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Full list of Narendra Modi Cabinet Ministers and ministry-wise portfolios: Nirmala Sitharaman is the new Finance Minister while Anurag Thakur is the MoS in Finance Ministry. Amit Shah has become the new Home Minister of India while Rajnath Singh has got the Defence Ministry.

Modi Cabinet 2.0: Ravi Shankar Prasad retains Law Ministry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has picked his closest aide Amit Shah as Home Minister in the new government. Rajnath Singh will be Defence Minister and Nitin Gadkari will be Minister of Road Transport and Highways. Nirmala Sitharaman will be Finance Minister and Minister of Corporate Affairs. Smriti Irani will be Minister for Women and Child Development.

Modi 2.0 cabinet portfolios announced: Nirmala gets Finance, Amit Shah takes Home

Anurag Singh Thakur becomes Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Watch this video to know more.

Modi Cabinet 2.0: Anurag Singh Thakur enters the big league

Nirmala Sitharaman is the new Finance Minister while Anurag Thakur is the MoS in Finance Ministry. Amit Shah has become the new Home Minister of India while Rajnath Singh has got the Defence Ministry.

Nirmala Sitharaman joins Modi cabinet 2.0 as India's 2nd woman Finance Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. PM Modi began bi-lateral interactions after taking oath as the 15th Prime Minister of India. Last night he met Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Several BIMSTEC leaders arrived in India to take part in PM Modi’s oath-taking ceremony. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, surprise pick in the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">Narendra Modi government</a>, will take over as the foreign minister of the country. Jaishankar, former foreign secretary, took oath along with 56 other ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House) on Thursday. He is the first career diplomat to handle the key portfolio.

The high-profile foreign affairs porfolio was handled by Sushma Swaraj who refused to be part of the new dispensation due to health issues. He is among the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-former-foreign-secretary-a-surprise-pick-in-team-modi-20-222869">first time ministers who took oath on Thursday</a>.

Considered an expert on China and the US, the new External Affairs minister's moves will be keenly watched to see whether he brings any changes in India's approach in dealing with Pakistan.

Jaishankar is a seasoned diplomat who was the Indian government's pointsman for China and the US. He is the son of late K Subrahmanyam, one of India's leading strategic analysts, and a key member of the Indian team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal.

The deal, initiated in 2005, took several years to craft and was signed by the UPA government headed by Manmohan Singh in 2007.

One of the longest-serving foreign secretaries, Jaishankar played a key role in shaping Modi's foreign policy during his first term, which saw significant growth and expansion of India's ties with key countries, particularly the US and the Arab nations. He will also have to deal with overall expectations of expanding India's global influence and stature, particularly in key multilateral forums like G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS.

The 64-year-old - who is not a member of either the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha at this point - is also likely to push for deepening cooperation with the African continent where China is fast expanding its influence and presence.

Watch: Amit Shah, S Jaishankar PM Narendra Modi's surprise pick

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He was the Foreign Secretary from January 2015 to January 2018. Jaishankar takes charge of the ministry nearly 16 months after he retired as foreign secretary.

He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to the US and before that to China.

A 1977-batch IFS officer, Jaishankar played a key role in resolving the crisis following the incursion in Ladakh's Depsang and the Doklam stand-off, handling the tough negotiations with Beijing.

Among other positions, Jaishankar has been India's High Commissioner to Singapore and Ambassador to the Czech Republic.

A graduate of St Stephen's College, Jaishankar is an MA in Political Science and an MPhil and PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Jaishankar is married to Kyoko Jaishankar and has two sons and a daughter.

In 2019, Jaishankar was conferred with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of the country.

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, surprise pick in the new Narendra Modi government, will take over as the foreign minister of the country. Jaishankar, former foreign secretary, took oath along with 56 other ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House) on Thursday.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, surprise pick in the new Narendra Modi government, will take over as the foreign minister of the country. Jaishankar, former foreign secretary, took oath along with 56 other ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House) on Thursday. He is the first career diplomat to handle the key portfolio. The high-profile foreign affairs porfolio was handled by Sushma Swaraj who refused to be part of the new dispensation due to health issues. He is among the first time ministers who took oath on Thursday. Considered an expert on China and the US, the new External Affairs minister's moves will be keenly watched to see whether he brings any changes in India's approach in dealing with Pakistan. Jaishankar is a seasoned diplomat who was the Indian government's pointsman for China and the US. He is the son of late K Subrahmanyam, one of India's leading strategic analysts, and a key member of the Indian team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal. The deal, initiated in 2005, took several years to craft and was signed by the UPA government headed by Manmohan Singh in 2007. One of the longest-serving foreign secretaries, Jaishankar played a key role in shaping Modi's foreign policy during his first term, which saw significant growth and expansion of India's ties with key countries, particularly the US and the Arab nations. He will also have to deal with overall expectations of expanding India's global influence and stature, particularly in key multilateral forums like G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS. The 64-year-old - who is not a member of either the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha at this point - is also likely to push for deepening cooperation with the African continent where China is fast expanding its influence and presence. Watch: Amit Shah, S Jaishankar PM Narendra Modi's surprise pick × He was the Foreign Secretary from January 2015 to January 2018. Jaishankar takes charge of the ministry nearly 16 months after he retired as foreign secretary. He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to the US and before that to China. A 1977-batch IFS officer, Jaishankar played a key role in resolving the crisis following the incursion in Ladakh's Depsang and the Doklam stand-off, handling the tough negotiations with Beijing. Among other positions, Jaishankar has been India's High Commissioner to Singapore and Ambassador to the Czech Republic. A graduate of St Stephen's College, Jaishankar is an MA in Political Science and an MPhil and PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Jaishankar is married to Kyoko Jaishankar and has two sons and a daughter. In 2019, Jaishankar was conferred with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

S Jaishankar is the new foreign minister, will replace Sushma Swaraj

Three terrorists were neutralised in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Friday.

The encounter broke out between the security forces and the terrorists in Dragad Sugan area of Shopian district earlier this morning.

The forces have also recovered arms and ammunition from the killed terrorists.

The identities of the slain terrorists are yet to be ascertained.

Hours after this attack, two policemen were injured in another encounter between security forces and terrorists in Marwah area of Kishtwar.

The area has been cordoned off as the exchange of fire is currently underway.

A search operation has been initiated by security forces in the area.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three terrorists were neutralised in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Friday. The encounter broke out between the security forces and the terrorists in Dragad Sugan area of Shopian district earlier this morning.

Three terrorists were neutralised in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Friday. The encounter broke out between the security forces and the terrorists in Dragad Sugan area of Shopian district earlier this morning. The forces have also recovered arms and ammunition from the killed terrorists. The identities of the slain terrorists are yet to be ascertained. Hours after this attack, two policemen were injured in another encounter between security forces and terrorists in Marwah area of Kishtwar. The area has been cordoned off as the exchange of fire is currently underway. A search operation has been initiated by security forces in the area. (With inputs from agencies)

3 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday named <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nirmala-sitharaman-the-first-full-time-woman-defence-minister-retained-as-union-minister-222866">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> as the next finance minister of the country.

She will replace Arun Jaitley, who had expressed his unwillingness to join the new Modi government owing to his health, in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">portfolios announced by the government today</a>.

Sitharaman was the defence minister in the previous NDA dispensation. Before being elevated as the Defence minister, Sitharaman served as the Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs in the Modi government. She was also Minister for Commerce and Industry with independent charge.

At 59, she is the senior most woman minister in Modi's cabinet and the second woman to head the finance department after late former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

"I have a neutral view. We will have to wait for her to speak to get her thoughts and ideas on reforms for the markets and the economy, but it will be in line with what the BJP-led government would overall target anyway," said Bekxy Kuriakose, head of fixed income, principal asset management in Mumbai.

"Nirmala Sitharaman is a relatively unknown entity despite holding a key portfolio in the previous government. Expectations as such will be low. From the markets' perspective, it's neutral at this stage," said Sandeep Sabharwal, a domestic fund manager.

Watch: Sitharaman takes oath as Union minister

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Sitharaman will take over the finance ministry when there is pressure from industry for the government to provide some stimulus to halt a worrying slowdown in India's $2.7 trillion economy.

India probably lost its spot as the fastest growing major economy to China in the January-March quarter as a chill in domestic and global consumer demand hit manufacturers and service providers. Data for the quarter is set to be released later on Friday.

The government is already considering rolling out a slew of 'big-bang' economic reforms in the first 100 days of Modi's second term, with a focus on privatisation of state assets and relaxation of labour and land rules for businesses, a top official at the government's main think tank said.

A post-graduate in Economics, Sitharaman earlier served as a national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is still remembered as one of its most articulate spokespersons, who fiercely attacked the Congress government over its various policies.

Now a seasoned politician, Sitharaman counts travel, trekking, music and cooking among her hobbies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday named Nirmala Sitharaman as the next finance minister of the country. She will replace Arun Jaitley, who had expressed his unwillingness to join the new Modi government owing to his health, in the portfolios announced by the government today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday named Nirmala Sitharaman as the next finance minister of the country. She will replace Arun Jaitley, who had expressed his unwillingness to join the new Modi government owing to his health, in the portfolios announced by the government today. Sitharaman was the defence minister in the previous NDA dispensation. Before being elevated as the Defence minister, Sitharaman served as the Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs in the Modi government. She was also Minister for Commerce and Industry with independent charge. At 59, she is the senior most woman minister in Modi's cabinet and the second woman to head the finance department after late former prime minister Indira Gandhi. "I have a neutral view. We will have to wait for her to speak to get her thoughts and ideas on reforms for the markets and the economy, but it will be in line with what the BJP-led government would overall target anyway," said Bekxy Kuriakose, head of fixed income, principal asset management in Mumbai. "Nirmala Sitharaman is a relatively unknown entity despite holding a key portfolio in the previous government. Expectations as such will be low. From the markets' perspective, it's neutral at this stage," said Sandeep Sabharwal, a domestic fund manager. Watch: Sitharaman takes oath as Union minister Sitharaman will take over the finance ministry when there is pressure from industry for the government to provide some stimulus to halt a worrying slowdown in India's $2.7 trillion economy. India probably lost its spot as the fastest growing major economy to China in the January-March quarter as a chill in domestic and global consumer demand hit manufacturers and service providers. Data for the quarter is set to be released later on Friday. The government is already considering rolling out a slew of 'big-bang' economic reforms in the first 100 days of Modi's second term, with a focus on privatisation of state assets and relaxation of labour and land rules for businesses, a top official at the government's main think tank said. A post-graduate in Economics, Sitharaman earlier served as a national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is still remembered as one of its most articulate spokespersons, who fiercely attacked the Congress government over its various policies. Now a seasoned politician, Sitharaman counts travel, trekking, music and cooking among her hobbies. (With inputs from agencies)

Nirmala Sitharaman replaces Arun Jaitley as India's Finance Minister

In the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">portfolio allocation</a>, which was announced on Friday, a new ministry, Jal Shakti, has been introduced, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s poll promise of providing safe drinking water to people.

Member of Parliament from Jodhpur, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gajendra-singh-shekhawat-jodhpur-mp-who-gave-gehlot-the-blues-222945">Gajendra Singh Shekhawat</a>, who defeated the son of Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, will head the Jal Shakti Ministry. It has been created by reorganising the earlier Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, which was held by Nitin Gadkari in the previous government.

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has also been added to it. During an election rally in Tamil Nadu, Modi last month had assured that if voted back to power, his government would ensure the establishment of a separate Jal Shakti Ministry.

"After May 23, when the Modi Government will once again assume office, there will be a separate Ministry for Jal Shakti. This Ministry will cater to many aspects relating to water," Prime Minister Modi had said.

"The NDA govt had devoted a lot of attention to Water resources. There will be a separate ministry for Jal Shakti to ensure clean water and top class irrigation water facilities for the farmers," he added.BJP's manifesto had also promised to set up a unified Ministry of Water to end the water woes in the country.

From April to July every year, the water situation in at least eight states in the country is grim. The Centre recently issued a drought advisory to Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, asking them to use water judiciously in the coming weeks as water storage in dams dropped to a critical level.

With almost all of rural India depending on monsoon rain for agriculture and domestic purpose, there is a desperate need for water management on a war footing.&nbsp;

Watch: Modi 2.0 cabinet portfolios announced: Nirmala gets Finance, Amit Shah takes Home

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&nbsp;

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In the portfolio allocation, which was announced on Friday, a new ministry, Jal Shakti, has been introduced, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s poll promise of providing safe drinking water to people.

In the portfolio allocation, which was announced on Friday, a new ministry, Jal Shakti, has been introduced, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s poll promise of providing safe drinking water to people. Member of Parliament from Jodhpur, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who defeated the son of Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, will head the Jal Shakti Ministry. It has been created by reorganising the earlier Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, which was held by Nitin Gadkari in the previous government. Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has also been added to it. During an election rally in Tamil Nadu, Modi last month had assured that if voted back to power, his government would ensure the establishment of a separate Jal Shakti Ministry. "After May 23, when the Modi Government will once again assume office, there will be a separate Ministry for Jal Shakti. This Ministry will cater to many aspects relating to water," Prime Minister Modi had said. "The NDA govt had devoted a lot of attention to Water resources. There will be a separate ministry for Jal Shakti to ensure clean water and top class irrigation water facilities for the farmers," he added.BJP's manifesto had also promised to set up a unified Ministry of Water to end the water woes in the country. From April to July every year, the water situation in at least eight states in the country is grim. The Centre recently issued a drought advisory to Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, asking them to use water judiciously in the coming weeks as water storage in dams dropped to a critical level. With almost all of rural India depending on monsoon rain for agriculture and domestic purpose, there is a desperate need for water management on a war footing. Watch: Modi 2.0 cabinet portfolios announced: Nirmala gets Finance, Amit Shah takes Home ×

As promised, PM Narendra Modi forms Jal Shakti ministry

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-taking-oath-pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-kyrgyzstan-president-223008">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Friday held separate meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, exploring ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

A day after taking charge as prime minister for a second term, Modi also held extensive talks with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth.

The foreign leaders came to India to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

In the meeting between Modi and Sirisena, both leaders noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity and expressed commitment for closer bilateral cooperation for peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, the external affairs ministry said.

Sri Lanka was hit by a wave of bombings last month in which over 250 people were killed.&nbsp;

Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet

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"Modi warmly thanked President Sirisena for his gesture of attending the ceremony and also for his good wishes. He conveyed his government's continued commitment to further foster friendly bilateral ties with Sri Lanka," the MEA said.

On the meeting between Modi and Jugnauth, it said both leaders agreed to work together to achieve the shared vision of security and growth of the two countries and the Indian Ocean region.

"Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Jugnauth and reiterated his commitment to further strengthening the fraternal and enduring bilateral ties between the two countries in all spheres," said the MEA.&nbsp;

Modi also held talks with his Nepal counterpart K P Sharma Oli during which both leaders expressed their commitment in further deepening relations.

On Modi's talks with Bhutanese PM Tshering, the MEA said the two leaders discussed bilateral commitments and agreed to further solidify the traditionally strong ties.

The prime minister also held a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid during which they exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.&nbsp;

In his first engagement after being sworn in, the prime minister held a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who attended the oath taking ceremony as the Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

"Recalling that India and Kyrgyzstan have warm and friendly relations, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the strengthening of bilateral cooperation over the years," the MEA said.

India invited leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries as well as Jeenbekov and Jugnauth for Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.

In 2014, Modi had invited all SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony, in a major initiative to reach out to the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

However, this time, the BIMSTEC leaders were invited, which was seen as an attempt to avoid inviting Pakistan for the event.

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of $3.5 trillion.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday held separate meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, exploring ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday held separate meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, exploring ways to further strengthen bilateral ties. A day after taking charge as prime minister for a second term, Modi also held extensive talks with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth. The foreign leaders came to India to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony. In the meeting between Modi and Sirisena, both leaders noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity and expressed commitment for closer bilateral cooperation for peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, the external affairs ministry said. Sri Lanka was hit by a wave of bombings last month in which over 250 people were killed. Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet × "Modi warmly thanked President Sirisena for his gesture of attending the ceremony and also for his good wishes. He conveyed his government's continued commitment to further foster friendly bilateral ties with Sri Lanka," the MEA said. On the meeting between Modi and Jugnauth, it said both leaders agreed to work together to achieve the shared vision of security and growth of the two countries and the Indian Ocean region. "Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Jugnauth and reiterated his commitment to further strengthening the fraternal and enduring bilateral ties between the two countries in all spheres," said the MEA. Modi also held talks with his Nepal counterpart K P Sharma Oli during which both leaders expressed their commitment in further deepening relations. On Modi's talks with Bhutanese PM Tshering, the MEA said the two leaders discussed bilateral commitments and agreed to further solidify the traditionally strong ties. The prime minister also held a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid during which they exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. In his first engagement after being sworn in, the prime minister held a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who attended the oath taking ceremony as the Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. "Recalling that India and Kyrgyzstan have warm and friendly relations, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the strengthening of bilateral cooperation over the years," the MEA said. India invited leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries as well as Jeenbekov and Jugnauth for Modi's swearing-in ceremony. Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan. In 2014, Modi had invited all SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony, in a major initiative to reach out to the neighbourhood. However, this time, the BIMSTEC leaders were invited, which was seen as an attempt to avoid inviting Pakistan for the event. Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of $3.5 trillion.

PM holds bilateral talks with BIMSTEC leaders; focus on boosting ties

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-man-of-all-seasons-carries-vajpayees-legacy-of-ajatshatru-222854">Rajnath Singh </a>was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet</a>. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure.

Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan and China, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister.

He represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, a constituency he won for the second consecutive in recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, he represented Gautam Budhh Nagar in 2009.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Amit Shah, PM Modi's right-hand man, is India's new Home Minister</a>

A politician for over four decades, Singh is well known for maintaining cordial relations with political leaders irrespective of their parties.

Known for his excellent oratory skills, the 67-year-old leader started his career as an RSS volunteer and joined politics in 1974 as secretary of Jana Sangh's Mirzapur unit. He was later elected as an MP from Mirzapur in 1977.He also served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as a Cabinet Minister during Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government.

Watch: Amit Shah gets Home, Rajnath Singh defence, Nirmala Sitharaman finance

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One of the senior most leaders in the Modi Cabinet, he has also served as the president of the BJP twice, 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday took the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan for a second consecutive term.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/modi-20-prominent-faces-of-the-58-member-ministerial-team-222972">In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team</a>

Rajnath Singh was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure.

Rajnath Singh was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure. Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan and China, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister. He represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, a constituency he won for the second consecutive in recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, he represented Gautam Budhh Nagar in 2009. Also read: Amit Shah, PM Modi's right-hand man, is India's new Home Minister A politician for over four decades, Singh is well known for maintaining cordial relations with political leaders irrespective of their parties. Known for his excellent oratory skills, the 67-year-old leader started his career as an RSS volunteer and joined politics in 1974 as secretary of Jana Sangh's Mirzapur unit. He was later elected as an MP from Mirzapur in 1977.He also served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as a Cabinet Minister during Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government. Watch: Amit Shah gets Home, Rajnath Singh defence, Nirmala Sitharaman finance × One of the senior most leaders in the Modi Cabinet, he has also served as the president of the BJP twice, 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014. The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha. Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday took the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan for a second consecutive term. In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team

Rajnath Singh moves to South Block, gets Defence Ministry

BJP president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Amit Shah has been appointed as Home Minister</a> while former Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been given Defence in the portfolios announced today in the BJP's Cabinet as Modi begins his second innings as Prime Minister after the landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-is-the-new-foreign-minister-will-replace-sushma-swaraj-223083">Subrahmanyam Jaishankar</a>, surprise pick in the new Narendra Modi government, will take over as the foreign minister of the country.&nbsp;

The high-profile foreign affairs portfolio was handled by Sushma Swaraj who refused to be part of the new dispensation due to health issues.&nbsp;

Former Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nirmala-sitharaman-the-first-full-time-woman-defence-minister-retained-as-union-minister-222866">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> will take charge as Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs while&nbsp;Ravi Shankar Prasad&nbsp;retained his earlier portfolio&nbsp;of Minister of Law and Justice.&nbsp;

Ramvilas Paswan is Minister of Consumer Affairs while Narendra Singh Tomar has been appointed as Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/modi-20-prominent-faces-of-the-58-member-ministerial-team-222972">In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team</a>

DV Sadananda Gowda has been appointed as Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers while Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan and have retained their respective portfolios of Railways and Petroleum.&nbsp;Goyal has also been given Commerce and Industry, a portfolio held by&nbsp;Suresh Prabhu during&nbsp;Modi's first term.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-the-return-of-giant-slayer-222868">Smriti Irani,</a> who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi, has been given Women and Child Development.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Pralhad Joshi has been given Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs while Giriraj Singh is Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.&nbsp;

Harsh Vardhan has been appointed Ministry of Health and Family Welfare while Prakash Javadekar is Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.&nbsp;

Santhosh Kumar Gangwar, Rao Inderjit Singh, Shripad Yesso Naik, Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju and Prahalad Singh Patel have been given independent Charge.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain the Department of Personnel and Training, Atomic Energy and Space as well as all important policy issues and portfolios not allocated.&nbsp;
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Nitin Gadkari considered one of the best performers during the first term of Modi government for his expeditious project implementation, will continue to be the minister for Road Transport and Highways and has also been given charge of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Piyush Goyal, who has presented the interim budget earlier this year and was expected to take over from Jaitley, has been given the Commerce and Industry ministry in addition to his old charge of Railways. However, the Coal ministry has been taken away from him and given to Pralhad Joshi, a new entrant in Modi Government.

Joshi will also be the minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Mines.&nbsp;

A new Ministry of Jal Shakti has been created and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will be its minister.

Ujjwala-man Dharmendra Pradhan retains his Petroleum portfolio and has also been given charge of the Steel ministry.&nbsp;

Former Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhariyal 'Nishank' is the new Human Resource Development minister while Bihar ally and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan remain Consumer Affairs minister.

Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal continues to be the minister of Food Processing Industries, Thawar Chand Gehlot will be the new minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.&nbsp;

Former diplomat Hardeep Puri will be the new minister of state with Independent charge of Civil Aviation while former IAS bureaucrat R K Singh will retain the ministries of Power and Renewable Energy in the same capacity.&nbsp;

Eight-term BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh Santosh Kumar Gangwar will be MoS with Independent charge for Labour and Employment.&nbsp;

The BJP capped a massive mandate by winning a total of 303 seats while the NDA has 353 MPs in the recently elected 17th Lok Sabha.

(With inputs from agencies)

BJP president Amit Shah has been appointed as Home Minister while former Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been given Defence in the portfolios announced today in the BJP's Cabinet as Modi begins his second innings as Prime Minister after the landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

BJP president Amit Shah has been appointed as Home Minister while former Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been given Defence in the portfolios announced today in the BJP's Cabinet as Modi begins his second innings as Prime Minister after the landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, surprise pick in the new Narendra Modi government, will take over as the foreign minister of the country. The high-profile foreign affairs portfolio was handled by Sushma Swaraj who refused to be part of the new dispensation due to health issues. Former Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will take charge as Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs while Ravi Shankar Prasad retained his earlier portfolio of Minister of Law and Justice. Ramvilas Paswan is Minister of Consumer Affairs while Narendra Singh Tomar has been appointed as Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team DV Sadananda Gowda has been appointed as Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers while Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan and have retained their respective portfolios of Railways and Petroleum. Goyal has also been given Commerce and Industry, a portfolio held by Suresh Prabhu during Modi's first term. Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet × Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi, has been given Women and Child Development. Pralhad Joshi has been given Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs while Giriraj Singh is Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. Harsh Vardhan has been appointed Ministry of Health and Family Welfare while Prakash Javadekar is Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Santhosh Kumar Gangwar, Rao Inderjit Singh, Shripad Yesso Naik, Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju and Prahalad Singh Patel have been given independent Charge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain the Department of Personnel and Training, Atomic Energy and Space as well as all important policy issues and portfolios not allocated. Nitin Gadkari considered one of the best performers during the first term of Modi government for his expeditious project implementation, will continue to be the minister for Road Transport and Highways and has also been given charge of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Piyush Goyal, who has presented the interim budget earlier this year and was expected to take over from Jaitley, has been given the Commerce and Industry ministry in addition to his old charge of Railways. However, the Coal ministry has been taken away from him and given to Pralhad Joshi, a new entrant in Modi Government. Joshi will also be the minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Mines. A new Ministry of Jal Shakti has been created and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will be its minister. Ujjwala-man Dharmendra Pradhan retains his Petroleum portfolio and has also been given charge of the Steel ministry. Former Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhariyal 'Nishank' is the new Human Resource Development minister while Bihar ally and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan remain Consumer Affairs minister. Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal continues to be the minister of Food Processing Industries, Thawar Chand Gehlot will be the new minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Former diplomat Hardeep Puri will be the new minister of state with Independent charge of Civil Aviation while former IAS bureaucrat R K Singh will retain the ministries of Power and Renewable Energy in the same capacity. Eight-term BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh Santosh Kumar Gangwar will be MoS with Independent charge for Labour and Employment. The BJP capped a massive mandate by winning a total of 303 seats while the NDA has 353 MPs in the recently elected 17th Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi 2.0: Rajnath Singh is Defence Minister, Amit Shah Home; Nirmala Sitharaman gets Finance

Admiral Karambir Singh on Friday assumed charge as the 24th chief of the Indian Navy, becoming the first helicopter pilot to helm the force.&nbsp;

He succeeds Admiral Sunil Lanba who retired after a distinguished career spanning over four decades.&nbsp;

Before appointed to the top post, he served as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.

As Navy chief, Admiral Singh's immediate priority will be to expedite the long-delayed modernisation of the Indian Navy, including by inducting new warships, submarines and aircraft.

At present, the Navy has around 132 ships, 220 aircraft and 15 submarines.&nbsp;

Admiral Singh is also expected to focus on the expansion of India's presence and overall influence in the Indian Ocean region where China has been fast increasing its presence.

His promotion was challenged by Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on grounds of seniority.&nbsp;

However, the Defence ministry <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-ministry-rejects-vice-admiral-bimal-vermas-petition-challenging-appointment-of-navy-chief-219697">rejected Vice Admiral Verma's petition</a> following which he approached a military tribunal.&nbsp;

The Armed Forces Tribunal here allowed Admiral Singh to take charge as the new Navy chief, holding that his continuation will depend on the final outcome of the case. The next date of hearing in the case is July 17.

Admiral Singh is scheduled to continue in the post till November 2021.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, he held various key positions in the Navy in a career spanning over 39 years.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1980, he earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1981 and has flown extensively on the Chetak (Alouette) and Kamov helicopters.&nbsp;

He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai.&nbsp;

Admiral Singh has commanded Indian Coast Guard Ship Chandbibi, Missile Corvette INS Vijaydurg, as well as two Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Rana and INS Delhi.&nbsp;

He has also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. Ashore, he has served at Naval Headquarters as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff, and as Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Air Station at Mumbai.&nbsp;

On promotion to flag rank, the Admiral was appointed as the Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command.&nbsp;

In the rank of Vice Admiral, he was also the Director General of Project Seabird, looking after infrastructure development of the Navy's modern base at Karwar.&nbsp;

His other important flag appointments include Chief of Staff of the Tri-Services Unified Command at Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area (FOMAG).

At the Integrated Headquarters Ministry of Defence (Navy), the Admiral had served as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and, subsequently, the Vice Chief of Naval Staff. He is the first helicopter pilot to become Chief of Naval Staff.&nbsp;

Admiral Lanba, who retired on Friday, was an ardent supporter of tri-services Jointmanship and was instrumental in harmonising the efforts of the three Services in a number of critical areas.

The Navy chief retires after a three-year tenure or after attaining 62 years of age, whichever is earlier.

Admiral Karambir Singh on Friday assumed charge as the 24th chief of the Indian Navy, becoming the first helicopter pilot to helm the force. He succeeds Admiral Sunil Lanba who retired after a distinguished career spanning over four decades.

Admiral Karambir Singh on Friday assumed charge as the 24th chief of the Indian Navy, becoming the first helicopter pilot to helm the force. He succeeds Admiral Sunil Lanba who retired after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Before appointed to the top post, he served as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. As Navy chief, Admiral Singh's immediate priority will be to expedite the long-delayed modernisation of the Indian Navy, including by inducting new warships, submarines and aircraft. At present, the Navy has around 132 ships, 220 aircraft and 15 submarines. Admiral Singh is also expected to focus on the expansion of India's presence and overall influence in the Indian Ocean region where China has been fast increasing its presence. His promotion was challenged by Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on grounds of seniority. However, the Defence ministry rejected Vice Admiral Verma's petition following which he approached a military tribunal. The Armed Forces Tribunal here allowed Admiral Singh to take charge as the new Navy chief, holding that his continuation will depend on the final outcome of the case. The next date of hearing in the case is July 17. Admiral Singh is scheduled to continue in the post till November 2021. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, he held various key positions in the Navy in a career spanning over 39 years. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1980, he earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1981 and has flown extensively on the Chetak (Alouette) and Kamov helicopters. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai. Admiral Singh has commanded Indian Coast Guard Ship Chandbibi, Missile Corvette INS Vijaydurg, as well as two Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Rana and INS Delhi. He has also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. Ashore, he has served at Naval Headquarters as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff, and as Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Air Station at Mumbai. On promotion to flag rank, the Admiral was appointed as the Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command. In the rank of Vice Admiral, he was also the Director General of Project Seabird, looking after infrastructure development of the Navy's modern base at Karwar. His other important flag appointments include Chief of Staff of the Tri-Services Unified Command at Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area (FOMAG). At the Integrated Headquarters Ministry of Defence (Navy), the Admiral had served as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and, subsequently, the Vice Chief of Naval Staff. He is the first helicopter pilot to become Chief of Naval Staff. Admiral Lanba, who retired on Friday, was an ardent supporter of tri-services Jointmanship and was instrumental in harmonising the efforts of the three Services in a number of critical areas. The Navy chief retires after a three-year tenure or after attaining 62 years of age, whichever is earlier.

Admiral Karambir Singh assumes charge as new chief of Naval Staff

Modi 2.0: Amit Shah gets Home, Rajnath Singh defence, Nirmala Sitharaman finance

BJP president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-bjps-chanakya-now-enters-government-222850">Amit Shah</a>, who took oath as a minister on Thursday, has been made the new Home Minister of the country. The portfolio was earlier handled by Rajnath Singh, who has been moved to Defence.

Shah won the Lok Sabha polls from Gandhinagar in Gujarat defeating Congress's J Chavda by a record margin of more than five lakh votes. He is the most notable inclusion in the government and will serve at the Centre for the first time as a minister.

"Thankful to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for reposing faith in me. Your leadership and continued support is a great source of inspiration. I assure you that I will put my best efforts to serve our people and country," he tweeted after taking oath on Thursday.

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Thankful to Prime Minister Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji for reposing faith in me. Your leadership and continued support is a great source of inspiration. I assure you that I will put my best efforts to serve our people and country. <a href="https://t.co/ZDLgv5w4Fw">pic.twitter.com/ZDLgv5w4Fw</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1134141063596335104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">right-hand man</a> and long-time strategist, Shah would be in a powerful position as the country's home minister. He masterminded the BJP's landslide victory in the April-May general election in which the party won 303 of the 542 seats and is able to make the government on its own.

Shah has worked as Minister of State for Home Affairs in Gujarat when Modi was the chief minister of the state.

The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet will take place on Friday at 5:30 pm, a government official said.

The Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha includes 24 Cabinet ministers, nine Ministers of State with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS).

Top leaders who were sworn in as Cabinet ministers include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, DV Sadananda Gowda, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ram Vilas Paswan and former foreign secretary S Jaishankar, a surprise pick.

Rajnath Singh, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nirmala-sitharaman-the-first-full-time-woman-defence-minister-retained-as-union-minister-222866">Nirmala Sitharaman</a>, Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sadanand Gowda and representatives of BJP allies - Ram Vilas Paswan (LJSP), Harsimrat Kaur (Akali Dal), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena) and Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A) who will be a Minister of State (MoS) also took oath.

Some of the key ministers in the previous Modi government, including Sushma Swaraj, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Maneka Gandhi, are not a part of the new Council of Ministers, while former finance minister Arun Jaitley opted out of the new Cabinet citing health reasons.

BJP president Amit Shah, who took oath as a minister on Thursday, has been made the new Home Minister of the country. The portfolio was earlier handled by Rajnath Singh, who has been moved to Defence.

BJP president Amit Shah, who took oath as a minister on Thursday, has been made the new Home Minister of the country. The portfolio was earlier handled by Rajnath Singh, who has been moved to Defence. Shah won the Lok Sabha polls from Gandhinagar in Gujarat defeating Congress's J Chavda by a record margin of more than five lakh votes. He is the most notable inclusion in the government and will serve at the Centre for the first time as a minister. "Thankful to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for reposing faith in me. Your leadership and continued support is a great source of inspiration. I assure you that I will put my best efforts to serve our people and country," he tweeted after taking oath on Thursday. Thankful to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for reposing faith in me. Your leadership and continued support is a great source of inspiration. I assure you that I will put my best efforts to serve our people and country. pic.twitter.com/ZDLgv5w4Fw — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 30, 2019 × As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's right-hand man and long-time strategist, Shah would be in a powerful position as the country's home minister. He masterminded the BJP's landslide victory in the April-May general election in which the party won 303 of the 542 seats and is able to make the government on its own. Shah has worked as Minister of State for Home Affairs in Gujarat when Modi was the chief minister of the state. The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet will take place on Friday at 5:30 pm, a government official said. The Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha includes 24 Cabinet ministers, nine Ministers of State with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS). Top leaders who were sworn in as Cabinet ministers include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, DV Sadananda Gowda, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ram Vilas Paswan and former foreign secretary S Jaishankar, a surprise pick. Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sadanand Gowda and representatives of BJP allies - Ram Vilas Paswan (LJSP), Harsimrat Kaur (Akali Dal), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena) and Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A) who will be a Minister of State (MoS) also took oath. Some of the key ministers in the previous Modi government, including Sushma Swaraj, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Maneka Gandhi, are not a part of the new Council of Ministers, while former finance minister Arun Jaitley opted out of the new Cabinet citing health reasons.

Amit Shah, PM Modi's right-hand man, is India's new Home Minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-intensifies-across-nation-central-india-worst-hit-222451">Heat wave conditions</a> continued unabated in Delhi even as the MeT department on Friday issued a "red-colour" warning for the national capital.&nbsp;

It also predicted that the maximum temperature may hit the 45-degree Celsius mark by late afternoon.

The IMD has four colour-coded messages -- green, yellow, amber and red. Green indicates normal conditions while red denotes extreme weather situations.

A red-code warning has been issued for the national capital, the website of the India Meteorological Department said.

On Thursday, the MeT department recorded a high of 46.8 degree Celsius, the highest in five years.

The Safdarjung Observatory had recorded a maximum of 44.7 degrees Celsius, the highest for the season so far. The minimum temperature had settled at 26.8 degrees Celsius.

In large areas, the heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature is 45 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days and a severe heat wave is when the mercury touches the 47-degree mark for two days on the trot.&nbsp;

In small areas, like the national capital, the heat wave is declared if the temperature soars to 45 degrees Celsius even for a day, India Meteorological Department's regional weather forecasting chief Kuldeep Srivastav said.

Watch: Severe heat wave across the globe

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&nbsp;

Heat wave conditions continued unabated in Delhi even as the MeT department on Friday issued a "red-colour" warning for the national capital. It also predicted that the maximum temperature may hit the 45-degree Celsius mark by late afternoon.

Heat wave conditions continued unabated in Delhi even as the MeT department on Friday issued a "red-colour" warning for the national capital. It also predicted that the maximum temperature may hit the 45-degree Celsius mark by late afternoon. The IMD has four colour-coded messages -- green, yellow, amber and red. Green indicates normal conditions while red denotes extreme weather situations. A red-code warning has been issued for the national capital, the website of the India Meteorological Department said. On Thursday, the MeT department recorded a high of 46.8 degree Celsius, the highest in five years. The Safdarjung Observatory had recorded a maximum of 44.7 degrees Celsius, the highest for the season so far. The minimum temperature had settled at 26.8 degrees Celsius. In large areas, the heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature is 45 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days and a severe heat wave is when the mercury touches the 47-degree mark for two days on the trot. In small areas, like the national capital, the heat wave is declared if the temperature soars to 45 degrees Celsius even for a day, India Meteorological Department's regional weather forecasting chief Kuldeep Srivastav said. Watch: Severe heat wave across the globe ×

India Meteorological Department issues red-code warning for Delhi

The Delhi High Court Friday sought the response of former Telecom Minister A Raja and others on a plea by the CBI seeking an early hearing on the appeals challenging the trial court's verdict acquitting all accused in the 2G spectrum allocation case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought to prepone the date of hearing of the appeals from October 24.

The court issued a notice to all the individuals and firms, who were acquitted in the case, on the CBI's plea and listed the application for hearing on July 30.

Justice A K Chawla asked the CBI's counsel as to what was so special that they are seeking early hearing of this matter.

"What is the urgency now," the court asked.

Central government standing counsel Ripu Daman Bhardwaj said the matter was of national importance with international ramifications and the hearing on the appeals be preponed from October.

The CBI has sought an early hearing in the 2G spectrum allocation case as well as in a separate case arising out of the 2G scam probe in which Essar Group promoters Ravi Kant Ruia and Anshuman Ruia and six others were acquitted by the trial court.

A special court had on December 21, 2017, acquitted Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and others in the CBI and ED cases.

It had acquitted 17 others, including DMK supremo M Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal, Vinod Goenka, Asif Balwa, film producer Karim Morani, P Amirtham and Sharad Kumar, Director of Kalaignar TV in the ED case.

On the same day, the trial court had acquitted Raja, Kanimozhi and 15 others, including former telecom secretary Siddharth Behura, Raja's erstwhile private secretary R K Chandolia, Unitech Ltd MD Sanjay Chandra and three top executives of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (RADAG) -- Gautam

Doshi, Surendra Pipara and Hari Nair, in the CBI's 2G case.

Swan Telecom promoters Shahid Usman Balwa and Vinod Goenka and directors of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd Asif Balwa and Rajiv Agarwal were also acquitted in the CBI case.

On March 19 last year, the ED had approached the high court challenging the special court's order acquitting all the accused.

A day later, the CBI too had challenged in the high court the acquittal of the accused in the case.

The ED, in its charge sheet, had alleged that Rs 200 crore was paid by STPL promoters to DMK-run Kalaignar TV.

The CBI had alleged that there was a loss of Rs 30,984 crore to the exchequer in allocation of licences for the 2G spectrum which was scrapped by the top court on February 2, 2012.

Special Judge O P Saini, however, had held that the prosecution had "miserably failed" to prove the charges.

The special court, which was set up on March 14, 2011, for hearing 2G cases exclusively, had also acquitted Essar Group promoters Ravi Kant Ruia and

Anshuman Ruia and six others in a separate case arising out of the 2G scam probe.

In the CBI case, Raja, Kanimozhi and 15 others were tried under provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act dealing with offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, using as genuine fake documents, abusing the official position, criminal misconduct by public servant and taking a bribe.

The Delhi High Court Friday sought the response of former Telecom Minister A Raja and others on a plea by the CBI seeking an early hearing on the appeals challenging the trial court's verdict acquitting all accused in the 2G spectrum allocation case.

The Delhi High Court Friday sought the response of former Telecom Minister A Raja and others on a plea by the CBI seeking an early hearing on the appeals challenging the trial court's verdict acquitting all accused in the 2G spectrum allocation case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought to prepone the date of hearing of the appeals from October 24. The court issued a notice to all the individuals and firms, who were acquitted in the case, on the CBI's plea and listed the application for hearing on July 30. Justice A K Chawla asked the CBI's counsel as to what was so special that they are seeking early hearing of this matter. "What is the urgency now," the court asked. Central government standing counsel Ripu Daman Bhardwaj said the matter was of national importance with international ramifications and the hearing on the appeals be preponed from October. The CBI has sought an early hearing in the 2G spectrum allocation case as well as in a separate case arising out of the 2G scam probe in which Essar Group promoters Ravi Kant Ruia and Anshuman Ruia and six others were acquitted by the trial court. A special court had on December 21, 2017, acquitted Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and others in the CBI and ED cases. It had acquitted 17 others, including DMK supremo M Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal, Vinod Goenka, Asif Balwa, film producer Karim Morani, P Amirtham and Sharad Kumar, Director of Kalaignar TV in the ED case. On the same day, the trial court had acquitted Raja, Kanimozhi and 15 others, including former telecom secretary Siddharth Behura, Raja's erstwhile private secretary R K Chandolia, Unitech Ltd MD Sanjay Chandra and three top executives of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (RADAG) -- Gautam Doshi, Surendra Pipara and Hari Nair, in the CBI's 2G case. Swan Telecom promoters Shahid Usman Balwa and Vinod Goenka and directors of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd Asif Balwa and Rajiv Agarwal were also acquitted in the CBI case. On March 19 last year, the ED had approached the high court challenging the special court's order acquitting all the accused. A day later, the CBI too had challenged in the high court the acquittal of the accused in the case. The ED, in its charge sheet, had alleged that Rs 200 crore was paid by STPL promoters to DMK-run Kalaignar TV. The CBI had alleged that there was a loss of Rs 30,984 crore to the exchequer in allocation of licences for the 2G spectrum which was scrapped by the top court on February 2, 2012. Special Judge O P Saini, however, had held that the prosecution had "miserably failed" to prove the charges. The special court, which was set up on March 14, 2011, for hearing 2G cases exclusively, had also acquitted Essar Group promoters Ravi Kant Ruia and Anshuman Ruia and six others in a separate case arising out of the 2G scam probe. In the CBI case, Raja, Kanimozhi and 15 others were tried under provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act dealing with offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, using as genuine fake documents, abusing the official position, criminal misconduct by public servant and taking a bribe.

2G case: High Court seeks response of Raja, others on CBI's early hearing plea

The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet will take place on Friday at 5:30 pm, a government official said. Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in</a> on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha includes 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS).

Top leaders who were sworn in as cabinet ministers include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, DV Sadananda Gowda, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ram Vilas Paswan and former foreign secretary S Jaishankar, a surprise pick.

Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sadanand Gowda and Representatives of BJP allies--Ram Vilas Paswan (LJSP), Harsimrat Kaur (Akali Dal), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena) and Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A) who will be a Minister of State (MoS) also took oath.

Some of the key ministers in the previous Modi government, including Sushma Swaraj, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Maneka Gandhi, are not a part of the new council of ministers, while former finance minister Arun Jaitley opted out of the new cabinet citing health reasons.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben cheers for him on TV

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&nbsp;

The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet will take place on Friday at 5:30 pm, a government official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet will take place on Friday at 5:30 pm, a government official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha includes 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS). Top leaders who were sworn in as cabinet ministers include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, DV Sadananda Gowda, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ram Vilas Paswan and former foreign secretary S Jaishankar, a surprise pick. Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sadanand Gowda and Representatives of BJP allies--Ram Vilas Paswan (LJSP), Harsimrat Kaur (Akali Dal), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena) and Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A) who will be a Minister of State (MoS) also took oath. Some of the key ministers in the previous Modi government, including Sushma Swaraj, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Maneka Gandhi, are not a part of the new council of ministers, while former finance minister Arun Jaitley opted out of the new cabinet citing health reasons. Watch: PM Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben cheers for him on TV ×

Meeting of new Union Cabinet to be held in Delhi today

"Never asked for two seats, as reported in media. The government gave us a symbolic representation. We informed them that it is ok we don't need it. It is not a big issue, we are fully in NDA and not upset at all. We are working together,no confusion," says JDU chief Nitish Kumar. Watch this video to know more.

Nitish Kumar denies grudge against BJP over cabinet berths

The newly inducted Narendra Modi government will hold its first Cabinet meeting on Friday. According to reports, the cabinet meeting will be held around 5 PM on Friday. Watch this video to know more.

All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deadline-for-finalisation-of-assam-nrc-will-not-be-extended-supreme-court-216925">NRC (National Register of Citizens</a>) co-ordinator, Prateek Hajela, to give a fair hearing to all those who wish to get themselves enrolled in the NRC process, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The top court added that the process should not be cut short and that the same should be completed by July 31.

Earlier this month, the apex court had ruled that it will not extend the July 31 deadline for finalisation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

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Supreme Court today asked the NRC (National Register of Citizens) Co-ordinator, Prateek Hajela, to consider and give a fair hearing to all the persons who wish to get themselves enrolled in the NRC process, without cut shorting the process and complete the same by July 31. <a href="https://t.co/652V0WUBDP">pic.twitter.com/652V0WUBDP</a>
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The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Court.

The final draft of NRC was released on July 30, 2018, that included the names of 2.9 crore people out of the total applications of 3.29 crore. Around 40.7 lakh people had found their names excluded from the list.

A window ending December 31, 2018, was provided for those who wanted to file claims for re-inclusion.

Within this same period, people who suspected that foreigners have made their way to the list were also allowed to file their objections.

The first draft was published during the intervening nights of December 31, 2017, and January 1, 2018, containing 1.9 crore names.&nbsp;

The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants".

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the NRC (National Register of Citizens) co-ordinator, Prateek Hajela, to give a fair hearing to all those who wish to get themselves enrolled in the NRC process, news agency ANI reported.

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the NRC (National Register of Citizens) co-ordinator, Prateek Hajela, to give a fair hearing to all those who wish to get themselves enrolled in the NRC process, news agency ANI reported. The top court added that the process should not be cut short and that the same should be completed by July 31. Earlier this month, the apex court had ruled that it will not extend the July 31 deadline for finalisation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. Supreme Court today asked the NRC (National Register of Citizens) Co-ordinator, Prateek Hajela, to consider and give a fair hearing to all the persons who wish to get themselves enrolled in the NRC process, without cut shorting the process and complete the same by July 31. pic.twitter.com/652V0WUBDP — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2019 × The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Court. The final draft of NRC was released on July 30, 2018, that included the names of 2.9 crore people out of the total applications of 3.29 crore. Around 40.7 lakh people had found their names excluded from the list. A window ending December 31, 2018, was provided for those who wanted to file claims for re-inclusion. Within this same period, people who suspected that foreigners have made their way to the list were also allowed to file their objections. The first draft was published during the intervening nights of December 31, 2017, and January 1, 2018, containing 1.9 crore names. The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants".

Give fair hearing to all those who wish to get enrolled: Supreme Court on NRC list 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rain-lashes-vijayawada-venue-of-andhra-pradesh-cm-swearing-in-ceremony-affected-222612">YS Jagan Mohan Reddy</a>, popularly known as Jagan Reddy, has emerged tall after an epic electoral win, vanquishing his rivals to claim the top seat in Andhra Pradesh.

Yeduguri Sandinti Jagan Mohan Reddy, the president of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), who made his electoral debut in the year 2009, the same year in which his father Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy or YSR, became the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

The political journey of the businessman-turned-politician has indeed been meteoric.

Nearly a decade after YSR was tragically killed in a helicopter crash, Jagan who won the Lok Sabha seat in 2009 from home turf Kadappa, is set to succeed him as Chief Minister.

Watch: Jagan Reddy trumps Chandrababu Naidu

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While Jagan was ready to take over as CM after his father's death and had the backing of many legislators, the Congress party, then led by Sonia Gandhi, had other plans and propped up K Rosiah in the chief minister's chair whom they replaced with Kiran Kumar Reddy.

Jagan, along with his mother Y S Vijayamma quit the Congress in 2010 to start his own party.

Jagan had then faced a series of corruption charges, which was slapped on him and his aides by the CBI after the High Court ordered a probe against him.

He was arrested and jailed in 2012 and spent a total of 16 months in prison before being released on bail, just a few months before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

In that year, the YSRCP won 67 seats in the assembly and ate into the Congress position in Andhra politics, relegating it to second place in the state.

Success eluded him in the 2014 general elections but lost out to Chandrababu Naidu who had tied up with actor Pawan Kalyan. There was also massive poaching of his MPs and MLAs by Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

However, Jagan refused to admit defeat and geared up for another fight with a record padayatara, which stretched for 14 months and ended this January.

Jagan travelled through all the districts of Andhra Pradesh talking to, shaking hands with and mingling with people, emulating his father's trademark style.

The 47-year-old leader finally swept into power after the 2019 elections defeating a 69-year-old Chandrababu Naidu who had snapped ties with the NDA government and had attempted to stitch together a non-BJP, non-NDA government at the Centre.

Jagan will take oath as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mk-stalin-to-attend-andhra-pradesh-chief-minister-elect-jagan-mohan-reddys-swearing-in-ceremony-on-may-30-222261">the second Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh</a> post its bifurcation today. Governor E S L Narasimhan will administer the oath of office and secrecy at Vijayawada's Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium at 12.23 pm.

The YSRCP got an absolute majority in 175-member strong Assembly.

The party won 151 seats out of 175, whereas TDP's strength was drastically reduced from 102 in the 2014 Assembly elections to a mere 23.

YSRCP polled 49.9 per cent votes, while TDP got a 39.2 per cent vote share.

One seat went to the Jana Sena Party led by actor-turn politician Pawan Kalyan.YSRCP also bagged 22 Lok Sabha seats out of 25 in the state, while TDP could get only three seats.

Taking a jibe at Naidu, Jaganmohan Reddy recently said, "The fate of Chandrababu Naidu proves that God will punish those who act without justice. Chandrababu had purchased and grabbed 23 MLAs and three MPs of YSRCP in 2014. But now in 2019, his party TDP is left with 23 MLAs and three MPs. God alone can write such great script and do such a wonderful poetic justice."&nbsp;

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, popularly known as Jagan Reddy, has emerged tall after an epic electoral win, vanquishing his rivals to claim the top seat in Andhra Pradesh.

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, popularly known as Jagan Reddy, has emerged tall after an epic electoral win, vanquishing his rivals to claim the top seat in Andhra Pradesh. Yeduguri Sandinti Jagan Mohan Reddy, the president of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), who made his electoral debut in the year 2009, the same year in which his father Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy or YSR, became the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh. The political journey of the businessman-turned-politician has indeed been meteoric. Nearly a decade after YSR was tragically killed in a helicopter crash, Jagan who won the Lok Sabha seat in 2009 from home turf Kadappa, is set to succeed him as Chief Minister. Watch: Jagan Reddy trumps Chandrababu Naidu While Jagan was ready to take over as CM after his father's death and had the backing of many legislators, the Congress party, then led by Sonia Gandhi, had other plans and propped up K Rosiah in the chief minister's chair whom they replaced with Kiran Kumar Reddy. Jagan, along with his mother Y S Vijayamma quit the Congress in 2010 to start his own party. Jagan had then faced a series of corruption charges, which was slapped on him and his aides by the CBI after the High Court ordered a probe against him. He was arrested and jailed in 2012 and spent a total of 16 months in prison before being released on bail, just a few months before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. In that year, the YSRCP won 67 seats in the assembly and ate into the Congress position in Andhra politics, relegating it to second place in the state. Success eluded him in the 2014 general elections but lost out to Chandrababu Naidu who had tied up with actor Pawan Kalyan. There was also massive poaching of his MPs and MLAs by Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP). However, Jagan refused to admit defeat and geared up for another fight with a record padayatara, which stretched for 14 months and ended this January. Jagan travelled through all the districts of Andhra Pradesh talking to, shaking hands with and mingling with people, emulating his father's trademark style. The 47-year-old leader finally swept into power after the 2019 elections defeating a 69-year-old Chandrababu Naidu who had snapped ties with the NDA government and had attempted to stitch together a non-BJP, non-NDA government at the Centre. Jagan will take oath as the second Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh post its bifurcation today. Governor E S L Narasimhan will administer the oath of office and secrecy at Vijayawada's Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium at 12.23 pm. The YSRCP got an absolute majority in 175-member strong Assembly. The party won 151 seats out of 175, whereas TDP's strength was drastically reduced from 102 in the 2014 Assembly elections to a mere 23. YSRCP polled 49.9 per cent votes, while TDP got a 39.2 per cent vote share. One seat went to the Jana Sena Party led by actor-turn politician Pawan Kalyan.YSRCP also bagged 22 Lok Sabha seats out of 25 in the state, while TDP could get only three seats. Taking a jibe at Naidu, Jaganmohan Reddy recently said, "The fate of Chandrababu Naidu proves that God will punish those who act without justice. Chandrababu had purchased and grabbed 23 MLAs and three MPs of YSRCP in 2014. But now in 2019, his party TDP is left with 23 MLAs and three MPs. God alone can write such great script and do such a wonderful poetic justice."

The metoric rise of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was sworn in as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh at Indira Gandhi Municipal stadium in Vijayawada on Thursday.

Governor E S L Narasimhan administered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-metoric-rise-of-ys-jaganmohan-reddy-222617">oath of office</a> and secrecy at 12.23 pm in the presence of several VVIPs, including Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, DMK president MK Stalin and leaders of various other political parties.

Jagan is the son of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy.&nbsp;

He was earlier a Member of Parliament from Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

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Around 30,000 people attended the ceremony at the IGMC Stadium and the Krishna district administration had made elaborate security arrangements with 5,000 police personnel deployed at the venue.&nbsp;

YSRCP registered a landslide victory in the 175-member strong Assembly in the recently held election.

The party won 151 seats out of 175, whereas TDP`s strength was drastically reduced from 102 in the 2014 Assembly elections to a mere 23.&nbsp;

YSRCP polled 49.9 per cent votes, while TDP got a 39.2 per cent vote share.&nbsp;

YSRCP also bagged 22 Lok Sabha seats out of 25 in the state, while TDP managed just three seats.

Taking a jibe at Naidu, Jaganmohan Reddy recently said, "The fate of Chandrababu Naidu proves that God will punish those who act without justice. Chandrababu had purchased and grabbed 23 MLAs and three MPs of YSRCP in 2014. But now in 2019, his party is left with 23 MLAs and three MPs. God alone can write such great script and do such a wonderful poetic justice."

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was sworn in as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh at Indira Gandhi Municipal stadium in Vijayawada on Thursday. Governor E S L Narasimhan administered the oath of office and secrecy at 12.

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was sworn in as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh at Indira Gandhi Municipal stadium in Vijayawada on Thursday. Governor E S L Narasimhan administered the oath of office and secrecy at 12.23 pm in the presence of several VVIPs, including Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, DMK president MK Stalin and leaders of various other political parties. Jagan is the son of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. He was earlier a Member of Parliament from Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, in Vijayawada. pic.twitter.com/WeUouHNT8P — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2019 × Around 30,000 people attended the ceremony at the IGMC Stadium and the Krishna district administration had made elaborate security arrangements with 5,000 police personnel deployed at the venue. YSRCP registered a landslide victory in the 175-member strong Assembly in the recently held election. The party won 151 seats out of 175, whereas TDP`s strength was drastically reduced from 102 in the 2014 Assembly elections to a mere 23. YSRCP polled 49.9 per cent votes, while TDP got a 39.2 per cent vote share. YSRCP also bagged 22 Lok Sabha seats out of 25 in the state, while TDP managed just three seats. Taking a jibe at Naidu, Jaganmohan Reddy recently said, "The fate of Chandrababu Naidu proves that God will punish those who act without justice. Chandrababu had purchased and grabbed 23 MLAs and three MPs of YSRCP in 2014. But now in 2019, his party is left with 23 MLAs and three MPs. God alone can write such great script and do such a wonderful poetic justice."

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy sworn in as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-denies-issuing-second-summon-to-former-kolkata-police-commissioner-rajeev-kumar-222348">ADG CID Rajeev Kumar</a> on Thursday moved the Calcutta High Court seeking the quashing of a notice served on him by the CBI in connection with alleged 
suppression of facts in the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

The CBI had sent a notice to Kumar asking him to appear before it for assisting the probe into the case.

Justice Pratik Prakash Banerjee granted leave to Kumar's counsel for filing a petition in the registry of the court and moved the matter for hearing at 2 pm.

Earlier in the day, Kumar's counsel had moved the vacation bench of the high court and prayed for leave to file the petition.

The state government recently reinstated former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who was removed by the poll panel as Additional Director General, CID, before the seventh phase of polling.

The Supreme Court had last week dismissed a plea of Kumar seeking an extension of protection from arrest in the multi-crore chit fund scam case.

A vacation bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said Kumar can approach the Calcutta High Court or a trial court here for seeking relief in the case.&nbsp;

ADG CID Rajeev Kumar on Thursday moved the Calcutta High Court seeking the quashing of a notice served on him by the CBI in connection with alleged suppression of facts in the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

ADG CID Rajeev Kumar on Thursday moved the Calcutta High Court seeking the quashing of a notice served on him by the CBI in connection with alleged suppression of facts in the Saradha chit fund scam probe. The CBI had sent a notice to Kumar asking him to appear before it for assisting the probe into the case. Justice Pratik Prakash Banerjee granted leave to Kumar's counsel for filing a petition in the registry of the court and moved the matter for hearing at 2 pm. Earlier in the day, Kumar's counsel had moved the vacation bench of the high court and prayed for leave to file the petition. The state government recently reinstated former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who was removed by the poll panel as Additional Director General, CID, before the seventh phase of polling. The Supreme Court had last week dismissed a plea of Kumar seeking an extension of protection from arrest in the multi-crore chit fund scam case. A vacation bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said Kumar can approach the Calcutta High Court or a trial court here for seeking relief in the case.

Kolkata ex-top cop moves High Court, seeks quashing of CBI notice in chit fund case

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India Watch; 29th May, 2019

Time magazine has changed its track on PM-elect Narendra Modi. A recent article on Time's website says "Modi United India". But despite the decisive mandate, some critics are trying to deny legitimacy to Modi's victory. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the story. Did any other world leader get a sweeping victory like Narendra Modi? No other world leader has a decisive mandate like India's Prime Minister-elect.

Gravitas: Does any world leader have a bigger mandate than Narendra Modi?

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