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The Centre asked all its departments and the state governments to implement reservation in promotion for employees belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.

The move comes following a recent verdict by the Supreme Court in this regard.

The Personnel Ministry, in an order, said, "The cadre controlling authorities of Central government ministries, departments and Union territories are to carry out promotions in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court."

Every promotion order must clearly mention the stipulation that the promotion shall be subject to further orders which may be passed by the Supreme Court, it said.

According to the order, besides the Central government departments concerned, state governments are also advised to take necessary action in this matter.

The personnel ministry order will be applicable to SC and ST category employees working with the Centre and the state governments, an officer said.

The apex court had on June 5 allowed the Centre to go ahead with reservation in promotion for employees belonging to the SC and ST category in "accordance with law".

The top court took into account the Centre's submissions that entire process of promotion has come to a "standstill" due to the orders passed by various high courts and the apex court had also ordered for "status quo" in a similar matter in 2015.

"We will say you (Centre) can go ahead with promotion in accordance with law," a vacation bench comprising Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and Ashok Bhushan had told Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Maninder Singh, representing the Centre.

During the hearing, the ASG cited the case laws on the issue of quota in promotion in government jobs and stated that the apex court's 2006 judgement in M Nagaraj case would be applicable.

The M Nagaraj verdict had said that creamy layer concept cannot be applied to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for promotions in government jobs like two earlier verdicts of 1992 Indra Sawhney and others versus Union of India (popularly called Mandal Commission verdict) and 2005 E V Chinnaiah versus State of Andhra Pradesh, which dealt with creamy layer in Other Backward Classes category.

On November 15 last year, a three-judge bench of the apex court had agreed to consider whether its 11-year-old judgement in M Nagaraj case was needed to be re-visited.

The nine-judge bench of Supreme Court had, in the Indira Sawhney case in 1992, permitted reservation for the SCs and STs in promotion to continue for a period of five years from November 16, 1992.

The move comes following a recent verdict by the Supreme Court in this regard

The Centre asked all its departments and the state governments to implement reservation in promotion for employees belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories. The move comes following a recent verdict by the Supreme Court in this regard. The Personnel Ministry, in an order, said, "The cadre controlling authorities of Central government ministries, departments and Union territories are to carry out promotions in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court." Every promotion order must clearly mention the stipulation that the promotion shall be subject to further orders which may be passed by the Supreme Court, it said. According to the order, besides the Central government departments concerned, state governments are also advised to take necessary action in this matter. The personnel ministry order will be applicable to SC and ST category employees working with the Centre and the state governments, an officer said. The apex court had on June 5 allowed the Centre to go ahead with reservation in promotion for employees belonging to the SC and ST category in "accordance with law". The top court took into account the Centre's submissions that entire process of promotion has come to a "standstill" due to the orders passed by various high courts and the apex court had also ordered for "status quo" in a similar matter in 2015. "We will say you (Centre) can go ahead with promotion in accordance with law," a vacation bench comprising Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and Ashok Bhushan had told Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Maninder Singh, representing the Centre. During the hearing, the ASG cited the case laws on the issue of quota in promotion in government jobs and stated that the apex court's 2006 judgement in M Nagaraj case would be applicable. The M Nagaraj verdict had said that creamy layer concept cannot be applied to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for promotions in government jobs like two earlier verdicts of 1992 Indra Sawhney and others versus Union of India (popularly called Mandal Commission verdict) and 2005 E V Chinnaiah versus State of Andhra Pradesh, which dealt with creamy layer in Other Backward Classes category. On November 15 last year, a three-judge bench of the apex court had agreed to consider whether its 11-year-old judgement in M Nagaraj case was needed to be re-visited. The nine-judge bench of Supreme Court had, in the Indira Sawhney case in 1992, permitted reservation for the SCs and STs in promotion to continue for a period of five years from November 16, 1992.

Centre asks its depts, states to implement quota in promotion to SC, ST staff

Spiritual guru Bhaiyyu Maharaj used a foreign-made revolver to kill himself and the weapon's licence was first issued to him in 2002 in Washim district of Maharashtra, a senior police officer said today.

Ten years later, he got an all-India licence for the revolver, made by Webley & Scott, from another district in Maharashtra, he said.

"The first licence of the revolver (made by Webley & Scott) was issued in 2002 from Maharashtra's Washim district in the name of the spiritual guru.

"In 2012, he applied for an all-India licence from Buldhana district, also in Maharashtra, and got the same in his name.

"Probably he used the same (weapon) for committing suicide," Deputy Inspector General Harinarayan Chari Mishra told PTI.

Bhaiyyu Maharaj, who was also into social work, used to often visit the two districts in Maharashtra as he had a number of relatives there, police said.

The 50-year-old popular spiritual leader allegedly shot himself at his residence here on June 12 and a purported suicide note mentioned stress as the reason.

His original name was Udaysingh Deshmukh, and he hailed from a family of landlords in Madhya Pradesh's Shujalpur.

The police had seized the revolver and the bullet recovered from the spot and sent them for forensic examination.

Meanwhile, police have recorded the statements of Kuhu (Bhaiyyu Maharaj's daughter from his first marriage), his second wife Ayushi, close aide Vinayak Dudhade, his driver and other persons considered close to him as part of investigation into the incident, an official said.

The statements of some of them confirmed that the godman, whose followers included top politicians, was tense and under stress, he said.

Initial investigations revealed there was a discord in the family of Bhaiyyu Maharaj after his second marriage last year, the official said.

Reportedly, the suicide note also mentioned the godman's financial powers, property and bank accounts, among other things, would be entrusted with his close aide Vinayak Dudhade, who was with him for the last 15 years.

The police are also collecting information related to Bhaiyyu Maharaj's properties in other states, he said.

A trust was established by Bhaiyyu Maharaj on March 21, 1999, and it has 11 trustees.

It runs various welfare programmes in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states in the areas of agriculture and water conservation, among others.

Ten years later, he got an all-India licence for the revolver, made by Webley & Scott, from another district in Maharashtra

Spiritual guru Bhaiyyu Maharaj used a foreign-made revolver to kill himself and the weapon's licence was first issued to him in 2002 in Washim district of Maharashtra, a senior police officer said today. Ten years later, he got an all-India licence for the revolver, made by Webley & Scott, from another district in Maharashtra, he said. "The first licence of the revolver (made by Webley & Scott) was issued in 2002 from Maharashtra's Washim district in the name of the spiritual guru. "In 2012, he applied for an all-India licence from Buldhana district, also in Maharashtra, and got the same in his name. "Probably he used the same (weapon) for committing suicide," Deputy Inspector General Harinarayan Chari Mishra told PTI. Bhaiyyu Maharaj, who was also into social work, used to often visit the two districts in Maharashtra as he had a number of relatives there, police said. The 50-year-old popular spiritual leader allegedly shot himself at his residence here on June 12 and a purported suicide note mentioned stress as the reason. His original name was Udaysingh Deshmukh, and he hailed from a family of landlords in Madhya Pradesh's Shujalpur. The police had seized the revolver and the bullet recovered from the spot and sent them for forensic examination. Meanwhile, police have recorded the statements of Kuhu (Bhaiyyu Maharaj's daughter from his first marriage), his second wife Ayushi, close aide Vinayak Dudhade, his driver and other persons considered close to him as part of investigation into the incident, an official said. The statements of some of them confirmed that the godman, whose followers included top politicians, was tense and under stress, he said. Initial investigations revealed there was a discord in the family of Bhaiyyu Maharaj after his second marriage last year, the official said. Reportedly, the suicide note also mentioned the godman's financial powers, property and bank accounts, among other things, would be entrusted with his close aide Vinayak Dudhade, who was with him for the last 15 years. The police are also collecting information related to Bhaiyyu Maharaj's properties in other states, he said. A trust was established by Bhaiyyu Maharaj on March 21, 1999, and it has 11 trustees. It runs various welfare programmes in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states in the areas of agriculture and water conservation, among others.

Licence of revolver used by Bhaiyyu Maharaj was issued in Maharashtra

Two civilians were injured on Saturday in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian in a terrorist attack.

The civilians were injured after the terrorists opened fire upon them.

The injured were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Earlier in the day, a CRPF was also injured after&nbsp;terrorist fired upon troops of 29 Battalion of CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police deployed at Srinagar's Pantha Chowk.

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-arnia-sector-sepoy-killed-in-nowshera--144759">Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Arnia sector, sepoy killed in Nowshera</a>

The civilians were injured after the terrorists opened fire upon them.

Two civilians were injured on Saturday in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian in a terrorist attack. The civilians were injured after the terrorists opened fire upon them. The injured were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Earlier in the day, a CRPF was also injured after terrorist fired upon troops of 29 Battalion of CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police deployed at Srinagar's Pantha Chowk. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Arnia sector, sepoy killed in Nowshera

J&K: 2 civilians injured in terrorist attack in Shopian

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/given-very-direct-telephone-number-to-kim-he-can-call-me-if-he-has-any-difficulty-donald-trump-144706">Given 'very direct' telephone number to Kim, he can call during any difficulty: Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have "great chemistry" and claimed the stand-off with the nuclear-armed Asian nation is "largely solved."

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/scotland-massive-fire-engulfs-glasgow-school-of-art-no-casualties-reported-144714">Scotland: Massive fire engulfs Glasgow School of Art, no casualties reported&nbsp</a>

According to reports, a massive broke out at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland on Friday. This is the second fire to have occurred at the site in the last four years.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-travelled-to-multiple-countries-on-revoked-fake-passports-reports-144712">Nirav Modi travelled to multiple countries on revoked, fake passports: Reports</a>

Celebrity jeweller Nirav Modi, who is wanted for Rs. 13,000-crore bank fraud in India is believed to be in Brussels after his passport was revoked. Reports say that Modi entered the UK on his original passport which was then revoked in February and has been travelling either on multiple passports or these countries were not informed of the case by the MEA - who have been letting him in. The exact information has not been revealed.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/have-been-receiving-death-threats-says-imran-khans-ex-wife-ahead-of-her-book-release-144724">Have been receiving death threats, says Imran Khan's ex-wife ahead of her book release</a>

Former wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Reham Khan on Friday said that her "tell-all" book was being criticised for the truth it contains. She further said that she had been receiving death threats ever since she announced the release of the autobiography.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-warns-americans-of-terrorism-threat-at-world-cup-in-russia-144708">US warns Americans of terrorism threat at World Cup in Russia</a>

The US State Department warned Americans on Friday that terrorists may target World Cup venues in Russia, which is hosting the month-long soccer tournament, but it did not point to any specific threat.

&nbsp

Given 'very direct' telephone number to Kim, he can call during any difficulty: Donald Trump US President Donald Trump said Friday that he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have "great chemistry" and claimed the stand-off with the nuclear-armed Asian nation is "largely solved." Scotland: Massive fire engulfs Glasgow School of Art, no casualties reported According to reports, a massive broke out at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland on Friday. This is the second fire to have occurred at the site in the last four years. Nirav Modi travelled to multiple countries on revoked, fake passports: Reports Celebrity jeweller Nirav Modi, who is wanted for Rs. 13,000-crore bank fraud in India is believed to be in Brussels after his passport was revoked. Reports say that Modi entered the UK on his original passport which was then revoked in February and has been travelling either on multiple passports or these countries were not informed of the case by the MEA - who have been letting him in. The exact information has not been revealed. Have been receiving death threats, says Imran Khan's ex-wife ahead of her book release Former wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Reham Khan on Friday said that her "tell-all" book was being criticised for the truth it contains. She further said that she had been receiving death threats ever since she announced the release of the autobiography. US warns Americans of terrorism threat at World Cup in Russia The US State Department warned Americans on Friday that terrorists may target World Cup venues in Russia, which is hosting the month-long soccer tournament, but it did not point to any specific threat.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Responding to the<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/political-parties-slam-aap-leaders-support-to-sikh-referendum-punjab-cm-seeks-clarification-from-kejriwal-144809"> criticism of the political parties' in Punjab</a>, AAP leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira has clarified that he never supported Referendum 2020 (Khalistan).

Sukhpal Singh Khaira said, "Someone had published a concocted report in newspaper. Following that CM Capt Amarinder Singh is reacting. Fact is I have contested five elections with allegiance to Indian constitution and never supported the cause of Referendum".

He, however, questioned the reason behind the demand for Referendum.

He said the demand for the referendum was raised in response to government's "anti-Sikh" attitude.

Khaira said, "Why is there a demand for Referendum? It's because governments of India always held an anti-Sikh attitude. Demands are in response to policy of discrimination. I request govt they work on their mistakes so Sikh community feels secure in India".

Political parties in Punjab, including the ruling Congress and the BJP, strongly criticised Aam Aadmi Party senior leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira for reportedly supporting Sikh "referendum" 2020 campaign.

Congress leaders and legislators lashed out at Khaira, the leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly, for his "open and blatant support" to the campaign aimed at seceding Punjab from India and again dividing the country along religious lines.

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Someone had published a concocted report in newspaper. Following that CM Capt Amarinder Singh is reacting. Fact is I've contested 5 elections with allegiance to Indian constitution & never supported the cause of Referendum: Sukhpal Singh Khaira, AAP on Referendum 2020 (Khalistan) <a href="https://t.co/5Y6ctWax3U">pic.twitter.com/5Y6ctWax3U</a>
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Why is there demand for Referendum? It's because govts of India always held an anti-Sikh attitude. Demands are in response to policy of discrimination. I request govt they work on their mistakes so Sikh community feels secure in India: SS Khaira, AAP on Referendum 2020(Khalistan) <a href="https://t.co/AzqoWAQMTX">pic.twitter.com/AzqoWAQMTX</a>
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&nbsp;

Sukhpal Singh Khaira said, 'Someone had published a concocted report in newspaper. Following that CM Capt Amarinder Singh is reacting. Fact is I have contested five elections with allegiance to Indian constitution and never supported the cause of Referendum'

Responding to the criticism of the political parties' in Punjab, AAP leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira has clarified that he never supported Referendum 2020 (Khalistan). Sukhpal Singh Khaira said, "Someone had published a concocted report in newspaper. Following that CM Capt Amarinder Singh is reacting. Fact is I have contested five elections with allegiance to Indian constitution and never supported the cause of Referendum". He, however, questioned the reason behind the demand for Referendum. He said the demand for the referendum was raised in response to government's "anti-Sikh" attitude. Khaira said, "Why is there a demand for Referendum? It's because governments of India always held an anti-Sikh attitude. Demands are in response to policy of discrimination. I request govt they work on their mistakes so Sikh community feels secure in India". Political parties in Punjab, including the ruling Congress and the BJP, strongly criticised Aam Aadmi Party senior leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira for reportedly supporting Sikh "referendum" 2020 campaign. Congress leaders and legislators lashed out at Khaira, the leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly, for his "open and blatant support" to the campaign aimed at seceding Punjab from India and again dividing the country along religious lines. Someone had published a concocted report in newspaper. Following that CM Capt Amarinder Singh is reacting. Fact is I've contested 5 elections with allegiance to Indian constitution & never supported the cause of Referendum: Sukhpal Singh Khaira, AAP on Referendum 2020 (Khalistan) pic.twitter.com/5Y6ctWax3U — ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2018 × Why is there demand for Referendum? It's because govts of India always held an anti-Sikh attitude. Demands are in response to policy of discrimination. I request govt they work on their mistakes so Sikh community feels secure in India: SS Khaira, AAP on Referendum 2020(Khalistan) pic.twitter.com/AzqoWAQMTX — ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2018 ×

After criticism from Punjab CM, AAP leader says he never supported 2020 Referendum

People behind the killing of veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari would not be able to escape the law, Minister of State (Mos) for Home Hansraj Ahir said.

Condemning the killing of Mr Bukhari, the minister said exemplary action would be taken against those involved in the crime.

"It's a very sad incident. The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister has already ordered a probe into the matter. The accused will not be able to escape. We will take strict action against the miscreants. Nobody will be spared," Mr Ahir told reporters here.

Mr Ahir was in the city to preside over a review meeting of Eastern Zone of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Other agencies like the CRPF, SSB, ED, Drugs Control, as well as police officials from West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand also participated in the meeting.

Veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir newspaper editor Shujaat Bukhari and his personal security officers were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside the newspaper's office in the heart of Srinagar yesterday.

Mr Bukhari (50) was leaving his office in Press Enclave in Lal Chowk for an iftar party when he was shot at.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said in a message that she was shocked and saddened by Mr Bukhari's "sudden demise".

Mr Bukhari had earlier worked with The Hindu newspaper as its Kashmir correspondent.

He was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan.

Condemning the killing of Mr Bukhari, the minister said exemplary action would be taken against those involved in the crime

People behind the killing of veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari would not be able to escape the law, Minister of State (Mos) for Home Hansraj Ahir said. Condemning the killing of Mr Bukhari, the minister said exemplary action would be taken against those involved in the crime. "It's a very sad incident. The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister has already ordered a probe into the matter. The accused will not be able to escape. We will take strict action against the miscreants. Nobody will be spared," Mr Ahir told reporters here. Mr Ahir was in the city to preside over a review meeting of Eastern Zone of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Other agencies like the CRPF, SSB, ED, Drugs Control, as well as police officials from West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand also participated in the meeting. Veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir newspaper editor Shujaat Bukhari and his personal security officers were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside the newspaper's office in the heart of Srinagar yesterday. Mr Bukhari (50) was leaving his office in Press Enclave in Lal Chowk for an iftar party when he was shot at. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said in a message that she was shocked and saddened by Mr Bukhari's "sudden demise". Mr Bukhari had earlier worked with The Hindu newspaper as its Kashmir correspondent. He was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan.

'Shujaat Bukhari killers will be punished,' says Mos Hansraj Ahir

Lieutenant General (retd) DS Hooda on Friday said that it was not possible to comment on whether the Ramzan ceasefire along the Line of Control was an absolute success or failure.

He said, "We can't say if the ceasefire is success or failure in black or white terms. There were major challenges. Militants haven't agreed to the ceasefire, attacks on security forces haven't gone down. Pakistan's carrying out infiltration and ceasefire violations are some downsides."

He said that the killings of veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari and soldier Aurangzeb in the Valley on Thursday, were the possible downsides of the Ramzan ceasefire, as it gave terrorists an upper hand.

He said, "A tragic incident that took place yesterday where we lost a very brave soldier (Aurangzeb) and a very respected journalist (Shujaat Bukhari), which are downsides of what has happened. There are calls for abrogating ceasefire but there have also been some positives."

He also said, "When the ceasefire was announced large sec of people looked at it positively. Civilian casualties, clashes between protesters and security forces came down. If we can exploit success, it will be the real key to say whether ceasefire helped or not."

Last month, the Home Ministry announced that the security personnel would halt operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, during the holy month of Ramzan.

However, the Ministry clarified that the security forces retained the right to strike, if attacked or if civilians were found to be in danger.

Earlier, the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan spoke to each other on the issue of ceasefire violations and terrorist activities and agreed to fully implement the ceasefire understanding of 2003, to ensure that ceasefire would not be violated by both sides.

Both the DGMOs reviewed the prevailing situation along the line of control and international boundary in Jammu and Kashmir, according to an official statement.

On the DGMO-level talks, DS Hooda said, "I am highly skeptical about the ceasefire acceptance between the two DGMOs. I don't think it is going to succeed. The reason is that a ceasefire should be on some kind of principle and I am afraid that those principles are not in place. As long as Pakistan will not stop such kind of activities we are not going to see peace. The DGMOs must sit down and establish some basis and principle on which the ceasefire should be taken care off. Merely talking on the phone will be not enough."

He said that the killings of veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari and soldier Aurangzeb in the Valley on Thursday, were the possible downsides of the Ramzan ceasefire, as it gave terrorists an upper hand

Lieutenant General (retd) DS Hooda on Friday said that it was not possible to comment on whether the Ramzan ceasefire along the Line of Control was an absolute success or failure. He said, "We can't say if the ceasefire is success or failure in black or white terms. There were major challenges. Militants haven't agreed to the ceasefire, attacks on security forces haven't gone down. Pakistan's carrying out infiltration and ceasefire violations are some downsides." He said that the killings of veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari and soldier Aurangzeb in the Valley on Thursday, were the possible downsides of the Ramzan ceasefire, as it gave terrorists an upper hand. He said, "A tragic incident that took place yesterday where we lost a very brave soldier (Aurangzeb) and a very respected journalist (Shujaat Bukhari), which are downsides of what has happened. There are calls for abrogating ceasefire but there have also been some positives." He also said, "When the ceasefire was announced large sec of people looked at it positively. Civilian casualties, clashes between protesters and security forces came down. If we can exploit success, it will be the real key to say whether ceasefire helped or not." Last month, the Home Ministry announced that the security personnel would halt operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, during the holy month of Ramzan. However, the Ministry clarified that the security forces retained the right to strike, if attacked or if civilians were found to be in danger. Earlier, the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan spoke to each other on the issue of ceasefire violations and terrorist activities and agreed to fully implement the ceasefire understanding of 2003, to ensure that ceasefire would not be violated by both sides. Both the DGMOs reviewed the prevailing situation along the line of control and international boundary in Jammu and Kashmir, according to an official statement. On the DGMO-level talks, DS Hooda said, "I am highly skeptical about the ceasefire acceptance between the two DGMOs. I don't think it is going to succeed. The reason is that a ceasefire should be on some kind of principle and I am afraid that those principles are not in place. As long as Pakistan will not stop such kind of activities we are not going to see peace. The DGMOs must sit down and establish some basis and principle on which the ceasefire should be taken care off. Merely talking on the phone will be not enough."

Can't say if Ramzan ceasefire was a success or failure: Retired Lt Gen Hooda

The low visibility caused by recent dust storms in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi continued to disrupt&nbsp;flight operations in&nbsp;Chandigarh International Airport as it will remain partially close for the second day.

Most of the national and international flights travelling to Chandigarh has been suspended due to the low visibility caused by dust storms.

According to the Meteorological Department, the situation is likely to improve by the end of this week following the chances of rainfall as dust will settle down.

According to media reports, Two flights only took off from Chandigarh airport which were bound for Bangkok.

On Friday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dust-haze-hangs-over-punjab-indigo-cancels-all-chandigarh-domestic-flights-144582">all IndiGo domestic flights and 5 more flights</a> arriving/departing at/from the Chandigarh Airport stand cancelled due to poor visibility. Thirty flights in total were cancelled on Thursday.

Air quality and visibility levels have severely been hit by the dust haze.

The weather department here said that a ground-level dust storm in Rajasthan, with wind, speeds up to 40 kmph, had led to a spike in the levels of coarse particles in the air in most parts of Haryana and Punjab including Chandigarh.

A thunderstorm with squall is likely at isolated places in Haryana and Punjab today and tomorrow, according to the MeT Department forecast.

In view of severe dust pollution, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) yesterday issued an advisory that no construction activity could be carried out for the next two days in districts falling under the National Capital Region (NCR).

Haryana's Environment Minister Vipul Goel said the Board was monitoring the pollution level and would advise further necessary steps in consultation with the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board.

The air quality in several parts of Punjab and Haryana has also been adversely affected for the past two days, officials said.

(With inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

Most of the national and international flights travelling to Chandigarh has been suspended due to the low visibility caused by dust storms

The low visibility caused by recent dust storms in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi continued to disrupt flight operations in Chandigarh International Airport as it will remain partially close for the second day. Most of the national and international flights travelling to Chandigarh has been suspended due to the low visibility caused by dust storms. According to the Meteorological Department, the situation is likely to improve by the end of this week following the chances of rainfall as dust will settle down. According to media reports, Two flights only took off from Chandigarh airport which were bound for Bangkok. On Friday, all IndiGo domestic flights and 5 more flights arriving/departing at/from the Chandigarh Airport stand cancelled due to poor visibility. Thirty flights in total were cancelled on Thursday. Air quality and visibility levels have severely been hit by the dust haze. The weather department here said that a ground-level dust storm in Rajasthan, with wind, speeds up to 40 kmph, had led to a spike in the levels of coarse particles in the air in most parts of Haryana and Punjab including Chandigarh. A thunderstorm with squall is likely at isolated places in Haryana and Punjab today and tomorrow, according to the MeT Department forecast. In view of severe dust pollution, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) yesterday issued an advisory that no construction activity could be carried out for the next two days in districts falling under the National Capital Region (NCR). Haryana's Environment Minister Vipul Goel said the Board was monitoring the pollution level and would advise further necessary steps in consultation with the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board. The air quality in several parts of Punjab and Haryana has also been adversely affected for the past two days, officials said. (With inputs from PTI)

Chandigarh airport to remain partially close due to dust storms

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday said that hopefully water sharing with Tamil Nadu would be smooth as he had instructed officials to release 20,000 cusecs from Kabini dam to Tamil Nadu.

"I have instructed irrigation officials to release 20,000 cusecs from the Kabini dam. There is bright chance for good monsoon rains this year... If the monsoon continues like this, we can give Tamil Nadu's share of 10 TMC in June as per the Cauvery water sharing authority's order", news agency PTI reported Kumaraswamy as saying.

"The water to be released from Kabini would benefit both sides and farmers in both states would be happy," he added.

Kumaraswamy was in Madurai's Meenakshi temple where he interacted with media.

During the media interaction, he also said that "by the grace of God the monsoon has so far been good and has created a smooth atmosphere in sharing Cauvery water".

Kumaraswamy also informed that there was good rain in the catchment areas of rivers in Karnataka and dams were receiving good inflows.

After the announcement by Kumaraswamy, actor turned politician, Kamal Haasan thanked Karnataka chief minister on Twitter for his decision to release&nbsp;water from Kabini dam.

"Spoke to @CMofKarnataka. Expressed My pleasure on the opening of Kabini. Ultimately even after the Cauvery water management Authority starts functioning, only goodwill between the two States will open many more shut doors," Kamal Haasan said in a tweet.

Earlier, Kamal Haasan had also discussed the Cauvery issue with the chief minister and suggested to resolve the issue with talks.

Meanwhile, acting on the Supreme Court's February verdict, the central government set up Cauvery water Management Board on June 2 to address the dispute over the water sharing.

The authority will look at the regulated release of water by Karnataka, at the inter-state contact point presently identified as Billigundulu gauge and discharge station, located on the common border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and if any delay&nbsp;in the water sharing is reported then the management board authorities are instructed to take appropriate action.

On 16 February 2018, the Supreme Court ruled its verdict to the decades-old dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the water sharing.

The Supreme Court has reduced 14.75 tmc water allocation to Tamil Nadu and now Karnataka is to release only 177 tmc of water to Tamil Nadu for next 15 years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Kumaraswamy made the announcement while he interacting with media after the worship in

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday said that hopefully water sharing with Tamil Nadu would be smooth as he had instructed officials to release 20,000 cusecs from Kabini dam to Tamil Nadu. "I have instructed irrigation officials to release 20,000 cusecs from the Kabini dam. There is bright chance for good monsoon rains this year... If the monsoon continues like this, we can give Tamil Nadu's share of 10 TMC in June as per the Cauvery water sharing authority's order", news agency PTI reported Kumaraswamy as saying. "The water to be released from Kabini would benefit both sides and farmers in both states would be happy," he added. Kumaraswamy was in Madurai's Meenakshi temple where he interacted with media. During the media interaction, he also said that "by the grace of God the monsoon has so far been good and has created a smooth atmosphere in sharing Cauvery water". Kumaraswamy also informed that there was good rain in the catchment areas of rivers in Karnataka and dams were receiving good inflows. After the announcement by Kumaraswamy, actor turned politician, Kamal Haasan thanked Karnataka chief minister on Twitter for his decision to release water from Kabini dam. "Spoke to @CMofKarnataka. Expressed My pleasure on the opening of Kabini. Ultimately even after the Cauvery water management Authority starts functioning, only goodwill between the two States will open many more shut doors," Kamal Haasan said in a tweet. Earlier, Kamal Haasan had also discussed the Cauvery issue with the chief minister and suggested to resolve the issue with talks. Meanwhile, acting on the Supreme Court's February verdict, the central government set up Cauvery water Management Board on June 2 to address the dispute over the water sharing. The authority will look at the regulated release of water by Karnataka, at the inter-state contact point presently identified as Billigundulu gauge and discharge station, located on the common border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and if any delay in the water sharing is reported then the management board authorities are instructed to take appropriate action. On 16 February 2018, the Supreme Court ruled its verdict to the decades-old dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the water sharing. The Supreme Court has reduced 14.75 tmc water allocation to Tamil Nadu and now Karnataka is to release only 177 tmc of water to Tamil Nadu for next 15 years. (With inputs from PTI)

Cauvery water dispute: HD Kumaraswamy orders release of water to Tamil Nadu

In a warning to tourists and travellers, the Railways on Saturday issued a public caution stating that tigers and leopards have been sighted along the Castlerock-Kulem rail section near the Goa-Karnataka border.

"It is reported that tigers and leopards have been spotted near the railway track between Castlerock-Kulem ghat section. Therefore, the general public and tourists are advised to be cautious while moving in (the area)," a statement by the South Western Railway said.

The section, which spans across Goa and North Karnataka, is situated in the dense Western Ghat forests and gained popularity in the Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone-starrer "Chennai Express".&nbsp

While Castlerock railway station is located in Karnataka, Kulem is in south Goa. The area is popular with trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts. 
&nbsp

The section, which spans across Goa and North Karnataka, is situated in the dense Western Ghat forests and gained popularity in the Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone-starrer "Chennai Express".

In a warning to tourists and travellers, the Railways on Saturday issued a public caution stating that tigers and leopards have been sighted along the Castlerock-Kulem rail section near the Goa-Karnataka border. "It is reported that tigers and leopards have been spotted near the railway track between Castlerock-Kulem ghat section. Therefore, the general public and tourists are advised to be cautious while moving in (the area)," a statement by the South Western Railway said. The section, which spans across Goa and North Karnataka, is situated in the dense Western Ghat forests and gained popularity in the Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone-starrer "Chennai Express". While Castlerock railway station is located in Karnataka, Kulem is in south Goa. The area is popular with trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Caution sounded after tigers spotted near Goa-Karnataka border

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is to raise strongly a host of the state issues, including the centre's refusal to grant 'special category status' to it, during the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on Sunday.

Over the last four days, the chief minister held extensive discussions with the state ministers, top bureaucrats and MPs on the issues to be raised during the 4th Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog.

This will be the first time that Naidu will have a face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the TDP pulled out of the NDA in March over the SCS issue.

Naidu, who has been vocal in his criticism of Prime Minister Modi and the BJP chief Amit Shah since snapping of TDP's ties with the NDA, is expected to directly confront Modi over the (unfulfilled) promise of according special category status to Andhra Pradesh, made in Rajya Sabha at the time of its bifurcation to carve out Telangana.

A communique issued by the CM's Office and also the TDP said Naidu would not like to let go the opportunity and use the meeting to press the state's demands.

The chief minister would seek to muster support from his counterparts like Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), H D Kumaraswamy (Karnataka), Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi) and others in this regard.

"We will strongly demand the promise of according special category status be honoured immediately in tune with the people's sentiments and that the centre extend all support to the state till we reach a level-playing field with other states," he said during a meeting with ministers and bureaucrats on Friday.

"We are not seeking anything more than what has been promised in the Reorganisation Act and also in Parliament," he added.

At a meeting with the TDP MPs, Naidu said there was not much on the NITI Aayog Governing Council agenda and hence he would take up with the Prime Minister the promises made to the state and their non-fulfilment.

"Rather than extending a helping hand, the Centre has only been blocking our progress at every step in the last four years. Despite all odds post-bifurcation, we have emerged as the fastest growing state in the country with a GSDP growth rate of 10.5 per cent. This was only because of our hard work," he claimed.

Naidu also went on to say that the credibility of the Centre has eroded after botched measures like demonetisation and GST.

"People are still forced to stand in long queues to draw their money but the ATMs are running dry," he said.

These issues, as well as the hike in petrol and diesel prices, discrepancies in MSP for agricultural products and crop insurance schemes will also be raised at the NITI Aayog meeting, the CMO said.

This will be the first time that Naidu will have a face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the TDP pulled out of the NDA in March over the SCS issue

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is to raise strongly a host of the state issues, including the centre's refusal to grant 'special category status' to it, during the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on Sunday. Over the last four days, the chief minister held extensive discussions with the state ministers, top bureaucrats and MPs on the issues to be raised during the 4th Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog. This will be the first time that Naidu will have a face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the TDP pulled out of the NDA in March over the SCS issue. Naidu, who has been vocal in his criticism of Prime Minister Modi and the BJP chief Amit Shah since snapping of TDP's ties with the NDA, is expected to directly confront Modi over the (unfulfilled) promise of according special category status to Andhra Pradesh, made in Rajya Sabha at the time of its bifurcation to carve out Telangana. A communique issued by the CM's Office and also the TDP said Naidu would not like to let go the opportunity and use the meeting to press the state's demands. The chief minister would seek to muster support from his counterparts like Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), H D Kumaraswamy (Karnataka), Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi) and others in this regard. "We will strongly demand the promise of according special category status be honoured immediately in tune with the people's sentiments and that the centre extend all support to the state till we reach a level-playing field with other states," he said during a meeting with ministers and bureaucrats on Friday. "We are not seeking anything more than what has been promised in the Reorganisation Act and also in Parliament," he added. At a meeting with the TDP MPs, Naidu said there was not much on the NITI Aayog Governing Council agenda and hence he would take up with the Prime Minister the promises made to the state and their non-fulfilment. "Rather than extending a helping hand, the Centre has only been blocking our progress at every step in the last four years. Despite all odds post-bifurcation, we have emerged as the fastest growing state in the country with a GSDP growth rate of 10.5 per cent. This was only because of our hard work," he claimed. Naidu also went on to say that the credibility of the Centre has eroded after botched measures like demonetisation and GST. "People are still forced to stand in long queues to draw their money but the ATMs are running dry," he said. These issues, as well as the hike in petrol and diesel prices, discrepancies in MSP for agricultural products and crop insurance schemes will also be raised at the NITI Aayog meeting, the CMO said.

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu braces to take on PM over 'broken promises' in Niti Aayog meeting

The Flood situation in Mizoram showed a slight improvement on Saturday with water level of rivers Tlawng and Langkaih receding.

The officials of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation department however said that about 500 families were displaced and a number of houses were still under the water.

The situation also improved a little in Tripura, though over 40,000 people continue to remain stranded in 189 relief camps across the state.

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb visited the worst hit area of the state has scheduled a review meeting with heads of all line departments - PWD, Water Resources, Health and Family Welfare.

He also directed the officials to reach out to the marooned people with relief materials and medical aids at the earliest.

The Deputy Secretary of Revenue Department said that the chief minister had two IAF choppers have already been pressed into service to distribute food, water and medicines in "flood-battered" Kailashahar subdivision.

Train services continue to remain suspended in Lumding - Badarpur section as the tracks were destroyed by the landslides. &nbspThe services may be resumed after 2-3 days.&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)

The officials of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation department, however, said that about 500 families were displaced and a number of houses were still under the water in Mizoram. Over 40,000 people continue to remain stranded in 189 relief camps across Tripura

The Flood situation in Mizoram showed a slight improvement on Saturday with water level of rivers Tlawng and Langkaih receding. The officials of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation department however said that about 500 families were displaced and a number of houses were still under the water. The situation also improved a little in Tripura, though over 40,000 people continue to remain stranded in 189 relief camps across the state. Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb visited the worst hit area of the state has scheduled a review meeting with heads of all line departments - PWD, Water Resources, Health and Family Welfare. He also directed the officials to reach out to the marooned people with relief materials and medical aids at the earliest. The Deputy Secretary of Revenue Department said that the chief minister had two IAF choppers have already been pressed into service to distribute food, water and medicines in "flood-battered" Kailashahar subdivision. Train services continue to remain suspended in Lumding - Badarpur section as the tracks were destroyed by the landslides. &nbspThe services may be resumed after 2-3 days. (With inputs from PTI)

Flood situation slightly improves in Tripura, Mizoram

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/outrage-as-uk-excludes-india-from-relaxed-student-visa-rules-144812">Outrage as </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/outrage-as-uk-excludes-india-from-relaxed-student-visa-rules-144812">UK</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/outrage-as-uk-excludes-india-from-relaxed-student-visa-rules-144812"> excludes India from relaxed student visa rules</a>

The UK government has caused outrage with its decision to exclude Indian students from a new list of countries considered low risk&nbspin order to facilitate an easier visa application process to UK universities.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/gauri-lankesh-killing-sit-summons-sri-ram-sene-district-head-for-questioning-144804">Gauri Lankesh killing: SIT summons Sri Ram Sene district head for questioning</a>

The Special Investigation Team probing the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh has summoned Rakesh Math, the Vijayapura district president of fringe right-wing outfit Sri Ram Sene, for questioning, a senior police official said today.

<a href="http://wionews.com/sports/live-fifa-world-cup-2018-argentina-vs-iceland--144817">LIVE FIFA World Cup 2018: Goal! Argentina 1-0 Iceland</a>

Argentina is one of the most successful national football teams having won 2 World Cups in 1978 and 1986

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-refugees-mark-first-eid-since-myanmar-crackdown-144819">Rohingya refugees mark first Eid since Myanmar crackdown</a>

As Muslims around the world celebrated Eid with feasting and gift-giving, Rohingya refugees in squalid Bangladesh camps marked the festival Saturday with a peaceful demonstration demanding justice and dignified repatriation.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/uk-launches-review-of-monthly-visa-cap-to-ease-entry-for-professionals-144806">UK</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/uk-launches-review-of-monthly-visa-cap-to-ease-entry-for-professionals-144806"> launches </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/uk-launches-review-of-monthly-visa-cap-to-ease-entry-for-professionals-144806">review</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/uk-launches-review-of-monthly-visa-cap-to-ease-entry-for-professionals-144806"> of monthly visa cap to ease entry for professionals</a>

The UK government has tabled changes to its immigration policy in Parliament, which includes a review of its strict visa quotas available to professionals from countries like India.

Outrage as UK excludes India from relaxed student visa rules The UK government has caused outrage with its decision to exclude Indian students from a new list of countries considered low risk&nbspin order to facilitate an easier visa application process to UK universities. Gauri Lankesh killing: SIT summons Sri Ram Sene district head for questioning The Special Investigation Team probing the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh has summoned Rakesh Math, the Vijayapura district president of fringe right-wing outfit Sri Ram Sene, for questioning, a senior police official said today. LIVE FIFA World Cup 2018: Goal! Argentina 1-0 Iceland Argentina is one of the most successful national football teams having won 2 World Cups in 1978 and 1986 Rohingya refugees mark first Eid since Myanmar crackdown As Muslims around the world celebrated Eid with feasting and gift-giving, Rohingya refugees in squalid Bangladesh camps marked the festival Saturday with a peaceful demonstration demanding justice and dignified repatriation. UK launches review of monthly visa cap to ease entry for professionals The UK government has tabled changes to its immigration policy in Parliament, which includes a review of its strict visa quotas available to professionals from countries like India.

The UK High Court has ordered embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya to pay a minimum of 200,000 pounds towards the costs incurred by 13 Indian banks in their legal battle to recover alleged dues.

Last month, Judge Andrew Henshaw had refused to overturn a worldwide order freezing Mallya's assets and upheld an Indian court's ruling that a consortium of 13 Indian banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) were entitled to recover funds amounting to nearly 1.145 billion pounds.

As part of the judgment, the court has also ordered Mr Mallya, 62, to pay costs towards registration of the worldwide freezing order and of the Debt Recovery Tribunal of Karnataka's judgment in Britain.

"The court ordered that Mallya pay the banks' costs. The standard order is that the court will assess those costs unless the parties can otherwise agree a figure for what should be paid," said a legal expert familiar with the case.

The court's assessment of costs is a separate process, which ends with another court hearing before a specialist costs judge in the UK. But in the meantime, Mr Mallya must pay 200,000 pounds towards this legal costs liability.

In a high court ruling dated May 8, Judge Henshaw had refused to overturn a worldwide order freezing Mr Mallya's assets and upheld an Indian court's ruling that the consortium of 13 Indian banks - State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Corporation bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd - were entitled to recover funds amounting to nearly 1.145 billion pounds.

The legal costs owed to the banks emerged in a subsequent court order by the same judge.

"The First Defendant's (Mallya) application for permission to appeal is refused. Any further application for permission to appeal should be made to the Court of Appeal to be dealt with by a judge of that court," the judgment notes.

Mr Mallya, who is separately also fighting extradition to India on fraud and money laundering charges worth an estimated Rs. 9,000 crores, has since filed an appeal notice at the Court of Appeal, which includes an application for permission to appeal.

Permission will only be granted if the court considers that the appeal would have a real prospect of success or there is some other compelling reason for the appeal to be heard.

Mr Mallya is due back at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London next month for one of the final hearings in his extradition case.

A hearing for closing arguments to be presented by his defence team and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), on behalf of the Indian authorities, was scheduled for July 11 but is now likely to take place on July 31.

The former Kingfisher Airlines boss remains on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year. The CPS believes it has successfully established a prima facie case of fraud against the businessman and that there are no bars to his extradition to face the courts in India.

Mr Mallya's lawyers have claimed the criminal charges against their client are "without substance" and "politically motivated". They have also challenged the case on human rights grounds, questioning the conditions at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where the businessman is to be held post-extradition.

As part of the judgment, the court has also ordered Mr Mallya, 62, to pay costs towards registration of the worldwide freezing order and of the Debt Recovery Tribunal of Karnataka's judgment in Britain

The UK High Court has ordered embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya to pay a minimum of 200,000 pounds towards the costs incurred by 13 Indian banks in their legal battle to recover alleged dues. Last month, Judge Andrew Henshaw had refused to overturn a worldwide order freezing Mallya's assets and upheld an Indian court's ruling that a consortium of 13 Indian banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) were entitled to recover funds amounting to nearly 1.145 billion pounds. As part of the judgment, the court has also ordered Mr Mallya, 62, to pay costs towards registration of the worldwide freezing order and of the Debt Recovery Tribunal of Karnataka's judgment in Britain. "The court ordered that Mallya pay the banks' costs. The standard order is that the court will assess those costs unless the parties can otherwise agree a figure for what should be paid," said a legal expert familiar with the case. The court's assessment of costs is a separate process, which ends with another court hearing before a specialist costs judge in the UK. But in the meantime, Mr Mallya must pay 200,000 pounds towards this legal costs liability. In a high court ruling dated May 8, Judge Henshaw had refused to overturn a worldwide order freezing Mr Mallya's assets and upheld an Indian court's ruling that the consortium of 13 Indian banks - State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Corporation bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd - were entitled to recover funds amounting to nearly 1.145 billion pounds. The legal costs owed to the banks emerged in a subsequent court order by the same judge. "The First Defendant's (Mallya) application for permission to appeal is refused. Any further application for permission to appeal should be made to the Court of Appeal to be dealt with by a judge of that court," the judgment notes. Mr Mallya, who is separately also fighting extradition to India on fraud and money laundering charges worth an estimated Rs. 9,000 crores, has since filed an appeal notice at the Court of Appeal, which includes an application for permission to appeal. Permission will only be granted if the court considers that the appeal would have a real prospect of success or there is some other compelling reason for the appeal to be heard. Mr Mallya is due back at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London next month for one of the final hearings in his extradition case. A hearing for closing arguments to be presented by his defence team and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), on behalf of the Indian authorities, was scheduled for July 11 but is now likely to take place on July 31. The former Kingfisher Airlines boss remains on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year. The CPS believes it has successfully established a prima facie case of fraud against the businessman and that there are no bars to his extradition to face the courts in India. Mr Mallya's lawyers have claimed the criminal charges against their client are "without substance" and "politically motivated". They have also challenged the case on human rights grounds, questioning the conditions at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where the businessman is to be held post-extradition.

UK court orders Vijaya Mallya to pay 200,000 pounds to Indian banks

Political parties in Punjab, including the ruling Congress and the BJP, today strongly criticised Aam Aadmi Party senior leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira for reportedly supporting Sikh "referendum" 2020 campaign.

Congress leaders and legislators lashed out at Khaira, the leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly, for his "open and blatant support" to the campaign aimed at seceding Punjab from India and again dividing the country along religious lines.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh condemned Khaira for "backing secessionism" by supporting the campaign, propounded by Sikh radicals for a separate Sikh homeland.

Yesterday, Khaira reportedly said: "I support the Sikh referendum 2020 movement as Sikhs have the right to demand justice against atrocities suffered by them."

In a statement, Singh said Khaira seemed to be indulging in political antics without any sense of the history of Punjab or any realisation of the possible consequences of his statement.

The other Congress leaders, including Ramanjit Singh Sikki, Harminder Singh Gill and Hardev Singh Ladi, in a joint statement sought clarification from AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, asking him whether he subscribed to Khaira's stand.

"You must sack Khaira from the party and if you do not do that it will amount to your consent and concurrence to the anti-national designs of Khaira," they said in the statement.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia termed Khaira's statement a "proof of divisive politics played by AAP."

Amid the barrage of criticism, Khaira today responded to the Punjab chief minister in a tweet: "I am surpised a leader of your level is tweeting against me without checking his facts, I am not a votary of 2020 but I don't hesitate to point out a consistent policy of discrimination against Sikhs by central governments! Be it attack on Darbar Sahib, genocide of Sikhs leading to 2020."

But BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia said Khaira "double speaks" by supporting simultaneously the referendum as well as owing allegiance to the Constitution and supporting a united India. Kalia said it was an "open secret" that the campaign is a brainchild of Sikhs For Justice, a secessionist organisation headquartered in Canada.

"Declaring support for referendum 2020 by Khaira establishes his links with secessionists supporting Khalistan," the former minister said.

In his statement, Punjab chief minister Singh said Khaira seemed to be completely unmindful of what the state had been through and the dangers of his ill-thought statement.

He dismissed as hypocrisy Khaira's claim that he stood for India's unity while supporting the campaign, terming it a classic case of "running with the hares and hunting with the hounds".

Singh also demanded to know whether Khaira's statement had the backing of the AAP central leadership. This was important considering Kejriwal himself was hobnobbing with pro-Khalistanis when he was campaigning in Punjab in the run-up to the Assembly elections last year, he alleged.

The AAP leadership should clarify their stand on the sensitive issue, which has the potential to plunge Punjab back into the dark days of terrorism, the chief minister said.

The Congress leaders said those fuelling secession via the "referendum" were sitting comfortably thousands of miles away in the west, while trying to set Punjab on fire and push the youth toward disaster by using people like Khaira.&nbsp

Congress leaders and legislators lashed out at Aam Aadmi Party senior leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira, the leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly, for his "open and blatant support" to the campaign aimed at seceding Punjab from India and again dividing the country along religious lines

Political parties in Punjab, including the ruling Congress and the BJP, today strongly criticised Aam Aadmi Party senior leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira for reportedly supporting Sikh "referendum" 2020 campaign. Congress leaders and legislators lashed out at Khaira, the leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly, for his "open and blatant support" to the campaign aimed at seceding Punjab from India and again dividing the country along religious lines. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh condemned Khaira for "backing secessionism" by supporting the campaign, propounded by Sikh radicals for a separate Sikh homeland. Yesterday, Khaira reportedly said: "I support the Sikh referendum 2020 movement as Sikhs have the right to demand justice against atrocities suffered by them." In a statement, Singh said Khaira seemed to be indulging in political antics without any sense of the history of Punjab or any realisation of the possible consequences of his statement. The other Congress leaders, including Ramanjit Singh Sikki, Harminder Singh Gill and Hardev Singh Ladi, in a joint statement sought clarification from AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, asking him whether he subscribed to Khaira's stand. "You must sack Khaira from the party and if you do not do that it will amount to your consent and concurrence to the anti-national designs of Khaira," they said in the statement. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia termed Khaira's statement a "proof of divisive politics played by AAP." Amid the barrage of criticism, Khaira today responded to the Punjab chief minister in a tweet: "I am surpised a leader of your level is tweeting against me without checking his facts, I am not a votary of 2020 but I don't hesitate to point out a consistent policy of discrimination against Sikhs by central governments! Be it attack on Darbar Sahib, genocide of Sikhs leading to 2020." But BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia said Khaira "double speaks" by supporting simultaneously the referendum as well as owing allegiance to the Constitution and supporting a united India. Kalia said it was an "open secret" that the campaign is a brainchild of Sikhs For Justice, a secessionist organisation headquartered in Canada. "Declaring support for referendum 2020 by Khaira establishes his links with secessionists supporting Khalistan," the former minister said. In his statement, Punjab chief minister Singh said Khaira seemed to be completely unmindful of what the state had been through and the dangers of his ill-thought statement. He dismissed as hypocrisy Khaira's claim that he stood for India's unity while supporting the campaign, terming it a classic case of "running with the hares and hunting with the hounds". Singh also demanded to know whether Khaira's statement had the backing of the AAP central leadership. This was important considering Kejriwal himself was hobnobbing with pro-Khalistanis when he was campaigning in Punjab in the run-up to the Assembly elections last year, he alleged. The AAP leadership should clarify their stand on the sensitive issue, which has the potential to plunge Punjab back into the dark days of terrorism, the chief minister said. The Congress leaders said those fuelling secession via the "referendum" were sitting comfortably thousands of miles away in the west, while trying to set Punjab on fire and push the youth toward disaster by using people like Khaira.

Political parties slam AAP leader's support to Sikh 'referendum'; Punjab CM seeks clarification from Kejriwal

Air Quality Index (AQI) reports in the national capital indicated that PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles were in the moderate and severe categories respectively on Saturday.

In Delhi's Lodhi Road area, the PM 2.5 particles level was at the 169 mark, while PM 10 pollutant level was at 500.

Strong-anti cyclonic winds, blowing from Rajasthan, have been singled out as the reason behind the worsening air quality.

Based on these numbers, air quality has improved considerably since yesterday, when the PM10 level was over 700 in most of the areas in Delhi-NCR areas, leading to hazy conditions and limiting visibility.

The AQI of R.K. Puram and Anand Vihar were recorded 948 and 999 respectively.

In the wake of the poor air quality over Delhi, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had on Thursday ordered to stop all civil construction activities across the national capital from June 15 to 17 to bring down the severe dust pollution.

Lt. Governor took to Twitter and said, "Held emergency meeting in view of severe dust pollution in Delhi with Hon Min @ImranHussaain & officials. Emergency measures like stoppage of all civil construction activities till 17th June. More monitoring by agencies like NHAI, DMRC, MCDs, PWD & NBCC etc. for ensuring compliance (sic)."

A number of dust storms have struck the northern part of India several times in this year's summer season, causing casualties and loss of properties.

As per the AQI level - from 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 is 'satisfactory', 101-200 is 'moderate', 201-300 is 'poor', 301-400 is 'very poor', and 401 and above is 'severe' or 'hazardous'.&nbsp

Air Quality Index (AQI) reports in the national capital indicated that PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles were in the moderate and severe categories respectively on Saturday

Air Quality Index (AQI) reports in the national capital indicated that PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles were in the moderate and severe categories respectively on Saturday. In Delhi's Lodhi Road area, the PM 2.5 particles level was at the 169 mark, while PM 10 pollutant level was at 500. Strong-anti cyclonic winds, blowing from Rajasthan, have been singled out as the reason behind the worsening air quality. Based on these numbers, air quality has improved considerably since yesterday, when the PM10 level was over 700 in most of the areas in Delhi-NCR areas, leading to hazy conditions and limiting visibility. The AQI of R.K. Puram and Anand Vihar were recorded 948 and 999 respectively. In the wake of the poor air quality over Delhi, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had on Thursday ordered to stop all civil construction activities across the national capital from June 15 to 17 to bring down the severe dust pollution. Lt. Governor took to Twitter and said, "Held emergency meeting in view of severe dust pollution in Delhi with Hon Min @ImranHussaain & officials. Emergency measures like stoppage of all civil construction activities till 17th June. More monitoring by agencies like NHAI, DMRC, MCDs, PWD & NBCC etc. for ensuring compliance (sic)." A number of dust storms have struck the northern part of India several times in this year's summer season, causing casualties and loss of properties. As per the AQI level - from 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 is 'satisfactory', 101-200 is 'moderate', 201-300 is 'poor', 301-400 is 'very poor', and 401 and above is 'severe' or 'hazardous'.

Air quality improves considerably in Delhi

With President Ram Nath Kovind reportedly rejecting Tamil Nadu government's plea to release seven Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts, the mother of one of them has demanded "mercy killing" of her son.

Arputhammal, the mother of A G Perarivalan, recalled the recent assertion by the Tamil Nadu government that it was for the release of the convicts including her son.

The seven convicts -- Murugan, Perarivalan, Santhan, Jayakumar, Robert Payas, Ravichandran and Nalini have been in jail for over 20 years now.

Speaking to reporters in Vellore district, Arputhammal said "we are now frustrated" following the prolonged legal battles and the latest development.&nbsp

"We don't want this life anymore. I am planning to petition the Central and the state governments to kill us. I am going to do that... Please do mercy killing of my son," she said.

Arputhammal recalled an earlier statement of an ex-CBI official, who recorded Perarivalan's statement, to a court that part of the convict's confession was "omitted."

"My son was taken by police on the pretext of an inquiry (in connection with the case) when he was 19-year-old and now he is 47. His youth and prime (of his life) have been lost," she said.

Arputhammal said even Congress President Rahul Gandhi has forgiven the convicts.

As per the prosecution's case, Perarivalan had procured two batteries that were used in the belt bomb used to kill the former Prime Minister at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu in May 1991 during an election rally.

The Tamil Nadu government had on June 5 said that it was for the release of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convicts but the matter was pending before the Supreme Court.

"There is no second opinion" that the convicts in the case should be freed, Law Minister C Ve Shanmugam had told the state assembly during a debate.&nbsp

Speaking to reporters in Vellore district, Arputhammal said 'we are now frustrated' following the prolonged legal battles and the latest development

With President Ram Nath Kovind reportedly rejecting Tamil Nadu government's plea to release seven Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts, the mother of one of them has demanded "mercy killing" of her son. Arputhammal, the mother of A G Perarivalan, recalled the recent assertion by the Tamil Nadu government that it was for the release of the convicts including her son. The seven convicts -- Murugan, Perarivalan, Santhan, Jayakumar, Robert Payas, Ravichandran and Nalini have been in jail for over 20 years now. Speaking to reporters in Vellore district, Arputhammal said "we are now frustrated" following the prolonged legal battles and the latest development. "We don't want this life anymore. I am planning to petition the Central and the state governments to kill us. I am going to do that... Please do mercy killing of my son," she said. Arputhammal recalled an earlier statement of an ex-CBI official, who recorded Perarivalan's statement, to a court that part of the convict's confession was "omitted." "My son was taken by police on the pretext of an inquiry (in connection with the case) when he was 19-year-old and now he is 47. His youth and prime (of his life) have been lost," she said. Arputhammal said even Congress President Rahul Gandhi has forgiven the convicts. As per the prosecution's case, Perarivalan had procured two batteries that were used in the belt bomb used to kill the former Prime Minister at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu in May 1991 during an election rally. The Tamil Nadu government had on June 5 said that it was for the release of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convicts but the matter was pending before the Supreme Court. "There is no second opinion" that the convicts in the case should be freed, Law Minister C Ve Shanmugam had told the state assembly during a debate.

Rajiv assassination convict's mother seeks 'mercy killing' of son

The Special Investigation Team probing the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh has summoned Rakesh Math, the Vijayapura district president of fringe right-wing outfit Sri Ram Sene, for questioning, a senior police official said today.

The SIT decided to question Math since the suspected shooter of Lankesh, Parashuram Waghmare, was an active member of the Hindutva organisation linked to moral policing in parts of Karnataka, the official told.

The official, from the SIT, said they wanted to find out whether Math was involved in Lankesh's assassination and whether he "brainwashed" Waghmare to participate in the plot.

Math and Waghmare were allegedly involved in hoisting a Pakistani flag outside the tahsildar office in their hometown Sindagi of Vijayapura district in Karnataka in January 2012.

The SIT believes Math has a strong support base in coastal regions, including Mangaluru, and parts of north Karnataka.

"We have summoned Rakesh Math. He has not come yet," the official said.

Sri Ram Sene founder and chief Pramod Muthalik has distanced himself and his organisation from Waghmare and the killing of Lankesh and other rationalists.

Lankesh was shot dead at the entrance of her Bengaluru residence on September 5 last year.

"There is no connection between Sri Ram Sene and Waghmare. He is neither our member nor our worker. This I say very clearly," said Muthalik.

The Sene chief said when the Pakistani flag hoisting issue had come to light, it was said that Waghmare was a member of Sri Ram Sene. However, he said he has proved that Waghmare was not a member of Sri Ram Sene but of RSS.

"I had shared his pictures sporting RSS uniform. I had said at that time that he is an RSS worker and not of Sri Ram Sene," Muthalik said.

Conceding that Math is the district head of Sene, Muthalik said he has been summoned for inquiry because all of them are from Sindagi town and were involved in the Pakistani flag hoisting incident.

Since both Waghmare and Math were involved in the Pakistani flag case and were from the same town, the police might have summoned the latter for interrogation, he told PTI.

"Rakesh Math is our district president. However, the organisation has its own constitution according to which it functions. If somebody does something privately in his personal capacity, it cannot be held responsible," he said.

Parashuram Waghmare's father Ashok Waghmare, who had come from Sindagi to Bengaluru to see his son, said he was innocent but could not recall where he (Parashuram) was on September 5, the day Lankesh was shot dead.

"I think he was at home," Ashok Waghmare told a Kannada news channel.

Math said he came to Bengaluru following a notice to appear for the inquiry.

"I received a notice stating that my presence was required for the investigation (of Lankesh murder case)," Math told the channel.

He also said he has been Parashuram Waghmare's friend and his arrest was quite shocking.

He said he came to know about his (Parashuram Waghmare's) arrest after the police picked him up.

Math was confident that his friend would come out clean.

He denied his involvement in the killing and said he has only been doing organisational work.&nbsp 
&nbsp

The official, from the SIT, said they wanted to find out whether Math was involved in Lankesh's assassination and whether he "brainwashed" Waghmare to participate in the plot.

The Special Investigation Team probing the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh has summoned Rakesh Math, the Vijayapura district president of fringe right-wing outfit Sri Ram Sene, for questioning, a senior police official said today. The SIT decided to question Math since the suspected shooter of Lankesh, Parashuram Waghmare, was an active member of the Hindutva organisation linked to moral policing in parts of Karnataka, the official told. The official, from the SIT, said they wanted to find out whether Math was involved in Lankesh's assassination and whether he "brainwashed" Waghmare to participate in the plot. Math and Waghmare were allegedly involved in hoisting a Pakistani flag outside the tahsildar office in their hometown Sindagi of Vijayapura district in Karnataka in January 2012. The SIT believes Math has a strong support base in coastal regions, including Mangaluru, and parts of north Karnataka. "We have summoned Rakesh Math. He has not come yet," the official said. Sri Ram Sene founder and chief Pramod Muthalik has distanced himself and his organisation from Waghmare and the killing of Lankesh and other rationalists. Lankesh was shot dead at the entrance of her Bengaluru residence on September 5 last year. "There is no connection between Sri Ram Sene and Waghmare. He is neither our member nor our worker. This I say very clearly," said Muthalik. The Sene chief said when the Pakistani flag hoisting issue had come to light, it was said that Waghmare was a member of Sri Ram Sene. However, he said he has proved that Waghmare was not a member of Sri Ram Sene but of RSS. "I had shared his pictures sporting RSS uniform. I had said at that time that he is an RSS worker and not of Sri Ram Sene," Muthalik said. Conceding that Math is the district head of Sene, Muthalik said he has been summoned for inquiry because all of them are from Sindagi town and were involved in the Pakistani flag hoisting incident. Since both Waghmare and Math were involved in the Pakistani flag case and were from the same town, the police might have summoned the latter for interrogation, he told PTI. "Rakesh Math is our district president. However, the organisation has its own constitution according to which it functions. If somebody does something privately in his personal capacity, it cannot be held responsible," he said. Parashuram Waghmare's father Ashok Waghmare, who had come from Sindagi to Bengaluru to see his son, said he was innocent but could not recall where he (Parashuram) was on September 5, the day Lankesh was shot dead. "I think he was at home," Ashok Waghmare told a Kannada news channel. Math said he came to Bengaluru following a notice to appear for the inquiry. "I received a notice stating that my presence was required for the investigation (of Lankesh murder case)," Math told the channel. He also said he has been Parashuram Waghmare's friend and his arrest was quite shocking. He said he came to know about his (Parashuram Waghmare's) arrest after the police picked him up. Math was confident that his friend would come out clean. He denied his involvement in the killing and said he has only been doing organisational work.

Gauri Lankesh killing: SIT summons Sri Ram Sene district head for questioning

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said those who accuse her of appeasing Muslims are friends of neither the Hindus nor the Muslims.

"Some accuse me of (doing) Muslim appeasement. My question to them is whether loving Hindus means you have to hate Muslims. I respect and love all communities and religion. This country belongs to everybody," she was quoted as saying.

"Those who say I appease Muslims are friends of neither the Hindus nor the Muslims," Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, said while addressing a special prayer gathering on Red Road here to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

The BJP and some other organisations have been charging Banerjee with appeasement of Muslims for political reasons.

The chief minister said it was due to her protest that the Niti Aayog meeting which was earlier scheduled for today was changed to tomorrow.

"My question to the Central government officials is whether they are not aware that Eid is scheduled to be celebrated on June 16. Why was the Niti Aayog meeting kept on that day? I had written to the Central government urging it to change the date so that it doesn't clash with Eid," she said.

Banerjee had yesterday confirmed her participation in the Niti Aayog's rescheduled governing council meeting in New Delhi on June 17.

The meeting, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was earlier scheduled on June 16, the day when Eid-ul-Fitr is to be celebrated.

Banerjee and a few other chief ministers had expressed unwillingness to attend the meeting in view of the Eid festival, following which it was postponed by a day to June 17.&nbsp

(With PTI inputs) 
&nbsp

"Those who say I appease Muslims are friends of neither the Hindus nor the Muslims," Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, said while addressing a special prayer gathering on Red Road here to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said those who accuse her of appeasing Muslims are friends of neither the Hindus nor the Muslims. "Some accuse me of (doing) Muslim appeasement. My question to them is whether loving Hindus means you have to hate Muslims. I respect and love all communities and religion. This country belongs to everybody," she was quoted as saying. "Those who say I appease Muslims are friends of neither the Hindus nor the Muslims," Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, said while addressing a special prayer gathering on Red Road here to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. The BJP and some other organisations have been charging Banerjee with appeasement of Muslims for political reasons. The chief minister said it was due to her protest that the Niti Aayog meeting which was earlier scheduled for today was changed to tomorrow. "My question to the Central government officials is whether they are not aware that Eid is scheduled to be celebrated on June 16. Why was the Niti Aayog meeting kept on that day? I had written to the Central government urging it to change the date so that it doesn't clash with Eid," she said. Banerjee had yesterday confirmed her participation in the Niti Aayog's rescheduled governing council meeting in New Delhi on June 17. The meeting, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was earlier scheduled on June 16, the day when Eid-ul-Fitr is to be celebrated. Banerjee and a few other chief ministers had expressed unwillingness to attend the meeting in view of the Eid festival, following which it was postponed by a day to June 17. (With PTI inputs)

Does loving Hindus mean hating Muslims, asks Mamata

A host of issues were discussed at two-day NSG meet in Latvia. Latvia assumed chairmanship of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for 2018-2019. At the NSG Plenary Meeting in Jūrmala, Latvia’s chairmanship was launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs last week. Latvia is the first Baltic State to chair the NSG.

 
India Discussed&nbsp;

The meet discussed India's NSG membership. In a statement, NSG said it "continued to consider all aspects of the implementation of the 2008 Statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India. Group also noted that discussions were continuing on the issue of “technical, legal and political aspects of the participation of Non-NPT states in the NSG” initiated at the 2016 Seoul Plenary.

 
Remember this was the first NSG meet since India got admitted into three out of four export control regimes. There are four export control regimes --MTCR, Australia group, Wassenaar arrangement & NSG. China has been opposing India's membership at NSG. Ironically China is not part of other 3 export control regimes. With recent high-level engagement between India and China at Wuhan and at SCO summit experts hope that some movement can happen. Indian PM is again expected to meet Chinese Prez Xi Jinping in South Africa during the BRICS summit next month. The approval of a candidacy for the NSG chairmanship requires the consensus of all 48 Participating Governments.

 
Latvia Backs Indian Membership&nbsp;

Latvia, the current chair of NSG, backs India's entry into the group. Last year, Prime Minister of Latvia, Māris Kučinskis had visited India from 2-6 November 2017.&nbsp;

In a statement in 2016, Latvia had said: "Latvia wishes that an open debate is held between the participating governments of the Nuclear Support Group that would result in the definition of clear criteria for participation decisions".

On 16 June 2016, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, had a telephone conversation with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in which both Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation between the countries, including India’s membership the Nuclear Suppliers Group. 
The Latvian

North Korea

NSG also discussed the North Korean Nuclear issue. The group said that it "noted with encouragement the recent Inter-Korean summits and the DPRK-US summit." But added North Korea must abandon all nuclear weapons & existing nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. Participating Governments noted the developments in the DPRK since the 2017 NSG Plenary in Bern, and reconfirmed their commitment to the United Nations Security Council resolutions 2371(2017), 2375(2017), 2397(2017) and previous relevant UNSC resolutions.

 
Iran

On Iran, &nbsp;Participating Governments reconfirmed their commitment to the UNSCR 2231(2015). United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231is a resolution endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the nuclear program of Iran. Since the last Plenary in Switzerland, the NSG continued to receive briefings from the JCPOA Procurement Working Group Coordinator, regarding the work of the Procurement Channel. Participating Governments expressed interest in receiving further briefings.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSG</a> dscs North Korea's Nuclear issue & Iran Deal 
North Korea 
"noted with encouragement the recent Inter-Korean summits and the DPRK-US summit." 
 
Iran Deal 
"Participating Governments reconfirmed their commitment to the UNSCR 2231(2015)" <a href="https://t.co/NGJNyVfyd9">pic.twitter.com/NGJNyVfyd9</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1007836469245796353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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All in All, NSG members call for a strong rules-based international order in tackling proliferation among other transnational security challenges.&nbsp;

The NSG was created in 1975, and currently, its membership comprises 48 nuclear supplier countries from across the globe seeking to limit the exports of nuclear materials and technologies.

Strategic export controls have been set up to prevent an uncontrolled transboundary movement of military and dual-use goods.

<a href="http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/latest-news/60445-public-statement-of-the-plenary-meeting-of-the-nuclear-suppliers-group">Public Statement of the Plenary Meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group</a>
</div>

Latvia, the current chair of NSG, backs India's entry in the group. Last year, Prime Minister of Latvia, Māris Kučinskis had visited India from 2-6 November 2017

A host of issues were discussed at two-day NSG meet in Latvia. Latvia assumed chairmanship of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for 2018-2019. At the NSG Plenary Meeting in Jūrmala, Latvia’s chairmanship was launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs last week. Latvia is the first Baltic State to chair the NSG. India Discussed The meet discussed India's NSG membership. In a statement, NSG said it "continued to consider all aspects of the implementation of the 2008 Statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India. Group also noted that discussions were continuing on the issue of “technical, legal and political aspects of the participation of Non-NPT states in the NSG” initiated at the 2016 Seoul Plenary. Remember this was the first NSG meet since India got admitted into three out of four export control regimes. There are four export control regimes --MTCR, Australia group, Wassenaar arrangement & NSG. China has been opposing India's membership at NSG. Ironically China is not part of other 3 export control regimes. With recent high-level engagement between India and China at Wuhan and at SCO summit experts hope that some movement can happen. Indian PM is again expected to meet Chinese Prez Xi Jinping in South Africa during the BRICS summit next month. The approval of a candidacy for the NSG chairmanship requires the consensus of all 48 Participating Governments. Latvia Backs Indian Membership Latvia, the current chair of NSG, backs India's entry into the group. Last year, Prime Minister of Latvia, Māris Kučinskis had visited India from 2-6 November 2017. In a statement in 2016, Latvia had said: "Latvia wishes that an open debate is held between the participating governments of the Nuclear Support Group that would result in the definition of clear criteria for participation decisions". On 16 June 2016, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, had a telephone conversation with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in which both Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation between the countries, including India’s membership the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The Latvian North Korea NSG also discussed the North Korean Nuclear issue. The group said that it "noted with encouragement the recent Inter-Korean summits and the DPRK-US summit." But added North Korea must abandon all nuclear weapons & existing nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. Participating Governments noted the developments in the DPRK since the 2017 NSG Plenary in Bern, and reconfirmed their commitment to the United Nations Security Council resolutions 2371(2017), 2375(2017), 2397(2017) and previous relevant UNSC resolutions. Iran On Iran, Participating Governments reconfirmed their commitment to the UNSCR 2231(2015). United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231is a resolution endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the nuclear program of Iran. Since the last Plenary in Switzerland, the NSG continued to receive briefings from the JCPOA Procurement Working Group Coordinator, regarding the work of the Procurement Channel. Participating Governments expressed interest in receiving further briefings. #NSG dscs North Korea's Nuclear issue & Iran Deal North Korea "noted with encouragement the recent Inter-Korean summits and the DPRK-US summit." Iran Deal "Participating Governments reconfirmed their commitment to the UNSCR 2231(2015)" pic.twitter.com/NGJNyVfyd9 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 16, 2018 × All in All, NSG members call for a strong rules-based international order in tackling proliferation among other transnational security challenges. The NSG was created in 1975, and currently, its membership comprises 48 nuclear supplier countries from across the globe seeking to limit the exports of nuclear materials and technologies. Strategic export controls have been set up to prevent an uncontrolled transboundary movement of military and dual-use goods. Public Statement of the Plenary Meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group

India, North Korea and Iran Deal discussed at NSG meet held in Latvia

After two days of partial shut down of Chandigarh International Airport owing to dust pollution causing low visibility, all domestic and international air services were restored on Saturday.

However, passengers can still face some delays in the departure of flights.

The weather condition has now improved along with visibility as Punjab and Haryana were lashed by overnight rains.

The low visibility following the dust storms had disrupted most of the flight operations in Chandigarh International Airport.

Most of the national and international flights travelling to Chandigarh were suspended due to the low visibility caused by dust storms.

According to media reports, Two flights only took off from Chandigarh airport which were bound for Bangkok.

On Friday, all IndiGo domestic flights and 5 more flights arriving/departing at/from the Chandigarh Airport stand cancelled due to poor visibility. Thirty flights in total were cancelled on Thursday.

Air quality and visibility levels were severely been hit by the dust haze following which the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) yesterday issued an advisory that no construction activity could be carried out for the next two days in districts falling under the National Capital Region (NCR).

Haryana's Environment Minister Vipul Goel said the Board was monitoring the pollution level and would advise further necessary steps in consultation with the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board.

The air quality in several parts of Punjab and Haryana has also been adversely affected for the past two days, officials said.

(With inputs from PTI)

However, passengers can still face some delays in the departure of flights

After two days of partial shut down of Chandigarh International Airport owing to dust pollution causing low visibility, all domestic and international air services were restored on Saturday. However, passengers can still face some delays in the departure of flights. The weather condition has now improved along with visibility as Punjab and Haryana were lashed by overnight rains. The low visibility following the dust storms had disrupted most of the flight operations in Chandigarh International Airport. Most of the national and international flights travelling to Chandigarh were suspended due to the low visibility caused by dust storms. According to media reports, Two flights only took off from Chandigarh airport which were bound for Bangkok. On Friday, all IndiGo domestic flights and 5 more flights arriving/departing at/from the Chandigarh Airport stand cancelled due to poor visibility. Thirty flights in total were cancelled on Thursday. Air quality and visibility levels were severely been hit by the dust haze following which the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) yesterday issued an advisory that no construction activity could be carried out for the next two days in districts falling under the National Capital Region (NCR). Haryana's Environment Minister Vipul Goel said the Board was monitoring the pollution level and would advise further necessary steps in consultation with the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board. The air quality in several parts of Punjab and Haryana has also been adversely affected for the past two days, officials said. (With inputs from PTI)

After two days of partial shutdown, Chandigarh airport restores air services

India has now submitted a revised list of 30 items -- including motorcycle, certain iron and steel goods, boric acid and lentils -- to the WTO on which it proposes to raise customs duty by up to 50 per cent.

As duties hiked by the US on certain steel and aluminium products would have implications of about $241 million on India, the raise in tariffs proposed by New Delhi too would have an equal implication on America.

"The US would be collecting $241 million worth of duties by hiking tariffs on certain steel and aluminium items from India, we also proposed to withdraw concessions of similar amount from these 30 products imported by India from the US," a source said.

Earlier in May, India proposed to raise duties by up to 100 per cent on 20 products such as almonds, apple and specific motorcycles imported from the US.

The additional duty proposed to be hiked on these items ranges from 10 per cent to 100 per cent.

"The revision is being provided to adjust the products and the tariff rates in accordance with India's rights reserved vide its notification to the Council for Trade in Goods contained in the WTO document...Of May 18, 2018.

"India hereby reiterates its decision to suspend concessions or other obligations notified to the Council for Trade in Goods on May 18, 2018...Of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and Article 8.2 of the Agreement on Safeguards, that are substantially equivalent to the amount of trade affected by the measures imposed by the United States," according to a communication by India to WTO.

It said that the proposed suspension of concessions or other obligations takes the form of an increase in tariffs on selected products originating in the US, based on the measures of America.

"India reserves its right to further suspend substantially equivalent concessions and other obligations based on the trade impact resulting from the application of the measures of the US," it added.

The country has proposed this move under the WTOs Agreement on Safeguards.

On March 9, US President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items, a move that has sparked fears of a global trade war.

Trump signed two proclamations that levied a 25 per cent tariff on steel and a 10 per cent tariff on aluminium imported from all countries except Canada and Mexico.

Earlier India had stated that these suspensions will come into effect earlier than June 21, 2018, in case the US decides to continue the period of application of the measures.

It said that the duty imposed by America has affected steel exports by $98.6 million, while the same on aluminium was $42.4 million.

The other items include chickpeas, fresh apple, walnut, refined palmolein, motor cycle with engine capacity over 800 cc, diagnostic reagents and threaded nuts.

India has also dragged the US to the World Trade Organisations dispute settlement mechanism over the imposition of import duties on steel and aluminium.

India's exports of steel and aluminium products to America stood at about $1.5 billion every year. Its exports to the US in 2016-17 stood at $42.21 billion, while imports were $22.3 billion.&nbsp;

As duties hiked by the US on certain steel and aluminium products would have implications of about $241 million on India, the raise in tariffs proposed by New Delhi too would have an equal implication on America

India has now submitted a revised list of 30 items -- including motorcycle, certain iron and steel goods, boric acid and lentils -- to the WTO on which it proposes to raise customs duty by up to 50 per cent. As duties hiked by the US on certain steel and aluminium products would have implications of about $241 million on India, the raise in tariffs proposed by New Delhi too would have an equal implication on America. "The US would be collecting $241 million worth of duties by hiking tariffs on certain steel and aluminium items from India, we also proposed to withdraw concessions of similar amount from these 30 products imported by India from the US," a source said. Earlier in May, India proposed to raise duties by up to 100 per cent on 20 products such as almonds, apple and specific motorcycles imported from the US. The additional duty proposed to be hiked on these items ranges from 10 per cent to 100 per cent. "The revision is being provided to adjust the products and the tariff rates in accordance with India's rights reserved vide its notification to the Council for Trade in Goods contained in the WTO document...Of May 18, 2018. "India hereby reiterates its decision to suspend concessions or other obligations notified to the Council for Trade in Goods on May 18, 2018...Of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and Article 8.2 of the Agreement on Safeguards, that are substantially equivalent to the amount of trade affected by the measures imposed by the United States," according to a communication by India to WTO. It said that the proposed suspension of concessions or other obligations takes the form of an increase in tariffs on selected products originating in the US, based on the measures of America. "India reserves its right to further suspend substantially equivalent concessions and other obligations based on the trade impact resulting from the application of the measures of the US," it added. The country has proposed this move under the WTOs Agreement on Safeguards. On March 9, US President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items, a move that has sparked fears of a global trade war. Trump signed two proclamations that levied a 25 per cent tariff on steel and a 10 per cent tariff on aluminium imported from all countries except Canada and Mexico. Earlier India had stated that these suspensions will come into effect earlier than June 21, 2018, in case the US decides to continue the period of application of the measures. It said that the duty imposed by America has affected steel exports by $98.6 million, while the same on aluminium was $42.4 million. The other items include chickpeas, fresh apple, walnut, refined palmolein, motor cycle with engine capacity over 800 cc, diagnostic reagents and threaded nuts. India has also dragged the US to the World Trade Organisations dispute settlement mechanism over the imposition of import duties on steel and aluminium. India's exports of steel and aluminium products to America stood at about $1.5 billion every year. Its exports to the US in 2016-17 stood at $42.21 billion, while imports were $22.3 billion.

Trade war: India retaliates, mulls customs duty hike on 30 US products

In a daring and complex operation, a Seaking 42 C helicopter from the Eastern Naval Command winched down one MARCO officer on the ill-fated merchant vessel SSL KOLKOTTA. The vessel had been on fire since the last two days and abandoned by the 22 crew members on June 14 off the Sagar Island at the mouth of the Ganges Delta.&nbsp

The Marco officer ascertained the conditions in the forward part of the ship and later called in the helicopter to lower onboard three crew members of the ship. The team managed to drop the starboard anchor from the ship to prevent her from drifting any further.&nbsp

If the ship would not have been anchored it could have caused havoc to the flora and fauna of the Sunderbans and to the marine life in the Ganges Delta. No oil spill has been reported as of now, states Indian Navy.

The team then prepared the seamanship gear for the ship to be towed if required. The live nature of the threat was evident from the explosion onboard in the forenoon which restarted the fire.&nbsp

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A helicopter from Eastern Naval Command winched down 1 officer on merchant vessel SSL Kolkata who managed to drop the anchor from the ship to prevent it from drifting, off the Sagar Island at the mouth of the Ganges delta. The vessel was abandoned by 22 crew members on 14 June.. <a href="https://t.co/7ubIX3ulsS">pic.twitter.com/7ubIX3ulsS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1007885606456840192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the Commander- in- Chief of Eastern Naval Command had directed that the ship, drifting towards the Sundarbans delta, had to be stopped at all costs notwithstanding the high temperatures onboard to avoid an ecological disaster should the ship capsize on the sandbanks causing pollution from oil on board.&nbsp

Accordingly, a Seaking 42C helicopter and a Dornier aircraft were despatched from Visakhapatnam with a core team comprising divers, Marcos, shipwrights and seamanship specialists.

The Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran and Dornier aircraft on Thursday rescued all the 22 crew members on board Indian flag Container vessel, MV SSL Kolkata after it caught fire.

Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was launched from Kolkata while ICGS Rajkiran from Haldia reached area at about 08:30 AM to rescue the all-Indian crew.

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If the ship would not have been anchored it could have caused havoc to the flora & fauna of Sunderbans and to the marine life in the Ganges Delta. No oil spill has been reported as of now: Indian Navy <a href="https://t.co/544rOhCznF">https://t.co/544rOhCznF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1007891981404721153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The rescue operation was undertaken by the Coast Guard units under bad weather and rough sea condition.

"No spill of fuel as of now, however, if such has happened coast guard will take care of it. Merchant Vessel SSL Kolkata was carrying 464 containers. We have successfully rescued all the crew members and they are safe," said Inspector General Kuldeep Singh Sheoran, Coast Guard Commander at Regional Headquarters (North East) in Kolkata.

The container carrier was on a coastal voyage from Krishnapatnam to Kolkata with the crew and 464 containers.

By the time the rescue team reached MV SSL Kolkata, about 70 per cent of the vessel was on fire and master of the vessel had abandoned. 
The fire broke out due to an explosion in one of the container and gradually it spread over.&nbsp

The container carrier was on a coastal voyage from Krishnapatnam to Kolkata with the crew and 464 containers

In a daring and complex operation, a Seaking 42 C helicopter from the Eastern Naval Command winched down one MARCO officer on the ill-fated merchant vessel SSL KOLKOTTA. The vessel had been on fire since the last two days and abandoned by the 22 crew members on June 14 off the Sagar Island at the mouth of the Ganges Delta. The Marco officer ascertained the conditions in the forward part of the ship and later called in the helicopter to lower onboard three crew members of the ship. The team managed to drop the starboard anchor from the ship to prevent her from drifting any further. If the ship would not have been anchored it could have caused havoc to the flora and fauna of the Sunderbans and to the marine life in the Ganges Delta. No oil spill has been reported as of now, states Indian Navy. The team then prepared the seamanship gear for the ship to be towed if required. The live nature of the threat was evident from the explosion onboard in the forenoon which restarted the fire. A helicopter from Eastern Naval Command winched down 1 officer on merchant vessel SSL Kolkata who managed to drop the anchor from the ship to prevent it from drifting, off the Sagar Island at the mouth of the Ganges delta. The vessel was abandoned by 22 crew members on 14 June.. pic.twitter.com/7ubIX3ulsS — ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2018 × Earlier, the Commander- in- Chief of Eastern Naval Command had directed that the ship, drifting towards the Sundarbans delta, had to be stopped at all costs notwithstanding the high temperatures onboard to avoid an ecological disaster should the ship capsize on the sandbanks causing pollution from oil on board. Accordingly, a Seaking 42C helicopter and a Dornier aircraft were despatched from Visakhapatnam with a core team comprising divers, Marcos, shipwrights and seamanship specialists. The Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran and Dornier aircraft on Thursday rescued all the 22 crew members on board Indian flag Container vessel, MV SSL Kolkata after it caught fire. Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was launched from Kolkata while ICGS Rajkiran from Haldia reached area at about 08:30 AM to rescue the all-Indian crew. If the ship would not have been anchored it could have caused havoc to the flora & fauna of Sunderbans and to the marine life in the Ganges Delta. No oil spill has been reported as of now: Indian Navy https://t.co/544rOhCznF — ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2018 × The rescue operation was undertaken by the Coast Guard units under bad weather and rough sea condition. "No spill of fuel as of now, however, if such has happened coast guard will take care of it. Merchant Vessel SSL Kolkata was carrying 464 containers. We have successfully rescued all the crew members and they are safe," said Inspector General Kuldeep Singh Sheoran, Coast Guard Commander at Regional Headquarters (North East) in Kolkata. The container carrier was on a coastal voyage from Krishnapatnam to Kolkata with the crew and 464 containers. By the time the rescue team reached MV SSL Kolkata, about 70 per cent of the vessel was on fire and master of the vessel had abandoned. The fire broke out due to an explosion in one of the container and gradually it spread over.

Marine officer prevents ablaze merchant vessel SSL Kolkata from drifting further

The air quality of National Capital Region continued to be in the severe bracket as pollution level&nbspcontinued to rise creating&nbspemergency like situation in Delhi.

According to media reports Delhi is experiencing worst pollution levels recorded in last four years, though the scientists still have said that the worst is over and situations are likely to get improve from here.

Meteorological Department also forecasted that the dusty situation continuing from a few days now is likely to improve from today onwards.

The Air quality remained over 500 at various places in Delhi.

However, Saturday's weather remains cloudy with the mercury hitting 32.2 maximum.

Delhi High Court on Friday heard an urgent plea which dubbed the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/emergency-like-pollution-in-delhi-high-court-seeks-answers-from-delhi-govt-144675">air pollution to be at the emergency-like situation.</a>

The court is seeking answers from the Delhi government and state pollution control committee on the measures taken to curb it.

Civil construction work has also been put on halt after Lieutenant governor's order.

Meanwhile, Haryana's Pollution Control Board has also issued an advisory "that no construction activities be carried out for the next 48 hours and no Hot Mix Plants and Stone Crushers be operated for the next 48 hours, in NCR Districts of Haryana". 
&nbsp

The Air quality remained over 500 at various places in Delhi

The air quality of National Capital Region continued to be in the severe bracket as pollution level&nbspcontinued to rise creating&nbspemergency like situation in Delhi. According to media reports Delhi is experiencing worst pollution levels recorded in last four years, though the scientists still have said that the worst is over and situations are likely to get improve from here. Meteorological Department also forecasted that the dusty situation continuing from a few days now is likely to improve from today onwards. The Air quality remained over 500 at various places in Delhi. However, Saturday's weather remains cloudy with the mercury hitting 32.2 maximum. Delhi High Court on Friday heard an urgent plea which dubbed the air pollution to be at the emergency-like situation. The court is seeking answers from the Delhi government and state pollution control committee on the measures taken to curb it. Civil construction work has also been put on halt after Lieutenant governor's order. Meanwhile, Haryana's Pollution Control Board has also issued an advisory "that no construction activities be carried out for the next 48 hours and no Hot Mix Plants and Stone Crushers be operated for the next 48 hours, in NCR Districts of Haryana".

Delhi experience worst air quality in last four years; scientists say worst is over

The Goa Tourism Department on Friday announced that they have started working on a ban on swimming in the sea from late evening till dawn, limit tourists to a specific area on a beach and also add punishable measures for tourists violating the law.&nbsp;

The decision was made at a meeting of Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar and industry stakeholders following incidents of gangrape and mass drowning.&nbsp;

As per reports, it was also stated that measures will be needed to put in place through law enforcement, surveillance, awareness drives and others to step up safety and security measures for tourists visiting Goa.

The officials have also planned on adding signboards at important beaches and tourist spots cautioning tourists to adhere to all safety instructions, especially on the beaches.

Also, a private lifeguard agency should set up beach and water patrolling and has also offered support in terms of equipment and vehicles needed to monitor the beaches.&nbsp;

Last week, three tourists, including a police constable and his brother, from Akola district in Maharashtra drowned off Goa’s famous Calangute beach on Monday morning, the police said.

The beach is located around nine km from Goa’s capital Panaji.&nbsp;The deceased have been identified as Pritesh Lankeshwar Nanda Gawli, 32, his brother Chetan Lankeshwar Nanda Gawli, 27, and Ujwal Vakode, Dalvi said.

Recently, a firm appointed by the Goa government to provide lifeguards at beaches had said that red flags would be put up on beaches across the state to warn people about the danger of wading or swimming in the sea during the monsoon.&nbsp;

The decision was made at a meeting of Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar and industry stakeholders following incidents of gangrape and mass drowning

The Goa Tourism Department on Friday announced that they have started working on a ban on swimming in the sea from late evening till dawn, limit tourists to a specific area on a beach and also add punishable measures for tourists violating the law. The decision was made at a meeting of Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar and industry stakeholders following incidents of gangrape and mass drowning. As per reports, it was also stated that measures will be needed to put in place through law enforcement, surveillance, awareness drives and others to step up safety and security measures for tourists visiting Goa. The officials have also planned on adding signboards at important beaches and tourist spots cautioning tourists to adhere to all safety instructions, especially on the beaches. Also, a private lifeguard agency should set up beach and water patrolling and has also offered support in terms of equipment and vehicles needed to monitor the beaches. Last week, three tourists, including a police constable and his brother, from Akola district in Maharashtra drowned off Goa’s famous Calangute beach on Monday morning, the police said. The beach is located around nine km from Goa’s capital Panaji. The deceased have been identified as Pritesh Lankeshwar Nanda Gawli, 32, his brother Chetan Lankeshwar Nanda Gawli, 27, and Ujwal Vakode, Dalvi said. Recently, a firm appointed by the Goa government to provide lifeguards at beaches had said that red flags would be put up on beaches across the state to warn people about the danger of wading or swimming in the sea during the monsoon.

Goa tourism may ban dusk-till-dawn swimming on beaches

In a dramatic plot twist, BJP leaders have now jumped on an indefinite hunger-strike.&nbsp;

West Delhi MP Parvesh Sahib Singh, MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa and leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta started the protest on Friday stating that it will go on until the Delhi government resolves the water crisis.

The leaders demanded Kejriwal resolve the water crisis in the national capital or step down. BJP's Delhi wing also wrote a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind seeking an end to the gridlock at the earliest.

"We want the CM, who is the elected representative of Delhi, to rise up to the occasion and instil faith in the voters who brought him to power. Taps have run dry in the whole city in peak summer. But Kejriwal has deserted the public and gone into hiding at LG house," Gupta said.

The letter urged President Kovind to intervene and ask Kejriwal and his key ministers to end their "childish, adamant, and irresponsible behaviour". The letter noted that the Kejriwal-administration is busy seeking cheap publicity when they should be addressing Delhi's the acute water shortage.

Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal continued his sit-in protest for the <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-sit-in-protest-enters-day-6-team-of-doctors-visit-office-for-checkup-144766">sixth day</a> along with three other ministers at the Lieutenant Governor's office on Saturday.

Arvind Kejriwal, along with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Cabinet ministers Satyendra Jain and Gopal Rai, has been camping at the official accommodation-cum-office of L-G Anil Baijal since Monday evening.

The letter noted that the Kejriwal-administration is busy seeking cheap publicity when they should be addressing Delhi's the acute water shortage

In a dramatic plot twist, BJP leaders have now jumped on an indefinite hunger-strike. West Delhi MP Parvesh Sahib Singh, MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa and leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta started the protest on Friday stating that it will go on until the Delhi government resolves the water crisis. The leaders demanded Kejriwal resolve the water crisis in the national capital or step down. BJP's Delhi wing also wrote a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind seeking an end to the gridlock at the earliest. "We want the CM, who is the elected representative of Delhi, to rise up to the occasion and instil faith in the voters who brought him to power. Taps have run dry in the whole city in peak summer. But Kejriwal has deserted the public and gone into hiding at LG house," Gupta said. The letter urged President Kovind to intervene and ask Kejriwal and his key ministers to end their "childish, adamant, and irresponsible behaviour". The letter noted that the Kejriwal-administration is busy seeking cheap publicity when they should be addressing Delhi's the acute water shortage. Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal continued his sit-in protest for the sixth day along with three other ministers at the Lieutenant Governor's office on Saturday. Arvind Kejriwal, along with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Cabinet ministers Satyendra Jain and Gopal Rai, has been camping at the official accommodation-cum-office of L-G Anil Baijal since Monday evening.

Now, BJP on dharna demanding AAP withdraw protest, solve water crisis

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