National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

Slamming Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for the Ramzan peace initiative in Jammu and Kashmir, controversial BJP MLA Surindra Singh today said bullet for bullet was the way to deal with terrorrists.

On May 16, the Union government directed security forces not to launch counter-terror operations during Ramzan but said they reserve the right to retaliate if attacked.

"The ceasefire decision of Rajnath Singh is wrong... The befitting answer to a bullet is bullet not dialogue," the BJP MLA from Bairiya told newspersons here.

Despite the peace initiative, militant attacks have continued in the valley. On Thursday, veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead by terrorists outside his office in Srinagar while, a rifleman of the Indian Army was abducted by terrorists and his dead body was found hours later in Pulwama.

Singh took potshots at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and said that he had "inherited" the top post in his party but will never become the prime minister.

"He has inherited the party president's post, but he will never be able to become the prime minister as people of the country will never give this post to him," Singh said.

The BJP MLA has made many controversial statements in the past and even criticised his own party leaders and ministers.

Following the recent Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur Assembly bypolls, he blamed ministers in the Yogi Adityanath government for the party's humiliating defeat in both the constituencies.

He had gone to the extent of saying that if certain ministers were not removed from the state cabinet, the ruling party's downfall in UP was certain.

Singh had said if the grievances of the poor people were not heard at police stations, tehsil offices and block offices, they will not vote for the BJP.

"The BJP government has not been able to give a transparent government," the MLA had said leaving the party embarrassed.

He had also endorsed the view of senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi that the rising prices of petrol and diesel were responsible for the BJP's defeat in the bypolls.

Singh has also said that the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be an "Islam vs bhagwan" battle.

On May 16, the Union government directed security forces not to launch counter-terror operations during Ramzan but said they reserve the right to retaliate if attacked.

Slamming Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for the Ramzan peace initiative in Jammu and Kashmir, controversial BJP MLA Surindra Singh today said bullet for bullet was the way to deal with terrorrists. On May 16, the Union government directed security forces not to launch counter-terror operations during Ramzan but said they reserve the right to retaliate if attacked. "The ceasefire decision of Rajnath Singh is wrong... The befitting answer to a bullet is bullet not dialogue," the BJP MLA from Bairiya told newspersons here. Despite the peace initiative, militant attacks have continued in the valley. On Thursday, veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead by terrorists outside his office in Srinagar while, a rifleman of the Indian Army was abducted by terrorists and his dead body was found hours later in Pulwama. Singh took potshots at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and said that he had "inherited" the top post in his party but will never become the prime minister. "He has inherited the party president's post, but he will never be able to become the prime minister as people of the country will never give this post to him," Singh said. The BJP MLA has made many controversial statements in the past and even criticised his own party leaders and ministers. Following the recent Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur Assembly bypolls, he blamed ministers in the Yogi Adityanath government for the party's humiliating defeat in both the constituencies. He had gone to the extent of saying that if certain ministers were not removed from the state cabinet, the ruling party's downfall in UP was certain. Singh had said if the grievances of the poor people were not heard at police stations, tehsil offices and block offices, they will not vote for the BJP. "The BJP government has not been able to give a transparent government," the MLA had said leaving the party embarrassed. He had also endorsed the view of senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi that the rising prices of petrol and diesel were responsible for the BJP's defeat in the bypolls. Singh has also said that the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be an "Islam vs bhagwan" battle.

UP BJP MLA slams Rajnath for Jammu and Kashmir peace initiative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet key functionaries of the BJP, RSS and Sangh affiliates at his official residence over dinner on Friday, sources said.

The functionaries have gathered at Surajkund in Haryana for a two-day meeting during which they are scheduled to take stock of their works and discuss the agenda with a focus on coordination among saffron organisations, a development which assumes significance as the BJP gears up for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Senior leaders in charge of organisation matters of these Sangh affiliates besides the BJP are attending the meeting.

RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi and joint general secretary Krishna Gopal are present.&nbsp

BJP president Amit Shah is expected to attend the exercise on Saturday.

The prime minister, a longtime RSS pracharak before he joined active politics, has often hosted Sangh leaders at his residence.&nbsp

The prime minister, a longtime RSS pracharak before he joined active politics, has often hosted Sangh leaders at his residence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet key functionaries of the BJP, RSS and Sangh affiliates at his official residence over dinner on Friday, sources said. The functionaries have gathered at Surajkund in Haryana for a two-day meeting during which they are scheduled to take stock of their works and discuss the agenda with a focus on coordination among saffron organisations, a development which assumes significance as the BJP gears up for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Senior leaders in charge of organisation matters of these Sangh affiliates besides the BJP are attending the meeting. RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi and joint general secretary Krishna Gopal are present. BJP president Amit Shah is expected to attend the exercise on Saturday. The prime minister, a longtime RSS pracharak before he joined active politics, has often hosted Sangh leaders at his residence.

Modi to host dinner for RSS, BJP leaders

This is a segment of WION which talks about flash floods in Tripura. Four dead in flash floods, Chief Minister Biplab Deb takes stock of the situation. Watch this video for more information.

Four dead in flash floods in Tripura; Chief Minister Biplab Deb takes stock of the situation

Five persons, including two policemen, were injured on Friday as militants opened fire on a security forces' party carrying out random vehicle checking in Kak Sarai area of the city, police said.

Security forces had established special checkpoints in many parts of the city, a day after senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari and his two personal security guards were killed in a militant attack.

"During the checking of vehicles at Kak Sarai, militants opened fire on the cops, who also retaliated," a police official said.

He said two cops and three civilians were injured in the exchange of fire.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt for the assailants.&nbsp

'During the checking of vehicles at Kak Sarai, militants opened fire on the cops, who also retaliated,' a police official said.

Five persons, including two policemen, were injured on Friday as militants opened fire on a security forces' party carrying out random vehicle checking in Kak Sarai area of the city, police said. Security forces had established special checkpoints in many parts of the city, a day after senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari and his two personal security guards were killed in a militant attack. "During the checking of vehicles at Kak Sarai, militants opened fire on the cops, who also retaliated," a police official said. He said two cops and three civilians were injured in the exchange of fire. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt for the assailants.

J&K: Militants attack security forces, 5 injured

The latest romance to hit Hollywood and Bollywood shores is Priyanka Chopra’s<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-is-priyanka-chopra-dating-this-american-pop-singer-see-pics-inside-140816"> rumoured hookup </a>with American singer Nick Jonas as the two make several public outings together and much in love.&nbsp;

Recently, the two were spotted in the Atlanta City dressed stylishly to a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-priyanka-chopra-nick-jonas-turn-up-the-heat-as-they-cosy-up-at-a-wedding-143791">wedding in Nick’s family</a>. Priyanka wore a golden dress as Nick opted for a suit and looked amazing together. At the wedding, Priyanka met with several family members of Nick including his brother, Kevin Jonas.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-movies-are-all-about-hips-and-boobs-priyanka-chopra--143570">Also read:&nbsp;Indian movies are all about 'hips and boobs:' Priyanka Chopra</a>

Speaking about meeting Priyanka at the wedding, Kevin was later quoted by an entertainment portal as he said, “It was a great wedding, we had a great time. One of our best friends and one of the closest people in our life Rachel got married this weekend. So, we were all there to help and celebrate and see everybody. We were in it, my daughter was the flower girl, so it was awesome.”

When asked if this was the first time he met the star, Kevin said, “You have to ask Nick about that. We have met her in the past. She is super-awesome. But, that’s Nick’s thing and he can say what he wants to say.”

They were recently also seen heading out for a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-priyanka-chopra-nick-jonas-head-out-for-dinner-date-after-meeting-his-family-at-wedding---144250">dinner date</a> in NYC post them coming back from the wedding. They have also been posting <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-priyanka-chopras-comment-on-nick-jonas-latest-post-adds-more-fuel-to-dating-rumours-142976">cute messages </a>on each other's social media profiles.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, we are here waiting for them to confirm these rumours and come out with already!

Priyanka and Nick were spotted attending Nick's cousin's wedding in the Atlanta City where Kevin Jonas met her

The latest romance to hit Hollywood and Bollywood shores is Priyanka Chopra’s rumoured hookup with American singer Nick Jonas as the two make several public outings together and much in love. Recently, the two were spotted in the Atlanta City dressed stylishly to a wedding in Nick’s family. Priyanka wore a golden dress as Nick opted for a suit and looked amazing together. At the wedding, Priyanka met with several family members of Nick including his brother, Kevin Jonas. Also read: Indian movies are all about 'hips and boobs:' Priyanka Chopra Speaking about meeting Priyanka at the wedding, Kevin was later quoted by an entertainment portal as he said, “It was a great wedding, we had a great time. One of our best friends and one of the closest people in our life Rachel got married this weekend. So, we were all there to help and celebrate and see everybody. We were in it, my daughter was the flower girl, so it was awesome.” When asked if this was the first time he met the star, Kevin said, “You have to ask Nick about that. We have met her in the past. She is super-awesome. But, that’s Nick’s thing and he can say what he wants to say.” They were recently also seen heading out for a dinner date in NYC post them coming back from the wedding. They have also been posting cute messages on each other's social media profiles. Meanwhile, we are here waiting for them to confirm these rumours and come out with already!

'Priyanka Chopra is awesome', says rumoured boyfriend Nick Jonas’s brother Kevin

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti should contemplate resigning her job for one simple reason — she has stopped giving hope to the average Kashmiri.

The middle ground in her state has collapsed right under her feet.

Her ceasefire olive branch was rejected. She lacks political command of her state which is reflected in a series of events which have rocked JK since 2016. Today, she looks helpless.&nbsp;

The brutal killing of Shujaat Bukhari shows that people who talk about peace and the&nbsp;middle ground will not be tolerated. The terrorists will gun them down even in the heart of Srinagar.

The brutal abduction and killing of Army officers and soldiers also show that rural areas in South and Central Kashmir have become very soft towards terrorists, which is making it easy for them to track down the movement of men on leave.

Shujaat Bukhari’s killing is living testimony that Mehbooba has failed to protect the middle ground.

The violence itself is not new but its repetition in its current avatar is far more morbid. The people participating in this militancy have not been not indoctrinated in madrasas under the&nbsp;guidance of a maulvi from across the border. A majority of them are pass outs from English medium schools in the Valley. Their radicalisation took place in cyberspace.

A lack of hope married with Islamist imagery of martyrdom has propelled young students to become both underground and overground activists.

Mehbooba Mufti’s own home ground, South Kashmir, has become the epicentre of terrorism in J&K. Her political constituency has melted away and turned into a support base for militants operating from her "erstwhile" stronghold.

She has also not shown the courage to admit her alliance with the BJP was unacceptable to her support base.

The fact that she went in for the alliance instigated many in the valley.

It also sent out the signal that the BJP had come to power in the Valley via the back door. It was akin to National Conference and the Congress joining hands during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure and then rigging the elections, which led to full-blown insurgency in the Valley.

The average Kashmiri is also offended by the caustic hyper-nationalistic media discourse in which he is asked to choose a side on a daily basis. The media fails to understand that that the average Kashmiri will take his own side and the more they push them to take theirs, the farther away they will push the average Kashmiri.

Despite knowing the harmful impact of the discourse, BJP has chosen not the address the concerns as it suits is hyper-nationalistic position in the hinterland.&nbsp;

For this reason, the BJP-supported government is a&nbsp;prisoner of its own politics. Even if it wants to be accommodative, it runs the risk of being seen as weak and similar to the&nbsp;previous dispensation.

The politics of "national vs anti-national" has also met its political limit in Srinagar where the entire population is being painted as subversive.

The bottom line is that the BJP at the Centre needs to acknowledge that Kashmir has never been normal. It has only been managed by political dispensations.

Earlier, talks allowed normalcy to prevail but by systematically pushing out the "compromised" civil society, the BJP does not know whom to talk to today.

The irony is that there is no one left whom the BJP can talk to for the people do not wish to engage with the BJP. The problem also stems&nbsp;from the alliance itself — it does not have the trust of the people.

The BJP also does not have the political elbow room needed to engage Pakistan which&nbsp;will ultimately have to be done.

All across the globe, the worst enemies have found a&nbsp;middle ground to resolve their differences on but the BJP has failed miserably to do so because, again, it cannot run the risk of looking weak. &nbsp;

Whether it is stone pelting or the gunning down of innocent men, the middle ground in Kashmir has collapsed under the weight of the PDP-BJP alliance.

The current situation reminds me of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

His critics called him soft on militants. He was not. He was politically ambitious.

He understood that there is no way but to connect with the people of JK irrespective of the fact whether the other side responded or not.

The chest-thumping supporters of Prime Minister Modi should understand this.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ZMCL)

The problem also stems from the PDP-BJP alliance ruling Kashmir — it does not have the trust of the people

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti should contemplate resigning her job for one simple reason — she has stopped giving hope to the average Kashmiri. The middle ground in her state has collapsed right under her feet. Her ceasefire olive branch was rejected. She lacks political command of her state which is reflected in a series of events which have rocked JK since 2016. Today, she looks helpless. The brutal killing of Shujaat Bukhari shows that people who talk about peace and the middle ground will not be tolerated. The terrorists will gun them down even in the heart of Srinagar. The brutal abduction and killing of Army officers and soldiers also show that rural areas in South and Central Kashmir have become very soft towards terrorists, which is making it easy for them to track down the movement of men on leave. Shujaat Bukhari’s killing is living testimony that Mehbooba has failed to protect the middle ground. The violence itself is not new but its repetition in its current avatar is far more morbid. The people participating in this militancy have not been not indoctrinated in madrasas under the guidance of a maulvi from across the border. A majority of them are pass outs from English medium schools in the Valley. Their radicalisation took place in cyberspace. A lack of hope married with Islamist imagery of martyrdom has propelled young students to become both underground and overground activists. Mehbooba Mufti’s own home ground, South Kashmir, has become the epicentre of terrorism in J&K. Her political constituency has melted away and turned into a support base for militants operating from her "erstwhile" stronghold. She has also not shown the courage to admit her alliance with the BJP was unacceptable to her support base. The fact that she went in for the alliance instigated many in the valley. It also sent out the signal that the BJP had come to power in the Valley via the back door. It was akin to National Conference and the Congress joining hands during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure and then rigging the elections, which led to full-blown insurgency in the Valley. The average Kashmiri is also offended by the caustic hyper-nationalistic media discourse in which he is asked to choose a side on a daily basis. The media fails to understand that that the average Kashmiri will take his own side and the more they push them to take theirs, the farther away they will push the average Kashmiri. Despite knowing the harmful impact of the discourse, BJP has chosen not the address the concerns as it suits is hyper-nationalistic position in the hinterland. For this reason, the BJP-supported government is a prisoner of its own politics. Even if it wants to be accommodative, it runs the risk of being seen as weak and similar to the previous dispensation. The politics of "national vs anti-national" has also met its political limit in Srinagar where the entire population is being painted as subversive. The bottom line is that the BJP at the Centre needs to acknowledge that Kashmir has never been normal. It has only been managed by political dispensations. Earlier, talks allowed normalcy to prevail but by systematically pushing out the "compromised" civil society, the BJP does not know whom to talk to today. The irony is that there is no one left whom the BJP can talk to for the people do not wish to engage with the BJP. The problem also stems from the alliance itself — it does not have the trust of the people. The BJP also does not have the political elbow room needed to engage Pakistan which will ultimately have to be done. All across the globe, the worst enemies have found a middle ground to resolve their differences on but the BJP has failed miserably to do so because, again, it cannot run the risk of looking weak. Whether it is stone pelting or the gunning down of innocent men, the middle ground in Kashmir has collapsed under the weight of the PDP-BJP alliance. The current situation reminds me of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His critics called him soft on militants. He was not. He was politically ambitious. He understood that there is no way but to connect with the people of JK irrespective of the fact whether the other side responded or not. The chest-thumping supporters of Prime Minister Modi should understand this. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti looks helpless, she should resign

The incident took place on Thursday with the bus being pelted with stones.

CRPF bus is attacked in Srinagar after it hits motorcyclist

Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said the air quality levels in Delhi and other parts of northern India will improve soon.

Harsh Vardhan blamed dust storms as the main reason behind the deteriorating air quality in the national capital and elsewhere.

He said, "The dust storm also led to high levels of Particulate Matter (PM) 10. We have issued an alert for the same and the environment ministry convened a meeting of a task force. We also gave an advisory to the state governments affected by the crisis. By the weekend, the situation should be normal in the next 1-2 days."

The union minister also urged the public to limit their period outdoors and stay inside their homes.

Air quality in the national capital remained "hazardous" in many areas on Friday.

Strong-anti cyclonic winds, blowing from Rajasthan, are the reason behind the worsening air quality.

According to AQICN, on Friday morning, PM10 (particles with the diameter less than 10mm) level was over 700 in most of the Delhi-NCR areas, leading to hazy conditions and limiting visibility.

The AQI of R.K. Puram and Anand Vihar read 948 and 999 respectively.

Other places like Mandir Marg (687), Dwarka (331), DITE Okhla (686), Punjabi Bagh (842) and ITO (457) also remained in the 'hazardous' level.

Taking cognizance of the plummeting air quality levels, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal 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.&nbsp;

Harsh Vardhan blamed dust storms as the main reason behind the deteriorating air quality in the national capital and elsewhere

Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said the air quality levels in Delhi and other parts of northern India will improve soon. Harsh Vardhan blamed dust storms as the main reason behind the deteriorating air quality in the national capital and elsewhere. He said, "The dust storm also led to high levels of Particulate Matter (PM) 10. We have issued an alert for the same and the environment ministry convened a meeting of a task force. We also gave an advisory to the state governments affected by the crisis. By the weekend, the situation should be normal in the next 1-2 days." The union minister also urged the public to limit their period outdoors and stay inside their homes. Air quality in the national capital remained "hazardous" in many areas on Friday. Strong-anti cyclonic winds, blowing from Rajasthan, are the reason behind the worsening air quality. According to AQICN, on Friday morning, PM10 (particles with the diameter less than 10mm) level was over 700 in most of the Delhi-NCR areas, leading to hazy conditions and limiting visibility. The AQI of R.K. Puram and Anand Vihar read 948 and 999 respectively. Other places like Mandir Marg (687), Dwarka (331), DITE Okhla (686), Punjabi Bagh (842) and ITO (457) also remained in the 'hazardous' level. Taking cognizance of the plummeting air quality levels, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal 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.

Delhi air quality to improve soon: Harsh Vardhan

A blanket of dust haze covered Punjab and Haryana for the third day today, disrupting flight operations at the airport here.

All IndiGo domestic flights and 5 more flights arriving/departing at/from the Chandigarh Airport stand cancelled due to poor visibility.&nbsp;

In view of the prevailing weather condition, some flight operators had yesterday itself announced the cancellation of flights scheduled for the day, airport officials said.

Yesterday, over 30 flights were cancelled here as visibility levels dropped considerably due to the dust haze.

Air quality and visibility levels have been hit by the dust haze.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
All IndiGo domestic flights and 5 more flights arriving/departing at/from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandigarh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandigarh</a> Airport stand cancelled due to poor visibility.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1007534815749595136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The meteorological department has said that the situation was likely to improve by this evening.

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.

Children, the elderly and those who are ill, especially the ones facing respiratory issues, should take precautions and avoid going out in view of the prevailing weather conditions, health officials have advised.

Yesterday, over 30 flights were cancelled here as visibility levels dropped considerably due to the dust haze

A blanket of dust haze covered Punjab and Haryana for the third day today, disrupting flight operations at the airport here. All IndiGo domestic flights and 5 more flights arriving/departing at/from the Chandigarh Airport stand cancelled due to poor visibility. In view of the prevailing weather condition, some flight operators had yesterday itself announced the cancellation of flights scheduled for the day, airport officials said. Yesterday, over 30 flights were cancelled here as visibility levels dropped considerably due to the dust haze. Air quality and visibility levels have been hit by the dust haze. All IndiGo domestic flights and 5 more flights arriving/departing at/from #Chandigarh Airport stand cancelled due to poor visibility. — ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2018 × The meteorological department has said that the situation was likely to improve by this evening. 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. Children, the elderly and those who are ill, especially the ones facing respiratory issues, should take precautions and avoid going out in view of the prevailing weather conditions, health officials have advised.

Dust haze hangs over Punjab; IndiGo cancels all Chandigarh domestic flights

India is suffering from the worst water crisis in its history and millions of lives and livelihoods are under threat, the NITI Aayog has said.

600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress: NITI Aayog

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the network of about three lakh Common Service Centres, which act as access points for delivery of digital services, have bolstered employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, thus empowering citizens.

Interacting with beneficiaries of the various Digital India efforts, Modi said the initiative was launched with an objective of bringing benefits of technology to people, especially in rural areas.

Technology has helped book railway tickets and pay bills online, bringing great convenience, Modi said.

"We ensured that the advantages of technology are not restricted to a select few but are there for all sections of society. We strengthened the network of CSCs," Modi said.

The initiative is creating a group of village level entrepreneurs, he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We launched Digital India with a very simple focus- to ensure more people can benefit from the joys of technology, especially in rural areas: PM Modi interacting with beneficiaries of the various Digital India programs. <a href="https://t.co/DEcmfEMJpY">pic.twitter.com/DEcmfEMJpY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1007475700910166018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Addressing the Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), who run these centres, via video conferencing, Modi said Digital India was launched with an aim to connect India's villages and youth.

Over the last four years it has brought a slew of services to the doorsteps of the common man, he said.

"Every aspect of digital empowerment has been worked on, from rolling out fibre optics in villages to digital literacy," Modi said.

Some of the beneficiaries narrated their experience of Digital India.

Jitender Solanki from Gautam Budh Nagar stated that after his village got internet access, children are availing online coaching.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Due to technology railway tickets can be booked online, bills can be paid online...all this brings great convenience. We ensured that the advantages of technology are not restricted to a select few but to are there for all sections of society. We strengthened network of CSCs: PM <a href="https://t.co/eOCvmdCzmh">pic.twitter.com/eOCvmdCzmh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1007476544300896257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also, digital literacy is rising and pension-related issues for elderly are now getting resolved through technology.

Modi asked the beneficiaries to press traders and shopkeepers to install 'Bhim' app to facilitate paying for goods and services digitally.

Technology has helped book railway tickets and pay bills online, bringing great convenience, Modi said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the network of about three lakh Common Service Centres, which act as access points for delivery of digital services, have bolstered employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, thus empowering citizens. Interacting with beneficiaries of the various Digital India efforts, Modi said the initiative was launched with an objective of bringing benefits of technology to people, especially in rural areas. Technology has helped book railway tickets and pay bills online, bringing great convenience, Modi said. "We ensured that the advantages of technology are not restricted to a select few but are there for all sections of society. We strengthened the network of CSCs," Modi said. The initiative is creating a group of village level entrepreneurs, he added. We launched Digital India with a very simple focus- to ensure more people can benefit from the joys of technology, especially in rural areas: PM Modi interacting with beneficiaries of the various Digital India programs. pic.twitter.com/DEcmfEMJpY — ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2018 × Addressing the Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), who run these centres, via video conferencing, Modi said Digital India was launched with an aim to connect India's villages and youth. Over the last four years it has brought a slew of services to the doorsteps of the common man, he said. "Every aspect of digital empowerment has been worked on, from rolling out fibre optics in villages to digital literacy," Modi said. Some of the beneficiaries narrated their experience of Digital India. Jitender Solanki from Gautam Budh Nagar stated that after his village got internet access, children are availing online coaching. Due to technology railway tickets can be booked online, bills can be paid online...all this brings great convenience. We ensured that the advantages of technology are not restricted to a select few but to are there for all sections of society. We strengthened network of CSCs: PM pic.twitter.com/eOCvmdCzmh — ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2018 × Also, digital literacy is rising and pension-related issues for elderly are now getting resolved through technology. Modi asked the beneficiaries to press traders and shopkeepers to install 'Bhim' app to facilitate paying for goods and services digitally.

Ensured advantages of technology aren't restricted to select few: PM Modi

Age is just a number for 72-year-old Lakshmi Bai, who earns a livelihood by typing documents on a typewriter in front of the District Collectorate in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore.

Her commitment towards life even got the attention of star cricketer Virender Sehwag, who called her a "superwoman" on Twitter.

"I do this to repay loans I took after my daughter met with an accident. I can't beg. I got this job with help of then District Collectorate Raghvendra Singh and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bhavana Vilambe," Lakshmi Bai told ANI.

On June 12, Sehwag shared a video of her on Twitter and said that the Indian youth can learn a lot from her.

"A superwoman for me. She lives in Sehore in Madhya Pradesh and the youth have so much to learn from her. Not just speed, but the spirit and a lesson that no work is small and no age is big enough to learn and work," Sehwag tweeted.

Talking about the same, Lakshmi Bai said: "Felt good that Virender Sehwag shared my video. I need help to repay the loans and get a permanent house."&nbsp;

Her commitment towards life even got the attention of star cricketer Virender Sehwag, who called her a 'superwoman' on Twitter

Age is just a number for 72-year-old Lakshmi Bai, who earns a livelihood by typing documents on a typewriter in front of the District Collectorate in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore. Her commitment towards life even got the attention of star cricketer Virender Sehwag, who called her a "superwoman" on Twitter. "I do this to repay loans I took after my daughter met with an accident. I can't beg. I got this job with help of then District Collectorate Raghvendra Singh and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bhavana Vilambe," Lakshmi Bai told ANI. On June 12, Sehwag shared a video of her on Twitter and said that the Indian youth can learn a lot from her. "A superwoman for me. She lives in Sehore in Madhya Pradesh and the youth have so much to learn from her. Not just speed, but the spirit and a lesson that no work is small and no age is big enough to learn and work," Sehwag tweeted. Talking about the same, Lakshmi Bai said: "Felt good that Virender Sehwag shared my video. I need help to repay the loans and get a permanent house."

Meet the 72-year-old 'superwoman' stenographer

The cold-blooded killing of Rising Kashmir editor-in-chief Shujaat Bukhari and an army man has sent shock waves across the country and the plunged the entire Kashmir Valley into a state of grief. Watch this video to know more.

Ramazan bloodshed in Jammu and Kashmir

With air quality dipping beyond 'Severe' level in the national capital over the last three days, experts fear that Delhi, most likely, may experience desertification. Reports of intensifying desertification and degrading land across the country is nothing new. Studies suggest vast expanse of country's land under the grip of desertification for over decades now. What worsens the situation even more for Delhi is the fact that the city has already been grappling with high air pollution during colder months, which has now been coupled with the menace of intensified sandstorms.&nbsp;

United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD) describes desertification as “land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities”.&nbsp;Therefore, when air gets extremely dry, its moisture content depletes and sand storms become more frequent adding to air pollution.&nbsp;

A 2016 report stated nearly 30% of agricultural land in India to be gradually eaten up by desertification. A mix of climate change, mining and industrial and commercial activities are to blame for depleting dense vegetation cover that helps avert pollution and desertification advances from the West.&nbsp;

Indian Space Research Organisation report, published in 2016, estimates nearly 96 million hectares, or nearly 30% of land under degradation.

“As a country, we should be more than alarmed by this data,” noted S&nbsp;Janakarajan, chairman of the South Asia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Water Resources Studies.

“There is no coherent plan to reverse this process or its impact,” he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delhi: Air Quality Index at RK Puram, Mandir Marg and Anand Vihar remain in 'Hazardous' category. (Source: AQICN) <a href="https://t.co/Lqgj8xkIki">pic.twitter.com/Lqgj8xkIki</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1007462022362140677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Satellite images show parts of Jammu and Kashmir and areas in states like Odisha and Jharkhand turning arid.&nbsp;In states like Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat and Goa, more than 50% of the land is under desertification, Reuters reported.

“Population pressure has resulted in overexploitation of land for cultivation, grazing, water resources and deforestation leading to degradation of drylands,” minister Jitendra Singh wrote in the report.

"In the Indian context, as per the assessment made by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1985, of the total geographical area of about 329 mha, approximately 173.6 mha (53%) are subject to moderate to severe form of degradation for planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes," states National Action Programme to Combat Desertification submitted to UNCCD, 2001.

Environmentalists and experts now draw attention to the ever-degrading Aravallis in order to make sense of the alarming frequency of dust and sandstorm episodes in north India. Reports suggest a remarkable increase in the intensity and frequency of such storms in the past few decades.&nbsp;

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), in its study on Economics of Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) in India, explains how land degradation cost around 2.5 per cent of India's GDP in 2014/15.&nbsp;

The lush range of Aravalli&nbsp;sprawls from Delhi to Gujarat, protecting the national capital and neighbouring areas from harsh climatic battering. However, the rapid degradation and denudation of the green cover of the mountainous range pose a severe threat to the environment.&nbsp;

Desertification triggers a host of problems ranging from depleted vegetative cover, soil erosion, pressure on forest resources, impact on biodiversity and livestock to harming water management and over-abstraction of groundwater. A recent report by NITI Aayog already lists out alarming levels of water supply shortage and water contamination across India. &nbsp;

Air quality in the national capital remained "hazardous" in many areas on Friday prompting authorities to alert people to avoid stepping outdoors. Strong-anti cyclonic winds, blowing from Rajasthan, are the reason behind the worsening air quality.

According to AQICN, on Friday morning, PM10 (particles with the diameter less than 10mm) 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.

Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal 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.

When air gets extremely dry, its moisture content depletes and sand storms become more frequent adding to air pollution

With air quality dipping beyond 'Severe' level in the national capital over the last three days, experts fear that Delhi, most likely, may experience desertification. Reports of intensifying desertification and degrading land across the country is nothing new. Studies suggest vast expanse of country's land under the grip of desertification for over decades now. What worsens the situation even more for Delhi is the fact that the city has already been grappling with high air pollution during colder months, which has now been coupled with the menace of intensified sandstorms. United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD) describes desertification as “land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities”. Therefore, when air gets extremely dry, its moisture content depletes and sand storms become more frequent adding to air pollution. A 2016 report stated nearly 30% of agricultural land in India to be gradually eaten up by desertification. A mix of climate change, mining and industrial and commercial activities are to blame for depleting dense vegetation cover that helps avert pollution and desertification advances from the West. Indian Space Research Organisation report, published in 2016, estimates nearly 96 million hectares, or nearly 30% of land under degradation. “As a country, we should be more than alarmed by this data,” noted S Janakarajan, chairman of the South Asia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Water Resources Studies. “There is no coherent plan to reverse this process or its impact,” he added. Delhi: Air Quality Index at RK Puram, Mandir Marg and Anand Vihar remain in 'Hazardous' category. (Source: AQICN) pic.twitter.com/Lqgj8xkIki — ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2018 × Satellite images show parts of Jammu and Kashmir and areas in states like Odisha and Jharkhand turning arid. In states like Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat and Goa, more than 50% of the land is under desertification, Reuters reported. “Population pressure has resulted in overexploitation of land for cultivation, grazing, water resources and deforestation leading to degradation of drylands,” minister Jitendra Singh wrote in the report. "In the Indian context, as per the assessment made by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1985, of the total geographical area of about 329 mha, approximately 173.6 mha (53%) are subject to moderate to severe form of degradation for planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes," states National Action Programme to Combat Desertification submitted to UNCCD, 2001. Environmentalists and experts now draw attention to the ever-degrading Aravallis in order to make sense of the alarming frequency of dust and sandstorm episodes in north India. Reports suggest a remarkable increase in the intensity and frequency of such storms in the past few decades. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), in its study on Economics of Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) in India, explains how land degradation cost around 2.5 per cent of India's GDP in 2014/15. The lush range of Aravalli sprawls from Delhi to Gujarat, protecting the national capital and neighbouring areas from harsh climatic battering. However, the rapid degradation and denudation of the green cover of the mountainous range pose a severe threat to the environment. Desertification triggers a host of problems ranging from depleted vegetative cover, soil erosion, pressure on forest resources, impact on biodiversity and livestock to harming water management and over-abstraction of groundwater. A recent report by NITI Aayog already lists out alarming levels of water supply shortage and water contamination across India. Air quality in the national capital remained "hazardous" in many areas on Friday prompting authorities to alert people to avoid stepping outdoors. Strong-anti cyclonic winds, blowing from Rajasthan, are the reason behind the worsening air quality. According to AQICN, on Friday morning, PM10 (particles with the diameter less than 10mm) 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. Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal 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.

Air quality worsens in Delhi; is the national capital heading toward desertification? 

Thousands of mourners attended Shujaat Bukhari's funeral in Baramulla today. Bukhari, editor of the Rising Kashmir newspaper, was gunned down as he left his office in Srinagar's Press Enclave on Thursday.&nbsp;

Bukhari's killing was condemned across the country. The Editors' Guild called it a "new low".&nbsp;

"It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist," Home Minister Rajnath Singh said.&nbsp;

"He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir... He will be missed," said Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The killing of <a href="https://twitter.com/RisingKashmir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RisingKashmir</a> editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1007273190551269376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I’m anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of <a href="https://twitter.com/RisingKashmir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RisingKashmir</a>. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1007276820977238016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The show must go on. As Shujaat would have wanted it to. This is today’s <a href="https://twitter.com/RisingKashmir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RisingKashmir</a> issue. That Shujaat’s colleagues were able to bring out the paper in the face of insurmountable grief is a testament to their professionalism & the most fitting tribute to their late boss. <a href="https://t.co/ADP70D4F1q">pic.twitter.com/ADP70D4F1q</a>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1007334211492237312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Jammu & Kashmir: Last rites ceremony of Rising Kashmir editor <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShujaatBhukhari?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShujaatBhukhari</a>, in Baramulla. He was shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar last night. <a href="https://t.co/UldKVovVIs">pic.twitter.com/UldKVovVIs</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1007504530446143488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

But commentators added that the very qualities that Bukhari is being lauded for today are the ones that got him killed — that he was a rare voice of peace and sanity in Kashmir.&nbsp;

That meant, the commentators said, that he found himself between a rock and a hard place. Kashmiri separatists disliked him for not being anti-India, while Indian nationalists disliked him for not being nationalistic enough.&nbsp;

The divide between the people seen as pro- and anti-India was also illustrated by another killing reported from Kashmir on Thursday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/an-evening-in-kashmir-18989">An evening in Kashmir</a>

An Indian Army soldier, Aurangzeb, was abducted and killed by terrorists. Aurangzeb was Kashmiri.&nbsp;

Aurangzeb's abduction and killing — like that of Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz, also a Kashmiri, last May — point to a hardening of the divide between the people in Kashmir who are seen as pro- and anti-India.&nbsp;

That, the commentators said, would make peace harder in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspected-killers-of-kashmir-newspaper-editor-shujaat-bukhari-caught-on-cctv-144488">Suspected killers of Kashmir newspaper editor Shujaat Bukhari caught on CCTV</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/editor-shujaat-bukhari-shot-dead-but-rising-kashmir-hits-stands-144544">Editor Shujaat Bukhari shot dead yesterday but Rising Kashmir still hits stands</a>

An attempt on Bukhari's life had been made earlier too. A few years ago, Bukhari was kidnapped from Srinagar's Residency Road and bundled into an auto. But Bukhari was able to jump out and escape as the auto reached the Old City.&nbsp;

Bukhari was from Baramulla.&nbsp;His father was a professor,&nbsp;his mother a teacher.

His elder brother, Syed Basharat Bukharim, is a minister in Mehbooba Mufti's government.

Bukhari's killing 'is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist,' Home Minister Rajnath Singh said

Thousands of mourners attended Shujaat Bukhari's funeral in Baramulla today. Bukhari, editor of the Rising Kashmir newspaper, was gunned down as he left his office in Srinagar's Press Enclave on Thursday. Bukhari's killing was condemned across the country. The Editors' Guild called it a "new low". "It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist," Home Minister Rajnath Singh said. "He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir... He will be missed," said Congress President Rahul Gandhi. The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 14, 2018 × I’m anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 14, 2018 × The show must go on. As Shujaat would have wanted it to. This is today’s @RisingKashmir issue. That Shujaat’s colleagues were able to bring out the paper in the face of insurmountable grief is a testament to their professionalism & the most fitting tribute to their late boss. pic.twitter.com/ADP70D4F1q — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018 × Jammu & Kashmir: Last rites ceremony of Rising Kashmir editor #ShujaatBhukhari, in Baramulla. He was shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar last night. pic.twitter.com/UldKVovVIs — ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2018 × But commentators added that the very qualities that Bukhari is being lauded for today are the ones that got him killed — that he was a rare voice of peace and sanity in Kashmir. That meant, the commentators said, that he found himself between a rock and a hard place. Kashmiri separatists disliked him for not being anti-India, while Indian nationalists disliked him for not being nationalistic enough. The divide between the people seen as pro- and anti-India was also illustrated by another killing reported from Kashmir on Thursday. Also read: An evening in Kashmir An Indian Army soldier, Aurangzeb, was abducted and killed by terrorists. Aurangzeb was Kashmiri. Aurangzeb's abduction and killing — like that of Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz, also a Kashmiri, last May — point to a hardening of the divide between the people in Kashmir who are seen as pro- and anti-India. That, the commentators said, would make peace harder in Kashmir. Also read: Suspected killers of Kashmir newspaper editor Shujaat Bukhari caught on CCTV Also read: Editor Shujaat Bukhari shot dead yesterday but Rising Kashmir still hits stands An attempt on Bukhari's life had been made earlier too. A few years ago, Bukhari was kidnapped from Srinagar's Residency Road and bundled into an auto. But Bukhari was able to jump out and escape as the auto reached the Old City. Bukhari was from Baramulla. His father was a professor, his mother a teacher. His elder brother, Syed Basharat Bukharim, is a minister in Mehbooba Mufti's government.

Thousands attend funeral of slain editor Shujaat Bukhari, voice of 'peace, sanity' in Kashmir

WION Gravitas: This is a special segment of WION which discusses about terror on the eve of Eid. Rising Kashmir Editor-in-Chief Shujaat Bukhari shot dead outside his office in Jammu and Kashmir. Watch this video for more information.

WION Gravitas: Terror on the eve of Eid; Veteran Kashmiri Journalist shot dead

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said Thursday that a wrong message had gone out to people that the BJP government was "going soft" on the Kashmir issue and asserted it would make no compromise "as far as terrorism and the sovereignty of the country is concerned".&nbsp;

He also said that the Home Ministry would take a final call on extending the Ramzan ceasefire after discussing it with the security agencies concerned.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, a message has gone out that the BJP (government) is soft (on Kashmir). In the days to come, you will realize that it has been undone. Certainly, there is going to be no compromise as far as terrorism and assault on the sovereignty of the country is concerned," he told reporters here.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rising-kashmir-editor-shujaat-bukhari-shot-dead-in-jammu-and-kashmir-144397">Terrorists kill 'Rising Kashmir' editor Shujaat Bukhari</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-abducted-indian-army-soldier-found-dead-in-pulwama-144451">Abducted Indian Army soldier found dead in Kashmir</a>

Responding to a question related to the Ramzan ceasefire, Singh said it it was not a ceasefire at all. "It was suspension of operations in the month of Ramzan," he added.

Asked if the Centre would extend the Ramzan ceasefire, he said the final decision would be taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs after a discussion with the security agencies concerned. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"There will be no soft approach in dealing with terrorists. We have strategies in place," he said in response to another question.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspected-killers-of-kashmir-newspaper-editor-shujaat-bukhari-caught-on-cctv-144488">Suspected killers of Kashmir newspaper editor Shujaat Bukhari caught on CCTV</a>

On a query regarding the UN report on alleged human rights violations in Kashmir, he said the issue ends with the 1994 resolution which was unanimously passed by Parliament and was also endorsed by all the political parties.&nbsp;

If there is any outstanding issue between India and Pakistan as far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, it is only about retrieving the part of Kashmir that is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan, he said.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IDCRqmH_Mig" width="560"></iframe>

'Unfortunately, a message has gone out that the BJP (government) is soft (on Kashmir). In the days to come, you will realise that it has been undone,' Singh said

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said Thursday that a wrong message had gone out to people that the BJP government was "going soft" on the Kashmir issue and asserted it would make no compromise "as far as terrorism and the sovereignty of the country is concerned". He also said that the Home Ministry would take a final call on extending the Ramzan ceasefire after discussing it with the security agencies concerned. "Unfortunately, a message has gone out that the BJP (government) is soft (on Kashmir). In the days to come, you will realize that it has been undone. Certainly, there is going to be no compromise as far as terrorism and assault on the sovereignty of the country is concerned," he told reporters here. Also read: Terrorists kill 'Rising Kashmir' editor Shujaat Bukhari Also read: Abducted Indian Army soldier found dead in Kashmir Responding to a question related to the Ramzan ceasefire, Singh said it it was not a ceasefire at all. "It was suspension of operations in the month of Ramzan," he added. Asked if the Centre would extend the Ramzan ceasefire, he said the final decision would be taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs after a discussion with the security agencies concerned. "There will be no soft approach in dealing with terrorists. We have strategies in place," he said in response to another question. Also read: Suspected killers of Kashmir newspaper editor Shujaat Bukhari caught on CCTV On a query regarding the UN report on alleged human rights violations in Kashmir, he said the issue ends with the 1994 resolution which was unanimously passed by Parliament and was also endorsed by all the political parties. If there is any outstanding issue between India and Pakistan as far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, it is only about retrieving the part of Kashmir that is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan, he said.

Government not 'going soft' on Kashmir issue: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday morning.&nbsp;

Kejriwal said in his letter that he was requesting the prime minister with "folded hands" to end the "strike" by Delhi's IAS officers.&nbsp;

Listing out the development projects stuck because of the strike, Kejriwal said "only you or the LG can end the strike". He added that "this is why people are saying the Centre and the LG are behind the strike".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
"Delhi facing unprecedented situation, Request you to get IAS officers to end strike"- CM <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiWithKejriwal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiWithKejriwal</a> <a href="https://t.co/RMzw9Cjmgt">pic.twitter.com/RMzw9Cjmgt</a>
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1007140402359463936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
मेरा भाई पुणे से मुझसे मिलने आया। उसको मुझसे मिलने नहीं दिया गया। ये तो ग़लत है।
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1007119053909946370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Kejriwal and three of his cabinet colleagues have been sitting in protest outside Delhi LG Anil Baijal's office for four days now.&nbsp;

Two of them — Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain — are on an indefinite <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/aap-sit-in-at-lgs-waiting-room-enters-day-3-delhi-deputy-cm-begins-hunger-strike-144018?first_load=no">hunger strike</a>.&nbsp;

Delhi AAP government contends that the city-state's bureaucrats have been on "strike" — they have not been attending meetings with minister or taking phone calls — ever since the alleged attack on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs in February.&nbsp;

The attack allegedly took place in Kejriwal's home and in his presence.&nbsp;

Kejriwal and his colleagues had on Monday gone to meet the LG to ask him to help put an end the strike. They began their protest — in the LG's waiting room — when he refused to meet them.&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party had on Wednesday marched on the LG's home.&nbsp;

They said today that they would march to Rajpath in protest and if need be, on the PM's home.&nbsp;

Kejriwal said in his letter that he was requesting the prime minister with 'folded hands' to end the 'strike' by Delhi's IAS officers

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday morning. Kejriwal said in his letter that he was requesting the prime minister with "folded hands" to end the "strike" by Delhi's IAS officers. Listing out the development projects stuck because of the strike, Kejriwal said "only you or the LG can end the strike". He added that "this is why people are saying the Centre and the LG are behind the strike". "Delhi facing unprecedented situation, Request you to get IAS officers to end strike"- CM @ArvindKejriwal to PM @narendramodi#DelhiWithKejriwal pic.twitter.com/RMzw9Cjmgt — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) June 14, 2018 × मेरा भाई पुणे से मुझसे मिलने आया। उसको मुझसे मिलने नहीं दिया गया। ये तो ग़लत है। — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 14, 2018 × Kejriwal and three of his cabinet colleagues have been sitting in protest outside Delhi LG Anil Baijal's office for four days now. Two of them — Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain — are on an indefinite hunger strike. Delhi AAP government contends that the city-state's bureaucrats have been on "strike" — they have not been attending meetings with minister or taking phone calls — ever since the alleged attack on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs in February. The attack allegedly took place in Kejriwal's home and in his presence. Kejriwal and his colleagues had on Monday gone to meet the LG to ask him to help put an end the strike. They began their protest — in the LG's waiting room — when he refused to meet them. The Aam Aadmi Party had on Wednesday marched on the LG's home. They said today that they would march to Rajpath in protest and if need be, on the PM's home.

AAP-IAS officers' standoff: Delhi CM Kejriwal writes to PM Modi, asks for help

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the people of Afghanistan as their national cricket team faces India in their historic first ever Test match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Afghanistan started its maiden five-day test match in Bengaluru on Thursday, with the match attended by top government officials from both sides.

The Prime Minister took to Twitter to wish luck to both the sides.

"I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international Test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties," PM Narendra Modi wrote.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1007093564034207744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India's sports minister, Rajyavardhan Rathore, shook hands with Afghan players before the match and read out a congratulatory statement from Modi.

Awarded full member status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) alongside Ireland in June last year, Afghanistan became the 12th test-playing nation after first being recognised by the ICC in 2001. India is the world's top-ranked test side.

Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai was presented with a memento from former India all-rounder Salim Durrani, who was born in Kabul before the match began.

India has already offered war-ravaged Afghanistan two stadiums in the country to host matches with other nations.

New Delhi enjoys close relations with Afghanistan and both accuse common neighbour Pakistan of not doing enough to stop Islamist militants operating on its territory.

"The historic friendship and relations between India and Afghanistan go back to centuries. I'm glad that cricket is now added as another layer," Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Atif Mashal said in January when the date and venue of the match were announced.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai was presented with a memento from former India all-rounder Salim Durrani, who was born in Kabul before the match began.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the people of Afghanistan as their national cricket team faces India in their historic first ever Test match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Afghanistan started its maiden five-day test match in Bengaluru on Thursday, with the match attended by top government officials from both sides. The Prime Minister took to Twitter to wish luck to both the sides. "I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international Test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties," PM Narendra Modi wrote. I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2018 × India's sports minister, Rajyavardhan Rathore, shook hands with Afghan players before the match and read out a congratulatory statement from Modi. Awarded full member status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) alongside Ireland in June last year, Afghanistan became the 12th test-playing nation after first being recognised by the ICC in 2001. India is the world's top-ranked test side. Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai was presented with a memento from former India all-rounder Salim Durrani, who was born in Kabul before the match began. India has already offered war-ravaged Afghanistan two stadiums in the country to host matches with other nations. New Delhi enjoys close relations with Afghanistan and both accuse common neighbour Pakistan of not doing enough to stop Islamist militants operating on its territory. "The historic friendship and relations between India and Afghanistan go back to centuries. I'm glad that cricket is now added as another layer," Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Atif Mashal said in January when the date and venue of the match were announced. (With inputs from Agencies)

PM Modi hopes historic cricket match will boost ties with Afghanistan

Malabar Exercise begun in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the United States, Japan became a permanent partner in 2015

In pics: Indian Navy exercise with US Navy and Japan Marines during 'Ex-Malabar 2018'

General Motors Co said on Wednesday Dhivya Suryadevara, currently vice president of corporate finance, will succeed Chuck Stevens on Sept. 1 as Chief Financial Officer of the No. 1 US automaker. 
 
Suryadevara, 39, has played an integral role in some significant deals GM has made as it has restructured operations over the past several years, including the divestiture of the company's European arm Opel and the acquisition of self-driving vehicle startup Cruise. She played a role in securing earlier this month a $2.25 billion investment in GM Cruise by Japanese tech giant SoftBank Group Corp, GM said in a statement. 
 
During her 13 years with the Detroit-based company, Suryadevara helped achieve ratings upgrades from all three credit ratings agencies, completed $2 billion in notes issuance to fund discretionary pension contributions and upsized and renewed GM's $14.5 billion revolving credit facility, the company said. 
 
She was named vice president, corporate finance, in July 2017, a job that included overseeing investor relations. 
 
Stevens will remain with the company as an adviser until his retirement in March, the company said. Stevens has worked at GM for 40 years and became CFO in January 2014.

&nbsp;

Dhivya Suryadevara, 39, has played an integral role in some significant deals GM has made as it has restructured operations over the past several years

General Motors Co said on Wednesday Dhivya Suryadevara, currently vice president of corporate finance, will succeed Chuck Stevens on Sept. 1 as Chief Financial Officer of the No. 1 US automaker. Suryadevara, 39, has played an integral role in some significant deals GM has made as it has restructured operations over the past several years, including the divestiture of the company's European arm Opel and the acquisition of self-driving vehicle startup Cruise. She played a role in securing earlier this month a $2.25 billion investment in GM Cruise by Japanese tech giant SoftBank Group Corp, GM said in a statement. During her 13 years with the Detroit-based company, Suryadevara helped achieve ratings upgrades from all three credit ratings agencies, completed $2 billion in notes issuance to fund discretionary pension contributions and upsized and renewed GM's $14.5 billion revolving credit facility, the company said. She was named vice president, corporate finance, in July 2017, a job that included overseeing investor relations. Stevens will remain with the company as an adviser until his retirement in March, the company said. Stevens has worked at GM for 40 years and became CFO in January 2014.

New CFO of General Motors is 39-year-old Indian-origin woman

This is a segment of WION which talks about abducted Indian soldier. Security Forces found body of abducted Indian soldier. He was abducted from Pulwama. Watch this video for more information.

Breaking News: Abducted Indian soldier's body found; he was abducted from Pulwama

This is a segment of WION which talks about veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari. Rising Kashmir Editor-in-Chief Shujaat Bukhari killed outside his office in Jammu and Kashmir. Watch this video for more information.

Breaking News: Rising Kashmir Editor-in-Chief Shujaat Bukhari killed outside his office

Actor Armaan Kohli of the fame Bigg Boss was recently <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-armaan-kohli-arrested-by-mumbai-police-for-assaulting-live-in-partner-143926">arrested by the Mumbai police</a> after his girlfriend <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-armaan-kohli-had-assaulted-me-before-reveals-girlfriend-neeru-randhava-142526">Neeru Randhawa filed a case </a>against him. As a development to the arrest, Armaan’s bail plea has also been rejected by the magistrate.&nbsp;

Armaan was arrested on Neeru’s complaint that he allegedly physically assaulted her on June 3. The two were dating for three years.&nbsp;

Armaan’s lawyer argued that a bail petition on behalf of him has been filed in Bombay High Court for quashing the case by mutual consent as Neeru was apparently withdrawing her FIR. The lawyer claimed that the two have decided to close the matter personally on mutual terms and hence there is no point in keeping him in custody. The lawyer also mentioned that framing Armaan for possession of a weapon was only put so that the actor couldn’t get bail.&nbsp;

Speaking to a website on the matter, Neeru she that she is in talks with Armaan's representatives and that their formal terms will be decided during the hearing on Friday. A source close to Neeru was, however, quoted: Neeru will take back the complaints on conditions "he [Armaan] issues a formal unconditional apology for the assault, he won’t insist on being a part of her life and let her move on and lead her life as per her terms and thirdly because of her respect for his father, filmmaker Rajkumar Kohli, who is a heart patient.”

After the alleged assault, Neeru was admitted at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital where she underwent surgery for the injury she suffered. Armaan was booked under sections 323, 326, 504 and 506 of the IPC (Indian Penal Code).&nbsp;

Armaan Kohli is accused of physically assaulting his girlfriend of three years, Neeru Randhawa.

Actor Armaan Kohli of the fame Bigg Boss was recently arrested by the Mumbai police after his girlfriend Neeru Randhawa filed a case against him. As a development to the arrest, Armaan’s bail plea has also been rejected by the magistrate. Armaan was arrested on Neeru’s complaint that he allegedly physically assaulted her on June 3. The two were dating for three years. Armaan’s lawyer argued that a bail petition on behalf of him has been filed in Bombay High Court for quashing the case by mutual consent as Neeru was apparently withdrawing her FIR. The lawyer claimed that the two have decided to close the matter personally on mutual terms and hence there is no point in keeping him in custody. The lawyer also mentioned that framing Armaan for possession of a weapon was only put so that the actor couldn’t get bail. Speaking to a website on the matter, Neeru she that she is in talks with Armaan's representatives and that their formal terms will be decided during the hearing on Friday. A source close to Neeru was, however, quoted: Neeru will take back the complaints on conditions "he [Armaan] issues a formal unconditional apology for the assault, he won’t insist on being a part of her life and let her move on and lead her life as per her terms and thirdly because of her respect for his father, filmmaker Rajkumar Kohli, who is a heart patient.” After the alleged assault, Neeru was admitted at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital where she underwent surgery for the injury she suffered. Armaan was booked under sections 323, 326, 504 and 506 of the IPC (Indian Penal Code).

Armaan Kohli arrest case: Bail rejected, case to be heard on Friday

This is a segment of WION which talks about An Extraordinary Life of Kashmiris. WION speaks to Kashmiris who are proudly serving Indian Armed Forces. Watch this video for more information.

An Extraordinary Life: WION speaks to Kashmiris who are proudly serving Indian Armed Forces

An earthquake measuring 4.0-magnitude on the Richter scale hit Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi on Thursday morning at 6:12 AM.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the earthquake originated at a depth of 10 km and had the latitude of 30.8 North and Longitude of 78.2 East.

Further details are currently awaited.

This comes after the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun had issued warnings of thunderstorm and rain in the state from June 13-17 on Wednesday.

Few places of the state are likely to experience light to moderate rain and thunderstorm on Thursday, while many places are likely to experience the same from June 15-17.

Earlier this month, the Badrinath National Highway was closed at two places due to minor landslides, followed by heavy rains in parts of Uttarakhand.

The earthquake originated at a depth of 10 km and had the latitude of 30.8 North and Longitude of 78.2 East

An earthquake measuring 4.0-magnitude on the Richter scale hit Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi on Thursday morning at 6:12 AM. According to the India Meteorological Department, the earthquake originated at a depth of 10 km and had the latitude of 30.8 North and Longitude of 78.2 East. Further details are currently awaited. This comes after the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun had issued warnings of thunderstorm and rain in the state from June 13-17 on Wednesday. Few places of the state are likely to experience light to moderate rain and thunderstorm on Thursday, while many places are likely to experience the same from June 15-17. Earlier this month, the Badrinath National Highway was closed at two places due to minor landslides, followed by heavy rains in parts of Uttarakhand.

4.0-earthquake hits Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi

india-news

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

india news