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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/rahul-gandhi-not-ready-to-withdraw-his-resignation-congress-leader-tarun-gogoi-222697">Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a> on Thursday met NCP leader Sharad Pawar at the latter's residence and is learnt to have discussed the current political situation with him.

Gandhi, who has been insisting on resigning as Congress chief after the Lok Sabha polls debacle, drove to Pawar's residence and spent nearly an hour with him where it is learnt that the NCP chief also told him to continue as party chief.

Details of the meeting were not immediately available.

Pawar was in the Congress before he floated the Nationalist Congress Party in 1999. NCP is part of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA).

Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy met Rahul Gandhi at his residence, where Sonia Gandhi was also present. Kumaraswamy urged Rahul Gandhi not to quit as party chief.

Meanwhile, party senior leader Ahmed Patel met Mallikarjun Kharge at the AICC headquarters and later met former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met NCP leader Sharad Pawar at the latter's residence and is learnt to have discussed the current political situation with him.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met NCP leader Sharad Pawar at the latter's residence and is learnt to have discussed the current political situation with him. Gandhi, who has been insisting on resigning as Congress chief after the Lok Sabha polls debacle, drove to Pawar's residence and spent nearly an hour with him where it is learnt that the NCP chief also told him to continue as party chief. Details of the meeting were not immediately available. Pawar was in the Congress before he floated the Nationalist Congress Party in 1999. NCP is part of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy met Rahul Gandhi at his residence, where Sonia Gandhi was also present. Kumaraswamy urged Rahul Gandhi not to quit as party chief. Meanwhile, party senior leader Ahmed Patel met Mallikarjun Kharge at the AICC headquarters and later met former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi meets NCP leader Sharad Pawar

Three newly elected MPs from Karnataka will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-smriti-irani-nitin-gadkari-some-allies-get-calls-as-modi-gears-up-to-take-oath-as-pm-222706">taking oath as members of Union Council of Ministers</a>, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening.

They are D V Sadananda Gowda, who was a member of the Modi Cabinet earlier, Pralhad Joshi, a four-time MP from Dharwad and Suresh Angadi, four-time MP from Belgaum.

The three MPs announced their induction into the Council of Ministers on Twitter.

"I congratulate shri @JoshiPralhad ji and @AngadiMp ji for being selected as ministers in @narendramodi ji second phase government. As team we will work together for Nation and the state.

"I thank @AmitShah ji and @BSYBJP ji once again and thank every supporter on this occasion," Gowda, a former chief minister of Karnataka, tweeted.

In a tweet in Kannada, Angadi thanked BJP president Amit Shah and state unit chief B S Yeddyurappa for providing an opportunity for him to serve in the Cabinet of Modi, who is the "country's pride."

Thanking people of his constituency Belgaum, he also shared pictures of celebrations in his home district.

Joshi, who has served as a Karnataka BJP president in the past, tweeted, "I am thankful to @narendramodi ji for giving me opportunity to work with him as central minister.

"I also thank our national president @AmitShah ji and state president @BSYBJP ji and all other leaders of party for this opportunity. I also thank every voter of my constituency," he said.

Meanwhile, Nirmala Sitharaman, who served as defence minister in the previous government, is also tipped to be inducted into Modi's new ministry.

She represents Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

Three newly elected MPs from Karnataka will be taking oath as members of Union Council of Ministers, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening.

Three newly elected MPs from Karnataka will be taking oath as members of Union Council of Ministers, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening. They are D V Sadananda Gowda, who was a member of the Modi Cabinet earlier, Pralhad Joshi, a four-time MP from Dharwad and Suresh Angadi, four-time MP from Belgaum. The three MPs announced their induction into the Council of Ministers on Twitter. "I congratulate shri @JoshiPralhad ji and @AngadiMp ji for being selected as ministers in @narendramodi ji second phase government. As team we will work together for Nation and the state. "I thank @AmitShah ji and @BSYBJP ji once again and thank every supporter on this occasion," Gowda, a former chief minister of Karnataka, tweeted. In a tweet in Kannada, Angadi thanked BJP president Amit Shah and state unit chief B S Yeddyurappa for providing an opportunity for him to serve in the Cabinet of Modi, who is the "country's pride." Thanking people of his constituency Belgaum, he also shared pictures of celebrations in his home district. Joshi, who has served as a Karnataka BJP president in the past, tweeted, "I am thankful to @narendramodi ji for giving me opportunity to work with him as central minister. "I also thank our national president @AmitShah ji and state president @BSYBJP ji and all other leaders of party for this opportunity. I also thank every voter of my constituency," he said. Meanwhile, Nirmala Sitharaman, who served as defence minister in the previous government, is also tipped to be inducted into Modi's new ministry. She represents Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha.

Three Karnataka MPs to be inducted as Union ministers in PM Modi's cabinet

Twelve Congress MLAs in Manipur have resigned from state party posts, triggering speculation about the possibility of their crossing over to the ruling BJP, but a senior legislator among them on Thursday said they had no intention of joining any other party.

The resignation of the MLAs from the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) came on Wednesday after the grand old party lost both the Lok Sabha seats in the north-eastern state.

While the Inner Manipur seat was won by Rajkumar Ranjan Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lorho S Pfoze of the Naga People's Front (NPF) got elected from the Outer Manipur constituency.

The resignations triggered speculation if the Congress MLAs were planning to join the BJP, but some of them dismissed it, saying their action was aimed at strengthening the party at the grassroot level.

The BJP heads a coalition government in the state led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

The 12 Congress MLAs submitted their resignations to PCC president Gaikhangam, who is also a member of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-workers-gather-outside-rahul-gandhis-residence-urging-him-not-to-resign-222563">Congress Working Committee</a> (CWC).

The Congress had 29 MLAs in the state after the 2017 Assembly polls, but eight of its legislators had defected to the BJP last year, taking the saffron party's tally from 21 to 29 in the 60-member House.

At present, the BJP also enjoys the support of one MLA each of the LJP and the AITC, besides that of an Independent member and four National People's Party (NPP) legislators.

In 2017, the saffron party was able to form the government in the state with the support of the NPF, the NPP and others.

Kh Joykishan Singh, who submitted his resignation from the post of MPCC vice-president, told PTI on Thursday that all the 12 MLAs were in solidarity with the Congress.

"Our resignation from the party posts is to enable us to work at the grassroots level in our Assembly constituencies to restore the confidence of the people in the Congress," he said.

Echoing similar views, Gaikhangam said the legislators would now focus on strengthening the party organisation in the state.

Asked whether the party would accept their resignation, the MPCC president said, "It is up to AICC president Rahul Gandhi to take the final decision."

Though the NPF decided to withdraw support to the BJP-led government in Manipur this month, its state president Awangbou Newmai had said on May 19 that it would be implemented after the Lok Sabha poll process was completed on May 23.

Twelve Congress MLAs in Manipur have resigned from state party posts, triggering speculation about the possibility of their crossing over to the ruling BJP, but a senior legislator among them on Thursday said they had no intention of joining any other party.

Twelve Congress MLAs in Manipur have resigned from state party posts, triggering speculation about the possibility of their crossing over to the ruling BJP, but a senior legislator among them on Thursday said they had no intention of joining any other party. The resignation of the MLAs from the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) came on Wednesday after the grand old party lost both the Lok Sabha seats in the north-eastern state. While the Inner Manipur seat was won by Rajkumar Ranjan Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lorho S Pfoze of the Naga People's Front (NPF) got elected from the Outer Manipur constituency. The resignations triggered speculation if the Congress MLAs were planning to join the BJP, but some of them dismissed it, saying their action was aimed at strengthening the party at the grassroot level. The BJP heads a coalition government in the state led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The 12 Congress MLAs submitted their resignations to PCC president Gaikhangam, who is also a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC). The Congress had 29 MLAs in the state after the 2017 Assembly polls, but eight of its legislators had defected to the BJP last year, taking the saffron party's tally from 21 to 29 in the 60-member House. At present, the BJP also enjoys the support of one MLA each of the LJP and the AITC, besides that of an Independent member and four National People's Party (NPP) legislators. In 2017, the saffron party was able to form the government in the state with the support of the NPF, the NPP and others. Kh Joykishan Singh, who submitted his resignation from the post of MPCC vice-president, told PTI on Thursday that all the 12 MLAs were in solidarity with the Congress. "Our resignation from the party posts is to enable us to work at the grassroots level in our Assembly constituencies to restore the confidence of the people in the Congress," he said. Echoing similar views, Gaikhangam said the legislators would now focus on strengthening the party organisation in the state. Asked whether the party would accept their resignation, the MPCC president said, "It is up to AICC president Rahul Gandhi to take the final decision." Though the NPF decided to withdraw support to the BJP-led government in Manipur this month, its state president Awangbou Newmai had said on May 19 that it would be implemented after the Lok Sabha poll process was completed on May 23.

Manipur: 12 Congress MLAs resign from party posts

A UK court on Thursday extended the remand of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-court-denies-bail-to-nirav-modi-for-third-time-217108">fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi</a> till June 27, who is fighting his extradition to India in the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

The 48-year-old has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his third attempt at seeking bail was rejected by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at the last hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

He was produced before Judge Arbuthnot for the first case management hearing in the case. The judge remanded him till June 27.&nbsp;

The judge also asked the Indian government to provide within 14 days the information on which prison he will be held at.

Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19 and has been in prison since.

During subsequent hearings, Westminster Magistrates' Court was told that Modi was the "principal beneficiary" of the fraudulent issuance of letters of undertaking (LoUs) as part of a conspiracy to defraud PNB and then laundering the proceeds of crime.

Arbuthnot, the judge who had ordered the Mallya extradition in December 2018, has been very firm with the CPS, representing the Indian government, about proper indexing of all documents to be submitted to the court in relation to the case.&nbsp;

A UK court on Thursday extended the remand of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi till June 27, who is fighting his extradition to India in the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

A UK court on Thursday extended the remand of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi till June 27, who is fighting his extradition to India in the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case. The 48-year-old has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his third attempt at seeking bail was rejected by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at the last hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month. He was produced before Judge Arbuthnot for the first case management hearing in the case. The judge remanded him till June 27. The judge also asked the Indian government to provide within 14 days the information on which prison he will be held at. Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19 and has been in prison since. During subsequent hearings, Westminster Magistrates' Court was told that Modi was the "principal beneficiary" of the fraudulent issuance of letters of undertaking (LoUs) as part of a conspiracy to defraud PNB and then laundering the proceeds of crime. Arbuthnot, the judge who had ordered the Mallya extradition in December 2018, has been very firm with the CPS, representing the Indian government, about proper indexing of all documents to be submitted to the court in relation to the case.

UK court extends custody of Nirav Modi till June 27

Elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been put in place by the Delhi Police for the oath-taking ceremony of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-strive-to-enhance-good-governance-and-transform-lives-pm-modi-222627">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7pm today.

Speaking to ANI, Madhur Verma, DCP, said that they have put in three-layer security arrangements in place for the swearing-in ceremony. "Today we have three-layer security arrangements. The first layer is of VIP security as well as Rashtrapati Bhawan, followed by a layer of Delhi Police. Apart from security arrangements, we have coordinated arrangements with traffic also."

Verma also informed ANI that around 8,000 to 10,000 police personnel along with traffic personnel have been deployed as a part of security arrangement.

"The visitors who will be coming from south Delhi side will be entering the Rashtrapati Bhawan from gate no. 37 and their parking will be in the South Avenue area. Similarly, visitors who will be coming from North Delhi side, they will enter Rashtrapati Bhawan from gate no. 38 and their parking will be in the North Avenue area. So overall complete integrated security has been deployed," he added.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi pays tribute at the National War Memorial

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-narendra-modi-pays-tribute-at-the-national-war-memorial-222618/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Besides, Delhi Traffic Police also issued a traffic advisory, saying several roads in New Delhi district will be closed for the movement of traffic between 4 pm and 9 pm on Thursday and urges commuters to avoid them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony for the second consecutive term will be held today at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy at the function.

Top leaders and guests have also been invited from around the world and across the nation to attend Modi's swearing-in.

Elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been put in place by the Delhi Police for the oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7pm today.

Elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been put in place by the Delhi Police for the oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7pm today. Speaking to ANI, Madhur Verma, DCP, said that they have put in three-layer security arrangements in place for the swearing-in ceremony. "Today we have three-layer security arrangements. The first layer is of VIP security as well as Rashtrapati Bhawan, followed by a layer of Delhi Police. Apart from security arrangements, we have coordinated arrangements with traffic also." Verma also informed ANI that around 8,000 to 10,000 police personnel along with traffic personnel have been deployed as a part of security arrangement. "The visitors who will be coming from south Delhi side will be entering the Rashtrapati Bhawan from gate no. 37 and their parking will be in the South Avenue area. Similarly, visitors who will be coming from North Delhi side, they will enter Rashtrapati Bhawan from gate no. 38 and their parking will be in the North Avenue area. So overall complete integrated security has been deployed," he added. Watch: PM Narendra Modi pays tribute at the National War Memorial Besides, Delhi Traffic Police also issued a traffic advisory, saying several roads in New Delhi district will be closed for the movement of traffic between 4 pm and 9 pm on Thursday and urges commuters to avoid them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony for the second consecutive term will be held today at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy at the function. Top leaders and guests have also been invited from around the world and across the nation to attend Modi's swearing-in.

Three-layer security arrangements made for PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony

MPs selected for ministerial berths will meet <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-strive-to-enhance-good-governance-and-transform-lives-pm-modi-222627">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> at his residence at 4.30 pm on Thursday, shortly before the swearing-in ceremony, sources said.

Earlier in the morning, the prime minister held a final round of consultations with BJP president Amit Shah to give shape to his council of ministers before sending the list to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Capping a landslide election victory, Modi will take oath along with his new council of ministers at 7 pm.

As the party geared up for the celebrations, Shah's Akbar Road residence was decked up.&nbsp;

Modi and Shah have held several rounds of discussions in the last two days ahead of government formation.

Other senior party leaders such as Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Narendra Singh Tomar, Prakash Javadekar, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dharmendra Pradhan and Smriti Irani are also likely to join the second Modi government after being its members in its first avatar.&nbsp;

The others tipped to get a ministerial berth include Sadananda Gowda, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Giriraj Singh, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Thawarchand Gehlot, Dilip Ghosh, Jitendra Singh, Mansukh Mandaviya, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Arjun Ram Meghawal and Niranjan Jyoti.

Watch:&nbsp;Names of ministers in Modi's new Cabinet is out

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-names-of-ministers-in-modis-new-cabinet-is-out-222701/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sushma Swaraj is also likely to be part of the government.

Among some of the new faces that are likely to be inducted include Prahlad Patel from Madhya Pradesh, Kailash Chowdhry from Rajasthan, Krishna Reddy from Telangana and Suresh Angedi from Karnataka and Raosaheb&nbsp;Danve from Maharashtra.

Among allies, Ram Vilas Paswan of the LJP, Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena, Harsimrat Kaur Badal of Akali Dal and Ramdas Athawale of RPI(A) are likely to take an oath, official sources said.&nbsp;

The sources said Modi government 2.0 is likely to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-smriti-irani-nitin-gadkari-some-allies-get-calls-as-modi-gears-up-to-take-oath-as-pm-222706">showcase the party's newfound strength</a> in different regions.

BJP allies like Shiv Sena, JD(U), AIADMK, LJP, Akali Dal and Apna Dal are set to be represented in the government.

The Shiv Sena has confirmed its leader Arvind Sawant, who defeated Congress heavyweight Milind Deora from Mumbai, will be its nominee in the council of ministers.&nbsp;

The Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel is likely to be in the council of ministers.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's decision to opt out on health grounds has fuelled speculation about who will get his coveted portfolio. Railway Minister Goyal, who filled in for Jaitley and presented the populist pre-election budget, is being seen as a key contender. There is also speculation that BJP president Amit Shah may join the government.

The BJP has refrained from making any official comment about the likely members of the government, with its leaders asserting that it is the prime minister's prerogative.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ahead-of-oath-taking-ceremony-pm-modi-pays-tribute-mahatma-gandhi-vajpayee-visits-national-war-memorial-222611">swearing-in ceremony in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan</a> is expected to be grand affair with more than 6,000 guests, including leaders from the BIMSTEC countries, opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, chief ministers, corporate honchos and film stars set to be in attendance as President Ram Nath Kovind administers the oath of office and secrecy to 68-year-old Modi and his ministerial colleagues.&nbsp;

MPs selected for ministerial berths will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence at 4.30 pm on Thursday, shortly before the swearing-in ceremony, sources said.

MPs selected for ministerial berths will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence at 4.30 pm on Thursday, shortly before the swearing-in ceremony, sources said. Earlier in the morning, the prime minister held a final round of consultations with BJP president Amit Shah to give shape to his council of ministers before sending the list to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Capping a landslide election victory, Modi will take oath along with his new council of ministers at 7 pm. As the party geared up for the celebrations, Shah's Akbar Road residence was decked up. Modi and Shah have held several rounds of discussions in the last two days ahead of government formation. Other senior party leaders such as Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Narendra Singh Tomar, Prakash Javadekar, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dharmendra Pradhan and Smriti Irani are also likely to join the second Modi government after being its members in its first avatar. The others tipped to get a ministerial berth include Sadananda Gowda, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Giriraj Singh, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Thawarchand Gehlot, Dilip Ghosh, Jitendra Singh, Mansukh Mandaviya, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Arjun Ram Meghawal and Niranjan Jyoti. Watch: Names of ministers in Modi's new Cabinet is out Sushma Swaraj is also likely to be part of the government. Among some of the new faces that are likely to be inducted include Prahlad Patel from Madhya Pradesh, Kailash Chowdhry from Rajasthan, Krishna Reddy from Telangana and Suresh Angedi from Karnataka and Raosaheb Danve from Maharashtra. Among allies, Ram Vilas Paswan of the LJP, Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena, Harsimrat Kaur Badal of Akali Dal and Ramdas Athawale of RPI(A) are likely to take an oath, official sources said. The sources said Modi government 2.0 is likely to showcase the party's newfound strength in different regions. BJP allies like Shiv Sena, JD(U), AIADMK, LJP, Akali Dal and Apna Dal are set to be represented in the government. The Shiv Sena has confirmed its leader Arvind Sawant, who defeated Congress heavyweight Milind Deora from Mumbai, will be its nominee in the council of ministers. The Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel is likely to be in the council of ministers. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's decision to opt out on health grounds has fuelled speculation about who will get his coveted portfolio. Railway Minister Goyal, who filled in for Jaitley and presented the populist pre-election budget, is being seen as a key contender. There is also speculation that BJP president Amit Shah may join the government. The BJP has refrained from making any official comment about the likely members of the government, with its leaders asserting that it is the prime minister's prerogative. The swearing-in ceremony in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan is expected to be grand affair with more than 6,000 guests, including leaders from the BIMSTEC countries, opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, chief ministers, corporate honchos and film stars set to be in attendance as President Ram Nath Kovind administers the oath of office and secrecy to 68-year-old Modi and his ministerial colleagues.

PM Modi to meet those selected for ministerial berths ahead of swearing-in ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ys-jagan-mohan-reddy-sworn-in-as-andhra-pradesh-chief-minister-222681">newly-appointed Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh</a> YS Jaganmohan Reddy.&nbsp;

"Congratulations to @ysjagan on taking oath as Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister. I assure full cooperation from the Centre. We will work together to take Andhra Pradesh to new heights," PM Modi tweeted.

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/ysjagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ysjagan</a> on taking oath as Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister. I assure full cooperation from the Centre. We will work together to take Andhra Pradesh to new heights.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1134020002477031424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congress President Rahul Gandhi also gave his best wishes to Reddy.

"Congratulations to Jagan Reddyji on being sworn in as the CM of Andhra Pradesh. My best wishes to him, his new team of ministers and to all the people of the state," Gandhi tweeted.&nbsp;

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Congratulations to Jagan Reddyji on being sworn in as the CM of Andhra Pradesh. 
 
My best wishes to him, his new team of ministers and to all the people of the state.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1133997697755537409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Reddy was sworn in as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh at Indira Gandhi Municipal stadium in Vijayawada earlier today.

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;

PM Modi will take oath for his second term today at 7pm at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated newly-appointed Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jaganmohan Reddy. "Congratulations to @ysjagan on taking oath as Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated newly-appointed Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jaganmohan Reddy. "Congratulations to @ysjagan on taking oath as Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister. I assure full cooperation from the Centre. We will work together to take Andhra Pradesh to new heights," PM Modi tweeted. Congratulations to @ysjagan on taking oath as Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister. I assure full cooperation from the Centre. We will work together to take Andhra Pradesh to new heights. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 30, 2019 × Congress President Rahul Gandhi also gave his best wishes to Reddy. "Congratulations to Jagan Reddyji on being sworn in as the CM of Andhra Pradesh. My best wishes to him, his new team of ministers and to all the people of the state," Gandhi tweeted. Congratulations to Jagan Reddyji on being sworn in as the CM of Andhra Pradesh. My best wishes to him, his new team of ministers and to all the people of the state. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 30, 2019 × Reddy was sworn in as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh at Indira Gandhi Municipal stadium in Vijayawada earlier today. 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. PM Modi will take oath for his second term today at 7pm at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi congratulates new Andhra Pradesh CM Jaganmohan Reddy

YS Jaganmohan Reddy, who got a massive mandate for his party YSRCP in the Assembly elections, was on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ys-jagan-mohan-reddy-sworn-in-as-andhra-pradesh-chief-minister-222681">sworn in as second Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh</a> after bifurcation and he immediately announced Rs 3,000 as pension per month for senior citizens in the state.

Reddy, who was sworn in by Governor E S L Narasimhan at the Indira Gandhi Municipality Stadium in front of a huge crowd of his party workers and admirers, was the only one to take oath today.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao and DMK chief M K Stalin were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony.

In his first major announcement after taking an oath, Reddy announced the scheme for senior citizens and asserted there would be corruption-free governance in the state.

"Every senior citizen would get at least Rs 3,000 monthly pension. This would be my first signature after I assume the Chief Minister's office. The scheme would begin with Rs 2,250 and it will be increased up to Rs 3,000 within three years," he said while addressing the people who kept cheering him right from the time he took the oath of office and secrecy in Telugu.

"There will be corruption-free governance across the state. A call centre would be set up at the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) to address the corruption charges. Everyone will have access to the CMO," Reddy said.

Watch:&nbsp;Jagan Mohan Reddy sworn in as Andhra Pradesh CM

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He said over one lakh jobs will be created by October 2.

"From pensions to fee reimbursements, Andhra people can now get them sanctioned within 72 hours by the Gram Secretariat. YSRCP government will create around 1.6 lakh jobs by next Gandhi Jayanti. Power tariffs will be brought down in the state. Within six months to one year, people will see a change in this government," Reddy&nbsp;said.

"By August 15, we will provide 4 lakh jobs to people as village volunteers at a salary of Rs 5,000. There will be one volunteer for every 50 families and it will be the corruption-free and transparent mechanism. We will set up village secretariats by October 2, giving 1.45 lakh jobs. Once you make an application in village secretariat, it will be resolved or sanctioned within 72 hours," Jagan said.

The Chief Minister also said that he will request the Andhra Pradesh High Court to constitute a judicial commission with the sitting judge to monitor and execute tenders and contracts.

Reddy promised development for everyone irrespective of any caste and religion.

"People of Andhra have blessed me with such a great victory after walking with me for over 3,600 kilometres. I thank everyone for their belief and support towards me. I have seen the suffering of the poor and elders in the state. I assure that I am there for you all," Reddy&nbsp;said.

"We did not bring big books for our manifesto. We just brought out two pages. We don't intend to address a particular caste or religion. It is meant for all. I will follow the manifesto-like Bible, Quran and Gita to fulfil all the promises," the Chief Minister said.

Jagan also wished DMK chief MK Stalin that he would become Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, who had stuck a cordial relationship with Reddy against the backdrop of his rivalry with TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, expressed his wish that the YSRCP chief should continue as the Chief Minister for next four terms.

"Jagan Mohan Reddy is very young but he has a huge responsibility. Andhra people should be happy during his rule. Both Telugu states need to be developed with mutual understanding," Rao said.

"The consumption of Godavari water should take place 100 per cent by the Andhra Pradesh government. There are difficulties related to Krishna water, Telangana state government will provide all the support. People of Andhra Pradesh has given a wonderful opportunity to Jagan. Jagan's rule should continue for next three to four terms," Rao added.

The YSRCP got an absolute majority in the 175-member Assembly, ousting N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from power in the state. The party won 151 seats, whereas TDP's strength was drastically reduced from 102 in the 2014 Assembly elections to a mere 23.&nbsp;

In the Lok Sabha, YSRCP bagged 22 seats out of the state's 25 with rest three going to the TDP.

YS Jaganmohan Reddy, who got a massive mandate for his party YSRCP in the Assembly elections, was on Thursday sworn in as second Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation and he immediately announced Rs 3,000 as pension per month for senior citizens in the state.

YS Jaganmohan Reddy, who got a massive mandate for his party YSRCP in the Assembly elections, was on Thursday sworn in as second Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation and he immediately announced Rs 3,000 as pension per month for senior citizens in the state. Reddy, who was sworn in by Governor E S L Narasimhan at the Indira Gandhi Municipality Stadium in front of a huge crowd of his party workers and admirers, was the only one to take oath today. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao and DMK chief M K Stalin were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony. In his first major announcement after taking an oath, Reddy announced the scheme for senior citizens and asserted there would be corruption-free governance in the state. "Every senior citizen would get at least Rs 3,000 monthly pension. This would be my first signature after I assume the Chief Minister's office. The scheme would begin with Rs 2,250 and it will be increased up to Rs 3,000 within three years," he said while addressing the people who kept cheering him right from the time he took the oath of office and secrecy in Telugu. "There will be corruption-free governance across the state. A call centre would be set up at the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) to address the corruption charges. Everyone will have access to the CMO," Reddy said. Watch: Jagan Mohan Reddy sworn in as Andhra Pradesh CM He said over one lakh jobs will be created by October 2. "From pensions to fee reimbursements, Andhra people can now get them sanctioned within 72 hours by the Gram Secretariat. YSRCP government will create around 1.6 lakh jobs by next Gandhi Jayanti. Power tariffs will be brought down in the state. Within six months to one year, people will see a change in this government," Reddy said. "By August 15, we will provide 4 lakh jobs to people as village volunteers at a salary of Rs 5,000. There will be one volunteer for every 50 families and it will be the corruption-free and transparent mechanism. We will set up village secretariats by October 2, giving 1.45 lakh jobs. Once you make an application in village secretariat, it will be resolved or sanctioned within 72 hours," Jagan said. The Chief Minister also said that he will request the Andhra Pradesh High Court to constitute a judicial commission with the sitting judge to monitor and execute tenders and contracts. Reddy promised development for everyone irrespective of any caste and religion. "People of Andhra have blessed me with such a great victory after walking with me for over 3,600 kilometres. I thank everyone for their belief and support towards me. I have seen the suffering of the poor and elders in the state. I assure that I am there for you all," Reddy said. "We did not bring big books for our manifesto. We just brought out two pages. We don't intend to address a particular caste or religion. It is meant for all. I will follow the manifesto-like Bible, Quran and Gita to fulfil all the promises," the Chief Minister said. Jagan also wished DMK chief MK Stalin that he would become Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, who had stuck a cordial relationship with Reddy against the backdrop of his rivalry with TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, expressed his wish that the YSRCP chief should continue as the Chief Minister for next four terms. "Jagan Mohan Reddy is very young but he has a huge responsibility. Andhra people should be happy during his rule. Both Telugu states need to be developed with mutual understanding," Rao said. "The consumption of Godavari water should take place 100 per cent by the Andhra Pradesh government. There are difficulties related to Krishna water, Telangana state government will provide all the support. People of Andhra Pradesh has given a wonderful opportunity to Jagan. Jagan's rule should continue for next three to four terms," Rao added. The YSRCP got an absolute majority in the 175-member Assembly, ousting N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from power in the state. The party won 151 seats, whereas TDP's strength was drastically reduced from 102 in the 2014 Assembly elections to a mere 23. In the Lok Sabha, YSRCP bagged 22 seats out of the state's 25 with rest three going to the TDP.

Andhra Pradesh CM Jaganmohan Reddy announces Rs 3,000 monthly pension for senior citizens, promises corruption-free governance

As Narendra Modi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-ushers-in-second-term-as-prime-minister-222608">gets ready to take oath</a> as Prime Minister for the second time, the details of his new Council of Ministers are trickling in.

According to sources, senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh have received a call from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Swaraj was the high-profile External Affairs Minister in the last government and there was speculation that she might not get a ministerial berth this time around as she did not contest elections citing health grounds.&nbsp;Singh was the Home Minister in the previous tenure of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-strive-to-enhance-good-governance-and-transform-lives-pm-modi-222627">Modi government</a>.&nbsp;

The names of probable ministers in the new government are emerging after a meeting between Modi and BJP president Amit Shah met at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the PM on Thursday morning. Modi and Shah have been brainstorming to decide the contours of the Cabinet after the results were announced on May 23.

Nirmala Sitharaman, who was the defence minister in the last government, has received a call, said sources, and so has BJP leader Jitendra Singh.

Giant slayer and textiles minister Smriti Irani has also received a call and is expected to return to the Modi Cabinet. She wrested Amethi from Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha polls and is likely to get a plum post. Irani has earlier served as Information &amp; Broadcasting and HRD minister.

BJP leader Sadananda Gowda said today that he has also received a call from BJP chief Amit Shah. "I received a call from Amit Shah. He said that I should be there at home office of PM at 5 o'clock and swearing-in ceremony at 7 o'clock. At 5 o'clock, the PM will have tea with cabinet and other ministerial colleagues and then we'll go to Rashtrapati Bhavan to take oath," he told reporters.

Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan are among the allies who have received calls to be part of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for today evening. The other allies to be invited to be part of swearing-in ceremony is Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who was the food processing minister during the previous tenure of the NDA government.

Nitin Gadkari, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Thawar Chand Gehlot, who were serving as ministers in the previous Modi government, have also received calls for today's swearing-in ceremony.

Watch: Names of ministers in Modi's new Cabinet is out

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Apart from those mentioned above, these leaders have also got invite to be part of the swearing-in ceremony:

Piyush Goyal (BJP) 
Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) 
Prakash Javadekar (BJP) 
Kiren Rijiju (BJP) 
Anupriya Patel (Apna Dal) 
Kishan reddy (BJP) 
Suresh Angadi (BJP) 
Arjun Ram Meghwal (BJP) 
Giriraj Singh (BJP) 
Dharmendra Pradhan (BJP) 
Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (BJP) 
Santosh Gangwar (BJP) 
Prahlad Joshi (BJP) 
Babul Supriyo (BJP) 
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (BJP) 
Mansukh Lal Mandaviya (BJP) 
Sanjeev Balyan (BJP) 
Krishan Pal Gurjar (BJP) 
Rao Inderjit Singh (BJP) 
RCP Singh (JDU) 
Som Prakash (BJP) 
VK Singh (BJP)

Modi, along with his Council of Ministers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ahead-of-oath-taking-ceremony-pm-modi-pays-tribute-mahatma-gandhi-vajpayee-visits-national-war-memorial-222611">will take oath</a> as the 15th Prime Minister of India at 7pm in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy at the function.

President of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Myanmar U Win Myint, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli, and Thailand's Special Envoy Grisada Boonrach are in the national capital for attending Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov will also be present at the event.

Several overseas friends of BJP from 15 countries, including the US, Australia, Germany, and the UK, have also been invited. Modi has also invited families of CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack in February.

As Narendra Modi gets ready to take oath as Prime Minister for the second time, the details of his new Council of Ministers are trickling in. According to sources, senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh have received a call from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

As Narendra Modi gets ready to take oath as Prime Minister for the second time, the details of his new Council of Ministers are trickling in. According to sources, senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh have received a call from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Swaraj was the high-profile External Affairs Minister in the last government and there was speculation that she might not get a ministerial berth this time around as she did not contest elections citing health grounds. Singh was the Home Minister in the previous tenure of the Modi government. The names of probable ministers in the new government are emerging after a meeting between Modi and BJP president Amit Shah met at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the PM on Thursday morning. Modi and Shah have been brainstorming to decide the contours of the Cabinet after the results were announced on May 23. Nirmala Sitharaman, who was the defence minister in the last government, has received a call, said sources, and so has BJP leader Jitendra Singh. Giant slayer and textiles minister Smriti Irani has also received a call and is expected to return to the Modi Cabinet. She wrested Amethi from Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha polls and is likely to get a plum post. Irani has earlier served as Information & Broadcasting and HRD minister. BJP leader Sadananda Gowda said today that he has also received a call from BJP chief Amit Shah. "I received a call from Amit Shah. He said that I should be there at home office of PM at 5 o'clock and swearing-in ceremony at 7 o'clock. At 5 o'clock, the PM will have tea with cabinet and other ministerial colleagues and then we'll go to Rashtrapati Bhavan to take oath," he told reporters. Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan are among the allies who have received calls to be part of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for today evening. The other allies to be invited to be part of swearing-in ceremony is Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who was the food processing minister during the previous tenure of the NDA government. Nitin Gadkari, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Thawar Chand Gehlot, who were serving as ministers in the previous Modi government, have also received calls for today's swearing-in ceremony. Watch: Names of ministers in Modi's new Cabinet is out Apart from those mentioned above, these leaders have also got invite to be part of the swearing-in ceremony: Piyush Goyal (BJP) Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) Prakash Javadekar (BJP) Kiren Rijiju (BJP) Anupriya Patel (Apna Dal) Kishan reddy (BJP) Suresh Angadi (BJP) Arjun Ram Meghwal (BJP) Giriraj Singh (BJP) Dharmendra Pradhan (BJP) Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (BJP) Santosh Gangwar (BJP) Prahlad Joshi (BJP) Babul Supriyo (BJP) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (BJP) Mansukh Lal Mandaviya (BJP) Sanjeev Balyan (BJP) Krishan Pal Gurjar (BJP) Rao Inderjit Singh (BJP) RCP Singh (JDU) Som Prakash (BJP) VK Singh (BJP) Modi, along with his Council of Ministers, will take oath as the 15th Prime Minister of India at 7pm in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy at the function. President of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Myanmar U Win Myint, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli, and Thailand's Special Envoy Grisada Boonrach are in the national capital for attending Modi's swearing-in ceremony. The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov will also be present at the event. Several overseas friends of BJP from 15 countries, including the US, Australia, Germany, and the UK, have also been invited. Modi has also invited families of CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack in February.

Sushma Swaraj, Smriti Irani, Nitin Gadkari & some allies get calls as Modi gears up to take oath as PM

The weather department on Thursday said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-intensifies-across-nation-central-india-worst-hit-222451">heatwave condition</a> is likely to continue in Maharashtra's Vidarbha and Marathwada region for the next 3 days, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) further added that temperature in most of the places of these regions is likely to soar above 46 degree Celsius.&nbsp;

The weather watchdog has adviced people to take care and avoid going out during the afternoon.

The country continues to grapple with soaring temperatures with the national capital expected to witness over 45 degrees Celcius this week. Maharashtra and Vidarbha are witnessing the worst hit.

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IMD continues its heat wave warnings for Vidarbha &amp; Marathwada region in Maharashtra for next 3 days. Temperature in most of the places of these regions are likely to be above 46 degree Celsius. IMD advices people to take care &amp; avoid going out during afternoon. <a href="https://t.co/prM1cN0M9j">pic.twitter.com/prM1cN0M9j</a>
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Tuesday's highest temperature was recorded in Chandrapur, Maharashtra registering a whopping 47.8 degrees. Nagpur recorded the second highest in a decade and this season's highest temperature at 47.5 degrees Celsius.

Rajasthan also saw temperatures clocking in over 45 degrees in various parts like Kota, Jaisalmer.&nbsp;

Delhi woke up to a hot Wednesday morning, with the maximum temperature expected to hover around 44 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature settled two notches below the season's average at 24.1 degrees Celsius, said a MeT department official.

"Heatwave conditions are expected in some pockets of the city with the temperature soaring up to 45 degrees. Such conditions exist when the maximum temperature goes up five degrees above the season's average," said the official.&nbsp;

The weather department on Thursday said that the heatwave condition is likely to continue in Maharashtra's Vidarbha and Marathwada region for the next 3 days, news agency ANI reported.

The weather department on Thursday said that the heatwave condition is likely to continue in Maharashtra's Vidarbha and Marathwada region for the next 3 days, news agency ANI reported. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) further added that temperature in most of the places of these regions is likely to soar above 46 degree Celsius. The weather watchdog has adviced people to take care and avoid going out during the afternoon. The country continues to grapple with soaring temperatures with the national capital expected to witness over 45 degrees Celcius this week. Maharashtra and Vidarbha are witnessing the worst hit. IMD continues its heat wave warnings for Vidarbha & Marathwada region in Maharashtra for next 3 days. Temperature in most of the places of these regions are likely to be above 46 degree Celsius. IMD advices people to take care & avoid going out during afternoon. pic.twitter.com/prM1cN0M9j — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2019 × Tuesday's highest temperature was recorded in Chandrapur, Maharashtra registering a whopping 47.8 degrees. Nagpur recorded the second highest in a decade and this season's highest temperature at 47.5 degrees Celsius. Rajasthan also saw temperatures clocking in over 45 degrees in various parts like Kota, Jaisalmer. Delhi woke up to a hot Wednesday morning, with the maximum temperature expected to hover around 44 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature settled two notches below the season's average at 24.1 degrees Celsius, said a MeT department official. "Heatwave conditions are expected in some pockets of the city with the temperature soaring up to 45 degrees. Such conditions exist when the maximum temperature goes up five degrees above the season's average," said the official.

Heatwave to batter Maharashtra's Vidarbha and Marathwada, IMD asks people to stay in

The Trump administration on Tuesday removed India from its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-again-says-china-is-not-manipulating-currency-222375">currency monitoring</a> list of major trading partners, citing certain developments and steps being taken by New Delhi which address some of its major concerns.

Switzerland is the other nation that has been removed by the US from its currency monitoring list which among others include China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.

"India has been removed from the monitoring list in this report, having met only one out of three criteria - a significant bilateral surplus with the US - for two consecutive reports," the Treasury Department said in its latest semi-annual report on macroeconomic and foreign exchange policies of major trading partners of the US sent to the Congress.

After purchasing foreign exchange on net in 2017, the central bank steadily sold reserves for most of 2018, with net sales of foreign exchange reaching 1.7 per cent of GDP over the year, it said.

India maintains ample reserves according to the IMF metrics for reserve adequacy, it said.

Watch: China's utmost sincerity in trade talks a sign of strength

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-utmost-sincerity-in-trade-talks-a-sign-of-strength-222362/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In both Switzerland and India, there was a notable decline in 2018 in the scale and frequency of foreign exchange purchases, the report said.

"Neither Switzerland nor India met the criteria for having engaged in persistent, one-sided intervention in either the October 2018 report or this report. Both Switzerland and India have been removed from the monitoring list,"&nbsp;the Treasury said in its report running into over 40 pages.

India for the first time was placed by the US in its currency monitoring list of countries with potentially questionable foreign exchange policies in May 2018 along with five other countries - China, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland.

In its next report in October 2018, the Treasury had said that India has made improvements and its name would be removed from the currency manipulation list in the next report.

"India's circumstances have shifted markedly, as the central bank's net sales of foreign exchange over the first six months of 2018 led net purchases over the four quarters through June 2018 to fall to $4 billion, or 0.2 per cent of the GDP," the Treasury had said in its October 2018 report.&nbsp;

The Trump administration on Tuesday removed India from its currency monitoring list of major trading partners, citing certain developments and steps being taken by New Delhi which address some of its major concerns.

The Trump administration on Tuesday removed India from its currency monitoring list of major trading partners, citing certain developments and steps being taken by New Delhi which address some of its major concerns. Switzerland is the other nation that has been removed by the US from its currency monitoring list which among others include China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. "India has been removed from the monitoring list in this report, having met only one out of three criteria - a significant bilateral surplus with the US - for two consecutive reports," the Treasury Department said in its latest semi-annual report on macroeconomic and foreign exchange policies of major trading partners of the US sent to the Congress. After purchasing foreign exchange on net in 2017, the central bank steadily sold reserves for most of 2018, with net sales of foreign exchange reaching 1.7 per cent of GDP over the year, it said. India maintains ample reserves according to the IMF metrics for reserve adequacy, it said. Watch: China's utmost sincerity in trade talks a sign of strength In both Switzerland and India, there was a notable decline in 2018 in the scale and frequency of foreign exchange purchases, the report said. "Neither Switzerland nor India met the criteria for having engaged in persistent, one-sided intervention in either the October 2018 report or this report. Both Switzerland and India have been removed from the monitoring list," the Treasury said in its report running into over 40 pages. India for the first time was placed by the US in its currency monitoring list of countries with potentially questionable foreign exchange policies in May 2018 along with five other countries - China, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland. In its next report in October 2018, the Treasury had said that India has made improvements and its name would be removed from the currency manipulation list in the next report. "India's circumstances have shifted markedly, as the central bank's net sales of foreign exchange over the first six months of 2018 led net purchases over the four quarters through June 2018 to fall to $4 billion, or 0.2 per cent of the GDP," the Treasury had said in its October 2018 report.

US removes India from its currency monitoring list of major trading allies, China stays

The Ministry of External Affairs has said that both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-eye-on-china-india-japan-and-sri-lanka-agree-to-develop-colombo-port-222353">India and China</a> are in touch with each other regarding the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping that will take place in India later this year. The summit is likely to take place in October, though the venue hasn't been decided.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs in its release said, "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-to-cooperate-closely-on-afghanistans-peace-efforts-217633">The two sides</a> are in touch, through diplomatic channels, to finalise the date and venue for the meeting. Details about the visit will be announced in due course after the details are finalised."

During the first Informal Summit in Wuhan last year, Chinese President Xi had accepted PM Modi's invitation to visit India for the next Informal summit in 2019.&nbsp;

Watch: Can India, China stop the 4th Gulf war?

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The Wuhan summit, which happened in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis of 2017, is considered an important milestone in Indo-China ties as it helped re-set the ties between the two Asian neighbours.&nbsp;

The Doklam crisis saw over a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces after Bejing attempted to build a road in the Bhutanese territory of Doklam.&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi met four times in 2018 starting with Wuhan summit followed by meetings on the sidelines of the SCO, BRICS and G20 summits.&nbsp;

After the PM Modi's re-election, Chinese president Xi Jinping had written a letter to him congratulating him on his victory. &nbsp;In the letter, President Xi noted the "great importance he attached to the development of India-China relations" and his "desire to work with Prime Minister Modi to take the Closer Development Partnership between the two countries to a new height", according to an MEA release.

The two leaders are likely to meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan in June.

The Ministry of External Affairs has said that both India and China are in touch with each other regarding the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping that will take place in India later this year.

The Ministry of External Affairs has said that both India and China are in touch with each other regarding the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping that will take place in India later this year. The summit is likely to take place in October, though the venue hasn't been decided. The Ministry of External Affairs in its release said, "The two sides are in touch, through diplomatic channels, to finalise the date and venue for the meeting. Details about the visit will be announced in due course after the details are finalised." During the first Informal Summit in Wuhan last year, Chinese President Xi had accepted PM Modi's invitation to visit India for the next Informal summit in 2019. Watch: Can India, China stop the 4th Gulf war? The Wuhan summit, which happened in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis of 2017, is considered an important milestone in Indo-China ties as it helped re-set the ties between the two Asian neighbours. The Doklam crisis saw over a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces after Bejing attempted to build a road in the Bhutanese territory of Doklam. Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi met four times in 2018 starting with Wuhan summit followed by meetings on the sidelines of the SCO, BRICS and G20 summits. After the PM Modi's re-election, Chinese president Xi Jinping had written a letter to him congratulating him on his victory. In the letter, President Xi noted the "great importance he attached to the development of India-China relations" and his "desire to work with Prime Minister Modi to take the Closer Development Partnership between the two countries to a new height", according to an MEA release. The two leaders are likely to meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan in June.

India, China in touch for second informal summit: Ministry of External Affairs

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday reserved its order on businessman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hc-seeks-robert-vadras-response-on-eds-plea-to-cancel-anticipatory-bail-in-pmla-case-221906">Robert Vadra's application seeking permission</a> to travel abroad on June 3 on medical grounds.

Vadra, who is being probed for his alleged involvement in a money laundering case, had sought permission to go abroad citing medical reasons. He had, on May 21, moved a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court seeking permission to travel abroad.

During the hearing, Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed Vadra's application to travel abroad stating that it's a routine medical treatment.

Vadra's counsel KTS Tulsi submitted that a small tumour in his client's large intestine has been detected, for which a doctor has to be consulted.

"Robert Vadra has a tumour in his large intestine. He seeks court's permission for the release of his passport so that he can travel to London for medical treatment and can also get the second opinion from doctors there," Tulsi stated. "Doctors have advised getting second opinion and this is a medical condition that can worsen with passing time."

"He was summoned last on March 8, and he has been cooperative. This proceeding should not turn to a death sentence," he added.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on ED's behalf, argued that Vadra has not essentially been asked to take a second opinion from a doctor in London.

"Doctor has mentioned (about second opinion) 'if you wish so'," he said. "ED investigation is at a crucial stage. Medical condition is just a pretext," he argued.

On a mention of Vadra travelling abroad for his daughter's physiotherapy, the ED argued that the ward can be accompanied by someone else.

"It is apprehended that on the pretext of a medical condition, there may be tampering with evidence," Mehta claimed. "There are treatments available in India," he added.

The ED's counsel also argued that there is a probability Vadra may not return to India if permitted to travel, to which Tulsi said, "Let's not bring political vendetta into it. He won't go to a city where ED has an objection.&nbsp; 
He may consider not going to London."

Meanwhile, Vadra is expected to appear before the ED&nbsp;in Delhi on Thursday in a case related to land grab in Delhi-NCR, Bikaner in Rajasthan and purchase of properties in foreign countries.

The ED had last week summoned Vadra, the son-in-law of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, to appear before it for questioning on Thursday.

On May 24, the agency had requested the Delhi High Court for custodial interrogation of Vadra for questioning him about the source of funds used for the purchase of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds and ascertain the role of certain other people who allegedly helped him launder money.

Earlier, the high court had issued a notice to Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora on a plea filed by the ED seeking cancellation of the trial court order granting them anticipatory bail in the money laundering case. The court has sought replies of Vadra and Arora on the plea and posted the matter for hearing on July 17.

The ED had claimed that Arora was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds for buying the flat.

Vadra is enjoying protection from arrest on the condition that he cannot leave India without the permission of a special CBI court.

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday reserved its order on businessman Robert Vadra's application seeking permission to travel abroad on June 3 on medical grounds.

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday reserved its order on businessman Robert Vadra's application seeking permission to travel abroad on June 3 on medical grounds. Vadra, who is being probed for his alleged involvement in a money laundering case, had sought permission to go abroad citing medical reasons. He had, on May 21, moved a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court seeking permission to travel abroad. During the hearing, Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed Vadra's application to travel abroad stating that it's a routine medical treatment. Vadra's counsel KTS Tulsi submitted that a small tumour in his client's large intestine has been detected, for which a doctor has to be consulted. "Robert Vadra has a tumour in his large intestine. He seeks court's permission for the release of his passport so that he can travel to London for medical treatment and can also get the second opinion from doctors there," Tulsi stated. "Doctors have advised getting second opinion and this is a medical condition that can worsen with passing time." "He was summoned last on March 8, and he has been cooperative. This proceeding should not turn to a death sentence," he added. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on ED's behalf, argued that Vadra has not essentially been asked to take a second opinion from a doctor in London. "Doctor has mentioned (about second opinion) 'if you wish so'," he said. "ED investigation is at a crucial stage. Medical condition is just a pretext," he argued. On a mention of Vadra travelling abroad for his daughter's physiotherapy, the ED argued that the ward can be accompanied by someone else. "It is apprehended that on the pretext of a medical condition, there may be tampering with evidence," Mehta claimed. "There are treatments available in India," he added. The ED's counsel also argued that there is a probability Vadra may not return to India if permitted to travel, to which Tulsi said, "Let's not bring political vendetta into it. He won't go to a city where ED has an objection. He may consider not going to London." Meanwhile, Vadra is expected to appear before the ED in Delhi on Thursday in a case related to land grab in Delhi-NCR, Bikaner in Rajasthan and purchase of properties in foreign countries. The ED had last week summoned Vadra, the son-in-law of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, to appear before it for questioning on Thursday. On May 24, the agency had requested the Delhi High Court for custodial interrogation of Vadra for questioning him about the source of funds used for the purchase of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds and ascertain the role of certain other people who allegedly helped him launder money. Earlier, the high court had issued a notice to Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora on a plea filed by the ED seeking cancellation of the trial court order granting them anticipatory bail in the money laundering case. The court has sought replies of Vadra and Arora on the plea and posted the matter for hearing on July 17. The ED had claimed that Arora was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds for buying the flat. Vadra is enjoying protection from arrest on the condition that he cannot leave India without the permission of a special CBI court.

Robert Vadra seeks permission to travel abroad for tumour treatment, Delhi court reserves order

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony for the second consecutive term will be held on May 30, 2019, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. President of India, Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister and other members of the Union Council.

India Watch: What will the new Modi cabinet look like?

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed Parliament first time after winning Lok Sabha election 2019 for the 2nd time says no to VIP culture. Breaking the walls and teaching MP's how to work for the Nation and natives only.

India Watch: PM Modi's message to BJP MP's

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second oath ceremony tomorrow after his massive victory in the national elections, is being preceded by a flurry of meetings - at his house and the house of party chief Amit Shah.

India Watch: PM Modi-Amit Shah holds marathon meeting

The ceremony could well be a stamp on Congress' massive electoral defeat which saw the party winning just 52 seats. The party was routed in almost every state by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party which cruised past the 300-seat mark on its own.

India Watch: 6000 guests to attend PM Modi's swearing-In

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to meet&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/great-honour-to-be-part-of-govt-will-keep-away-this-time-arun-jaitley-in-letter-to-pm-222463">Finance Minister&nbsp;Arun Jaitley</a> at his residence&nbsp;today.

According to media reports, Modi asked Jaitley to rethink his decision and continue to remain in the government.

Modi also enquired about Jaitley's health and well being, reports added.

Specific details about the meeting was not known immediately but the visit was possibly to convey a message that Jaitley is valued, appreciated and wanted by him and his government.

Earlier today, Jaitley has written a letter to Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons.

Jaitley has not attended office for the last three weeks and has rarely been seen in public. He, however, has been writing blogs and tweeted on Modi's victory last week.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;'Allow me reasonable time for myself', says Arun Jaitley

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/arun-jaitley-allow-me-reasonable-time-for-myself-222472/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He neither attended the Cabinet meeting called Friday that recommended dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, nor the Saturday meeting of the BJP parliamentary party that elected Modi as its leader.

A lawyer by profession, Jaitley has been the most important leader in Modi’s Cabinet and has often acted as the chief troubleshooter for the government.

He had undergone surgery in the US on January 22 for a reported soft tissue cancer in his left leg, an illness that deprived him from presenting the Modi government's sixth and final budget of its current term. Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal was the stand-in finance minister who presented the interim budget for 2019-20.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence today. According to media reports, Modi asked Jaitley to rethink his decision and continue to remain in the government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence today. According to media reports, Modi asked Jaitley to rethink his decision and continue to remain in the government. Modi also enquired about Jaitley's health and well being, reports added. Specific details about the meeting was not known immediately but the visit was possibly to convey a message that Jaitley is valued, appreciated and wanted by him and his government. Earlier today, Jaitley has written a letter to Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons. Jaitley has not attended office for the last three weeks and has rarely been seen in public. He, however, has been writing blogs and tweeted on Modi's victory last week. Watch: 'Allow me reasonable time for myself', says Arun Jaitley He neither attended the Cabinet meeting called Friday that recommended dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, nor the Saturday meeting of the BJP parliamentary party that elected Modi as its leader. A lawyer by profession, Jaitley has been the most important leader in Modi’s Cabinet and has often acted as the chief troubleshooter for the government. He had undergone surgery in the US on January 22 for a reported soft tissue cancer in his left leg, an illness that deprived him from presenting the Modi government's sixth and final budget of its current term. Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal was the stand-in finance minister who presented the interim budget for 2019-20.

PM Narendra Modi visits Arun Jaitley; urges him to reconsider opting out of government

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets ailing Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence. The meeting comes after a letter from Jaitley's front over not continuing more as a Finance Minister due to health concerns. According to sources, PM Modi urges Arun Jaitley to join the cabinet.

PM Modi to request Arun Jaitley to join Cabinet: Sources

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hc-seeks-robert-vadras-response-on-eds-plea-to-cancel-anticipatory-bail-in-pmla-case-221906">Robert Vadra</a> on Thursday for questioning in connection with land deal cases of Delhi NCR, Bikaner and other properties, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Monday sought Vadra's response on and the ED plea seeking cancellation of his anticipatory bail in a money-laundering case.

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Enforcement Directorate has summoned Robert Vadra tomorrow for questioning in connection with land deal cases of Delhi NCR,Bikaner and other properties. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/nOyzQppsq2">pic.twitter.com/nOyzQppsq2</a>
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Justice Chander Shekhar issued a notice to Vadra on ED's petition challenging trial court's April 1 order, which granted him anticipatory bail, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The court also sought the response of Vadra's close aide Manoj Arora on the agency's plea seeking cancellation of the anticipatory bail.

Vadra is facing allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds (over Rs 17 crore).

The case is being probed under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Robert Vadra on Thursday for questioning in connection with land deal cases of Delhi NCR, Bikaner and other properties, news agency ANI reported.

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Robert Vadra on Thursday for questioning in connection with land deal cases of Delhi NCR, Bikaner and other properties, news agency ANI reported. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Monday sought Vadra's response on and the ED plea seeking cancellation of his anticipatory bail in a money-laundering case. Enforcement Directorate has summoned Robert Vadra tomorrow for questioning in connection with land deal cases of Delhi NCR,Bikaner and other properties. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/nOyzQppsq2 — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2019 × Justice Chander Shekhar issued a notice to Vadra on ED's petition challenging trial court's April 1 order, which granted him anticipatory bail, news agency PTI reported. The court also sought the response of Vadra's close aide Manoj Arora on the agency's plea seeking cancellation of the anticipatory bail. Vadra is facing allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds (over Rs 17 crore). The case is being probed under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act. (With inputs from agencies)

Enforcement Directorate summons Robert Vadra in corruption case

After the Lok Sabha polls debacle, the newly-elected MPs of the Congress will meet for the first time on June 1 and elect the new leader of the parliamentary party.

The Congress Parliamentary Party is currently chaired by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-sonia-gandhi-to-attend-narendra-modis-swearing-in-ceremony-as-prime-minister-222569">Sonia Gandhi</a> and all 52 MPs will be present at the meeting, besides its Rajya Sabha members, sources said.

The CPP meeting will be held in the central hall of Parliament and will also chalk out its strategy for the upcoming session.

In its first meeting after constitution of the 17th Lok Sabha, the party will first elect its new leader.

The sources said this will be the first official meeting that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will attend after the meeting of the party's working committee held on May 25, where he offered to quit as Congress chief.

The CWC, however, 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.

After the Lok Sabha polls debacle, the newly-elected MPs of the Congress will meet for the first time on June 1 and elect the new leader of the parliamentary party.

After the Lok Sabha polls debacle, the newly-elected MPs of the Congress will meet for the first time on June 1 and elect the new leader of the parliamentary party. The Congress Parliamentary Party is currently chaired by Sonia Gandhi and all 52 MPs will be present at the meeting, besides its Rajya Sabha members, sources said. The CPP meeting will be held in the central hall of Parliament and will also chalk out its strategy for the upcoming session. In its first meeting after constitution of the 17th Lok Sabha, the party will first elect its new leader. The sources said this will be the first official meeting that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will attend after the meeting of the party's working committee held on May 25, where he offered to quit as Congress chief. The CWC, however, 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.

Congress Parliamentary Party to meet on June 1 to elect leader

The first Kashmiri man to have joined terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has surrendered and is in the custody of US forces in Syria, according to his Srinagar-based family.

The father of Adil Ahmad, an MBA graduate, said that they received a voice note from him in March in which he says that the US-led forces in Syria have surrounded the&nbsp;group and are asking them to surrender. "I want to return back and the US army has told us that if we surrender, we will be sent back to our countries," Adil is further heard saying in the March 25 voice note, according to his father.

Otherwise shy, Adil, did his MBA from Queensland University in Australia and that's where his family believes&nbsp;he got radicalised and later travelled through Turkey to Syria.

"We have been surrounded by US forces. I am performing Istikhara (special prayer by Muslims when in need of guidance) and we have decided to surrender with the family," he told his father Fayaz Ahmad Wada in the last voice note.

According to his family, Adil married a Dutch national and had a five-year-old son, who died during a battle due to starvation. They say his wife is in a refugee camp with Shamima Begum, a British-born woman, who left the UK in February 2015, to join the ISIS.

"He kept us in dark initially. He always told us that he joined for an NGO purportedly working with Syrian refugees. But we developed a suspicion in 2013," said Wada.

Sources in the National Investigations Agency (NIA) believe that Adil travelled to Jordan from Turkey and finally landed in Syria joining Al Nusra Front in 2013.

His family and mother are shattered with the news and are now running pillar to post to bring him back. "We have written to several agencies for his release and we are hopeful. We appeal to Narendra Modi and administration to bring our children back," said Adil's mother as tears rolled&nbsp;down her cheeks.

The first Kashmiri man to have joined terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has surrendered and is in the custody of US forces in Syria, according to his Srinagar-based family.

The first Kashmiri man to have joined terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has surrendered and is in the custody of US forces in Syria, according to his Srinagar-based family. The father of Adil Ahmad, an MBA graduate, said that they received a voice note from him in March in which he says that the US-led forces in Syria have surrounded the group and are asking them to surrender. "I want to return back and the US army has told us that if we surrender, we will be sent back to our countries," Adil is further heard saying in the March 25 voice note, according to his father. Otherwise shy, Adil, did his MBA from Queensland University in Australia and that's where his family believes he got radicalised and later travelled through Turkey to Syria. "We have been surrounded by US forces. I am performing Istikhara (special prayer by Muslims when in need of guidance) and we have decided to surrender with the family," he told his father Fayaz Ahmad Wada in the last voice note. According to his family, Adil married a Dutch national and had a five-year-old son, who died during a battle due to starvation. They say his wife is in a refugee camp with Shamima Begum, a British-born woman, who left the UK in February 2015, to join the ISIS. "He kept us in dark initially. He always told us that he joined for an NGO purportedly working with Syrian refugees. But we developed a suspicion in 2013," said Wada. Sources in the National Investigations Agency (NIA) believe that Adil travelled to Jordan from Turkey and finally landed in Syria joining Al Nusra Front in 2013. His family and mother are shattered with the news and are now running pillar to post to bring him back. "We have written to several agencies for his release and we are hopeful. We appeal to Narendra Modi and administration to bring our children back," said Adil's mother as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Kashmir man who joined ISIS surrenders, claims family; hopeful of return

An exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces in Tazipora, Mohammadpora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday.

Two to three terrorists are trapped in the area. More details are currently awaited.

This comes a day after two terrorists were killed and their arms and ammunition confiscated by the security forces after an exchange of fire broke out in Kokernag area of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-encounter-breaks-out-between-militants-and-security-forces-in-anantnag-222243">Anantnag district on Tuesday</a>.

Earlier, the security forces had got a major breakthrough when one of the most wanted terrorists, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-terror-commander-of-al-qaeda-affiliate-zakir-musa-killed-curfew-imposed-in-parts-of-kashmir-221343">Zakir Musa, was killed in an encounter in Tral</a> in Pulwama on May 24.

Following a tip-off about the presence of terrorists, a joint team of Army, Jammu and Kashmir police conducted a search operation on Thursday evening in Dadsara village which led to an encounter.&nbsp;

Within minutes of firing, Al-Sindh, an al-Qaeda media outlets asked people to help Musa escape, as he was trapped by forces. During the overnight gunbattle that followed Zakir's body was recovered from the encounter site. &nbsp;

Sources said Zakir tried to escape from the house and was shot dead in a nearby orchard.&nbsp;

An exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces in Tazipora, Mohammadpora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday. Two to three terrorists are trapped in the area.

An exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces in Tazipora, Mohammadpora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday. Two to three terrorists are trapped in the area. More details are currently awaited. This comes a day after two terrorists were killed and their arms and ammunition confiscated by the security forces after an exchange of fire broke out in Kokernag area of Anantnag district on Tuesday. Earlier, the security forces had got a major breakthrough when one of the most wanted terrorists, Zakir Musa, was killed in an encounter in Tral in Pulwama on May 24. Following a tip-off about the presence of terrorists, a joint team of Army, Jammu and Kashmir police conducted a search operation on Thursday evening in Dadsara village which led to an encounter. Within minutes of firing, Al-Sindh, an al-Qaeda media outlets asked people to help Musa escape, as he was trapped by forces. During the overnight gunbattle that followed Zakir's body was recovered from the encounter site. Sources said Zakir tried to escape from the house and was shot dead in a nearby orchard.

Jammu and Kashmir: Exchange of fire between terrorists, security forces in Kulgam

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-north-korea-program-violates-un-resolutions-after-trump-tweet-222373">US says North Korea program violates UN resolutions, after Trump tweet</a>

The US State Department said Tuesday that&nbsp;North Korea's overall program of weapons of mass destruction violated UN resolutions after President Donald Trump brushed off recent missile launches.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/newly-freed-from-prison-in-myanmar-two-reuters-journalists-accept-their-pulitzer-prize-222389">Newly freed from prison in Myanmar, two Reuters journalists accept their Pulitzer Prize</a>

Reuters journalists Wa Lone, Kyaw Soe Oo and their colleagues accepted their Pulitzer Prize in the International Reporting category in New York on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-johnsons-greed-helped-fuel-us-opioid-crisis-oklahoma-claims-at-trial-222378">Johnson &amp; Johnson's greed helped fuel US opioid crisis, Oklahoma claims at trial</a>

Johnson &amp; Johnson's greed led the drugmaker to use deceptive marketing to create an oversupply of painkillers that fuelled the US opioid epidemic, the state of Oklahoma alleged at the start of the first trial to result from lawsuits over the drug crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-opens-probe-into-sexual-favour-allegations-222376">Afghanistan opens probe into sexual favour allegations</a>

Afghanistan's attorney general opened an investigation Tuesday into allegations that some members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration are trading government positions for sexual favours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-ready-to-talk-to-gulf-countries-amid-tension-with-us-222385">Iran ready to talk to Gulf countries amid tension with US</a>

Iran is ready to engage in a dialogue with the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to address the issue of escalating tensions with the United States in the Arabian Gulf, authorities said on Tuesday.

US says North Korea program violates UN resolutions, after Trump tweet The US State Department said Tuesday that North Korea's overall program of weapons of mass destruction violated UN resolutions after President Donald Trump brushed off recent missile launches.

US says North Korea program violates UN resolutions, after Trump tweet The US State Department said Tuesday that North Korea's overall program of weapons of mass destruction violated UN resolutions after President Donald Trump brushed off recent missile launches. Newly freed from prison in Myanmar, two Reuters journalists accept their Pulitzer Prize Reuters journalists Wa Lone, Kyaw Soe Oo and their colleagues accepted their Pulitzer Prize in the International Reporting category in New York on Tuesday. Johnson & Johnson's greed helped fuel US opioid crisis, Oklahoma claims at trial Johnson & Johnson's greed led the drugmaker to use deceptive marketing to create an oversupply of painkillers that fuelled the US opioid epidemic, the state of Oklahoma alleged at the start of the first trial to result from lawsuits over the drug crisis. Afghanistan opens probe into sexual favour allegations Afghanistan's attorney general opened an investigation Tuesday into allegations that some members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration are trading government positions for sexual favours. Iran ready to talk to Gulf countries amid tension with US Iran is ready to engage in a dialogue with the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to address the issue of escalating tensions with the United States in the Arabian Gulf, authorities said on Tuesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will drive down to ailing Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's residence at 8.30 PM. Arun Jaitley had wrote a letter to PM Modi over his health condition and according to sources Amit Shah could serve as Nation's next Finance Minister.

PM Modi to drive down to Arun Jaitley's home

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday called for renewed efforts by India to gain permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

Interacting with the Officer Trainees of the 2018 Batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Bhutanese Diplomats here, the Vice President referred to the growing prominence of India on the world stage and underscored the need for enhancing support from world nations and building a sustained dialogue in favour of UNSC reforms.

"During the last five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly and remarkably raised the visibility and standing of India. India has emerged as the fastest growing economy with global powers acknowledging India's growth story," Naidu said.

The Vice President also stressed the need to build a consensus for expansion and democratisation of a number of multilateral fora to ensure representation to a number of other emerging nations.

"We must renew our efforts to gain permanent membership of the UN Security Council by further enhancing support from world nations and building a sustained dialogue in favour of UNSC reforms. We have to build consensus for the expansion and democratization of a number of other multilateral fora to ensure representation of a number of other emerging nations," he added.

Naidu further cautioned that the return of the unwelcome tendency of protectionism would adversely impact the global effort for collective advancement.

Outlining the challenges the budding diplomats would have to deal with, Naidu expressed his concern over the threat posed by terrorism.

"Let me impress upon you the grave nature of the threat that the world community, as a whole, faces due to terrorism. No country in the world is immune to the consequences of terrorism now and therefore curbing this menace would require a united response from world nations," he said.

"India has consistently taken an unrelenting and uncompromising stand against terrorism, we must continue to be champions of peace," he added.

Talking about the unethical acts of financial fugitives, the Vice President expressed his concern over the ease with which they find safe havens in other countries.

He suggested the constant updating and overhauling of Extradition Treaties and all bilateral and multilateral agreements to defend and safeguard the integrated global economic order for the collective good.

Referring to the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Naidu said that people had made their choice with resounding clarity and voted for stability.&nbsp;

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday called for renewed efforts by India to gain permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. Interacting with the Officer Trainees of the 2018 Batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Bhutanese Diplomats here, the Vice President referred to the growing prominence of India on the world stage and underscored the need for enhancing support from world nations and building a sustained dialogue in favour of UNSC reforms.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday called for renewed efforts by India to gain permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. Interacting with the Officer Trainees of the 2018 Batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Bhutanese Diplomats here, the Vice President referred to the growing prominence of India on the world stage and underscored the need for enhancing support from world nations and building a sustained dialogue in favour of UNSC reforms. "During the last five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly and remarkably raised the visibility and standing of India. India has emerged as the fastest growing economy with global powers acknowledging India's growth story," Naidu said. The Vice President also stressed the need to build a consensus for expansion and democratisation of a number of multilateral fora to ensure representation to a number of other emerging nations. "We must renew our efforts to gain permanent membership of the UN Security Council by further enhancing support from world nations and building a sustained dialogue in favour of UNSC reforms. We have to build consensus for the expansion and democratization of a number of other multilateral fora to ensure representation of a number of other emerging nations," he added. Naidu further cautioned that the return of the unwelcome tendency of protectionism would adversely impact the global effort for collective advancement. Outlining the challenges the budding diplomats would have to deal with, Naidu expressed his concern over the threat posed by terrorism. "Let me impress upon you the grave nature of the threat that the world community, as a whole, faces due to terrorism. No country in the world is immune to the consequences of terrorism now and therefore curbing this menace would require a united response from world nations," he said. "India has consistently taken an unrelenting and uncompromising stand against terrorism, we must continue to be champions of peace," he added. Talking about the unethical acts of financial fugitives, the Vice President expressed his concern over the ease with which they find safe havens in other countries. He suggested the constant updating and overhauling of Extradition Treaties and all bilateral and multilateral agreements to defend and safeguard the integrated global economic order for the collective good. Referring to the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Naidu said that people had made their choice with resounding clarity and voted for stability.

India must renew efforts to gain UNSC permanent seat: Vice President Naidu

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