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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the death of 45 people who were killed after a bus fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand`s Pauri Garhwal district. 
 
"Extremely saddened by the bus accident in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families," the Prime Minister`s Office said in a tweet. 
 
"I pray the injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance at the accident site." 
 
At least 45 people were killed after a bus fell into a 60-metre gorge in Uttarakhand at about 9 am, near the Queens Bridge on the Pipli-Bhaun road when the driver lost control of the 28-seater bus which was headed to Ramnagar from Bhaun. 
 
Eight injured people were rushed to nearby medical facilities. Of the injured, four were in "very critical" condition.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand chief minister&nbsp; Trivendra Singh Rawat announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the dead. Treatment of injured will be taken care of by the government, appropriate compensation will also be given to the injured, he added.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the accident, he further said. &nbsp;

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Extremely saddened by the bus accident in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance at the accident site: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1013312832341987328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Extremely saddened by the bus accident in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families," the Prime Minister`s Office said in a tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the death of 45 people who were killed after a bus fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand`s Pauri Garhwal district. "Extremely saddened by the bus accident in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families," the Prime Minister`s Office said in a tweet. "I pray the injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance at the accident site." At least 45 people were killed after a bus fell into a 60-metre gorge in Uttarakhand at about 9 am, near the Queens Bridge on the Pipli-Bhaun road when the driver lost control of the 28-seater bus which was headed to Ramnagar from Bhaun. Eight injured people were rushed to nearby medical facilities. Of the injured, four were in "very critical" condition. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the dead. Treatment of injured will be taken care of by the government, appropriate compensation will also be given to the injured, he added. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the accident, he further said. Extremely saddened by the bus accident in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance at the accident site: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 1, 2018 ×

Prime Minister Modi condoles Uttarakhand accident victims

For over a couple of decades Shah Rukh Khan, the Badshah of Hindi cinema, has been ruling the hearts of cinema buffs in the country. Shah Rukh Khan recently completed 26 years of his cinematic journey in Bollywood. His wife, Gauri Khan, didn't leave an opportunity to curate some of the highlights of her husband's film career and shared a video clip on Twitter yesterday.

"26 years of precious memories...," read Gauri Khan's tweet.

The 6 minute-long video clip opens with Khan describing his Bollywood journey as a "rollercoaster ride"&nbsp;where he received and shared love and learning.&nbsp;

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26 years of precious memories... <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamsrk</a> ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/wBq6gHMErE">pic.twitter.com/wBq6gHMErE</a>
— Gauri Khan (@gaurikhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/gaurikhan/status/1012699244464037888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the video, King Khan walks down memory lane recalling and reminiscing each year of his career right from the year 1992. He recalls how in 1992 he got a chance to feature in a TV series called Fauji which enabled him to channel his "nervous&nbsp;energy"&nbsp;into what he thought would qualify as a "performance for the screen".

"Here I am in 2018, playing a vertically challenged person but still standing tall with all of your love... from Raj to Don to Rizwan, to Raees to Baua, thanks for loving me so much," Khan says towards the end of the video. &nbsp;

The video winds up by SRK expressing that "all these years have gone by in a flash" and that he still feels that, "picture abhi bhi baki hai".

Khan looked kicked by the idea of starting it all from the start, "shuru se start karte hai, let's start from zero," he concludes.

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Tomorrow will be exactly half a lifetime of being ‘others’. Expressing love,happiness, sadness,dancing,falling & flying. Hope I hav touched small bits of ur hearts & hope I can do so for the whole lifetime... ’रोशनी मेरी बहुत दूर तक जायेगी, पर शर्त यह है, की सलीखे से जलाओ मुझको ‘
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk/status/1011184577178677249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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For over two decades, the 'King of Bollywood' has enchanted cinema lovers with an array of awe-inspiring performances, we hope he continues to win hearts and inspire the coming generation of actors.&nbsp;

In the video, King Khan walks down memory lane recalling and reminiscing each year of his career right from the year 1992

For over a couple of decades Shah Rukh Khan, the Badshah of Hindi cinema, has been ruling the hearts of cinema buffs in the country. Shah Rukh Khan recently completed 26 years of his cinematic journey in Bollywood. His wife, Gauri Khan, didn't leave an opportunity to curate some of the highlights of her husband's film career and shared a video clip on Twitter yesterday. "26 years of precious memories...," read Gauri Khan's tweet. The 6 minute-long video clip opens with Khan describing his Bollywood journey as a "rollercoaster ride" where he received and shared love and learning. 26 years of precious memories... @iamsrk ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wBq6gHMErE — Gauri Khan (@gaurikhan) June 29, 2018 × In the video, King Khan walks down memory lane recalling and reminiscing each year of his career right from the year 1992. He recalls how in 1992 he got a chance to feature in a TV series called Fauji which enabled him to channel his "nervous energy" into what he thought would qualify as a "performance for the screen". "Here I am in 2018, playing a vertically challenged person but still standing tall with all of your love... from Raj to Don to Rizwan, to Raees to Baua, thanks for loving me so much," Khan says towards the end of the video. The video winds up by SRK expressing that "all these years have gone by in a flash" and that he still feels that, "picture abhi bhi baki hai". Khan looked kicked by the idea of starting it all from the start, "shuru se start karte hai, let's start from zero," he concludes. Tomorrow will be exactly half a lifetime of being ‘others’. Expressing love,happiness, sadness,dancing,falling & flying. Hope I hav touched small bits of ur hearts & hope I can do so for the whole lifetime... ’रोशनी मेरी बहुत दूर तक जायेगी, पर शर्त यह है, की सलीखे से जलाओ मुझको ‘ — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) June 25, 2018 × For over two decades, the 'King of Bollywood' has enchanted cinema lovers with an array of awe-inspiring performances, we hope he continues to win hearts and inspire the coming generation of actors.

Gauri Khan shares video of Shah Rukh Khan's 26-year Bollywood journey

The Amarnath Yatra from Jammu was suspended today owing to frequent disruptions caused by heavy rains since the beginning of the annual pilgrimage, while the over 2,000 pilgrims who were stranded in Udhampur, left for the Pahalgam base camp this morning, a police officer said.

"The yatra from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here has been suspended. No pilgrim was allowed from here but the stranded convoy, carrying 2,032 pilgrims, including 315 women, left for Pahalgam base camp in south Kashmir this morning," he said.

According to the officer, the decision to suspend the yatra from here was taken in view of inclement weather.

A majority of the pilgrims in the third batch who left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp yesterday were stranded in Udhampur district due to frequent disruption in the flow of traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

While 844 pilgrims, including 229 women, who opted for the 12-km Baltal route managed to reach their destination late last night, 2,032 pilgrims who chose the traditional 36-km Pahalgam track were stopped by the authorities at Tikri and other places in Udhampur as a precautionary measure.

"After getting the road clearance, the pilgrims were allowed to start their journey towards their destination this morning," the police officer said.

There was an incident of shooting stones at Battery Chashma in Ramban district. Later, the highway was cleared for traffic.

A flood alert was sounded in south and central Kashmir after many parts of the state were lashed by monsoon rains intermittently since June 27, leaving thousands of pilgrims who have reached the twin base camps of Baltal in Ganderbal district and Pahalgam in Anantnag district stranded.

The rains also triggered landslides and shooting stones at several places along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway yesterday, but timely action by the authorities concerned ensured that the 260-km all-weather road connecting the Valley with the rest of the country, remains open.

Officials said over 5,000 pilgrims from various parts of the country had reached Jammu to participate in the yatra.?

"Adequate arrangements are in place for the pilgrims. Over 1,200 pilgrims are lodged at Bhagwati Nagar base camp, while the rest have been provided accommodation at other places," they said.

Despite incessant rains, the pilgrimage to the 3,880 metre high cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas commenced as per schedule on June 28 after several hours of delay. However, the pilgrimage faced frequent disruptions owing to continuous rainfall.?

The 60-day yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 26 coinciding with the 'Raksha Bandhan' festival.&nbsp

A majority of the pilgrims in the third batch who left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp yesterday were stranded in Udhampur district due to frequent disruption in the flow of traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

The Amarnath Yatra from Jammu was suspended today owing to frequent disruptions caused by heavy rains since the beginning of the annual pilgrimage, while the over 2,000 pilgrims who were stranded in Udhampur, left for the Pahalgam base camp this morning, a police officer said. "The yatra from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here has been suspended. No pilgrim was allowed from here but the stranded convoy, carrying 2,032 pilgrims, including 315 women, left for Pahalgam base camp in south Kashmir this morning," he said. According to the officer, the decision to suspend the yatra from here was taken in view of inclement weather. A majority of the pilgrims in the third batch who left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp yesterday were stranded in Udhampur district due to frequent disruption in the flow of traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. While 844 pilgrims, including 229 women, who opted for the 12-km Baltal route managed to reach their destination late last night, 2,032 pilgrims who chose the traditional 36-km Pahalgam track were stopped by the authorities at Tikri and other places in Udhampur as a precautionary measure. "After getting the road clearance, the pilgrims were allowed to start their journey towards their destination this morning," the police officer said. There was an incident of shooting stones at Battery Chashma in Ramban district. Later, the highway was cleared for traffic. A flood alert was sounded in south and central Kashmir after many parts of the state were lashed by monsoon rains intermittently since June 27, leaving thousands of pilgrims who have reached the twin base camps of Baltal in Ganderbal district and Pahalgam in Anantnag district stranded. The rains also triggered landslides and shooting stones at several places along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway yesterday, but timely action by the authorities concerned ensured that the 260-km all-weather road connecting the Valley with the rest of the country, remains open. Officials said over 5,000 pilgrims from various parts of the country had reached Jammu to participate in the yatra.? "Adequate arrangements are in place for the pilgrims. Over 1,200 pilgrims are lodged at Bhagwati Nagar base camp, while the rest have been provided accommodation at other places," they said. Despite incessant rains, the pilgrimage to the 3,880 metre high cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas commenced as per schedule on June 28 after several hours of delay. However, the pilgrimage faced frequent disruptions owing to continuous rainfall.? The 60-day yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 26 coinciding with the 'Raksha Bandhan' festival.

Amarnath Yatra from Jammu suspended due to heavy rains

Jammu and Kashmir <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-governor-calls-for-emergency-flood-management-meeting-148025">Governor NN Vohra chaired an emergency meeting</a> on Saturday in Raj Bhawan to discuss the arising flood situation in the state due to heavy rains.

Several parts&nbsp;of Kashmir is under severe water logging&nbsp;due to&nbsp;heavy rainfall in the state for the past two days.

The meeting highlighted&nbsp;the Jhelum river and the tributaries that are flowing above danger mark after the rains.&nbsp;

The Amarnath Yatra has also been suspended for a while due to the continuous rains in the state.&nbsp;

The officials have also announced shutting down of all schools in the&nbsp;Kashmir division.

&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Anantnag: Following incessant rainfall in the region, Jhelum river and its tributaries are flowing above danger mark. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuandKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuandKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/7KeSN78H8N">pic.twitter.com/7KeSN78H8N</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1012940242394013696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Governor NN Vohra chairs emergency meeting at Raj Bhawan to discuss the situation in Kashmir following heavy rains. Jhelum river and its tributaries are flowing above the danger mark. <a href="https://t.co/sFzjd0uG4d">pic.twitter.com/sFzjd0uG4d</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1012929072320647168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Several parts of the state are experiencing severe water logging due to heavy rainfall for the past two days

Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra chaired an emergency meeting on Saturday in Raj Bhawan to discuss the arising flood situation in the state due to heavy rains. Several parts of Kashmir is under severe water logging due to heavy rainfall in the state for the past two days. The meeting highlighted the Jhelum river and the tributaries that are flowing above danger mark after the rains. The Amarnath Yatra has also been suspended for a while due to the continuous rains in the state. The officials have also announced shutting down of all schools in the Kashmir division. #WATCH Anantnag: Following incessant rainfall in the region, Jhelum river and its tributaries are flowing above danger mark. #JammuandKashmir pic.twitter.com/7KeSN78H8N — ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2018 × Governor NN Vohra chairs emergency meeting at Raj Bhawan to discuss the situation in Kashmir following heavy rains. Jhelum river and its tributaries are flowing above the danger mark. pic.twitter.com/sFzjd0uG4d — ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2018 × (With inputs from Agencies)

Watch: Jhelum river flows above danger mark after heavy rains in J&K, Governor chairs emergency meeting

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 50 per cent jump in Swiss bank deposits by Indians, saying he had promised to bring back all illegal money stashed abroad but his government was now virtually saying that there was no illegal money in Swiss banks.

The Congress also questioned Modi on the rupee`s falling value, which touched an all-time low to breach the Rs 69 per dollar mark on Thursday.

In a tweet, Gandhi, referring to Interim Finance Minister Piyush Goyal`s remarks earlier in the day about the latest data released by the Swiss National Bank that showed a rise in Indian deposits last year, said that the Modi government had carried out demonetization to supposedly curb black money but its stance now was totally different.&nbsp

"In 2014, he said: I will bring back all the `BLACK` money in Swiss Banks and put Rs 15 lakh in each Indian bank account. In 2016, he said: Demonetisation will cure India of `BLACK` money. In 2018, he says: 50 per cent jump in Swiss Bank deposits by Indians, is `WHITE` money. No `BLACK` (money) in Swiss banks!" the Congress chief said.

Goyal, responding to a query about the data on rising Indian deposits last year in Switzerland, said 40 per cent of these were account of the Reserve Bank of India`s Liberalised Remittance Scheme brought during the UPA government under which a resident Indian can remit $250,000 per year.

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2014, HE said: I will bring back all the "BLACK" money in Swiss Banks & put 15 Lakhs in each Indian bank A/C. 
 
2016, HE said: Demonetisation will cure India of "BLACK" money. 
 
2018, HE says: 50% jump in Swiss Bank deposits by Indians, is "WHITE" money. No "BLACK" in Swiss Banks! <a href="https://t.co/7AIgT529ST">pic.twitter.com/7AIgT529ST</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1012628986575314944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He had however promised action if any wrongdoing is revealed, while noting due to various measures of the government, Indians` Swiss bank deposits have been decreasing.&nbsp

Attacking the government on the rupee`s falling value, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjwewala said: "India`s rupee weakening: $1 Rs 69.10 Promise was $1 Rs 40 Black money in Swiss banks increased by 50 per cent to Rs 7,000 crore."

"The promise was to bring back Rs 80 lakh crore in 100 days from foreign banks! Good days (achhe din) turned into `Jumla`. Where are those days of truth," he said in tweets.

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Pre May 2014, Money in Swiss Banks was ‘Black’. 
 
In 49 months of Modi Govt,it turned ‘White’. 
 
While the 2 FM’s(?) defend ‘Swiss Bank A/C Holders’ saying it’s not ‘Illegal’, CBDT says no information on Swiss Bank A/C would be available till Sept 2019. 
 
FAIR & LOVELY LIES OF FM’s? <a href="https://t.co/Oc7758WruC">pic.twitter.com/Oc7758WruC</a>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1012932321924734976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Terming Modi`s promise of bringing back all illegal money stashed abroad as a "jumla", another party spokesman RPN&nbspSingh said that a jump in Swiss bank deposits by Indians happened only twice and that too under BJP government - in 2004 and 2018 - and the party will raise these issues in the Parliament and on the streets.

He said the same questions were raised by Modi when UPA was in power, asking if the Prime Minister will reply to the same questions now.&nbsp

Noting the BJP promised that when in power, they would work towards bringing the rate of a dollar to Rs 40, he said: "Today, the entire nation is watching that the value of rupee in terms of dollar has touched almost Rs 70. For the first time in 70 years, the rupee has fallen to such a low and it has happened under the BJP government."&nbsp

Recalling Modi, as Gujarat Chief Minister, used to make fun of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh`s age and compared it with the value of rupee in terms of dollar, he said: "Rupee is currently the worst performing currency in the world today. But, we shall not point fingers at the Prime Minister in this manner."&nbsp

Attacking the government on the condition of the public sector banks, he said their non-performing assets, or bad loans, have gone up to Rs 10 lakh crore in four years and according to an RBI report, will go up to Rs 15 lakh crore.

"Deposits in the saving accounts of banks have gone down by 7 per cent. People are losing their faith in banks," he also said.

(With angecy inputs)

&nbsp

The Congress also questioned Modi on the rupee`s falling value, which touched an all-time low to breach the Rs 69 per dollar mark on Thursday.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 50 per cent jump in Swiss bank deposits by Indians, saying he had promised to bring back all illegal money stashed abroad but his government was now virtually saying that there was no illegal money in Swiss banks. The Congress also questioned Modi on the rupee`s falling value, which touched an all-time low to breach the Rs 69 per dollar mark on Thursday. In a tweet, Gandhi, referring to Interim Finance Minister Piyush Goyal`s remarks earlier in the day about the latest data released by the Swiss National Bank that showed a rise in Indian deposits last year, said that the Modi government had carried out demonetization to supposedly curb black money but its stance now was totally different. "In 2014, he said: I will bring back all the `BLACK` money in Swiss Banks and put Rs 15 lakh in each Indian bank account. In 2016, he said: Demonetisation will cure India of `BLACK` money. In 2018, he says: 50 per cent jump in Swiss Bank deposits by Indians, is `WHITE` money. No `BLACK` (money) in Swiss banks!" the Congress chief said. Goyal, responding to a query about the data on rising Indian deposits last year in Switzerland, said 40 per cent of these were account of the Reserve Bank of India`s Liberalised Remittance Scheme brought during the UPA government under which a resident Indian can remit $250,000 per year. 2014, HE said: I will bring back all the "BLACK" money in Swiss Banks & put 15 Lakhs in each Indian bank A/C. 2016, HE said: Demonetisation will cure India of "BLACK" money. 2018, HE says: 50% jump in Swiss Bank deposits by Indians, is "WHITE" money. No "BLACK" in Swiss Banks! pic.twitter.com/7AIgT529ST — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 29, 2018 × He had however promised action if any wrongdoing is revealed, while noting due to various measures of the government, Indians` Swiss bank deposits have been decreasing. Attacking the government on the rupee`s falling value, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjwewala said: "India`s rupee weakening: $1 Rs 69.10 Promise was $1 Rs 40 Black money in Swiss banks increased by 50 per cent to Rs 7,000 crore." "The promise was to bring back Rs 80 lakh crore in 100 days from foreign banks! Good days (achhe din) turned into `Jumla`. Where are those days of truth," he said in tweets. Pre May 2014, Money in Swiss Banks was ‘Black’. In 49 months of Modi Govt,it turned ‘White’. While the 2 FM’s(?) defend ‘Swiss Bank A/C Holders’ saying it’s not ‘Illegal’, CBDT says no information on Swiss Bank A/C would be available till Sept 2019. FAIR & LOVELY LIES OF FM’s? pic.twitter.com/Oc7758WruC — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) June 30, 2018 × Terming Modi`s promise of bringing back all illegal money stashed abroad as a "jumla", another party spokesman RPN&nbspSingh said that a jump in Swiss bank deposits by Indians happened only twice and that too under BJP government - in 2004 and 2018 - and the party will raise these issues in the Parliament and on the streets. He said the same questions were raised by Modi when UPA was in power, asking if the Prime Minister will reply to the same questions now. Noting the BJP promised that when in power, they would work towards bringing the rate of a dollar to Rs 40, he said: "Today, the entire nation is watching that the value of rupee in terms of dollar has touched almost Rs 70. For the first time in 70 years, the rupee has fallen to such a low and it has happened under the BJP government." Recalling Modi, as Gujarat Chief Minister, used to make fun of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh`s age and compared it with the value of rupee in terms of dollar, he said: "Rupee is currently the worst performing currency in the world today. But, we shall not point fingers at the Prime Minister in this manner." Attacking the government on the condition of the public sector banks, he said their non-performing assets, or bad loans, have gone up to Rs 10 lakh crore in four years and according to an RBI report, will go up to Rs 15 lakh crore. "Deposits in the saving accounts of banks have gone down by 7 per cent. People are losing their faith in banks," he also said. (With angecy inputs)

Rahul Gandhi targets Modi on jump in Indians' Swiss bank deposits

Three separate lynching cases in a day in Tripura triggered a blame game between the ruling BJP and the opposition CPI(M) and Congress on Friday.

Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath blamed the CPI(M) for the lynching incidents, while the left party and the Congress held Nath responsible for the cases.

A man hired by the Tripura Information and Culture Department to spread awareness against rumour-mongering, an unidentified woman, and a hawker from Uttar Pradesh were beaten to death on the suspicion of being child-lifters in three districts of the state on Thursday.

Assistant Inspector General of Police (law and order) Smriti Ranjan Das said 12 people were arrested in the three cases till this evening.

The mobs had been charged because of the "baseless" comments of organ harvesting by Nath and he is liable for the three deaths, state Congress vice-president Tapas Dey alleged in a press conference in Agartala.

The body of an 11-year-old boy with deep wounds on the neck and back was found at Bhumiheen Colony of Mohanpur sub-division in West Tripura district on Wednesday.

Nath, who is the MLA of Mohanpur assembly constituency, has visited the bereaved family the same day.

"In a video that went viral on social media, Nath was seen stating the wounds on the boy's body suggested that his kidneys might have been extracted," Dey said.

However, the chief minister said in the assembly yesterday that no organs were harvested from the boy's body, he said.

The party demanded a probe into the incidents.

CPI(M) spokesperson Goutam Das alleged that the law minister himself should be held responsible for rumour-mongering over the organ harvesting racket.

"How can a minister make such claims without verification? He should take moral responsibility and resign. Otherwise, the chief minister should sack him," Das said.

Deb, the chief minister, said, "The CPI(M) has hatched a conspiracy to tarnish the image of the government with an ulterior motive. Many of those arrested in connection with the incidents were CPI(M) workers."

Nobody involved with the incidents would be spared, he told reporters.

Nath said, "It is the blue print of the CPI(M) to destabilise the BJP-IPFT government, which came to power only three months ago and is providing governance without bias."

"The CPI(M) has started the politics of murder. We will not tolerate it. The CPI(M) is directly involved with the incidents of lynching," he claimed.

The Congress also criticised the state government for suspending the Internet and SMS services for 48 hours in the state.

"It appears as if emergency has been imposed. The government is creating more fear among the people," De said.

Following the lynching incidents, Tripura Director General of Police A K Shukla yesterday suspended SMS and Internet services in the entire state for 48 hours to prevent rumour-mongering.

Sukanta Chakrabarty (33) was lynched by a mob suspecting him of being a child-lifter at Kalachhara in South Tripura district last night. He was a member of a team set up by the state Information and Culture Affairs Department which was campaigning against rumour-mongering.

Chakrabarty was attacked when the team was returning to Sabroom.

An unidentified woman was lynched and another injured when she along with four men was moving in a vehicle at Bishalgarh in Sipahijala district on Thursday.

In the third incident, a hawker from Uttar Pradesh was lynched and two others were injured after a mob attacked them on the suspicion of being child-lifters at Murabari in West Tripura district on Thursday.

The chief minister appealed to the people to maintain calm, saying there was no child-lifter in the state.

Nath and BJP state vice-president Pratima Bhowmik said they have alerted party workers to thwart any such incident and cooperate with the police.

Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath blamed the CPI(M) for the lynching incidents, while the left party and the Congress held Nath responsible for the cases

Three separate lynching cases in a day in Tripura triggered a blame game between the ruling BJP and the opposition CPI(M) and Congress on Friday. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath blamed the CPI(M) for the lynching incidents, while the left party and the Congress held Nath responsible for the cases. A man hired by the Tripura Information and Culture Department to spread awareness against rumour-mongering, an unidentified woman, and a hawker from Uttar Pradesh were beaten to death on the suspicion of being child-lifters in three districts of the state on Thursday. Assistant Inspector General of Police (law and order) Smriti Ranjan Das said 12 people were arrested in the three cases till this evening. The mobs had been charged because of the "baseless" comments of organ harvesting by Nath and he is liable for the three deaths, state Congress vice-president Tapas Dey alleged in a press conference in Agartala. The body of an 11-year-old boy with deep wounds on the neck and back was found at Bhumiheen Colony of Mohanpur sub-division in West Tripura district on Wednesday. Nath, who is the MLA of Mohanpur assembly constituency, has visited the bereaved family the same day. "In a video that went viral on social media, Nath was seen stating the wounds on the boy's body suggested that his kidneys might have been extracted," Dey said. However, the chief minister said in the assembly yesterday that no organs were harvested from the boy's body, he said. The party demanded a probe into the incidents. CPI(M) spokesperson Goutam Das alleged that the law minister himself should be held responsible for rumour-mongering over the organ harvesting racket. "How can a minister make such claims without verification? He should take moral responsibility and resign. Otherwise, the chief minister should sack him," Das said. Deb, the chief minister, said, "The CPI(M) has hatched a conspiracy to tarnish the image of the government with an ulterior motive. Many of those arrested in connection with the incidents were CPI(M) workers." Nobody involved with the incidents would be spared, he told reporters. Nath said, "It is the blue print of the CPI(M) to destabilise the BJP-IPFT government, which came to power only three months ago and is providing governance without bias." "The CPI(M) has started the politics of murder. We will not tolerate it. The CPI(M) is directly involved with the incidents of lynching," he claimed. The Congress also criticised the state government for suspending the Internet and SMS services for 48 hours in the state. "It appears as if emergency has been imposed. The government is creating more fear among the people," De said. Following the lynching incidents, Tripura Director General of Police A K Shukla yesterday suspended SMS and Internet services in the entire state for 48 hours to prevent rumour-mongering. Sukanta Chakrabarty (33) was lynched by a mob suspecting him of being a child-lifter at Kalachhara in South Tripura district last night. He was a member of a team set up by the state Information and Culture Affairs Department which was campaigning against rumour-mongering. Chakrabarty was attacked when the team was returning to Sabroom. An unidentified woman was lynched and another injured when she along with four men was moving in a vehicle at Bishalgarh in Sipahijala district on Thursday. In the third incident, a hawker from Uttar Pradesh was lynched and two others were injured after a mob attacked them on the suspicion of being child-lifters at Murabari in West Tripura district on Thursday. The chief minister appealed to the people to maintain calm, saying there was no child-lifter in the state. Nath and BJP state vice-president Pratima Bhowmik said they have alerted party workers to thwart any such incident and cooperate with the police.

Tripura lynching cases trigger political blame game

A three-day conference of India’s heads of missions in foreign nations began Saturday, during which the envoys will discuss the country’s foreign policy priorities and other important issues.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the 9th Heads of Mission Conference themed ‘Unprecedented Outreach: Unparalleled Outcomes’.

“The time of the year when all our Ambassadors & High Commissioners come to Delhi for a brainstorming session on promoting India’s national interests abroad,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

The government is likely to brief the envoys on economic reform initiatives and steps taken for ease-of-doing business so that they can highlight them in their respective countries of postings.

Indian envoys in multilateral forums are also attending the conference. The envoys are expected to have a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The government is likely to brief the envoys on economic reform initiatives and steps taken for ease-of-doing business so that they can highlight them in their respective countries of postings.

A three-day conference of India’s heads of missions in foreign nations began Saturday, during which the envoys will discuss the country’s foreign policy priorities and other important issues. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the 9th Heads of Mission Conference themed ‘Unprecedented Outreach: Unparalleled Outcomes’. “The time of the year when all our Ambassadors & High Commissioners come to Delhi for a brainstorming session on promoting India’s national interests abroad,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. The government is likely to brief the envoys on economic reform initiatives and steps taken for ease-of-doing business so that they can highlight them in their respective countries of postings. Indian envoys in multilateral forums are also attending the conference. The envoys are expected to have a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Heads of Indian missions attend brainstorming meet in Delhi

The President has summoned the Rajya Sabha for the Monsoon Session from July 18 and it is scheduled to conclude on August 10, according to an official statement.

"The President has summoned the Rajya Sabha to meet on Wednesday, July 18 at New Delhi. Subject to exigencies of business, the session is scheduled to conclude on Friday, August 10," Upper House secretary general Desh Deepak Verma said in the statement.&nbsp

The Monsoon session will have nearly 18 sittings, parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar had announced early this week.

The triple talaq bill, which has been passed by the Lok Sabha and is pending in the Rajya Sabha, will be at the top of the government's agenda.

More than six ordinances will be taken up, Kumar had said.&nbsp

The Monsoon session will have nearly 18 sittings, parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar had announced early this week.

The President has summoned the Rajya Sabha for the Monsoon Session from July 18 and it is scheduled to conclude on August 10, according to an official statement. "The President has summoned the Rajya Sabha to meet on Wednesday, July 18 at New Delhi. Subject to exigencies of business, the session is scheduled to conclude on Friday, August 10," Upper House secretary general Desh Deepak Verma said in the statement. The Monsoon session will have nearly 18 sittings, parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar had announced early this week. The triple talaq bill, which has been passed by the Lok Sabha and is pending in the Rajya Sabha, will be at the top of the government's agenda. More than six ordinances will be taken up, Kumar had said.

President summons Rajya Sabha for Monsoon Session

In a double cheer for India, two building clusters of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architectural styles in Mumbai were today jointly inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, pushing the country’s financial capital high on global cultural map. This is the third such honour for the metropolis after the Elephanta Caves and the majestic Victoria Terminus -rechristened Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station railway station — which earned the coveted tag in 1987 and 2004 respectively.

“Just inscribed as @UNESCO #WorldHeritage site: Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, #India Congratulations!,” UNESCO tweeted. The decision was taken during the 42nd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC), currently underway in Manama, Bahrain.

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? BREAKING! 
 
Just inscribed as <a href="https://twitter.com/UNESCO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNESCO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldHeritage?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldHeritage</a> site: Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> ??. Congratulations! ? 
 
ℹ️ <a href="https://t.co/2yNtdUSvGc">https://t.co/2yNtdUSvGc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/42whc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#42whc</a> <a href="https://t.co/PqFzcWWaxC">pic.twitter.com/PqFzcWWaxC</a>
— UNESCO (@UNESCO) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNESCO/status/1012965855464972289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Mumbai-based conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah, who prepared the voluminous nomination dossier ‘Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai’, said it is a great honour for the city and for India.

“These buildings are of iconic architectural styles. They represent a living heritage of the country, and the evolution of the landscape of the city over nearly two centuries. It puts Mumbai, perennially described the ‘financial city’, high up on global cultural map.

“All 21 countries in the WHC supported the nomination which is very rare. Azerbaijan called it the ‘perfect’ dossier and France as observer country termed it ‘magnificent’, ” Lambah told PTI over phone from Manama.

India hailed the decision as a “remarkable achievement”.

The Union Culture Ministry said that with this UNESCO tag, the count of World Heritage Sites in the country has now risen to 37, of which 29 are cultural, seven natural and one mixed site.

In a statement, it said the ensemble consists of 94 buildings primarily of 19th-century Victorian Gothic revival and early 20th century Art Deco style of architecture.

“The Victorian buildings form part of the larger Fort precinct situated to the east of the Oval Maidan. These public buildings, include the Old Secretariat (1857-74), University Library and Convention Hall (1874-78), the Bombay High Court (1878), the Public Works Department Office (1872), Watson’s Hotel (1869), David Sasoon Library (1870), the Elphinstone College (1888),” it said.

Union Minister of State for Culture Mahesh Sharma congratulated the residents of Mumbai and the entire country for this landmark achievement.

“The international recognition to the heritage precinct of the city of Mumbai is a matter of great pride to the nation and it will boost the local economy in a number of ways.

“This achievement is expected to give a tremendous fillip to domestic and international tourism leading to increased employment generation, creation of world-class infrastructure and augmentation of sale of local handicrafts, handlooms and heritage memorabilia,” he said.

Lambah said Prince of Wales Museum (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) and NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Art) are also in the Victorian Gothic list that would now be celebrated even more.

“The buildings on the first row of Marine Drive, the Regal and Eros Cinemas count among the Art Deco structures that have earned the recognition.

“This is different from previous nominations as, earlier either very ancient or medieval buildings were recognised. But in this case, we have government buildings like the High Court, the Mumbai Police Headquarters, private houses and cultural spaces and sports facilities, which belong to the modern era,” Lambah said.

The city now has equal number of UNESCO sites as Delhi, which has three — Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, she said, adding Maharashtra now has a total of five such sites, including the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad.

Vice-President of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Rohit Jigyasu also hailed the recognition as a big achievement for India, saying that an ICOMOS team had last year inspected the buildings part of the ensembles after the nominations were sent to UNESCO.

The nomination, in three volumes, ran into over 1,200 pages and contained old maps, photographs, drawings and notes about several buildings.

Mumbai-based conservation architect Vikas Dilawari, who had worked on the nomination dossier for Victoria Terminus, said, “Several of these buildings are already protected and I am sure this UNESCO tag will further help in creating a climate of historical preservation in Mumbai and other parts of the country. Of course, I am delighted as a countryman, but would have been happier if more buildings could have been included in the list, such as the famed Municipal Building.”

“But, from VT to this, it’s been 14 years and we have added more buildings, so hopefully in the future, the UNESCO tag footprint will expand and perhaps include whole Fort area,” he said.

Last year, Ahmedabad was declared as a World Heritage City, the first city in India to have earned that tag.

The culture ministry said in the last five years alone, India got seven of its properties/sites inscribed in the World Heritage List of UNESCO, adding, while India stands second largest after China in terms of number of World Heritage properties in ASPAC (Asia and Pacific) region, it is overall sixth in the world.

Mumbai now has equal number of UNESCO sites as Delhi, which has three- Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Maharashtra now has a total of five such sites, including the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad.

In a double cheer for India, two building clusters of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architectural styles in Mumbai were today jointly inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, pushing the country’s financial capital high on global cultural map. This is the third such honour for the metropolis after the Elephanta Caves and the majestic Victoria Terminus -rechristened Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station railway station — which earned the coveted tag in 1987 and 2004 respectively. “Just inscribed as @UNESCO #WorldHeritage site: Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, #India Congratulations!,” UNESCO tweeted. The decision was taken during the 42nd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC), currently underway in Manama, Bahrain. ? BREAKING! Just inscribed as @UNESCO #WorldHeritage site: Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, #India ??. Congratulations! ? ℹ️ https://t.co/2yNtdUSvGc #42whc pic.twitter.com/PqFzcWWaxC — UNESCO (@UNESCO) June 30, 2018 × Mumbai-based conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah, who prepared the voluminous nomination dossier ‘Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai’, said it is a great honour for the city and for India. “These buildings are of iconic architectural styles. They represent a living heritage of the country, and the evolution of the landscape of the city over nearly two centuries. It puts Mumbai, perennially described the ‘financial city’, high up on global cultural map. “All 21 countries in the WHC supported the nomination which is very rare. Azerbaijan called it the ‘perfect’ dossier and France as observer country termed it ‘magnificent’, ” Lambah told PTI over phone from Manama. India hailed the decision as a “remarkable achievement”. The Union Culture Ministry said that with this UNESCO tag, the count of World Heritage Sites in the country has now risen to 37, of which 29 are cultural, seven natural and one mixed site. In a statement, it said the ensemble consists of 94 buildings primarily of 19th-century Victorian Gothic revival and early 20th century Art Deco style of architecture. “The Victorian buildings form part of the larger Fort precinct situated to the east of the Oval Maidan. These public buildings, include the Old Secretariat (1857-74), University Library and Convention Hall (1874-78), the Bombay High Court (1878), the Public Works Department Office (1872), Watson’s Hotel (1869), David Sasoon Library (1870), the Elphinstone College (1888),” it said. Union Minister of State for Culture Mahesh Sharma congratulated the residents of Mumbai and the entire country for this landmark achievement. “The international recognition to the heritage precinct of the city of Mumbai is a matter of great pride to the nation and it will boost the local economy in a number of ways. “This achievement is expected to give a tremendous fillip to domestic and international tourism leading to increased employment generation, creation of world-class infrastructure and augmentation of sale of local handicrafts, handlooms and heritage memorabilia,” he said. Lambah said Prince of Wales Museum (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) and NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Art) are also in the Victorian Gothic list that would now be celebrated even more. “The buildings on the first row of Marine Drive, the Regal and Eros Cinemas count among the Art Deco structures that have earned the recognition. “This is different from previous nominations as, earlier either very ancient or medieval buildings were recognised. But in this case, we have government buildings like the High Court, the Mumbai Police Headquarters, private houses and cultural spaces and sports facilities, which belong to the modern era,” Lambah said. The city now has equal number of UNESCO sites as Delhi, which has three — Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, she said, adding Maharashtra now has a total of five such sites, including the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad. Vice-President of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Rohit Jigyasu also hailed the recognition as a big achievement for India, saying that an ICOMOS team had last year inspected the buildings part of the ensembles after the nominations were sent to UNESCO. The nomination, in three volumes, ran into over 1,200 pages and contained old maps, photographs, drawings and notes about several buildings. Mumbai-based conservation architect Vikas Dilawari, who had worked on the nomination dossier for Victoria Terminus, said, “Several of these buildings are already protected and I am sure this UNESCO tag will further help in creating a climate of historical preservation in Mumbai and other parts of the country. Of course, I am delighted as a countryman, but would have been happier if more buildings could have been included in the list, such as the famed Municipal Building.” “But, from VT to this, it’s been 14 years and we have added more buildings, so hopefully in the future, the UNESCO tag footprint will expand and perhaps include whole Fort area,” he said. Last year, Ahmedabad was declared as a World Heritage City, the first city in India to have earned that tag. The culture ministry said in the last five years alone, India got seven of its properties/sites inscribed in the World Heritage List of UNESCO, adding, while India stands second largest after China in terms of number of World Heritage properties in ASPAC (Asia and Pacific) region, it is overall sixth in the world.

Mumbai’s Victorian Gothic, Art Deco buildings get UNESCO World Heritage tag

The weather office has predicted more rains for Delhi today. The maximum temperature is likely to touch the 35 degrees Celsius mark today, the meteorological department said.

"The maximum temperature would around 35 degrees Celsius, a notch below the normal while the minimum temperature is expected to settle at 27.5 degrees Celsius," a MeT official said.

"One or two spells of rains are expected to hit the national capital today," the official added.&nbsp;

After a long spell of dust storms and scorching heat, Delhi finally received a relief as south-west monsoon hit the city this week.&nbsp;

According to reports, rains helped settle the pollution in the capital city and Delhiites breathed the cleanest air this week, in the satisfactory level, for the first time in nearly a year.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) value for the capital was a "satisfactory" at 83 on June 29, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After a long spell of dust storms and scorching heat, Delhi finally received a relief as south-west monsoon hit the city this week

The weather office has predicted more rains for Delhi today. The maximum temperature is likely to touch the 35 degrees Celsius mark today, the meteorological department said. "The maximum temperature would around 35 degrees Celsius, a notch below the normal while the minimum temperature is expected to settle at 27.5 degrees Celsius," a MeT official said. "One or two spells of rains are expected to hit the national capital today," the official added. After a long spell of dust storms and scorching heat, Delhi finally received a relief as south-west monsoon hit the city this week. According to reports, rains helped settle the pollution in the capital city and Delhiites breathed the cleanest air this week, in the satisfactory level, for the first time in nearly a year. The Air Quality Index (AQI) value for the capital was a "satisfactory" at 83 on June 29, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi may receive more rains today: IMD

Taking exception to the US telling India to end oil imports from Iran, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has sought to know how America could “interfere” in issues involving India’s sovereignty.

“Who is he to tell India? Who are you to say take (oil) from here, from there? Would the US president say what to buy and from where by interfering in India’s sovereignty?” he asked while addressing a public meeting in Hyderabad on Saturday.

The US has told India and other countries this week to cut oil imports from Iran to “zero” by November 4 or face sanctions, making it clear that there would be no waivers to anyone.

Iran is India’s third-largest oil supplier behind Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Iran supplied 18.4 million tonnes of crude oil during April 2017 and January 2018 (first 10 months of 2017-18 fiscal).

Stating that Europe, Russia and China have now turned against America, Owaisi, Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad, said India should also firm up its policy.

Criticising the NDA government at the Centre, he said the supporters of Modi had said oil prices would come down (to Rs 40 per litre) if he became Prime Minister, but the price has now gone up to Rs 82.

Asserting that his party was ready for election even if the Lok Sabha polls are advanced, as being discussed in some quarters, he claimed that MIM would be successful even if the BJP and Congress fought together.

“Mr Modi, you contest a seat from here also. If not fighting, send your Shah. I am telling Congressmen also. Both fight together, still Majlis (AIMIM) would be successful,” he said.

Criticising the NDA government at the Centre, Asaduddin Owaisi said the supporters of Modi had said oil prices would come down (to Rs 40 per litre) if he became Prime Minister, but the price has now gone up to Rs 82.

Taking exception to the US telling India to end oil imports from Iran, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has sought to know how America could “interfere” in issues involving India’s sovereignty. “Who is he to tell India? Who are you to say take (oil) from here, from there? Would the US president say what to buy and from where by interfering in India’s sovereignty?” he asked while addressing a public meeting in Hyderabad on Saturday. The US has told India and other countries this week to cut oil imports from Iran to “zero” by November 4 or face sanctions, making it clear that there would be no waivers to anyone. Iran is India’s third-largest oil supplier behind Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Iran supplied 18.4 million tonnes of crude oil during April 2017 and January 2018 (first 10 months of 2017-18 fiscal). Stating that Europe, Russia and China have now turned against America, Owaisi, Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad, said India should also firm up its policy. Criticising the NDA government at the Centre, he said the supporters of Modi had said oil prices would come down (to Rs 40 per litre) if he became Prime Minister, but the price has now gone up to Rs 82. Asserting that his party was ready for election even if the Lok Sabha polls are advanced, as being discussed in some quarters, he claimed that MIM would be successful even if the BJP and Congress fought together. “Mr Modi, you contest a seat from here also. If not fighting, send your Shah. I am telling Congressmen also. Both fight together, still Majlis (AIMIM) would be successful,” he said.

How can US ‘interfere’ in India’s sovereignty, asks Owaisi

With a rise in the<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-lodges-fir-in-stone-pelting-incident-in-jk-33930"> stone pelting incidents</a> in Jammu and Kashmir, there is an increase in the number of women stone pelters too.

To tackle the situation, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has prepared a team of lady commandos.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/incidents-of-stone-pelting-have-reduced-in-jk-due-to-nias-role-rajnath-singh-19225">Incidents of stone pelting have reduced in J&K due to NIA's role: Rajnath Singh</a>

These women commandos have been given rigorous training which includes being blindfolded to deal with night-time deployment and repairing weapons in under a minute in case of any malfunction.

The security forces have been repeatedly challenged by the incidents of stone pelting across the Valley in recent times.

Earlier on May 7, R. Thirumani (22),<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jk-tourism-department-provides-rs-5-l-cheque-to-family-of-chennai-man-killed-in-stone-pelting--143503"> a tourist from Chennai, died in a hospital after being hit by a stone </a>during clashes in Narbal area.

On May 2, a bus carrying school students was attacked by stone-pelters in Zawoora village of Shopian district. Also, seven tourists were injured when stone-throwers targeted vehicles in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on April 30.

These women commandos have been given rigorous training which includes being blindfolded to deal with night-time deployment and repairing weapons in under a minute in case of any malfunction

With a rise in the stone pelting incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, there is an increase in the number of women stone pelters too. To tackle the situation, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has prepared a team of lady commandos. Also read: Incidents of stone pelting have reduced in J&K due to NIA's role: Rajnath Singh These women commandos have been given rigorous training which includes being blindfolded to deal with night-time deployment and repairing weapons in under a minute in case of any malfunction. The security forces have been repeatedly challenged by the incidents of stone pelting across the Valley in recent times. Earlier on May 7, R. Thirumani (22), a tourist from Chennai, died in a hospital after being hit by a stone during clashes in Narbal area. On May 2, a bus carrying school students was attacked by stone-pelters in Zawoora village of Shopian district. Also, seven tourists were injured when stone-throwers targeted vehicles in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on April 30.

Jammu and Kashmir: CRPF women commandos prepared to deal with stone pelters

India has welcomed the decision of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to place Pakistan in its Compliance Document (Grey list) for ICRG monitoring, ANI reported.&nbsp;

The MEA stated that Pakistan has always shown commitment towards addressing global concerns on the implementation of FATF standards for countering terror financing and anti-money laundering, especially with respect to UN designated and internationally proscribed terror entities and individuals. However, "the freedom and impunity with which the designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and entities like Jamaat-Ud-Dawaa, Lashkar-e-Tayabba, Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to operate in Pakistan is not in keeping with such commitments," the MEA statement noted.&nbsp;

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India welcomes the decision of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to place Pakistan in its Compliance Document (Grey list) for ICRG monitoring: MEA on grey listing of Pakistan by FATF
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1012898440186089472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India hoped that Pakistan complies with the FATF Action plan and takes "credible measures to address global concerns related to terrorism emanating from any territory under its control".

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The freedom and impunity with which the designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and entities like Jamaat-Ud-Dawaa, Lashkar-e-Tayabba, Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to operate in Pakistan is not in keeping with such commitments: MEA 2/2
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1012898445043163136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-commits-to-implement-fatf-action-plan-148020">Pakistan is the ninth country</a> to be placed on the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) "grey list", the other eight being Ethiopia, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia and Yemen.

These nine countries have been labelled by the FATF as "jurisdictions (states) with strategic deficiencies" that can harm the international financial system if they do not take immediate steps to stop the financing of terrorists and money laundering activities.

The decision was taken by the FATF Plenary that met in Paris from June 24 to 29 after reviewing the monitoring report of the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG).

The ICRG report reveals that Islamabad has shown progress in three out of the four major areas of concerns:.Improved supervision of the financial sector. Asking banks to drop the 'good guy' list. Commitment to work with the FATF and APG to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and address strategic counter-terrorist financing-related deficiencies.

The only major area where Pakistan has admitted to being deficient is in preventing cross-border smuggling of cash.

Pakistan has told the FATF that it will implement its action plan to accomplish these objectives of properly identifying, assessing and supervising the removal of terrorism financing risks on a risk-sensitive basis.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan is the ninth country to be placed on the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) 'grey list'

India has welcomed the decision of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to place Pakistan in its Compliance Document (Grey list) for ICRG monitoring, ANI reported. The MEA stated that Pakistan has always shown commitment towards addressing global concerns on the implementation of FATF standards for countering terror financing and anti-money laundering, especially with respect to UN designated and internationally proscribed terror entities and individuals. However, "the freedom and impunity with which the designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and entities like Jamaat-Ud-Dawaa, Lashkar-e-Tayabba, Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to operate in Pakistan is not in keeping with such commitments," the MEA statement noted. India welcomes the decision of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to place Pakistan in its Compliance Document (Grey list) for ICRG monitoring: MEA on grey listing of Pakistan by FATF — ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2018 × India hoped that Pakistan complies with the FATF Action plan and takes "credible measures to address global concerns related to terrorism emanating from any territory under its control". The freedom and impunity with which the designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and entities like Jamaat-Ud-Dawaa, Lashkar-e-Tayabba, Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to operate in Pakistan is not in keeping with such commitments: MEA 2/2 — ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2018 × Pakistan is the ninth country to be placed on the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) "grey list", the other eight being Ethiopia, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia and Yemen. These nine countries have been labelled by the FATF as "jurisdictions (states) with strategic deficiencies" that can harm the international financial system if they do not take immediate steps to stop the financing of terrorists and money laundering activities. The decision was taken by the FATF Plenary that met in Paris from June 24 to 29 after reviewing the monitoring report of the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG). The ICRG report reveals that Islamabad has shown progress in three out of the four major areas of concerns:.Improved supervision of the financial sector. Asking banks to drop the 'good guy' list. Commitment to work with the FATF and APG to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and address strategic counter-terrorist financing-related deficiencies. The only major area where Pakistan has admitted to being deficient is in preventing cross-border smuggling of cash. Pakistan has told the FATF that it will implement its action plan to accomplish these objectives of properly identifying, assessing and supervising the removal of terrorism financing risks on a risk-sensitive basis. (With inputs from agencies)

India welcomes FATF's move to place Pakistan in 'grey list'

Amid <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-9-congress-mlas1-minister-head-to-meet-siddaramaiah-147405">discontent among some of the ruling coalition members in Karnataka</a>, state BJP President B S Yeddyurappa claimed on Friday that several leaders from both <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/nobody-can-touch-me-till-at-least-lok-sabha-polls-karnataka-cm-kumaraswamy-144661">Congress and JD(S)</a> were ready to join his party.

Addressing the BJP state executive meet in Bengaluru, the leader of opposition in the assembly also termed the JD(S)-Congress partnership an "unholy coalition" and the budget scheduled to be presented by it on July 5 as a "minority budget".&nbsp;

He asked his partymen to work towards ensuring the BJP wins 25 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 national elections.&nbsp;

"Several Congress and JD(S) leaders are ready to join the BJP in the current political situation. I appeal to leaders to work towards strengthening the party by bringing in honest and capable people without thinking that new inductees would affect their own chances," he said.

"Those who are ready to come to the BJP, we have to go to them personally, to their houses and talk to them and bring them to the party fold and strengthen the party for Lok Sabha polls," he said.

Earlier too, when there was widespread dissatisfaction in both Congress and JD(S) following the cabinet expansion, Yeddyurappa had claimed that several "disgruntled" leaders from the ruling coalition were eager to join his party.

Yeddyurappa's recent Ahmedabad trip to meet party national president Amit Shah had fuelled speculations that several dissatisfied Congress MLAs were in touch with him and ready to switch over, which might again try its hand to form a government in the state.

However, he himself had sought to end the speculation, saying he had gone to invite Shah for state unit executive meeting.

Yeddyurappa had resigned as chief minister without facing a vote of confidence in the assembly last month as the BJP lacked the numbers for a majority.

The BJP on Friday held its first state executive meeting after the assembly elections in the state in May this year.

It was attended by party General Secretary Muralidhar Rao, Union Ministers Ananth Kumar, Ramesh Jigajinagi, and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, among others.

Explaining the circumstances under which he had to resign as Chief Minister, that led to the formation of Congress-JD(S) coalition government, Yeddyurappa said although legislators from different political parties were ready to join BJP, "because of the paucity of time, we had to face the setback".

He accused Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy of making "false" promises in the JD(S) manifesto.

Listing out pre-poll promises of the JD(S), including the farm loan waiver among others, he called on BJP leaders and workers to go to people with Congress and JD(S) manifestos and inform them that both parties have not walked the talk.

Terming the budget to be presented on July 5 as "budget of 37 MLAs" and "minority budget", Yeddyurappa pointed out that the Congress Legislature Party Leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah has opposed the budget.

"There is confusion between Congress and JD(S), so the budget they will present will not have any sanctity," he claimed.

He said, "This is the budget with the support of just 37 (JDS) MLAs. There is no Congress support to it...There is no sanctity to it. Let's wait and watch what stand the Congress takes in the assembly," he added.

Discordant voices have emerged from the Congress and the JDS on a host of issues, including presentation of the budget, as Siddaramaiah, who held finance portfolio in the previous government, had recently said there was no need for a fresh budget and insisted that a supplementary budget would suffice.

Speaking about differences between the Congress and JD(S), Yeddyurappa told his partymen that the two parties were fighting among themselves and their government was likely to fall.

"...(Hence) let us not take sides. There are no signs of this unholy coalition government continuing. So as a responsible opposition both inside and outside the assembly, we will have to continue our fight for the cause of people," he said.

He also termed as "irresponsible" Kumaraswamy's statement that he was not at the mercy of people of Karnataka, but of the Congress party.

Noting that BJP and its workers had worked with confidence of winning 130-135 seats in the May 12 assembly elections, Yeddyurappa said, "Even when there was pro-BJP wave across the state, because of our own mistakes, we could not win 130-135 seats. This is a painful matter."&nbsp;

'Several Congress and JD(S) leaders are ready to join the BJP in the current political situation. I appeal to leaders to work towards strengthening the party by bringing in honest and capable people without thinking that new inductees would affect their own chances,' he said

Amid discontent among some of the ruling coalition members in Karnataka, state BJP President B S Yeddyurappa claimed on Friday that several leaders from both Congress and JD(S) were ready to join his party. Addressing the BJP state executive meet in Bengaluru, the leader of opposition in the assembly also termed the JD(S)-Congress partnership an "unholy coalition" and the budget scheduled to be presented by it on July 5 as a "minority budget". He asked his partymen to work towards ensuring the BJP wins 25 of the state's 28 Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 national elections. "Several Congress and JD(S) leaders are ready to join the BJP in the current political situation. I appeal to leaders to work towards strengthening the party by bringing in honest and capable people without thinking that new inductees would affect their own chances," he said. "Those who are ready to come to the BJP, we have to go to them personally, to their houses and talk to them and bring them to the party fold and strengthen the party for Lok Sabha polls," he said. Earlier too, when there was widespread dissatisfaction in both Congress and JD(S) following the cabinet expansion, Yeddyurappa had claimed that several "disgruntled" leaders from the ruling coalition were eager to join his party. Yeddyurappa's recent Ahmedabad trip to meet party national president Amit Shah had fuelled speculations that several dissatisfied Congress MLAs were in touch with him and ready to switch over, which might again try its hand to form a government in the state. However, he himself had sought to end the speculation, saying he had gone to invite Shah for state unit executive meeting. Yeddyurappa had resigned as chief minister without facing a vote of confidence in the assembly last month as the BJP lacked the numbers for a majority. The BJP on Friday held its first state executive meeting after the assembly elections in the state in May this year. It was attended by party General Secretary Muralidhar Rao, Union Ministers Ananth Kumar, Ramesh Jigajinagi, and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, among others. Explaining the circumstances under which he had to resign as Chief Minister, that led to the formation of Congress-JD(S) coalition government, Yeddyurappa said although legislators from different political parties were ready to join BJP, "because of the paucity of time, we had to face the setback". He accused Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy of making "false" promises in the JD(S) manifesto. Listing out pre-poll promises of the JD(S), including the farm loan waiver among others, he called on BJP leaders and workers to go to people with Congress and JD(S) manifestos and inform them that both parties have not walked the talk. Terming the budget to be presented on July 5 as "budget of 37 MLAs" and "minority budget", Yeddyurappa pointed out that the Congress Legislature Party Leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah has opposed the budget. "There is confusion between Congress and JD(S), so the budget they will present will not have any sanctity," he claimed. He said, "This is the budget with the support of just 37 (JDS) MLAs. There is no Congress support to it...There is no sanctity to it. Let's wait and watch what stand the Congress takes in the assembly," he added. Discordant voices have emerged from the Congress and the JDS on a host of issues, including presentation of the budget, as Siddaramaiah, who held finance portfolio in the previous government, had recently said there was no need for a fresh budget and insisted that a supplementary budget would suffice. Speaking about differences between the Congress and JD(S), Yeddyurappa told his partymen that the two parties were fighting among themselves and their government was likely to fall. "...(Hence) let us not take sides. There are no signs of this unholy coalition government continuing. So as a responsible opposition both inside and outside the assembly, we will have to continue our fight for the cause of people," he said. He also termed as "irresponsible" Kumaraswamy's statement that he was not at the mercy of people of Karnataka, but of the Congress party. Noting that BJP and its workers had worked with confidence of winning 130-135 seats in the May 12 assembly elections, Yeddyurappa said, "Even when there was pro-BJP wave across the state, because of our own mistakes, we could not win 130-135 seats. This is a painful matter."

Meet and convince rebel Congress, JD(S) MLAs to join BJP for Lok Sabha polls: Yeddyurappa

Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra has called for an emergency meeting at his residence on Saturday to discuss the arising flood like situation across Kashmir after two days of continuous rainfall.

Many parts of Kashmir have been receiving heavy rainfall since the last two days. The first batch of pilgrims on Amarnath Yatra was also halted at Baltal on Thursday due to severe waterlogging.

Incessant rain in the Baltal Sonamarg area in Ganderbal district and Nunwan Pahalgam area in Anantnag district has made the roads slippery and unsafe.

A flood alert has also been sounded by the officials after the Darhali river in Rajouri district overflowed on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Srinagar Police announced that all schools in Kashmir division will remain closed as a precautionary measure.

"In view of the incessant rains, inclement weather and as a precautionary measure all schools in Kashmir division to remain closed today," Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Syed Abid Shah told.&nbsp

Many parts of Kashmir have been receiving heavy rainfall since the last two days. The first batch of pilgrims on Amarnath Yatra was also halted at Baltal on Thursday due to severe waterlogging

Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra has called for an emergency meeting at his residence on Saturday to discuss the arising flood like situation across Kashmir after two days of continuous rainfall. Many parts of Kashmir have been receiving heavy rainfall since the last two days. The first batch of pilgrims on Amarnath Yatra was also halted at Baltal on Thursday due to severe waterlogging. Incessant rain in the Baltal Sonamarg area in Ganderbal district and Nunwan Pahalgam area in Anantnag district has made the roads slippery and unsafe. A flood alert has also been sounded by the officials after the Darhali river in Rajouri district overflowed on Friday. Meanwhile, the Srinagar Police announced that all schools in Kashmir division will remain closed as a precautionary measure. "In view of the incessant rains, inclement weather and as a precautionary measure all schools in Kashmir division to remain closed today," Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Syed Abid Shah told.

Jammu and Kashmir: Governor calls for emergency flood management meeting

India has told the UN that it has faced the scourge of terrorism from across the borders for decades, while its counter-terror efforts get thwarted due to lack of global support in exchange of information and extradition of the accused "hiding" outside.

Speaking at the United Nations High-Level Conference on Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies yesterday, Special Secretary, Internal Security, Home Ministry, Rina Mitra warned that no country can be considered safe from terrorist acts.

She said terrorist entities today have links and operate across borders building networks, raising funds in various ways including internationally, propagating ideologies of hate, recruiting from foreign lands, sourcing arms and weapons from distant providers and smugglers and exploiting modern communication technologies that dissolve distances.

"They are able to select targets of their choosing in countries of their choosing, cross borders often with help from state agencies and inflict terror on innocent peoples. They are able to do this because nation states still struggle to collaborate with their partners and neighbours on countering activities of terror networks, often due to narrow political considerations," she said.

"Worse, there are well-known instances of some states using terror entities for their political ends, providing them with safe havens and other support," she added. Mitra told the conference that India has had to face the scourge of terrorism, mostly originating outside its borders, increasingly over the last two decades, adding that the country's counter-terrorism agencies have developed considerable expertise in preventing such attacks and bringing their perpetrators to justice.

"Many of our efforts continue to be thwarted due to lack of international collaboration in respect of exchange of information and evidence or of extradition of the accused persons who are hiding outside our territory," she said.

The UN had convened its first-ever High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on nations to fight terrorism together with methods that do not compromise the rule of law and human rights.

The UN chief said, "We should engage with all who can help us achieve our goals, including empowering young people through education, jobs and training, and engaging women and all of civil society in the fight against terrorism."

Mitra said terrorism can be effectively tackled only if there is genuine collaboration among nations. While over the past seven decades, some international treaties have elicited international collaboration on specific kinds of terrorist threats, a more comprehensive approach, as embodied in the proposed Convention on Countering International Terrorism "is required in tackling the contemporary form of terrorism that is evolving all the time continues to elude us".

Referring to the sanctions committee in the Security Council, Mitra said some practical steps to counter terrorism have been mandated by the council through the establishment of specific sanctions committees but these have had limited success. "Such efforts have also run into political difficulties due to different strategic considerations of major powers," she said, adding that the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) being discussed by the UN General Assembly over the last decade has also had limited practical impact.

Mitra expressed hope that the UN Conference of counter-terrorism experts and practitioners will start a serious exchange of practical ideas and push for a more coordinated approach to counter terrorism at a global level.

"We hope that this will also provide concrete suggestions for international collaboration. This will also help us discuss some of the emerging threats and challenges posed by international terrorism," she said.

Mitra said India stands ready to work with partners to strengthen practical aspects relating to counter-terrorism efforts, including the exchange of timely and actionable intelligence, prevention of misuse of modern communication technologies and social media platforms, monitoring illicit financial flows and sharing of information relating to the movement of passengers.

Rina Mitra warned that no country can be considered safe from terrorist acts.

India has told the UN that it has faced the scourge of terrorism from across the borders for decades, while its counter-terror efforts get thwarted due to lack of global support in exchange of information and extradition of the accused "hiding" outside. Speaking at the United Nations High-Level Conference on Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies yesterday, Special Secretary, Internal Security, Home Ministry, Rina Mitra warned that no country can be considered safe from terrorist acts. She said terrorist entities today have links and operate across borders building networks, raising funds in various ways including internationally, propagating ideologies of hate, recruiting from foreign lands, sourcing arms and weapons from distant providers and smugglers and exploiting modern communication technologies that dissolve distances. "They are able to select targets of their choosing in countries of their choosing, cross borders often with help from state agencies and inflict terror on innocent peoples. They are able to do this because nation states still struggle to collaborate with their partners and neighbours on countering activities of terror networks, often due to narrow political considerations," she said. "Worse, there are well-known instances of some states using terror entities for their political ends, providing them with safe havens and other support," she added. Mitra told the conference that India has had to face the scourge of terrorism, mostly originating outside its borders, increasingly over the last two decades, adding that the country's counter-terrorism agencies have developed considerable expertise in preventing such attacks and bringing their perpetrators to justice. "Many of our efforts continue to be thwarted due to lack of international collaboration in respect of exchange of information and evidence or of extradition of the accused persons who are hiding outside our territory," she said. The UN had convened its first-ever High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on nations to fight terrorism together with methods that do not compromise the rule of law and human rights. The UN chief said, "We should engage with all who can help us achieve our goals, including empowering young people through education, jobs and training, and engaging women and all of civil society in the fight against terrorism." Mitra said terrorism can be effectively tackled only if there is genuine collaboration among nations. While over the past seven decades, some international treaties have elicited international collaboration on specific kinds of terrorist threats, a more comprehensive approach, as embodied in the proposed Convention on Countering International Terrorism "is required in tackling the contemporary form of terrorism that is evolving all the time continues to elude us". Referring to the sanctions committee in the Security Council, Mitra said some practical steps to counter terrorism have been mandated by the council through the establishment of specific sanctions committees but these have had limited success. "Such efforts have also run into political difficulties due to different strategic considerations of major powers," she said, adding that the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) being discussed by the UN General Assembly over the last decade has also had limited practical impact. Mitra expressed hope that the UN Conference of counter-terrorism experts and practitioners will start a serious exchange of practical ideas and push for a more coordinated approach to counter terrorism at a global level. "We hope that this will also provide concrete suggestions for international collaboration. This will also help us discuss some of the emerging threats and challenges posed by international terrorism," she said. Mitra said India stands ready to work with partners to strengthen practical aspects relating to counter-terrorism efforts, including the exchange of timely and actionable intelligence, prevention of misuse of modern communication technologies and social media platforms, monitoring illicit financial flows and sharing of information relating to the movement of passengers.

At UN, India says it faced the scourge of terrorism originating outside its borders

In a shocking incident, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rapists-burden-on-earth-dont-deserve-to-live-shivraj-singh-chouhan-147864">Madhya Pradesh </a>asked the parents of a minor rape victim to express gratitude to the local MP for visiting them.

Sudarshan Gupta, a legislator of the BJP, was caught on camera in Indore's MY Hospital, asking the victim`s kin to thank his party MP Sudhir Gupta for visiting them at the hospital to inquire about the minor girl`s condition.

Immediately, the parents of the victim were seen nodding and folding their hands before Sudhir.

"Say thank you to the MP (Sudhir Gupta). he has travelled only to meet you (Sansad ji ko dhanyavad boliye, special aapke liye aaye hain)"

The eight-year-old girl was abducted from her school in Hafiz Colony here and allegedly gang-raped at her house in Mandsaur three days ago.

She is presently battling for her life in the hospital.

So far, Madhya Pradesh Police has arrested two people in connection with the incident.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rapists-burden-on-earth-dont-deserve-to-live-shivraj-singh-chouhan-147864">Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan</a> on Friday condemned the incident and said the accused should be hanged till death.

Meanwhile, locals in the district have been protesting against the incident, demanding death penalty to the accused.&nbsp;

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मंदसौर की हैवानियत व बर्बरता दिल देहला देने वाली है। 
 
भाजपा के राज्य में मध्य प्रदेश,महिलाओं के ख़िलाफ़ हो रहे जघन्य अपराधों का गढ़ बन गया है।लोगों का ग़ुस्सा जायज़ है। 
 
ऊपर से पीड़ित परिवार के लोगों को सांत्वना प्रदान करने के बजाय,भाजपाई सांसद उनसे "धन्यवाद"माँग रहें है।शर्मनाक! <a href="https://t.co/8CwP281hlk">pic.twitter.com/8CwP281hlk</a>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1012922992664276992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sudarshan Gupta, a legislator of the BJP, was caught on camera in Indore's MY Hospital, asking the victim`s kin to thank his party MP Sudhir Gupta for visiting them at the hospital to inquire about the minor girl`s condition

In a shocking incident, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Madhya Pradesh asked the parents of a minor rape victim to express gratitude to the local MP for visiting them. Sudarshan Gupta, a legislator of the BJP, was caught on camera in Indore's MY Hospital, asking the victim`s kin to thank his party MP Sudhir Gupta for visiting them at the hospital to inquire about the minor girl`s condition. Immediately, the parents of the victim were seen nodding and folding their hands before Sudhir. "Say thank you to the MP (Sudhir Gupta). he has travelled only to meet you (Sansad ji ko dhanyavad boliye, special aapke liye aaye hain)" The eight-year-old girl was abducted from her school in Hafiz Colony here and allegedly gang-raped at her house in Mandsaur three days ago. She is presently battling for her life in the hospital. So far, Madhya Pradesh Police has arrested two people in connection with the incident. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday condemned the incident and said the accused should be hanged till death. Meanwhile, locals in the district have been protesting against the incident, demanding death penalty to the accused. मंदसौर की हैवानियत व बर्बरता दिल देहला देने वाली है। भाजपा के राज्य में मध्य प्रदेश,महिलाओं के ख़िलाफ़ हो रहे जघन्य अपराधों का गढ़ बन गया है।लोगों का ग़ुस्सा जायज़ है। ऊपर से पीड़ित परिवार के लोगों को सांत्वना प्रदान करने के बजाय,भाजपाई सांसद उनसे "धन्यवाद"माँग रहें है।शर्मनाक! pic.twitter.com/8CwP281hlk — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) June 30, 2018 ×

Madhya Pradesh: BJP leader asks Mandsaur rape victim's kin to 'thank' party MP for visiting hospital

The Madras High Court has issued a notice to the state government on a PIL seeking a direction to bring into force the Industrial Employment (standing orders), Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2008 and to frame rules for the purpose of reduction of employment of apprentices and fixation of percentage of apprentices.

When the PIL filed by advocate T K Saravanan came up, a division bench of Justice K K Sasidharan and Justice R Subramanian issued a notice to government pleader TN Rajagopalan, who sought time to get instructions, and posted the matter to July 16.

The petitioner, referring to women appointed in various textile mills as apprentices, submitted that, "on expiry of three years, the adolescent women apprentices, who are paid meagre wages as stipend under schemes like

'Sumangali Scheme' 'Thirumana Udavi Thittam', are not retained in service and the mill owners would engage another set of apprentices."

The number of such apprentices in the mills was more than the permanent workers, the petitioner said.

The number was 100 per cent of the total workforce, the petitioner said.

The petitioner referred to the government-appointed district committees in 17 districts and an earlier order of the court which directed the monitoring committee to submit its report along with the recommendations.

The recommendations were to reduce the period of apprenticeship from three years and fix the ratio of apprentices not exceeding 20 per cent of the total workforce.

The petitioner referred to the Bill introduced in the state assembly on May 14, 2008 proposing amendment to the Industrial employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946.

Despite this, the state government had not taken any step to bring into force the amendment Act, the petitioner said.&nbsp

When the PIL filed by advocate TK Saravanan came up, a division bench of Justice K K Sasidharan and Justice R Subramanian issued a notice to government pleader TN Rajagopalan

The Madras High Court has issued a notice to the state government on a PIL seeking a direction to bring into force the Industrial Employment (standing orders), Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2008 and to frame rules for the purpose of reduction of employment of apprentices and fixation of percentage of apprentices. When the PIL filed by advocate T K Saravanan came up, a division bench of Justice K K Sasidharan and Justice R Subramanian issued a notice to government pleader TN Rajagopalan, who sought time to get instructions, and posted the matter to July 16. The petitioner, referring to women appointed in various textile mills as apprentices, submitted that, "on expiry of three years, the adolescent women apprentices, who are paid meagre wages as stipend under schemes like 'Sumangali Scheme' 'Thirumana Udavi Thittam', are not retained in service and the mill owners would engage another set of apprentices." The number of such apprentices in the mills was more than the permanent workers, the petitioner said. The number was 100 per cent of the total workforce, the petitioner said. The petitioner referred to the government-appointed district committees in 17 districts and an earlier order of the court which directed the monitoring committee to submit its report along with the recommendations. The recommendations were to reduce the period of apprenticeship from three years and fix the ratio of apprentices not exceeding 20 per cent of the total workforce. The petitioner referred to the Bill introduced in the state assembly on May 14, 2008 proposing amendment to the Industrial employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946. Despite this, the state government had not taken any step to bring into force the amendment Act, the petitioner said.

High Court notice to Tamil Nadu government on percentage of apprentices in mills

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday advocated a fixed number of terms for an individual for the posts of prime minister and chief minister like in the US where a person can be elected president only for two terms.

"The US president gets two terms. Likewise, the number of terms of people who become prime minister and chief ministers should be fixed," Scindia said.

The Lok Sabha MP from Guna was speaking to reporters at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Central Press Club in Delhi.

His comment on the prime ministerial and chief ministerial terms came when he was asked about job extensions being given, by the Centre and the states, to bureaucrats on the verge of retirement and the rehiring of those who had superannuated.

"I am averse to the Centre and state governments' moving to hire retired government bureaucrats. If they are hired in the run-up to the polls, it is all the more wrong as such decisions smack of conspiracies," he said.

"I am also against service extensions being given to top bureaucrats who are on the verge of retirement," he added.

"If someone is retiring, he should relinquish office and make way for the person in waiting," Scindia asserted.

He then said that, likewise, the number of tenures of people occupying the posts of PM and CMs should also be fixed.&nbsp

The Lok Sabha MP from Guna was speaking to reporters at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Central Press Club

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday advocated a fixed number of terms for an individual for the posts of prime minister and chief minister like in the US where a person can be elected president only for two terms. "The US president gets two terms. Likewise, the number of terms of people who become prime minister and chief ministers should be fixed," Scindia said. The Lok Sabha MP from Guna was speaking to reporters at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Central Press Club in Delhi. His comment on the prime ministerial and chief ministerial terms came when he was asked about job extensions being given, by the Centre and the states, to bureaucrats on the verge of retirement and the rehiring of those who had superannuated. "I am averse to the Centre and state governments' moving to hire retired government bureaucrats. If they are hired in the run-up to the polls, it is all the more wrong as such decisions smack of conspiracies," he said. "I am also against service extensions being given to top bureaucrats who are on the verge of retirement," he added. "If someone is retiring, he should relinquish office and make way for the person in waiting," Scindia asserted. He then said that, likewise, the number of tenures of people occupying the posts of PM and CMs should also be fixed.

Fix number of terms for people in PM, CM chairs: Scindia

The Indian Meteorological Department, Mumbai has issued warnings of cyclonic circulations over the northeast Arabian Sea off north Gujarat coast at upper levels and the east-central Arabian Sea off south Maharashtra coast in a higher level.

In an official statement, IMD Mumbai said, "The off-shore trough at mean sea level from south Gujarat coast to north Kerala coast now runs from south Maharashtra Coast to Kerala coast. This situation is very likely to cause heavy to very heavy rainfall along the west coast of India and parts of Gujarat on day 1."

With the northward shifting of the monsoon trough, weakening of the off-shore trough is likely, leading to a reduction in rainfall amounts over the west coast. The significant rainfall area is likely to be the southern peninsular region only on day2," it added.

Last week, the India Meteorological Department, Mumbai had issued warnings of cyclonic circulations over north and south Konkan and adjoining south Gujarat.

Warnings of isolated heavy to very heavy rain were issued over Konkan and Goa, while isolated heavy rain warnings were issued for Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Marathwada, Coastal Karnataka, and Kerala.

Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall earlier this month, causing severe water-logging and disruption of local train services.

Heavy rainfall was also witnessed in parts of Gujarat.

In an official statement, IMD Mumbai said, 'The off-shore trough at mean sea level from south Gujarat coast to north Kerala coast now runs from south Maharashtra Coast to Kerala coast. This situation is very likely to cause heavy to very heavy rainfall along the west coast of India and parts of Gujarat on day 1.'

The Indian Meteorological Department, Mumbai has issued warnings of cyclonic circulations over the northeast Arabian Sea off north Gujarat coast at upper levels and the east-central Arabian Sea off south Maharashtra coast in a higher level. In an official statement, IMD Mumbai said, "The off-shore trough at mean sea level from south Gujarat coast to north Kerala coast now runs from south Maharashtra Coast to Kerala coast. This situation is very likely to cause heavy to very heavy rainfall along the west coast of India and parts of Gujarat on day 1." With the northward shifting of the monsoon trough, weakening of the off-shore trough is likely, leading to a reduction in rainfall amounts over the west coast. The significant rainfall area is likely to be the southern peninsular region only on day2," it added. Last week, the India Meteorological Department, Mumbai had issued warnings of cyclonic circulations over north and south Konkan and adjoining south Gujarat. Warnings of isolated heavy to very heavy rain were issued over Konkan and Goa, while isolated heavy rain warnings were issued for Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Marathwada, Coastal Karnataka, and Kerala. Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall earlier this month, causing severe water-logging and disruption of local train services. Heavy rainfall was also witnessed in parts of Gujarat.

IMD issues cyclone warnings for Gujarat, Maharashtra

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-says-will-raise-election-meddling-with-putin-in-helsinki-meeting-147993">Trump says will raise election meddling with Putin in Helsinki meeting</a>

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said on Friday he would raise the issue of alleged Russian meddling in US&nbspelections during his planned meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki next month.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/shah-rukh-khans-cousin-noor-jahan-withdraws-from-electoral-race-in-pakistan-147988">Shah Rukh Khan's cousin Noor Jahan withdraws from </a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/shah-rukh-khans-cousin-noor-jahan-withdraws-from-electoral-race-in-pakistan-147988">electoral</a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/shah-rukh-khans-cousin-noor-jahan-withdraws-from-electoral-race-in-pakistan-147988"> race in Pakistan</a>

According to a Pakistani media report, Bollywood actor&nbspShah Rukh Khans's cousin Noor Jahan&nbspwho had filed nomination papers earlier this month to contest for the upcoming general elections in Pakistan has now withdrawn her name.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-kumaraswamy-calls-for-all-party-meet-over-cauvery-water-issue--148015">Karnataka: Kumaraswamy calls for </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-kumaraswamy-calls-for-all-party-meet-over-cauvery-water-issue--148015">all party</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-kumaraswamy-calls-for-all-party-meet-over-cauvery-water-issue--148015"> meet over Cauvery water issue</a>

Kumaraswamy on June 15 instructed officials to release 20,000 cusecs from Kabini dam to Tamil Nadu.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-listing-fails-to-change-pakistans-behaviour-148010">FATF listing fails to change Pakistan's behaviour: Report</a>

The Paris-based global Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) decision to place Pakistan on its "grey list" on Wednesday for not doing enough to counter terror financing does not seem to have had much of an impact on Islamabad's behaviour, according to an expert on international affairs.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/annapolis-shooting-suspect-menacing-loner-with-an-axe-to-grind-148011">Annapolis shooting suspect: </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/annapolis-shooting-suspect-menacing-loner-with-an-axe-to-grind-148011">Menacing</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/annapolis-shooting-suspect-menacing-loner-with-an-axe-to-grind-148011"> loner with an axe to grind</a>

Years of threats and hateful posts on social media, a conviction for harassment and a lonely life: investigators were Friday piecing together what drove a 38-year-old suburbanite to murder five people at a community newspaper in Maryland.

&nbsp

&nbsp

Trump says will raise election meddling with Putin in Helsinki meeting US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said on Friday he would raise the issue of alleged Russian meddling in US&nbspelections during his planned meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki next month. Shah Rukh Khan's cousin Noor Jahan withdraws from electoral race in Pakistan According to a Pakistani media report, Bollywood actor&nbspShah Rukh Khans's cousin Noor Jahan&nbspwho had filed nomination papers earlier this month to contest for the upcoming general elections in Pakistan has now withdrawn her name. Karnataka: Kumaraswamy calls for all party meet over Cauvery water issue Kumaraswamy on June 15 instructed officials to release 20,000 cusecs from Kabini dam to Tamil Nadu. FATF listing fails to change Pakistan's behaviour: Report The Paris-based global Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) decision to place Pakistan on its "grey list" on Wednesday for not doing enough to counter terror financing does not seem to have had much of an impact on Islamabad's behaviour, according to an expert on international affairs. Annapolis shooting suspect: Menacing loner with an axe to grind Years of threats and hateful posts on social media, a conviction for harassment and a lonely life: investigators were Friday piecing together what drove a 38-year-old suburbanite to murder five people at a community newspaper in Maryland.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Rajkumar Hirani's film doesn't tell anything that we don't know already. But 'Sanju' works only because of its actors.

Critically Speaking: 'Sanju' works only because of Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal's performance

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has called for an all-party meeting over Cauvery water issue today.&nbsp

Following Supreme Court's direction, the Centre recently constituted a Cauvery Water Management Authority (CMA) to address the dispute over sharing of river water among Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry.

Kumaraswamy on June 15 instructed officials to release 20,000 cusecs from Kabini dam to Tamil Nadu.

The Cauvery water sharing dispute has been a bone of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu since the time of the British Raj. Many of the districts in both states are dependent on the Cauvery for irrigation, while the city of Bengaluru gets its water from the river.

Kumaraswamy on June 15 instructed officials to release 20,000 cusecs from Kabini dam to Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has called for an all-party meeting over Cauvery water issue today. Following Supreme Court's direction, the Centre recently constituted a Cauvery Water Management Authority (CMA) to address the dispute over sharing of river water among Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry. Kumaraswamy on June 15 instructed officials to release 20,000 cusecs from Kabini dam to Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery water sharing dispute has been a bone of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu since the time of the British Raj. Many of the districts in both states are dependent on the Cauvery for irrigation, while the city of Bengaluru gets its water from the river.

Karnataka: Kumaraswamy calls for all party meet over Cauvery water issue

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/ive-become-poster-boy-of-bank-default-vijay-mallya-147164">Liquor baron Vijay Mallya</a> refuted allegations of attempting a plea bargain, levied by an Enforcement Directorate (ED) official.

"Media reports quote an ED official stating that I am attempting a plea bargain. Would respectfully suggest that the official read the ED charge sheet first. I would invite the ED to advance the same plea bargain theory in Court in front of whom I have placed my assets," he tweeted.

Mallya`s retaliation came after an ED official dismissed the former`s offer to settle all dues if his seized assets were freed up as "an attempt at plea bargaining and a bid to bolster his case against extradition to India from Britain," as per a media report.

Also read: <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/if-vijay-mallya-wanted-to-repay-debts-he-had-many-years-to-do-so-mj-akbar-147238">If Vijay Mallya wanted to repay debts, he had many years to do so: MJ Akbar</a>

The official further claimed that the ED had not received any copy of the affidavit filed by Mallya and United Breweries Holdings before the Karnataka High Court last week, contrary to the businessman`s claims.

Less than a week ago, Mallya broke his silence over the controversy surrounding him of defaulting on bank loans to the tune of Rs 9000 crores.

The liquor baron in a series of tweets claimed that he had been falsely framed as the "poster boy of Bank default and a lightning rod of public anger".

He also reiterated that he is making every effort, in good faith to settle dues with the banks, but if politically-motivated factors interfere, there is nothing he can do.

The 62-year-old is facing a trial for the UK Court to rule if he can be extradited to India to face charges for financial irregularities involving a total amount of Rs 9,000 crore, as well as money laundering cases.

Mallya`s retaliation came after an ED official dismissed the former`s offer to settle all dues if his seized assets were freed up as 'an attempt at plea bargaining and a bid to bolster his case against extradition to India from Britain,' as per a media report

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya refuted allegations of attempting a plea bargain, levied by an Enforcement Directorate (ED) official. "Media reports quote an ED official stating that I am attempting a plea bargain. Would respectfully suggest that the official read the ED charge sheet first. I would invite the ED to advance the same plea bargain theory in Court in front of whom I have placed my assets," he tweeted. Mallya`s retaliation came after an ED official dismissed the former`s offer to settle all dues if his seized assets were freed up as "an attempt at plea bargaining and a bid to bolster his case against extradition to India from Britain," as per a media report. Also read: If Vijay Mallya wanted to repay debts, he had many years to do so: MJ Akbar The official further claimed that the ED had not received any copy of the affidavit filed by Mallya and United Breweries Holdings before the Karnataka High Court last week, contrary to the businessman`s claims. Less than a week ago, Mallya broke his silence over the controversy surrounding him of defaulting on bank loans to the tune of Rs 9000 crores. The liquor baron in a series of tweets claimed that he had been falsely framed as the "poster boy of Bank default and a lightning rod of public anger". He also reiterated that he is making every effort, in good faith to settle dues with the banks, but if politically-motivated factors interfere, there is nothing he can do. The 62-year-old is facing a trial for the UK Court to rule if he can be extradited to India to face charges for financial irregularities involving a total amount of Rs 9,000 crore, as well as money laundering cases.

Vijay Mallya denies 'plea bargain' allegations by ED official

A day after a <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-plane-crash-pilots-husband-raises-questions-148001">chartered plane crashed in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area</a>, Prabhat Kathuria the husband of one of the co-pilot's Marya Zuberi has sought answers from the company for giving a clearance to the flight despite adverse weather conditions.

In a statement issued on Thursday, he said, "The company involved in the ill-fated plane's repairs seems to have been incapable of detecting the technical snags that could have led to its crash."

Kathuria said that his wife had mentioned to him that the weather conditions were not conducive for a test flight to be conducted for a small plane like Beechcraft King Air C90 aircraft.

"She left the house assuring me she would return rather soon as the weather conditions were clearly not right for a test flight of a small plane such as the Beachcraft King Air twin turboprop," he said.

"She was sure that the permission to undertake such a flight would not be given," the statement read.

"Considering Captain (Pradip) Rajput held and shared the same view with Marya, I was confident they would not fly this day. The weather conditions were just not right," he said. 
Kathuria also questioned if the aircraft was fit to fly.

"We know that the aircraft was well beyond its prime. We know it was more than 20 years old. We know it had already had an accident in 2009 and that the UP government chose to sell it rather than spend on its repairs. Considering all... The family of Marya Zuberi wants answers. We want to know who exactly was at fault," he said.

Kathuria said UY Aviation, the owners of the aircraft, "seem to have completely disregarded their responsibility to check whether such a plane should go off the ground".

Pointing out that the DGCA norms do not permit test flights of small planes in the rainy weather, Kathuria asked who allowed the flight to take off in the first place.

"Did officers within the agency allow the flight, that clearly flouted its own norms? We want to know who took the call from DGCA's side," he said.

Kathuria also said that neither government agencies nor the owner of the aircraft had contacted the family members of the victims since the crash.

"So far the government structures and the companies have both failed us... The families of the victims are still to receive a word from any of these agencies," he said.

Five people -- four crew members including two pilots and a pedestrian -- lost their lives when the 12-seater plane crashed into an under-construction building yesterday afternoon.&nbsp;

'We know that the aircraft was well beyond its prime. We know it was more than 20 years old. We know it had already had an accident in 2009 and that the UP government chose to sell it rather than spend on its repairs. Considering all... The family of Marya Zuberi wants answers. We want to know who exactly was at fault,' he said

A day after a chartered plane crashed in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area, Prabhat Kathuria the husband of one of the co-pilot's Marya Zuberi has sought answers from the company for giving a clearance to the flight despite adverse weather conditions. In a statement issued on Thursday, he said, "The company involved in the ill-fated plane's repairs seems to have been incapable of detecting the technical snags that could have led to its crash." Kathuria said that his wife had mentioned to him that the weather conditions were not conducive for a test flight to be conducted for a small plane like Beechcraft King Air C90 aircraft. "She left the house assuring me she would return rather soon as the weather conditions were clearly not right for a test flight of a small plane such as the Beachcraft King Air twin turboprop," he said. "She was sure that the permission to undertake such a flight would not be given," the statement read. "Considering Captain (Pradip) Rajput held and shared the same view with Marya, I was confident they would not fly this day. The weather conditions were just not right," he said. Kathuria also questioned if the aircraft was fit to fly. "We know that the aircraft was well beyond its prime. We know it was more than 20 years old. We know it had already had an accident in 2009 and that the UP government chose to sell it rather than spend on its repairs. Considering all... The family of Marya Zuberi wants answers. We want to know who exactly was at fault," he said. Kathuria said UY Aviation, the owners of the aircraft, "seem to have completely disregarded their responsibility to check whether such a plane should go off the ground". Pointing out that the DGCA norms do not permit test flights of small planes in the rainy weather, Kathuria asked who allowed the flight to take off in the first place. "Did officers within the agency allow the flight, that clearly flouted its own norms? We want to know who took the call from DGCA's side," he said. Kathuria also said that neither government agencies nor the owner of the aircraft had contacted the family members of the victims since the crash. "So far the government structures and the companies have both failed us... The families of the victims are still to receive a word from any of these agencies," he said. Five people -- four crew members including two pilots and a pedestrian -- lost their lives when the 12-seater plane crashed into an under-construction building yesterday afternoon.

Mumbai plane crash: Pilot's husband raises questions

The IGI airport in Delhi, the 16th busiest in the world, ranked poorly in flight punctuality, securing the 451st position among the 513 airports worldwide, according to a study conducted by OAG, a global leader in providing flight information.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, the second busiest in the country, fared much worse in flight punctuality as it was ranked fifth least punctual airport in the world, just ahead of airports such as Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Indonesia and Islamabad airport in Pakistan, the study said.

None of the major Indian airports figured among the top 200 in 'on-time performance' (OTP), but the small Port Blair airport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands got the worldwide rank of 65, thanks to its punctuality rate of 84.6 per cent, it said.

The 'on-time performance' for Delhi stood at 70.7 per cent in comparison to Nagoya Komaki Airport in Japan which topped the global ranking list with an OTP rate of 94.5 per cent.

The OTP for Mumbai was 60 per cent. The Hyderabad airport was ranked 246, Bengaluru airport 262 and Kolkata 270, the study said.

The OAG study had a reference period of about one year between June 2017 to May 2018 and focussed on delays arising out of arrivals. It covered the OTP of airlines as well, giving Air India a low 131st position among the 137 airlines worldwide.

An official in the Civil Aviation Ministry said infrastructure constraints have been a major issue at big airports such as Delhi and Mumbai, compromising with the punctuality level to some extent.

But he felt that the situation could improve significantly once the proposed airports in the National Capital Region and in Navi Mumbai start functioning in the next four to five years.

A closer look at the monthly data provided by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suggested that more than 60 per cent of the flight delays were reactionary in nature, meaning late arrival of incoming flights.

During May, air traffic control-related issues were also responsible for 13 per cent of flight delays. Airport-related issues led to nine per cent of the flight getting delayed while technical reasons led to four per cent delays. 
The Port Blair airport, with an OTP of 84.6 per cent, got a four-star rating while the Delhi airport got a two-star in the OAG-conducted study. The Mumbai airport was given a poor one-star rating.

While the Delhi airport secured a low OTP rank, other major airports were no better either and in some cases below the Indira Gandhi International Airport. These included Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport (68), Beijing Capital International Airport (67), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (66.4),? Guangzhou airport in China (66.7) and London Gatwick Airport (65.4) per cent.

Regarding the OTP of airlines worldwide, the study put Air India at the 131st place out of 137 airlines with a punctuality rate of 58.4 per cent.&nbsp

Pakistan International Airlines got the 126th rank with an OTP of 59.7 per cent. IndiGo was adjudged the best for on-time performance among Indian carriers, bagging the 33rd place with an OTP of 82 per cent.

South Korea's low-cost airline T'way Air topped the global ranking with an OTP of 95.6 per cent.

The OTP for Mumbai was 60 per cent.The Hyderabad airport was ranked 246, Bengaluru airport 262 and Kolkata 270, the study said.

The IGI airport in Delhi, the 16th busiest in the world, ranked poorly in flight punctuality, securing the 451st position among the 513 airports worldwide, according to a study conducted by OAG, a global leader in providing flight information. The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, the second busiest in the country, fared much worse in flight punctuality as it was ranked fifth least punctual airport in the world, just ahead of airports such as Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Indonesia and Islamabad airport in Pakistan, the study said. None of the major Indian airports figured among the top 200 in 'on-time performance' (OTP), but the small Port Blair airport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands got the worldwide rank of 65, thanks to its punctuality rate of 84.6 per cent, it said. The 'on-time performance' for Delhi stood at 70.7 per cent in comparison to Nagoya Komaki Airport in Japan which topped the global ranking list with an OTP rate of 94.5 per cent. The OTP for Mumbai was 60 per cent. The Hyderabad airport was ranked 246, Bengaluru airport 262 and Kolkata 270, the study said. The OAG study had a reference period of about one year between June 2017 to May 2018 and focussed on delays arising out of arrivals. It covered the OTP of airlines as well, giving Air India a low 131st position among the 137 airlines worldwide. An official in the Civil Aviation Ministry said infrastructure constraints have been a major issue at big airports such as Delhi and Mumbai, compromising with the punctuality level to some extent. But he felt that the situation could improve significantly once the proposed airports in the National Capital Region and in Navi Mumbai start functioning in the next four to five years. A closer look at the monthly data provided by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suggested that more than 60 per cent of the flight delays were reactionary in nature, meaning late arrival of incoming flights. During May, air traffic control-related issues were also responsible for 13 per cent of flight delays. Airport-related issues led to nine per cent of the flight getting delayed while technical reasons led to four per cent delays. The Port Blair airport, with an OTP of 84.6 per cent, got a four-star rating while the Delhi airport got a two-star in the OAG-conducted study. The Mumbai airport was given a poor one-star rating. While the Delhi airport secured a low OTP rank, other major airports were no better either and in some cases below the Indira Gandhi International Airport. These included Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport (68), Beijing Capital International Airport (67), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (66.4),? Guangzhou airport in China (66.7) and London Gatwick Airport (65.4) per cent. Regarding the OTP of airlines worldwide, the study put Air India at the 131st place out of 137 airlines with a punctuality rate of 58.4 per cent. Pakistan International Airlines got the 126th rank with an OTP of 59.7 per cent. IndiGo was adjudged the best for on-time performance among Indian carriers, bagging the 33rd place with an OTP of 82 per cent. South Korea's low-cost airline T'way Air topped the global ranking with an OTP of 95.6 per cent.

IGI, Mumbai airports fare poorly in flight punctuality globally: Study

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