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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the third most followed world leader after US President Trump and Pope Francis, with 42 million followers on his personal account and 26 million followers on his institutional account, a global study said today.

"Over the past 12 months, @realDonaldTrump has achieved 264 million interactions, more than five times as many as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with 52 million interactions, and 12 times as many as Pope Francis," said Twiplomacy, a digital platform which assists international organisations and governments to improve their digital strategy.

The latest 'Twiplomacy' study by communications firm Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW) identified 951 Twitter accounts&nbsp;372 personal and 579 institutional accounts of heads of state and government and foreign ministers of 187 countries.

"Prime Minister @NarendraModi is the third-most followed world leader with 42 million followers on his personal account and 26 million followers on his institutional account (@PMOIndia), which boasts the fourth-largest following," according to the study.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister (@SushmaSwaraj), @QueenRania of Jordan and the Indonesian President (@Jokowi) are in the top 10 list of the most followed leaders with more than 10 million followers each.

Swaraj is also the most followed foreign minister, with 11 million followers.&nbsp;

The official @POTUS Twitter account of the US president and the @WhiteHouse accounts occupy the fifth and sixth rankings, with 23 and 17 million followers respectively. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (@RT_Erdogan) has more than 12 million followers.&nbsp;

Sixty-nine world leaders have more than 1 million followers each.&nbsp;

The study said that 97 per cent of all 193 UN member states have an official presence on the platform.&nbsp;

The governments of only six countries, namely Laos, Mauritania, Nicaragua, North Korea, Swaziland and Turkmenistan do not have an official presence on the social media platform.&nbsp;

The latest 'Twiplomacy' study by communications firm Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW) identified 951 Twitter accounts 372 personal and 579 institutional accounts of heads of state and government and foreign ministers of 187 countries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the third most followed world leader after US President Trump and Pope Francis, with 42 million followers on his personal account and 26 million followers on his institutional account, a global study said today. "Over the past 12 months, @realDonaldTrump has achieved 264 million interactions, more than five times as many as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with 52 million interactions, and 12 times as many as Pope Francis," said Twiplomacy, a digital platform which assists international organisations and governments to improve their digital strategy. The latest 'Twiplomacy' study by communications firm Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW) identified 951 Twitter accounts 372 personal and 579 institutional accounts of heads of state and government and foreign ministers of 187 countries. "Prime Minister @NarendraModi is the third-most followed world leader with 42 million followers on his personal account and 26 million followers on his institutional account (@PMOIndia), which boasts the fourth-largest following," according to the study. External Affairs Minister (@SushmaSwaraj), @QueenRania of Jordan and the Indonesian President (@Jokowi) are in the top 10 list of the most followed leaders with more than 10 million followers each. Swaraj is also the most followed foreign minister, with 11 million followers. The official @POTUS Twitter account of the US president and the @WhiteHouse accounts occupy the fifth and sixth rankings, with 23 and 17 million followers respectively. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (@RT_Erdogan) has more than 12 million followers. Sixty-nine world leaders have more than 1 million followers each. The study said that 97 per cent of all 193 UN member states have an official presence on the platform. The governments of only six countries, namely Laos, Mauritania, Nicaragua, North Korea, Swaziland and Turkmenistan do not have an official presence on the social media platform.

PM Modi 3rd most followed world leader after Trump and Pope Francis: Report

India and South Korea have discussed capacity building programmes which both the countries would like to take in Afghanistan.

"Discussions have taken place on capacity building programmes that both India and South Korea would like to take in Afghanistan," MEA Secretary (East) Preeti Saran said during a media briefing on South Korean President Moon Jae-in's visit to India on Tuesday.

"They are in the discussion stage and there is seriousness on both sides to ensure that we do this, not just in Afghanistan but with other partners as well," she added.

Earlier in the day, India and South Korea signed 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during South Korean President's visit to India.

President Moon arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on his first ever state visit to India since he became the President.

During his visit, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives have helped strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Furthermore, President Moon also said that he was looking forward to the Indian Prime Minister's visit to South Korea in 2020.

On Monday, Prime Minister Modi and President Moon inaugurated the 35-acre Samsung mobile factory in Noida which is considered to be the world's largest mobile factory.

President Moon also addressed the India-Korea business forum and visited Gandhi Smriti with Prime Minister Modi yesterday.

President Moon arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on his first ever state visit to India

India and South Korea have discussed capacity building programmes which both the countries would like to take in Afghanistan. "Discussions have taken place on capacity building programmes that both India and South Korea would like to take in Afghanistan," MEA Secretary (East) Preeti Saran said during a media briefing on South Korean President Moon Jae-in's visit to India on Tuesday. "They are in the discussion stage and there is seriousness on both sides to ensure that we do this, not just in Afghanistan but with other partners as well," she added. Earlier in the day, India and South Korea signed 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during South Korean President's visit to India. President Moon arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on his first ever state visit to India since he became the President. During his visit, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives have helped strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. Furthermore, President Moon also said that he was looking forward to the Indian Prime Minister's visit to South Korea in 2020. On Monday, Prime Minister Modi and President Moon inaugurated the 35-acre Samsung mobile factory in Noida which is considered to be the world's largest mobile factory. President Moon also addressed the India-Korea business forum and visited Gandhi Smriti with Prime Minister Modi yesterday.

India, South Korea discuss capacity building in Afghanistan: MEA

South Korean President Moon Jae-in was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here on Tuesday.

President Moon, who was accompanied by his wife Kim Jung-sook, inspected a guard of honour.

Thereafter, the South Korean President met his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other high-ranking officials.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will hold official talks with President Moon at Hyderabad House, which will be followed by an official lunch.

The two leaders will also address the India-South Korea CEOs roundtable.

In the evening, President Moon will again meet his counterpart President Kovind, who will host a banquet for the visiting dignitary and his delegation at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Thereafter, he will leave from New Delhi on Wednesday morning.

On Sunday, President Moon arrived in India on a three-day visit.

This is his first-ever state visit to the country after he took over as the President last year.

The South Korean President is leading a delegation comprising senior members of his cabinet, officials as well as industry captains.

A number of agreements are likely to be signed during the visit.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi will hold official talks with President Moon at Hyderabad House, which will be followed by an official lunch and the two leaders will also address the India-South Korea CEOs roundtable

South Korean President Moon Jae-in was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here on Tuesday. President Moon, who was accompanied by his wife Kim Jung-sook, inspected a guard of honour. Thereafter, the South Korean President met his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other high-ranking officials. Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will hold official talks with President Moon at Hyderabad House, which will be followed by an official lunch. The two leaders will also address the India-South Korea CEOs roundtable. In the evening, President Moon will again meet his counterpart President Kovind, who will host a banquet for the visiting dignitary and his delegation at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Thereafter, he will leave from New Delhi on Wednesday morning. On Sunday, President Moon arrived in India on a three-day visit. This is his first-ever state visit to the country after he took over as the President last year. The South Korean President is leading a delegation comprising senior members of his cabinet, officials as well as industry captains. A number of agreements are likely to be signed during the visit.

Moon Jae-in accorded ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan

According to reports, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be visiting Bangladesh on a three-day tour to discuss terrorism, border agreement and the Rohingya crisis.&nbsp

Singh will be in Bangladesh on July 13 and is expected to meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to discuss bilateral issues.

The minister will be accompanied by top officials of the Home Ministry and the Border Security Force.

The Indian delegation is expected to raise issues of smuggling through the Indo-Bangla border, illegal immigrant activity and joint initiative to tackle terrorism. &nbsp&nbsp

Singh will be accompanied by top officials of the Home Ministry and the Border Security Force.

According to reports, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be visiting Bangladesh on a three-day tour to discuss terrorism, border agreement and the Rohingya crisis. Singh will be in Bangladesh on July 13 and is expected to meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to discuss bilateral issues. The minister will be accompanied by top officials of the Home Ministry and the Border Security Force. The Indian delegation is expected to raise issues of smuggling through the Indo-Bangla border, illegal immigrant activity and joint initiative to tackle terrorism.

Rajnath Singh to visit Bangladesh on July 13

The Supreme Court will today commence crucial hearing on a clutch of pleas challenging against Section 377 of the IPC which criminalises consensual gay sex between two adults.

Supreme Court to hear plea on homosexuality today

South Korean President Moon Jae-in accorded ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan

&nbsp;Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal disapproved the proposal for single Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate slab by describing it as a "ridiculous suggestion".

Goyal's comments came after some political parties recently clamoured that the Centre must get rid of the four-slab GST rate structure.

On a related note, the Congress had vowed to reduce the GST rate structure to one slab if they come to power in 2019.

Speaking at an Indian Chamber of Commerce event here on Monday, Goyal said," One rate of tax (GST) is a ridiculous suggestion. It would be a burden on the poor and the middle class if items of daily use like salt, sugar and clothes were taxed at 18 percent."

Goyal further said that the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by Congress had proposed an 18 percent single GST slab, keeping in mind the tax collections and concessions given to the poor.

"The rate proposed earlier would not have been accepted. Also, the GST structure would not have worked," the Finance Minister, who has been looking after the finance ministry due to Arun Jaitley's indisposition, added. 
Goyal, however, said that the rates of 328 items out of a total of 1,200 had been reduced following the implementation of GST in July last year.

Earlier this week, Goyal had also lauded the Goods and Service Tax council for working as a responsive organisation and successfully implementing GST bill in the country in just a year.

Goyal said," One rate of tax (GST) is a ridiculous suggestion. It would be a burden on the poor and the middle class if items of daily use like salt, sugar and clothes were taxed at 18 percent."

Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal disapproved the proposal for single Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate slab by describing it as a "ridiculous suggestion". Goyal's comments came after some political parties recently clamoured that the Centre must get rid of the four-slab GST rate structure. On a related note, the Congress had vowed to reduce the GST rate structure to one slab if they come to power in 2019. Speaking at an Indian Chamber of Commerce event here on Monday, Goyal said," One rate of tax (GST) is a ridiculous suggestion. It would be a burden on the poor and the middle class if items of daily use like salt, sugar and clothes were taxed at 18 percent." Goyal further said that the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by Congress had proposed an 18 percent single GST slab, keeping in mind the tax collections and concessions given to the poor. "The rate proposed earlier would not have been accepted. Also, the GST structure would not have worked," the Finance Minister, who has been looking after the finance ministry due to Arun Jaitley's indisposition, added. Goyal, however, said that the rates of 328 items out of a total of 1,200 had been reduced following the implementation of GST in July last year. Earlier this week, Goyal had also lauded the Goods and Service Tax council for working as a responsive organisation and successfully implementing GST bill in the country in just a year.

Piyush Goyal dubs single GST slab proposal as 'ridiculous'

The Delhi government is rolling out several projects to increase water availability in the city by 15 to 20 per cent in the next two years and 50 per cent in five years, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today.

The chief minister said that Delhi would adopt Singapore model for water treatment, under which water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) treated to high-quality level will be taken to Palla and released in Yamuna channel.

"Water will then flow and travel up to Wazirabad. In the process of travel, water will further purify in a natural manner. Then it will be lifted at Wazirabad and treated further at Wazirabad WTP.

"After final treatment at Wazirabd, the water will be supplied to households as potable water. These are the datelines for the phase-wise roll-out of the water treatment process," the government said in a statement.

Talking to reporters here, the chief minister, who inspected the Coronation STP in North Delhi's Burari, said several projects of the Delhi government would put an end to the city's water woes.

The chief minister added that the work of the Burari STP would be completed by June next year.

Current water availability in Delhi stands at 900 MGD (Million Gallon Daily), he said. The demand, on the other hand, is around 1,100 MGD.

"Rolling out several projects to increase water availability by 15-20% in next 2 yrs n 50% next 5 yrs. Hopefully, no water problem in Del after that," Kejriwal said on Twitter.

"Till then, as projects start, water problem wud keep decreasing (No increase in water availability for several yrs before our govt) (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted after his inspection.

On the recharge of underground aquifers, the chief minister said at least 200 out of city's 1,200 water bodies would be revived in the first phase.

"Reviving these lakes will lead to increase in groundwater level in the surrounding areas... We also plan to inject treated STP water into the ground to ensure that groundwater level does not fall, especially in areas where groundwater level is fairly high as of now," Kejriwal said.

He said that the Delhi government has held talks with the Uttar Pradesh government to concretise the canal through which water comes to the national capital from the neighbouring state.

"The UP government has suggested that a consultant be hired to look into the possibility of concretising. The Delhi government will bear the entire cost, which may lead to saving of around 150 MGD water as currently a lot of water is lost due to seeping," the chief minister added.

Current water availability in Delhi stands at 900 MGD (Million Gallon Daily), he said

The Delhi government is rolling out several projects to increase water availability in the city by 15 to 20 per cent in the next two years and 50 per cent in five years, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today. The chief minister said that Delhi would adopt Singapore model for water treatment, under which water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) treated to high-quality level will be taken to Palla and released in Yamuna channel. "Water will then flow and travel up to Wazirabad. In the process of travel, water will further purify in a natural manner. Then it will be lifted at Wazirabad and treated further at Wazirabad WTP. "After final treatment at Wazirabd, the water will be supplied to households as potable water. These are the datelines for the phase-wise roll-out of the water treatment process," the government said in a statement. Talking to reporters here, the chief minister, who inspected the Coronation STP in North Delhi's Burari, said several projects of the Delhi government would put an end to the city's water woes. The chief minister added that the work of the Burari STP would be completed by June next year. Current water availability in Delhi stands at 900 MGD (Million Gallon Daily), he said. The demand, on the other hand, is around 1,100 MGD. "Rolling out several projects to increase water availability by 15-20% in next 2 yrs n 50% next 5 yrs. Hopefully, no water problem in Del after that," Kejriwal said on Twitter. "Till then, as projects start, water problem wud keep decreasing (No increase in water availability for several yrs before our govt) (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted after his inspection. On the recharge of underground aquifers, the chief minister said at least 200 out of city's 1,200 water bodies would be revived in the first phase. "Reviving these lakes will lead to increase in groundwater level in the surrounding areas... We also plan to inject treated STP water into the ground to ensure that groundwater level does not fall, especially in areas where groundwater level is fairly high as of now," Kejriwal said. He said that the Delhi government has held talks with the Uttar Pradesh government to concretise the canal through which water comes to the national capital from the neighbouring state. "The UP government has suggested that a consultant be hired to look into the possibility of concretising. The Delhi government will bear the entire cost, which may lead to saving of around 150 MGD water as currently a lot of water is lost due to seeping," the chief minister added.

Delhi to see 15-20% increase in water availability in 2 years: Kejriwal

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad Tuesday said his government would not give in easily to India's demand to deport the controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik for alleged terror activities and money laundering, according to a media report.

Three days after meeting Naik, wanted in India for alleged terror activities and money laundering, the Malaysian prime minister said his government would always ensure it looked into all factors before responding to any demand, the New Straits Times reported.

"We do not easily follow the demands of others. We must look at all factors before we respond," Mahathir said in his first public remarks since on Naik since he met the firebrand cleric on Saturday.&nbsp

"Otherwise, someone will become a victim," the Malaysian Prime Minister said.

Responding to questions on Naik, who has permanent resident status in Malaysia, and India's request to have him extradited, Mahathir said his government would always ensure it looked into all factors before responding to any demand.

Mahathir last week said the cleric would not be handed over to Indian authorities as he had been granted Malaysian permanent resident status.

The prime minister said Zakir, who left India in 2016, would be allowed to stay in the country as long as he was not creating any problem.

However, the decision did not sit well with several groups, who insisted the government return Zakir to India following his alleged tendencies to make racial and religiously insensitive statements, the report said.

India had made a formal extradition request to Malaysia for Naik's deportation after accusing him of inciting youngsters to commit terror activities through his hate speeches.

A strategist of Malaysia's ruling Party Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) had also defended Prime Minister Mahathir's decision not deport Naik to India, saying doing so would be akin to deporting Uighur Muslims to China.

PPBM strategist Rais Hussin said he personally could see no wrong in Naik's activities and speeches.

Deporting him would be akin to deporting Uighur Muslims to China, he said, referring to China pressing Malaysia for the extradition of 11 Uighur men who entered Malaysia illegally last year after their dramatic escape from a jail in Thailand last year.

Zakir has also accused the media in India of subjecting him to a campaign of vilification over the past two years.

He has also pledged to expose fake news about him soon.&nbsp

Naik is being probed under terror and money laundering charges by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).&nbsp

The NIA had first registered a case against Naik under anti-terror laws in 2016 for allegedly promoting enmity between different religious groups.

Naik is also under investigation for issuing alleged hate speeches that inspired a deadly terror attack on a popular cafe in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh in 2016.&nbsp

Three days after meeting Naik, wanted in India for alleged terror activities and money laundering, the Malaysian prime minister said his government would always ensure it looked into all factors before responding to any demand

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad Tuesday said his government would not give in easily to India's demand to deport the controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik for alleged terror activities and money laundering, according to a media report. Three days after meeting Naik, wanted in India for alleged terror activities and money laundering, the Malaysian prime minister said his government would always ensure it looked into all factors before responding to any demand, the New Straits Times reported. "We do not easily follow the demands of others. We must look at all factors before we respond," Mahathir said in his first public remarks since on Naik since he met the firebrand cleric on Saturday. "Otherwise, someone will become a victim," the Malaysian Prime Minister said. Responding to questions on Naik, who has permanent resident status in Malaysia, and India's request to have him extradited, Mahathir said his government would always ensure it looked into all factors before responding to any demand. Mahathir last week said the cleric would not be handed over to Indian authorities as he had been granted Malaysian permanent resident status. The prime minister said Zakir, who left India in 2016, would be allowed to stay in the country as long as he was not creating any problem. However, the decision did not sit well with several groups, who insisted the government return Zakir to India following his alleged tendencies to make racial and religiously insensitive statements, the report said. India had made a formal extradition request to Malaysia for Naik's deportation after accusing him of inciting youngsters to commit terror activities through his hate speeches. A strategist of Malaysia's ruling Party Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) had also defended Prime Minister Mahathir's decision not deport Naik to India, saying doing so would be akin to deporting Uighur Muslims to China. PPBM strategist Rais Hussin said he personally could see no wrong in Naik's activities and speeches. Deporting him would be akin to deporting Uighur Muslims to China, he said, referring to China pressing Malaysia for the extradition of 11 Uighur men who entered Malaysia illegally last year after their dramatic escape from a jail in Thailand last year. Zakir has also accused the media in India of subjecting him to a campaign of vilification over the past two years. He has also pledged to expose fake news about him soon. Naik is being probed under terror and money laundering charges by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA had first registered a case against Naik under anti-terror laws in 2016 for allegedly promoting enmity between different religious groups. Naik is also under investigation for issuing alleged hate speeches that inspired a deadly terror attack on a popular cafe in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh in 2016.

Will not easily give in to India's demand to deport Zakir Naik: Malaysian PM

WhatsApp today said it is rolling out a new feature that will let its users identify the messages that are forwarded, as the popular messaging app looks to combat fake news and false information in India.

WhatsApp earlier today also unleashed a user awareness drive in the country after drawing flak from the Indian government over fake and provocative messages being circulated on its platform.&nbsp

These messages have incited mob-fury, triggering multiple cases of lynching across parts of India and, in turn, prompted the government to issue a stern warning to the company to clamp down on hoax messages designed to "provoke" and "instigate" people. The government had also made it clear, last week, that WhatsApp "cannot evade accountability and responsibility".

"Starting today, WhatsApp will indicate which messages you receive have been forwarded to you. This extra context will help make one-on-one and group chats easier to follow. It also helps you determine if your friend or relative wrote the message they sent or if it originally came from someone else," WhatsApp said in a global statement.

Users will need to have the latest supported version of WhatsApp on their phone to see the new forwarding label, the company explained.&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp&nbsp

"We encourage you to think before sharing messages that were forwarded. As a reminder, you can report spam or block a contact in one tap and can always reach out to WhatsApp directly for help," WhatsApp said.

WhatsApp today began an awareness campaign to help users identify and prevent the spread of false information, hoax messages and fake news.

The Facebook-owned messaging service brought out a full-page advertisement in leading newspapers, first in the series of its user awareness drive, giving "easy tips" to determine if the information received is, indeed, true.

The latest campaign by WhatsApp also outlines ways to spot false information including identifying forwarded messages and coaxing users to "double check" on information using multiple sources to establish the authenticity of a news or a photograph.

The campaign also nudged users to question information that is meant to instil anger or fear and to think twice before sharing such messages.

Last week, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had demanded greater accountability from WhatsApp, saying that the government will not tolerate any misuse of the platform to spread fake messages.

In response, WhatsApp had informed the government that fake news, misinformation and hoaxes can be checked by the government, civil society and technology companies "working together".

Reiterating the message today in its advocacy campaign, WhatsApp said: "To fight fake news, we all need to work together - technology companies, the government and community groups. If you see something that's not true, make people aware and help stop the spread."

Rumours on WhatsApp have fuelled a spate of incidents involving mob fury, a recent one being the lynching of five men on the suspicion of being child-lifters in Maharashtra's Rainpada village of Dhule district

WhatsApp earlier today also unleashed a user awareness drive in the country

WhatsApp today said it is rolling out a new feature that will let its users identify the messages that are forwarded, as the popular messaging app looks to combat fake news and false information in India. WhatsApp earlier today also unleashed a user awareness drive in the country after drawing flak from the Indian government over fake and provocative messages being circulated on its platform. These messages have incited mob-fury, triggering multiple cases of lynching across parts of India and, in turn, prompted the government to issue a stern warning to the company to clamp down on hoax messages designed to "provoke" and "instigate" people. The government had also made it clear, last week, that WhatsApp "cannot evade accountability and responsibility". "Starting today, WhatsApp will indicate which messages you receive have been forwarded to you. This extra context will help make one-on-one and group chats easier to follow. It also helps you determine if your friend or relative wrote the message they sent or if it originally came from someone else," WhatsApp said in a global statement. Users will need to have the latest supported version of WhatsApp on their phone to see the new forwarding label, the company explained. "We encourage you to think before sharing messages that were forwarded. As a reminder, you can report spam or block a contact in one tap and can always reach out to WhatsApp directly for help," WhatsApp said. WhatsApp today began an awareness campaign to help users identify and prevent the spread of false information, hoax messages and fake news. The Facebook-owned messaging service brought out a full-page advertisement in leading newspapers, first in the series of its user awareness drive, giving "easy tips" to determine if the information received is, indeed, true. The latest campaign by WhatsApp also outlines ways to spot false information including identifying forwarded messages and coaxing users to "double check" on information using multiple sources to establish the authenticity of a news or a photograph. The campaign also nudged users to question information that is meant to instil anger or fear and to think twice before sharing such messages. Last week, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had demanded greater accountability from WhatsApp, saying that the government will not tolerate any misuse of the platform to spread fake messages. In response, WhatsApp had informed the government that fake news, misinformation and hoaxes can be checked by the government, civil society and technology companies "working together". Reiterating the message today in its advocacy campaign, WhatsApp said: "To fight fake news, we all need to work together - technology companies, the government and community groups. If you see something that's not true, make people aware and help stop the spread." Rumours on WhatsApp have fuelled a spate of incidents involving mob fury, a recent one being the lynching of five men on the suspicion of being child-lifters in Maharashtra's Rainpada village of Dhule district

WhatsApp starts new feature to let users identify forwarded messages

Another convict in the June 2017 case of cow vigilantism at Ramgarh was today granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court on the ground of lack of evidence against him.

A division bench of justices H C Mishra and B B Mangalmurti granted bail to Chhotu Verma, who was the 10th person out of the total 11 convicted by a fast track court in Ramgarh, to get relief from the high court in the lynching case.

Eight were granted bail by the high court on June 29, while another had walked out of the Hazaribagh central jail after the court granted him relief on June 8, defense counsel B M Tripathy said.

Deepak Mishra, who too was convicted by the fast track court in the case, is lodged in Hazaribagh central jail.

One accused in the case is a minor and inquiry into his role is being conducted by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Tripathy said.

On March 21, the fast track court had convicted the 11 to life imprisonment for the lynching of coal trader Alimuddin Ansari on June 29 last year on suspicion that he was carrying beef in his vehicle.

Ansari's widow Mariam Khatoon had lodged an FIR with Ramgarh town police station against 17 people including BJP functionary Nityanand Mahto.&nbsp;

The investigating officer had filed a charge sheet against 12 of 17 accused, including the juvenile and the Ramgarh fast track court had convicted 11 of them and sentenced them to life term imprisonment.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha created controversy for garlanding the eight convicts at his residence in Hazaribagh last week after they secured bail.&nbsp;

Deepak Mishra, who too was convicted by the fast track court in the case, is lodged in Hazaribagh central jail

Another convict in the June 2017 case of cow vigilantism at Ramgarh was today granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court on the ground of lack of evidence against him. A division bench of justices H C Mishra and B B Mangalmurti granted bail to Chhotu Verma, who was the 10th person out of the total 11 convicted by a fast track court in Ramgarh, to get relief from the high court in the lynching case. Eight were granted bail by the high court on June 29, while another had walked out of the Hazaribagh central jail after the court granted him relief on June 8, defense counsel B M Tripathy said. Deepak Mishra, who too was convicted by the fast track court in the case, is lodged in Hazaribagh central jail. One accused in the case is a minor and inquiry into his role is being conducted by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Tripathy said. On March 21, the fast track court had convicted the 11 to life imprisonment for the lynching of coal trader Alimuddin Ansari on June 29 last year on suspicion that he was carrying beef in his vehicle. Ansari's widow Mariam Khatoon had lodged an FIR with Ramgarh town police station against 17 people including BJP functionary Nityanand Mahto. The investigating officer had filed a charge sheet against 12 of 17 accused, including the juvenile and the Ramgarh fast track court had convicted 11 of them and sentenced them to life term imprisonment. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha created controversy for garlanding the eight convicts at his residence in Hazaribagh last week after they secured bail.

Ramgarh lynching case: Another convict secures bail from High Court

Congress President Rahul Gandhi today supported a petition against Union minister Jayant Sinha that sought withdrawal of his Harvard alumni status after he felicitated criminals convicted of lynching.

The petition has been launched by a student of Master of Public Policy at Harvard University, Boston in the US from where Sinha has also graduated and sought that his alumni status be withdrawn for "honouring criminals".&nbsp

The petition to the President of Harvard University, Boston, has condemned the minister's action, saying it "has shocked the nation and brought disrepute to the institution".

"If the sight of a highly educated MP and central minister, Jayant Sinha, garlanding and honouring criminals convicted of lynching an innocent man, fills you with disgust, click on the link and support this petition," Gandhi said on Twitter, urging people to sign the petition against Sinha.&nbsp

Sinha has been at the centre of a row after he garlanded the lynching convicts at his residence in Hazaribagh in Jharkhand after they came out of prison on bail last week.

The opposition parties led by the Congress attacked him and the Modi government over the issue, saying that this act gives "a guarantee to" the perpetrators that they have the support and encouragement of the government.&nbsp

Sinha, on his part, has claimed that he unequivocally condemns all acts of violence, and rejected any type of vigilantism.

"The rule of law is supreme in our constitutional democracy. Any unlawful acts, particularly, those that violate the rights of any citizen, should be punished with the full force of the law.

"I have full faith in our judicial system and the rule of law. Unfortunately, irresponsible statements are being made about my actions when all that I am doing is honouring the due process of law. Those that are innocent will be spared and the guilty will be appropriately punished," he has said.&nbsp

The minister has received flak from other quarters too. Former Mumbai police commissioner Julio Ribeiro, former chief information commissioner Wajahat Habibullah and 41 other retired bureaucrats have demanded that Sinha be sacked for felicitating the eight convicts.

In a public statement, the former civil servants said the message Sinha's action sends out is that "there is a licence to kill minorities" and people accused of such crimes will be "enthusiastically supported financially, legally and politically".

The petition to the President of Harvard University, Boston, has condemned the minister's action, saying it 'has shocked the nation and brought disrepute to the institution'.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi today supported a petition against Union minister Jayant Sinha that sought withdrawal of his Harvard alumni status after he felicitated criminals convicted of lynching. The petition has been launched by a student of Master of Public Policy at Harvard University, Boston in the US from where Sinha has also graduated and sought that his alumni status be withdrawn for "honouring criminals". The petition to the President of Harvard University, Boston, has condemned the minister's action, saying it "has shocked the nation and brought disrepute to the institution". "If the sight of a highly educated MP and central minister, Jayant Sinha, garlanding and honouring criminals convicted of lynching an innocent man, fills you with disgust, click on the link and support this petition," Gandhi said on Twitter, urging people to sign the petition against Sinha. Sinha has been at the centre of a row after he garlanded the lynching convicts at his residence in Hazaribagh in Jharkhand after they came out of prison on bail last week. The opposition parties led by the Congress attacked him and the Modi government over the issue, saying that this act gives "a guarantee to" the perpetrators that they have the support and encouragement of the government. Sinha, on his part, has claimed that he unequivocally condemns all acts of violence, and rejected any type of vigilantism. "The rule of law is supreme in our constitutional democracy. Any unlawful acts, particularly, those that violate the rights of any citizen, should be punished with the full force of the law. "I have full faith in our judicial system and the rule of law. Unfortunately, irresponsible statements are being made about my actions when all that I am doing is honouring the due process of law. Those that are innocent will be spared and the guilty will be appropriately punished," he has said. The minister has received flak from other quarters too. Former Mumbai police commissioner Julio Ribeiro, former chief information commissioner Wajahat Habibullah and 41 other retired bureaucrats have demanded that Sinha be sacked for felicitating the eight convicts. In a public statement, the former civil servants said the message Sinha's action sends out is that "there is a licence to kill minorities" and people accused of such crimes will be "enthusiastically supported financially, legally and politically".

Rahul supports petition against Union minister Jayant Sinha

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-to-start-hearing-plea-against-section-377-which-criminalises-homosexuality-150326">SC to start hearing pleas today against Section 377 which says homosexuality is a crime</a>

The Supreme Court on Tuesday will go ahead with the scheduled hearing by a constitution bench on petitions against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that makes homosexuality a crime.

The five-judge Bench — headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and comprising Justices R.F. Nariman, A.M. Khanwilkar, D.Y. Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra — will examine a batch of petitions claiming that the 2013 judgment was wrong.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suggests-china-might-be-interfering-in-us-north-korea-talks-150342">Trump suggests China might be interfering in US-North Korea talks</a>

President Donald Trump suggested on Monday that China might be seeking to derail US efforts aimed at denuclearising North Korea, but said he was confident that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would uphold a pact the two agreed on last month.

In his first remarks about challenging diplomatic talks held at the weekend that sowed fresh doubts over North Korea's willingness to give up its nuclear arsenal, Trump said China "may be exerting negative pressure" in reaction to punitive US tariffs on Chinese goods.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/india-china-clinch-deal-to-reduce-tariffs-on-indian-medicines-anti-cancer-drugs-150325">As trade war with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/india-china-clinch-deal-to-reduce-tariffs-on-indian-medicines-anti-cancer-drugs-150325">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/india-china-clinch-deal-to-reduce-tariffs-on-indian-medicines-anti-cancer-drugs-150325"> heats up, China cuts duties on Indian medicines</a>

China on Monday said it has clinched a deal with India on the reduction of import duties on Indian medicines including anti-cancer drugs, which are highly expensive in the country.

Beijing, which earlier announced a cut on import duties on over 8,500 Indian items, said it will relax taxes on more goods from India and other countries as its trade war with the US heats up.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/employees-testing-positive-in-dope-tests-will-be-treated-not-sacked-punjab-cm-150345">Govt employees who test positive for drugs will be treated, not sacked: Punjab CM</a>

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday clarified that government employees found positive in dope tests will not be punished or sacked but will be provided treatment and their identity will be kept confidential.

"Government employees who test positive in the dope test would not be punished or sacked but would be provided treatment, with their identities being kept confidential," Captain Amarinder Singh said in a statement.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-longtime-driver-sues-for-several-years-of-unpaid-overtime-150346">Trump's long-time driver sues for several years of unpaid overtime</a>

US President Donald Trump's personal driver of over 20 years has decided to file a lawsuit against the Trump Organisation alleging that the billionaire real estate developer has not paid for thousands of hours of overtime, has not increased his salary and cut off health benefits.&nbsp

The driver, identified as Noel Cintron, sued the Trump Organisation for about 3,300 hours of overtime in the last six years. However, he is not allowed to sue for overtime prior to that due to the statute of limitations.

 
&nbsp

SC to start hearing pleas today against Section 377 which says homosexuality is a crime The Supreme Court on Tuesday will go ahead with the scheduled hearing by a constitution bench on petitions against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that makes homosexuality a crime. The five-judge Bench — headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and comprising Justices R.F. Nariman, A.M. Khanwilkar, D.Y. Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra — will examine a batch of petitions claiming that the 2013 judgment was wrong. Trump suggests China might be interfering in US-North Korea talks President Donald Trump suggested on Monday that China might be seeking to derail US efforts aimed at denuclearising North Korea, but said he was confident that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would uphold a pact the two agreed on last month. In his first remarks about challenging diplomatic talks held at the weekend that sowed fresh doubts over North Korea's willingness to give up its nuclear arsenal, Trump said China "may be exerting negative pressure" in reaction to punitive US tariffs on Chinese goods. As trade war with US heats up, China cuts duties on Indian medicines China on Monday said it has clinched a deal with India on the reduction of import duties on Indian medicines including anti-cancer drugs, which are highly expensive in the country. Beijing, which earlier announced a cut on import duties on over 8,500 Indian items, said it will relax taxes on more goods from India and other countries as its trade war with the US heats up. Govt employees who test positive for drugs will be treated, not sacked: Punjab CM Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday clarified that government employees found positive in dope tests will not be punished or sacked but will be provided treatment and their identity will be kept confidential. "Government employees who test positive in the dope test would not be punished or sacked but would be provided treatment, with their identities being kept confidential," Captain Amarinder Singh said in a statement. Trump's long-time driver sues for several years of unpaid overtime US President Donald Trump's personal driver of over 20 years has decided to file a lawsuit against the Trump Organisation alleging that the billionaire real estate developer has not paid for thousands of hours of overtime, has not increased his salary and cut off health benefits. The driver, identified as Noel Cintron, sued the Trump Organisation for about 3,300 hours of overtime in the last six years. However, he is not allowed to sue for overtime prior to that due to the statute of limitations.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday clarified that government employees found positive in dope tests will not be punished or sacked but will be provided treatment and their identity will be kept confidential.

"Government employees who test positive in the dope test would not be punished or sacked but would be provided treatment, with their identities being kept confidential," Captain Amarinder Singh said in a statement.

Facing criticism for ordering dope test on all government servants, the chief minister also said the government will pay for the treatment of drug addicts who cannot afford it.

Chairing a review meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee set up to monitor the progress of the government's anti-drug campaign, Singh directed the chief secretary to formulate guidelines and standard operating procedures (SoPs) for conducting dope test on employees, including police personnel.

Amarinder also ordered various steps to be taken for further augmenting the government's efforts to ensure strict enforcement of the drug laws, as well as better systems for prevention, de-addiction and rehabilitation, according to an official spokesman.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amarinder Singh made anti-drugs drive one of his key poll promises before state elections held here last year.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday clarified that government employees found positive in dope tests will not be punished or sacked but will be provided treatment and their identity will be kept confidential. "Government employees who test positive in the dope test would not be punished or sacked but would be provided treatment, with their identities being kept confidential," Captain Amarinder Singh said in a statement. Facing criticism for ordering dope test on all government servants, the chief minister also said the government will pay for the treatment of drug addicts who cannot afford it. Chairing a review meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee set up to monitor the progress of the government's anti-drug campaign, Singh directed the chief secretary to formulate guidelines and standard operating procedures (SoPs) for conducting dope test on employees, including police personnel. Amarinder also ordered various steps to be taken for further augmenting the government's efforts to ensure strict enforcement of the drug laws, as well as better systems for prevention, de-addiction and rehabilitation, according to an official spokesman. (With inputs from Agencies)

Govt employees who test positive for drugs will be treated, not sacked: Punjab CM

By Ravindra Singh

While BJP president Amit Shah has been trying to bolster up the party's mission for an electoral win during Lok Sabha elections 2019, its biggest leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also jumped into the ground. In BJP's mega-mission, PM Modi has his focus fixed on the state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp

Maintaining their seats in the mammoth state of Uttar Pradesh's is emerging as one of the biggest challenges faced by the party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Mulayam Singh's constituency, Azamgarh on July 14 where he is expected to lay the foundation stone of the Purvanchal Expressway which will connect Lucknow and Ballia. After addressing a public meeting there, the Prime Minister will head to his Lok Sabha constituency, Varanasi.

The Prime Minister will also hold a public rally in Varanasi on 14 July and will meet with the ill-equipped citizens of the holy city. During his Varanasi visit, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of Bhabha Cancer Hospital and will also review the renovation of the ghats under the 'Namami Gange' clean Ganga initiative.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go to Mirzapur on July 15 where Gram Swaraj campaign and Bansagar project will be included in the inauguration program.

On July 21, PM Modi will address the farmers through the Kisan Kalyan rally in Shahjahanpur and give information about the steps taken by the Central Government for the farmers.

The Prime Minister will be attending a function organized by the Ministry of Urban Development in Lucknow as chief guest on July 29.

Besides this, according to sources, PM Modi is expected to attend two other functions in Uttar Pradesh for which the preparations are in full swing.&nbsp

All in all, the BJP does not want to concede the conclusion of the conglomeration of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati. The party has not only started strengthening its house but is also trying to repeat the 2014 result in 2019 through PM Modi.&nbsp

All in all, the BJP does not want to concede the conclusion of the conglomeration of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati

By Ravindra Singh While BJP president Amit Shah has been trying to bolster up the party's mission for an electoral win during Lok Sabha elections 2019, its biggest leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also jumped into the ground. In BJP's mega-mission, PM Modi has his focus fixed on the state of Uttar Pradesh. Maintaining their seats in the mammoth state of Uttar Pradesh's is emerging as one of the biggest challenges faced by the party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Mulayam Singh's constituency, Azamgarh on July 14 where he is expected to lay the foundation stone of the Purvanchal Expressway which will connect Lucknow and Ballia. After addressing a public meeting there, the Prime Minister will head to his Lok Sabha constituency, Varanasi. The Prime Minister will also hold a public rally in Varanasi on 14 July and will meet with the ill-equipped citizens of the holy city. During his Varanasi visit, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of Bhabha Cancer Hospital and will also review the renovation of the ghats under the 'Namami Gange' clean Ganga initiative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go to Mirzapur on July 15 where Gram Swaraj campaign and Bansagar project will be included in the inauguration program. On July 21, PM Modi will address the farmers through the Kisan Kalyan rally in Shahjahanpur and give information about the steps taken by the Central Government for the farmers. The Prime Minister will be attending a function organized by the Ministry of Urban Development in Lucknow as chief guest on July 29. Besides this, according to sources, PM Modi is expected to attend two other functions in Uttar Pradesh for which the preparations are in full swing. All in all, the BJP does not want to concede the conclusion of the conglomeration of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati. The party has not only started strengthening its house but is also trying to repeat the 2014 result in 2019 through PM Modi.

A look at PM Modi's mission Uttar Pradesh

&nbsp;A case of alleged rape has been filed against yet another priest of a church in Kerala, where a string of clergymen is facing accusations of sexual misconduct, police said today.

Binu George, a priest of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, was alleged to have raped the parishioner in Alappuzha district four years ago. He is currently serving at a church under the diocese at Koypallikaranma.

The victim woman has claimed the priest sexually assaulted her at the office of the church when she approached him for help to settle some family dispute in 2014.

In her complaint to the police, the woman said she had informed the church authorities about the incident soon thereafter and was promised she would not face any harassment from him in the future.

However, when the priest continued to torment her and spread "baseless gossip", she decided to take legal recourse, police said.

In a major embarrassment for the clergy, a man from Pathanamthitta district had last month accused five priests of the Malankara Orthodox Church in the state of using his wife's secret confession to blackmail and sexually exploit her.

The alleged sexual abuse by the priests came to light after an audio clip of the victim's husband's purported conversation with a church official claiming rape of his wife by the clergymen was widely circulated on social media.

The crime branch of the state police recently registered an FIR and slapped rape charges against four of the five priests after recording the woman's statement.

Days later, the Catholic church in Kerala was hit by a scandal, with a senior nun accusing Bishop Franco Mulakkal, the head of the Latin diocese of Jalandhar, of raping her, and filed a case with the Kuravilangad police.&nbsp;

The victim woman has claimed the priest sexually assaulted her at the office of the church when she approached him for help to settle some family dispute in 2014.

A case of alleged rape has been filed against yet another priest of a church in Kerala, where a string of clergymen is facing accusations of sexual misconduct, police said today. Binu George, a priest of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, was alleged to have raped the parishioner in Alappuzha district four years ago. He is currently serving at a church under the diocese at Koypallikaranma. The victim woman has claimed the priest sexually assaulted her at the office of the church when she approached him for help to settle some family dispute in 2014. In her complaint to the police, the woman said she had informed the church authorities about the incident soon thereafter and was promised she would not face any harassment from him in the future. However, when the priest continued to torment her and spread "baseless gossip", she decided to take legal recourse, police said. In a major embarrassment for the clergy, a man from Pathanamthitta district had last month accused five priests of the Malankara Orthodox Church in the state of using his wife's secret confession to blackmail and sexually exploit her. The alleged sexual abuse by the priests came to light after an audio clip of the victim's husband's purported conversation with a church official claiming rape of his wife by the clergymen was widely circulated on social media. The crime branch of the state police recently registered an FIR and slapped rape charges against four of the five priests after recording the woman's statement. Days later, the Catholic church in Kerala was hit by a scandal, with a senior nun accusing Bishop Franco Mulakkal, the head of the Latin diocese of Jalandhar, of raping her, and filed a case with the Kuravilangad police.

Yet another Kerala priest booked over rape allegation

Looks like wrestler-actor John Cena is a Shah Rukh Khan fan. Those who follow him on social media would be aware that how he often shares inspiration quotes for his fans. On Monday he shared a quote by Shah Rukh Khan that read, "Neither power nor poverty can make you life more magical or less torturous.”

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“Neither power nor poverty can make your life more magical or less torturous” Shah Rukh Khan
— John Cena (@JohnCena) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnCena/status/1016192243412004864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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SRK was quick to notice and replied back saying,"Thanks my friend for spreading the goodness. It’s important to inspire so many kids who look up to u as their hero."

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Thanks my friend for spreading the goodness. It’s important to inspire so many kids who look up to u as their hero. <a href="https://t.co/nTyGVSrrrr">https://t.co/nTyGVSrrrr</a>
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk/status/1016246906614435840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The twitter conversation continued a little longer with Cena responding with a 'thank you'. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/52-dialogues-from-shah-rukh-khans-films-that-you-can-use-in-everyday-life-23341">Also see:&nbsp;52 dialogues from Shah Rukh Khan's films that you can use in everyday life</a>

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Your words and work reach so many. They have helped me smile, laugh, think, and grow. Thank you, for being you. <a href="https://t.co/jQOuU2m6vf">https://t.co/jQOuU2m6vf</a>
— John Cena (@JohnCena) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnCena/status/1016268021751427072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Turns out, this isn't the first time that Cena has shared SRK's quote. On his instagram page, SRK and his quotes have featured quite regularly.

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Looks like the star wrestler is just like us, enamoured and inspired the Khan's charisma.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Looks like wrestler-actor John Cena is a Shah Rukh Khan fan. Those who follow him on social media would be aware that how he often shares inspiration quotes for his fans. On Monday he shared a quote by Shah Rukh Khan that read, "Neither power nor poverty can make you life more magical or less torturous.” “Neither power nor poverty can make your life more magical or less torturous” Shah Rukh Khan — John Cena (@JohnCena) July 9, 2018 × SRK was quick to notice and replied back saying,"Thanks my friend for spreading the goodness. It’s important to inspire so many kids who look up to u as their hero." Thanks my friend for spreading the goodness. It’s important to inspire so many kids who look up to u as their hero. https://t.co/nTyGVSrrrr — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) July 9, 2018 × The twitter conversation continued a little longer with Cena responding with a 'thank you'. Also see: 52 dialogues from Shah Rukh Khan's films that you can use in everyday life Your words and work reach so many. They have helped me smile, laugh, think, and grow. Thank you, for being you. https://t.co/jQOuU2m6vf — John Cena (@JohnCena) July 9, 2018 × Turns out, this isn't the first time that Cena has shared SRK's quote. On his instagram page, SRK and his quotes have featured quite regularly. A post shared by John Cena (@johncena) on Feb 19, 2018 at 10:14am PST × A post shared by John Cena (@johncena) on Jan 10, 2018 at 7:15am PST × A post shared by John Cena (@johncena) on Dec 26, 2017 at 2:17pm PST × Looks like the star wrestler is just like us, enamoured and inspired the Khan's charisma.

John Cena says 'Thank you, for being you' to SRK as they engage in a Twitter conversation

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			The&nbsp;mystery surrounding the deaths of 11 members of a family in the city's Burari area seems to be inching towards a suicide as doctors haven't found any foul play in their post-mortem reports, according to a police source.

			"Police are expecting six post-mortems today and rest post mortems tomorrow. They are saying so far the doctors are indicating that they haven't found any foul play," the source said.

			Meanwhile, the source shared that the police have also found four persons, who have been mentioned in the registers, which were recovered during the investigation.

			"These notes by Lalit (the eldest son of the family) have been written during his trans. Whatever he wanted to say he would say in the trans phase only," the source said.

			"The four people are Sajjan Singh (Tina's father), Hira (Priyanka's father), Dayanand and Ganga Devi (Sujata Nagpal's father-in-law and mother-in-law)," the source added.

			The bodies of seven women and four men were found in a house in Burari area on July 1.

			Earlier Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Alok Kumar said that post-mortem of all the 11 bodies have been completed, and initial reports suggest suicide.

			As part of the investigation, the police earlier found details of a 'Badh puja'&nbsp;ritual in the registered recovered from the house. Till now, over 200 people have reportedly been interrogated in the case so far.&nbsp;
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According to the sources, police are expecting six post-mortems today and rest post mortems tomorrow.

The mystery surrounding the deaths of 11 members of a family in the city's Burari area seems to be inching towards a suicide as doctors haven't found any foul play in their post-mortem reports, according to a police source. "Police are expecting six post-mortems today and rest post mortems tomorrow. They are saying so far the doctors are indicating that they haven't found any foul play," the source said. Meanwhile, the source shared that the police have also found four persons, who have been mentioned in the registers, which were recovered during the investigation. "These notes by Lalit (the eldest son of the family) have been written during his trans. Whatever he wanted to say he would say in the trans phase only," the source said. "The four people are Sajjan Singh (Tina's father), Hira (Priyanka's father), Dayanand and Ganga Devi (Sujata Nagpal's father-in-law and mother-in-law)," the source added. The bodies of seven women and four men were found in a house in Burari area on July 1. Earlier Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Alok Kumar said that post-mortem of all the 11 bodies have been completed, and initial reports suggest suicide. As part of the investigation, the police earlier found details of a 'Badh puja' ritual in the registered recovered from the house. Till now, over 200 people have reportedly been interrogated in the case so far.

Burari deaths: Doctors 'haven't found any foul play' yet

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/thailand-cave-rescue-rescued-boys-and-coach-to-be-kept-quarantined-in-hospital-for-a-week-150534">Thailand cave rescue: 12 boys and coach to remain quarantined in hospital for a week</a>

All 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped for more than two weeks deep inside a flooded Thai cave have been rescued, a Thai navy SEAL unit said on Tuesday, a successful end to a perilous mission that has gripped the world.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/secularism-and-plurality-under-stress-in-india-hamid-ansari-to-wion-150536">Secularism and plurality under stress in India: Hamid Ansari to WION</a>

Former Vice-President of India Hamid Ansari has said that secularism and plurality is under stress in India. In an exclusive interview to WION, Ansari spoke on issues ranging from PM Modi's farewell speech to cultural nationalism and importance of secularism in public life. He said India is a complex and diverse society and secularism is understood and practiced differently here.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-maryam-placed-on-exit-control-list-not-allowed-to-leave-pakistan-150499">Nawaz Sharif, Maryam placed on Exit Control List, not allowed to leave Pakistan&nbsp</a>

According to Pakistan Interior Ministry, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz have been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) after being convicted in the Avenfield reference case.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/india-south-korea-sign-11-mous-to-strengthen-strategic-partnership-150472">India, South Korea sign 11 MoUs to strengthen 'strategic partnership'</a>

According to reports, India and South Korea have signed a total of 11 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) so far. The MoUs have been signed on cooperation in the fields of biotechnology, bioeconomics, ICT and Telecommunications.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/mays-reshuffled-cabinet-meets-amid-chaos-over-brexit-plans-150475">May's reshuffled cabinet meets amid chaos over Brexit plans</a>

As the United Kingdom's Prime Minister Theresa May was thrown into disarray following the resignation of her two senior politicians -- Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Brexit minister David Davis May's cabinet arrived at Downing Street on Tuesday ahead of a meeting seeking to unify her government.

&nbsp

 
&nbsp

Thailand cave rescue: 12 boys and coach to remain quarantined in hospital for a week All 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped for more than two weeks deep inside a flooded Thai cave have been rescued, a Thai navy SEAL unit said on Tuesday, a successful end to a perilous mission that has gripped the world. Secularism and plurality under stress in India: Hamid Ansari to WION Former Vice-President of India Hamid Ansari has said that secularism and plurality is under stress in India. In an exclusive interview to WION, Ansari spoke on issues ranging from PM Modi's farewell speech to cultural nationalism and importance of secularism in public life. He said India is a complex and diverse society and secularism is understood and practiced differently here. Nawaz Sharif, Maryam placed on Exit Control List, not allowed to leave Pakistan According to Pakistan Interior Ministry, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz have been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) after being convicted in the Avenfield reference case. India, South Korea sign 11 MoUs to strengthen 'strategic partnership' According to reports, India and South Korea have signed a total of 11 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) so far. The MoUs have been signed on cooperation in the fields of biotechnology, bioeconomics, ICT and Telecommunications. May's reshuffled cabinet meets amid chaos over Brexit plans As the United Kingdom's Prime Minister Theresa May was thrown into disarray following the resignation of her two senior politicians -- Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Brexit minister David Davis May's cabinet arrived at Downing Street on Tuesday ahead of a meeting seeking to unify her government.

Local trains in Mumbai today moved at the snail's pace due to water-logging of the tracks, resulting in harrowing times for lakhs of office-goers and other commuters.

A distance, usually covered in about an hour, took several hours, even up to five hours in some cases, as the rail tracks, as well as roads, were submerged.

This was the scene of the metropolis as it continued to be lashed by heavy rains for the fourth straight day.

This has now become an annual affair during the monsoons and while the citizens may grin, they seem to have become almost immune to these hardships.

"We have now become used to this," said Ranvijay Singh Yadav while travelling from Navi Mumbai to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) by a local train.

On normal days, the daily commuter's 39-km journey would take him about an hour.

Devendra Masurkar, a daily commuter whose travel from Thane to CSMT by a local train normally takes him 40 minutes, today reached his destination after three and a half hours.

He said many office-goers, who got a train after waiting for hours, returned home from midway as the locomotive was moving at a very slow pace and they felt they would be reaching their offices only in the afternoon.

"Some of them ate their lunch inside the train and returned home," said Masurkar who did not give up, even though he reached office late.

"We face such a situation every year but nobody seems to care," he added.

On the water-logged roads, people could be seen wading through knee-deep water while the vehicles were submerged.

In Wadala area, some children, unmindful of the misery around, could be seen happily playing on flooded streets.

Suburban services were suspended on one section of the local network and several long-distance and inter-city express trains were delayed or cancelled, officials said.

Train services were briefly suspended on the Vashi- Mumbai CSMT section of the Harbour Line due to water-logging on tracks between Mankhurd and Govandi stations.

Services on the route, that connects Mumbai with Navi Mumbai, resumed at around 1 pm, but trains negotiated flooded tracks and crawled between Mankhurd and Govandi and again between Wadala and Sewri stations.

The rains also affected Mumbai's famous tiffin carriers Dabbawalas, who are known for their on-time delivery service. They suspended their services today.

The India Meteorological Department's Colaba observatory (for the Mumbai city) recorded 165.8 mm rainfall in the 24-hour period of 8.30 am yesterday till 8.30 am today.

The Santacruz observatory, which records rainfall for the suburban Mumbai, reported 184.3 mm rainfall in the same period.

The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rain till Thursday.

Yesterday, Mumbai recorded the season's highest rainfall at 170 mm, an official said.&nbsp;

Suburban services were suspended on one section of the local network

Local trains in Mumbai today moved at the snail's pace due to water-logging of the tracks, resulting in harrowing times for lakhs of office-goers and other commuters. A distance, usually covered in about an hour, took several hours, even up to five hours in some cases, as the rail tracks, as well as roads, were submerged. This was the scene of the metropolis as it continued to be lashed by heavy rains for the fourth straight day. This has now become an annual affair during the monsoons and while the citizens may grin, they seem to have become almost immune to these hardships. "We have now become used to this," said Ranvijay Singh Yadav while travelling from Navi Mumbai to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) by a local train. On normal days, the daily commuter's 39-km journey would take him about an hour. Devendra Masurkar, a daily commuter whose travel from Thane to CSMT by a local train normally takes him 40 minutes, today reached his destination after three and a half hours. He said many office-goers, who got a train after waiting for hours, returned home from midway as the locomotive was moving at a very slow pace and they felt they would be reaching their offices only in the afternoon. "Some of them ate their lunch inside the train and returned home," said Masurkar who did not give up, even though he reached office late. "We face such a situation every year but nobody seems to care," he added. On the water-logged roads, people could be seen wading through knee-deep water while the vehicles were submerged. In Wadala area, some children, unmindful of the misery around, could be seen happily playing on flooded streets. Suburban services were suspended on one section of the local network and several long-distance and inter-city express trains were delayed or cancelled, officials said. Train services were briefly suspended on the Vashi- Mumbai CSMT section of the Harbour Line due to water-logging on tracks between Mankhurd and Govandi stations. Services on the route, that connects Mumbai with Navi Mumbai, resumed at around 1 pm, but trains negotiated flooded tracks and crawled between Mankhurd and Govandi and again between Wadala and Sewri stations. The rains also affected Mumbai's famous tiffin carriers Dabbawalas, who are known for their on-time delivery service. They suspended their services today. The India Meteorological Department's Colaba observatory (for the Mumbai city) recorded 165.8 mm rainfall in the 24-hour period of 8.30 am yesterday till 8.30 am today. The Santacruz observatory, which records rainfall for the suburban Mumbai, reported 184.3 mm rainfall in the same period. The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rain till Thursday. Yesterday, Mumbai recorded the season's highest rainfall at 170 mm, an official said.

Mumbai rains: IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rains till Thursday

Heavy monsoon rains flooded several low-lying areas of India's financial capital Mumbai on Tuesday, paralyzing train services used by millions of commuters daily and causing flight delays.

Heavy rains hit India's Mumbai for fourth day, disrupt rail, air services

Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations (UN) Tanmaya Lal has reiterated India's strong support for the United Nations' endeavours towards protecting children in situations of armed conflict.

Addressing at a UN Security Council meeting on "Protecting Children Today Prevents Conflict Tomorrow", Ambassador Lal said, "Despite persistent efforts spanning over the last two decades, the rights of millions of children continue to be violated in situations of armed conflict in different parts of the world."

He further said, "Some progress has been made in the implementation of the provisions of the UNSC resolutions on children and armed conflict through greater engagement between the UN agencies and the governments concerned as well as through the integration of children rights issues in the mediation processes. However, a lot more remains to be done especially in keeping with the changing nature of armed conflicts that involves a range of non-state actors."

Ambassador Lal underlined that terrorist entities, including those designated by the UN, continue to exploit children as part of their terror activities with impunity.

"Despite considerable international efforts, children are increasingly victimized both as targets as well as perpetrators of violence. Killing, maiming, abductions as well as rape and other forms of sexual violence against children and attacks on schools and hospitals continue to be used as a tactic of terror, making resolution of conflicts more challenging," he noted.

Ambassador Lal said that the reintegration of children into the society, after their release from armed groups following mediation processes, remained an area that needed more focus.

Throwing light on strengthening India's commitment to socio-economic reintegration of children, he added, "We need to strengthen our commitment to socio-economic reintegration of children who have been released from armed groups, greater integration of child protection provisions in peace processes as well as greater accountability for all violations against children by state and non-state actors. We believe that constructive engagement with the national government concerned, especially in the formulation and effective implementation of action plans are essential and integral to durable peace and security."

Ambassador Lal continued, "The UNSC Resolution 1379 requests UN Secretary-General to report on situations that are on the agenda of the Security Council or that may be brought to the attention of the Security Council by the Secretary-General, in accordance with Article 99 of the Charter, which in his opinion threatened the maintenance of international peace and security."

He expressed his disappointment that despite the clear mandate of the resolution the Secretary General's report included situations which did not meet the definition of an armed conflict or of a threat to the maintenance of international peace and security.

Ambassador Lal underlined that India remained concerned about lack of resources to implement the provisions of the mandate, including the deployment of more child protection advisors and to comprehensively address the connection between conflict prevention and the protection of children.

He further said, "The monitoring and reporting mechanism of the UN should be carried out in close cooperation with the country concerned. The developing capacity of the country concerned to fight against impunity and ensuring accountability will be important. It is also important that access of UN agencies to the armed groups is carried out under the cooperation framework between the UN and the government concerned."&nbsp 
&nbsp

Ambassador Lal underlined that terrorist entities, including those designated by the UN, continue to exploit children as part of their terror activities with impunity

Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations (UN) Tanmaya Lal has reiterated India's strong support for the United Nations' endeavours towards protecting children in situations of armed conflict. Addressing at a UN Security Council meeting on "Protecting Children Today Prevents Conflict Tomorrow", Ambassador Lal said, "Despite persistent efforts spanning over the last two decades, the rights of millions of children continue to be violated in situations of armed conflict in different parts of the world." He further said, "Some progress has been made in the implementation of the provisions of the UNSC resolutions on children and armed conflict through greater engagement between the UN agencies and the governments concerned as well as through the integration of children rights issues in the mediation processes. However, a lot more remains to be done especially in keeping with the changing nature of armed conflicts that involves a range of non-state actors." Ambassador Lal underlined that terrorist entities, including those designated by the UN, continue to exploit children as part of their terror activities with impunity. "Despite considerable international efforts, children are increasingly victimized both as targets as well as perpetrators of violence. Killing, maiming, abductions as well as rape and other forms of sexual violence against children and attacks on schools and hospitals continue to be used as a tactic of terror, making resolution of conflicts more challenging," he noted. Ambassador Lal said that the reintegration of children into the society, after their release from armed groups following mediation processes, remained an area that needed more focus. Throwing light on strengthening India's commitment to socio-economic reintegration of children, he added, "We need to strengthen our commitment to socio-economic reintegration of children who have been released from armed groups, greater integration of child protection provisions in peace processes as well as greater accountability for all violations against children by state and non-state actors. We believe that constructive engagement with the national government concerned, especially in the formulation and effective implementation of action plans are essential and integral to durable peace and security." Ambassador Lal continued, "The UNSC Resolution 1379 requests UN Secretary-General to report on situations that are on the agenda of the Security Council or that may be brought to the attention of the Security Council by the Secretary-General, in accordance with Article 99 of the Charter, which in his opinion threatened the maintenance of international peace and security." He expressed his disappointment that despite the clear mandate of the resolution the Secretary General's report included situations which did not meet the definition of an armed conflict or of a threat to the maintenance of international peace and security. Ambassador Lal underlined that India remained concerned about lack of resources to implement the provisions of the mandate, including the deployment of more child protection advisors and to comprehensively address the connection between conflict prevention and the protection of children. He further said, "The monitoring and reporting mechanism of the UN should be carried out in close cooperation with the country concerned. The developing capacity of the country concerned to fight against impunity and ensuring accountability will be important. It is also important that access of UN agencies to the armed groups is carried out under the cooperation framework between the UN and the government concerned."

India reiterates support to UN's efforts for protecting children in armed conflicts

Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations (UN) Tanmaya Lal hit out at the recent report on Kashmir prepared by the UN Human Rights Office, saying it relied on unverified sources of information.

Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting here, Ambassador Lal said the "document reflected the clear bias of an official", who was acting without any mandate whatsoever.

Lambasting Pakistan for harbouring terrorists in their country, he added, "Such deliberate self-serving attempts by Pakistan seek to obfuscate the reality of their own use of terror organisations to undermine state sovereignty.

A document that was not even found fit to be considered by the membership of the forum where it was submitted."

"They (Pakistan) also divert our discussions away from the issues at hand. Such attempts have not succeeded in the past in any forum and will not do so now," Ambassador Lal continued.

Last month, a 49-page report prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was released, calling for a probe into the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir by both India and Pakistan.

According to the UN report, shortly after protests broke out post the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander, Burhan Wani, in July 2016, the High Commissioner of Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein met officials from both Pakistan and India, who presented two different versions of the situation.

Following this, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called it "misleading and mischievous."

"The report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in the illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression. We have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to vacate the occupied territories. The incorrect description of the Indian Territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir' and 'Gilgit-Baltistan'," the MEA said in a statement.

The MEA further stated "it is disturbing that those behind this report have chosen to describe internationally designated and UN-proscribed terrorist entities as "armed groups" and terrorists as "leaders". This undermines the UN-led consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism."&nbsp

Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting here, Ambassador Lal said the 'document reflected the clear bias of an official', who was acting without any mandate whatsoever

Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations (UN) Tanmaya Lal hit out at the recent report on Kashmir prepared by the UN Human Rights Office, saying it relied on unverified sources of information. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting here, Ambassador Lal said the "document reflected the clear bias of an official", who was acting without any mandate whatsoever. Lambasting Pakistan for harbouring terrorists in their country, he added, "Such deliberate self-serving attempts by Pakistan seek to obfuscate the reality of their own use of terror organisations to undermine state sovereignty. A document that was not even found fit to be considered by the membership of the forum where it was submitted." "They (Pakistan) also divert our discussions away from the issues at hand. Such attempts have not succeeded in the past in any forum and will not do so now," Ambassador Lal continued. Last month, a 49-page report prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was released, calling for a probe into the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir by both India and Pakistan. According to the UN report, shortly after protests broke out post the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander, Burhan Wani, in July 2016, the High Commissioner of Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein met officials from both Pakistan and India, who presented two different versions of the situation. Following this, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called it "misleading and mischievous." "The report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in the illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression. We have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to vacate the occupied territories. The incorrect description of the Indian Territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir' and 'Gilgit-Baltistan'," the MEA said in a statement. The MEA further stated "it is disturbing that those behind this report have chosen to describe internationally designated and UN-proscribed terrorist entities as "armed groups" and terrorists as "leaders". This undermines the UN-led consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism."

UN report on Kashmir relied on unverified sources'

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community activists have expressed their optimism as the hearing of petitions against Section 377 in the Supreme Court gets underway.

Speaking to ANI, Sonali, a transgender from Ahmedabad, said it is a basic right to live with dignity. "This is my right, I am asking for own right in my country, we too want to live with dignity. I have a lot of hopes and expectations of the Supreme Court. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and WHO have said that we are unnatural, but we are also like normal people," she said.

Meanwhile, Nisha Guluru, an LGBT activist from Bengaluru, said the community is looking forward to a remarkable decision from the Apex Court. "This is the fight from the last 20 years which we have been fighting for our personal fundamental right even after getting so much recognition by the government, transgender as the third gender. We are still facing so many problems because of Section 377. We are expecting remarkable judgement by the Supreme Court today to get a personal recognition and to secure our personal life," she said.

However, an LGBT activist from Kolkata, Bappaditya Mukherjee, said the upcoming election and the uncertainty of the government's stance on the issue can be a hurdle. "It is only a matter of time that Section 377 will go. The expectation is that the Supreme Court will undo the kind of itself created with the kind of judgement in 2013. The point is, it will take time. The government wanted to adjourn the issue as the 2019 elections are around the corner and they do not want to disturb any of the Hindutva or fundamental groups. It will depend on the Supreme Court, by this month it will come to a conclusive decision. We are optimistic," she said.

In 2009, the Delhi High Court had decriminalised Section 377, but the order was later set aside by a Supreme-Court bench. Categorised as an unnatural offence, consensual sexual intercourse between persons of same-sex is termed 'against the order of nature'&nbspunder Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and can be punishable by life imprisonment.

In 2009, the Delhi High Court had decriminalised Section 377, but the order was later set aside by a Supreme-Court bench

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community activists have expressed their optimism as the hearing of petitions against Section 377 in the Supreme Court gets underway. Speaking to ANI, Sonali, a transgender from Ahmedabad, said it is a basic right to live with dignity. "This is my right, I am asking for own right in my country, we too want to live with dignity. I have a lot of hopes and expectations of the Supreme Court. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and WHO have said that we are unnatural, but we are also like normal people," she said. Meanwhile, Nisha Guluru, an LGBT activist from Bengaluru, said the community is looking forward to a remarkable decision from the Apex Court. "This is the fight from the last 20 years which we have been fighting for our personal fundamental right even after getting so much recognition by the government, transgender as the third gender. We are still facing so many problems because of Section 377. We are expecting remarkable judgement by the Supreme Court today to get a personal recognition and to secure our personal life," she said. However, an LGBT activist from Kolkata, Bappaditya Mukherjee, said the upcoming election and the uncertainty of the government's stance on the issue can be a hurdle. "It is only a matter of time that Section 377 will go. The expectation is that the Supreme Court will undo the kind of itself created with the kind of judgement in 2013. The point is, it will take time. The government wanted to adjourn the issue as the 2019 elections are around the corner and they do not want to disturb any of the Hindutva or fundamental groups. It will depend on the Supreme Court, by this month it will come to a conclusive decision. We are optimistic," she said. In 2009, the Delhi High Court had decriminalised Section 377, but the order was later set aside by a Supreme-Court bench. Categorised as an unnatural offence, consensual sexual intercourse between persons of same-sex is termed 'against the order of nature'&nbspunder Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and can be punishable by life imprisonment.

SC hears Section 377 case: LGBT community expects favourable outcome

A six-member delegation of Janata Dal (United) met President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday to discuss special status to Bihar.

JD(U) leader Ashok Chaudhary led the six-member delegation.

He told ANI that the President reacted positively to the discussion.

Chaudhary also requested the President to visit Bihar.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had also put forth the demand for granting special status to his state.

Kumar claimed that special status to Bihar was necessary since Bihar lagged behind on several key areas of human development like per capita income, education, health, electricity, institutional finance and others

Chaudhary also requested the President to visit Bihar.

A six-member delegation of Janata Dal (United) met President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday to discuss special status to Bihar. JD(U) leader Ashok Chaudhary led the six-member delegation. He told ANI that the President reacted positively to the discussion. Chaudhary also requested the President to visit Bihar. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had also put forth the demand for granting special status to his state. Kumar claimed that special status to Bihar was necessary since Bihar lagged behind on several key areas of human development like per capita income, education, health, electricity, institutional finance and others

JD(U) delegation meets President over special status to Bihar

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday has filed a detailed reply in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case and opposed former finance minister P Chidambaram's anticipatory bail.

In its statement, the ED said that they have come to a bonafide conclusion that under anticipatory bail, it will not be possible to reach the truth.

"It is submitted that in the investigation conducted so far a strong prima facie case has emerged showing the involvement of the applicant in violation of larger conspiracy is unfolding," said the agency in their statement today.

"P Chidambaram is evasive in his replies to why the total foreign inflow to the tune of US $ 800 million was approved by him on March 13, 2016, deliberately and intentionally without raising any objection," added the official statement.

According to the ED, Chidambaram was examined under provisions of the PML on June 5 and June 12, but his examination is still pending.

Meanwhile, the Delhi's Patiala House Court had extended interim protection granted to P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram till August 7 in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case earlier today.

Earlier, Chidambaram had appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case.

The Aircel-Maxis deal case, which emerged out of 2G spectrum cases, pertains to a grant by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd for investment in Aircel.

The ED had earlier said that the FIPB approval granted in 2006 by Chidambaram was beyond his mandate as he was only authorised to accord approval on project proposals up to Rs 600 crore.

Karti was arrested on February 28 at the Chennai airport upon his return from the United Kingdom, for his alleged role in the case. Currently, Karti is on bail too.&nbsp;

The ED said that they have come to a bonafide conclusion that under anticipatory bail, it will not be possible to reach the truth.

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday has filed a detailed reply in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case and opposed former finance minister P Chidambaram's anticipatory bail. In its statement, the ED said that they have come to a bonafide conclusion that under anticipatory bail, it will not be possible to reach the truth. "It is submitted that in the investigation conducted so far a strong prima facie case has emerged showing the involvement of the applicant in violation of larger conspiracy is unfolding," said the agency in their statement today. "P Chidambaram is evasive in his replies to why the total foreign inflow to the tune of US $ 800 million was approved by him on March 13, 2016, deliberately and intentionally without raising any objection," added the official statement. According to the ED, Chidambaram was examined under provisions of the PML on June 5 and June 12, but his examination is still pending. Meanwhile, the Delhi's Patiala House Court had extended interim protection granted to P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram till August 7 in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case earlier today. Earlier, Chidambaram had appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case. The Aircel-Maxis deal case, which emerged out of 2G spectrum cases, pertains to a grant by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd for investment in Aircel. The ED had earlier said that the FIPB approval granted in 2006 by Chidambaram was beyond his mandate as he was only authorised to accord approval on project proposals up to Rs 600 crore. Karti was arrested on February 28 at the Chennai airport upon his return from the United Kingdom, for his alleged role in the case. Currently, Karti is on bail too.

Aircel-Maxis case: ED opposes Chidambaram's anticipatory bail

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Aircel-Maxis case: ED opposes Chidambaram's anticipatory bail