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

This is a segment of WION which talks about M Karunanidhi. Former CM of Indian State of Tamil Nadu M Karunanidhi taken ill. Watch this video for more information.

Former CM of Indian State of Tamil Nadu M Karunanidhi taken ill

This is a segment of WION which talks about Blood Moon at Taj Mahal. Cloudy weather may hamper the visibility of blood moon. Watch this video for more information.

Blood Moon at Taj Mahal: Cloudy weather may hamper the visibility of blood moon

Another Special Police Office (SPO) has been abducted by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, days after a police constable was taken and killed last week.&nbsp;

The police officer, Shakeel Ahmad Lone, was taken by unidentified terrorists in the Pulwama district of South Kashmir while he was visiting his relatives.&nbsp;

Talking to ANI, J&K Deputy General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid said: "We are verifying the information. His family has said that he had gone to visit a relative."&nbsp;

The J&K Police has formed several teams to trace his location and ascertain crucial details about him.

Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

This comes days after another police was abducted and killed by terrorists from his house last Friday.&nbsp;

Salem Ahmed Shah was on leave and was allegedly abducted by a group of terrorists linked to Hizbul Mujahideen from his residence in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, was found by the security forces.

“Our colleague Salem Ahmed Shah was abducted and killed by terrorists in Kulgam. We condemn this cowardly act. We all stand by his family at this critical juncture.” the Kashmir zone police tweeted.

His bullet-riddled body, bearing severe torture marks, was recovered later. He was the second policeman to be killed by terrorists in South Kashmir in July. &nbsp;

The police officer, Shakeel Ahmad Lone, was taken by unidentified terrorists in the Pulwama district of South Kashmir while he was visiting his relatives.

Another Special Police Office (SPO) has been abducted by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, days after a police constable was taken and killed last week. The police officer, Shakeel Ahmad Lone, was taken by unidentified terrorists in the Pulwama district of South Kashmir while he was visiting his relatives. Talking to ANI, J&K Deputy General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid said: "We are verifying the information. His family has said that he had gone to visit a relative." The J&K Police has formed several teams to trace his location and ascertain crucial details about him. Further details are awaited. This comes days after another police was abducted and killed by terrorists from his house last Friday. Salem Ahmed Shah was on leave and was allegedly abducted by a group of terrorists linked to Hizbul Mujahideen from his residence in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, was found by the security forces. “Our colleague Salem Ahmed Shah was abducted and killed by terrorists in Kulgam. We condemn this cowardly act. We all stand by his family at this critical juncture.” the Kashmir zone police tweeted. His bullet-riddled body, bearing severe torture marks, was recovered later. He was the second policeman to be killed by terrorists in South Kashmir in July.

J&K: Another police official abducted by terrorists in Pulwama

TRAI chairman RS Sharma's alleged personal details were hacked on Twitter earlier today by a user. Sharma shared his 12-digit Aadhaar number on the social media platform on Saturday asking if sharing it compromises his privacy and confidential details.&nbsp

French security researcher Elliot Alderson, who holds a Twitter handle @fs0c131y, revealed what he claimed as Sharma's personal information in a series of tweets.&nbsp

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
People managed to get your personal address, dob and your alternate phone number. 
 
I stop here, I hope you will understand why make your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadhaar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadhaar</a> number public is not a good idea <a href="https://t.co/IVrReb4xIM">pic.twitter.com/IVrReb4xIM</a>
— Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) <a href="https://twitter.com/fs0c131y/status/1023201962307805184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 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>

"If your phone numbers, address, dob, bank accounts and others personal details are easily found on the Internet you have no #privacy. End of the story," Alderson tweeted out also sharing Sharma's alleged personal details like phone number, PAN number, bank account details, among other information linked to his Aadhaar number.&nbsp

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
If your phone numbers, address, dob, bank accounts and others personal details are easily found on the Internet you have no <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/privacy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#privacy</a>. End of the story.
— Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) <a href="https://twitter.com/fs0c131y/status/1023249485462429696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 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>

"I probably need to say it again: I’m not against #Aadhaar. I’m only against people who think that Aadhaar is unhackable," he tweeted.&nbsp

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I probably need to say it again: I’m not against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadhaar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadhaar</a>. I’m only against people who think that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadhaar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadhaar</a> is unhackable
— Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) <a href="https://twitter.com/fs0c131y/status/1023226108207157249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 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>

The revelation has caused a stir across social media with many debating if the leaks are authentic.&nbsp

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Looks like you are not as good as you claim to be! All my bank accounts are linked to Aadhaar. Further, even if you know my bank account number, so what!
— RS Sharma (@rssharma3) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssharma3/status/1023237311411015680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 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>

"Looks like you are not as good as you claim to be! All my bank accounts are linked to Aadhaar. Further, even if you know my bank account number, so what!" RS Sharma tweeted out.&nbsp

The chairman of the telecom regulatory watchdog on Saturday afternoon tweeted out his Aadhaar number asking people if anyone can cause him any harm just by knowing his Aadhaar number.&nbsp

"My Aadhaar number is 7621 7768 2740 Now I give this challenge to you: Show me one concrete example where you can do any harm to me!" read Sharma's tweet.&nbsp

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My Aadhaar number is 7621 7768 2740 
Now I give this challenge to you: Show me one concrete example where you can do any harm to me!
— RS Sharma (@rssharma3) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssharma3/status/1023119411568201730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 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

French security researcher Elliot Alderson revealed what he claimed as Sharma's personal information in a series of tweets.

TRAI chairman RS Sharma's alleged personal details were hacked on Twitter earlier today by a user. Sharma shared his 12-digit Aadhaar number on the social media platform on Saturday asking if sharing it compromises his privacy and confidential details. French security researcher Elliot Alderson, who holds a Twitter handle @fs0c131y, revealed what he claimed as Sharma's personal information in a series of tweets. People managed to get your personal address, dob and your alternate phone number. I stop here, I hope you will understand why make your #Aadhaar number public is not a good idea pic.twitter.com/IVrReb4xIM — Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) July 28, 2018 × "If your phone numbers, address, dob, bank accounts and others personal details are easily found on the Internet you have no #privacy. End of the story," Alderson tweeted out also sharing Sharma's alleged personal details like phone number, PAN number, bank account details, among other information linked to his Aadhaar number. If your phone numbers, address, dob, bank accounts and others personal details are easily found on the Internet you have no #privacy. End of the story. — Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) July 28, 2018 × "I probably need to say it again: I’m not against #Aadhaar. I’m only against people who think that Aadhaar is unhackable," he tweeted. I probably need to say it again: I’m not against #Aadhaar. I’m only against people who think that #Aadhaar is unhackable — Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) July 28, 2018 × The revelation has caused a stir across social media with many debating if the leaks are authentic. Looks like you are not as good as you claim to be! All my bank accounts are linked to Aadhaar. Further, even if you know my bank account number, so what! — RS Sharma (@rssharma3) July 28, 2018 × "Looks like you are not as good as you claim to be! All my bank accounts are linked to Aadhaar. Further, even if you know my bank account number, so what!" RS Sharma tweeted out. The chairman of the telecom regulatory watchdog on Saturday afternoon tweeted out his Aadhaar number asking people if anyone can cause him any harm just by knowing his Aadhaar number. "My Aadhaar number is 7621 7768 2740 Now I give this challenge to you: Show me one concrete example where you can do any harm to me!" read Sharma's tweet. My Aadhaar number is 7621 7768 2740 Now I give this challenge to you: Show me one concrete example where you can do any harm to me! — RS Sharma (@rssharma3) July 28, 2018 ×

TRAI chief's personal details leaked after he shares Aadhaar number, throws challenge

The draft data protection bill will create a framework for all stakeholders in the digital economy to be more responsible while dealing with customer's personal data, the industry said today.

The proposed Personal Data Protection Bill, along with a report on protection of privacy, was submitted to the government on Friday.

The report, titled “A Free and Fair Digital Economy: Protecting Privacy, Empowering Indians”, has been much-awaited for its implications on data handling and processing practices by government departments and companies, both Indian and foreign.

The report has suggested steps for protecting personal information, outlined the role of data processors, provided guidelines for data storage, and penalties for infringing on privacy.

The Bill has proposed stringent penalties in case of any violation or misuse of personal data by public or private entities.

The draft personal data protection Bill has mandated that explicit consent must be taken for processing sensitive personal data like biometrics, sexual orientation, and religious or political belief.

Failure to take prompt action on a data security breach can attract up to Rs 5 crore or 2 per cent of turnover, whichever is higher, as penalty.

The draft has also asked the Centre to identify "critical personal data" that would have to be mandatorily processed within Indian borders, a move that is likely to have implications for technology firms, especially those in areas like finance and healthcare.

According to the Bill, processing of personal data should be done only for the purpose it was collected or for compliance of any law, employment and for any function of Parliament or any state legislature.

‘Sensitive personal data’ comprises passwords, financial data, health data, sex life, sexual orientation, biometric data, genetic data, caste or tribe and religious or political belief or affiliation.&nbsp;

The proposed Personal Data Protection Bill, along with a report on protection of privacy, was submitted to the government on Friday.

The draft data protection bill will create a framework for all stakeholders in the digital economy to be more responsible while dealing with customer's personal data, the industry said today. The proposed Personal Data Protection Bill, along with a report on protection of privacy, was submitted to the government on Friday. The report, titled “A Free and Fair Digital Economy: Protecting Privacy, Empowering Indians”, has been much-awaited for its implications on data handling and processing practices by government departments and companies, both Indian and foreign. The report has suggested steps for protecting personal information, outlined the role of data processors, provided guidelines for data storage, and penalties for infringing on privacy. The Bill has proposed stringent penalties in case of any violation or misuse of personal data by public or private entities. The draft personal data protection Bill has mandated that explicit consent must be taken for processing sensitive personal data like biometrics, sexual orientation, and religious or political belief. Failure to take prompt action on a data security breach can attract up to Rs 5 crore or 2 per cent of turnover, whichever is higher, as penalty. The draft has also asked the Centre to identify "critical personal data" that would have to be mandatorily processed within Indian borders, a move that is likely to have implications for technology firms, especially those in areas like finance and healthcare. According to the Bill, processing of personal data should be done only for the purpose it was collected or for compliance of any law, employment and for any function of Parliament or any state legislature. ‘Sensitive personal data’ comprises passwords, financial data, health data, sex life, sexual orientation, biometric data, genetic data, caste or tribe and religious or political belief or affiliation.

New data protection bill calls for consent, privacy, penalties, to bring more accountability in digital economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit back at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his 'chowkidar-bhagidar' remark.

While addressing at an <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/will-provide-pakka-makaan-to-every-poor-by-2022-pm-modi--155332">event in Lucknow to mark the third anniversary</a> of three government initiatives related to urban development, PM Modi said he took the 'chowkidar-bhagidar' remark as a compliment.

He said, "These days I am dubbed a 'bhagidar' (partner) and not 'chowkidar' (watchman). I feel honoured to be a 'bhagidar' of the problems of the poor".

"I take this allegation as an honour, I am proud to be a 'bhagidar' of the pain suffered by the poor, the hardworking labour class, the agony of a sad mother, a poor farmer whose crops get destroyed by natural calamities, of soldiers who brave bone-chilling weather as well as scorching heat," he said.

"I am a 'bhagidar' of that poor family which is forced to sell its land for medical treatment, of the homeless, of illiterate children, and of the unemployed," he said.

The Prime Minister also pledged at the event that his government would provide a "pakka makaan"&nbspto every poor by 2022.

<a href="http://wionews.com/videos/modi-govt-faces-no-confidence-motion-rahul-gandhi-targets-modi-govt-over-agrarian-distress-153345">Rahul Gandhi had attacked PM Modi </a>during the recent debate on the no-confidence motion against the government saying that the PM had promised to be a 'chowkidar' but had become a 'bhagidar'

Modi was speaking at a programme&nbspon "Transforming Urban Landscape", marking the third anniversary of three key government initiatives related to urban development -- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), Atal Mission for Rejuvenation of Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Smart Cities Mission.

He also went around an exhibition on Flagship Missions of Urban Development and interacted with PMAY(U) beneficiaries and launched various projects related to urban housing and infrastructure and the Smart City scheme.

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister visited his parliamentary Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi, Azamgarh and Mirzapur of Uttar Pradesh. He also visited Sant Kabir Nagar on June 28.

PM Modi will attend a groundbreaking ceremony for projects involving an investment of Rs 60,000 crore in Lucknow on Sunday.

&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)

PM Modi said, 'These days I am dubbed a 'bhagidar' (partner) and not 'chowkidar' (watchman). I feel honoured to be a 'bhagidar' of the problems of the poor'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit back at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his 'chowkidar-bhagidar' remark. While addressing at an event in Lucknow to mark the third anniversary of three government initiatives related to urban development, PM Modi said he took the 'chowkidar-bhagidar' remark as a compliment. He said, "These days I am dubbed a 'bhagidar' (partner) and not 'chowkidar' (watchman). I feel honoured to be a 'bhagidar' of the problems of the poor". "I take this allegation as an honour, I am proud to be a 'bhagidar' of the pain suffered by the poor, the hardworking labour class, the agony of a sad mother, a poor farmer whose crops get destroyed by natural calamities, of soldiers who brave bone-chilling weather as well as scorching heat," he said. "I am a 'bhagidar' of that poor family which is forced to sell its land for medical treatment, of the homeless, of illiterate children, and of the unemployed," he said. The Prime Minister also pledged at the event that his government would provide a "pakka makaan"&nbspto every poor by 2022. Rahul Gandhi had attacked PM Modi during the recent debate on the no-confidence motion against the government saying that the PM had promised to be a 'chowkidar' but had become a 'bhagidar' Modi was speaking at a programme&nbspon "Transforming Urban Landscape", marking the third anniversary of three key government initiatives related to urban development -- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), Atal Mission for Rejuvenation of Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Smart Cities Mission. He also went around an exhibition on Flagship Missions of Urban Development and interacted with PMAY(U) beneficiaries and launched various projects related to urban housing and infrastructure and the Smart City scheme. Earlier this month, the Prime Minister visited his parliamentary Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi, Azamgarh and Mirzapur of Uttar Pradesh. He also visited Sant Kabir Nagar on June 28. PM Modi will attend a groundbreaking ceremony for projects involving an investment of Rs 60,000 crore in Lucknow on Sunday. (With inputs from PTI)

I consider Rahul Gandhi's 'bhagidar' comment a compliment: PM Modi

After&nbsp;Imran Khan‘s&nbsp;Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf&nbsp;(PTI) emerged as the single largest party in Pakistan election results 2018,&nbsp;India has released an official statement on Saturday with the desires for a 'progressive and prosperous Pakistan at peace with its neighbours'.

"India desires a prosperous & progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours. We hope that the new Pakistan Govt will work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure & developed South Asia free of terror and violence," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.&nbsp;

New Delhi welcomed that the people of Pakistan have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

The MEA issued the statement in response to questions from the media on the elections in Pakistan. Its remarks come on the heels of appeals from political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir — the state at the centre of a decades-old territory dispute with Pakistan — to welcome any offer of peace from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, who is likely to be the country's next prime minister.

Imran's PTI emerged the single-largest party in the 25 July elections in Pakistan, winning 116 of the 270 seats amid allegations of poll rigging.&nbsp;

On Thursday, when it became clear that his party was on the course of victory, Imran had said Pakistan was ready to improve its ties with India, and that his government would like leaders of both sides to resolve all disputes, including the "core issue" of Kashmir, through talks.&nbsp;

"If they take one step towards us, we will take two, but at least (we) need a start," he had said.

Imran's PTI emerged the single-largest party in the 25 July elections in Pakistan, winning 116 of the 270 seats amid allegations of poll rigging.

After Imran Khan‘s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party in Pakistan election results 2018, India has released an official statement on Saturday with the desires for a 'progressive and prosperous Pakistan at peace with its neighbours'. "India desires a prosperous & progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours. We hope that the new Pakistan Govt will work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure & developed South Asia free of terror and violence," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. New Delhi welcomed that the people of Pakistan have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. The MEA issued the statement in response to questions from the media on the elections in Pakistan. Its remarks come on the heels of appeals from political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir — the state at the centre of a decades-old territory dispute with Pakistan — to welcome any offer of peace from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, who is likely to be the country's next prime minister. Imran's PTI emerged the single-largest party in the 25 July elections in Pakistan, winning 116 of the 270 seats amid allegations of poll rigging. On Thursday, when it became clear that his party was on the course of victory, Imran had said Pakistan was ready to improve its ties with India, and that his government would like leaders of both sides to resolve all disputes, including the "core issue" of Kashmir, through talks. "If they take one step towards us, we will take two, but at least (we) need a start," he had said.

Hope new Pakistan government will work to build terror-free South Asia: India

Senior Congress leader and former finance minister P. Chidambaram on Saturday criticised the Centre for failing to effectively implement the Goods and Service Tax (GST) in India in 2017.

Taking to Twitter, Chidambaram said 28 per cent tax slab under the new tax regime has only added the Excise, VAT, and CST.

"The 28% GST rate was the contribution of a lazy BJP government that simply added the Excise, VAT, and CST," the former finance minister wrote.

Further taking a dig at the Narendra Modi-led government, Chidambaram said that the Central government deliberately did not take the note of the report filed by the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) and also dismissed Opposition's plea to cap GST rate at 18 per cent.

"BJP government brushed aside the report of the CEA and summarily dismissed our plea to cap GST rate at 18 per cent. Now it claims wisdom in phasing our the 28 per cent rate!," added Chidambaram in another tweet.

The former finance minister also said that scores of small and medium-sized enterprises have been shattered because of the high-interest rates under GST.

"Following demonetisation, the faulty implementation of GST destroyed thousands of SMEs and millions of jobs. Ask any trader or businessperson and you will know the truth. The 28% rate (and the cesses) was only one aspect of the faulty implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). There are other distortions that have given GST a bad name," said the Congress leader.

The GST was rolled out in July last year after months of deliberation.

Launched at midnight on June 30 by Prime Minister Modi and then President Pranab Mukherjee, the taxation scheme aimed at bringing all taxes into a single window along the lines of the 'One Nation - One Tax - One Market goal.

The GST was rolled out in July last year after months of deliberation.

Senior Congress leader and former finance minister P. Chidambaram on Saturday criticised the Centre for failing to effectively implement the Goods and Service Tax (GST) in India in 2017. Taking to Twitter, Chidambaram said 28 per cent tax slab under the new tax regime has only added the Excise, VAT, and CST. "The 28% GST rate was the contribution of a lazy BJP government that simply added the Excise, VAT, and CST," the former finance minister wrote. Further taking a dig at the Narendra Modi-led government, Chidambaram said that the Central government deliberately did not take the note of the report filed by the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) and also dismissed Opposition's plea to cap GST rate at 18 per cent. "BJP government brushed aside the report of the CEA and summarily dismissed our plea to cap GST rate at 18 per cent. Now it claims wisdom in phasing our the 28 per cent rate!," added Chidambaram in another tweet. The former finance minister also said that scores of small and medium-sized enterprises have been shattered because of the high-interest rates under GST. "Following demonetisation, the faulty implementation of GST destroyed thousands of SMEs and millions of jobs. Ask any trader or businessperson and you will know the truth. The 28% rate (and the cesses) was only one aspect of the faulty implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). There are other distortions that have given GST a bad name," said the Congress leader. The GST was rolled out in July last year after months of deliberation. Launched at midnight on June 30 by Prime Minister Modi and then President Pranab Mukherjee, the taxation scheme aimed at bringing all taxes into a single window along the lines of the 'One Nation - One Tax - One Market goal.

Demonetisation, faulty GST destroyed millions of jobs: P Chidambaram

In its first-ever reaction to the general elections held in Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday that the country desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours.

The MEA said that it desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan, and hoped that the new government in Islamabad will work constructively to build a safe, stable and secure South Asia free of terror and violence.

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said India welcomed that the people of Pakistan have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections.

"India desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours," he said.&nbsp;

"We hope that the new government of Pakistan will work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure and developed South Asia free of terror and violence," Kumar said. 
&nbsp;

'India desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours,' MEA said

In its first-ever reaction to the general elections held in Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday that the country desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours. The MEA said that it desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan, and hoped that the new government in Islamabad will work constructively to build a safe, stable and secure South Asia free of terror and violence. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said India welcomed that the people of Pakistan have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections. "India desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours," he said. "We hope that the new government of Pakistan will work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure and developed South Asia free of terror and violence," Kumar said.

India desires prosperous and progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours: MEA

In the wake of innumerable lynching cases across the country, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig on Saturday, July 28, said that if lynching of Muslims in the name of cow and beef consumption continues then the country might witness another partition.

"The killings of Muslims in the name of cows and buffaloes should be stopped otherwise the outcome will not be good. There has already been a partition in 1947 (Gai aur bhains ke naam par musalmano ka katal bandh karein warna naateje achhe nahi honge. 1947 mein ek partition pehle hi ho chuka hai)," he said while addressing a gathering in Srinagar.

Baig was reacting to various incidents of mob lynching and killings in the name of cow vigilantism.

On July 21, a 28-year-old man Akbar Khan was allegedly beaten to death in Rajasthan's Alwar district by an agitated mob on suspicion of cow smuggling. He was taking some cows to his village through a forest near Lalawandi area when the locals thrashed him brutally.

Earlier, in a similar incident, a 50-year-old man named Pehlu Khan was beaten to death last year by cow vigilantes in Alwar district.

However, speaking in the lower house, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all the state governments to take stringent action against those involved in mob lynching incidents and punish them to curb the menace prevailing in the country at the earliest.

The incidents of mob lynching have been on a rise in the country. As per data compiled by the Ministry of Home Affairs, 45 persons were killed in 40 cases of mob lynching across nine states between 2014 and March 3, 2018.

The Supreme Court on July 17 asked the Centre to enact a law to deal with incidents of lynching and take action on mob violence.

(With inputs from ANI)

Baig was reacting to various incidents of mob lynching and killings in the name of cow vigilantism.

In the wake of innumerable lynching cases across the country, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig on Saturday, July 28, said that if lynching of Muslims in the name of cow and beef consumption continues then the country might witness another partition. "The killings of Muslims in the name of cows and buffaloes should be stopped otherwise the outcome will not be good. There has already been a partition in 1947 (Gai aur bhains ke naam par musalmano ka katal bandh karein warna naateje achhe nahi honge. 1947 mein ek partition pehle hi ho chuka hai)," he said while addressing a gathering in Srinagar. Baig was reacting to various incidents of mob lynching and killings in the name of cow vigilantism. On July 21, a 28-year-old man Akbar Khan was allegedly beaten to death in Rajasthan's Alwar district by an agitated mob on suspicion of cow smuggling. He was taking some cows to his village through a forest near Lalawandi area when the locals thrashed him brutally. Earlier, in a similar incident, a 50-year-old man named Pehlu Khan was beaten to death last year by cow vigilantes in Alwar district. However, speaking in the lower house, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all the state governments to take stringent action against those involved in mob lynching incidents and punish them to curb the menace prevailing in the country at the earliest. The incidents of mob lynching have been on a rise in the country. As per data compiled by the Ministry of Home Affairs, 45 persons were killed in 40 cases of mob lynching across nine states between 2014 and March 3, 2018. The Supreme Court on July 17 asked the Centre to enact a law to deal with incidents of lynching and take action on mob violence. (With inputs from ANI)

PDP leader Muzaffar Baig warns of another partition if lynchings not stopped

Alphabet Inc's YouTube is creating scripted series and other original programming for international markets including France, Germany, Japan, Mexico and India to try to draw new customers to its paid subscription service, a senior executive said on Friday.

The programming will come in the form of multiple genres such as music documentaries, reality series, talk shows and scripted series, Susanne Daniels, YouTube's global head of original programming, said in an interview. It will be produced in local languages and subtitled or dubbed for other markets.

Some of the programming will appear on YouTube Premium, the monthly subscription service formerly called YouTube Red. Other content will be available on YouTube's free service with advertising.

"We are targeting markets where we believe we have a tremendous upside in potential subscribers," Daniels said.

YouTube already has released a handful of original shows in South Korea and one in India, a talk show in Hindi about cricket. Called "UnCricket," the show has performed "beyond expectations," Daniels said.

Daniels also said a reality show starring South Korean pop band Big Bang had boosted subscriptions, and that 50 percent of the new customers came from outside of Korea.

More details about the new international slate will be released in the coming weeks, she said.

YouTube will be competing with companies including Netflix Inc and Amazon.com Inc that are investing in local language programming for online audiences around the world.

The first original shows from YouTube debuted on its premium service in 2016, starting with series from some of the platform's most popular video creators. It added programming from Hollywood stars and also released a batch of children's shows including Emmy-winning "Fruit Ninja Frenzy Force."

There are no current plans for more original children's programming, Daniels said. The YouTube Kids app serves that younger audience, she said, and the company does not believe children's content will drive subscriptions to YouTube Premium at this time.

YouTube will be competing with companies including Netflix Inc and Amazon.com Inc that are investing in local language programming for online audiences around the world.

Alphabet Inc's YouTube is creating scripted series and other original programming for international markets including France, Germany, Japan, Mexico and India to try to draw new customers to its paid subscription service, a senior executive said on Friday. The programming will come in the form of multiple genres such as music documentaries, reality series, talk shows and scripted series, Susanne Daniels, YouTube's global head of original programming, said in an interview. It will be produced in local languages and subtitled or dubbed for other markets. Some of the programming will appear on YouTube Premium, the monthly subscription service formerly called YouTube Red. Other content will be available on YouTube's free service with advertising. "We are targeting markets where we believe we have a tremendous upside in potential subscribers," Daniels said. YouTube already has released a handful of original shows in South Korea and one in India, a talk show in Hindi about cricket. Called "UnCricket," the show has performed "beyond expectations," Daniels said. Daniels also said a reality show starring South Korean pop band Big Bang had boosted subscriptions, and that 50 percent of the new customers came from outside of Korea. More details about the new international slate will be released in the coming weeks, she said. YouTube will be competing with companies including Netflix Inc and Amazon.com Inc that are investing in local language programming for online audiences around the world. The first original shows from YouTube debuted on its premium service in 2016, starting with series from some of the platform's most popular video creators. It added programming from Hollywood stars and also released a batch of children's shows including Emmy-winning "Fruit Ninja Frenzy Force." There are no current plans for more original children's programming, Daniels said. The YouTube Kids app serves that younger audience, she said, and the company does not believe children's content will drive subscriptions to YouTube Premium at this time.

YouTube plans original programming in India, focuses on local languages

Thirty-six cows were found dead in a cow shelter in Ghumanhera village near Dwarka on Friday.Local police, who visited the said Gaushala, noted that there were about 1400 sheltered in the gaushala, out of which 36 were found dead.

A letter was then sent to Kuldeep Singh Gangar, Special Development Commissioner, for the constitution of a team of veterinary doctors for inspection and further postmortem to establish the cause of death.

A team of doctors from the veterinary hospital of Kakrola, Goyla Dairy, Najagarh, Dichaun Kalan, Chhawla and Nangli Dairy reached the Gaushala.

The inquiry into the cause of death of all the cows is being conducted.

The Gaushala is run by Acharya Sushil Gosadan Trust at village Ghumanhera in Chhawla area. The land for the 20-acre gaushala was allotted in the year 1995.

Legal action will be taken in accordance with the prevalent laws, once the report is submitted.&nbsp;

A letter was then sent to Kuldeep Singh Gangar, Special Development Commissioner, for the constitution of a team of veterinary doctors for inspection and further postmortem to establish the cause of death.

Thirty-six cows were found dead in a cow shelter in Ghumanhera village near Dwarka on Friday.Local police, who visited the said Gaushala, noted that there were about 1400 sheltered in the gaushala, out of which 36 were found dead. A letter was then sent to Kuldeep Singh Gangar, Special Development Commissioner, for the constitution of a team of veterinary doctors for inspection and further postmortem to establish the cause of death. A team of doctors from the veterinary hospital of Kakrola, Goyla Dairy, Najagarh, Dichaun Kalan, Chhawla and Nangli Dairy reached the Gaushala. The inquiry into the cause of death of all the cows is being conducted. The Gaushala is run by Acharya Sushil Gosadan Trust at village Ghumanhera in Chhawla area. The land for the 20-acre gaushala was allotted in the year 1995. Legal action will be taken in accordance with the prevalent laws, once the report is submitted.

36 cows found dead in Delhi Gaushala

After the Delhi government issued an advisory to the authorities for taking up appropriate measures to avoid a flood-like situation in the national capital, the authorities have begun evacuating over hundreds of people in and around the Yamuna river.

The rising water level in Yamuna can be a problem for people residing near the riverbed. Around 15,000-20,000 people are living in slums on the bank of the Yamuna.&nbsp;

The water level of the Yamuna river has crossed the danger mark and reached 205.20 metres at 5 pm today.

A report quoted the Nodal officer (Preet Vihar) Arun Gupta as saying that the people residing around the Yamuna river and in the low-lying areas were being shifted to safer places. The officer also warned that the water in the river can rise up further by tonight.

The official said that water at the Hathnikund barrage along the Haryana-Uttarakhand border had risen to alarming levels owing to overnight downpour.

The Delhi government on Saturday issued a warning after water levels of the Yamuna river crossed the danger mark.

The water level in the Yamuna river near Old Railway Bridge is expected to reach 205.4 metres between 9-11 pm today as water is being released from Hathini Kund Barrage, SDM (East) Arun Gupta said.&nbsp;

The Yamuna water level at the Hathinikund barrage has crossed the danger mark of 90,000 cusecs and till 5 pm, 5,03,935 cusec of water was released, an official said. 
 
The water in the Yamuna continued to swell as heavy rains continued in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand forcing the authorities to release more water at Haryana's Hathnikund barrage during the day.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal chaired an emergency meeting with all stakeholder depts after Haryana released 5 lakh cusecs of water from Hathni Kund Barrage. River Yamuna is currently flowing at 205.30 metres, 47 cm above danger level. Water is likely to reach Delhi by Sunday evening. <a href="https://t.co/89wlDSSTiJ">pic.twitter.com/89wlDSSTiJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1023234121244524544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 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;

&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

The rising water level in the Yamuna can be a problem for people residing near the riverbed. Around 15,000-20,000 people are living in slums on the bank of the Yamuna

After the Delhi government issued an advisory to the authorities for taking up appropriate measures to avoid a flood-like situation in the national capital, the authorities have begun evacuating over hundreds of people in and around the Yamuna river. The rising water level in Yamuna can be a problem for people residing near the riverbed. Around 15,000-20,000 people are living in slums on the bank of the Yamuna. The water level of the Yamuna river has crossed the danger mark and reached 205.20 metres at 5 pm today. A report quoted the Nodal officer (Preet Vihar) Arun Gupta as saying that the people residing around the Yamuna river and in the low-lying areas were being shifted to safer places. The officer also warned that the water in the river can rise up further by tonight. The official said that water at the Hathnikund barrage along the Haryana-Uttarakhand border had risen to alarming levels owing to overnight downpour. The Delhi government on Saturday issued a warning after water levels of the Yamuna river crossed the danger mark. The water level in the Yamuna river near Old Railway Bridge is expected to reach 205.4 metres between 9-11 pm today as water is being released from Hathini Kund Barrage, SDM (East) Arun Gupta said. The Yamuna water level at the Hathinikund barrage has crossed the danger mark of 90,000 cusecs and till 5 pm, 5,03,935 cusec of water was released, an official said. The water in the Yamuna continued to swell as heavy rains continued in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand forcing the authorities to release more water at Haryana's Hathnikund barrage during the day. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal chaired an emergency meeting with all stakeholder depts after Haryana released 5 lakh cusecs of water from Hathni Kund Barrage. River Yamuna is currently flowing at 205.30 metres, 47 cm above danger level. Water is likely to reach Delhi by Sunday evening. pic.twitter.com/89wlDSSTiJ — ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2018 × (With inputs from Agencies)

Delhi: Evacuation begins as Yamuna water level crosses danger mark

The Centre is in the process of framing a new law to tackle problems in NRI marriages and provide for deterrent measures like confiscating the property of NRIs who have abandoned their wives and illegally married abroad.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday said that the government will enact a law, 'Summons and Warrants Against Indian People Living Abroad', during the next session of Parliament.

"Government will make a law, 'Summons and Warrants Against Indian People Living Abroad', in next session of Parliament which will make provision of confiscating property of NRIs who have abandoned their wives in India and illegally married abroad," Swaraj said at a seminar on "NRI marriages and trafficking of women and children".

She further said that her Ministry will be developing a separate website where summons and warrants against NRIs who have abandoned their wives and have illegally married abroad will be uploaded.

"The law will enable online serving of summons/warrants against NRIs who have abandoned their wives and have illegally married abroad through a new MEA website. We will upload summons and warrants on the website and those not responding to it will be declared a proclaimed offender and his properties would be seized," she said.

The External Affairs Minister said that under the new law, the passport of the person will be canceled along with the confiscation of the property.

Swaraj also said that the external affairs ministry is in talks with the law and home ministries and all efforts are being made to ensure that a law is in place by the end of this year.

"We will not only cancel the passport but also confiscate the property. And NRIs who don't return, their property could be sold to give financial aid to their aggrieved wives. We will have to make some amendments in the Code of Criminal Procedure," she added.

According to the MEA, 3,328 complaints were received during the last three years from Indian women who have been deserted by their NRI husbands.

"We are acting tough in such cases. For a start, the passports of eight NRI men accused of abandoning their wives have been cancelled. The accused whose passports were revoked have surrendered," Swaraj said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday said that the government will enact a law, 'Summons and Warrants Against Indian People Living Abroad', during the next session of Parliament.

The Centre is in the process of framing a new law to tackle problems in NRI marriages and provide for deterrent measures like confiscating the property of NRIs who have abandoned their wives and illegally married abroad. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday said that the government will enact a law, 'Summons and Warrants Against Indian People Living Abroad', during the next session of Parliament. "Government will make a law, 'Summons and Warrants Against Indian People Living Abroad', in next session of Parliament which will make provision of confiscating property of NRIs who have abandoned their wives in India and illegally married abroad," Swaraj said at a seminar on "NRI marriages and trafficking of women and children". She further said that her Ministry will be developing a separate website where summons and warrants against NRIs who have abandoned their wives and have illegally married abroad will be uploaded. "The law will enable online serving of summons/warrants against NRIs who have abandoned their wives and have illegally married abroad through a new MEA website. We will upload summons and warrants on the website and those not responding to it will be declared a proclaimed offender and his properties would be seized," she said. The External Affairs Minister said that under the new law, the passport of the person will be canceled along with the confiscation of the property. Swaraj also said that the external affairs ministry is in talks with the law and home ministries and all efforts are being made to ensure that a law is in place by the end of this year. "We will not only cancel the passport but also confiscate the property. And NRIs who don't return, their property could be sold to give financial aid to their aggrieved wives. We will have to make some amendments in the Code of Criminal Procedure," she added. According to the MEA, 3,328 complaints were received during the last three years from Indian women who have been deserted by their NRI husbands. "We are acting tough in such cases. For a start, the passports of eight NRI men accused of abandoning their wives have been cancelled. The accused whose passports were revoked have surrendered," Swaraj said.

Government to frame law to tackle problems in NRI marriages

Molakalmur MLA B Sriramulu on Friday said that he supported the demand for a separate North Karnataka after allegations of negligence in the region.&nbsp

Sriramulu, who raised the concern in the state assembly as well, said he would lead the agitation in this regard.

"If injustice continues, then I will lead this agitation for a separate state for north Karnataka. We are not going to sit with our hands tied," he said, as quoted by ANI.

The BJP MLA from Molkalmoru also hinted that he would support the bandh called for by some organisations on August 2, demanding a separate state for the region.

Sriramulu also claimed that the Kumaraswamy government was ignoring North Karnataka and practicing the politics of partiality.

He called out Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy for his statement on selling the votes of Koppal farmers. He also accused the Congress of dividing the people in North Karnataka as Lingayats and Veerashaivas.&nbsp

However, state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa has dismissed the idea for a separate state. He had earlier said such demands won’t lead to any solution.

Shobha Karandlaje, BJP MP from Udupi-Chickmagalur constituency, also rejected the idea. Speaking with reporters in Mysuru, Karandlaje said the demand for statehood was not appropriate and she would not agree to it.&nbsp

The growing demand of separate statehood came after leaders accused the ruling coalition of doing injustice to North Karnataka in the same budget.

Molakalmur MLA B Sriramulu on Friday said that he supported the demand for a separate North Karnataka after allegations of negligence in the region. Sriramulu, who raised the concern in the state assembly as well, said he would lead the agitation in this regard. "If injustice continues, then I will lead this agitation for a separate state for north Karnataka. We are not going to sit with our hands tied," he said, as quoted by ANI. The BJP MLA from Molkalmoru also hinted that he would support the bandh called for by some organisations on August 2, demanding a separate state for the region. Sriramulu also claimed that the Kumaraswamy government was ignoring North Karnataka and practicing the politics of partiality. He called out Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy for his statement on selling the votes of Koppal farmers. He also accused the Congress of dividing the people in North Karnataka as Lingayats and Veerashaivas. However, state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa has dismissed the idea for a separate state. He had earlier said such demands won’t lead to any solution. Shobha Karandlaje, BJP MP from Udupi-Chickmagalur constituency, also rejected the idea. Speaking with reporters in Mysuru, Karandlaje said the demand for statehood was not appropriate and she would not agree to it.

BJP MLA supports demand for 'separate' North Karnataka

The Kauvery&nbsp;Hospital authorities have released a recent statement stating <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dmk-chief-karunanidhi-unwell-aiadmk-leaders-visit-him-at-home-154850">DMK President M Karunanidhi</a>'s health was stable.

The Hospital report said,&nbsp;"The health condition of the former CM M Karunanidhi continues to remain stable with ongoing active medical support".

The 94-year-old&nbsp;former CM is continuously being monitored and treated by the panel of expert doctors in the Intensive Care Unit, the report further said.

DMK leader Kanimozhi on Saturday said that her father's health condition has improved and added that&nbsp;blood pressure has stabilised.&nbsp;

''He is better. His blood pressure has stabilised,'' she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Following Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad visited Karunanidhi at Kauvery Hospital as anxious supporters gathered outside Kauvery Hospital in Chennai. The Governor also met MK Stalin, DMK working president and son of M Karunanidhi, at the hospital&nbsp;and inquired about his health, news agency ANI reported.

DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi was rushed to hospital from Gopalapuram residence in Chennai around 1:30 AM on Saturday following a sudden drop in blood pressure. &nbsp;

The DMK Chief has been admitted to Kauvery hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
DMK President & former <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> CM M Karunanidhi's health condition continues to be remain stable with ongoing active medical support. He is continuously being monitored & treated by the panel of expert doctors in the Intensive Care Unit: Kauvery Hospital, Chennai <a href="https://t.co/PdExI5mr1o">pic.twitter.com/PdExI5mr1o</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1023215853851090944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 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;

The Hospital report said, 'The health condition of the former CM M Karunanidhi continues to remain stable with ongoing active medical support'

The Kauvery Hospital authorities have released a recent statement stating DMK President M Karunanidhi's health was stable. The Hospital report said, "The health condition of the former CM M Karunanidhi continues to remain stable with ongoing active medical support". The 94-year-old former CM is continuously being monitored and treated by the panel of expert doctors in the Intensive Care Unit, the report further said. DMK leader Kanimozhi on Saturday said that her father's health condition has improved and added that blood pressure has stabilised. ''He is better. His blood pressure has stabilised,'' she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Following Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad visited Karunanidhi at Kauvery Hospital as anxious supporters gathered outside Kauvery Hospital in Chennai. The Governor also met MK Stalin, DMK working president and son of M Karunanidhi, at the hospital and inquired about his health, news agency ANI reported. DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi was rushed to hospital from Gopalapuram residence in Chennai around 1:30 AM on Saturday following a sudden drop in blood pressure. The DMK Chief has been admitted to Kauvery hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU). DMK President & former #TamilNadu CM M Karunanidhi's health condition continues to be remain stable with ongoing active medical support. He is continuously being monitored & treated by the panel of expert doctors in the Intensive Care Unit: Kauvery Hospital, Chennai pic.twitter.com/PdExI5mr1o — ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2018 ×

Karunanidhi's health is stable with medical support: Hospital report

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pnb-has-claim-on-nirav-modis-united-states-assets-rules-new-york-court--155168">PNB has </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pnb-has-claim-on-nirav-modis-united-states-assets-rules-new-york-court--155168">claim</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pnb-has-claim-on-nirav-modis-united-states-assets-rules-new-york-court--155168"> on Nirav Modi's United States assets, rules New York court</a>

As part of the United States Bankruptcy Court`s summon order to diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides on Friday, the Punjab National Bank (PNB) has been made party to the sale of all of Modi`s assets in the US.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/putin-says-trump-can-be-my-guest-in-moscow-white-house-welcomes-idea-155156">Putin says Trump can 'be my guest' in Moscow, White House welcomes </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/putin-says-trump-can-be-my-guest-in-moscow-white-house-welcomes-idea-155156">idea</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he wanted US President Donald Trump to be his guest in Moscow, an idea that the White House welcomed despite lingering criticism over the Helsinki summit.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/ater-stock-plunge-facebook-sued-for-disappointing-earnings-announcement-misleading-statements-155157">Ater stock plunge, Facebook sued for </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/ater-stock-plunge-facebook-sued-for-disappointing-earnings-announcement-misleading-statements-155157">disappointing</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/ater-stock-plunge-facebook-sued-for-disappointing-earnings-announcement-misleading-statements-155157"> earnings announcement</a>

Facebook and its chief executive Mark Zuckerberg were sued on Friday in what could be the first of many lawsuits over a disappointing earnings announcement by the social media company that wiped out about $120 billion of shareholder wealth.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-thanks-kim-as-north-korea-hands-over-korean-war-remains-155155">Trump thanks Kim as North Korea hands over </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-thanks-kim-as-north-korea-hands-over-korean-war-remains-155155">Korean</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-thanks-kim-as-north-korea-hands-over-korean-war-remains-155155"> War remains&nbsp</a>

North Korea on Friday handed over 55 boxes carrying remains thought to be of US soldiers killed in the 1950-53 Korean War, a first step in implementing an agreement reached at a landmark summit in June.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/forest-fires-barbecue-bans-heatwave-scorches-europe-155171">Forest fires, barbecue bans: Heatwave scorches Europe</a>

A heatwave scorched much of Europe on Friday, with near-record temperatures leading to firefighters battling forest blazes and authorities banning barbecues, however rain cooled some regions in the evening.

&nbsp

PNB has claim on Nirav Modi's United States assets, rules New York court As part of the United States Bankruptcy Court`s summon order to diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides on Friday, the Punjab National Bank (PNB) has been made party to the sale of all of Modi`s assets in the US. Putin says Trump can 'be my guest' in Moscow, White House welcomes idea Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he wanted US President Donald Trump to be his guest in Moscow, an idea that the White House welcomed despite lingering criticism over the Helsinki summit. Ater stock plunge, Facebook sued for disappointing earnings announcement Facebook and its chief executive Mark Zuckerberg were sued on Friday in what could be the first of many lawsuits over a disappointing earnings announcement by the social media company that wiped out about $120 billion of shareholder wealth. Trump thanks Kim as North Korea hands over Korean War remains North Korea on Friday handed over 55 boxes carrying remains thought to be of US soldiers killed in the 1950-53 Korean War, a first step in implementing an agreement reached at a landmark summit in June. Forest fires, barbecue bans: Heatwave scorches Europe A heatwave scorched much of Europe on Friday, with near-record temperatures leading to firefighters battling forest blazes and authorities banning barbecues, however rain cooled some regions in the evening.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Thirty-three people were feared killed after a bus carrying staff members of an agriculture university plunged into a 500 feet gorge in the mountainous section of Poladpur in Raigad district of Maharashtra on Sunday.

The private bus was carrying 34 staff members of the university on a picnic.

It fell into a 500-feet deep gorge at Ambenali Ghat near Poladpur town, around 180 km from here, District Collector Vijay Suryawanshi said.

Thirty-three passengers died in the accident which took place at around 12.30 pm, he said.

SP Anil Paraskar said the passengers were on their way to Mahabaleshwar, a hill station in Satara district in Western Maharashtra, for a picnic, when the driver lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a turn and it fell into the gorge.

All the bus passengers were the staff of the Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth at Dapoli in Raigad district, he said.

A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was at the spot to pull out the bodies from the ill-fated bus.

A dozen ambulances and 15 doctors were at the scene, Additional SP Sanjay Patil said.

The lone survivor, Prakash Sawant, said mud and loose stones on that particular stretch of the ghat road caused the bus tyres to skid.

"The bus veered to the left and fell into the gorge before we could understand what was happening. Trees arrested the fall someway down. I had managed to jump out in time. I climbed my way up somehow," he said, recounting the tragedy.

When Sawant reached the road, he saw a crowd of people.

"One of them gave me a mobile phone. I called up the police control room and informed them," he said.

Originally, 40 people were supposed to join the trip to Mahabaleshwar, but some of them opted out at the last moment because the bus was small and there was no space, Sawant said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to say that he is pained by the loss of lives in the bus accident.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Pained by the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Maharashtra's Raigad district. My condolences to those who lost their loved ones: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1023145747108249601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 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>

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis said he was pained to know about the loss of lives in the accident. "Administration taking all efforts to provide the required assistance. Senior officials and emergency management systems in place," Fadnavis tweeted.

"My thoughts are with families who lost loved ones and prayers for speedy recovery of injured," the CM added.

State Congress chief Ashok Chavan said, "Extremely sad to hear about the accident of a bus near Poladprur in Raigad district carrying 33 employees of Konkan Agriculture University. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this horrifying accident."

The leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde said the accident was very unfortunate.

(With inputs&nbsp;from PTI)

The incident took place when a bus carrying 38 workers of Konkan Agricultural University fell down a mountain road in Ambenali Ghat.

Thirty-three people were feared killed after a bus carrying staff members of an agriculture university plunged into a 500 feet gorge in the mountainous section of Poladpur in Raigad district of Maharashtra on Sunday. The private bus was carrying 34 staff members of the university on a picnic. It fell into a 500-feet deep gorge at Ambenali Ghat near Poladpur town, around 180 km from here, District Collector Vijay Suryawanshi said. Thirty-three passengers died in the accident which took place at around 12.30 pm, he said. SP Anil Paraskar said the passengers were on their way to Mahabaleshwar, a hill station in Satara district in Western Maharashtra, for a picnic, when the driver lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a turn and it fell into the gorge. All the bus passengers were the staff of the Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth at Dapoli in Raigad district, he said. A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was at the spot to pull out the bodies from the ill-fated bus. A dozen ambulances and 15 doctors were at the scene, Additional SP Sanjay Patil said. The lone survivor, Prakash Sawant, said mud and loose stones on that particular stretch of the ghat road caused the bus tyres to skid. "The bus veered to the left and fell into the gorge before we could understand what was happening. Trees arrested the fall someway down. I had managed to jump out in time. I climbed my way up somehow," he said, recounting the tragedy. When Sawant reached the road, he saw a crowd of people. "One of them gave me a mobile phone. I called up the police control room and informed them," he said. Originally, 40 people were supposed to join the trip to Mahabaleshwar, but some of them opted out at the last moment because the bus was small and there was no space, Sawant said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to say that he is pained by the loss of lives in the bus accident. Pained by the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Maharashtra's Raigad district. My condolences to those who lost their loved ones: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 28, 2018 × Maharashtra CM Fadnavis said he was pained to know about the loss of lives in the accident. "Administration taking all efforts to provide the required assistance. Senior officials and emergency management systems in place," Fadnavis tweeted. "My thoughts are with families who lost loved ones and prayers for speedy recovery of injured," the CM added. State Congress chief Ashok Chavan said, "Extremely sad to hear about the accident of a bus near Poladprur in Raigad district carrying 33 employees of Konkan Agriculture University. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this horrifying accident." The leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde said the accident was very unfortunate. (With inputs from PTI)

33 people reported killed after bus falls into gorge in Maharashtra's Raigad district

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has today conducted an all-party meeting to discuss Maratha reservation issue.

While interacting with media after the meeting, Fadnavis said that all the parties were of the&nbspsame opinion and they had decided to take a unanimous decision on the matter.

The chief minister also clarified that the government had framed a law for Maratha reservation, but the High Court stayed that.

Fadnavis said the state government had framed a law to provide reservation to the Marathas and had even passed an ordinance to the effect. However, the Bombay High Court had stayed it, he said.

On July 24, Maratha groups had called for a complete Maharashtra Bandh.

The Maratha Kranti Morcha Coordination Committee had declared a Maharashtra Bandh in order to protest against the delay on government's part in taking a decision of the topic of reservation for Maratha community.

The community is demanding reservation for quite some time now. The protest turned violent in certain places in Navi Mumbai, especially Koparkhairne.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday convened a meeting of leaders of all parties in Mumbai to discuss the agitation demanding reservation in education and jobs for the Maratha community.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has today conducted an all-party meeting to discuss Maratha reservation issue. While interacting with media after the meeting, Fadnavis said that all the parties were of the&nbspsame opinion and they had decided to take a unanimous decision on the matter. The chief minister also clarified that the government had framed a law for Maratha reservation, but the High Court stayed that. Fadnavis said the state government had framed a law to provide reservation to the Marathas and had even passed an ordinance to the effect. However, the Bombay High Court had stayed it, he said. On July 24, Maratha groups had called for a complete Maharashtra Bandh. The Maratha Kranti Morcha Coordination Committee had declared a Maharashtra Bandh in order to protest against the delay on government's part in taking a decision of the topic of reservation for Maratha community. The community is demanding reservation for quite some time now. The protest turned violent in certain places in Navi Mumbai, especially Koparkhairne.

Maratha reservation stir: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis convenes an all-party meeting

Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan-led LJP today turned up the heat on the Modi government, saying its support to the BJP is issue-based as it sought a law to restore the stringent measures of an Act on atrocities against Dalits and removal of NGT Chairman A K Goel by August 9.

LJP leader Chirag Paswan said on Friday the LJP could review its stand and join the Dalit protest if the Modi government met its two conditions by August 7.&nbsp;

"We will cross the bridge when it comes," he said when asked if his party would consider walking out of the BJP-led NDA if its demands are not met by the August 9 deadline, as quoted by PTI.&nbsp;

On April 2, nearly a dozen people died in violence that flared up across five states when Dalit groups called for a Bharat Bandh or nationwide shutdown to protest against the Supreme Court order.

Protecting interests of these communities was at the root of the LJP's tie up with the BJP in 2014, he told a press conference that his party has been demanding an ordinance to restore the original provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for over four months but the government has not done so.

Chirag Paswan said incidents of atrocities against the community have risen following the verdict and FIRs were not being registered by police.

The LJP has criticised his appointment with Chirag Paswan writing to Modi seeking his removal, saying it has sent a wrong message. Dalits believe that he has been rewarded for his judgement, he said.

His father has also written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the issue.

Chirag Paswan expressed the hope that the prime minister will take appropriate decisions once he returns from his foreign visit later in the evening.

Paswan said if the demands are not met, then the protests during 'Bharat bandh' could be much worse than what happened on April 2, when Dalit outfits had given a similar call. More than 10 persons had died during the protest.

Despite his warning, Paswan says the LJP will not walk out of the BJP-led alliance like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Paswan had said all politics was the art of the possible when asked if his party might join the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar. A day later, his father had clarified that the LJP was firmly in the BJP-led NDA.

LJP leader Chirag Paswan said on Friday the LJP could review its stand and join the Dalit protest if the Modi government met its two conditions by August 7.

Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan-led LJP today turned up the heat on the Modi government, saying its support to the BJP is issue-based as it sought a law to restore the stringent measures of an Act on atrocities against Dalits and removal of NGT Chairman A K Goel by August 9. LJP leader Chirag Paswan said on Friday the LJP could review its stand and join the Dalit protest if the Modi government met its two conditions by August 7. "We will cross the bridge when it comes," he said when asked if his party would consider walking out of the BJP-led NDA if its demands are not met by the August 9 deadline, as quoted by PTI. On April 2, nearly a dozen people died in violence that flared up across five states when Dalit groups called for a Bharat Bandh or nationwide shutdown to protest against the Supreme Court order. Protecting interests of these communities was at the root of the LJP's tie up with the BJP in 2014, he told a press conference that his party has been demanding an ordinance to restore the original provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for over four months but the government has not done so. Chirag Paswan said incidents of atrocities against the community have risen following the verdict and FIRs were not being registered by police. The LJP has criticised his appointment with Chirag Paswan writing to Modi seeking his removal, saying it has sent a wrong message. Dalits believe that he has been rewarded for his judgement, he said. His father has also written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the issue. Chirag Paswan expressed the hope that the prime minister will take appropriate decisions once he returns from his foreign visit later in the evening. Paswan said if the demands are not met, then the protests during 'Bharat bandh' could be much worse than what happened on April 2, when Dalit outfits had given a similar call. More than 10 persons had died during the protest. Despite his warning, Paswan says the LJP will not walk out of the BJP-led alliance like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Earlier this month, Paswan had said all politics was the art of the possible when asked if his party might join the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar. A day later, his father had clarified that the LJP was firmly in the BJP-led NDA.

LJP seeks NGT chairman's ouster, says support to BJP issue-based

Amid a spike in terror attacks on security forces in Kashmir, the police are set to purchase 50 bullet-resistant bunker (BRB) vehicles with a higher level of protection from gunfire.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has recently floated tenders for the purchase of the 50 BRB 4X4 vehicles with NIJ-III level protection that would shield them against fire from SLR and AK-47 rifles.

The NIJ-III level is a standard set by the US-based National Institute of Justice (NIJ) for body armour.

Hundred militants and 43 security personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in the first six months of this year, the government informed the Rajya Sabha recently.

Sixteen civilians were also killed during this period, which saw 256 incidents of violence.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police will get 50 bullet-proof bunker vehicles for protection of security personnel against terror attacks in insurgency-hit areas of Kashmir, a senior police official said today.

The BRB vehicles should have specifications to give protection (NIJ level-III) against fire from SLR and AK-47 rifles on four sides at 90 degree angle of attack from 10 metres (NATO ball ammunition) and roof at 45 degree of the attack from 10 metres, the official said.

NIJ standard "Ballistic Resistance of Body Armour" is a minimum performance standard developed in collaboration with the Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The NIJ level-III protection is tested to stop 7.62mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) lead core rifle ammunition.

The bullet resistant glasses should have the required thickness with finest optical quality minimum distortion to be used as transparent armours, which must be capable of withstanding NIJ level-III protection, he said.

The official said the vehicle must give protection against 8 kg of TNT and equivalent and its underbelly shall be protected against blasts of two hand grenades.

The vehicle must be able to accommodate 10 people in a bullet-proof single cabin, the official said.

As per the specifications, the fuel tanks of the vehicles should also be bullet-proof.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir last year, he had announced a package of Rs 500 crores for the modernisation of the Jammu and Kashmir Police under the prime minister development programme and that is under procurement.

Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir recently said in Rajya Sabha that in 2017, 342 incidents of "violence" were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 213 militants were killed. A total of 80 security personnel and 40 civilians were killed last year, Ahir said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has recently floated tenders for the purchase of the 50 BRB 4X4 vehicles with NIJ-III level protection that would shield them against fire from SLR and AK-47 rifles

Amid a spike in terror attacks on security forces in Kashmir, the police are set to purchase 50 bullet-resistant bunker (BRB) vehicles with a higher level of protection from gunfire. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has recently floated tenders for the purchase of the 50 BRB 4X4 vehicles with NIJ-III level protection that would shield them against fire from SLR and AK-47 rifles. The NIJ-III level is a standard set by the US-based National Institute of Justice (NIJ) for body armour. Hundred militants and 43 security personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in the first six months of this year, the government informed the Rajya Sabha recently. Sixteen civilians were also killed during this period, which saw 256 incidents of violence. The Jammu and Kashmir Police will get 50 bullet-proof bunker vehicles for protection of security personnel against terror attacks in insurgency-hit areas of Kashmir, a senior police official said today. The BRB vehicles should have specifications to give protection (NIJ level-III) against fire from SLR and AK-47 rifles on four sides at 90 degree angle of attack from 10 metres (NATO ball ammunition) and roof at 45 degree of the attack from 10 metres, the official said. NIJ standard "Ballistic Resistance of Body Armour" is a minimum performance standard developed in collaboration with the Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The NIJ level-III protection is tested to stop 7.62mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) lead core rifle ammunition. The bullet resistant glasses should have the required thickness with finest optical quality minimum distortion to be used as transparent armours, which must be capable of withstanding NIJ level-III protection, he said. The official said the vehicle must give protection against 8 kg of TNT and equivalent and its underbelly shall be protected against blasts of two hand grenades. The vehicle must be able to accommodate 10 people in a bullet-proof single cabin, the official said. As per the specifications, the fuel tanks of the vehicles should also be bullet-proof. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir last year, he had announced a package of Rs 500 crores for the modernisation of the Jammu and Kashmir Police under the prime minister development programme and that is under procurement. Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir recently said in Rajya Sabha that in 2017, 342 incidents of "violence" were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 213 militants were killed. A total of 80 security personnel and 40 civilians were killed last year, Ahir said.

J&K Police to purchase 50 bullet resistant bunker vehicles with 'NIJ level-3 protection'

A total of 58 people have died in 31 districts of Uttar Pradesh due to heavy rainfall and lightning between July 26 and 28.&nbsp;

Fifty-three people also have been reported injured due to heavy rains.&nbsp;

Eleven deaths have been reported in Saharanpur followed by 10 in Meerut, six in Agra, four in Mainpuri, three each in Muzaffarnagar and Kasganj, two each in Amroha, Bareilly, Baghpat and Bulandshahr and one each in Kanpur Dehat, Mathura, Ghaziabad, Hapur, Rae Bareli, Jalaun, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh, Banda, Firozabad, Amethi, Kanpur and Pilibhit, they said.

The MeT Department here has warned of heavy to very heavy rains/ thundershowers in Sonebhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Ballia, Maunath Bhanjan, Azamgarh, Deoria districts and its adjoining areas, a spokesperson of the Relief Commissioner’s Office said here.

About 23 cm of rainfall was recorded in Meerut, 13 cm each in Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar, 10 cm in Bijnore, 8 cm in Moradabad, 7 cm in Etawah, 6 cm each in Hardoi and Baheri, 5 cm each in Kannauj, Gautam Budhnagar, Pilibhit and Bareilly, he said.

A Central Water Commission (CWC) bulletin said the Sharda and Ghaghra rivers were flowing at dangerous levels, especially at Palia Kalan and Elgin Bridge (Barabanki), respectively.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed senior officials of all districts to alert people and asked them to undertake extensive tours in the affected areas and identify dilapidated buildings, and get them vacated, a government spokesperson said here.

Directives have also been issued to extend prompt monetary assistance to those who have been severely affected by rains and also provide medical treatment to those who require it, he added.

A Central Water Commission (CWC) bulletin said the Sharda and Ghaghra rivers were flowing at dangerous levels, especially at Palia Kalan and Elgin Bridge (Barabanki), respectively.

A total of 58 people have died in 31 districts of Uttar Pradesh due to heavy rainfall and lightning between July 26 and 28. Fifty-three people also have been reported injured due to heavy rains. Eleven deaths have been reported in Saharanpur followed by 10 in Meerut, six in Agra, four in Mainpuri, three each in Muzaffarnagar and Kasganj, two each in Amroha, Bareilly, Baghpat and Bulandshahr and one each in Kanpur Dehat, Mathura, Ghaziabad, Hapur, Rae Bareli, Jalaun, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh, Banda, Firozabad, Amethi, Kanpur and Pilibhit, they said. The MeT Department here has warned of heavy to very heavy rains/ thundershowers in Sonebhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Ballia, Maunath Bhanjan, Azamgarh, Deoria districts and its adjoining areas, a spokesperson of the Relief Commissioner’s Office said here. About 23 cm of rainfall was recorded in Meerut, 13 cm each in Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar, 10 cm in Bijnore, 8 cm in Moradabad, 7 cm in Etawah, 6 cm each in Hardoi and Baheri, 5 cm each in Kannauj, Gautam Budhnagar, Pilibhit and Bareilly, he said. A Central Water Commission (CWC) bulletin said the Sharda and Ghaghra rivers were flowing at dangerous levels, especially at Palia Kalan and Elgin Bridge (Barabanki), respectively. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed senior officials of all districts to alert people and asked them to undertake extensive tours in the affected areas and identify dilapidated buildings, and get them vacated, a government spokesperson said here. Directives have also been issued to extend prompt monetary assistance to those who have been severely affected by rains and also provide medical treatment to those who require it, he added.

Heavy rains in Uttar Pradesh: 58 people killed in 3 days

Health care services at several private hospitals across the country are likely to be hit as the IMA has called for suspension of all non-emergency services, including OPD for 12 hours, to protest against the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill today.

The Indian Medical Association will observe "Dhikkar Diwas&nbsp- no to NMC Bill" today as a protest against the Bill, which seeks to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a new body.

The IMA&nbsphad earlier said in a statement that while all elective procedures will be deferred, critical services, including deliveries, emergencies and in-patient care will be provided.

"A general body meeting of all local branches will be convened at 9 am on Saturday to pass a resolution against the NMC Bill. The 'Call for Action' to defend the autonomy of the medical profession is hereby given to each and every member of the medical profession," it had said.

"Inspite of the deep resentment and opposition of the medical profession of the country, the government is going ahead with the enactment of the National Medical Commission Bill-2017. We are left with no choice but to resist the move with determination and resolve," Dr Ravi Wankhedkar, National President, IMA had said.

He has said that the bill will be stopped at any cost.

Today, IMA members will hold a procession and go to their respective Member of Parliament, District Collector's/Sub Collector's office and submit a Memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister, the statement has said.

Branches with medical colleges have an additional responsibility to coordinate with action in the medical colleges involving the medical students, Dr Wankhedkar had said.

In March, the Union Health Ministry approved amendments to the NMC Bill including removing the contentious provision of "bridge course", which would have allowed practitioners of alternative medicines to pursue allopathy after stiff resistance from the IMA and the opposition.

The IMA had earlier said the Bill in its current form remains "anti-poor, anti-people and anti-federal law" which, if passed, "will have unforeseen consequences on not only the health sector but also on the federal structure of the country."

Doctors belonging to the IMA had gone on a 12-hour strike as part of a nationwide stir against the NMC Bill in January.

The statement had said that the Bill will make medical education inaccessible to the poor and downtrodden and doctors will come only from the rich sections of the population.

The Indian Medical Association will observe "Dhikkar Diwas - no to NMC Bill" today as a protest against the Bill, which seeks to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a new body.

Health care services at several private hospitals across the country are likely to be hit as the IMA has called for suspension of all non-emergency services, including OPD for 12 hours, to protest against the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill today. The Indian Medical Association will observe "Dhikkar Diwas - no to NMC Bill" today as a protest against the Bill, which seeks to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a new body. The IMA&nbsphad earlier said in a statement that while all elective procedures will be deferred, critical services, including deliveries, emergencies and in-patient care will be provided. "A general body meeting of all local branches will be convened at 9 am on Saturday to pass a resolution against the NMC Bill. The 'Call for Action' to defend the autonomy of the medical profession is hereby given to each and every member of the medical profession," it had said. "Inspite of the deep resentment and opposition of the medical profession of the country, the government is going ahead with the enactment of the National Medical Commission Bill-2017. We are left with no choice but to resist the move with determination and resolve," Dr Ravi Wankhedkar, National President, IMA had said. He has said that the bill will be stopped at any cost. Today, IMA members will hold a procession and go to their respective Member of Parliament, District Collector's/Sub Collector's office and submit a Memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister, the statement has said. Branches with medical colleges have an additional responsibility to coordinate with action in the medical colleges involving the medical students, Dr Wankhedkar had said. In March, the Union Health Ministry approved amendments to the NMC Bill including removing the contentious provision of "bridge course", which would have allowed practitioners of alternative medicines to pursue allopathy after stiff resistance from the IMA and the opposition. The IMA had earlier said the Bill in its current form remains "anti-poor, anti-people and anti-federal law" which, if passed, "will have unforeseen consequences on not only the health sector but also on the federal structure of the country." Doctors belonging to the IMA had gone on a 12-hour strike as part of a nationwide stir against the NMC Bill in January. The statement had said that the Bill will make medical education inaccessible to the poor and downtrodden and doctors will come only from the rich sections of the population.

Hospital services across India to be hit as doctors protest new medical bill

A top official from Chennai's Kauvery Hopsital said that Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Chief M Karunanidhi's blood pressure is now stable.

His family said the 94-year-old veteran politician's condition suddenly declined later in the evening due to blood pressure issues. His entire family including sons MK Stalin and MK Alagiri, daughter M Kanimozhi and top DMK leaders rushed back to the house and decided to move him to the hospital.&nbsp;

The DMK Chief was moved to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at around 1:30 AM on Saturday.

Soon after, the hospital released a statement saying that Karunanidhi's blood pressure was stabilised with medical help, adding that he was under observation.

"DMK President and former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi has been admitted on July 28 at 1:30AM in the Intensive Care Unit of Kauvery Hopsital following drop in blood pressure. His blood pressure has been stabilised with medical management and he continues to be monitored and treated by the panel of expert doctors," Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Executive Director of Kauvery Hospital, said in a statement.

DMK leader A Raja, who is present at the hospital, also reiterated the same, and added that the party chief is now out of danger.

Karunanidhi was undergoing treatment at his Gopalapuram residence for fever due to Urinary Tract Infection.

In a statement earlier in the evening, Stalin had spoken about an improvement in his father's health and appealed to party workers not to come over to visit him. But his appeals could not convince scores of his supporters, who had gathered near the DMK leader's Gopalapuram house, to budge.

Karunanidhi, who has served as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister five times, has been recovering from a long illness for more than a year and is rarely seen in public. He has been tube-fed for some time.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
DMK President Karunanidhi has been admitted to the ICU of the hospital following a drop in blood pressure. His BP has been stabilised with medical management. He is being monitored and treated by a panel of expert doctors: Kauvery Hospital, Chennai <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/qsLW12C0c3">pic.twitter.com/qsLW12C0c3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1022955749566296064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 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;

The DMK Chief was admitted to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at around 1:30 am on Saturday after a sudden drop in blood pressure.

A top official from Chennai's Kauvery Hopsital said that Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Chief M Karunanidhi's blood pressure is now stable. His family said the 94-year-old veteran politician's condition suddenly declined later in the evening due to blood pressure issues. His entire family including sons MK Stalin and MK Alagiri, daughter M Kanimozhi and top DMK leaders rushed back to the house and decided to move him to the hospital. The DMK Chief was moved to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at around 1:30 AM on Saturday. Soon after, the hospital released a statement saying that Karunanidhi's blood pressure was stabilised with medical help, adding that he was under observation. "DMK President and former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi has been admitted on July 28 at 1:30AM in the Intensive Care Unit of Kauvery Hopsital following drop in blood pressure. His blood pressure has been stabilised with medical management and he continues to be monitored and treated by the panel of expert doctors," Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Executive Director of Kauvery Hospital, said in a statement. DMK leader A Raja, who is present at the hospital, also reiterated the same, and added that the party chief is now out of danger. Karunanidhi was undergoing treatment at his Gopalapuram residence for fever due to Urinary Tract Infection. In a statement earlier in the evening, Stalin had spoken about an improvement in his father's health and appealed to party workers not to come over to visit him. But his appeals could not convince scores of his supporters, who had gathered near the DMK leader's Gopalapuram house, to budge. Karunanidhi, who has served as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister five times, has been recovering from a long illness for more than a year and is rarely seen in public. He has been tube-fed for some time. DMK President Karunanidhi has been admitted to the ICU of the hospital following a drop in blood pressure. His BP has been stabilised with medical management. He is being monitored and treated by a panel of expert doctors: Kauvery Hospital, Chennai #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/qsLW12C0c3 — ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2018 ×

DMK Chief Karunanidhi rushed to hospital after sudden drop in blood pressure

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday pledged to provide "pakka makaan" to all poor and homeless people in the country by 2022.

While addressing an&nbspevent "Transforming Urban Landscape" in Lucknow, the PM said, "Our pledge to make lives of Indians simple and comfortable has become stronger after 3 years. We will give 'pakka makaan' to people who are poor and homeless".

He said to accomplish his plans&nbspthe government has approved 54 lakh houses in the cities and over 1 crore houses to people in the rural areas.

He said, "By 2022 we will try to ensure that everyone has a house. In order to meet this target the government has approved 54 lakh houses in the cities and also provided more than 1 crore houses to people in villages".

He further said that his government was bound to build a system for future generations where the life was based on 5 Es.

He said, "We are bound to build a system for future generations, where life is based on 5 Es: Ease of Living, Education, Employment, Economy and Entertainment".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
शहर के गरीब-बेघर को पक्का घर देने का अभियान हो, 
 
100 स्मार्ट सिटी हों या फिर 500 अमृत सिटी हों, 
 
करोड़ों देशवासियों के जीवन को सरल, सुगम और सुरक्षित बनाने का हमारा संकल्प आज तीन साल बाद अधिक मजबूत हुआ है: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1023197193300140032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
सरकार वर्ष 2022 तक हर सिर पर छत देने का प्रयास कर रही है। 
 
इसी लक्ष्य को ध्यान में रखते हुए, बीते तीन वर्षों में शहरी इलाकों में 54 लाख मकान स्वीकृत किए जा चुके हैं। 
 
सिर्फ शहरों में ही नहीं गांवों में भी एक करोड़ से अधिक मकान जनता को सौंपे जा चुके हैं: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1023199255761022976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
सरकार के लिए ये स्मार्ट सिटी सिर्फ एक प्रोजेक्ट नहीं है, बल्कि एक मिशन है: 
 
Mission To Transform the Nation 
 
ये मिशन हमारे शहरों को New India की नई चुनौतियों से निपटने के लिए तैयार करने का है, 21वीं सदी के भारत में विश्व स्तरीय Intelligent Urban Centers खड़ा करने का है: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1023202369255788545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 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

PM Modi said, 'By 2022 we will try to ensure that everyone has a house. In order to meet this target the government has approved 54 lakh houses in the cities and also provided more than 1 crore houses to people in villages'

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday pledged to provide "pakka makaan" to all poor and homeless people in the country by 2022. While addressing an&nbspevent "Transforming Urban Landscape" in Lucknow, the PM said, "Our pledge to make lives of Indians simple and comfortable has become stronger after 3 years. We will give 'pakka makaan' to people who are poor and homeless". He said to accomplish his plans&nbspthe government has approved 54 lakh houses in the cities and over 1 crore houses to people in the rural areas. He said, "By 2022 we will try to ensure that everyone has a house. In order to meet this target the government has approved 54 lakh houses in the cities and also provided more than 1 crore houses to people in villages". He further said that his government was bound to build a system for future generations where the life was based on 5 Es. He said, "We are bound to build a system for future generations, where life is based on 5 Es: Ease of Living, Education, Employment, Economy and Entertainment". शहर के गरीब-बेघर को पक्का घर देने का अभियान हो, 100 स्मार्ट सिटी हों या फिर 500 अमृत सिटी हों, करोड़ों देशवासियों के जीवन को सरल, सुगम और सुरक्षित बनाने का हमारा संकल्प आज तीन साल बाद अधिक मजबूत हुआ है: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 28, 2018 × सरकार वर्ष 2022 तक हर सिर पर छत देने का प्रयास कर रही है। इसी लक्ष्य को ध्यान में रखते हुए, बीते तीन वर्षों में शहरी इलाकों में 54 लाख मकान स्वीकृत किए जा चुके हैं। सिर्फ शहरों में ही नहीं गांवों में भी एक करोड़ से अधिक मकान जनता को सौंपे जा चुके हैं: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 28, 2018 × सरकार के लिए ये स्मार्ट सिटी सिर्फ एक प्रोजेक्ट नहीं है, बल्कि एक मिशन है: Mission To Transform the Nation ये मिशन हमारे शहरों को New India की नई चुनौतियों से निपटने के लिए तैयार करने का है, 21वीं सदी के भारत में विश्व स्तरीय Intelligent Urban Centers खड़ा करने का है: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 28, 2018 ×

Will provide 'pakka makaan' to every poor by 2022: PM Modi

As part of the United States Bankruptcy Court`s summon order to diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides on Friday, the Punjab National Bank (PNB) has been made party to the sale of all of Modi`s assets in the US.

The court recognised PNB`s claim on the proceeds of any asset sold by US debtors of Modi`s entities, with an order including a signed stipulation recognizing PNB`s agreement with the Chapter 11 Trustee that proceeds of any asset sales by the US debtors will be subject to PNB`s claims of constructive trust regarding Modi.

Apart from Modi, the court also issued summons to Mihir Bhansali, Rakhi Bhansali, Ajay Gandhi and Kunal Patel in connection with the multi-billion PNB scam.

On February 26, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) had filed a petition in the US court against bankruptcy proceedings of Modi and sought to make PNB a party to the sale of any assets of his entities.

This is the first time that the MCA has intervened in any such foreign case pertaining to an Indian company.

Speaking to ANI, a PNB official confirmed that this order was a big victory for them. On July 26, a Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai had issued summons against Modi and his uncle Choksi in connection with the PNB fraud case and had asked them to appear before it in September or be declared as Fugitive Economic Offenders.

Also, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), in a charge sheet filed on June 28, the details of which recently surfaced, labelled chairman of Gitanjali Group, Mehul Choksi as the "mastermind" behind the PNB fraud case, calling it a "huge economic scam brewing since 2015."

The PNB had detected the multi-billion scam earlier this year wherein Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi had allegedly cheated the bank to the tune of USD 2 billion, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.&nbsp;

Apart from Modi, the court also issued summons to Mihir Bhansali, Rakhi Bhansali, Ajay Gandhi and Kunal Patel in connection with the multi-billion PNB scam.

As part of the United States Bankruptcy Court`s summon order to diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides on Friday, the Punjab National Bank (PNB) has been made party to the sale of all of Modi`s assets in the US. The court recognised PNB`s claim on the proceeds of any asset sold by US debtors of Modi`s entities, with an order including a signed stipulation recognizing PNB`s agreement with the Chapter 11 Trustee that proceeds of any asset sales by the US debtors will be subject to PNB`s claims of constructive trust regarding Modi. Apart from Modi, the court also issued summons to Mihir Bhansali, Rakhi Bhansali, Ajay Gandhi and Kunal Patel in connection with the multi-billion PNB scam. On February 26, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) had filed a petition in the US court against bankruptcy proceedings of Modi and sought to make PNB a party to the sale of any assets of his entities. This is the first time that the MCA has intervened in any such foreign case pertaining to an Indian company. Speaking to ANI, a PNB official confirmed that this order was a big victory for them. On July 26, a Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai had issued summons against Modi and his uncle Choksi in connection with the PNB fraud case and had asked them to appear before it in September or be declared as Fugitive Economic Offenders. Also, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), in a charge sheet filed on June 28, the details of which recently surfaced, labelled chairman of Gitanjali Group, Mehul Choksi as the "mastermind" behind the PNB fraud case, calling it a "huge economic scam brewing since 2015." The PNB had detected the multi-billion scam earlier this year wherein Modi and his uncle Mehul 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 has claim on Nirav Modi's United States assets, rules New York court

india-news

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

india news