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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/naveen-patnaik-invites-modi-to-his-swearing-in-ceremony-as-odisha-cm-222062">Chief minister-designate Naveen Patnaik</a> is set to take oath on Wednesday as the chief minister of Odisha, for the fifth consecutive time.

Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers will also be sworn in.

Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal had on Sunday invited Chief Minister and BJD president Patnaik to form the next government in the state.

The Governor appointed 11 Cabinet ministers and nine Ministers of State on the recommendation of the chief minister.

The 72-year-old BJD supremo Patnaik, one of the longest-serving chief ministers, managed to retain the state for the fifth consecutive term in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election in the state.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held at 10.30 am at the Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar, the Governor`s office said in a press statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders have been invited to the ceremony.

The Cabinet Ministers who will take oath are Ranendra Pratap Swain, Bikram Keshari Arukha, Naba Kishore Das, Pratap Jena, Prafulla Kumar Mallick, Niranjan Pujari, Sudam Marndi, Susanta Singh, Tukuni Sahu, Arun Kumar Sahoo and Padmanav BeheraThe state ministers include Ashok Chandra Panda, Samir Ranjan Dash, Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Dibya Shankar Mishra, Premananda Nayak, Raghunandan Das, Padmini Dian, Tusharkanti Behera and Jagannath Saraka.

Elections for the 147 seats in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats were held simultaneously in the state.

Patnaik won from two Assembly segments, his home turf Hinjili under the Aska Lok Sabha seat in southern Odisha and Bijapur in the Bargarh Lok Sabha seat in western Odisha.BJD retained 12 of the 21 parliamentary seats in the state.

The party secured 112 seats in the 147-member Odisha Assembly. BJP won 23 seats and Congress managed to win nine seats. An independent and CPI(M) won one seat each.

Patnaik, the son of former chief minister Biju Patnaik formed the BJD after quitting the Janata Dal in 1997. He became the chief minister for the first time in the year 2000 and his party had been in alliance with the BJP till 2009.&nbsp;

Chief minister-designate Naveen Patnaik is set to take oath on Wednesday as the chief minister of Odisha, for the fifth consecutive time. Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers will also be sworn in.

Chief minister-designate Naveen Patnaik is set to take oath on Wednesday as the chief minister of Odisha, for the fifth consecutive time. Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers will also be sworn in. Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal had on Sunday invited Chief Minister and BJD president Patnaik to form the next government in the state. The Governor appointed 11 Cabinet ministers and nine Ministers of State on the recommendation of the chief minister. The 72-year-old BJD supremo Patnaik, one of the longest-serving chief ministers, managed to retain the state for the fifth consecutive term in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election in the state. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held at 10.30 am at the Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar, the Governor`s office said in a press statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders have been invited to the ceremony. The Cabinet Ministers who will take oath are Ranendra Pratap Swain, Bikram Keshari Arukha, Naba Kishore Das, Pratap Jena, Prafulla Kumar Mallick, Niranjan Pujari, Sudam Marndi, Susanta Singh, Tukuni Sahu, Arun Kumar Sahoo and Padmanav BeheraThe state ministers include Ashok Chandra Panda, Samir Ranjan Dash, Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Dibya Shankar Mishra, Premananda Nayak, Raghunandan Das, Padmini Dian, Tusharkanti Behera and Jagannath Saraka. Elections for the 147 seats in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats were held simultaneously in the state. Patnaik won from two Assembly segments, his home turf Hinjili under the Aska Lok Sabha seat in southern Odisha and Bijapur in the Bargarh Lok Sabha seat in western Odisha.BJD retained 12 of the 21 parliamentary seats in the state. The party secured 112 seats in the 147-member Odisha Assembly. BJP won 23 seats and Congress managed to win nine seats. An independent and CPI(M) won one seat each. Patnaik, the son of former chief minister Biju Patnaik formed the BJD after quitting the Janata Dal in 1997. He became the chief minister for the first time in the year 2000 and his party had been in alliance with the BJP till 2009.

Naveen Patnaik to be sworn in as Odisha Chief Minister for record 5th time

A team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-navy-puts-its-vessels-on-alert-after-reports-of-is-terrorists-setting-off-to-india-221922">Colombo in connection with two ISIS related cases</a> being investigated by the agency.

The two-member team is in the Sri-Lankan capital to find out any possible links between the terrorist modules and the terrorists involved in the deadly Easter Sunday bombings in Sri-Lanka.NIA had on April 29 arrested Riyas Aboobacker in connection with Kasargod ISIS terror module case.

According to the investigating agency, Aboobacker was allegedly planning suicide attacks at international tourist destinations in Kerala. He was arrested from Palakkad.

In 2017, the NIA had registered a case against five people from Valapattanam in Kannur district for their alleged IS links.

The investigation revealed Riyas` link with the ISIS.

According to NIA, Riyas revealed during interrogation that he was in contact with an absconder in the case Abdul Rashid Abdulla alias Abu Isa and was following his audio clips, in which he was heard instigating others to carry out attacks in India.

Riyas also disclosed that he was in contact with Abdul Khayoom alias Abu Khalid, an accused in Valapattanam ISIS case.

Khalid is believed to be in Syria now. In 2016, as many as 15 persons disappeared from Kasargod and allegedly migrated to Afghanistan and Syria to join the ISIS.

A case was registered in the matter, which is being investigated by the NIA.&nbsp;

A team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached Colombo in connection with two ISIS related cases being investigated by the agency. The two-member team is in the Sri-Lankan capital to find out any possible links between the terrorist modules and the terrorists involved in the deadly Easter Sunday bombings in Sri-Lanka.

A team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached Colombo in connection with two ISIS related cases being investigated by the agency. The two-member team is in the Sri-Lankan capital to find out any possible links between the terrorist modules and the terrorists involved in the deadly Easter Sunday bombings in Sri-Lanka.NIA had on April 29 arrested Riyas Aboobacker in connection with Kasargod ISIS terror module case. According to the investigating agency, Aboobacker was allegedly planning suicide attacks at international tourist destinations in Kerala. He was arrested from Palakkad. In 2017, the NIA had registered a case against five people from Valapattanam in Kannur district for their alleged IS links. The investigation revealed Riyas` link with the ISIS. According to NIA, Riyas revealed during interrogation that he was in contact with an absconder in the case Abdul Rashid Abdulla alias Abu Isa and was following his audio clips, in which he was heard instigating others to carry out attacks in India. Riyas also disclosed that he was in contact with Abdul Khayoom alias Abu Khalid, an accused in Valapattanam ISIS case. Khalid is believed to be in Syria now. In 2016, as many as 15 persons disappeared from Kasargod and allegedly migrated to Afghanistan and Syria to join the ISIS. A case was registered in the matter, which is being investigated by the NIA.

NIA team in Colombo to probe Islamic State related cases

What's in store for NDA allies in Modi's new Cabinet?

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Congress workers gathered outside party chief Rahul Gandhi's residence on Wednesday urging him to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lets-not-indulge-in-speculation-congress-on-rahul-gandhis-resignation-222433">withdraw his offer to resign</a>.

Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit visited Gandhi's Tughlak Lane residence. After coming out, she remained silent on whether she was able to meet the Gandhi scion.&nbsp;

Sources said she could not meet Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

A close aide of the Delhi Congress chief said Dikshit left a message for the Congress president in which she asked Gandhi to withdraw his offer to resign.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-refuses-to-meet-senior-leaders-remains-adamant-on-his-decision-to-step-down-as-congress-chief-222324">Gandhi is not meeting any party leaders</a>. So, Dikshit left her message urging Gandhi to reconsider his decision in the interest of the party with K Raju, a confidante of the party chief," the close aide added.

Boxer Vijender Singh, who had fought the Lok Sabha polls from the South Delhi constituency and ended up at the third spot said workers do not want Rahul Gandhi to resign as he is an "able and hardworking" leader.

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi obdurate on stepping down as Congress Prez

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-gandhi-obdurate-on-stepping-down-as-congress-prez-222286/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"He has not resigned. We have come to talk to him. He has made an offer to resign but people do not want him to go.&nbsp;He has worked hard. If the results are not in our favour, it hurts but we are fighters. Nobody else can work like him. He is a leader who takes everyone together," Singh said.

Slogans of 'Rahulji, we are with you' and 'Please do not resign' rang through the air. Several workers were carrying placards with Gandhi's photos urging him not to resign.

Some workers were even demanding that elections be held again in a fair manner with ballot papers instead of EVMs since the latter could have tampered.

Congress leader Jagdish Tytler said there are millions of Congress workers who do not want Gandhi to resign.

"We had to be here because we do not want him to resign. There are millions of Congress workers who do not want him to resign. We are disappointed with the results but not with the leadership," he said.&nbsp;

The crisis in the Congress showed no signs of easing with Gandhi sticking to his decision to resign as party chief after its Lok Sabha poll debacle and staying away from meeting party leaders.

On Tuesday, Gandhi had only met his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, besides senior party leader K C Venugopal and the Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy Sachin Pilot went to meet Gandhi at his Tughlaq Lane residence on Tuesday, but they only met Priyanka.

Senior Congress leaders have been pressing Gandhi to take back his decision to resign and revamp the party at all levels in these challenging times.

Congress workers gathered outside party chief Rahul Gandhi's residence on Wednesday urging him to withdraw his offer to resign. Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit visited Gandhi's Tughlak Lane residence.

Congress workers gathered outside party chief Rahul Gandhi's residence on Wednesday urging him to withdraw his offer to resign. Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit visited Gandhi's Tughlak Lane residence. After coming out, she remained silent on whether she was able to meet the Gandhi scion. Sources said she could not meet Rahul Gandhi. A close aide of the Delhi Congress chief said Dikshit left a message for the Congress president in which she asked Gandhi to withdraw his offer to resign. "Gandhi is not meeting any party leaders. So, Dikshit left her message urging Gandhi to reconsider his decision in the interest of the party with K Raju, a confidante of the party chief," the close aide added. Boxer Vijender Singh, who had fought the Lok Sabha polls from the South Delhi constituency and ended up at the third spot said workers do not want Rahul Gandhi to resign as he is an "able and hardworking" leader. Watch: Rahul Gandhi obdurate on stepping down as Congress Prez "He has not resigned. We have come to talk to him. He has made an offer to resign but people do not want him to go. He has worked hard. If the results are not in our favour, it hurts but we are fighters. Nobody else can work like him. He is a leader who takes everyone together," Singh said. Slogans of 'Rahulji, we are with you' and 'Please do not resign' rang through the air. Several workers were carrying placards with Gandhi's photos urging him not to resign. Some workers were even demanding that elections be held again in a fair manner with ballot papers instead of EVMs since the latter could have tampered. Congress leader Jagdish Tytler said there are millions of Congress workers who do not want Gandhi to resign. "We had to be here because we do not want him to resign. There are millions of Congress workers who do not want him to resign. We are disappointed with the results but not with the leadership," he said. The crisis in the Congress showed no signs of easing with Gandhi sticking to his decision to resign as party chief after its Lok Sabha poll debacle and staying away from meeting party leaders. On Tuesday, Gandhi had only met his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, besides senior party leader K C Venugopal and the Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy Sachin Pilot went to meet Gandhi at his Tughlaq Lane residence on Tuesday, but they only met Priyanka. Senior Congress leaders have been pressing Gandhi to take back his decision to resign and revamp the party at all levels in these challenging times.

Congress workers gather outside Rahul Gandhi's residence urging him not to resign

An exchange of fire is underway between terrorists and security forces on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district.

The area has been cordoned off.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Exchange of fire underway between security forces &amp; terrorists in Shopian, area under cordoned off. <a href="https://t.co/jrQDs1u053">pic.twitter.com/jrQDs1u053</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1133726935538757637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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.

An exchange of fire is underway between terrorists and security forces on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district. The area has been cordoned off. Jammu & Kashmir: Exchange of fire underway between security forces & terrorists in Shopian, area under cordoned off.

An exchange of fire is underway between terrorists and security forces on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district. The area has been cordoned off. Jammu & Kashmir: Exchange of fire underway between security forces & terrorists in Shopian, area under cordoned off. pic.twitter.com/jrQDs1u053 — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2019 × 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.

Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway in Shopian district

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/time-magazine-does-an-about-face-from-divider-in-chief-to-modi-has-united-india-222490">Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India'</a>

Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-stay-on-fatfs-grey-list-official-to-wion-222508">Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION</a>

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday.

FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-mountaineer-ravindra-kumar-speaks-to-wion-explains-why-everest-has-turned-into-death-zone-222486">Indian mountaineer Ravindra Kumar speaks to WION, explains why Everest has turned into 'death zone'</a>

With reports of over 10 people killed recently while trying to scale the world highest peak, Mount Everest, global interest mounts around the ambitious expedition, the traffic on the peak and why has it turned into a 'death zone'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-to-work-closely-with-great-ally-india-state-department-spokesperson-222484">US to work closely with 'great ally' India: State Department spokesperson</a>

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-wont-attend-modis-swearing-in-says-bjp-using-occasion-to-scare-political-points-222479">Mamata Banerjee won't attend Modi's swearing-in, says BJP using occasion to score political points</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal.

Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India' Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done.

Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India' Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done. Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday. FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida. Indian mountaineer Ravindra Kumar speaks to WION, explains why Everest has turned into 'death zone' With reports of over 10 people killed recently while trying to scale the world highest peak, Mount Everest, global interest mounts around the ambitious expedition, the traffic on the peak and why has it turned into a 'death zone'. US to work closely with 'great ally' India: State Department spokesperson India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday. Mamata Banerjee won't attend Modi's swearing-in, says BJP using occasion to score political points West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing Parliament of Maldives - People's Majlis - during his visit to the country from June 7 to 8.&nbsp;

This will be his first foreign visit after assuming office for the second term.

In a tweet, Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said, "Maldives Parliament has unanimously passed a resolution to invite PM Narendra&nbsp;modi to address a sitting of the house during his upcoming visit to the Maldives."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maldives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maldives</a> Parliament has unanimously passed a resolution to invite PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to address a sitting of the house during his upcoming visit to the Maldives.
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1133664222284603392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Majlis took up the matter on Wednesday and motion was passed with consensus. As a part of a process, if any foreign leader addresses the country's parliament, it has to be approved by the MPs. 
 
Former High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Rajeev Shahare speaking to WION on the visit said, "PM Modi’s upcoming visit to the Maldives, his first overseas visit after re-affirmation of a robust mandate in the recent polls, is a strong reiteration of his “neighbourhood-first” policy."

He explained, "Given Maldivian President Ibu Solih’s favourable disposition towards India with his “India-first” policy and India’s desire to intensify and deepen its engagement with the Maldives, the visit is likely to open a new chapter in our bilateral relations."

Bhutan was the first foreign country he visited in the first term after taking charge as Prime Minister in 2014. During that visit, he addressed the joint session of Parliament.

The last Indian Prime Minister to address the Maldives' Parliament was Manmohan Singh in 2011. He was then the first head of the government to address the 'People's Majlis'.

Last six months have seen a number of high-level visits between the two countries. PM Modi had visited the island country during the oath-taking ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This visit was followed by visits by Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid &amp; President Solih.

In March this year, Sushma Swaraj, the minister of external affairs under the Modi government's first term, visited the country in which India announced 100 million rufiyaa grant.

Under the 100 million rufiyaa grant, two&nbsp;new projects, financial support to establish Emergency Medical Services and construction of classrooms were announced on Wednesday.

The Maldives is a key country in the Indian Ocean region and lies in the heart of busy shipping lanes connecting Africa with Asia. The previous administration under President Yameen had junked the "India first" policy for a pro-china policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing Parliament of Maldives - People's Majlis - during his visit to the country from June 7 to 8. This will be his first foreign visit after assuming office for the second term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing Parliament of Maldives - People's Majlis - during his visit to the country from June 7 to 8. This will be his first foreign visit after assuming office for the second term. In a tweet, Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said, "Maldives Parliament has unanimously passed a resolution to invite PM Narendra modi to address a sitting of the house during his upcoming visit to the Maldives." #Maldives Parliament has unanimously passed a resolution to invite PM @narendramodi to address a sitting of the house during his upcoming visit to the Maldives. — Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) May 29, 2019 × The Majlis took up the matter on Wednesday and motion was passed with consensus. As a part of a process, if any foreign leader addresses the country's parliament, it has to be approved by the MPs. Former High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Rajeev Shahare speaking to WION on the visit said, "PM Modi’s upcoming visit to the Maldives, his first overseas visit after re-affirmation of a robust mandate in the recent polls, is a strong reiteration of his “neighbourhood-first” policy." He explained, "Given Maldivian President Ibu Solih’s favourable disposition towards India with his “India-first” policy and India’s desire to intensify and deepen its engagement with the Maldives, the visit is likely to open a new chapter in our bilateral relations." Bhutan was the first foreign country he visited in the first term after taking charge as Prime Minister in 2014. During that visit, he addressed the joint session of Parliament. The last Indian Prime Minister to address the Maldives' Parliament was Manmohan Singh in 2011. He was then the first head of the government to address the 'People's Majlis'. Last six months have seen a number of high-level visits between the two countries. PM Modi had visited the island country during the oath-taking ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This visit was followed by visits by Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid & President Solih. In March this year, Sushma Swaraj, the minister of external affairs under the Modi government's first term, visited the country in which India announced 100 million rufiyaa grant. Under the 100 million rufiyaa grant, two new projects, financial support to establish Emergency Medical Services and construction of classrooms were announced on Wednesday. The Maldives is a key country in the Indian Ocean region and lies in the heart of busy shipping lanes connecting Africa with Asia. The previous administration under President Yameen had junked the "India first" policy for a pro-china policy.

PM Narendra Modi to address Maldives Parliament

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says that she will not attend PM Modi's oath ceremony that is scheduled on 30th May. She also in a tweet condemns BJP's allegations over mass deaths in West Bengal in political violence during Lok Sabha phases.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says no to PM Modi's oath ceremony

Weeks after Time magazine featured <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/world-leaders-congratulate-pm-modi-on-re-election-221092">Narendra Modi </a>on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/road-ahead-for-pm-narendra-modi-222133">prime minister </a>has united India in decades the way he has done.

The article titled ‘Modi Has United India Like No Prime Minister in Decades’ is written by Manoj Ladwa, founder and chief executive of the India Inc Group, a London-based media organisation.

The article comes just days after BJP secured a landslide victory in the country's general elections, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-to-take-oath-as-pm-on-may-30-221788">winning 303 seats in the 542</a>-member Lok Sabha.

Watch: 'Modi united India like no PM in decades'

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“Despite the strong and often unfair criticisms levelled at Modi’s policies both throughout his first term and this marathon election, no Prime Minister has united the Indian electorate as much in close to five decades," Ladwa writes.

Ladwa, who in 2014 had led the Research Analysis and Messaging division of the Narendra Modi for Prime Minister campaign, further writes that Modi won a massive mandate as he managed to transcend India’s greatest fault line: the class divide.

The article is published in the Time Ideas section, which the publication said: “hosts the world's leading voices, providing commentary on events in news, society, and culture.”

The article is in stark contrast to the the magazine's cover story done on Modi earlier this month titled ‘India's Divider in Chief’, written by Aatish Taseer, son of Indian journalist Tavleen Singh and late Pakistani politician and businessman Salmaan Taseer.

As Modi enters his second term as leader of the world’s largest democracy, Ladwa writes that he still has work to do.

“Having plugged some horrendous holes in India’s notoriously inefficient and corrupt bureaucracy in his first term, he will now need to focus much more ruthlessly on reforming those institutions and make them fit for the coming decades. This will require him to remain the pragmatic politician he is, and continue to shun the temptations of populism as he sets out his stall for a second term."

While all achievements of the Modi’s government are still “works-in-progress”, Ladwa said that its efforts have been recognised by virtually every single global institute of any standing, including the World Bank, the IMF, and the UN, and “Modi’s India is finally progressing at a rate worthy of its size and potential.

“Modi may have been criticised for remaining silent during incidents of social unrest. But his work has been given the thumbs up at the ballot box by the Indian voters for directly addressing the root causes of some of India’s divisions. For them, the Modi dream of a New India remains very much intact,” Ladwa added.

Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done.

Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done. The article titled ‘Modi Has United India Like No Prime Minister in Decades’ is written by Manoj Ladwa, founder and chief executive of the India Inc Group, a London-based media organisation. The article comes just days after BJP secured a landslide victory in the country's general elections, winning 303 seats in the 542-member Lok Sabha. Watch: 'Modi united India like no PM in decades' “Despite the strong and often unfair criticisms levelled at Modi’s policies both throughout his first term and this marathon election, no Prime Minister has united the Indian electorate as much in close to five decades," Ladwa writes. Ladwa, who in 2014 had led the Research Analysis and Messaging division of the Narendra Modi for Prime Minister campaign, further writes that Modi won a massive mandate as he managed to transcend India’s greatest fault line: the class divide. The article is published in the Time Ideas section, which the publication said: “hosts the world's leading voices, providing commentary on events in news, society, and culture.” The article is in stark contrast to the the magazine's cover story done on Modi earlier this month titled ‘India's Divider in Chief’, written by Aatish Taseer, son of Indian journalist Tavleen Singh and late Pakistani politician and businessman Salmaan Taseer. As Modi enters his second term as leader of the world’s largest democracy, Ladwa writes that he still has work to do. “Having plugged some horrendous holes in India’s notoriously inefficient and corrupt bureaucracy in his first term, he will now need to focus much more ruthlessly on reforming those institutions and make them fit for the coming decades. This will require him to remain the pragmatic politician he is, and continue to shun the temptations of populism as he sets out his stall for a second term." While all achievements of the Modi’s government are still “works-in-progress”, Ladwa said that its efforts have been recognised by virtually every single global institute of any standing, including the World Bank, the IMF, and the UN, and “Modi’s India is finally progressing at a rate worthy of its size and potential. “Modi may have been criticised for remaining silent during incidents of social unrest. But his work has been given the thumbs up at the ballot box by the Indian voters for directly addressing the root causes of some of India’s divisions. For them, the Modi dream of a New India remains very much intact,” Ladwa added.

Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India'

Outgoing Andhra Pradesh chief minister and&nbsp;Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu will not attend the swearing-in of YS Jaganmohan Reddy on May 30 in Vijayawada.

Naidu will instead send a&nbsp;TDP&nbsp;delegation to attend the ceremony.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a>: TDP National President N Chandrababu Naidu to not attend swearing-in ceremony of YS Jaganmohan Reddy tomorrow. A TDP delegation will meet YS Jaganmohan Reddy at his Amaravati residence before the swearing-in ceremony. (file pics) <a href="https://t.co/HH8hpBMpf6">pic.twitter.com/HH8hpBMpf6</a>
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Though Reddy had personally invited the TDP chief over the telephone.

Meanwhile, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mk-stalin-to-attend-andhra-pradesh-chief-minister-elect-jagan-mohan-reddys-swearing-in-ceremony-on-may-30-222261">MK Stalin will attend</a> Jaganmohan Reddy's swearing-in ceremony.

Reddy's party YSRCP achieved a landslide victory by winning 151 seats in the 175-member Assembly and 22 out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Reddy and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao will reportedly fly to Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Outgoing Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu will not attend the swearing-in of YS Jaganmohan Reddy on May 30 in Vijayawada.

Outgoing Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu will not attend the swearing-in of YS Jaganmohan Reddy on May 30 in Vijayawada. Naidu will instead send a TDP delegation to attend the ceremony. #AndhraPradesh: TDP National President N Chandrababu Naidu to not attend swearing-in ceremony of YS Jaganmohan Reddy tomorrow. A TDP delegation will meet YS Jaganmohan Reddy at his Amaravati residence before the swearing-in ceremony. (file pics) pic.twitter.com/HH8hpBMpf6 — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2019 × Though Reddy had personally invited the TDP chief over the telephone. Meanwhile, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President MK Stalin will attend Jaganmohan Reddy's swearing-in ceremony. Reddy's party YSRCP achieved a landslide victory by winning 151 seats in the 175-member Assembly and 22 out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats. After the swearing-in ceremony, Reddy and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao will reportedly fly to Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chandrababu Naidu will not attend Reddy's swearing-in ceremony as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister

A New York-based robotic process automation software company in collaboration with educational institutions in India plans to train 500,000 Indian students by 2022 in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) skills through free courses to bridge the skill gap in the industry, a senior official of the company said on Wednesday.

UiPath, which uses computer-vision to automate repetitive business processes involving software, has set a target to collaborate with 500 Indian institutes by 2020, up from the current 60.&nbsp;

The training process is to cover the skill gap in the industry, Tom Clancy, Senior Vice President at UiPath in Singapore, said.

The training process is being conducted by UiPath Academic Alliance program, which has already linked up with leading Indian institutions including the Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Technical University and the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur.

Stressing that economic development is not just a technological goal but also a human one, Clancy said: We need to prepare and train our youth for a more automated future, one where the ability to work alongside robots will be as important as the skills they bring to bear, he said.

That is why UiPath is committed to training more than one million students globally in the next three years as we understand that education and re-skilling are vital if we are to thrive in a digital future, he said.

Through the Academic Alliance, UiPath will work with educational institutions to equip students with critical automation skills, teach them how to leverage RPA in the workplace and prepare them to work alongside software robots.

We believe India can become automation capital of the world, Rajesh R Nambiar, Director of UiPath Academic Alliance Programme based in Bengaluru, said.&nbsp;

The target is to train half a million students in India by 2022, he said.

UiPath is also training teachers and masters for multiplying the scope of training in India.

To date, the programme has put 10,000 Indians through the training process for RPA software which is used by global corporations, the company officials said.

Nambiar also said that UiPath is in the process of doubling its workforce in India to 1,000 by end of this year from the current 500.

India remains the centre of its operations with Development Centre in Bengaluru for Research &amp; Development work and offices being expanded in main Indian cities.

The company is building manpower to increase RPA market share in India as well as globally.

UiPath aims to train over 50,000 students and professionals in ASEAN over the next three years for the automated workforce of the future.

A New York-based robotic process automation software company in collaboration with educational institutions in India plans to train 500,000 Indian students by 2022 in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) skills through free courses to bridge the skill gap in the industry, a senior official of the company said on Wednesday.

A New York-based robotic process automation software company in collaboration with educational institutions in India plans to train 500,000 Indian students by 2022 in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) skills through free courses to bridge the skill gap in the industry, a senior official of the company said on Wednesday. UiPath, which uses computer-vision to automate repetitive business processes involving software, has set a target to collaborate with 500 Indian institutes by 2020, up from the current 60. The training process is to cover the skill gap in the industry, Tom Clancy, Senior Vice President at UiPath in Singapore, said. The training process is being conducted by UiPath Academic Alliance program, which has already linked up with leading Indian institutions including the Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Technical University and the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur. Stressing that economic development is not just a technological goal but also a human one, Clancy said: We need to prepare and train our youth for a more automated future, one where the ability to work alongside robots will be as important as the skills they bring to bear, he said. That is why UiPath is committed to training more than one million students globally in the next three years as we understand that education and re-skilling are vital if we are to thrive in a digital future, he said. Through the Academic Alliance, UiPath will work with educational institutions to equip students with critical automation skills, teach them how to leverage RPA in the workplace and prepare them to work alongside software robots. We believe India can become automation capital of the world, Rajesh R Nambiar, Director of UiPath Academic Alliance Programme based in Bengaluru, said. The target is to train half a million students in India by 2022, he said. UiPath is also training teachers and masters for multiplying the scope of training in India. To date, the programme has put 10,000 Indians through the training process for RPA software which is used by global corporations, the company officials said. Nambiar also said that UiPath is in the process of doubling its workforce in India to 1,000 by end of this year from the current 500. India remains the centre of its operations with Development Centre in Bengaluru for Research & Development work and offices being expanded in main Indian cities. The company is building manpower to increase RPA market share in India as well as globally. UiPath aims to train over 50,000 students and professionals in ASEAN over the next three years for the automated workforce of the future.

American robotic process automation company to train 5 lakh Indian students

Fugitive diamond merchant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-court-denies-bail-to-nirav-modi-for-third-time-217108">Nirav Modi is set to be produced before a court</a> in London on Thursday as he fights 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.&nbsp;

He is set to be produced from custody before Judge Arbuthnot for the first case management hearing in the case, during which a broad timeline is expected for his extradition trial.

"This is a large fraud and the doubling of security to 2 million pounds is not sufficient to cover a combination of concerns that he would fail to surrender," Arbuthnot had ruled at the last hearing on May 8.

"A combination of interference with witnesses, destruction of servers and mobile phones and the lack of community ties means I still have doubts that he would fail to surrender before the court," she concluded.

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.

"His experience in custody has been vivid and damaging he is willing to abide by any bail conditions imposed by the court because Wandsworth is unliveable and makes the effective preparation of his case virtually impossible," Clare Montgomery, Modi's barrister, had told the court at the last hearing, in an attempt to persuade the judge to grant bail on a strict 24-hour curfew at his posh Centrepoint apartment in the West End of London.

"Suffice to say efforts to present him (by the government of India) as a diabolical mechanic and cold-blooded, hardened criminal are completely false," she stressed.

However, the judge was particularly concerned about Modi's "lack of community ties" in the UK, having been based in London for only a "short period of time" since 2017 and also pointed to the "luring away" of witnesses from India to far away destinations like Egypt.

"There does seem to be a luring away of witnesses and some pressure that took witnesses away from India," Arbuthnot noted, making specific reference to a transcript of a conversation which indicated that Nirav Modi may have been using his US-based brother Nehal Modi to do his "dirty work as it were".

A team from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were present in the court as Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) barrister Nick Hearn, arguing on behalf of the Indian government, presented a "plausible and coherent" account of witnesses being leaned on by associates of Modi.

Arbuthnot noted that he had "squirrelled away" funds that he may use for his escape from the UK if released on bail, which means he has remained at Wandsworth prison one of England's most over-crowded jails.

Modi's legal team, led by solicitor Anand Doobay, have repeatedly asserted that the Indian authorities must present a "perfectly paginated" set of documents in support of the case against their client. It is a direct reference to the disorganised state of the paperwork in previous Indian extradition cases, most recently that of liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya.

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.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi is set to be produced before a court in London on Thursday as he fights his extradition to India in the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi is set to be produced before a court in London on Thursday as he fights 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 is set to be produced from custody before Judge Arbuthnot for the first case management hearing in the case, during which a broad timeline is expected for his extradition trial. "This is a large fraud and the doubling of security to 2 million pounds is not sufficient to cover a combination of concerns that he would fail to surrender," Arbuthnot had ruled at the last hearing on May 8. "A combination of interference with witnesses, destruction of servers and mobile phones and the lack of community ties means I still have doubts that he would fail to surrender before the court," she concluded. 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. "His experience in custody has been vivid and damaging he is willing to abide by any bail conditions imposed by the court because Wandsworth is unliveable and makes the effective preparation of his case virtually impossible," Clare Montgomery, Modi's barrister, had told the court at the last hearing, in an attempt to persuade the judge to grant bail on a strict 24-hour curfew at his posh Centrepoint apartment in the West End of London. "Suffice to say efforts to present him (by the government of India) as a diabolical mechanic and cold-blooded, hardened criminal are completely false," she stressed. However, the judge was particularly concerned about Modi's "lack of community ties" in the UK, having been based in London for only a "short period of time" since 2017 and also pointed to the "luring away" of witnesses from India to far away destinations like Egypt. "There does seem to be a luring away of witnesses and some pressure that took witnesses away from India," Arbuthnot noted, making specific reference to a transcript of a conversation which indicated that Nirav Modi may have been using his US-based brother Nehal Modi to do his "dirty work as it were". A team from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were present in the court as Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) barrister Nick Hearn, arguing on behalf of the Indian government, presented a "plausible and coherent" account of witnesses being leaned on by associates of Modi. Arbuthnot noted that he had "squirrelled away" funds that he may use for his escape from the UK if released on bail, which means he has remained at Wandsworth prison one of England's most over-crowded jails. Modi's legal team, led by solicitor Anand Doobay, have repeatedly asserted that the Indian authorities must present a "perfectly paginated" set of documents in support of the case against their client. It is a direct reference to the disorganised state of the paperwork in previous Indian extradition cases, most recently that of liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya. 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.

Nirav Modi to be produced before UK court in extradition case

TDP president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-tdps-chandrababu-naidu-likely-to-resign-today-220872">N Chandrababu Naidu</a> was unanimously elected as the leader of the Telugu Desam Legislature Party (TDLP) here on Wednesday.

A meeting of the TDLP, attended by the newly-elected MLAs and MPs of the party, was held at Naidu's residence.

The TDP, which ruled the state from June 2014, faced a rout at the hands of the YSR Congress Party in the just-concluded election to the state Assembly, winning just 23 of the 175 seats.

In the Lok Sabha polls too, the Naidu-led party suffered a drubbing, bagging only three of the state's 28 seats.

The TDP chief held a meeting with the 23 newly-elected MLAs and the three MPs, besides senior leaders of the party.

Since the election results were declared on May 23, there was speculation in party circles that Naidu would make way for another leader to lead the TDLP.

At the TDLP meeting, however, the lawmakers elected him unanimously,&nbsp; 
according to party sources.

"Only Chandrababu should be the TDLP leader. It gives us a lot of confidence and strength," senior legislator Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary said.

Another legislator, N China Rajappa, said they had unanimously elected Naidu as their leader once again.

He said they had entrusted the choice of selecting the TDLP deputy leaders and the party whip with Naidu.

Later, Naidu appointed Galla Jayadev, who was re-elected as the MP from Guntur, as the leader of the Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party.

Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, who was also re-elected from Srikakulam, would be the party's leader in the Lok Sabha, while former Union minister Y Satyanarayana Chowdary would be the party leader in the Rajya Sabha.

The TDP's strength in the Lok Sabha has fallen from 15 to three, while in the Rajya Sabha, the party has six members (five from Andhra Pradesh and one from Telangana).

Naidu has said his party will play the role of a constructive opposition and extend co-operation to the new YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

TDP president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu was unanimously elected as the leader of the Telugu Desam Legislature Party (TDLP) here on Wednesday.

TDP president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu was unanimously elected as the leader of the Telugu Desam Legislature Party (TDLP) here on Wednesday. A meeting of the TDLP, attended by the newly-elected MLAs and MPs of the party, was held at Naidu's residence. The TDP, which ruled the state from June 2014, faced a rout at the hands of the YSR Congress Party in the just-concluded election to the state Assembly, winning just 23 of the 175 seats. In the Lok Sabha polls too, the Naidu-led party suffered a drubbing, bagging only three of the state's 28 seats. The TDP chief held a meeting with the 23 newly-elected MLAs and the three MPs, besides senior leaders of the party. Since the election results were declared on May 23, there was speculation in party circles that Naidu would make way for another leader to lead the TDLP. At the TDLP meeting, however, the lawmakers elected him unanimously, according to party sources. "Only Chandrababu should be the TDLP leader. It gives us a lot of confidence and strength," senior legislator Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary said. Another legislator, N China Rajappa, said they had unanimously elected Naidu as their leader once again. He said they had entrusted the choice of selecting the TDLP deputy leaders and the party whip with Naidu. Later, Naidu appointed Galla Jayadev, who was re-elected as the MP from Guntur, as the leader of the Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, who was also re-elected from Srikakulam, would be the party's leader in the Lok Sabha, while former Union minister Y Satyanarayana Chowdary would be the party leader in the Rajya Sabha. The TDP's strength in the Lok Sabha has fallen from 15 to three, while in the Rajya Sabha, the party has six members (five from Andhra Pradesh and one from Telangana). Naidu has said his party will play the role of a constructive opposition and extend co-operation to the new YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh.

Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu elected as TDLP leader

Pema Khandu was sworn-in as the 10th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday.

"It is a historic day for the state as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-wins-41-seats-in-60-member-arunachal-pradesh-assembly-221510">BJP could install a government on its own</a>," Khandu said and asserted that his government would be clean, transparent and corruption-free.

Along with him, eleven other cabinet members, including Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also took an oath.

State Governor Brig (Retd) BD Mishra administered the oath of office and secrecy to Khandu at a function organised at the Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre here.

Khandu thanked the people of the state and also announced that his priorities would be improvement in law and order, health and education sectors.

"Our government will explore every possible avenue to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed youths and will invite outside investors to invest in state's potential sectors for gainful employment of local youths," Khandu said.

Khandu will be travelling to New Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister on May 30.

Pema Khandu was sworn-in as the 10th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday. "It is a historic day for the state as the BJP could install a government on its own," Khandu said and asserted that his government would be clean, transparent and corruption-free.

Pema Khandu was sworn-in as the 10th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday. "It is a historic day for the state as the BJP could install a government on its own," Khandu said and asserted that his government would be clean, transparent and corruption-free. Along with him, eleven other cabinet members, including Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also took an oath. State Governor Brig (Retd) BD Mishra administered the oath of office and secrecy to Khandu at a function organised at the Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre here. Khandu thanked the people of the state and also announced that his priorities would be improvement in law and order, health and education sectors. "Our government will explore every possible avenue to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed youths and will invite outside investors to invest in state's potential sectors for gainful employment of local youths," Khandu said. Khandu will be travelling to New Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister on May 30.

Pema Khandu sworn in as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-will-prove-to-be-the-gamechanger-for-iaf-air-chief-marshal-bs-dhanoa-221975">Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa</a> received the baton of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) from outgoing Chairman COSC and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba here on Wednesday.

A press note from PIB Defence Wing said, "Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa will be the Chairman COSC with effect from May 31, consequent to the relinquishment of charge by Admiral Sunil Lanba upon superannuation."

The release further said, "Dhanoa, an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College and the National Defence Academy, was commissioned in the Flying Branch of Indian Air Force in June 1978. He is an experienced fighter pilot and a qualified CAT 'A' Flying Instructor with over 3000 hours of flying experience to his credit...The Air Chief Marshal has mainly flown the MiG-21 aircraft with flying experience across the entire spectrum of fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force."

"During the Kargil war (1999), he was the Commanding Officer of a frontline ground attack fighter squadron. He has held many coveted operational and staff assignments that include command of a frontline fighter Base, Director Fighter Operations and War planning at Western Air Command, Chief Instructor (Air) at DSSC, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air HQ and Senior Air Staff officer of two operational Commands.&nbsp;

He was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command and has also been the Vice Chief of the Air Staff," the release added.

Admiral Sunil Lanba is proceeding on retirement on May 31, after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Dhanoa is an ardent supporter of Tri-Services Jointmanship, he was instrumental in harmonising the efforts of the three Services in a number of Tri-Services issues.

&nbsp;

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa received the baton of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) from outgoing Chairman COSC and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba here on Wednesday.

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa received the baton of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) from outgoing Chairman COSC and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba here on Wednesday. A press note from PIB Defence Wing said, "Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa will be the Chairman COSC with effect from May 31, consequent to the relinquishment of charge by Admiral Sunil Lanba upon superannuation." The release further said, "Dhanoa, an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College and the National Defence Academy, was commissioned in the Flying Branch of Indian Air Force in June 1978. He is an experienced fighter pilot and a qualified CAT 'A' Flying Instructor with over 3000 hours of flying experience to his credit...The Air Chief Marshal has mainly flown the MiG-21 aircraft with flying experience across the entire spectrum of fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force." "During the Kargil war (1999), he was the Commanding Officer of a frontline ground attack fighter squadron. He has held many coveted operational and staff assignments that include command of a frontline fighter Base, Director Fighter Operations and War planning at Western Air Command, Chief Instructor (Air) at DSSC, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air HQ and Senior Air Staff officer of two operational Commands. He was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command and has also been the Vice Chief of the Air Staff," the release added. Admiral Sunil Lanba is proceeding on retirement on May 31, after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Dhanoa is an ardent supporter of Tri-Services Jointmanship, he was instrumental in harmonising the efforts of the three Services in a number of Tri-Services issues.

Air Chief B S Dhanoa receives baton of Chairman, COSC from Admiral Sunil Lanba

With reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/everest-traffic-jam-survivor-calls-for-tougher-rules-222135">over 10 people killed</a> recently while trying to scale the world highest peak, Mount Everest, global interest mounts around the ambitious expedition, the traffic on the peak and why has it turned into a 'death zone'.

WION got in touch with Ravindra Kumar, an Indian mountaineer who has not only scaled the summit successfully but has achieved the feat twice in his life.&nbsp;

Kumar spoke to WION on a host of issues surrounding the expedition - from the large number of permits being granted for the expedition, the commercialisation of the summit to the side from the which the mountaineers attempt to summit the peak.

"Actually the problem of traffic is on the south side of the peak. As you rightly said, over 380 permits were issued. I climbed from the north side where only 171 permits were given," Kumar told WION.&nbsp;

Kumar said that beyond 8,000 metres, the air gets so thin and the content of oxygen in the air is so less that "a person who lives at the sea-level would die within a couple of minutes. That is why the Everest is called the 'death zone'".

Watch: 'Human Traffic Jam' atop Mount Everest claimed 11 lives this season

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/human-traffic-jam-atop-mount-everest-claimed-11-lives-this-season-222470/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kumar is the first IAS officer to scale the summit. He received Sikkim Khel Ratna and has penned a book called 'Many Everest'.

"We use bottled supplementary oxygen. We carry them for the summit. If you end up consuming more number of bottles while stuck in traffic and are not left with any more oxygen bottles, then ultimately you will run out of oxygen and die," Kumar informed.

Kumar first scaled the peak in the year 2013 and then this year. He said the place is so dangerous that one just wants to start on the descent, adding that as many as "only 10 people can stand at the summit at a time".

Over 11 have died in little more than two weeks after poor weather cut the climbing window, leaving mountaineers waiting in long queues to the summit, risking exhaustion and running out of oxygen.&nbsp;

Nepal issued a record 381 Everest permits this season, and several hundred of the summiteers are not properly trained, take poor decisions and risk their life.

As per a report by news agency AFP, at least four deaths on the world's highest mountain have been blamed on over-crowding with teams waiting sometimes for hours in the "death zone" where the cold is bitter, the air dangerously thin and the terrain treacherous.

This year's Everest toll is the highest since 2014-15 when huge earthquakes triggered devastating avalanches, the report stated.&nbsp;

With reports of over 10 people killed recently while trying to scale the world highest peak, Mount Everest, global interest mounts around the ambitious expedition, the traffic on the peak and why has it turned into a 'death zone'.

With reports of over 10 people killed recently while trying to scale the world highest peak, Mount Everest, global interest mounts around the ambitious expedition, the traffic on the peak and why has it turned into a 'death zone'. WION got in touch with Ravindra Kumar, an Indian mountaineer who has not only scaled the summit successfully but has achieved the feat twice in his life. Kumar spoke to WION on a host of issues surrounding the expedition - from the large number of permits being granted for the expedition, the commercialisation of the summit to the side from the which the mountaineers attempt to summit the peak. "Actually the problem of traffic is on the south side of the peak. As you rightly said, over 380 permits were issued. I climbed from the north side where only 171 permits were given," Kumar told WION. Kumar said that beyond 8,000 metres, the air gets so thin and the content of oxygen in the air is so less that "a person who lives at the sea-level would die within a couple of minutes. That is why the Everest is called the 'death zone'". Watch: 'Human Traffic Jam' atop Mount Everest claimed 11 lives this season Kumar is the first IAS officer to scale the summit. He received Sikkim Khel Ratna and has penned a book called 'Many Everest'. "We use bottled supplementary oxygen. We carry them for the summit. If you end up consuming more number of bottles while stuck in traffic and are not left with any more oxygen bottles, then ultimately you will run out of oxygen and die," Kumar informed. Kumar first scaled the peak in the year 2013 and then this year. He said the place is so dangerous that one just wants to start on the descent, adding that as many as "only 10 people can stand at the summit at a time". Over 11 have died in little more than two weeks after poor weather cut the climbing window, leaving mountaineers waiting in long queues to the summit, risking exhaustion and running out of oxygen. Nepal issued a record 381 Everest permits this season, and several hundred of the summiteers are not properly trained, take poor decisions and risk their life. As per a report by news agency AFP, at least four deaths on the world's highest mountain have been blamed on over-crowding with teams waiting sometimes for hours in the "death zone" where the cold is bitter, the air dangerously thin and the terrain treacherous. This year's Everest toll is the highest since 2014-15 when huge earthquakes triggered devastating avalanches, the report stated.

Indian mountaineer Ravindra Kumar speaks to WION, explains why Everest has turned into 'death zone'

With reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/everest-traffic-jam-survivor-calls-for-tougher-rules-222135">over 10 people killed</a> recently while trying to scale the world highest peak, Mount Everest, global interest mounts around the ambitious expedition, the traffic on the peak and why has it turned into a 'death zone'.

WION got in touch with Ravindra Kumar, an Indian mountaineer who has not only scaled the summit successfully but has achieved the feat twice in his life.&nbsp;

Kumar spoke to WION on a host of issues surrounding the expedition - from the large number of permits being granted for the expedition, the commercialisation of the summit to the side from the which the mountaineers attempt to summit the peak.

"Actually the problem of traffic is on the south side of the peak. As you rightly said, over 380 permits were issued. I climbed from the north side where only 171 permits were given," Kumar told WION.&nbsp;

Kumar said that beyond 8,000 metres, the air gets so thin and the content of oxygen in the air is so less that "a person who lives at the sea-level would die within a couple of minutes. That is why the Everest is called the 'death zone'".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/human-traffic-jam-atop-mount-everest-claimed-11-lives-this-season-222470/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kumar is the first IAS officer to scale the summit. He received Sikkim Khel Ratna and has penned a book called 'Many Everest'.

"We use bottled supplementary oxygen. We carry them for the summit. If you end up consuming more number of bottles while stuck in traffic and are not left with any more oxygen bottles, then ultimately you will run out of oxygen and die," Kumar informed.

Kumar first scaled the peak in the year 2013 and then this year. He said the place is so dangerous that one just wants to start on the descent, adding that as many as "only 10 people can stand at the summit at a time".

Over 11 have died in little more than two weeks after poor weather cut the climbing window, leaving mountaineers waiting in long queues to the summit, risking exhaustion and running out of oxygen.&nbsp;

Nepal issued a record 381 Everest permits this season, and several hundred of the summiteers are not properly trained, take poor decisions and risk their life.

As per a report by news agency AFP, at least four deaths on the world's highest mountain have been blamed on over-crowding with teams waiting sometimes for hours in the "death zone" where the cold is bitter, the air dangerously thin and the terrain treacherous.

This year's Everest toll is the highest since 2014-15 when huge earthquakes triggered devastating avalanches, the report stated.&nbsp;

With reports of over 10 people killed recently while trying to scale the world highest peak, Mount Everest, global interest mounts around the ambitious expedition, the traffic on the peak and why has it turned into a 'death zone'. WION got in touch with Ravindra Kumar, an Indian mountaineer who has not only scaled the summit successfully but has achieved the feat twice in his life. Kumar spoke to WION on a host of issues surrounding the expedition - from the large number of permits being granted for the expedition, the commercialisation of the summit to the side from the which the mountaineers attempt to summit the peak. "Actually the problem of traffic is on the south side of the peak. As you rightly said, over 380 permits were issued. I climbed from the north side where only 171 permits were given," Kumar told WION. Kumar said that beyond 8,000 metres, the air gets so thin and the content of oxygen in the air is so less that "a person who lives at the sea-level would die within a couple of minutes. That is why the Everest is called the 'death zone'". Kumar is the first IAS officer to scale the summit. He received Sikkim Khel Ratna and has penned a book called 'Many Everest'. "We use bottled supplementary oxygen. We carry them for the summit. If you end up consuming more number of bottles while stuck in traffic and are not left with any more oxygen bottles, then ultimately you will run out of oxygen and die," Kumar informed. Kumar first scaled the peak in the year 2013 and then this year. He said the place is so dangerous that one just wants to start on the descent, adding that as many as "only 10 people can stand at the summit at a time". Over 11 have died in little more than two weeks after poor weather cut the climbing window, leaving mountaineers waiting in long queues to the summit, risking exhaustion and running out of oxygen. Nepal issued a record 381 Everest permits this season, and several hundred of the summiteers are not properly trained, take poor decisions and risk their life. As per a report by news agency AFP, at least four deaths on the world's highest mountain have been blamed on over-crowding with teams waiting sometimes for hours in the "death zone" where the cold is bitter, the air dangerously thin and the terrain treacherous. This year's Everest toll is the highest since 2014-15 when huge earthquakes triggered devastating avalanches, the report stated.

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-5-hour-long-meeting-pm-modi-and-amit-shah-discuss-new-cabinet-222396">Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term</a> on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus also said that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was looking forward having a "robust discussion" with his Indian counterpart on a wide range of issues.

The Trump administration, including President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Pompeo, congratulated Prime Minister Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party on the spectacular electoral victory in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

"We, of course, will work closely with Modi, as we have many times," Ortagus told reporters in response to a question during an off-camera news conference on Tuesday.

"We're confident in the fairness and integrity of the elections, and I think that Secretary Pompeo will have a very robust discussion on a range of issues. India is a great ally and partner of the United States," Ortagus said.

Her comment came amid a report that Pompeo may visit New Delhi next month on his way to Osaka, Japan for the G20 summit to be attended by Prime Minister Modi, US President Donald Trump and other leaders.

Watch:&nbsp;'Modi united India like no PM in decades'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/time-modi-united-india-like-no-pm-in-decades-222483/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, US lawmakers and senior government officials continue to congratulate Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory.

According to a compilation made by the Indian Embassy here, more than 50 Congressmen, Senators and the senior government officials have sent congratulatory messages to Modi.

"India continues to have amazing potential and is a strong US partner.&nbsp;Congratulations to Narendra Modi on your success with the elections and the direction you are taking India. We look forward to seeing our partnership continue to strengthen," tweeted Indian-American politician Nikki Haley.

"Congratulations to Modi 'on being re-elected' as Prime Minister of India, said Congressman Al Green.

"I wish peace and prosperity for India and its neighbours and look forward to seeing you at India House in my congressional district in Houston, Texas, USA," he said.

In the first back-to-back majority for a single party in over three decades, the Modi-led BJP won 303 out of the total 542 Lok Sabha seats.&nbsp;

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday. State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus also said that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was looking forward having a "robust discussion" with his Indian counterpart on a wide range of issues. The Trump administration, including President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Pompeo, congratulated Prime Minister Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party on the spectacular electoral victory in the Lok Sabha elections. "We, of course, will work closely with Modi, as we have many times," Ortagus told reporters in response to a question during an off-camera news conference on Tuesday. "We're confident in the fairness and integrity of the elections, and I think that Secretary Pompeo will have a very robust discussion on a range of issues. India is a great ally and partner of the United States," Ortagus said. Her comment came amid a report that Pompeo may visit New Delhi next month on his way to Osaka, Japan for the G20 summit to be attended by Prime Minister Modi, US President Donald Trump and other leaders. Watch: 'Modi united India like no PM in decades' Meanwhile, US lawmakers and senior government officials continue to congratulate Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory. According to a compilation made by the Indian Embassy here, more than 50 Congressmen, Senators and the senior government officials have sent congratulatory messages to Modi. "India continues to have amazing potential and is a strong US partner. Congratulations to Narendra Modi on your success with the elections and the direction you are taking India. We look forward to seeing our partnership continue to strengthen," tweeted Indian-American politician Nikki Haley. "Congratulations to Modi 'on being re-elected' as Prime Minister of India, said Congressman Al Green. "I wish peace and prosperity for India and its neighbours and look forward to seeing you at India House in my congressional district in Houston, Texas, USA," he said. In the first back-to-back majority for a single party in over three decades, the Modi-led BJP won 303 out of the total 542 Lok Sabha seats.

US to work closely with 'great ally' India: State Department spokesperson

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal.

"It was my plan to accept the constitutional invitation and attend the oath-taking ceremony. However, in the last one hour, I am seeing media reports that the BJP are claiming 54 people have been murdered in political violence in Bengal. This is completely untrue," Banerjee said in her statement posted on Twitter. The tweet accompanying the statement reads, "The oath-taking ceremony is an august occasion to celebrate democracy, not one that should be devalued by any political party."

These deaths may have occurred due to personal enmity, family quarrels and other disputes; nothing related to politics. There is no such record with us. So, I am sorry Narendra Modi ji, this has compelled me not to attend the ceremony, Banerjee further said in her statement.

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The oath-taking ceremony is an august occasion to celebrate democracy, not one that should be devalued by any political party <a href="https://t.co/Mznq0xN11Q">pic.twitter.com/Mznq0xN11Q</a>
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1133656252381184001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The BJP lost many workers in panchayat, local body and parliamentary elections in West Bengal during election-related violence. Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah repeatedly highlighted the issue at the rallies they addressed.

Fifty four special guests, besides leaders from BIMSTEC countries and a host of celebrities and politicians, would be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday. The Prime Minister has specially invited family members of BJP workers who were killed in incidents of political violence in West Bengal over the past few years, a senior BJP leader said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Banerjee had said that she has accepted the invite to attend the ceremony. "I have spoken to other Chief Ministers also. Since it is a ceremonial program, we thought of attending it. Yes, I will go," she told media in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Banerjee had indulged in a war of words with Modi during the campaign period in the run-up to the elections, in which the BJP has made deep inroads into the Trinamool territory in West Bengal by winning 18 Lok Sabha seats out of 42. The TMC's victory was reduced from 34 in 2014 to 22 in 2019.

Modi will be sworn in for a second term as the prime minister on Thursday at 7pm in Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, along with members of the Union Council of Ministers.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal. "It was my plan to accept the constitutional invitation and attend the oath-taking ceremony. However, in the last one hour, I am seeing media reports that the BJP are claiming 54 people have been murdered in political violence in Bengal. This is completely untrue," Banerjee said in her statement posted on Twitter. The tweet accompanying the statement reads, "The oath-taking ceremony is an august occasion to celebrate democracy, not one that should be devalued by any political party." These deaths may have occurred due to personal enmity, family quarrels and other disputes; nothing related to politics. There is no such record with us. So, I am sorry Narendra Modi ji, this has compelled me not to attend the ceremony, Banerjee further said in her statement. The oath-taking ceremony is an august occasion to celebrate democracy, not one that should be devalued by any political party pic.twitter.com/Mznq0xN11Q — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 29, 2019 × The BJP lost many workers in panchayat, local body and parliamentary elections in West Bengal during election-related violence. Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah repeatedly highlighted the issue at the rallies they addressed. Fifty four special guests, besides leaders from BIMSTEC countries and a host of celebrities and politicians, would be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday. The Prime Minister has specially invited family members of BJP workers who were killed in incidents of political violence in West Bengal over the past few years, a senior BJP leader said. Earlier on Tuesday, Banerjee had said that she has accepted the invite to attend the ceremony. "I have spoken to other Chief Ministers also. Since it is a ceremonial program, we thought of attending it. Yes, I will go," she told media in Kolkata on Tuesday. Banerjee had indulged in a war of words with Modi during the campaign period in the run-up to the elections, in which the BJP has made deep inroads into the Trinamool territory in West Bengal by winning 18 Lok Sabha seats out of 42. The TMC's victory was reduced from 34 in 2014 to 22 in 2019. Modi will be sworn in for a second term as the prime minister on Thursday at 7pm in Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, along with members of the Union Council of Ministers.

Mamata Banerjee won't attend Modi's swearing-in, says BJP using occasion to score political points

70-year-old Ghulam Qadir Seeno is engaged with his customers as they look for options in his pickle shop. Senoo has a unique art of making 100 varieties of pickles at his small unit located at Habba Kadal area.&nbsp;

There is only tantalizing aroma and colour as you enter the shop. There isn't enough space to land the foot in a small shop located in the old city of Srinagar.

The man is now being popularly known as the ‘Pickle king of Kashmir’. He says "you name it, he has it" while attending the customers. From meat, chicken, fish, grapes, apricot, to what he calls healthy pickles, he has it all.

It's a busy day as sales have surged in the month of Ramadan. The shop is flooded with customers, the aroma at his shop is drawing people from the nearby and far as people love to eat pickle during their meals.&nbsp;

Over the last 35-years, he has mastered the art of pickle making which has not only earned him awards but name too. Making of these pickles is a laborious job, it takes two months to prepare each pickle which may cost as high as 800 Indian rupees a kilogram.

"Sometime I work day and night to make these pickles, it takes me and my workforce a lot of time and effort. My passion only got me going till now," says visibly old Senoo as he catches the breath after attending the customers.

He claims some of his mouth-watering pickles are medically beneficial and can cure diseases. Ghulam Qadir lost his three family members and a healthy transport company in the conflict during the 90s but he never lost hope. His story isn't just success but also about struggle and will to achieve.&nbsp;

"35-years back, I started with small items and after that, I started increasing the number of varieties at this shop. Now I have 100 plus varieties of pickles and people are loving it," says Ghulam Qadir Senoo.&nbsp;

The place has become so popular that tourists are also regular visitors to the shop. He says his pickles are also exported to Europian and South Asian countries.&nbsp;
<img alt="Pickle shop" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b39d59a1-499d-461c-98c0-b42c36a652ac" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pickle%202.JPG" />
"This is one of its kind shop in Kashmir. They have meat, grape and so many more varieties that I am lost. This is the best place for foodies, a mecca of food," says Abid, first time customer at the shop.&nbsp;

Ghulam Qadir is worried that his art wouldn't be carried forward by any of his family members but says "God willingly I am hopeful."&nbsp;

70-year-old Ghulam Qadir Seeno is engaged with his customers as they look for options in his pickle shop. Senoo has a unique art of making 100 varieties of pickles at his small unit located at Habba Kadal area.

70-year-old Ghulam Qadir Seeno is engaged with his customers as they look for options in his pickle shop. Senoo has a unique art of making 100 varieties of pickles at his small unit located at Habba Kadal area. There is only tantalizing aroma and colour as you enter the shop. There isn't enough space to land the foot in a small shop located in the old city of Srinagar. The man is now being popularly known as the ‘Pickle king of Kashmir’. He says "you name it, he has it" while attending the customers. From meat, chicken, fish, grapes, apricot, to what he calls healthy pickles, he has it all. It's a busy day as sales have surged in the month of Ramadan. The shop is flooded with customers, the aroma at his shop is drawing people from the nearby and far as people love to eat pickle during their meals. Over the last 35-years, he has mastered the art of pickle making which has not only earned him awards but name too. Making of these pickles is a laborious job, it takes two months to prepare each pickle which may cost as high as 800 Indian rupees a kilogram. "Sometime I work day and night to make these pickles, it takes me and my workforce a lot of time and effort. My passion only got me going till now," says visibly old Senoo as he catches the breath after attending the customers. He claims some of his mouth-watering pickles are medically beneficial and can cure diseases. Ghulam Qadir lost his three family members and a healthy transport company in the conflict during the 90s but he never lost hope. His story isn't just success but also about struggle and will to achieve. "35-years back, I started with small items and after that, I started increasing the number of varieties at this shop. Now I have 100 plus varieties of pickles and people are loving it," says Ghulam Qadir Senoo. The place has become so popular that tourists are also regular visitors to the shop. He says his pickles are also exported to Europian and South Asian countries. "This is one of its kind shop in Kashmir. They have meat, grape and so many more varieties that I am lost. This is the best place for foodies, a mecca of food," says Abid, first time customer at the shop. Ghulam Qadir is worried that his art wouldn't be carried forward by any of his family members but says "God willingly I am hopeful."

Meet the 'pickle king of Kashmir' who makes 100 varieties

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons.

Jaitley begins his letter by saying, "It was a great honour and a learning experience for me to have been a part of the government led by you for the past five years. Even earlier, the party had blessed me with responsibilities in the first NDA government, in the party organisation and also while we were in the opposition. I could not have asked for more."

"During the last 18 months, I have had some serios health challenges... I had orally informed you I would in future, for some time, like to keep away from any responsibility," Jaitley writes further in his letter. "I am writing to you to formally request you that I should be allowed a reasonable time for myself, my treatment and my health and, therefore, not be a part of any responsibility, for the present, in the new government."

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. 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.

The government has, however, said that reports on Jaitley's deteriorating health are false and baseless, and that the media should avoid "rumour mongering". "Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," government spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said in a tweet last week.

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— Sitanshu Kar (@DG_PIB) <a href="https://twitter.com/DG_PIB/status/1132618639188738048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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.

Jaitley had returned to India on February 9 after undergoing skin grafting. He is believed to had undergone some kind of a medical procedure again when he last month visited the US to attend the IMF-World Bank Group Spring Meetings.

Jaitley had undergone renal transplant on May 14 last year at AIIMS, New Delhi, with Goyal filling in for him at that time too. Jaitley, who had stopped attending office since early April 2018, was back in the finance ministry on August 23, 2018.

Earlier in September 2014, he underwent bariatric surgery to correct the weight he had gained because of a long-standing diabetic condition.

(With inputs from PTI)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons. Jaitley begins his letter by saying, "It was a great honour and a learning experience for me to have been a part of the government led by you for the past five years. Even earlier, the party had blessed me with responsibilities in the first NDA government, in the party organisation and also while we were in the opposition. I could not have asked for more." "During the last 18 months, I have had some serios health challenges... I had orally informed you I would in future, for some time, like to keep away from any responsibility," Jaitley writes further in his letter. "I am writing to you to formally request you that I should be allowed a reasonable time for myself, my treatment and my health and, therefore, not be a part of any responsibility, for the present, in the new government." 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. 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. The government has, however, said that reports on Jaitley's deteriorating health are false and baseless, and that the media should avoid "rumour mongering". "Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," government spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said in a tweet last week. Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering. — Sitanshu Kar (@DG_PIB) May 26, 2019 × 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. Jaitley had returned to India on February 9 after undergoing skin grafting. He is believed to had undergone some kind of a medical procedure again when he last month visited the US to attend the IMF-World Bank Group Spring Meetings. Jaitley had undergone renal transplant on May 14 last year at AIIMS, New Delhi, with Goyal filling in for him at that time too. Jaitley, who had stopped attending office since early April 2018, was back in the finance ministry on August 23, 2018. Earlier in September 2014, he underwent bariatric surgery to correct the weight he had gained because of a long-standing diabetic condition. (With inputs from PTI)

Great honour to be part of govt, will keep away this time: Arun Jaitley in letter to PM

The first Rafale combat aircraft would be inducted into the Indian Air Force's 'Golden Arrows' 17 Squadron which was commanded by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the Kargil war in 1999.

"The first unit to receive the Rafale combat aircraft would be the 17 Squadron which was earlier located in Bhatinda in Punjab and will now be shifted to Ambala in Haryana," IAF sources told ANI.

The other squadron of the fighter aircraft would be based out of Hashimara in West Bengal to tackle the front facing China, sources added. The 17 Squadron used to operate the MiG-21s earlier and is 'number-plated' at the moment.

The first Rafale is expected to be handed over to the Indian Air Force in September 2019 but it would be required to undergo intensive 1,500 hours of testing to validate the India Specific Enhancements on it. So, the first batch of the four planes is likely to arrive at Ambala around May 2020.

In September 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over Euro 7.8 billion to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts.

The plan to deploy one squadron of the planes at the Saraswat air base in Uttar Pradesh did not work out due to land acquisition issues.

Ambala base has been housing Jaguar aircraft squadrons mainly looking after the Pakistan front but due to rapid deployment capabilities, the planes can be utilised on both the fronts in case of requirement.&nbsp;

The first Rafale combat aircraft would be inducted into the Indian Air Force's 'Golden Arrows' 17 Squadron which was commanded by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the Kargil war in 1999.

The first Rafale combat aircraft would be inducted into the Indian Air Force's 'Golden Arrows' 17 Squadron which was commanded by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the Kargil war in 1999. "The first unit to receive the Rafale combat aircraft would be the 17 Squadron which was earlier located in Bhatinda in Punjab and will now be shifted to Ambala in Haryana," IAF sources told ANI. The other squadron of the fighter aircraft would be based out of Hashimara in West Bengal to tackle the front facing China, sources added. The 17 Squadron used to operate the MiG-21s earlier and is 'number-plated' at the moment. The first Rafale is expected to be handed over to the Indian Air Force in September 2019 but it would be required to undergo intensive 1,500 hours of testing to validate the India Specific Enhancements on it. So, the first batch of the four planes is likely to arrive at Ambala around May 2020. In September 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over Euro 7.8 billion to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts. The plan to deploy one squadron of the planes at the Saraswat air base in Uttar Pradesh did not work out due to land acquisition issues. Ambala base has been housing Jaguar aircraft squadrons mainly looking after the Pakistan front but due to rapid deployment capabilities, the planes can be utilised on both the fronts in case of requirement.

IAF chief's squadron to be first Rafale combat aircraft unit

The country continues to grapple with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-heat-hits-us-southeast-threat-of-flooding-remains-in-central-states-222096">soaring temperatures</a> with the national capital expected to witness over 45 degrees Celcius this week. Maharashtra and Vidarbha are witnessing the worst hit.

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;

As per US-based weather forecast unit El Dorado, six out of 15 hottest cities in the world are from India this summer season.&nbsp;

Chandrapur (47.8°C), Nagpur Sonegaon (47.5°C), Bramhapuri (46.9°C), Wardha (46.5°C), Adilabad (46.3°C) and Banda (46.2°C) featured on the list which was topped by Cape St Francis, South Africa with 56.8°C.

&nbsp;<img alt="Hottest cities in world" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec901d34-1d64-4c0a-bc55-829a3ebee38d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hottest%20Cities%20in%20World.jpg" />

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.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-met-department-issues-yellow-warning-due-to-heat-wave-conditions-221664">Heatwave conditions</a> 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;

Meanwhile, Ramagundam in Peddapalli district of Telangana recorded 47.2-degree Celsius temperature, the highest in last 10 years, earlier this week.

Heatwave continues to thrash Southern states like <a href="Heatwave intensifies across nation, Maharashtra, Central India worst hit">Telangana and Andhra Pradesh</a>.

The weather reported the temperature in Adilabad and Nalgonda at 45.8-degree Celsius. Khammam and Medak recorded 44.6 degrees Celsius and 44.8 degrees Celsius respectively.

Speaking to ANI, meteorologist Raja Rao said, "In few places, heat wave conditions are going to continue for a few more days. On Sunday, the heat wave in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh entered 23 days and 10 days, respectively."

In Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati recorded 44.8 degrees Celsius while Amaravati witnessed a slightly low of 43-degree Celsius."

Around two-thirds of the country simmers under sweltering heat. North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan are also under the grip of a heatwave.

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.

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. 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. As per US-based weather forecast unit El Dorado, six out of 15 hottest cities in the world are from India this summer season. Chandrapur (47.8°C), Nagpur Sonegaon (47.5°C), Bramhapuri (46.9°C), Wardha (46.5°C), Adilabad (46.3°C) and Banda (46.2°C) featured on the list which was topped by Cape St Francis, South Africa with 56.8°C. 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. Meanwhile, Ramagundam in Peddapalli district of Telangana recorded 47.2-degree Celsius temperature, the highest in last 10 years, earlier this week. Heatwave continues to thrash Southern states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The weather reported the temperature in Adilabad and Nalgonda at 45.8-degree Celsius. Khammam and Medak recorded 44.6 degrees Celsius and 44.8 degrees Celsius respectively. Speaking to ANI, meteorologist Raja Rao said, "In few places, heat wave conditions are going to continue for a few more days. On Sunday, the heat wave in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh entered 23 days and 10 days, respectively." In Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati recorded 44.8 degrees Celsius while Amaravati witnessed a slightly low of 43-degree Celsius." Around two-thirds of the country simmers under sweltering heat. North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan are also under the grip of a heatwave.

Heatwave intensifies across nation; Maharashtra, Central India worst hit

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-take-concrete-measures-to-enhance-youth-exchanges-between-india-and-china-chinese-envoy-177767">outgoing Chinese envoy to India, Luo Zhaohui</a>, has said that he will be leaving India with a lot of fond memories.

Speaking to WION, Luo said, he is leaving with "a lot of memories, fond and friendly memories".

He said that this was not the first time he was in India, adding that he will miss the food.

"Not my first time to India, the second time to India. Will miss the food. A lot of similarities between India and China like history."

He will be going back to Bejing as he has been promoted to the rank of vice minister.

Zhaohui was Chinese envoy to India for two years and eight months. He played a key role in lowering down the heat in the aftermath of the Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis saw a standoff between the Indian and the Chinese army on the Bhutanese territory of Doklam on which Beijing sought to build a road.

Last year's Wuhan Summit between the Indian PM and Chinese President saw a reset of ties. PM Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping met four times last year starting with Wuhan, followed by the meetings on the sidelines of the SCO, the BRICS and the G20 summit.&nbsp;

Both the leaders are likely to meet again on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan this year.

The outgoing Chinese envoy to India, Luo Zhaohui, has said that he will be leaving India with a lot of fond memories. Speaking to WION, Luo said, he is leaving with "a lot of memories, fond and friendly memories".

The outgoing Chinese envoy to India, Luo Zhaohui, has said that he will be leaving India with a lot of fond memories. Speaking to WION, Luo said, he is leaving with "a lot of memories, fond and friendly memories". He said that this was not the first time he was in India, adding that he will miss the food. "Not my first time to India, the second time to India. Will miss the food. A lot of similarities between India and China like history." He will be going back to Bejing as he has been promoted to the rank of vice minister. Zhaohui was Chinese envoy to India for two years and eight months. He played a key role in lowering down the heat in the aftermath of the Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis saw a standoff between the Indian and the Chinese army on the Bhutanese territory of Doklam on which Beijing sought to build a road. Last year's Wuhan Summit between the Indian PM and Chinese President saw a reset of ties. PM Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping met four times last year starting with Wuhan, followed by the meetings on the sidelines of the SCO, the BRICS and the G20 summit. Both the leaders are likely to meet again on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan this year.

Leaving India with fond memories: Outgoing Chinese envoy to WION

The massive mandate of BJP sweeps away whole opposition in a blow. The nation's oldest party is feeling the heat as Congress President Rahul gandhi insists of resigning from the position. The party is under great depression, dilemma and before coming to any decisions holding various meeting for the same.

Rahul insists on resigning as Cong President; CWC to hold another meeting

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