan Singh said. Watch: Severe heat wave across the globe × In the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu city recorded a maximum of 43.6 degrees Celsius, 4.2 notches above season's average. While heatwave conditions continued throughout the day, there was a light dust storm in Jammu. Elsewhere, the IMD said the maximum temperatures were markedly above normal (5.1°C or more) at many places over central Maharashtra and in some parts of Himachal Pradesh, west Rajasthan, east Madhya Pradesh and north interior Karnataka. The maximum temperatures were 3.1°C-5.0°C above normal at most places in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, New Delhi, Vidarbha and Marathwada and at a few places over Rayalaseema and Kerala. The heatwave condition continued to prevail in the western part of Odisha while the coastal region encountered high humidity levels as 10 places in the state recorded maximum temperatures above 40 degree Celsius Saturday, IMD sources said. Jharsuguda and Angul in the western region of the state recorded the temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius and 42.1 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Scorching heatwave conditions prevail across India as temperature nears 51° C in Rajasthan

<p>Pakistan said on Sunday that there was no official communication with India about the opening of the airspace and Islamabad will wait for New Delhi's decision to lift the air restriction on its flights before taking a final call on lifting its airspace ban.</p>

<p>Pakistan has already indicated that it may lift the airspace ban along its eastern border with India, imposed on February 27 after the Balakot airstrike, to reciprocate India's decision to remove all restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace.</p>

<p>"We have already opened this point, Telem (near Ahmedabad), about two months ago, for India. It was India that has to open it now, enabling the flights to use this airspace," the Pakistani government official told PTI.</p>

<p>He said since there is no official communication between the two countries in this respect taken place yet "we will see what Notam (notice to airmen) it (India) issues today."</p>

<p>When asked about the opening of other around 10 routes (points), the official said: "Once the Indian government lifts the air restriction on Pakistani flights on these routes, Pakistan will certainly follow suit."</p>

<p>It is expected that these points will gradually be opened this month.</p>

<p>The Indian Air Force (IAF) Friday said that temporary restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace, imposed by it on February 27, have been removed.</p>

<p>The IAF said it had removed restrictions that were imposed on all routes a day after its 12 Mirage 2000s crossed over to Pakistan and conducted air strikes in Balakot. Pakistan fully closed its airspace on February 27.</p>

<p>On March 27, Pakistan opened its airspace for all flights except for New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. On May 30, Pakistan extended its airspace ban for flights to India till June 15.</p>

<p>As a result of the ban, foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. The flights from Europe and the US flying in and out of New Delhi have been the worst hit.</p>

<p>Since Pakistan's airspace closure, the airfare on many routes have gone up significantly, including Delhi-Kabul, Delhi-Moscow, Delhi-Tehran and Delhi-Astana.</p>

<p>Two Indian airline companies, Air India and SpiceJet, have already stopped their Delhi-Kabul flights due to Pakistan airspace closure.</p>

<p>Pakistan had given a special permission to India for then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21. However, the airspace for other commercial airliners remains closed.</p>


Pakistan said on Sunday that there was no official communication with India about the opening of the airspace and Islamabad will wait for New Delhi's decision to lift the air restriction on its flights before taking a final call on lifting its airspace ban.

Pakistan said on Sunday that there was no official communication with India about the opening of the airspace and Islamabad will wait for New Delhi's decision to lift the air restriction on its flights before taking a final call on lifting its airspace ban. Pakistan has already indicated that it may lift the airspace ban along its eastern border with India, imposed on February 27 after the Balakot airstrike, to reciprocate India's decision to remove all restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace. "We have already opened this point, Telem (near Ahmedabad), about two months ago, for India. It was India that has to open it now, enabling the flights to use this airspace," the Pakistani government official told PTI. He said since there is no official communication between the two countries in this respect taken place yet "we will see what Notam (notice to airmen) it (India) issues today." When asked about the opening of other around 10 routes (points), the official said: "Once the Indian government lifts the air restriction on Pakistani flights on these routes, Pakistan will certainly follow suit." It is expected that these points will gradually be opened this month. The Indian Air Force (IAF) Friday said that temporary restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace, imposed by it on February 27, have been removed. The IAF said it had removed restrictions that were imposed on all routes a day after its 12 Mirage 2000s crossed over to Pakistan and conducted air strikes in Balakot. Pakistan fully closed its airspace on February 27. On March 27, Pakistan opened its airspace for all flights except for New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. On May 30, Pakistan extended its airspace ban for flights to India till June 15. As a result of the ban, foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. The flights from Europe and the US flying in and out of New Delhi have been the worst hit. Since Pakistan's airspace closure, the airfare on many routes have gone up significantly, including Delhi-Kabul, Delhi-Moscow, Delhi-Tehran and Delhi-Astana. Two Indian airline companies, Air India and SpiceJet, have already stopped their Delhi-Kabul flights due to Pakistan airspace closure. Pakistan had given a special permission to India for then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21. However, the airspace for other commercial airliners remains closed.

Pakistan to wait for India's decision to lift airspace ban before taking final call: Official

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<p>US President Donald Trump&nbsp;said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;</a>talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prepared-to-engage-with-iran-without-pre-conditions-pompeo-223645">US prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions: Pompeo</a></p>

<p>The United States was prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear program but needed to see the country behaving like "a normal nation", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-three-blasts-hit-kabul-killing-one-and-injuring-17-223589">Afghanistan: Three blasts hit Kabul, killing one and injuring 17</a></p>

<p>One person was killed and 17 others wounded Sunday in three successive blasts in Kabul, Afghan officials said, capping a murderous week of mayhem across the city.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-defence-minister-says-tiananmen-crackdown-was-justified-223616">Chinese defence minister says Tiananmen crackdown was justified</a></p>

<p>Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said on Sunday that the bloody crackdown on protesters around Beijing`s Tiananmen Square 30 years ago was the "correct" decision, citing the country`s "stability" since then.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lodges-protest-against-harassment-of-guests-at-high-commissions-iftar-party-by-pakistan-agencies-in-islamabad-223652">India lodges protest against harassment of guests at high commission's Iftar party by Pakistan agencies in Islamabad</a></p>

<p>India has strongly protested against the harassment of guests invited for the Iftar organised by Indian high commission at a hotel in Islamabad and has asked the Pakistani government to investigate the "ugly" incident.</p>


Trump tells UK to 'walk away' if EU does not give what it wants in Brexit: Report US President Donald Trump said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from Brexit talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants.

Trump tells UK to 'walk away' if EU does not give what it wants in Brexit: Report US President Donald Trump said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from Brexit talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants. US prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions: Pompeo The United States was prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear program but needed to see the country behaving like "a normal nation", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday. Afghanistan: Three blasts hit Kabul, killing one and injuring 17 One person was killed and 17 others wounded Sunday in three successive blasts in Kabul, Afghan officials said, capping a murderous week of mayhem across the city. Chinese defence minister says Tiananmen crackdown was justified Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said on Sunday that the bloody crackdown on protesters around Beijing`s Tiananmen Square 30 years ago was the "correct" decision, citing the country`s "stability" since then. India lodges protest against harassment of guests at high commission's Iftar party by Pakistan agencies in Islamabad India has strongly protested against the harassment of guests invited for the Iftar organised by Indian high commission at a hotel in Islamabad and has asked the Pakistani government to investigate the "ugly" incident.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>India has strongly protested against the harassment of guests invited for the Iftar organised by Indian high commission at a hotel in Islamabad and has asked the Pakistani government to investigate the "ugly" incident.</p>

<p>A number of guests who were invited by the Indian mission at the iftar at Islamabad's posh Serena hotel had to face considerable hardship as Pakistani security forces stopped them from attending the event. Some were physically manhandled, while others were simply told that the Iftar was cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A release issued by the Indian mission in Islamabad said, “India has strongly protested to Pakistan gross intimation of guests invited for an Iftar event in Islamabad on Saturday...Guests faced unprecedented harassment and intimation at the hands of security agencies.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Video alert: How Pakistani security agencies harassed guests at the iftar organised by Indian mission at a hotel in Islamabad <a href="https://t.co/Hb64lPWMAs">pic.twitter.com/Hb64lPWMAs</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1135132844152545280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>A large Pakistani security detachment, equipped with forklifts aggressively turned away Pakistani nationals who wanted to attend the event. The agency officials virtually laid a siege of the hotel.</p>

<p>Pakistan agencies even called up invitees and asked them not to attend the event. Many guests from the diplomatic community based in Islamabad were also subject to harassment.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Video alert: Visuals from outside the hotel wr Indian mission organised <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iftar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iftar</a>. Absolute chaos as Pak agencies stop people physically from attending the Iftar. <a href="https://t.co/tdOhYgRr6y">pic.twitter.com/tdOhYgRr6y</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1135134911994761217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Pakistan agency officials also intimidated diplomatic staff of Indian mission who tried to ascertain from the security personnel why guests were being harassed. Some of the Indian officials were jostled and aggressively threatened with bodily harm. In some cases, mobile phones of Indian officials were snatched away.</p>

<p>The Indian mission said the "disappointing chain of events" on June 1 "not only violate basic norms of diplomatic conduct but are against all notions of civilised behaviour" adding that “stopping diplomats of Indian mission from discharging diplomatic functions by intimidation and coercion is entirely counterproductive for our bilateral relationship".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Video alert: Pak agency officials also threatened Indian diplomats &amp; officials. In some cases, mobile phones of Indian officials were snatched away. <a href="https://t.co/xiek1BRZtK">pic.twitter.com/xiek1BRZtK</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1135149847764512768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Press secretary of the former Pakistani President Asif Zardari Farhatullah Babar who was invited at the Iftar took to twitter and spoke about the harassment meted out to him.</p>

<p>He tweeted, "Came to Serena for iftar hosted by Indian HC. Hotel seems barricaded. Told that Iftar cancelled. When insisted, I was told to use other gate. Other gate also closed and told to go back to front gate again. What’s going on, something fishy.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Came to Serena for iftar hosted by Indian HC. Hotel seems barricaded. Told that iftar cancelled. When insisted, I was told to use other gate. Other gate also closed and told to go back to front gate again. What’s going on, something fishy.</p>
— Farhatullah Babar (@FarhatullahB) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarhatullahB/status/1134814729317302272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>A Pakistani journalist Mehreen Zahra-Malik who was there to pick someone tweeted, "Unprecedented level of harassment at @serena_hotels Islamabad. #India embassy iftaar happening &amp; police &amp; anti terrorism force misbehaving with anyone trying into get in the hotel. Got screamed at, my driver abused."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unprecedented level of harassment at <a href="https://twitter.com/serena_hotels?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@serena_hotels</a> Islamabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> embassy iftaar happening &amp; police &amp; anti terrorism force misbehaving with anyone trying into get in the hotel. Got screamed at, my driver abused. Sorry, not being an entitled prick. This was genuine harassment</p>
— Mehreen Zahra-Malik (@mehreenzahra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mehreenzahra/status/1134839761733074944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>WION's correspondent Anas Mallick who was at the Iftar also confirmed that he faced a lot of trouble while reaching to the venue. Before the Iftar, many invitees got calls asking not to attend the event.</p>

<p>Speaking at the event, Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria said, "I would apologise to all our friends who were subject to extra scrutiny."</p>

<p>More than 300 Pakistani guests including Parliamentarians, government officials, media representatives, retired military officials were invited to the dinner.</p>

<p>The tradition of Iftar by Indian mission was started more than 12 years ago by Sibi George, currently the envoy to Switzerland.</p>


India has strongly protested against the harassment of guests invited for the Iftar organised by Indian high commission at a hotel in Islamabad and has asked the Pakistani government to investigate the "ugly" incident.

India has strongly protested against the harassment of guests invited for the Iftar organised by Indian high commission at a hotel in Islamabad and has asked the Pakistani government to investigate the "ugly" incident. A number of guests who were invited by the Indian mission at the iftar at Islamabad's posh Serena hotel had to face considerable hardship as Pakistani security forces stopped them from attending the event. Some were physically manhandled, while others were simply told that the Iftar was cancelled. A release issued by the Indian mission in Islamabad said, “India has strongly protested to Pakistan gross intimation of guests invited for an Iftar event in Islamabad on Saturday...Guests faced unprecedented harassment and intimation at the hands of security agencies.” Video alert: How Pakistani security agencies harassed guests at the iftar organised by Indian mission at a hotel in Islamabad pic.twitter.com/Hb64lPWMAs — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 2, 2019 × A large Pakistani security detachment, equipped with forklifts aggressively turned away Pakistani nationals who wanted to attend the event. The agency officials virtually laid a siege of the hotel. Pakistan agencies even called up invitees and asked them not to attend the event. Many guests from the diplomatic community based in Islamabad were also subject to harassment. Video alert: Visuals from outside the hotel wr Indian mission organised #Iftar. Absolute chaos as Pak agencies stop people physically from attending the Iftar. pic.twitter.com/tdOhYgRr6y — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 2, 2019 × Pakistan agency officials also intimidated diplomatic staff of Indian mission who tried to ascertain from the security personnel why guests were being harassed. Some of the Indian officials were jostled and aggressively threatened with bodily harm. In some cases, mobile phones of Indian officials were snatched away. The Indian mission said the "disappointing chain of events" on June 1 "not only violate basic norms of diplomatic conduct but are against all notions of civilised behaviour" adding that “stopping diplomats of Indian mission from discharging diplomatic functions by intimidation and coercion is entirely counterproductive for our bilateral relationship". Video alert: Pak agency officials also threatened Indian diplomats & officials. In some cases, mobile phones of Indian officials were snatched away. pic.twitter.com/xiek1BRZtK — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 2, 2019 × Press secretary of the former Pakistani President Asif Zardari Farhatullah Babar who was invited at the Iftar took to twitter and spoke about the harassment meted out to him. He tweeted, "Came to Serena for iftar hosted by Indian HC. Hotel seems barricaded. Told that Iftar cancelled. When insisted, I was told to use other gate. Other gate also closed and told to go back to front gate again. What’s going on, something fishy.” Came to Serena for iftar hosted by Indian HC. Hotel seems barricaded. Told that iftar cancelled. When insisted, I was told to use other gate. Other gate also closed and told to go back to front gate again. What’s going on, something fishy. — Farhatullah Babar (@FarhatullahB) June 1, 2019 × A Pakistani journalist Mehreen Zahra-Malik who was there to pick someone tweeted, "Unprecedented level of harassment at @serena_hotels Islamabad. #India embassy iftaar happening & police & anti terrorism force misbehaving with anyone trying into get in the hotel. Got screamed at, my driver abused." Unprecedented level of harassment at @serena_hotels Islamabad. #India embassy iftaar happening & police & anti terrorism force misbehaving with anyone trying into get in the hotel. Got screamed at, my driver abused. Sorry, not being an entitled prick. This was genuine harassment — Mehreen Zahra-Malik (@mehreenzahra) June 1, 2019 × WION's correspondent Anas Mallick who was at the Iftar also confirmed that he faced a lot of trouble while reaching to the venue. Before the Iftar, many invitees got calls asking not to attend the event. Speaking at the event, Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria said, "I would apologise to all our friends who were subject to extra scrutiny." More than 300 Pakistani guests including Parliamentarians, government officials, media representatives, retired military officials were invited to the dinner. The tradition of Iftar by Indian mission was started more than 12 years ago by Sibi George, currently the envoy to Switzerland.

India lodges protest against harassment of guests at high commission's Iftar party by Pakistan agencies in Islamabad

As Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh's first visit outside the national capital would be to the Siachen Glacier -- the world's highest battlefield - to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Siachen

Two thirds of India is gripped by a severe heat wave. Mercury has breached 45 degrees celsius across several cities. These include Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Chandigarh. Even Pune, which was regarded as a hill station saw temperatures rise to 43 degrees on 27 May.

Heatwave hits over half of India, with 15 cities among world's hottest

<p>Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said that India-China border is stable and forces of both the countries are in close communication with each other.</p>

<p>"Both sides have close communication with each other and the border area is generally stable. The common interest of China and India far outway our differences," Fenghe said while addressing Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.</p>

<p>On the resolution of the boundary dispute, he said, "The Chinese side is ready to work with India to properly handle the boundary question. At the moment management of the boundary, question is sound."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2017, the Doklam crisis saw over a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces after Bejing tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory.</p>

<p>Calling the relationship between the two countries "sound", General Fenghe recalled the informal Wuhan summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China President Xi Jinping and said both the leaders provided "guidance for the relationship and the comprehensive strategic partnership has enjoyed sound growth and our consensus is that two militaries need to work together to contribute to the overall relationship between China and India."</p>

<p>Chinese President Xi and PM Modi met four times in 2018 starting with Wuhan informal summit followed by meetings on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO), BRICS &amp; G20 Summit. Xi will be visiting India this year for the second Informal Summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wei Fenghe had visited India last year and met officials including the then defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman.</p>

<p>Fenghe was quite optimistic about the ties and said, "Both sides committed for a cooperative and stable relationship between the two sides. The momentum of a relationship, it is getting better and better and we are making active efforts to further grow this bilateral relationship."</p>

<p>India and China held a Joint Exercise “Hand-in-Hand” in Pujiang, China from 10 to 23 December 2018 in which 130 personnel from each side participated.</p>


Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said that India-China border is stable and forces of both the countries are in close communication with each other. "Both sides have close communication with each other and the border area is generally stable.

Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said that India-China border is stable and forces of both the countries are in close communication with each other. "Both sides have close communication with each other and the border area is generally stable. The common interest of China and India far outway our differences," Fenghe said while addressing Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. On the resolution of the boundary dispute, he said, "The Chinese side is ready to work with India to properly handle the boundary question. At the moment management of the boundary, question is sound." In 2017, the Doklam crisis saw over a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces after Bejing tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory. Calling the relationship between the two countries "sound", General Fenghe recalled the informal Wuhan summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China President Xi Jinping and said both the leaders provided "guidance for the relationship and the comprehensive strategic partnership has enjoyed sound growth and our consensus is that two militaries need to work together to contribute to the overall relationship between China and India." Chinese President Xi and PM Modi met four times in 2018 starting with Wuhan informal summit followed by meetings on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO), BRICS & G20 Summit. Xi will be visiting India this year for the second Informal Summit. Wei Fenghe had visited India last year and met officials including the then defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Fenghe was quite optimistic about the ties and said, "Both sides committed for a cooperative and stable relationship between the two sides. The momentum of a relationship, it is getting better and better and we are making active efforts to further grow this bilateral relationship." India and China held a Joint Exercise “Hand-in-Hand” in Pujiang, China from 10 to 23 December 2018 in which 130 personnel from each side participated.

India-China border stable, forces of 2 countries in close communication: China defence minister 

<p>India will take up the matter regarding harassment of guests invited to iftar organised by the Indian high commission in Islamabad, top government sources have confirmed to WION.</p>

<p>A number of guests who were invited by the Indian mission to Islamabad's posh Serena hotel had to face considerable hardship as Pakistani security forces stopped them from attending the event. Some were physically manhandled, while others were simply told that the iftar has been cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall the turnout was low at the Indian mission's iftar, as Pakistani security agencies turned many guests away which is ironical in a pious Muslim country like Pakistan which knows the significance of breaking the fast during Ramazan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Press secretary of the former Pakistani President Asif Zardari Farhatullah Babar who was invited at the iftar took to Twitter and spoke about the harassment meted out.</p>

<p>"Came to Serena for iftar hosted by Indian HC. Hotel seems barricaded. Told that iftar cancelled. When insisted, I was told to use other gate. Other gate also closed and told to go back to front gate again. What’s going on, something fishy,'' he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Came to Serena for iftar hosted by Indian HC. Hotel seems barricaded. Told that iftar cancelled. When insisted, I was told to use other gate. Other gate also closed and told to go back to front gate again. What’s going on, something fishy.</p>
— Farhatullah Babar (@FarhatullahB) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarhatullahB/status/1134814729317302272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>A Pakistani journalist Mehreen Zahra-Malik who was there to pick someone tweeted, "Unprecedented level of harassment at @serena_hotels Islamabad. #India embassy iftaar happening &amp; police &amp; anti terrorism force misbehaving with anyone trying into get in the hotel. Got screamed at, my driver abused."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unprecedented level of harassment at <a href="https://twitter.com/serena_hotels?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@serena_hotels</a> Islamabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> embassy iftaar happening &amp; police &amp; anti terrorism force misbehaving with anyone trying into get in the hotel. Got screamed at, my driver abused. Sorry, not being an entitled prick. This was genuine harassment</p>
— Mehreen Zahra-Malik (@mehreenzahra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mehreenzahra/status/1134839761733074944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>WION's correspondent Anas Mallick who was iftar also confirmed that he faced a lot of trouble while reaching to the venue. Before the iftar, many invitees got calls asking not to go to the iftar, he added.</p>

<p>The Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria speaking at the event said, "I would apologise to all our friends who were subjected to extra scrutiny"</p>

<p>Harassment of Indian diplomats has been a norm in Islamabad for months now. From snapping electricity to being aggressively followed has been reported with India sending note verbale asking Pakistani foreign ministry to investigate the incidents.</p>

<p>India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan government sources accused Indian security forces of harassing the iftar guests at Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.</p>

<p>“Out of the 73 guests, only 25 made to Iftar in Delhi due to intimidation by Indian security agencies outside Pakistani High Commission.'' Pakistan diplomatic sources said.</p>


India will take up the matter regarding harassment of guests invited to iftar organised by the Indian high commission in Islamabad, top government sources have confirmed to WION.

India will take up the matter regarding harassment of guests invited to iftar organised by the Indian high commission in Islamabad, top government sources have confirmed to WION. A number of guests who were invited by the Indian mission to Islamabad's posh Serena hotel had to face considerable hardship as Pakistani security forces stopped them from attending the event. Some were physically manhandled, while others were simply told that the iftar has been cancelled. Overall the turnout was low at the Indian mission's iftar, as Pakistani security agencies turned many guests away which is ironical in a pious Muslim country like Pakistan which knows the significance of breaking the fast during Ramazan. Press secretary of the former Pakistani President Asif Zardari Farhatullah Babar who was invited at the iftar took to Twitter and spoke about the harassment meted out. "Came to Serena for iftar hosted by Indian HC. Hotel seems barricaded. Told that iftar cancelled. When insisted, I was told to use other gate. Other gate also closed and told to go back to front gate again. What’s going on, something fishy,'' he tweeted. Came to Serena for iftar hosted by Indian HC. Hotel seems barricaded. Told that iftar cancelled. When insisted, I was told to use other gate. Other gate also closed and told to go back to front gate again. What’s going on, something fishy. — Farhatullah Babar (@FarhatullahB) June 1, 2019 × A Pakistani journalist Mehreen Zahra-Malik who was there to pick someone tweeted, "Unprecedented level of harassment at @serena_hotels Islamabad. #India embassy iftaar happening & police & anti terrorism force misbehaving with anyone trying into get in the hotel. Got screamed at, my driver abused." Unprecedented level of harassment at @serena_hotels Islamabad. #India embassy iftaar happening & police & anti terrorism force misbehaving with anyone trying into get in the hotel. Got screamed at, my driver abused. Sorry, not being an entitled prick. This was genuine harassment — Mehreen Zahra-Malik (@mehreenzahra) June 1, 2019 × WION's correspondent Anas Mallick who was iftar also confirmed that he faced a lot of trouble while reaching to the venue. Before the iftar, many invitees got calls asking not to go to the iftar, he added. The Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria speaking at the event said, "I would apologise to all our friends who were subjected to extra scrutiny" Harassment of Indian diplomats has been a norm in Islamabad for months now. From snapping electricity to being aggressively followed has been reported with India sending note verbale asking Pakistani foreign ministry to investigate the incidents. India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. Meanwhile, Pakistan government sources accused Indian security forces of harassing the iftar guests at Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. “Out of the 73 guests, only 25 made to Iftar in Delhi due to intimidation by Indian security agencies outside Pakistani High Commission.'' Pakistan diplomatic sources said.

New Delhi to take up with Islamabad harassment of iftar guests at Indian mission

<p>As Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh`s first visit outside the national capital would be to the Siachen Glacier-- the world`s highest battlefield - to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan.</p>

<p>During the visit, the Defence Minister would be accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officials from the Defence Ministry, government sources told ANI.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Northern Army Commander Lt General Ranbir Singh, 14 Corps Commander, and Kargil war hero Lt General YK Joshi are also expected to brief him about the security situation in the region.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>During the UPA-1 regime, there were calls for demilitarising the glacier but the Army had put its foot down against the step.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The Defence Minister is also expected to visit the nearby areas of the Siachen Glacier.</p>

<p>Soon after taking over yesterday, Rajnath Singh 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.</p>

<p>The officers have also been asked to complete the projects in a time-bound manner to move effectively towards modernising the armed forces.</p>

<p>On Saturday, he was briefed about the different projects and works being undertaken by the Ministry and services by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and the three services chiefs.</p>


As Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh`s first visit outside the national capital would be to the Siachen Glacier-- the world`s highest battlefield - to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan.

As Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh`s first visit outside the national capital would be to the Siachen Glacier-- the world`s highest battlefield - to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan. During the visit, the Defence Minister would be accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officials from the Defence Ministry, government sources told ANI. 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. Northern Army Commander Lt General Ranbir Singh, 14 Corps Commander, and Kargil war hero Lt General YK Joshi are also expected to brief him about the security situation in the region. 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. During the UPA-1 regime, there were calls for demilitarising the glacier but the Army had put its foot down against the step. 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 Defence Minister is also expected to visit the nearby areas of the Siachen Glacier. Soon after taking over yesterday, Rajnath Singh 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. On Saturday, he was briefed about the different projects and works being undertaken by the Ministry and services by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and the three services chiefs.

Siachen to be Rajnath Singh's first visit as Defence Minister

<p>On the occasion of the fifth Telangana State Formation Day, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended their wishes to the people of the state.</p>

<p>"Greetings and good wishes to the people of Telangana on statehood day. My best wishes to all the residents of the state for a bright and prosperous future #PresidentKovind," official Twitter handle of the President of India said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Greetings and good wishes to the people of Telangana on statehood day. My best wishes to all the residents of the state for a bright and prosperous future <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a></p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1135014557485715456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Praying for Telangana's progress, PM Modi said in a tweet, "On Telangana's Statehood Day, my best wishes to the people of this wonderful state. Telangana is known for its hardworking citizens who are making great contributions to our nation`s development. I pray for the progress of Telangana."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On Telangana’s Statehood Day, my best wishes to the people of this wonderful state. Telangana is known for its hardworking citizens who are making great contributions to our nation’s development. I pray for the progress of Telangana.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1135027438310830080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>In another tweet the Prime Minister also greeted the people of Andhra Pradesh, saying, "Greetings to my sisters and brothers of Andhra Pradesh. From science to sports, education to enterprise, AP's contribution is immense. May the state prosper in the coming years."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Greetings to my sisters and brothers of Andhra Pradesh. From science to sports, education to enterprise, AP’s contribution is immense. May the state prosper in the coming years.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1135027705651572737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The state of Telangana was formed in 2014 after its bifurcation from Andhra Pradesh. Home Minister Amit Shah also took to Twitter to wish the people of Telangana. "On their Statehood Day, I extend my warm wishes to our sisters and brothers of Telangana. I pray for the progress and prosperity of the state in the times to come," read his tweet.</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday, Telangana state Chief Minister Office tweeted, "Telangana enters into the sixth year completing five years of unprecedented progress! Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao expressed happiness that the State has become a role model for the rest of the country and extended greetings on the momentous occasion. #TelanganaFormationDay."</p>

<p>As part of celebrations, the state's capital city, Hyderabad, is all decked up with festive lighting.</p>

<p>All the important government buildings including the Telangana Assembly and Secretariat have been decorated with colourful lights and flower garlands.</p>

<p>Telangana was officially formed on 2 June 2014.</p>

<p>Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrashekar Rao was elected as the first Chief Minister of the state, following elections in which the party secured a majority.&nbsp;</p>


On the occasion of the fifth Telangana State Formation Day, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended their wishes to the people of the state.

On the occasion of the fifth Telangana State Formation Day, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended their wishes to the people of the state. "Greetings and good wishes to the people of Telangana on statehood day. My best wishes to all the residents of the state for a bright and prosperous future #PresidentKovind," official Twitter handle of the President of India said. Greetings and good wishes to the people of Telangana on statehood day. My best wishes to all the residents of the state for a bright and prosperous future #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 2, 2019 × Praying for Telangana's progress, PM Modi said in a tweet, "On Telangana's Statehood Day, my best wishes to the people of this wonderful state. Telangana is known for its hardworking citizens who are making great contributions to our nation`s development. I pray for the progress of Telangana." On Telangana’s Statehood Day, my best wishes to the people of this wonderful state. Telangana is known for its hardworking citizens who are making great contributions to our nation’s development. I pray for the progress of Telangana. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 2, 2019 × In another tweet the Prime Minister also greeted the people of Andhra Pradesh, saying, "Greetings to my sisters and brothers of Andhra Pradesh. From science to sports, education to enterprise, AP's contribution is immense. May the state prosper in the coming years." Greetings to my sisters and brothers of Andhra Pradesh. From science to sports, education to enterprise, AP’s contribution is immense. May the state prosper in the coming years. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 2, 2019 × The state of Telangana was formed in 2014 after its bifurcation from Andhra Pradesh. Home Minister Amit Shah also took to Twitter to wish the people of Telangana. "On their Statehood Day, I extend my warm wishes to our sisters and brothers of Telangana. I pray for the progress and prosperity of the state in the times to come," read his tweet. Earlier on Saturday, Telangana state Chief Minister Office tweeted, "Telangana enters into the sixth year completing five years of unprecedented progress! Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao expressed happiness that the State has become a role model for the rest of the country and extended greetings on the momentous occasion. #TelanganaFormationDay." As part of celebrations, the state's capital city, Hyderabad, is all decked up with festive lighting. All the important government buildings including the Telangana Assembly and Secretariat have been decorated with colourful lights and flower garlands. Telangana was officially formed on 2 June 2014. Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrashekar Rao was elected as the first Chief Minister of the state, following elections in which the party secured a majority.

President Kovind, PM Modi extend wishes on Telangana statehood day

Former White House chief strategist and media mogul Steve Bannon spoke exclusively to WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary recently. During the conversation, he spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landslide victory, US-India relationship, Pakistan, his interest in Hindu spirituality and his love for Bhagavad Gita.

Full transcript of Steve Bannon's interview with Sudhir Chaudhary

<p>The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said it condemns any position adopted by an international body that supports prolonging occupation of Palestinian territories, including a US&nbsp;decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.</p>

<p>The OIC summit in Mecca said in its final statement on Saturday that it opposes all illegal Israeli measures aimed at changing facts in occupied Palestinian territories including Jerusalem and undermining the two-state solution.</p>

<p>It urged member countries to take "appropriate measures" against countries that move their embassies to Jerusalem.</p>

<p>The OIC also refused to accept any proposal for a peaceful settlement that did not accord with Palestinians' legitimate inalienable rights, the final statement said.</p>

<p>The OIC stressed the importance of amassing support for the budget of the Palestinian government to continue its work.</p>

<p>The OIC summit also urged the United States to remove Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.</p>


The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said it condemns any position adopted by an international body that supports prolonging occupation of Palestinian territories, including a US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said it condemns any position adopted by an international body that supports prolonging occupation of Palestinian territories, including a US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The OIC summit in Mecca said in its final statement on Saturday that it opposes all illegal Israeli measures aimed at changing facts in occupied Palestinian territories including Jerusalem and undermining the two-state solution. It urged member countries to take "appropriate measures" against countries that move their embassies to Jerusalem. The OIC also refused to accept any proposal for a peaceful settlement that did not accord with Palestinians' legitimate inalienable rights, the final statement said. The OIC stressed the importance of amassing support for the budget of the Palestinian government to continue its work. The OIC summit also urged the United States to remove Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit condemns any decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital

He was the Human Resources Development minister in the previous Union government cabinet. He initially served as Minister of State (independent charge) in the Environment Ministry for two years, and was appointed HRD Minister in 2016.

Prakash Javadekar takes charge of India's Environment Ministry

<p>Congress will prove to be a strong and effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi at the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) on Saturday.</p>

<p>''I thought 40 were enough to take on BJP. Now we have 52 MPs. Our MPs will fight BJP every single day,'' said Congress president who was also present at the CPP meet.</p>

<p>''Maybe we will not get enough time in the House but even those two minutes would be enough to put down BJP,'' he added.</p>

<p>Rahul thanked the voters and addressed the Congress party workers, saying, "Every Congress member must remember that each one of you is fighting for the Constitution, for every person in India irrespective of the colour of his skin or belief", party spokesperson Surjewala said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to Smt Sonia Gandhi on being elected Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Under her leadership, the Congress will prove to be a strong &amp; effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India. <a href="https://t.co/iUcdB51tHE">pic.twitter.com/iUcdB51tHE</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1134707876348321793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>''Congratulations to Smt Sonia Gandhi on being elected Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Under her leadership, the Congress will prove to be a strong &amp; effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India,'' tweeted Rahul Gandhi after the CPP meeting.</p>


Congress will prove to be a strong and effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi at the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) on Saturday.

Congress will prove to be a strong and effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi at the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) on Saturday. ''I thought 40 were enough to take on BJP. Now we have 52 MPs. Our MPs will fight BJP every single day,'' said Congress president who was also present at the CPP meet. ''Maybe we will not get enough time in the House but even those two minutes would be enough to put down BJP,'' he added. Rahul thanked the voters and addressed the Congress party workers, saying, "Every Congress member must remember that each one of you is fighting for the Constitution, for every person in India irrespective of the colour of his skin or belief", party spokesperson Surjewala said. Congratulations to Smt Sonia Gandhi on being elected Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Under her leadership, the Congress will prove to be a strong & effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India. pic.twitter.com/iUcdB51tHE — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 1, 2019 × ''Congratulations to Smt Sonia Gandhi on being elected Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Under her leadership, the Congress will prove to be a strong & effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India,'' tweeted Rahul Gandhi after the CPP meeting.

Congress will fight to defend the Constitution of India: Rahul Gandhi 

The former foreign Secretary S.Jaishankar now External Affairs Minister tweets from his office for the very first time. The official tweet says 'we the team @MEA at your service 24*7'.

EAM S.Jaishankar tweets for the first time, says 'At your service 24*7'

The Congress won just 52 of 542 parliamentary seats this time, its second worst performance since 2014 election. The party is three members short of the total that would qualify it for the post of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabh

Congress to meet 52 lawmakers today to elect new leader

With Amit Shah joining the Union Cabinet, who will lead the BJP? Can anyone fill in the big shoes? Watch this story from Gravitas.

Gravitas: Who Will Be The Next BJP President?

On his first day in office, the Modi government decided to extend the PM-Kisan scheme to all farmers. But, some challenges still remain. Watch this report from Gravitas.

Gravitas: Modi 2.0: Big Moves For Farmers On Day One

What do the new entrants in the Team Modi offer? Here is a closer look at the new faces.

Gravitas: Modi 2.0: The New Entrants

<p>UPA chairperson and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi was Saturday reelected as leader of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP).</p>

<p>Gandhi was elected as CPP leader at the first meeting of newly elected Congress Lok Sabha MPs began at the Central Hall of Parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi is the current chairperson of CPP.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Smt. Sonia Gandhi elected as the leader of Congress Parliamentary Party!<br />
<br />
She says, ‘we thank the 12.13 Cr voters for reposing faith in the Congress Party’. <a href="https://t.co/H4z9i3dN8B">pic.twitter.com/H4z9i3dN8B</a></p>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1134692694582800384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>All 52 Lok Sabha MPs of the Congress were present at the meeting, besides its members in the Rajya Sabha, sources said.</p>

<p>Besides electing a new leader, the MPs will chalk out the party's strategy for the upcoming session of Parliament, they said.</p>

<p>They will also elect the Congress leader in Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>This will be the first official meeting that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will attend after the May 25 meeting of the party's working committee, where he had offered to quit as Congress chief.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CWC has already rejected his offer to resign and unanimously passed a resolution authorising him to bring structural changes in the party at all levels in a bid to revamp it.&nbsp;</p>


UPA chairperson and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi was Saturday reelected as leader of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP). Gandhi was elected as CPP leader at the first meeting of newly elected Congress Lok Sabha MPs began at the Central Hall of Parliament.

UPA chairperson and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi was Saturday reelected as leader of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP). Gandhi was elected as CPP leader at the first meeting of newly elected Congress Lok Sabha MPs began at the Central Hall of Parliament. Sonia Gandhi is the current chairperson of CPP. Smt. Sonia Gandhi elected as the leader of Congress Parliamentary Party! She says, ‘we thank the 12.13 Cr voters for reposing faith in the Congress Party’. pic.twitter.com/H4z9i3dN8B — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) June 1, 2019 × All 52 Lok Sabha MPs of the Congress were present at the meeting, besides its members in the Rajya Sabha, sources said. Besides electing a new leader, the MPs will chalk out the party's strategy for the upcoming session of Parliament, they said. They will also elect the Congress leader in Lok Sabha. This will be the first official meeting that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will attend after the May 25 meeting of the party's working committee, where he had offered to quit as Congress chief. The CWC has already rejected his offer to resign and unanimously passed a resolution authorising him to bring structural changes in the party at all levels in a bid to revamp it.

Sonia Gandhi reelected leader of Congress Parliamentary Party

<p>Guests who had come for an Iftar event hosted by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-indian-high-commission-in-islamabad-functioning-without-certificate-of-completion-191744">Indian High Commission in Islamabad </a>on Saturday evening were harassed by Pakistani security agencies with the agency officials misbehaving with them. In fact, some guests were forced to turn back by the agencies and there were even reports of cars being lifted.</p>

<p>Overall, the Iftar organised at Serena Hotel in Islamabad saw a low turnout due to the harassment of the invitees. Pak security agencies had even resorted to manhandling the guests invited at the Iftar.</p>

<p>Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria spoke at the event and said, "I would apologise to all our friends who were subject to extra scrutiny".</p>

<p>The tradition of hosting an Iftar event by the Indian mission was started over 12 years ago by Sibi George who is currently the Indian Ambassador to Switzerland.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Pak agencies misbehave with guests at Iftar-dinner organised by IHC at Islamabad</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-high-commission-in-pakistans-islamabad-holds-iftar-dinner-223482/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The harassment of Indian diplomats has been a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/investigate-harassment-of-our-diplomats-india-to-pakistan-204143">norm in Islamabad since months now</a>. From cutting electricity to being aggressively followed, many incidents were reported and India has had sent a number of note verbale asking Pakistan's&nbsp;foreign ministry to investigate the incidents.</p>

<p>India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of the diplomatic personnel and their families shall be respected and protected.</p>

<p><strong>Hopeful on India Pak ties: Bisaria</strong></p>

<p>The Indian envoy also spoke on the new government in Delhi. Bisaria said, "We had a new government which was sworn in just a couple of days ago. The new government comes with new hope, of new beginnings".</p>

<p>He added, "This new government has Prime Minister Modi as the PM and the new, very positive external affairs minister, who was the foreign secretary, Dr S Jaishankar. This government has come with a strong mandate of development and prosperity for the people"</p>

<p>Both PM Modi and PM Imran Khan will be attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan in the second week of June.</p>

<p>Bisaria said, "The two PMs, PM Modi and PM Imran Khan, had a conversation and spoke on the peace and development in the region. So, we are hoping that this relation also moves in a positive trajectory".</p>

<p>Imran had called to congratulate PM Modi, the latter called for the need to create an environment free from terror.</p>


Guests who had come for an Iftar event hosted by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Saturday evening were harassed by Pakistani security agencies with the agency officials misbehaving with them.

Guests who had come for an Iftar event hosted by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Saturday evening were harassed by Pakistani security agencies with the agency officials misbehaving with them. In fact, some guests were forced to turn back by the agencies and there were even reports of cars being lifted. Overall, the Iftar organised at Serena Hotel in Islamabad saw a low turnout due to the harassment of the invitees. Pak security agencies had even resorted to manhandling the guests invited at the Iftar. Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria spoke at the event and said, "I would apologise to all our friends who were subject to extra scrutiny". The tradition of hosting an Iftar event by the Indian mission was started over 12 years ago by Sibi George who is currently the Indian Ambassador to Switzerland. Watch: Pak agencies misbehave with guests at Iftar-dinner organised by IHC at Islamabad The harassment of Indian diplomats has been a norm in Islamabad since months now. From cutting electricity to being aggressively followed, many incidents were reported and India has had sent a number of note verbale asking Pakistan's foreign ministry to investigate the incidents. India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of the diplomatic personnel and their families shall be respected and protected. Hopeful on India Pak ties: Bisaria The Indian envoy also spoke on the new government in Delhi. Bisaria said, "We had a new government which was sworn in just a couple of days ago. The new government comes with new hope, of new beginnings". He added, "This new government has Prime Minister Modi as the PM and the new, very positive external affairs minister, who was the foreign secretary, Dr S Jaishankar. This government has come with a strong mandate of development and prosperity for the people" Both PM Modi and PM Imran Khan will be attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan in the second week of June. Bisaria said, "The two PMs, PM Modi and PM Imran Khan, had a conversation and spoke on the peace and development in the region. So, we are hoping that this relation also moves in a positive trajectory". Imran had called to congratulate PM Modi, the latter called for the need to create an environment free from terror.

Guests harassed at Iftar event hosted by Indian mission in Islamabad 

In this segment of WION, Know about the story of a girl named Sarita who covers a struggleful journey from Rags to Rugby. Watch this video to know more.

A Journey From Rags To Rugby

In the first Cabinet meeting, the Government today decided to extend PM-KISAN scheme to all 14.5 crore farmers in the country costing Rs 87,000 crore a year and also announced over Rs 10,000 crore pension scheme for 5 crore farmers, thereby fulfilling the BJP’s poll promise.

Now 14.5 crore farmers to be covered under PM Kisan scheme

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