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The Income Tax Department has recovered about Rs 22 lakh cash during raids on multiple premises of a hospital group in Haryana's Rewari, related to Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav, after it was detected that they allegedly made cash payments to a Nirav Modi firm for purchasing jewellery, officials said.

They said the tax department searched the Kalawati hospital and Kamla Nursing Home and the residences of its main partner Dr Gautam Yadav and others.

"A total of three premises are being searched by the ITD sleuths from the investigation wing of Haryana. A team of about 40 tax officials and a contingent of police personnel executed the action," a senior official said.

It is understood that Gautam Yadav is the nephew of Yogendra Yadav and son of his sister Dr Neelam Yadav.

Officials said the tax department carried out the action acting on inputs received from a dossier of information from the Nirav Modi group, absconding from probe in the USD 2 billion PNB fraud case, and it was found that Gautam Yadav paid Rs 3.25 lakh cash, out of the total Rs 6.50 lakh, in cash for purchase of jewellery from the diamantaire's firm.

They added that the searches also covered Dr Narender Singh Yadav and Rs 22 lakh cash was recovered from the residence of the Yadavs.

"The current cash limit in the hand of a person is Rs 2 lakh and the source of this cash amount of Rs 22 lakh is being probed," an official said.

When asked about the ITD allegations, Yogendra Yadav told PTI "the question is whether this money is unaccounted for? I do not know about the accounts of the hospitals."

The department also trashed Yogendra Yadav's allegations that the raiding teams of the department sealed the hospital and the ICU as a few "caesarian section deliveries" also took place during the time of the searches, which is part of the 'panchnama'.

They added that all the CCTVs of the searched premises, including the hospitals, were kept operational and they have recorded all the search proceedings that began at 11 AM.

Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav has alleged that the raids were carried out with an intent to "intimidate" and "silence" him as he had launched an agitation for fair crop price for farmers and against liquor shops in that city in Haryana.

Yadav, who started his campaign with a nine-day 'padyatra' (march) that ended two days ago, said the place and the timing of the "raid" was to send a message not just to me but also to the many farmers who are fighting for their rights.

Earlier in the day, he took to Twitter to also allege that the Modi government was "targeting" his family through the raid.

The Income Tax Department has recovered about Rs 22 lakh cash during raids on multiple premises of a hospital group in Haryana's Rewari, related to Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav

The Income Tax Department has recovered about Rs 22 lakh cash during raids on multiple premises of a hospital group in Haryana's Rewari, related to Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav, after it was detected that they allegedly made cash payments to a Nirav Modi firm for purchasing jewellery, officials said. They said the tax department searched the Kalawati hospital and Kamla Nursing Home and the residences of its main partner Dr Gautam Yadav and others. "A total of three premises are being searched by the ITD sleuths from the investigation wing of Haryana. A team of about 40 tax officials and a contingent of police personnel executed the action," a senior official said. It is understood that Gautam Yadav is the nephew of Yogendra Yadav and son of his sister Dr Neelam Yadav. Officials said the tax department carried out the action acting on inputs received from a dossier of information from the Nirav Modi group, absconding from probe in the USD 2 billion PNB fraud case, and it was found that Gautam Yadav paid Rs 3.25 lakh cash, out of the total Rs 6.50 lakh, in cash for purchase of jewellery from the diamantaire's firm. They added that the searches also covered Dr Narender Singh Yadav and Rs 22 lakh cash was recovered from the residence of the Yadavs. "The current cash limit in the hand of a person is Rs 2 lakh and the source of this cash amount of Rs 22 lakh is being probed," an official said. When asked about the ITD allegations, Yogendra Yadav told PTI "the question is whether this money is unaccounted for? I do not know about the accounts of the hospitals." The department also trashed Yogendra Yadav's allegations that the raiding teams of the department sealed the hospital and the ICU as a few "caesarian section deliveries" also took place during the time of the searches, which is part of the 'panchnama'. They added that all the CCTVs of the searched premises, including the hospitals, were kept operational and they have recorded all the search proceedings that began at 11 AM. Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav has alleged that the raids were carried out with an intent to "intimidate" and "silence" him as he had launched an agitation for fair crop price for farmers and against liquor shops in that city in Haryana. Yadav, who started his campaign with a nine-day 'padyatra' (march) that ended two days ago, said the place and the timing of the "raid" was to send a message not just to me but also to the many farmers who are fighting for their rights. Earlier in the day, he took to Twitter to also allege that the Modi government was "targeting" his family through the raid.

IT dept recovers Rs 22 lakh from hospital run by Yogendra Yadav's relative

The Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) has said "homosexuality is not a psychiatric disorder".&nbsp;

"This is in line with the position of the American Psychiatric Association and the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization which removed homosexuality from the list of psychiatric disorders in 1973 and 1992 respectively," the IPS said in a statement.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/violation-of-human-rights-says-petitioners-counsel-as-sc-hears-pleas-against-section-377-150452">Supreme Court began hearing</a> a clutch of petitions asking for the removal of Section 377 — which says homosexuality is a crime — from the law books.&nbsp;

Section 377 had been struck down by the Delhi High Court in 2009. The court called it "unconstitutional".&nbsp;

But the judgement was set aside by the Supreme Court in 2013, which said the onus to change the law lay with Parliament.&nbsp;

In January this year, the country's top court agreed to hear a clutch of petitions which said the law had led to an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. &nbsp;

“The IPS recognises same sex sexuality as a normal variant of human sexuality much like heterosexuality and bisexuality," the IPS said in its statement.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlDasr_nL9S/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">&nbsp;</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlDasr_nL9S/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Thank you, Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) the foremost body of mental health practitioners in the country, have officially come out in support of decriminalising homosexuality. This declaration by the Indian Psychiatric Society, which comes while the #SupremeCourt is hearing pleas challenging #Section377 #scrapsec377 #LGBTQ+ #homosexuality #celebrateallidentities #lettherebelove #loveislove #beyourself #loveseesnogender #humanrightsforallhumans #embraceyourself #differencesarebeautiful #protectlgbtqindians #protecthumanity #genderneutrality #sexualityrevolution #breakingsocialnorms #lgbtmumbai #lgbtqpiadpride?️‍?</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lgbtmumbai/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> LGBT - Mumbai</a> (@lgbtmumbai) on <time datetime="2018-07-10T13:48:51+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jul 10, 2018 at 6:48am PDT</time>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

"There is no scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be altered by any treatment and that any such attempts may, in fact, lead to low self-esteem and stigmatisation of the person," it added.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/homosexuality-is-against-hindutva-should-see-if-it-can-be-cured-subramanian-swamy-150411">Homosexuality is against Hindutva: Subramanian Swamy</a>

The Indian Psychiatric Society added that it "further supports decriminalisation of homosexual behaviour."&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

'The IPS recognises same sex sexuality as a normal variant of human sexuality much like heterosexuality and bisexuality,' the IPS said. It added that it 'further supports decriminalisation of homosexual behaviour'

The Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) has said "homosexuality is not a psychiatric disorder". "This is in line with the position of the American Psychiatric Association and the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization which removed homosexuality from the list of psychiatric disorders in 1973 and 1992 respectively," the IPS said in a statement. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court began hearing a clutch of petitions asking for the removal of Section 377 — which says homosexuality is a crime — from the law books. Section 377 had been struck down by the Delhi High Court in 2009. The court called it "unconstitutional". But the judgement was set aside by the Supreme Court in 2013, which said the onus to change the law lay with Parliament. In January this year, the country's top court agreed to hear a clutch of petitions which said the law had led to an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. “The IPS recognises same sex sexuality as a normal variant of human sexuality much like heterosexuality and bisexuality," the IPS said in its statement. Thank you, Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) the foremost body of mental health practitioners in the country, have officially come out in support of decriminalising homosexuality. This declaration by the Indian Psychiatric Society, which comes while the #SupremeCourt is hearing pleas challenging #Section377 #scrapsec377 #LGBTQ+ #homosexuality #celebrateallidentities #lettherebelove #loveislove #beyourself #loveseesnogender #humanrightsforallhumans #embraceyourself #differencesarebeautiful #protectlgbtqindians #protecthumanity #genderneutrality #sexualityrevolution #breakingsocialnorms #lgbtmumbai #lgbtqpiadpride?️‍? A post shared by LGBT - Mumbai (@lgbtmumbai) on Jul 10, 2018 at 6:48am PDT "There is no scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be altered by any treatment and that any such attempts may, in fact, lead to low self-esteem and stigmatisation of the person," it added. Also read: Homosexuality is against Hindutva: Subramanian Swamy The Indian Psychiatric Society added that it "further supports decriminalisation of homosexual behaviour."

Section 377: Indian Psychiatric Society says homosexuality not a psychiatric disorder

The hearing on scrapping Section 377 that prescribes a life term in jail for gay sex will continue in the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

During the previous hearing on Tuesday, a five-judge Constitutional bench had refused to adjourn the hearing after the Centre sought more time to file its reply.

The Centre requested the court to adjourn the hearing and sought four weeks to file its reply to the petitions.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, however, refused and listed it for today.

Earlier in 2009, the Delhi High Court had decriminalised Section 377, but the order was later set aside by a Supreme-Court bench.

Section 377 deals with "unnatural offences," and holds "whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine."

(With inputs from ANI)

The hearing on scrapping Section 377 that prescribes a life term in jail for gay sex will continue in the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

The hearing on scrapping Section 377 that prescribes a life term in jail for gay sex will continue in the Supreme Court on Wednesday. During the previous hearing on Tuesday, a five-judge Constitutional bench had refused to adjourn the hearing after the Centre sought more time to file its reply. The Centre requested the court to adjourn the hearing and sought four weeks to file its reply to the petitions. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, however, refused and listed it for today. Earlier in 2009, the Delhi High Court had decriminalised Section 377, but the order was later set aside by a Supreme-Court bench. Section 377 deals with "unnatural offences," and holds "whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine." (With inputs from ANI)

Validity of Section 377 challenged, SC to continue hearing today

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Bihar government will present an amendment law on the liquor prohibition act in the upcoming monsoon session of the state assembly

According to reports, state chief minister Nitish Kumar is set to relax certain provisions of liquor prohibition in the state.

Media reports have quoted sources saying that in a meeting held today, the chief minister's cabinet scrapped some of the strict provisions of prohibition.

Reports stated that prohibition was relaxed on the sealing of premises where liquor bottle would be found. Also, a house or vehicle will not be confiscated if liquor or a drunk person is found.

Speaking to PTI Nitish Kumar had said earlier that the ban on sale and consumption of alcohol had brought innumerable benefits.

He said, "People's quality of life has improved. I feel disgusted when people suggest that we should not have introduced prohibition since liquor brings lots of revenue".

According to reports, state chief minister Nitish Kumar is set to relax certain provisions of liquor prohibition in the state

Bihar government will present an amendment law on the liquor prohibition act in the upcoming monsoon session of the state assembly According to reports, state chief minister Nitish Kumar is set to relax certain provisions of liquor prohibition in the state. Media reports have quoted sources saying that in a meeting held today, the chief minister's cabinet scrapped some of the strict provisions of prohibition. Reports stated that prohibition was relaxed on the sealing of premises where liquor bottle would be found. Also, a house or vehicle will not be confiscated if liquor or a drunk person is found. Speaking to PTI Nitish Kumar had said earlier that the ban on sale and consumption of alcohol had brought innumerable benefits. He said, "People's quality of life has improved. I feel disgusted when people suggest that we should not have introduced prohibition since liquor brings lots of revenue".

Bihar government to amend law on liquor prohibition act

Iran on Wednesday said it will do its best to ensure security of oil supply to India, asserting that it has been a reliable energy partner for New Delhi.

The clarification by Iranian Embassy came a day after Iran's Deputy Ambassador and Charge d'Affaires Massoud Rezvanian Rahaghi cautioned New Delhi that it will stand to lose "special privileges" if it cuts import of Iranian oil following US sanctions.

It said Iran understands the difficulties being faced by New Delhi in dealing with the unstable energy market and that it was for India to choose its energy partners, taking into account various factors like geopolitical considerations and reliability of the oil suppliers.

The embassy said Iran will do its best to ensure security of oil supply to India by offering various flexible measures which facilitate bilateral trade, particularly Indian exports to Iran.

In an address at a seminar yesterday, Rahaghi said Iran will end the privileges being provided to India if it tries to source oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the US and others to offset cuts in Iranian oil import.

The Trump administration brought back sanctions against Iran after pulling out the US from the Iran nuclear deal in May. The US has told India and other countries to cut oil imports from the Gulf nation to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions.&nbsp 
India is yet to take a call on complying with the US sanctions on Iran.

"Iran has always been a reliable energy partner for India and others, seeking a balanced oil market and rational prices of oil which ensure the interests of both countries as consumer and supplier," the embassy said in a statement.

Rahaghi had also criticised India for not fulfilling its promise of making investments in the expansion of the strategically located Chabahar port&nbsp

On Chabahar, the embassy said Iran has always welcomed Indian initiatives in the project.

"However, due to the importance of the issue, Iran has frequently emphasised on expediting Indian investment, and pushing Indian partner companies to accelerate their engagement in execution of the projects," it said.&nbsp

The embassy said Iran and India share the same understanding towards many global and regional challenges and cooperate harmoniously in many international fronts.&nbsp

The clarification by Iranian Embassy came a day after Iran's Deputy Ambassador and Charge d'Affaires Massoud Rezvanian Rahaghi cautioned New Delhi that it will stand to lose "special privileges" if it cuts import of Iranian oil following US sanctions.

Iran on Wednesday said it will do its best to ensure security of oil supply to India, asserting that it has been a reliable energy partner for New Delhi. The clarification by Iranian Embassy came a day after Iran's Deputy Ambassador and Charge d'Affaires Massoud Rezvanian Rahaghi cautioned New Delhi that it will stand to lose "special privileges" if it cuts import of Iranian oil following US sanctions. It said Iran understands the difficulties being faced by New Delhi in dealing with the unstable energy market and that it was for India to choose its energy partners, taking into account various factors like geopolitical considerations and reliability of the oil suppliers. The embassy said Iran will do its best to ensure security of oil supply to India by offering various flexible measures which facilitate bilateral trade, particularly Indian exports to Iran. In an address at a seminar yesterday, Rahaghi said Iran will end the privileges being provided to India if it tries to source oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the US and others to offset cuts in Iranian oil import. The Trump administration brought back sanctions against Iran after pulling out the US from the Iran nuclear deal in May. The US has told India and other countries to cut oil imports from the Gulf nation to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. India is yet to take a call on complying with the US sanctions on Iran. "Iran has always been a reliable energy partner for India and others, seeking a balanced oil market and rational prices of oil which ensure the interests of both countries as consumer and supplier," the embassy said in a statement. Rahaghi had also criticised India for not fulfilling its promise of making investments in the expansion of the strategically located Chabahar port On Chabahar, the embassy said Iran has always welcomed Indian initiatives in the project. "However, due to the importance of the issue, Iran has frequently emphasised on expediting Indian investment, and pushing Indian partner companies to accelerate their engagement in execution of the projects," it said. The embassy said Iran and India share the same understanding towards many global and regional challenges and cooperate harmoniously in many international fronts.

Will do our best to ensure oil supply to India: Iran

The Supreme Court today paved the way for criminal proceedings against superstar Rajinikanth's wife Latha Rajinikanth, on a complaint by an advertising agency, by setting aside a Karnataka High Court order quashing the process.

The agency had alleged in its private complaint that they had ventured in the post-production of the 2014 film 'Kochadaiiyaan', which was produced by Mediaone Global Entertainment Ltd, on Latha's personal guarantee and had funded Rs 10 crore for it. She was a director of the production company.

A bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the high court was "not justified" in quashing the proceedings against Latha, which were initiated following a trial court's order on the complaint by the advertising agency, AD-Bureau Advertising Pvt Ltd.

"This is a case which should have gone for trial. You (Latha) can apply for discharge at an appropriate stage," the bench, also comprising Justices R Banumathi and Navin Sinha, said.

The court's order came on a plea filed by the advertising agency against the March 10, 2016 order of the Karnataka High Court quashing the proceedings against Latha.

The advertising agency had claimed that Mediaone Global Entertainment Ltd was required to refund Rs 10 crore plus Rs 1.2 crore being the "guaranteed profit", but the amount was not refunded.

During the hearing today, Latha's counsel told the bench that they had argued before the high court about "breach of agreement" by the agency since they had agreed to pay Rs 20 crore to Mediaone Global Entertainment Ltd but later paid only Rs 10 crore.

"Just because they (agency) did not give you Rs 20 crore, will you retain whatever they had given you," the bench asked.

At the outset, the counsel for the agency told the bench that Latha had not paid the money to them as per the undertaking was given by her in the apex court earlier.

To this, the bench said, "We have closed that chapter. We will now decide it on merits. You tell us what was the complaint and on what grounds the high court had quashed it".

The advertising agency's counsel read out the order of the high court and said the proceedings were quashed on the ground that the dispute was of "civil nature".

The bench, while setting aside the high court's order, told Latha's counsel that under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), there were different stages in a matter and she has the right to approach the court for appropriate remedy.

On July 3, the apex court had pulled up Latha for not complying with her undertaking given before the court to pay Rs 6.2 crore to the advertising agency.

Mediaone Global Entertainment Ltd had earlier denied liability on its part and Latha had said that the undertaking given by her counsel in the court was without instructions.

On February 20, the apex court had said if Mediaone did not pay the dues to the advertising agency AD-Bureau Advertising Pvt Ltd within three months, then Latha would have to pay the amount as per undertaking was given by her.&nbsp;

Latha had earlier approached the high court after a trial court had referred the private complaint to the police for investigation.

The court's order came on a plea filed by the advertising agency against the March 10, 2016 order of the Karnataka High Court.

The Supreme Court today paved the way for criminal proceedings against superstar Rajinikanth's wife Latha Rajinikanth, on a complaint by an advertising agency, by setting aside a Karnataka High Court order quashing the process. The agency had alleged in its private complaint that they had ventured in the post-production of the 2014 film 'Kochadaiiyaan', which was produced by Mediaone Global Entertainment Ltd, on Latha's personal guarantee and had funded Rs 10 crore for it. She was a director of the production company. A bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the high court was "not justified" in quashing the proceedings against Latha, which were initiated following a trial court's order on the complaint by the advertising agency, AD-Bureau Advertising Pvt Ltd. "This is a case which should have gone for trial. You (Latha) can apply for discharge at an appropriate stage," the bench, also comprising Justices R Banumathi and Navin Sinha, said. The court's order came on a plea filed by the advertising agency against the March 10, 2016 order of the Karnataka High Court quashing the proceedings against Latha. The advertising agency had claimed that Mediaone Global Entertainment Ltd was required to refund Rs 10 crore plus Rs 1.2 crore being the "guaranteed profit", but the amount was not refunded. During the hearing today, Latha's counsel told the bench that they had argued before the high court about "breach of agreement" by the agency since they had agreed to pay Rs 20 crore to Mediaone Global Entertainment Ltd but later paid only Rs 10 crore. "Just because they (agency) did not give you Rs 20 crore, will you retain whatever they had given you," the bench asked. At the outset, the counsel for the agency told the bench that Latha had not paid the money to them as per the undertaking was given by her in the apex court earlier. To this, the bench said, "We have closed that chapter. We will now decide it on merits. You tell us what was the complaint and on what grounds the high court had quashed it". The advertising agency's counsel read out the order of the high court and said the proceedings were quashed on the ground that the dispute was of "civil nature". The bench, while setting aside the high court's order, told Latha's counsel that under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), there were different stages in a matter and she has the right to approach the court for appropriate remedy. On July 3, the apex court had pulled up Latha for not complying with her undertaking given before the court to pay Rs 6.2 crore to the advertising agency. Mediaone Global Entertainment Ltd had earlier denied liability on its part and Latha had said that the undertaking given by her counsel in the court was without instructions. On February 20, the apex court had said if Mediaone did not pay the dues to the advertising agency AD-Bureau Advertising Pvt Ltd within three months, then Latha would have to pay the amount as per undertaking was given by her. Latha had earlier approached the high court after a trial court had referred the private complaint to the police for investigation.

Rajinikanth's wife to face criminal proceedings, Supreme Court quashes High Court's order

A&nbsp;security personnel was killed while another was critically injured in an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara.

The encounter took place in the Handwara region of the district.

The police had launched a search and cordon operation last evening after they got information that some terrorists were present in the area.&nbsp;

The search and cordon operation&nbsp;was still underway in the region.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
1 personnel killed & 1 personnel injured during encounter. Search operation was launched last evening after we got information that some terrorists are present in that area. The area is cordoned & operation is underway: AS Dinkar, SSP Kupwara on encounter in Handwara, J&K <a href="https://t.co/8p9Q40zWju">pic.twitter.com/8p9Q40zWju</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1017054205192933376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Another security personnel was critically injured in the ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara

A security personnel was killed while another was critically injured in an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara. The encounter took place in the Handwara region of the district. The police had launched a search and cordon operation last evening after they got information that some terrorists were present in the area. The search and cordon operation was still underway in the region. 1 personnel killed & 1 personnel injured during encounter. Search operation was launched last evening after we got information that some terrorists are present in that area. The area is cordoned & operation is underway: AS Dinkar, SSP Kupwara on encounter in Handwara, J&K pic.twitter.com/8p9Q40zWju — ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2018 ×

Jammu and Kashmir: 1 soldier killed in encounter with terrorists in Kupwara

Iran on Tuesday criticised India for not fulfilling its promise of making investments in the expansion of the strategically located Chabahar port and said New Delhi will stand to lose "special privileges" if it cuts import of Iranian oil.

Iran's Deputy Ambassador and Charge d'Affaires Massoud Rezvanian Rahaghi said Iran will end the privileges being provided to India if it tries to source oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the US and others to offset cuts in Iranian oil.

"It is unfortunate that Indian investment promises for expansion of Chabahar port and its connectivity projects have not been accomplished so far. It is expected that India takes immediate necessary measures in this regard if its cooperation and engagement in Chabahar port is of strategic nature," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uss-haley-tells-india-to-rethink-ties-with-iran-147736">US's Haley tells India to 'rethink' ties with Iran</a>

Mr Rahaghi was speaking at a seminar on 'emerging challenges and opportunities in the global diplomacy and its impact on bilateral ties with India'.

The Chabahar port is being considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to New Delhi.

In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan had inked a pact which entailed the establishment of Transit and Transport Corridor among the three countries using Chabahar Port as one of the regional hubs for sea transportation in Iran, besides multi-modal transport of goods and passengers across the three nations.

Referring to US sanctions on oil import from Iran, Mr Rahaghi said his country has been a reliable energy partner for India and that Iran always follows a "rationale pricing" of oil which ensures the interest of both consumers and suppliers.

"... If India were to replace Iran with countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the US and others for the 10 per cent of its oil demand then it may have to revert to dollar-denominated imports which mean higher CAD (Current Account Deficit) and deprivation of all other privileges Iran has offered to India," Mr Rahaghi said.

The senior Iranian diplomat said it was important to work together to immunise the relationship between the two countries through the adoption of necessary instruments and mechanisms.

"We should strive to make this relationship more sustainable and durable. This requires a strong political determination," he said, adding both sides should set up banking relations, open new transaction routes and help each other's markets and business communities.

Iran is India's third-largest oil supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Iran supplied 18.4 million tonnes of crude oil between April 2017 and January 2018 (first 10 months of fiscal 2017-18).

The US has told India and other countries to cut oil imports from Iran to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. The Trump administration brought back sanctions against Iran after pulling out the US from the Iran nuclear deal.

Shipping to Iran and ports in the country are also coming under the US sanctions.

India is also expected to convey to the US the importance of the Chabahar port project considering that it can be a major link for trade with war-ravaged Afghanistan.

"In such a selfish approach, the US is targeting the whole world -- either to be its friends and allies or be rival. So the US must abandon its policy of resorting to threats or use of force," said Mr Rahaghi.

In May, President Donald Trump announced that the US was withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal signed by the Obama administration in 2015, under which Tehran had agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow international inspectors in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions.

Mr Rahaghi also suggested that a regional dialogue forum should be set up in the Persian Gulf and West Asia to resolve regional crises.

Iran's Deputy Ambassador Massoud Rezvanian Rahaghi said Iran will end the privileges being provided to India if it tries to source oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the US and others to offset cuts in Iranian oil.

Iran on Tuesday criticised India for not fulfilling its promise of making investments in the expansion of the strategically located Chabahar port and said New Delhi will stand to lose "special privileges" if it cuts import of Iranian oil. Iran's Deputy Ambassador and Charge d'Affaires Massoud Rezvanian Rahaghi said Iran will end the privileges being provided to India if it tries to source oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the US and others to offset cuts in Iranian oil. "It is unfortunate that Indian investment promises for expansion of Chabahar port and its connectivity projects have not been accomplished so far. It is expected that India takes immediate necessary measures in this regard if its cooperation and engagement in Chabahar port is of strategic nature," he said. Also read: US's Haley tells India to 'rethink' ties with Iran Mr Rahaghi was speaking at a seminar on 'emerging challenges and opportunities in the global diplomacy and its impact on bilateral ties with India'. The Chabahar port is being considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to New Delhi. In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan had inked a pact which entailed the establishment of Transit and Transport Corridor among the three countries using Chabahar Port as one of the regional hubs for sea transportation in Iran, besides multi-modal transport of goods and passengers across the three nations. Referring to US sanctions on oil import from Iran, Mr Rahaghi said his country has been a reliable energy partner for India and that Iran always follows a "rationale pricing" of oil which ensures the interest of both consumers and suppliers. "... If India were to replace Iran with countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the US and others for the 10 per cent of its oil demand then it may have to revert to dollar-denominated imports which mean higher CAD (Current Account Deficit) and deprivation of all other privileges Iran has offered to India," Mr Rahaghi said. The senior Iranian diplomat said it was important to work together to immunise the relationship between the two countries through the adoption of necessary instruments and mechanisms. "We should strive to make this relationship more sustainable and durable. This requires a strong political determination," he said, adding both sides should set up banking relations, open new transaction routes and help each other's markets and business communities. Iran is India's third-largest oil supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Iran supplied 18.4 million tonnes of crude oil between April 2017 and January 2018 (first 10 months of fiscal 2017-18). The US has told India and other countries to cut oil imports from Iran to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. The Trump administration brought back sanctions against Iran after pulling out the US from the Iran nuclear deal. Shipping to Iran and ports in the country are also coming under the US sanctions. India is also expected to convey to the US the importance of the Chabahar port project considering that it can be a major link for trade with war-ravaged Afghanistan. "In such a selfish approach, the US is targeting the whole world -- either to be its friends and allies or be rival. So the US must abandon its policy of resorting to threats or use of force," said Mr Rahaghi. In May, President Donald Trump announced that the US was withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal signed by the Obama administration in 2015, under which Tehran had agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow international inspectors in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions. Mr Rahaghi also suggested that a regional dialogue forum should be set up in the Persian Gulf and West Asia to resolve regional crises.

Iran criticises India for not making promised investments in Chabahar port

A spiritual leader, who was recently placed under house arrest in Hyderabad ahead of his proposed padayatra, was externed&nbspon Wednesday from the city for six months for allegedly making provocative statements, police said.

The head of Sri Peetham of Kakinada, Swami Paripoornananda, was externed under the Telangana Prevention of Anti-Social and Hazardous Activities Act, they said.

"Yes..He has been externed from Hyderabad city for six months," Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar told PTI.

The BJP has reacted strongly to the ban order against the seer.

BJP leaders, including former Union Minister and MP Bandaru Dattatreya, party's floor leader in the Legislative Assembly G Kishan Reddy, met Governor ESL Narasimhan on the issue.

"The externment is undemocratic," Dattatreya told reporters after meeting the governor.

"As per the bifurcation act (Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act), the governor is vested with the responsibility to offer protection to anyone if the government shows any discrimination in Hyderabad. That's why we have come to the Governor," Reddy said.

The externment of Paripoornananda, who wanted to take out a padayatra in protest against certain anti-Hindu comments, showed the state government's autocratic attitude, state BJP president K Laxman told reporters in Hyderabad.

Observing that every citizen has a right to protest, he claimed that the action against the seer, who was put under house arrest earlier, amounted to suppression of rights of citizens.

He accused the state government of not externing Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM)leaders for allegedly making objectionable comments and added that the state government adopted a discriminatory attitude by acting against the seer.

The cases against Swami Paripoornanda should be withdrawn immediately and he should be brought back to the city, the BJP leader said.

On July 9, the Swami was put under house arrest ahead of his 'Dharmagraha Yatra' (paadayatra), in protest against recent statements in social and electronic media allegedly against Hindu deities.

As part of the externment proceedings, the Swami was shifted out of the city, a senior police official said.

The orders were issued over his alleged provocative statements made earlier at different events and meetings across the state, he added.

Paripoornananda had recently demanded arrest of Telugu actor and movie critic Kathi Mahesh, who too has been externed from Hyderabad, over his alleged statements against Hindu deities and said he "hurt" the sentiments of the Hindus.

However, permission for organising protests against the actor's statements were not permitted by police in any part of the state.

Mahesh, who was booked for allegedly making statements "disrespecting" Hindu deities, was externed on July 9.

VHP Telangana state president Rama Raju also demanded immediate withdrawal of the order externing the seer.&nbsp 
&nbsp

The head of Sri Peetham of Kakinada, Swami Paripoornananda, was externed under the Telangana Prevention of Anti-Social and Hazardous Activities Act

A spiritual leader, who was recently placed under house arrest in Hyderabad ahead of his proposed padayatra, was externed&nbspon Wednesday from the city for six months for allegedly making provocative statements, police said. The head of Sri Peetham of Kakinada, Swami Paripoornananda, was externed under the Telangana Prevention of Anti-Social and Hazardous Activities Act, they said. "Yes..He has been externed from Hyderabad city for six months," Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar told PTI. The BJP has reacted strongly to the ban order against the seer. BJP leaders, including former Union Minister and MP Bandaru Dattatreya, party's floor leader in the Legislative Assembly G Kishan Reddy, met Governor ESL Narasimhan on the issue. "The externment is undemocratic," Dattatreya told reporters after meeting the governor. "As per the bifurcation act (Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act), the governor is vested with the responsibility to offer protection to anyone if the government shows any discrimination in Hyderabad. That's why we have come to the Governor," Reddy said. The externment of Paripoornananda, who wanted to take out a padayatra in protest against certain anti-Hindu comments, showed the state government's autocratic attitude, state BJP president K Laxman told reporters in Hyderabad. Observing that every citizen has a right to protest, he claimed that the action against the seer, who was put under house arrest earlier, amounted to suppression of rights of citizens. He accused the state government of not externing Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM)leaders for allegedly making objectionable comments and added that the state government adopted a discriminatory attitude by acting against the seer. The cases against Swami Paripoornanda should be withdrawn immediately and he should be brought back to the city, the BJP leader said. On July 9, the Swami was put under house arrest ahead of his 'Dharmagraha Yatra' (paadayatra), in protest against recent statements in social and electronic media allegedly against Hindu deities. As part of the externment proceedings, the Swami was shifted out of the city, a senior police official said. The orders were issued over his alleged provocative statements made earlier at different events and meetings across the state, he added. Paripoornananda had recently demanded arrest of Telugu actor and movie critic Kathi Mahesh, who too has been externed from Hyderabad, over his alleged statements against Hindu deities and said he "hurt" the sentiments of the Hindus. However, permission for organising protests against the actor's statements were not permitted by police in any part of the state. Mahesh, who was booked for allegedly making statements "disrespecting" Hindu deities, was externed on July 9. VHP Telangana state president Rama Raju also demanded immediate withdrawal of the order externing the seer.

Spiritual leader banished from entering Hyderabad for 6 months

Union Minister for Road Transport and Water Resources Nitin Gadkari on Sunday visited the Polavaram irrigation project and promised funds for completion of Polavaram project.

''The central government is keen on completion of the project and whatever funds are needed for the project, we will give them. We don't want to mix developmental activities and politics,'' Gadkari was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. &nbsp;

Gadkari response came amid request for funds from Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu to complete the project.

Gadkari and Naidu on Wednesday reviewed the Polavaram irrigation project.

''Polavaram irrigation project can give a new life to farmers of Andhra Pradesh. Our govt is committed towards completion of this project. There is remarkable progress in the project, it's moving fast,'' Gadkari said. 
&nbsp; 
Gadkari's visit is the first&nbsp;by any central minister after the BJP and the TDP severed ties.&nbsp;

Recognising the importance of Polavaram project, the Centre had declared it as a national project. So far, 56 per cent of project work has been completed.

Gadkari and Naidu on Wednesday reviewed the Polavaram irrigation project.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Water Resources Nitin Gadkari on Sunday visited the Polavaram irrigation project and promised funds for completion of Polavaram project. ''The central government is keen on completion of the project and whatever funds are needed for the project, we will give them. We don't want to mix developmental activities and politics,'' Gadkari was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Gadkari response came amid request for funds from Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu to complete the project. Gadkari and Naidu on Wednesday reviewed the Polavaram irrigation project. ''Polavaram irrigation project can give a new life to farmers of Andhra Pradesh. Our govt is committed towards completion of this project. There is remarkable progress in the project, it's moving fast,'' Gadkari said. Gadkari's visit is the first by any central minister after the BJP and the TDP severed ties. Recognising the importance of Polavaram project, the Centre had declared it as a national project. So far, 56 per cent of project work has been completed.

Gadkari promises funds for completion of Polavaram project

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-not-easily-give-in-to-indias-demand-to-deport-zakir-naik-malaysian-pm-150597">Controversial Muslim preacher Zakir </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-not-easily-give-in-to-indias-demand-to-deport-zakir-naik-malaysian-pm-150597">Naik</a>, wanted in India for alleged terror activities and money laundering, has thanked <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/malaysian-ruling-party-defends-decision-not-to-deport-zakir-naik-to-india-149952">Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad</a> for not deporting him and promised not to break any laws of the country.

India had made a formal extradition request for Naik, who left the country in 2016, to be returned to the country after accusing him of inciting youngsters to commit terror activities through his hate speeches.

Naik, 52, in a statement published in Malaysian newspapers, thanked Prime Minister Mahathir for examining his case from an "unbiased perspective".

Mahathir, who had met the radical Indian cleric last week, has made it clear that his government will not easily give in to India's demand to deport Naik.

"We do not easily follow the demands of others. We must look at all factors before we respond," Mahathir was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

"Otherwise, someone will become a victim," the prime minister said in his first public comment yesterday on Naik since meeting with the hardline preacher.

Mahathir has also said that Malaysia will not deport Naik back to India, as long as he does not create problems in the country. The previous Malaysian government had granted Naik permanent resident status.

Naik, in his statement said Mahathir's decision reaffirmed his faith in Malaysia's justice and communal harmony.&nbsp

"I am humbled to be a part of this diversity, and I also acknowledge the sensitivities it entails. I would never wish to disrupt or jeopardise this balance in any way or to break the rule of law of this country because it is my primary concern to foster the social harmony currently enjoyed by its citizens," he said in the statement carried by the Malaysian media.&nbsp

He said that while he hoped for justice and peace to return to India, he remained indebted to Malaysia - not just as one seeking fair treatment, but as an "individual with a love of humanity".

He also claimed that over the last few years, thousands of news articles, YouTube videos and social media posts have attributed "appalling statements" to him that he did not make.

Naik is being probed under terror and money laundering charges by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The NIA had first registered a case against Naik under anti-terror laws in 2016 for allegedly promoting enmity between different religious groups.

Naik is also under investigation for issuing hate speeches that inspired a deadly terror attack on a popular cafe in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh in 2016.

India had made a formal extradition request for Naik, who left the country in 2016, to be returned to the country after accusing him of inciting youngsters to commit terror activities through his hate speeches

Controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik, wanted in India for alleged terror activities and money laundering, has thanked Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad for not deporting him and promised not to break any laws of the country. India had made a formal extradition request for Naik, who left the country in 2016, to be returned to the country after accusing him of inciting youngsters to commit terror activities through his hate speeches. Naik, 52, in a statement published in Malaysian newspapers, thanked Prime Minister Mahathir for examining his case from an "unbiased perspective". Mahathir, who had met the radical Indian cleric last week, has made it clear that his government will not easily give in to India's demand to deport Naik. "We do not easily follow the demands of others. We must look at all factors before we respond," Mahathir was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times. "Otherwise, someone will become a victim," the prime minister said in his first public comment yesterday on Naik since meeting with the hardline preacher. Mahathir has also said that Malaysia will not deport Naik back to India, as long as he does not create problems in the country. The previous Malaysian government had granted Naik permanent resident status. Naik, in his statement said Mahathir's decision reaffirmed his faith in Malaysia's justice and communal harmony. "I am humbled to be a part of this diversity, and I also acknowledge the sensitivities it entails. I would never wish to disrupt or jeopardise this balance in any way or to break the rule of law of this country because it is my primary concern to foster the social harmony currently enjoyed by its citizens," he said in the statement carried by the Malaysian media. He said that while he hoped for justice and peace to return to India, he remained indebted to Malaysia - not just as one seeking fair treatment, but as an "individual with a love of humanity". He also claimed that over the last few years, thousands of news articles, YouTube videos and social media posts have attributed "appalling statements" to him that he did not make. Naik is being probed under terror and money laundering charges by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA had first registered a case against Naik under anti-terror laws in 2016 for allegedly promoting enmity between different religious groups. Naik is also under investigation for issuing hate speeches that inspired a deadly terror attack on a popular cafe in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh in 2016.

Zakir Naik thanks Malaysian PM for not deporting him; vows not to break laws

The Centre on Wednesday filed an affidavit&nbsp;in the Supreme Court against a plea that sought punishment for woman also in a case of adultery.&nbsp;

Under the current Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), only men involved in sexual relations with women other than their wife are charged with&nbsp;adultery.

Section 497 states, " Whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both. In such case, the wife shall not be punished as an abettor".

The Centre said that the Section was formulated to safeguard the sanctity of marriage and tempering it would be destructive to the matrimonial board.&nbsp;

The plea that seeks to make men and women equally liable for the crime of adultery was filed by Joseph Shine from Kerala who is employed at Trento in Italy.&nbsp;

In his plea, Shina asks why a married man alone in the case of adultry is charged and not the consenting wife of another in the case.

The plea was heard by a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud who have sought the Centre's response in the case in four weeks.

Under the current Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), only men involved in sexual relations with women other than their wife are charged with adultery

The Centre on Wednesday filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court against a plea that sought punishment for woman also in a case of adultery. Under the current Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), only men involved in sexual relations with women other than their wife are charged with adultery. Section 497 states, " Whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both. In such case, the wife shall not be punished as an abettor". The Centre said that the Section was formulated to safeguard the sanctity of marriage and tempering it would be destructive to the matrimonial board. The plea that seeks to make men and women equally liable for the crime of adultery was filed by Joseph Shine from Kerala who is employed at Trento in Italy. In his plea, Shina asks why a married man alone in the case of adultry is charged and not the consenting wife of another in the case. The plea was heard by a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud who have sought the Centre's response in the case in four weeks.

Centre opposes plea in Supreme Court that seeks punishment for woman in adultery

An encounter is currently underway between security forces and terrorists in Kupwara district's Handwara area on Wednesday evening.

Jammu and Kashmir: 1 jawan dead in ongoing encounter in Kupwara

India has become the world's sixth-biggest economy, pushing France into seventh place, according to updated World Bank figures for 2017.

India beats France to become sixth largest economy

The highest decision-making body in India's telecom ministry, the Telecom Commission, backed net neutrality as it approved new recommendations&nbsp;given by the Telecom Regulatory Authority&nbsp;of India in a meeting on Wednesday.

"The Telecom Commission (TC) today approved net neutrality as recommended by Trai expect some critical services will be kept out of its purview," Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan informed media after the meeting.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in its recommendations, opposed the&nbsp;"discriminatory treatment of internet traffic", denying carriers the ability to charge more for data packages that include the use of apps such as Facebook and WhatsApp as it supported the principles of a free and open internet.

Under the latest recommendations, practices such as throttling of speed of certain websites and application, granting preferential speeds to give the "first lane" to some websites is prohibited.

The activists who were fighting for net neutrality has welcomed the decision but called on the government to release a timeframe for implementing the regulations.

News agency PTI also reported citing an official that Telcom Commission also approved the installation of around 12.5 lakh WiFi hotspot in all gram panchayats with viability gap funding of around Rs 6,000 crore by December 2018.&nbsp;

The internet market of India is the world's second largest with about 200 million active monthly users as it took over the United States last year.

India is behind China which has 721 million active monthly users.&nbsp;

It is also the world's second-largest&nbsp;smartphone market with about 260 users.

India's stand on net neutrality came at a time when the US had repealed it free internet rules and chose to allow internet providers to charge more for certain websites through commercial agreements.

Under the latest recommendations, practices such as throttling of speed of certain websites and application, granting preferential speeds to give the 'first lane' to some websites is prohibited

The highest decision-making body in India's telecom ministry, the Telecom Commission, backed net neutrality as it approved new recommendations given by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India in a meeting on Wednesday. "The Telecom Commission (TC) today approved net neutrality as recommended by Trai expect some critical services will be kept out of its purview," Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan informed media after the meeting. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in its recommendations, opposed the "discriminatory treatment of internet traffic", denying carriers the ability to charge more for data packages that include the use of apps such as Facebook and WhatsApp as it supported the principles of a free and open internet. Under the latest recommendations, practices such as throttling of speed of certain websites and application, granting preferential speeds to give the "first lane" to some websites is prohibited. The activists who were fighting for net neutrality has welcomed the decision but called on the government to release a timeframe for implementing the regulations. News agency PTI also reported citing an official that Telcom Commission also approved the installation of around 12.5 lakh WiFi hotspot in all gram panchayats with viability gap funding of around Rs 6,000 crore by December 2018. The internet market of India is the world's second largest with about 200 million active monthly users as it took over the United States last year. India is behind China which has 721 million active monthly users. It is also the world's second-largest smartphone market with about 260 users. India's stand on net neutrality came at a time when the US had repealed it free internet rules and chose to allow internet providers to charge more for certain websites through commercial agreements.

Telecom Commission backs net neutrality, approves new recommendations

A BSF chopper carrying top CRPF officials deployed in anti-Naxal operations made an emergency landing in Aurangabad district of Bihar on Wednesday after developing a technical problem and all on board were safe, officials said.

The military camouflage painted Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) 'Dhruv' landed safely at about 11:55 PM at an open field in Uphara area of the Left Wing Extremism affected district, they said.

CRPF's Additional Director General (central zone) Kuldiep Singh, Inspector General (Bihar Sector) Charu Sinha, a Commanding Officer and few local police officials were on-board the helicopter, they said.&nbsp

They were enroute to a camp of the CoBRA battalion in Barachatti in Gaya for a review meeting when the incident took place, they said.

The CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) is an elite jungle warfare unit of the CRPF.

"The chopper developed some technical snag and hence made an emergency landing," an official said, adding all occupants were safe and there was no damage to the aircraft.

All the officials are part of the anti-Naxal operations grid of the Central Reserve Police Force deployed in various Maoist violence affected states and ADG Singh is the chief of this formation, they said.

The military camouflage painted Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) 'Dhruv' landed safely at about 11:55 PM at an open field in Uphara area of the Left Wing Extremism affected district

A BSF chopper carrying top CRPF officials deployed in anti-Naxal operations made an emergency landing in Aurangabad district of Bihar on Wednesday after developing a technical problem and all on board were safe, officials said. The military camouflage painted Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) 'Dhruv' landed safely at about 11:55 PM at an open field in Uphara area of the Left Wing Extremism affected district, they said. CRPF's Additional Director General (central zone) Kuldiep Singh, Inspector General (Bihar Sector) Charu Sinha, a Commanding Officer and few local police officials were on-board the helicopter, they said. They were enroute to a camp of the CoBRA battalion in Barachatti in Gaya for a review meeting when the incident took place, they said. The CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) is an elite jungle warfare unit of the CRPF. "The chopper developed some technical snag and hence made an emergency landing," an official said, adding all occupants were safe and there was no damage to the aircraft. All the officials are part of the anti-Naxal operations grid of the Central Reserve Police Force deployed in various Maoist violence affected states and ADG Singh is the chief of this formation, they said.

BSF chopper carrying CRPF top brass makes emergency landing in Bihar

Over 25 students fell ill after consuming mid-day meal at a government school in Delhi's Narela area and were rushed to a hospital, the police said.

"We have received information that about 26 students were taken ill after consuming mid-day meal. They have been taken to Satyawadi Raja Harish Chandra Hospital," a senior police official said.

According to hospital authorities, the children had complained of abdominal pain.

"All students are stable and likely to be discharged soon," a senior doctor told PTI.

This is second such incident within a week. Two girls were taken ill after having mid-day meal on Saturday at a Delhi government school in East Delhi's Khichdipur in which a dead lizard was allegedly found.

This is second such incident within a week. Two girls were taken ill after having mid-day meal on Saturday at a Delhi government school in East Delhi's Khichdipur in which a dead lizard was allegedly found

Over 25 students fell ill after consuming mid-day meal at a government school in Delhi's Narela area and were rushed to a hospital, the police said. "We have received information that about 26 students were taken ill after consuming mid-day meal. They have been taken to Satyawadi Raja Harish Chandra Hospital," a senior police official said. According to hospital authorities, the children had complained of abdominal pain. "All students are stable and likely to be discharged soon," a senior doctor told PTI. This is second such incident within a week. Two girls were taken ill after having mid-day meal on Saturday at a Delhi government school in East Delhi's Khichdipur in which a dead lizard was allegedly found.

Delhi: 25 students fall ill after consuming mid-day meal in school

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday slammed the government over the selection of Jio Institute for the "Institution of eminence" status, saying it "is in Ambani's pocket".

"Earlier Congress government was in Ambani's pocket, now the Modi government is in Ambani's pocket. Has anything changed?" Kejriwal tweeted in response to former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha's tweet on the issue.

Sinha in a tweet had said, "Jio Institute has not even been set up. It is not in existence. Yet govt grants it eminence tag. That is the importance of being M Ambani."

The government yesterday granted "Institution of Eminence" status to IIT-Delhi, IIT-Bombay and the Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in the public sector, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, BITS Pilani and Jio Institute in the private sector.

The selection of the yet-to-be-established Jio Institute as one of the six "Institutions of Eminence" drew sharp criticism from various quarters with many questioning the process of selection and the motive behind it.

The HRD Ministry had yesterday clarified that the tag was conditional and it would get only a letter of intent for now.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Arvind Kejriwal's tweets came in response to former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha's tweet on the issue

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday slammed the government over the selection of Jio Institute for the "Institution of eminence" status, saying it "is in Ambani's pocket". "Earlier Congress government was in Ambani's pocket, now the Modi government is in Ambani's pocket. Has anything changed?" Kejriwal tweeted in response to former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha's tweet on the issue. Sinha in a tweet had said, "Jio Institute has not even been set up. It is not in existence. Yet govt grants it eminence tag. That is the importance of being M Ambani." The government yesterday granted "Institution of Eminence" status to IIT-Delhi, IIT-Bombay and the Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in the public sector, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, BITS Pilani and Jio Institute in the private sector. The selection of the yet-to-be-established Jio Institute as one of the six "Institutions of Eminence" drew sharp criticism from various quarters with many questioning the process of selection and the motive behind it. The HRD Ministry had yesterday clarified that the tag was conditional and it would get only a letter of intent for now.

Government in Ambani's pocket: Kejriwal on Jio institute row

Expressing regret over facilitating convicts of Ramgarh lynching case, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-was-honouring-process-of-law-jayant-sinha-defends-act-of-felicitating-lynching-convicts-149752">Union Minister Jayant Sinha </a>said on Wednesday that "If by garlanding those men (Ramgarh lynching case convicts) an impression has gone out that I support such vigilantism then I express regret".

He further said that guilty in the case would be punished after an investigation.

He responded&nbsp;to the opposition attacks over the incident by saying, "I have earlier also said that law will take its own course. Guilty will be punished and innocent will be spared. If by garlanding those men (Ramgarh lynching case convicts) an impression has gone out that I support such vigilantism then I express regret".

On July 6, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/photo-of-union-minister-jayant-sinha-garlanding-lynching-convicts-goes-viral-149941">a picture went viral </a>in which Sinha was seen felicitating eight convicts, who came out on bail, of lynching a meat trader in Jharkhand state last year.

The picture created a political furore with the opposition mounting attack on Sinha's Bharatiya Janata Party.

A former student of Harvard on Wednesday urged his university to withdraw the Harvard alumni status of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jayant-singa-regrets-felicitating-convicts-of-ramgarh-lynching-case--150801">Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation</a>, for felicitating the convicts of lynching a man to death.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-supports-petition-against-union-minister-jayant-sinha-150586">Congress president Rahul Gandhi </a>supported the petition against Sinha.

Jayant Sinha earlier responded to the attacks by saying that he was&nbsp;"honouring the due process of law".

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said, 'If by garlanding those men (Ramgarh lynching case convicts) an impression has gone out that I support such vigilantism then I express regret'

Expressing regret over facilitating convicts of Ramgarh lynching case, Union Minister Jayant Sinha said on Wednesday that "If by garlanding those men (Ramgarh lynching case convicts) an impression has gone out that I support such vigilantism then I express regret". He further said that guilty in the case would be punished after an investigation. He responded to the opposition attacks over the incident by saying, "I have earlier also said that law will take its own course. Guilty will be punished and innocent will be spared. If by garlanding those men (Ramgarh lynching case convicts) an impression has gone out that I support such vigilantism then I express regret". On July 6, a picture went viral in which Sinha was seen felicitating eight convicts, who came out on bail, of lynching a meat trader in Jharkhand state last year. The picture created a political furore with the opposition mounting attack on Sinha's Bharatiya Janata Party. A former student of Harvard on Wednesday urged his university to withdraw the Harvard alumni status of Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, for felicitating the convicts of lynching a man to death. Congress president Rahul Gandhi supported the petition against Sinha. Jayant Sinha earlier responded to the attacks by saying that he was "honouring the due process of law".

Jayant Sinha 'sorry' for felicitating convicts of Ramgarh lynching case

The CBI on Wednesday filed charge-sheet against Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with Unnao rape case in which a&nbsp;teenager was allegedly raped at his residence.

The sources said the charge sheet was filed before Special CBI court in Lucknow and names Sengar and his alleged associate Sashi Singh as accused in the case.

The victim had alleged that she was raped by the MLA from Bangarmau in Unnao at his residence on June 4, 2017 where she had gone with a relative seeking a job.

The case came to light On April 8 when the victim and her family tried to immolate themselves outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s residence, alleging police inaction against the accused.&nbsp;

The case worsened when the victim’s father died in judicial custody on April 9.&nbsp;

A purported video of the girl's father before his death had gone viral in which he had alleged that he was mercilessly beaten up, including with rifle butts, by the MLA's brother and others in the presence of police.

He died in hospital. However, the family cried foul alleging that he was murdered.

Faced with embarrassment, the BJP government in the state had recommended a CBI probe in April this year.

Sengar is a four-time MLA.&nbsp;

The Yogi Adityanath government&nbsp;handed over the case to&nbsp;CBI.&nbsp;

The CBI recently filed a charge-sheet against five men including Unnao MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar`s brother Atul Singh Sengar in a case related to the death of a gangrape victim`s father in police custody in Uttar Pradesh`s Unnao, an official said on Saturday.

 
&nbsp;

The case came to light On April 8 when the victim and her family tried to immolate themselves outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s residence, alleging police inaction against the accused.

The CBI on Wednesday filed charge-sheet against Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with Unnao rape case in which a teenager was allegedly raped at his residence. The sources said the charge sheet was filed before Special CBI court in Lucknow and names Sengar and his alleged associate Sashi Singh as accused in the case. The victim had alleged that she was raped by the MLA from Bangarmau in Unnao at his residence on June 4, 2017 where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. The case came to light On April 8 when the victim and her family tried to immolate themselves outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s residence, alleging police inaction against the accused. The case worsened when the victim’s father died in judicial custody on April 9. A purported video of the girl's father before his death had gone viral in which he had alleged that he was mercilessly beaten up, including with rifle butts, by the MLA's brother and others in the presence of police. He died in hospital. However, the family cried foul alleging that he was murdered. Faced with embarrassment, the BJP government in the state had recommended a CBI probe in April this year. Sengar is a four-time MLA. The Yogi Adityanath government handed over the case to CBI. The CBI recently filed a charge-sheet against five men including Unnao MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar`s brother Atul Singh Sengar in a case related to the death of a gangrape victim`s father in police custody in Uttar Pradesh`s Unnao, an official said on Saturday.

Unnao Rape Case: CBI files charge-sheet against BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar

The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Centre, the Delhi government and their civic bodies for not taking any step to tackle the "serious problem" of groundwater depletion in the national capital.

The apex court perused a NITI Aayog report which said that various authorities were passing the buck and shying away from their responsibility.

"You are doing nothing to reduce water consumption, there is no plan for recharge and preservation of groundwater," a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said.

It asked the Centre for immediate, intermediary and long-term measures to check the depletion of Delhi's groundwater.&nbsp

The apex court had on May 8 expressed grave concern on "over-exploitation" of groundwater in most parts of Delhi and asked the authorities to avert a crisis, saying the situation was "semi-critical".

It had then perused a report filed by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) on the status of groundwater level in Delhi from May 2000 till May 2017 and said it indicated an "extremely sad state of affairs" and the situation was serious.

The issue of depletion of groundwater had cropped up when the court was hearing a matter relating to the sealing of unauthorised constructions in Delhi.

The top court is dealing with the issue relating to the validity of the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2006 and subsequent legislation which protect unauthorised construction from being sealed.&nbsp

The court had earlier asked the secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, the Delhi Government and Delhi Pollution Control Committee to inform it about the "possible solutions" to this situation.

The CGWB, in its report, had said there were some pockets in Delhi where the change in groundwater level was not significant or had remained unchanged and such pockets of shallow and rising water level areas have diminished over the period.

The court had expressed concern over the fact that even in areas where the President's Estate was located, the groundwater level has depleted over the years.&nbsp

The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Centre, the Delhi government and their civic bodies for not taking any step to tackle the 'serious problem' of groundwater depletion in the national capital

The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Centre, the Delhi government and their civic bodies for not taking any step to tackle the "serious problem" of groundwater depletion in the national capital. The apex court perused a NITI Aayog report which said that various authorities were passing the buck and shying away from their responsibility. "You are doing nothing to reduce water consumption, there is no plan for recharge and preservation of groundwater," a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said. It asked the Centre for immediate, intermediary and long-term measures to check the depletion of Delhi's groundwater. The apex court had on May 8 expressed grave concern on "over-exploitation" of groundwater in most parts of Delhi and asked the authorities to avert a crisis, saying the situation was "semi-critical". It had then perused a report filed by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) on the status of groundwater level in Delhi from May 2000 till May 2017 and said it indicated an "extremely sad state of affairs" and the situation was serious. The issue of depletion of groundwater had cropped up when the court was hearing a matter relating to the sealing of unauthorised constructions in Delhi. The top court is dealing with the issue relating to the validity of the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2006 and subsequent legislation which protect unauthorised construction from being sealed. The court had earlier asked the secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, the Delhi Government and Delhi Pollution Control Committee to inform it about the "possible solutions" to this situation. The CGWB, in its report, had said there were some pockets in Delhi where the change in groundwater level was not significant or had remained unchanged and such pockets of shallow and rising water level areas have diminished over the period. The court had expressed concern over the fact that even in areas where the President's Estate was located, the groundwater level has depleted over the years.

No step taken by Govt to check Delhi's groundwater depletion: Supreme Court

A recent research by scientists has revealed that people travelling in a car in Delhi are exposed to black carbon levels five times higher than Europe and America.

The report further stated that the Asian residents are exposed to nine times more air pollution than their Western counterparts.

It said&nbspthat people travelling in cars in Asia were exposed to up to nine times more pollution than Europeans and Americans while black carbons levels were seven times more for Asian pedestrians than Americans.

A World Health Organisation (WHO) report said that about 88 per cent of premature deaths in low and middle-income countries were caused by air pollution.

The number of road vehicles in Beijing increased from 1.5 million in 2000 to over 5 million in 2014. The numbers in Delhi are expected to rise from 4.7 million in 2010 to 25.6 million by 2030.

The study was published in the journal Atmospheric Environment and was based on studies of pollution exposure and concentration levels in Asian transport microenvironments.&nbsp

The researchers from the University of Surrey in the UK focussed on the levels of fine particles, black carbon produced by carbon-rich fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel, and ultrafine particles (UFP) which are tiny enough to penetrate in the lungs of the people.

The study further said that the pedestrians walking along the busy roadside in Asian cities are exposed to 1.6 times higher fine particle levels than people in European and Amercian cities.&nbsp

The studies were limited to cars as rare data was available on cyclist and motorcyclist exposure despite substantial use in Asian cities.&nbsp

Chris Frey of North Carolina State University in the US said that increasing efforts were made in Asia to put up properly designed and calibrated portable monitoring systems to measure actual exposures and prevent them.

&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)

The report further stated that the Asian residents are exposed to nine times more air pollution than their Western counterparts

A recent research by scientists has revealed that people travelling in a car in Delhi are exposed to black carbon levels five times higher than Europe and America. The report further stated that the Asian residents are exposed to nine times more air pollution than their Western counterparts. It said&nbspthat people travelling in cars in Asia were exposed to up to nine times more pollution than Europeans and Americans while black carbons levels were seven times more for Asian pedestrians than Americans. A World Health Organisation (WHO) report said that about 88 per cent of premature deaths in low and middle-income countries were caused by air pollution. The number of road vehicles in Beijing increased from 1.5 million in 2000 to over 5 million in 2014. The numbers in Delhi are expected to rise from 4.7 million in 2010 to 25.6 million by 2030. The study was published in the journal Atmospheric Environment and was based on studies of pollution exposure and concentration levels in Asian transport microenvironments. The researchers from the University of Surrey in the UK focussed on the levels of fine particles, black carbon produced by carbon-rich fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel, and ultrafine particles (UFP) which are tiny enough to penetrate in the lungs of the people. The study further said that the pedestrians walking along the busy roadside in Asian cities are exposed to 1.6 times higher fine particle levels than people in European and Amercian cities. The studies were limited to cars as rare data was available on cyclist and motorcyclist exposure despite substantial use in Asian cities. Chris Frey of North Carolina State University in the US said that increasing efforts were made in Asia to put up properly designed and calibrated portable monitoring systems to measure actual exposures and prevent them. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi exposed to more carbon pollution than Europe, America

A former student of Harvard on Wednesday urged his university to withdraw the Harvard alumni status of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jayant-singa-regrets-felicitating-convicts-of-ramgarh-lynching-case--150801">Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation</a>, for felicitating the convicts of lynching a man to death.

Prateek Kanwal, who studied public policy at the US-based varsity, wrote a letter to its President, mentioning about recent mob attacks in India on "members of minority communities, Dalits, tribals and women to spread fear and to polarize the electorate for political gain."

Kanwal went on to write, "Under the circumstances, you may consider issuing a statement strongly condemning his (Jayant Sinha) actions, to mitigate any further damage to the Harvard brand in India. We also ask that you withdraw his alumni status on account of his inappropriate behaviour that has brought disrespect to the name of your hallowed institution."

On July 6, a picture went viral in which Sinha was seen felicitating eight convicts, who came out on bail, of lynching a meat trader in Jharkhand state last year.

The picture created a political furore with the opposition mounting attack on Sinha's Bharatiya Janata Party.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday supported a petition against Sinha, seeking removal of his Harvard alumni status.

The petition was launched by Prateek Kanwal."If the sight of a highly educated MP and central minister, Jayant Sinha, garlanding and honouring criminals convicted of lynching an innocent man fills you with disgust, click on the link and support this petition," Gandhi wrote on Twitter.

Prateek Kanwal, who studied public policy at the US-based varsity, wrote a letter to its President, mentioning about recent mob attacks in India on 'members of minority communities, Dalits, tribals and women to spread fear and to polarize the electorate for political gain'

A former student of Harvard on Wednesday urged his university to withdraw the Harvard alumni status of Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, for felicitating the convicts of lynching a man to death. Prateek Kanwal, who studied public policy at the US-based varsity, wrote a letter to its President, mentioning about recent mob attacks in India on "members of minority communities, Dalits, tribals and women to spread fear and to polarize the electorate for political gain." Kanwal went on to write, "Under the circumstances, you may consider issuing a statement strongly condemning his (Jayant Sinha) actions, to mitigate any further damage to the Harvard brand in India. We also ask that you withdraw his alumni status on account of his inappropriate behaviour that has brought disrespect to the name of your hallowed institution." On July 6, a picture went viral in which Sinha was seen felicitating eight convicts, who came out on bail, of lynching a meat trader in Jharkhand state last year. The picture created a political furore with the opposition mounting attack on Sinha's Bharatiya Janata Party. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday supported a petition against Sinha, seeking removal of his Harvard alumni status. The petition was launched by Prateek Kanwal."If the sight of a highly educated MP and central minister, Jayant Sinha, garlanding and honouring criminals convicted of lynching an innocent man fills you with disgust, click on the link and support this petition," Gandhi wrote on Twitter.

Remove Jayant Sinha from alumni list: Harvard alumnus

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