National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday visited the ailing DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the Kauvery Hospital in Chennai and enquired about his health. &nbsp;

Governor Banwarilal Purohit accompanied the President to the hospital, where they were received by Karunanidhi’s son and DMK working president M.K. Stalin and daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi.

The visit lasted for about 15 minutes. Minister D. Jayakumar was also present.

Soon after the visit, the President’s official Twitter handle tweeted, “Visited Thiru M. Karunanidhi in Chennai, met Kalaignar‘s family members and doctors and inquired about his health. Wishing the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a veteran of our public life, a quick recovery #PresidentKovind”

An image that accompanied the tweet showed the President, Governor, &nbsp;Stalin and Kanimozhi seated in a room.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Visited Thiru M. Karunanidhi in Chennai, met Kalaignar‘s family members and doctors, and inquired about his health. Wishing the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a veteran of our public life, a quick recovery <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a> <a href="https://t.co/LIxLzTnzWc">pic.twitter.com/LIxLzTnzWc</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1026037285387689984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday visited the ailing DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the Kauvery Hospital in Chennai and enquired about his health. Governor Banwarilal Purohit accompanied the President to the hospital, where they were received by Karunanidhi’s son and DMK working president M.K. Stalin and daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi. The visit lasted for about 15 minutes. Minister D. Jayakumar was also present. Soon after the visit, the President’s official Twitter handle tweeted, “Visited Thiru M. Karunanidhi in Chennai, met Kalaignar‘s family members and doctors and inquired about his health. Wishing the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a veteran of our public life, a quick recovery #PresidentKovind” An image that accompanied the tweet showed the President, Governor, Stalin and Kanimozhi seated in a room. Visited Thiru M. Karunanidhi in Chennai, met Kalaignar‘s family members and doctors, and inquired about his health. Wishing the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a veteran of our public life, a quick recovery #PresidentKovind pic.twitter.com/LIxLzTnzWc — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 5, 2018 ×

President Ram Nath Kovind visits DMK president Karunanidhi in hospital

Senior JD(U) leader K C TYagi on Sunday slammed opposition leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi for attending the RJD-organised protest in Jantar Mantar yesterday and said opposition parties wanted "anarchy" and "jungle raj" back in Bihar by replacing JD(U) and Nitish Kumar.

Under fire from the opposition over the Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case, the Janta Dal (United) asserted today that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would not resign and said it was ready for a Supreme Court-monitored probe into it.

He also rejected the demand for Kumar's resignation.&nbsp;It was a "friendship day" of parties seeking "political mileage" from the "unfortunate and shameful" incident in the state, he said.

"How can rape of young girls which has shamed us could be an issue for opposition parties to unite against the NDA government and the Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar and demand his resignation. This politics over hapless victims in Bihar is the most unfortunate thing," Tyagi was quoted as saying in a press conference in Delhi.

Tyagi asserted that despite the opposition's demand, Kumar would never step down as the chief minister of Bihar and challenged them to unseat him in the Assembly.

"Nitish is a sensitive person and felt ashamed over the incident which the opposition parties are trying to use to hit at his conscience so that he steps down. But, he will never step down, we will not let him do so," he said.

He also condemned Sitaram Yechury and D Raja who he alleged have forgotten the killings of JNU president Chandra Shekhar and Purnia MLA Ajit Sarkar and joined the protest organised by RJD," he said.

Rejecting the demand for Kumar's resignation, TYagi slammed opposition leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi for attending the RJD-organised protest in Jantar Mantar yesterday

Senior JD(U) leader K C TYagi on Sunday slammed opposition leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi for attending the RJD-organised protest in Jantar Mantar yesterday and said opposition parties wanted "anarchy" and "jungle raj" back in Bihar by replacing JD(U) and Nitish Kumar. Under fire from the opposition over the Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case, the Janta Dal (United) asserted today that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would not resign and said it was ready for a Supreme Court-monitored probe into it. He also rejected the demand for Kumar's resignation. It was a "friendship day" of parties seeking "political mileage" from the "unfortunate and shameful" incident in the state, he said. "How can rape of young girls which has shamed us could be an issue for opposition parties to unite against the NDA government and the Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar and demand his resignation. This politics over hapless victims in Bihar is the most unfortunate thing," Tyagi was quoted as saying in a press conference in Delhi. Tyagi asserted that despite the opposition's demand, Kumar would never step down as the chief minister of Bihar and challenged them to unseat him in the Assembly. "Nitish is a sensitive person and felt ashamed over the incident which the opposition parties are trying to use to hit at his conscience so that he steps down. But, he will never step down, we will not let him do so," he said. He also condemned Sitaram Yechury and D Raja who he alleged have forgotten the killings of JNU president Chandra Shekhar and Purnia MLA Ajit Sarkar and joined the protest organised by RJD," he said.

Opposition wants 'anarchy' and 'jungle raj' back in Bihar: JD(U)  leader

Yasir is a refugee, who like thousands of others, has made India his home. Yasir's Yemeni restaurant situated in Hauz Rani in Delhi serves authentic Yemeni food to thousands of West Asians who flock India for cheap medical treatment.

In pics: Yemeni refugee who found a 'home' away from home in Delhi

India has officially handed over Mehul Choksi's extradition request to Antiguan authorities, news agency ANI reported on Sunday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had previously sent the request to the Home Ministry which forwarded it the Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

Fugitive diamantaire <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/choksi-got-clear-report-as-no-criminal-antecedents-were-found-in-2017-mumbai-police-157016">Mehul Choksi</a> is currently residing in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to reports, Choksi had taken the citizenship of Antigua in November 2017 and moved to the Caribbean country in July this year.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xa7oYWBL_VI" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi confirmed about his presence in Antigua through a statement issued by his legal associate.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
India formally hands over extradition request to Antiguan authorities for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a> <a href="https://t.co/bd02mrDyxh">pic.twitter.com/bd02mrDyxh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1025966903448154112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Mehul Choksi said in a statement that he moved to Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment program.&nbsp;

He mentioned that he planned to move to the island to expand his business, be able to move across 132 countries without visa and also cited medical compulsions

The Antiguan passport gives visa-free access to 132 nations.&nbsp;

The CBI had previously communicated with the Antiguan government for Choksi's extradition. Antigua, in its response, stated that it would consider "a legitimate request" from India to send back Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.

Diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi emerge at the centre of the multi-billion PNB scam and are being investigated by the ED and the CBI for the same.&nbsp;

The duo was found to have allegedly cheated the Punjab National Bank of more than Rs 13,400 crore.

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi is currently residing in Antigua and Barbuda.

India has officially handed over Mehul Choksi's extradition request to Antiguan authorities, news agency ANI reported on Sunday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had previously sent the request to the Home Ministry which forwarded it the Ministry of External Affairs. Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi is currently residing in Antigua and Barbuda. According to reports, Choksi had taken the citizenship of Antigua in November 2017 and moved to the Caribbean country in July this year. Fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi confirmed about his presence in Antigua through a statement issued by his legal associate. India formally hands over extradition request to Antiguan authorities for #MehulChoksi pic.twitter.com/bd02mrDyxh — ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2018 × Mehul Choksi said in a statement that he moved to Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment program. He mentioned that he planned to move to the island to expand his business, be able to move across 132 countries without visa and also cited medical compulsions The Antiguan passport gives visa-free access to 132 nations. The CBI had previously communicated with the Antiguan government for Choksi's extradition. Antigua, in its response, stated that it would consider "a legitimate request" from India to send back Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. Diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi emerge at the centre of the multi-billion PNB scam and are being investigated by the ED and the CBI for the same. The duo was found to have allegedly cheated the Punjab National Bank of more than Rs 13,400 crore.

Mehul Choksi's extradition: India hands over official request to Antiguan authorities 

Tensions have escalated in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on Monday on the petitions challenging Article 35A.

The regional parties in the state People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (JKNC) staged protests on Saturday against the moves to scrap Article 35A of the constitution.

Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), have called for a shutdown in the state for Sunday and Monday.

The officials said that security forces were deployed in strength at vulnerable places&nbsp;for maintaining law and order.

Also, the cave shrine Amarnath Yatra has also been suspended for two days.

A media report stated that the Intelligence Agencies in the state have warned that tensions in the state may worsen if the court order goes against Article 35A.

Governor NN Vohra who is heading the state affairs approached the apex court on Friday seeking an adjournment in the hearing of the case till local body elections which are scheduled for October.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and over hundreds of lawyers passed a resolution on Friday seeking protection of Article 35A of the Constitution.

The lawyers claim that the state had signed the instrument of Accession with certain conditions following which Article 35A and Article 370 were introduced in the&nbsp;Constitution.

Introduced in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, Article 35A grants special status to the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir. It also denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W-Y69U9dY8o" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), have called for a shutdown in the state on Sunday and Monday

Tensions have escalated in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on Monday on the petitions challenging Article 35A. The regional parties in the state People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (JKNC) staged protests on Saturday against the moves to scrap Article 35A of the constitution. Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), have called for a shutdown in the state for Sunday and Monday. The officials said that security forces were deployed in strength at vulnerable places for maintaining law and order. Also, the cave shrine Amarnath Yatra has also been suspended for two days. A media report stated that the Intelligence Agencies in the state have warned that tensions in the state may worsen if the court order goes against Article 35A. Governor NN Vohra who is heading the state affairs approached the apex court on Friday seeking an adjournment in the hearing of the case till local body elections which are scheduled for October. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and over hundreds of lawyers passed a resolution on Friday seeking protection of Article 35A of the Constitution. The lawyers claim that the state had signed the instrument of Accession with certain conditions following which Article 35A and Article 370 were introduced in the Constitution. Introduced in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, Article 35A grants special status to the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir. It also denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state. ×

Tensions escalate in J&K ahead of court hearing on Article 35A

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu to inaugurate world's first-ever thermal battery plant on Monday. The plant is expected to commence commercial operations by May 2019.

Manufactured by the Bharat Energy Storage Technology Private Limited (BEST), the first-of-its-kind cell is aimed at boosting renewable energy production.&nbsp

The Greenfield Project estimated to be set up at the cost of Rs. 660 crore will create nearly 3000 jobs in three years.

Under the project, electric buses, produced in collaboration with Bilva Motors, a global consortium, could deliver an 800-kilometre range with a single charge.

The Greenfield Project estimated to be set up at the cost of Rs. 660 crore will create nearly 3000 jobs in three years

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu to inaugurate world's first-ever thermal battery plant on Monday. The plant is expected to commence commercial operations by May 2019. Manufactured by the Bharat Energy Storage Technology Private Limited (BEST), the first-of-its-kind cell is aimed at boosting renewable energy production. The Greenfield Project estimated to be set up at the cost of Rs. 660 crore will create nearly 3000 jobs in three years. Under the project, electric buses, produced in collaboration with Bilva Motors, a global consortium, could deliver an 800-kilometre range with a single charge.

Chandrababu Naidu to inaugurate world's first-ever thermal battery plant

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has protested the proposal extended by the National Commission for Women (NCW) for prohibiting churches from practising Sacrament of Holy Confession.

The Church authorities said that the proposal by the NCW was against the spirit of ancient Indian culture.

It also asked the centre to reject the proposal.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church said, "We protest proposal of National Commission for Women to prohibit churches from practising Sacrament of Holy Confession. This is against spirit of ancient Indian culture which respects different faiths with tolerance. Request Centre to reject this.

The NCW had proposed to prohibit churches from practising the ritual of confession in churches.

The proposal was suggested by the NCW after a rape was involving four priests of the Orthodox Church was revealed. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We protest proposal of National Commission for Women to prohibit churches from practicing Sacrament of 
Holy Confession. This is against spirit of ancient Indian 
culture which respects different faiths with tolerance.Request Centre to reject this: Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church <a href="https://t.co/iyRzDHlJHt">pic.twitter.com/iyRzDHlJHt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1025986115520552960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Church authorities said that the proposal by the NCW was against the spirit of ancient Indian culture

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has protested the proposal extended by the National Commission for Women (NCW) for prohibiting churches from practising Sacrament of Holy Confession. The Church authorities said that the proposal by the NCW was against the spirit of ancient Indian culture. It also asked the centre to reject the proposal. In a statement released on Sunday, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church said, "We protest proposal of National Commission for Women to prohibit churches from practising Sacrament of Holy Confession. This is against spirit of ancient Indian culture which respects different faiths with tolerance. Request Centre to reject this. The NCW had proposed to prohibit churches from practising the ritual of confession in churches. The proposal was suggested by the NCW after a rape was involving four priests of the Orthodox Church was revealed. We protest proposal of National Commission for Women to prohibit churches from practicing Sacrament of Holy Confession. This is against spirit of ancient Indian culture which respects different faiths with tolerance.Request Centre to reject this: Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church pic.twitter.com/iyRzDHlJHt — ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2018 ×

Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church opposes NCW's proposal to probit churches from practising holy confession

Security forces, on Sunday, gunned down four terrorists in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Killora village in Shopian area. The encounter between security forces and terrorists had started on Saturday, fresh firing was reported on Sunday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Authorities also recovered the body of a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist on Saturday night along with an AK-47.

A total of 5 terrorists have been killed in the encounter which has now been concluded. All bodies have been recovered, ANI reported.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We had info that a group of terrorists are there in the area (Shopian's Killora village). J&K police, Army, CRPF cordoned the area. A terrorist was killed in encounter last night. Firing was resumed today & bodies of 4 more terrorists were recovered. Operation called off: J&K DGP <a href="https://t.co/x7hnHFaDfl">pic.twitter.com/x7hnHFaDfl</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1025604897528573952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Four more terrorists have been killed in the operation at Killora in Shopian. One terrorist was killed last night," an Army official said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Bodies of all five terrorists killed in encounter in Shopian's Killora village have been recovered. Operation concluded.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1025591963557486593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid said operations were initiated after information of terrorist holed up in Shopian's Killora village was received.

"We had information that a group of terrorists is there in the area (Shopian's Killora village). Jammu and Kashmir police, Army, Central Reserve Police Force cordoned the area. A terrorist was killed in the encounter last night. The firing was resumed today and bodies of four more terrorists were recovered. The operation has been called off," he said.

Meanwhile, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operation Group (SOG) have apprehended two suspects, along with a couple of hand grenades, in Srinagar's Pantha Chowk. The suspects have been over to the Jammu and Kashmir police.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Encounter in Shopian's Killora Village: Fresh firing heard at the site of encounter. Search operation continues in the area. The encounter between security forces and terrorists had started yesterday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/vbrLhHFSsj">pic.twitter.com/vbrLhHFSsj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1025552635753988097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Friday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore town. The gunbattle between terrorists and security forces started at Baharmpora village of Sopore town. 
&nbsp;

A body was recovered by the police from the site of the encounter last night.

Security forces, on Sunday, gunned down four terrorists in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Killora village in Shopian area. The encounter between security forces and terrorists had started on Saturday, fresh firing was reported on Sunday morning. Authorities also recovered the body of a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist on Saturday night along with an AK-47. A total of 5 terrorists have been killed in the encounter which has now been concluded. All bodies have been recovered, ANI reported. We had info that a group of terrorists are there in the area (Shopian's Killora village). J&K police, Army, CRPF cordoned the area. A terrorist was killed in encounter last night. Firing was resumed today & bodies of 4 more terrorists were recovered. Operation called off: J&K DGP pic.twitter.com/x7hnHFaDfl — ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2018 × "Four more terrorists have been killed in the operation at Killora in Shopian. One terrorist was killed last night," an Army official said. #JammuAndKashmir: Bodies of all five terrorists killed in encounter in Shopian's Killora village have been recovered. Operation concluded. — ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2018 × Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid said operations were initiated after information of terrorist holed up in Shopian's Killora village was received. "We had information that a group of terrorists is there in the area (Shopian's Killora village). Jammu and Kashmir police, Army, Central Reserve Police Force cordoned the area. A terrorist was killed in the encounter last night. The firing was resumed today and bodies of four more terrorists were recovered. The operation has been called off," he said. Meanwhile, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operation Group (SOG) have apprehended two suspects, along with a couple of hand grenades, in Srinagar's Pantha Chowk. The suspects have been over to the Jammu and Kashmir police. #UPDATE Encounter in Shopian's Killora Village: Fresh firing heard at the site of encounter. Search operation continues in the area. The encounter between security forces and terrorists had started yesterday. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/vbrLhHFSsj — ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2018 × On Friday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore town. The gunbattle between terrorists and security forces started at Baharmpora village of Sopore town.

Jammu and Kashmir: 5 terrorists killed in Shopian encounter, operation concluded

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday attacked Prime Minister Modi over <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-granted-after-due-diligence-antiguan-authorities-on-choksi-156703">Antigua and Barbuda's clarification</a> for providing&nbspcitizenship to fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi.

In a tweet posted on Twitter Gandhi called the fugitive diamantaire as "Mr 56's 'suit-boot' BFF".

He added that Mehul was given a clean chit in November 2017 which enabled him to get citizenship of Antigua.

His tweet read, "In today’s big news: India gave Mehul “Bhai” Chowksi, Mr 56’s “suit-boot” BFF, a clean chit in Nov 2017, enabling him to obtain Antiguan citizenship. This “Bhai” looted PNB of 13,000 Cr., before scooting from India.&nbsp

The post was also attached&nbspwith a video which showed PM Modi addressing an event and calling Mehul Choksi as "Mehul Bhai".

In a counter attack the BJP has asked the Congress to explain the reported statement by Mehul Choksi's lawyer that the jeweller had links with "big dealers" of India's opposition party, a media reported.

A day before reports surfaced stating Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship By Investment Unit (CIU) clarification&nbspthat it took all steps to ensure fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Mehul Choksi was a 'fit and proper candidate' for the grant of citizenship as allowed under the country's Citizenship By Investment Act.

In a press release, the CIU stated that Choksi's application was received by them in May 2017 with the necessary documents required, including a police clearance certificate as required by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment Act 2013.

"The said police clearance certificate from the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs Regional Passport Office, Mumbai, certified that there was no adverse information against Choksi which would render him ineligible for grant of travel facilities including a visa for Antigua and Barbuda," the CIU said. 
&nbsp

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
In today’s big news: India gave Mehul “Bhai” Chowksi, Mr 56’s “suit-boot” BFF, a clean chit in Nov 2017, enabling him to obtain Antiguan citizenship. This “Bhai” looted PNB of 13,000 Cr., before scooting from India. 
 
Here’s a little video of Mr 56 with Mehul “Bhai” ? <a href="https://t.co/tt8K5XzBH4">pic.twitter.com/tt8K5XzBH4</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1025393276424257536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp

In a tweet posted on Twitter Gandhi called the fugitive diamantaire as 'Mr 56's 'suit-boot' BFF'

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday attacked Prime Minister Modi over Antigua and Barbuda's clarification for providing&nbspcitizenship to fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi. In a tweet posted on Twitter Gandhi called the fugitive diamantaire as "Mr 56's 'suit-boot' BFF". He added that Mehul was given a clean chit in November 2017 which enabled him to get citizenship of Antigua. His tweet read, "In today’s big news: India gave Mehul “Bhai” Chowksi, Mr 56’s “suit-boot” BFF, a clean chit in Nov 2017, enabling him to obtain Antiguan citizenship. This “Bhai” looted PNB of 13,000 Cr., before scooting from India. The post was also attached&nbspwith a video which showed PM Modi addressing an event and calling Mehul Choksi as "Mehul Bhai". In a counter attack the BJP has asked the Congress to explain the reported statement by Mehul Choksi's lawyer that the jeweller had links with "big dealers" of India's opposition party, a media reported. A day before reports surfaced stating Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship By Investment Unit (CIU) clarification&nbspthat it took all steps to ensure fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Mehul Choksi was a 'fit and proper candidate' for the grant of citizenship as allowed under the country's Citizenship By Investment Act. In a press release, the CIU stated that Choksi's application was received by them in May 2017 with the necessary documents required, including a police clearance certificate as required by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment Act 2013. "The said police clearance certificate from the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs Regional Passport Office, Mumbai, certified that there was no adverse information against Choksi which would render him ineligible for grant of travel facilities including a visa for Antigua and Barbuda," the CIU said. In today’s big news: India gave Mehul “Bhai” Chowksi, Mr 56’s “suit-boot” BFF, a clean chit in Nov 2017, enabling him to obtain Antiguan citizenship. This “Bhai” looted PNB of 13,000 Cr., before scooting from India. Here’s a little video of Mr 56 with Mehul “Bhai” ? pic.twitter.com/tt8K5XzBH4 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 3, 2018 ×

After Antigua's clarification, Rahul attacks PM Modi over Mehul Choksi's clean chit

The final draft of the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam which was released on Monday has listed 2.89 crores as Indian citizens, out of the 3.29 crore applicants.

The list excluded over 40 lakh people from the citizenship of the country.

The NRC is the outcome of the years of protest led by indigenous people of Assam against the foreign infiltrators from Bangladesh. The Assam Movement which started in 1979 and continued till 1985 was a popular movement against the illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country.

The agitation forced the Indian government to identify and remove the foreigners who had illegally entered the state.

Following the agitation, the leaders of the state parties AASU, AAGSP and the Government of India also signed the Assam accord.

The opposition parties who firmly stood against the NRC are going against the rights of the Indigenous Assamese people, who have been protesting against the foreign infiltrators. The natives of the state have time and again complained of their loss of land and resources.&nbsp;

Assam has witnessed decades of illegal migration from the neighbouring country Bangladesh. Bangladesh on the other hand as never officially acknowledged that any of its citizens illegally migrated to Assam.&nbsp;

Assam is currently updating the list to identify the foreigners. The first NRC was published in Assam in the year 1951 on the basis of that year's census.&nbsp;

After the release of the final NRC draft, the authorities have, however, clearly mentioned that the people whose name was excluded from the list will have an option to prove their citizenship claims from August 30 to September 28 at various NRC Seva Kendras.

The Chief Minister of the state Sarbanand Sonowal and the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh have also assured that no one will be deported to Bangladesh or will be sent to a detention camp only on the basis of the draft NRC.

The final list of citizens will exclude the people from the country's citizenship who will then come under the "stateless" tag and will be different from refugees.&nbsp;

The leaders backing the rights of the foreigners to stay in the country do not realise that the vote bank politics may garner them votes from a particular community, however, it may lead to a feeling of discontent and discrimination among the natives who have been fighting for their rights since a long time.

A video floating on social media shows how Mamata Banerjee in 2005 favoured the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Amid massive uproar in the parliament, Mamata Banerjee, who was in opposition then threw a stack of sheets on the then deputy speaker of the Lok Sabha, Charanjit Singh.&nbsp;

She also said that the illegal immigrants in Bangladesh had spelt disaster for West Bengal and added that the Bangladeshi citizens who had got their names on the voter list in Bengal should be expelled.&nbsp;

Taking a complete flip-flop in the matter in 2018, Banerjee this time rejected the final draft of the NRC list which is supervised by the Supreme Court.

Addressing the media after the release of the list she said, Bengalis and Biharis living in Assam were being targeted and that they are "Indians and not Rohingya".

Mamata who had once demanded the exclusion of illegal immigrants from Bengal responded to BJP's demand of introducing a similar list for West Bengal by saying that "Let them touch anyone and they will see the consequences".

The Congress, on the other hand, is forgetting that it was under the Rajiv Gandhi rule that the Assam Accord was passed which aimed at eliminating the illegal immigrants from the country.

The illegal infiltration in Assam has led to a dis-balance in the population growth of the state.

Mamata Banerjee's contradictory stand on National Register of Citizens clearly reflects her hypocrisy in the matter.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The NRC is the outcome of the years of protest led by indigenous people of Assam against the foreign infiltrators from Bangladesh

The final draft of the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam which was released on Monday has listed 2.89 crores as Indian citizens, out of the 3.29 crore applicants. The list excluded over 40 lakh people from the citizenship of the country. The NRC is the outcome of the years of protest led by indigenous people of Assam against the foreign infiltrators from Bangladesh. The Assam Movement which started in 1979 and continued till 1985 was a popular movement against the illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country. The agitation forced the Indian government to identify and remove the foreigners who had illegally entered the state. Following the agitation, the leaders of the state parties AASU, AAGSP and the Government of India also signed the Assam accord. The opposition parties who firmly stood against the NRC are going against the rights of the Indigenous Assamese people, who have been protesting against the foreign infiltrators. The natives of the state have time and again complained of their loss of land and resources. Assam has witnessed decades of illegal migration from the neighbouring country Bangladesh. Bangladesh on the other hand as never officially acknowledged that any of its citizens illegally migrated to Assam. Assam is currently updating the list to identify the foreigners. The first NRC was published in Assam in the year 1951 on the basis of that year's census. After the release of the final NRC draft, the authorities have, however, clearly mentioned that the people whose name was excluded from the list will have an option to prove their citizenship claims from August 30 to September 28 at various NRC Seva Kendras. The Chief Minister of the state Sarbanand Sonowal and the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh have also assured that no one will be deported to Bangladesh or will be sent to a detention camp only on the basis of the draft NRC. The final list of citizens will exclude the people from the country's citizenship who will then come under the "stateless" tag and will be different from refugees. The leaders backing the rights of the foreigners to stay in the country do not realise that the vote bank politics may garner them votes from a particular community, however, it may lead to a feeling of discontent and discrimination among the natives who have been fighting for their rights since a long time. A video floating on social media shows how Mamata Banerjee in 2005 favoured the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Amid massive uproar in the parliament, Mamata Banerjee, who was in opposition then threw a stack of sheets on the then deputy speaker of the Lok Sabha, Charanjit Singh. She also said that the illegal immigrants in Bangladesh had spelt disaster for West Bengal and added that the Bangladeshi citizens who had got their names on the voter list in Bengal should be expelled. Taking a complete flip-flop in the matter in 2018, Banerjee this time rejected the final draft of the NRC list which is supervised by the Supreme Court. Addressing the media after the release of the list she said, Bengalis and Biharis living in Assam were being targeted and that they are "Indians and not Rohingya". Mamata who had once demanded the exclusion of illegal immigrants from Bengal responded to BJP's demand of introducing a similar list for West Bengal by saying that "Let them touch anyone and they will see the consequences". The Congress, on the other hand, is forgetting that it was under the Rajiv Gandhi rule that the Assam Accord was passed which aimed at eliminating the illegal immigrants from the country. The illegal infiltration in Assam has led to a dis-balance in the population growth of the state. Mamata Banerjee's contradictory stand on National Register of Citizens clearly reflects her hypocrisy in the matter. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Mamata Banerjee takes a U-turn on National Register of Citizens

The Congress today decided to take on the Narendra Modi Government on the issue of corruption by launching a public campaign that will highlight the bank scams, Rafale deal and the "bad" state of the economy.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee chaired by party chief Rahul Gandhi where the leaders also chalked out a strategy on the crucial issue of Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The meeting of the working committee, the party's highest decision making body, was attended by top party leaders including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, A K Antony, Ghulam Nabi Aza, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel and Ashok Gehlot. However, former party president Sonia Gandhi was unable to attend the meeting.

This is the second meeting of the newly constituted CWC under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.

The opposition party decided to go all out in highlighting the issue of corruption both inside and outside Parliament.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said after the meeting that the party will launch a public campaign or 'Jan Andolan, details of which will be chalked out in the coming days in consultation with state units and leaders.

"The CWC met today. As a team, we discussed the political situation in the country and the huge opportunity for the Congress to highlight issues of corruption and failure of the government to provide jobs to our youth. Thank you to all those who attended today's meeting," Gandhi said on Twitter.

The party intends to corner the government on media reports which quoted Antiguan authorities as saying that Indian agencies had no adverse information against Mehul Choksi when the Caribbean country conducted a background check on the PNB scam accused before granting him citizenship in 2017.

The Congress has alleged that it had "exposed the complicity and connivance" of the Modi government in the escape of the fugitive billionaire.

On the Rafale deal, Surjewala said neither the Prime Minister nor the Defence Minister are disclosing the price of the jets purchased by this government and claimed that the price fixed during UPA was Rs 526 crore against Rs 1,676 crore for the jets purchased under NDA, that has caused a loss of Rs 48,000 crore to the exchequer.&nbsp;

Taking a cautious stand on the National Registar of Citizens exercise in Assam, Surjewala said after the meeting that the NRC was "Congress' baby" and was initiated as a consequence of the Assam accord signed by late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1985 and the party will ensure that no Indian citizen is left out of it.

"The NRC is a baby of the Congress party and it will ensure that no Indian citizens is deprived of his legitimate right," he said.

Surjewala also pointed out figures claiming that while the Congress-led UPA government from 2005 to 2013 had deported 82,728 foreigners (Bangladeshis), the NDA government has only deported only 1,822 foreign nationals in the last four years. He was citing figures shared by the Modi government in Parliament.

"Every Indian citizen should get justice and foreigners should be identified," he said.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee chaired by party chief Rahul Gandhi where the leaders also chalked out a strategy on the crucial issue of Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The Congress today decided to take on the Narendra Modi Government on the issue of corruption by launching a public campaign that will highlight the bank scams, Rafale deal and the "bad" state of the economy. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee chaired by party chief Rahul Gandhi where the leaders also chalked out a strategy on the crucial issue of Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC). The meeting of the working committee, the party's highest decision making body, was attended by top party leaders including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, A K Antony, Ghulam Nabi Aza, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel and Ashok Gehlot. However, former party president Sonia Gandhi was unable to attend the meeting. This is the second meeting of the newly constituted CWC under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. The opposition party decided to go all out in highlighting the issue of corruption both inside and outside Parliament. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said after the meeting that the party will launch a public campaign or 'Jan Andolan, details of which will be chalked out in the coming days in consultation with state units and leaders. "The CWC met today. As a team, we discussed the political situation in the country and the huge opportunity for the Congress to highlight issues of corruption and failure of the government to provide jobs to our youth. Thank you to all those who attended today's meeting," Gandhi said on Twitter. The party intends to corner the government on media reports which quoted Antiguan authorities as saying that Indian agencies had no adverse information against Mehul Choksi when the Caribbean country conducted a background check on the PNB scam accused before granting him citizenship in 2017. The Congress has alleged that it had "exposed the complicity and connivance" of the Modi government in the escape of the fugitive billionaire. On the Rafale deal, Surjewala said neither the Prime Minister nor the Defence Minister are disclosing the price of the jets purchased by this government and claimed that the price fixed during UPA was Rs 526 crore against Rs 1,676 crore for the jets purchased under NDA, that has caused a loss of Rs 48,000 crore to the exchequer. Taking a cautious stand on the National Registar of Citizens exercise in Assam, Surjewala said after the meeting that the NRC was "Congress' baby" and was initiated as a consequence of the Assam accord signed by late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1985 and the party will ensure that no Indian citizen is left out of it. "The NRC is a baby of the Congress party and it will ensure that no Indian citizens is deprived of his legitimate right," he said. Surjewala also pointed out figures claiming that while the Congress-led UPA government from 2005 to 2013 had deported 82,728 foreigners (Bangladeshis), the NDA government has only deported only 1,822 foreign nationals in the last four years. He was citing figures shared by the Modi government in Parliament. "Every Indian citizen should get justice and foreigners should be identified," he said.

Will launch public campaign to 'expose' Modi govt on corruption issue: Congress

Madras High Court Chief Justice <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-gets-its-eighth-woman-judge--indira-banerjee-156855">Indira Banerjee's elevation to the Supreme Court</a> is a welcome news. For the first time, the top court will have three female judges.&nbsp;Banerjee is set to join Justice Indu Malhotra and Justice R Banumathi.

Her appointment also translates to the Supreme Court getting its eighth woman judge. Fathima Beevi, Sujata V Manohar, Ruma Pal, Gyan Sudha Misra, Ranjana Prakash Desai, R Banumathi were previously appointed to the office besides recently elevated Indu Malhotra. Justice&nbsp;R Banumathi was appointed as the apex court judge in the year 2014.

Banerjee is also the second woman to head Madras High Court, after Justice Kanta Kumari Bhatnagar.&nbsp;

A notification that was issued on Friday stated, "In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Kumari Justice Indira Banerjee, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, to be a judge of the Supreme Court of India with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office."

Banerjee assumed charge as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court on April 5, 2017. She succeeded Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, who was then elevated to the top court.

The Supreme Court got its first woman judge in the year 1989. M Fathima Beevi, former Tamil Nadu Governor, was elevated to the post.&nbsp;

Banerjee is also the second woman to head Madras High Court, after Justice Kanta Kumari Bhatnagar.

Madras High Court Chief Justice Indira Banerjee's elevation to the Supreme Court is a welcome news. For the first time, the top court will have three female judges. Banerjee is set to join Justice Indu Malhotra and Justice R Banumathi. Her appointment also translates to the Supreme Court getting its eighth woman judge. Fathima Beevi, Sujata V Manohar, Ruma Pal, Gyan Sudha Misra, Ranjana Prakash Desai, R Banumathi were previously appointed to the office besides recently elevated Indu Malhotra. Justice R Banumathi was appointed as the apex court judge in the year 2014. Banerjee is also the second woman to head Madras High Court, after Justice Kanta Kumari Bhatnagar. A notification that was issued on Friday stated, "In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Kumari Justice Indira Banerjee, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, to be a judge of the Supreme Court of India with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office." Banerjee assumed charge as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court on April 5, 2017. She succeeded Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, who was then elevated to the top court. The Supreme Court got its first woman judge in the year 1989. M Fathima Beevi, former Tamil Nadu Governor, was elevated to the post.

In first, Supreme Court to have three female judges with Indira Banerjee's elevation 

Observing that if the birth date is altered, qualifications secured would become invalid, the Madras High Court has rejected a plea to change it in the 10th and 12th school certificates on the ground that parents had given the wrong date of birth during admission to Class 1.

"If the date of birth is altered, the entire qualifications possessed by the petitioner would become invalid as she would not have had the required age eligibility to join Class 1 with the altered date of birth.

"The court cannot even decide the issue based on sympathy as it will give a premium for everyone to knock at the doors of the court to alter the date of birth," Justice S Vaidyanathan said.

The issue pertains to a plea moved by S Indhumathi, who submitted that she was born on July 17, 1997, in Madurai.

She claimed that the date of birth in her 10th and 12th standard certificates was mentioned as May 17, 1997, instead of July 17.

Though the records with the Madurai Corporation had the original date of birth, it was incorrectly mentioned in her school records, it was submitted.

On April 20, she had made a representation to the School Education Department to modify her birth date in her school certificates.

As the authorities failed to respond, she moved the court.

When the plea came up for hearing, the counsel for the School Education department submitted that such correction could not be made according to the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Secondary Education Certificate Rules.

The counsel further submitted that the rules prescribed completion of five years of age for admission to Class 1 and therefore, the petitioner's parents might have given an incorrect date of birth to secure admission for their daughter.

Concurring with the submissions, the judge said, "If the actual date of birth, as claimed by the petitioner, is taken into account, then the entire qualification obtained by the petitioner will have to go as she could not have been admitted in Class 1 during that point of time based on the original date of birth."

The plea that for the fault of the parents, the child should not be affected, could not be accepted, the judge said.

r5"If such a contention is going to be accepted, it will give a premium for everyone to knock at the doors of the court to alter the date of birth," the court said and dismissed the plea.

The issue pertains to a plea moved by S Indhumathi, who submitted that she was born on July 17, 1997, in Madurai.

Observing that if the birth date is altered, qualifications secured would become invalid, the Madras High Court has rejected a plea to change it in the 10th and 12th school certificates on the ground that parents had given the wrong date of birth during admission to Class 1. "If the date of birth is altered, the entire qualifications possessed by the petitioner would become invalid as she would not have had the required age eligibility to join Class 1 with the altered date of birth. "The court cannot even decide the issue based on sympathy as it will give a premium for everyone to knock at the doors of the court to alter the date of birth," Justice S Vaidyanathan said. The issue pertains to a plea moved by S Indhumathi, who submitted that she was born on July 17, 1997, in Madurai. She claimed that the date of birth in her 10th and 12th standard certificates was mentioned as May 17, 1997, instead of July 17. Though the records with the Madurai Corporation had the original date of birth, it was incorrectly mentioned in her school records, it was submitted. On April 20, she had made a representation to the School Education Department to modify her birth date in her school certificates. As the authorities failed to respond, she moved the court. When the plea came up for hearing, the counsel for the School Education department submitted that such correction could not be made according to the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Secondary Education Certificate Rules. The counsel further submitted that the rules prescribed completion of five years of age for admission to Class 1 and therefore, the petitioner's parents might have given an incorrect date of birth to secure admission for their daughter. Concurring with the submissions, the judge said, "If the actual date of birth, as claimed by the petitioner, is taken into account, then the entire qualification obtained by the petitioner will have to go as she could not have been admitted in Class 1 during that point of time based on the original date of birth." The plea that for the fault of the parents, the child should not be affected, could not be accepted, the judge said. r5"If such a contention is going to be accepted, it will give a premium for everyone to knock at the doors of the court to alter the date of birth," the court said and dismissed the plea.

High court rejects plea to alter birth date in 10th, 12th certificates

The Mumbai Police today said they gave a "clear report" to jeweller Mehul Choksi last year as no criminal antecedents were found against him.

Police also said they have ordered an inquiry "into the matter of issuance of police verification report (PVR)" to Choksi when he obtained the passport here in 2015.

Choksi, now a prime accused in the alleged Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, obtained passport under the 'Tatkal' category after the Regional Passport Office (RPO) here granted him "No Police Verification Required" status in 2015, a Mumbai Police release said.

Because of this status, no PVR was generated from the Mumbai Police, it said, adding that an inquiry into the matter has now been ordered.

Choksi is one of the alleged masterminds of the $2 billion scam in state-run Punjab National Bank and is the uncle of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi.

Clarifying about the issuance of police clearance last year, the release said Choksi had applied for a police clearance certificate (PCC) to RPO, Mumbai, on February 23, 2017.

Officials at the Malabar Hill Police Station, under whose limits he lived, submitted "a clear report" on March 10, 2017, stating that no criminal antecedents were found. It was forwarded to RPO, Mumbai, according to the release.

The 'Clear Report' was given after checking the online Criminal Antecedents and Information System (CAIS), it said.

If a person has been arrested in the past, it is reflected in the CAIS, the release said.

Choksi left the country on January 1 this year, and an offence was registered against him by the CBI on January 31 (in the PNB scam), it noted.

Now, the city police are also examining their "internal processes involved in the criminal antecedents verification process to improve the existing system", the release added.

A newspaper report from Antigua has said that Indian authorities did not give any adverse report to stall Choksi's citizenship application in that country last year.

Choksi's application for citizenship in Antigua in May 2017 was accompanied with clearance from the local police as required by norms, Antiguan newspaper the Daily Observer reported.

As the news report created a furore, a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs had said yesterday that PCC was issued by the passport office of Mumbai for Antigua and Barbuda on the basis of a clear PVR available on his passport.

"As the PVR of Mehul Choksi was clear in the system at the time of issuance of PCC, the process followed by Passport Office, Mumbai, was as per extant instructions," he had said.&nbsp

Police also said they have ordered an inquiry 'into the matter of issuance of police verification report (PVR)' to Choksi when he obtained the passport here in 2015.

The Mumbai Police today said they gave a "clear report" to jeweller Mehul Choksi last year as no criminal antecedents were found against him. Police also said they have ordered an inquiry "into the matter of issuance of police verification report (PVR)" to Choksi when he obtained the passport here in 2015. Choksi, now a prime accused in the alleged Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, obtained passport under the 'Tatkal' category after the Regional Passport Office (RPO) here granted him "No Police Verification Required" status in 2015, a Mumbai Police release said. Because of this status, no PVR was generated from the Mumbai Police, it said, adding that an inquiry into the matter has now been ordered. Choksi is one of the alleged masterminds of the $2 billion scam in state-run Punjab National Bank and is the uncle of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi. Clarifying about the issuance of police clearance last year, the release said Choksi had applied for a police clearance certificate (PCC) to RPO, Mumbai, on February 23, 2017. Officials at the Malabar Hill Police Station, under whose limits he lived, submitted "a clear report" on March 10, 2017, stating that no criminal antecedents were found. It was forwarded to RPO, Mumbai, according to the release. The 'Clear Report' was given after checking the online Criminal Antecedents and Information System (CAIS), it said. If a person has been arrested in the past, it is reflected in the CAIS, the release said. Choksi left the country on January 1 this year, and an offence was registered against him by the CBI on January 31 (in the PNB scam), it noted. Now, the city police are also examining their "internal processes involved in the criminal antecedents verification process to improve the existing system", the release added. A newspaper report from Antigua has said that Indian authorities did not give any adverse report to stall Choksi's citizenship application in that country last year. Choksi's application for citizenship in Antigua in May 2017 was accompanied with clearance from the local police as required by norms, Antiguan newspaper the Daily Observer reported. As the news report created a furore, a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs had said yesterday that PCC was issued by the passport office of Mumbai for Antigua and Barbuda on the basis of a clear PVR available on his passport. "As the PVR of Mehul Choksi was clear in the system at the time of issuance of PCC, the process followed by Passport Office, Mumbai, was as per extant instructions," he had said.

Choksi got 'clear report' as no criminal antecedents were found in 2017: Mumbai Police

BJP president Amit Shah flagged off Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje's pre-poll tour 'Rajasthan Gaurav Yatra' on Saturday and tore into the opposition Congress over alleged lack of development in the state under its rule.

Flagging off the 58-day yatra, aimed at seeking people's mandate in the Assembly elections scheduled to be held later this year, from the Charbhujanath temple in Rajsamand district, Shah launched a scathing attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Raje and Shah offered prayers at the temple before the chief minister boarded the specially designed bus with the party president.

They left for a helipad nearby to head to Kankroli city in the district to address the first meeting of the tour. The 'rath' will reach Kankroli by road and will be used by Raje for her onward journey.

The 'Rajasthan Gaurav Yatra' will cover 165 of the total 200 assembly constituencies in the state before its culmination on September 30 in Ajmer.&nbsp;

Speaking at the first public meeting, Shah said 'Rahul Baba' should go and see the villages where no development had taken place in the 50 years of the Congress rule.

But the situation has changed under the BJP rule and now development works are happening there.

"Congress leaders here have said that they will ask 40 questions during the yatra. Rahul Baba also asks questions and seeks the account of works done by the BJP, but the public is asking from you the account of works done by your four generations," he said.

Shah said that the Narendra Modi government released two-and-a-half-times more funds to the state government as compared to the previous UPA government.

Targeting the Congress over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) issue in Assam, Shah said that the Congress was seeing illegal Bangladeshi residing in India as its vote bank and asked people to pose a question to Rahul Gandhi whether the illegal Bangladeshi people should live in India or not.

"Congress president should tell the people whether illegal Bangladeshi should be in India or not. Congress is actually looking at vote bank in this issue but the Modi government does not run on the basis of vote bank," he said.

Shah also said that BJP did not dilute the SC/ST Act and instead the BJP government has strengthened it.

He said that the Modi government wants to give statutory status to the OBC Commission.

"When Rahul Baba comes to Rajasthan, ask him whether the Congress will support the bill in Rajya Sabha or not," he said.

The bill to give the statutory status to the National Commission for Backward Classes was passed by Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Talking about the schemes and programmes of the government, Shah said that the Modi government brought 116 schemes for people and the Raje government has touched upon all sections of the society in the state and carried out developmental works.

"Congress did nothing for development. Rajasthan which has been a glorious state became a 'Bimaru' state because of Congress but now under the leadership of Raje, the state is progressing and going to become a developed state. We have committed to form the government again," he said.

He asked people to vote for the party to make Vasundhra Raje the chief minister of Rajasthan again in the Assembly elections and Narendra Modi as prime minister in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Raje said that it was her third yatra and exuded confidence that the party will secure victory again.

"Five years back, I had begun Suraj Sankalp Yatra and Parivartan Yatra in 2003 from here and people gave us their mandate. We worked hard, I conducted visits and tours of the state to know people's problems and provided them with what they wanted," Raje said.

She said that the government launched programmes and worked to enhance the dignity of women by launching schemes such as Bhamashah scheme and others.

"Congress always tried to create a rift among castes but we want to take every section along with us. It is our aim to launch public welfare schemes and transfer the benefit to people. Development works have taken place in the last four years in every panchayat and district,",? she said.

She said that the state is no more a Bimaru state. In the coming years, she said, industries will be set up, development will pick up the pace for a progressive Rajasthan.&nbsp;

"There is a need to end 'One time Congress, one-time BJP' trend to push Rajasthan among fastest developing states. Development took place at a fast pace in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat where the BJP is in power," the chief minister said in the public meeting.&nbsp;

She also asked the Congress to give a list of works done by them in the past 50 years. "People should analyse who served the nation best," she said.&nbsp;

Home minister Gulab Chand Kataria, who is the convener of the yatra, hailed the prime minister saying he has worked for the nation, brought honour for the country globally.&nbsp;

"He has worked for poor, women, youths and those in need," Kataria said in the meeting attended by a large number of people.&nbsp;

Higher Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari said that the party chief gave a message of 'Ajay (invincible) Rajasthan-Ajay BJP', saying the 'Gaurav Yatra' will turn into the 'Vijay (victory) Yatra' of the BJP in Rajasthan.&nbsp;

Raje and Shah offered prayers at the temple before the chief minister boarded the specially designed bus with the party president.

BJP president Amit Shah flagged off Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje's pre-poll tour 'Rajasthan Gaurav Yatra' on Saturday and tore into the opposition Congress over alleged lack of development in the state under its rule. Flagging off the 58-day yatra, aimed at seeking people's mandate in the Assembly elections scheduled to be held later this year, from the Charbhujanath temple in Rajsamand district, Shah launched a scathing attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Raje and Shah offered prayers at the temple before the chief minister boarded the specially designed bus with the party president. They left for a helipad nearby to head to Kankroli city in the district to address the first meeting of the tour. The 'rath' will reach Kankroli by road and will be used by Raje for her onward journey. The 'Rajasthan Gaurav Yatra' will cover 165 of the total 200 assembly constituencies in the state before its culmination on September 30 in Ajmer. Speaking at the first public meeting, Shah said 'Rahul Baba' should go and see the villages where no development had taken place in the 50 years of the Congress rule. But the situation has changed under the BJP rule and now development works are happening there. "Congress leaders here have said that they will ask 40 questions during the yatra. Rahul Baba also asks questions and seeks the account of works done by the BJP, but the public is asking from you the account of works done by your four generations," he said. Shah said that the Narendra Modi government released two-and-a-half-times more funds to the state government as compared to the previous UPA government. Targeting the Congress over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) issue in Assam, Shah said that the Congress was seeing illegal Bangladeshi residing in India as its vote bank and asked people to pose a question to Rahul Gandhi whether the illegal Bangladeshi people should live in India or not. "Congress president should tell the people whether illegal Bangladeshi should be in India or not. Congress is actually looking at vote bank in this issue but the Modi government does not run on the basis of vote bank," he said. Shah also said that BJP did not dilute the SC/ST Act and instead the BJP government has strengthened it. He said that the Modi government wants to give statutory status to the OBC Commission. "When Rahul Baba comes to Rajasthan, ask him whether the Congress will support the bill in Rajya Sabha or not," he said. The bill to give the statutory status to the National Commission for Backward Classes was passed by Lok Sabha on Thursday. Talking about the schemes and programmes of the government, Shah said that the Modi government brought 116 schemes for people and the Raje government has touched upon all sections of the society in the state and carried out developmental works. "Congress did nothing for development. Rajasthan which has been a glorious state became a 'Bimaru' state because of Congress but now under the leadership of Raje, the state is progressing and going to become a developed state. We have committed to form the government again," he said. He asked people to vote for the party to make Vasundhra Raje the chief minister of Rajasthan again in the Assembly elections and Narendra Modi as prime minister in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Raje said that it was her third yatra and exuded confidence that the party will secure victory again. "Five years back, I had begun Suraj Sankalp Yatra and Parivartan Yatra in 2003 from here and people gave us their mandate. We worked hard, I conducted visits and tours of the state to know people's problems and provided them with what they wanted," Raje said. She said that the government launched programmes and worked to enhance the dignity of women by launching schemes such as Bhamashah scheme and others. "Congress always tried to create a rift among castes but we want to take every section along with us. It is our aim to launch public welfare schemes and transfer the benefit to people. Development works have taken place in the last four years in every panchayat and district,",? she said. She said that the state is no more a Bimaru state. In the coming years, she said, industries will be set up, development will pick up the pace for a progressive Rajasthan. "There is a need to end 'One time Congress, one-time BJP' trend to push Rajasthan among fastest developing states. Development took place at a fast pace in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat where the BJP is in power," the chief minister said in the public meeting. She also asked the Congress to give a list of works done by them in the past 50 years. "People should analyse who served the nation best," she said. Home minister Gulab Chand Kataria, who is the convener of the yatra, hailed the prime minister saying he has worked for the nation, brought honour for the country globally. "He has worked for poor, women, youths and those in need," Kataria said in the meeting attended by a large number of people. Higher Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari said that the party chief gave a message of 'Ajay (invincible) Rajasthan-Ajay BJP', saying the 'Gaurav Yatra' will turn into the 'Vijay (victory) Yatra' of the BJP in Rajasthan.

Amit Shah flags off 'Rajasthan Gaurav Yatra', targets Congress

Chief Justice of the Madras High Court Indira Banerjee has been appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.

With this, the apex court gets its eighth woman judge, after Fathima Beevi, Sujata V. Manohar, Ruma Pal, Gyan Sudha Misra, Ranjana Prakash Desai, R. Banumathi and Indu Malhotra.

A notification that was issued on Friday stated, "In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Kumari Justice Indira Banerjee, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, to be a judge of the Supreme Court of India with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office."

Banerjee assumed charge as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court on April 5, 2017. She succeeded Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, who was then elevated to the top court.

She is also the second woman to head Madras High Court, after Justice Kanta Kumari Bhatnagar.

With this, the apex court gets its eighth woman judge, after Fathima Beevi, Sujata V. Manohar, Ruma Pal, Gyan Sudha Misra, Ranjana Prakash Desai, R. Banumathi and Indu Malhotra

Chief Justice of the Madras High Court Indira Banerjee has been appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. With this, the apex court gets its eighth woman judge, after Fathima Beevi, Sujata V. Manohar, Ruma Pal, Gyan Sudha Misra, Ranjana Prakash Desai, R. Banumathi and Indu Malhotra. A notification that was issued on Friday stated, "In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Kumari Justice Indira Banerjee, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, to be a judge of the Supreme Court of India with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office." Banerjee assumed charge as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court on April 5, 2017. She succeeded Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, who was then elevated to the top court. She is also the second woman to head Madras High Court, after Justice Kanta Kumari Bhatnagar.

Supreme Court appoints Indira Banerjee as its eighth woman judge

The BJP today described the Congress Working Committee (CWC) as "corruption wali committee" (committee of corruption) hours after it resolved to take on the government on the issue of graft.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said every act of corruption in India is linked to the party and that it was peddling lies and misleading people against the government.

"The Congress has hard connection with corruption. Wherever corruption happens in India, it goes to 10 Janpath. 10 Janpath is the permanent address of corruption in India and every act of corruption leads to the Gandhi family," he said.&nbsp

10 Janpath is the official residence of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

The ruling party also dismissed allegation of irregularities committed by the Modi government in fixing prices of the Rafale fighter jets, saying the Congress is spreading untruth on the issue as it is "frustrated" over the absence of any middlemen in the purchase deal.&nbsp

"He (Rahul Gandhi) told Parliament that French president said something in his ears. Within hours the French government issued a statement exposing his lies. Can there be anything more humiliating than this. He has criticised the world over and it happened for the first time that another country had to intervene...And issue a letter. But Rahul is carrying on with his lies," Patra said.

He said the government took a decision on Rafale jets at a time when the squadron strength was vastly depleted and the Congress did nothing between 2002 and 2012 to address this issue.

Patra also accused the Congress of playing vote bank politics on the controversy surrounding Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC) and said that the party was only interested in having a "national register of illegal immigrants".&nbsp

Seeking to expose the party's hypocrisy on the issue, he said that while the party did not allow BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Amit Shah from speaking on the issue in the Upper House of Parliament, its leaders were deliberating upon it in the CWC meeting. 
"Is CWC more important than Parliament," he wondered.

Taking a dig at the CWC members over allegations of corruption they face, he said it is "corruption wali committee".

Countering the Congress claim of the Modi government's complicity and connivance in allowing bank scan accused Mehul Choksi to flee from the country and getting him citizenship of Antigua, Patra pointed to an interview given by Mehul Choksi's Antiguan lawyer David Dorsett where he had reportedly said that Choksi was being targeted as he had a "loose" connection with the Congress.

He said that the interview has established the fact that the Congress has "hard connection with corruption and wherever corruption happens in India, it leads to 10 Janpath".

He also took potshots at the party, alleging that it extended loans to friends and near and dear ones without collateral security.&nbsp

"Congress party acted as loan-giving agent and BJP is acting as recovery agent," he said.

He said that the Opposition's seriousness and concern about the plight of farmers was exposed in the ongoing session of Parliament when none of its leaders were present when a discussion was taken up about issues concerning them.

Asked about Congress allegation about growing unemployment in the country, Patra said they are spreading lies on the issue as "Rahul and company have themselves become politically unemployed".

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said every act of corruption in India is linked to the party and that it was peddling lies and misleading people against the government.

The BJP today described the Congress Working Committee (CWC) as "corruption wali committee" (committee of corruption) hours after it resolved to take on the government on the issue of graft. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said every act of corruption in India is linked to the party and that it was peddling lies and misleading people against the government. "The Congress has hard connection with corruption. Wherever corruption happens in India, it goes to 10 Janpath. 10 Janpath is the permanent address of corruption in India and every act of corruption leads to the Gandhi family," he said. 10 Janpath is the official residence of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The ruling party also dismissed allegation of irregularities committed by the Modi government in fixing prices of the Rafale fighter jets, saying the Congress is spreading untruth on the issue as it is "frustrated" over the absence of any middlemen in the purchase deal. "He (Rahul Gandhi) told Parliament that French president said something in his ears. Within hours the French government issued a statement exposing his lies. Can there be anything more humiliating than this. He has criticised the world over and it happened for the first time that another country had to intervene...And issue a letter. But Rahul is carrying on with his lies," Patra said. He said the government took a decision on Rafale jets at a time when the squadron strength was vastly depleted and the Congress did nothing between 2002 and 2012 to address this issue. Patra also accused the Congress of playing vote bank politics on the controversy surrounding Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC) and said that the party was only interested in having a "national register of illegal immigrants". Seeking to expose the party's hypocrisy on the issue, he said that while the party did not allow BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Amit Shah from speaking on the issue in the Upper House of Parliament, its leaders were deliberating upon it in the CWC meeting. "Is CWC more important than Parliament," he wondered. Taking a dig at the CWC members over allegations of corruption they face, he said it is "corruption wali committee". Countering the Congress claim of the Modi government's complicity and connivance in allowing bank scan accused Mehul Choksi to flee from the country and getting him citizenship of Antigua, Patra pointed to an interview given by Mehul Choksi's Antiguan lawyer David Dorsett where he had reportedly said that Choksi was being targeted as he had a "loose" connection with the Congress. He said that the interview has established the fact that the Congress has "hard connection with corruption and wherever corruption happens in India, it leads to 10 Janpath". He also took potshots at the party, alleging that it extended loans to friends and near and dear ones without collateral security. "Congress party acted as loan-giving agent and BJP is acting as recovery agent," he said. He said that the Opposition's seriousness and concern about the plight of farmers was exposed in the ongoing session of Parliament when none of its leaders were present when a discussion was taken up about issues concerning them. Asked about Congress allegation about growing unemployment in the country, Patra said they are spreading lies on the issue as "Rahul and company have themselves become politically unemployed".

CWC is 'corruption wali committee': BJP

Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari on Friday invited Indian investors to come forward to fund the structural construction projects in the country.

Gadkari said this while talking at an event where the State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to grant them a term loan facility of Rs 25,000 crore for the development of road infrastructure.

"Ring Road in Delhi was built within 500 days, a road overbridge (ROB) was built within 100 days. So I think the work culture has changed. We are improving the quality of construction and reducing the cost of construction," the Union Minister said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ring Road in Delhi was built within 500 days, a road overbridge (ROB) was built within 100 days. So I think work culture has changed. We are improving the quality of construction & reducing the cost of construction: Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways (03.08) <a href="https://t.co/qnhfO31UiS">pic.twitter.com/qnhfO31UiS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1025522496789864449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp

Gadkari said this while talking at an event where the State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to grant them a term loan facility of Rs 25,000 crore for the development of road infrastructure

Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari on Friday invited Indian investors to come forward to fund the structural construction projects in the country. Gadkari said this while talking at an event where the State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to grant them a term loan facility of Rs 25,000 crore for the development of road infrastructure. "Ring Road in Delhi was built within 500 days, a road overbridge (ROB) was built within 100 days. So I think the work culture has changed. We are improving the quality of construction and reducing the cost of construction," the Union Minister said. Ring Road in Delhi was built within 500 days, a road overbridge (ROB) was built within 100 days. So I think work culture has changed. We are improving the quality of construction & reducing the cost of construction: Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways (03.08) pic.twitter.com/qnhfO31UiS — ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2018 ×

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari invites Indian investors to fund structural construction projects

The relationship between the people of India and the United States of America has put pressure on both governments to improve ties, US Consul General Edgard Kagan said today.

He was addressing a function of the US Consulate General Mumbai to mark the 242nd anniversary of American Independence.

"So much of the way the relationship between India and the US is today was started here. It was people in Western India, in Mumbai. People who were committed to trade and education were at the heart of building the relationship we share today," he said.

He added that this relationship keeps growing, unlike many others he had worked on which had been built from the top to down.

"We had started between governments and then slowly between people. The relationship between India and US was very different. The relationship between governments has always been as it should be, but the relationship between the people of our two countries has put pressure on both governments to improve relations," he said.

Kagan said both countries were increasingly critical partners as the two dealt with some of the world's most challenging problems.

"That's true of our collaboration in the defence and security space. Thats true of our cooperation in the United Nations and other international forums," Kagan said.

"We share not just values of democracy, free speech and respect for liberty and diversity. We also share respect for the idea that freedom for innovation is best for both countries," he said.

He added that Indian entrepreneurs have played a very important part in strengthening ties between the two countries.&nbsp;

'We had started between governments and then slowly between people,' he said.

The relationship between the people of India and the United States of America has put pressure on both governments to improve ties, US Consul General Edgard Kagan said today. He was addressing a function of the US Consulate General Mumbai to mark the 242nd anniversary of American Independence. "So much of the way the relationship between India and the US is today was started here. It was people in Western India, in Mumbai. People who were committed to trade and education were at the heart of building the relationship we share today," he said. He added that this relationship keeps growing, unlike many others he had worked on which had been built from the top to down. "We had started between governments and then slowly between people. The relationship between India and US was very different. The relationship between governments has always been as it should be, but the relationship between the people of our two countries has put pressure on both governments to improve relations," he said. Kagan said both countries were increasingly critical partners as the two dealt with some of the world's most challenging problems. "That's true of our collaboration in the defence and security space. Thats true of our cooperation in the United Nations and other international forums," Kagan said. "We share not just values of democracy, free speech and respect for liberty and diversity. We also share respect for the idea that freedom for innovation is best for both countries," he said. He added that Indian entrepreneurs have played a very important part in strengthening ties between the two countries.

'Indo-US relationship keeps growing,' says US Consul General

Haryana government said on Friday it will launch a massive campaign in the state to create awareness among farmers about proper management of crops residue and the ill effects of stubble burning in view of the ensuing paddy harvesting season.

This was informed by the Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Abhilaksh Likhi while presiding over a review meeting with officers in field through video conference in Chandigarh on Thursday, as per an official release.

The meeting was also attended by Director Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department, D K Behera and Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages,&nbsp;Sameer Pal Srow.

Likhi said strenuous efforts are being made for crops residue management in Haryana.

The Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister, Om Prakash Dhankar have been continuously appealing to the farmers through social, print and electronic media not to burn the stubble.&nbsp;

He said that those farmers, who would not burn crop residue, would be honoured by the chief minister and agriculture minister in a state level function.

He also directed the officers to specifically honour these farmers during the Independence Day function on August 15.

Likhi also reviewed the subsidy being given to farmers and other schemes.

He said that besides the chief minister, who is very serious about burning of crop residue in the state, the Prime Minister Office is also regularly monitoring in this regard.?&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;He directed the officers to organise awareness camps in villages about crop residue management and informed the farmers about departmental schemes.

Likhi said the state government is providing 80 per cent subsidy on the purchase of agriculture machinery and 50 per cent subsidy in case machinery is being purchased personally. The central government has provided Rs 137 crore for the purpose.&nbsp;

Haryana government said on Friday it will launch a massive campaign in the state to create awareness among farmers about proper management of crops residue and the ill effects of stubble burning in view of the ensuing paddy harvesting season

Haryana government said on Friday it will launch a massive campaign in the state to create awareness among farmers about proper management of crops residue and the ill effects of stubble burning in view of the ensuing paddy harvesting season. This was informed by the Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Abhilaksh Likhi while presiding over a review meeting with officers in field through video conference in Chandigarh on Thursday, as per an official release. The meeting was also attended by Director Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department, D K Behera and Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages, Sameer Pal Srow. Likhi said strenuous efforts are being made for crops residue management in Haryana. The Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister, Om Prakash Dhankar have been continuously appealing to the farmers through social, print and electronic media not to burn the stubble. He said that those farmers, who would not burn crop residue, would be honoured by the chief minister and agriculture minister in a state level function. He also directed the officers to specifically honour these farmers during the Independence Day function on August 15. Likhi also reviewed the subsidy being given to farmers and other schemes. He said that besides the chief minister, who is very serious about burning of crop residue in the state, the Prime Minister Office is also regularly monitoring in this regard.? He directed the officers to organise awareness camps in villages about crop residue management and informed the farmers about departmental schemes. Likhi said the state government is providing 80 per cent subsidy on the purchase of agriculture machinery and 50 per cent subsidy in case machinery is being purchased personally. The central government has provided Rs 137 crore for the purpose.

Haryana: Government to launch farmers awareness campaign to stop stubble burning

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/uidai-row-were-sorry-this-isnt-unauthorised-access-of-android-devices-google-apologises-156848">UIDAI row: 'We're sorry, this isn't unauthorised access </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/uidai-row-were-sorry-this-isnt-unauthorised-access-of-android-devices-google-apologises-156848">of</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/uidai-row-were-sorry-this-isnt-unauthorised-access-of-android-devices-google-apologises-156848"> Android devices,' Google apologises</a>

The latest development in the UIDAI row is an apology issued from Google's end. The tech giant, last night, issued a statement clarifying that it had "inadvertently" loaded the old UIDAI helpline number and 112 helpline number into the 'setup wizard' of Android phones and that it is sorry for the same.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/china-willing-to-work-with-all-parties-to-safeguard-iran-nuclear-deal-156853">China willing to work with all parties to safeguard Iran nuclear deal</a>

China is willing to work with all parties to continue safeguarding the Iran nuclear deal, said the visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday in Singapore.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-fresh-firing-heard-at-encounter-site-in-shopians-killora-village-156872">Jammu and Kashmir: Five terrorists killed in Killora village encounter in Shopian</a>

Security forces have gunned down four terrorists in an ongoing encounter in Shopian's Killora village.&nbspFresh firing was heard today morning in the encounter that had started yesterday between security forces and terrorists, ANI reported.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/can-imran-khan-dare-to-not-follow-the-pakistan-military-156854">Can Imran Khan dare to not follow the Pakistan military?</a>

As cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan is all set to take over as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, a dreaded fear creeps across the country.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/11-found-killed-in-mexico-border-town-ahead-of-president-elects-visit-156862">11 found killed in Mexico border town ahead of president-elect's visit</a>

Days before president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is due to visit for a series of forums seeking to stem the violence in the country, 11 bodies were discovered on Friday in a Mexican town close to the US border.

UIDAI row: 'We're sorry, this isn't unauthorised access of Android devices,' Google apologises The latest development in the UIDAI row is an apology issued from Google's end. The tech giant, last night, issued a statement clarifying that it had "inadvertently" loaded the old UIDAI helpline number and 112 helpline number into the 'setup wizard' of Android phones and that it is sorry for the same. China willing to work with all parties to safeguard Iran nuclear deal China is willing to work with all parties to continue safeguarding the Iran nuclear deal, said the visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday in Singapore. Jammu and Kashmir: Five terrorists killed in Killora village encounter in Shopian Security forces have gunned down four terrorists in an ongoing encounter in Shopian's Killora village.&nbspFresh firing was heard today morning in the encounter that had started yesterday between security forces and terrorists, ANI reported. Can Imran Khan dare to not follow the Pakistan military? As cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan is all set to take over as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, a dreaded fear creeps across the country. 11 found killed in Mexico border town ahead of president-elect's visit Days before president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is due to visit for a series of forums seeking to stem the violence in the country, 11 bodies were discovered on Friday in a Mexican town close to the US border.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Mumbai on Saturday granted bail to Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Vipul Ambani.

The court also directed him to furnish security bond of Rs 1 lakh and not leave India without its permission. It also asked Ambani not to tamper with the evidence.

Earlier in February, the CBI arrested six persons, including Ambani for their alleged involvement in the multi-crore PNB scam, involving top jewellery designer Nirav Modi.

The CBI claimed that Ambani, who is the head of finance department of Nirav Modi-owned Firestar Group of Companies was fully aware of the fraudulent and illegal Letter of Undertakings (LoUs) in connection with the case.

The PNB had detected a multi-billion scam earlier this year, in which Nirav and his uncle Mehul Choksi allegedly acquired fraudulent LoUs from one of its branches for overseas credit from other Indian lenders.

Nirav and Choksi had allegedly cheated the bank to the tune of USD 2 billion, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

The court also directed him to furnish security bond of Rs 1 lakh and not leave India without its permission. It also asked Ambani not to tamper with the evidence.

A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Mumbai on Saturday granted bail to Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Vipul Ambani. The court also directed him to furnish security bond of Rs 1 lakh and not leave India without its permission. It also asked Ambani not to tamper with the evidence. Earlier in February, the CBI arrested six persons, including Ambani for their alleged involvement in the multi-crore PNB scam, involving top jewellery designer Nirav Modi. The CBI claimed that Ambani, who is the head of finance department of Nirav Modi-owned Firestar Group of Companies was fully aware of the fraudulent and illegal Letter of Undertakings (LoUs) in connection with the case. The PNB had detected a multi-billion scam earlier this year, in which Nirav and his uncle Mehul Choksi allegedly acquired fraudulent LoUs from one of its branches for overseas credit from other Indian lenders. Nirav and Choksi had allegedly cheated the bank to the tune of USD 2 billion, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

PNB scam: Accused Vipul Ambani granted bail

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao will on Saturday meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss several subjects pertaining to the state.

The Chief Minister will request Prime Minister Modi to give approval and clearance to the newly created Zonal System in Telangana.

Chief Minister Rao will also request the Prime Minister to expedite the division of High Court.

Among the other subjects, discussion will be on providing funds from the Centre to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, allotment of Defence Land for secretariat building construction, amending the constitution for enhancement of reservations, release of funds for development of backward districts, establishing IIIT in Karimnagar, establishing Jawahar Navodaya educational institutions in the newly formed districts and more.

Earlier, The Telangana Chief Minister on Friday called on Union Minister of Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad and discussed the subject of division of High Court and newly created Zonal System.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Rao will also request the Prime Minister to expedite the division of High Court

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao will on Saturday meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss several subjects pertaining to the state. The Chief Minister will request Prime Minister Modi to give approval and clearance to the newly created Zonal System in Telangana. Chief Minister Rao will also request the Prime Minister to expedite the division of High Court. Among the other subjects, discussion will be on providing funds from the Centre to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, allotment of Defence Land for secretariat building construction, amending the constitution for enhancement of reservations, release of funds for development of backward districts, establishing IIIT in Karimnagar, establishing Jawahar Navodaya educational institutions in the newly formed districts and more. Earlier, The Telangana Chief Minister on Friday called on Union Minister of Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad and discussed the subject of division of High Court and newly created Zonal System.

Telangana CM K Chandrashekhar Rao to meet PM Modi today

All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from West Bengal's Karimpur, Mahua Moitra on Friday filed a police complaint against Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in connection with the incident where the<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/nrc-row-tmc-lawmakers-detained-at-assam-airport-overnight-set-to-leave-156668"> party leaders were detained at Silchar Airport </a>on Thursday.

Other TMC leaders Mamata Thakur and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar have also filed complaint against Assam Chief Minister in this regard.

A delegation of <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/trinamool-mps-created-unruly-situation-at-silchar-airport-says-rajnath-singh-156734">TMC party was arrested </a>under Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and was made to halt the night at a guest house near the airport.

The delegation claimed that they were allegedly manhandled and physically assaulted by the authorities at the airport.

The delegation-- comprising MPs Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Ratna De Nag, Nadimul Haque, Arpita Ghosh, Mamata Thakur, minister Firhad Hakim and MLA Mahua Moitra-- was scheduled to visit Silchar on the issue of Assam`s National Register of Citizens (NRC) draft.

Earlier on Thursday, Moitra allegedly assaulted a lady constable, who restrained her at the Silchar airport.

In a video accessed by ANI, Moitra was seen physically assaulting a female constable, even as the latter pleaded the lawmaker with folded hands to calm down.

The video also showed some of the other party workers sitting on the conveyor belt in the airport as a mark of protest against the NRC draft.

The draft list left out nearly 40 lakh people in Assam, incorporating names of 2.89 crore people out of 3.29 crore applicants.

The first draft was published on December 31, 2017, and names of 1.9 crores of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated.

The NRC draft features the names, addresses and photographs of all Indian citizens, who have been residing in the northeastern state before March 25, 1971.&nbsp;

A delegation of TMC party was arrested under Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and was made to halt the night at a guest house near the airport

All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from West Bengal's Karimpur, Mahua Moitra on Friday filed a police complaint against Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in connection with the incident where the party leaders were detained at Silchar Airport on Thursday. Other TMC leaders Mamata Thakur and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar have also filed complaint against Assam Chief Minister in this regard. A delegation of TMC party was arrested under Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and was made to halt the night at a guest house near the airport. The delegation claimed that they were allegedly manhandled and physically assaulted by the authorities at the airport. The delegation-- comprising MPs Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Ratna De Nag, Nadimul Haque, Arpita Ghosh, Mamata Thakur, minister Firhad Hakim and MLA Mahua Moitra-- was scheduled to visit Silchar on the issue of Assam`s National Register of Citizens (NRC) draft. Earlier on Thursday, Moitra allegedly assaulted a lady constable, who restrained her at the Silchar airport. In a video accessed by ANI, Moitra was seen physically assaulting a female constable, even as the latter pleaded the lawmaker with folded hands to calm down. The video also showed some of the other party workers sitting on the conveyor belt in the airport as a mark of protest against the NRC draft. The draft list left out nearly 40 lakh people in Assam, incorporating names of 2.89 crore people out of 3.29 crore applicants. The first draft was published on December 31, 2017, and names of 1.9 crores of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated. The NRC draft features the names, addresses and photographs of all Indian citizens, who have been residing in the northeastern state before March 25, 1971.

NRC row: Trinamool leader files complaint against Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Friday announced the names of the first astronauts to fly on American-made, commercial spacecraft to and from the International Space Station.

The agency assigned nine astronauts, including Sunita Williams, to crew the first test flight, who according to Mark Geyer, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, "are at the forefront of this exciting new time for human spaceflight."

"It will be thrilling to see our astronauts lift off from American soil, and we can't wait to see them aboard the International Space Station," he added.

The first nine astronauts include-- Eric Boe, Christopher Ferguson, Nicole Aunapu Mann, Robert Behnken, Douglas Hurley, Josh Cassada, Sunita Williams, Victor Glover, Michael Hopkins.

Additional crew members will be assigned by NASA's international partners at a later date.

As per NASA, it is an endeavour which will return astronaut launches to the United States soil for the first time since the space shuttle's retirement in 2011.

"Today, our country's dreams of greater achievements in space are within our grasp," said NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine.

"This accomplished group of American astronauts, flying on new spacecraft developed by our commercial partners Boeing and SpaceX, will launch a new era of human spaceflight. Today's announcement advances our great American vision and strengthens the nation's leadership in space," he added.

NASA's Commercial Crew Program is facilitating the development of a US&nbsp;commercial crew space transportation capability with the goal of achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the International Space Station and low-Earth orbit.&nbsp;

Additional crew members will be assigned by NASA's international partners at a later date.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Friday announced the names of the first astronauts to fly on American-made, commercial spacecraft to and from the International Space Station. The agency assigned nine astronauts, including Sunita Williams, to crew the first test flight, who according to Mark Geyer, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, "are at the forefront of this exciting new time for human spaceflight." "It will be thrilling to see our astronauts lift off from American soil, and we can't wait to see them aboard the International Space Station," he added. The first nine astronauts include-- Eric Boe, Christopher Ferguson, Nicole Aunapu Mann, Robert Behnken, Douglas Hurley, Josh Cassada, Sunita Williams, Victor Glover, Michael Hopkins. Additional crew members will be assigned by NASA's international partners at a later date. As per NASA, it is an endeavour which will return astronaut launches to the United States soil for the first time since the space shuttle's retirement in 2011. "Today, our country's dreams of greater achievements in space are within our grasp," said NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine. "This accomplished group of American astronauts, flying on new spacecraft developed by our commercial partners Boeing and SpaceX, will launch a new era of human spaceflight. Today's announcement advances our great American vision and strengthens the nation's leadership in space," he added. NASA's Commercial Crew Program is facilitating the development of a US commercial crew space transportation capability with the goal of achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the International Space Station and low-Earth orbit.

Sunita Williams among 9 astronauts to fly first commercial spacecraft

At least 10 people died in a massive blast that took place on Friday night at a stone quarry in Kurnool district's Hathi Belgal.

Five more people, who were labourers working at the site, got injured and were rushed to the Aluru Government Hospital for treatment however, one among them succumbed to injuries.

According to SP, Kurnool, other four are declared out of danger and still undergoing treatment.

Reportedly, the fire that broke out in the quarry, spread to the nearby area and burnt three tractors, one lorry and two sheds to ashes.

Fire fighters rushed to the spot.

"A case has been registered U/s 304 part-2 IPC, section 3 and 5 of Explosive substances act. We are verifying about the incident. The accused responsible for the incident will arrested soon," said SP, Kurnool.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his grief over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the bereaved.

He ordered the district collector to intensify the operations.&nbsp

Reportedly, the fire that broke out in the quarry, spread to the nearby area and burnt three tractors, one lorry and two sheds to ashes

At least 10 people died in a massive blast that took place on Friday night at a stone quarry in Kurnool district's Hathi Belgal. Five more people, who were labourers working at the site, got injured and were rushed to the Aluru Government Hospital for treatment however, one among them succumbed to injuries. According to SP, Kurnool, other four are declared out of danger and still undergoing treatment. Reportedly, the fire that broke out in the quarry, spread to the nearby area and burnt three tractors, one lorry and two sheds to ashes. Fire fighters rushed to the spot. "A case has been registered U/s 304 part-2 IPC, section 3 and 5 of Explosive substances act. We are verifying about the incident. The accused responsible for the incident will arrested soon," said SP, Kurnool. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his grief over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the bereaved. He ordered the district collector to intensify the operations.

Andhra Pradesh: 10 dead in Kurnool stone quarry blast

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news