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

It's the perfect launch pad for Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. In Shashank Mehta's hugely stylised, opulent film Dhadak, a remake of Marathi blockbuster Sairat, the two newcomers play modern-day Romeo and Juliet. 
 
One of the most anticipated debuts of this year- all eyes are on Janhvi Kapoor as she makes her big debut with the film. Ishaan, who has already impressed critics in his debut film ''Beyond The Clouds' earlier this year, turns Madhukar, a lower-caste boy from Udaipur madly in love with the upper cast Parthavi played by Janhvi in the film.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-arjun-kapoor-posts-a-message-for-sister-janhvi-kapoor-ahead-of-dhadak-trailer-launch--143639">Also read: Arjun Kapoor's wish to sister Janhvi ahead of 'Dhadak' trailer release</a> 
 
Their worlds collide, naturally with resistance from their respective families and they elope, from Udaipur, where they first met, to all the way in Kolkata to start afresh. But will the society let the two live in peace?

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TIE92mUvSsw" width="560"></iframe> 
Produced by Dharma Production and Zee Studios, the film is set for 20th July.&nbsp;

The trailer of the highly anticipated film 'Dhadak' is finally out

It's the perfect launch pad for Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. In Shashank Mehta's hugely stylised, opulent film Dhadak, a remake of Marathi blockbuster Sairat, the two newcomers play modern-day Romeo and Juliet. One of the most anticipated debuts of this year- all eyes are on Janhvi Kapoor as she makes her big debut with the film. Ishaan, who has already impressed critics in his debut film ''Beyond The Clouds' earlier this year, turns Madhukar, a lower-caste boy from Udaipur madly in love with the upper cast Parthavi played by Janhvi in the film. Also read: Arjun Kapoor's wish to sister Janhvi ahead of 'Dhadak' trailer release Their worlds collide, naturally with resistance from their respective families and they elope, from Udaipur, where they first met, to all the way in Kolkata to start afresh. But will the society let the two live in peace? Produced by Dharma Production and Zee Studios, the film is set for 20th July.

'Dhadak' trailer: Presenting Janhvi and Ishaan as modern-day Romeo-Juliet

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) today announced results for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced, with Panchkula boy Pranav Goyal bagging the first rank scoring 337 marks out of 360.

The second position has been secured by Kota's Sahil Jain while Delhi's Kailash Gupta got the third spot.

Kota's Meenal Parekh has emerged as topper among girls with 318 marks. 
Around, 1.55 lakh students appeared for the JEE Advanced examination this year that was conducted on May 20 out of which 18,138 have qualified.

With results out now, seat allocation will commence from June 15. For the first time, JEE Advanced was held completely in the online mode.

Selected ones will obtain admission into undergraduate courses, which will help in obtaining a bachelor's, integrated masters or bachelor-master dual degree in engineering, sciences or architecture.

Aspirants can attempt JEE (Advanced) a maximum of two times in two consecutive years.&nbsp;

Around, 1.55 lakh students appeared for the JEE Advanced examination this year that was conducted on May 20 out of which 18,138 have qualified.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) today announced results for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced, with Panchkula boy Pranav Goyal bagging the first rank scoring 337 marks out of 360. The second position has been secured by Kota's Sahil Jain while Delhi's Kailash Gupta got the third spot. Kota's Meenal Parekh has emerged as topper among girls with 318 marks. Around, 1.55 lakh students appeared for the JEE Advanced examination this year that was conducted on May 20 out of which 18,138 have qualified. With results out now, seat allocation will commence from June 15. For the first time, JEE Advanced was held completely in the online mode. Selected ones will obtain admission into undergraduate courses, which will help in obtaining a bachelor's, integrated masters or bachelor-master dual degree in engineering, sciences or architecture. Aspirants can attempt JEE (Advanced) a maximum of two times in two consecutive years.

JEE Advanced results announced, Panchkula boy tops

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that connectivity with the neighbourhood and in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) region is India's priority as he stressed that his country was committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit.

Speaking at the restricted session of the SCO Summit + , Prime Minister Modi also floated the concept of SECURE: 'S' for security for citizens, 'E' for economic development, 'C' for connectivity in the region, 'U' for unity, 'R' for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and 'E for environment protection.

"We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority," Modi said.

It is for the first time the Indian prime minister is attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, jointly dominated by China and Russia, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO.

Modi said India is committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit.

Noting that only 6 per cent of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, the prime minister said this can easily be doubled.

"Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organise an SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he said.&nbsp;

Citing Afghanistan as an "unfortunate example" of effect of terrorism, Modi said he hoped the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ashraf Ghani will be respected by all in the region, apparently referring to a cease-fire announced by the Afghan leader for the Eid festival.

The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP.

Besides Modi, other leaders attending the summit include Chinese President Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Intervention by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> at the Plenary Session of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a>: "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainSCO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainSCO</a> <a href="https://t.co/NA5gWjHHxM">pic.twitter.com/NA5gWjHHxM</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1005655570953584640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 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">
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> at the restricted session of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a>. India is committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainSCO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainSCO</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ujfpgSikV">pic.twitter.com/2ujfpgSikV</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1005641541648412672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 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>

&nbsp;

Speaking at the restricted session of the SCO Summit + , Prime Minister Modi also floated the concept of SECURE: 'S' for security for citizens, 'E' for economic development, 'C' for connectivity in the region, 'U' for unity, 'R' for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and 'E for environment protection

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that connectivity with the neighbourhood and in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) region is India's priority as he stressed that his country was committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit. Speaking at the restricted session of the SCO Summit + , Prime Minister Modi also floated the concept of SECURE: 'S' for security for citizens, 'E' for economic development, 'C' for connectivity in the region, 'U' for unity, 'R' for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and 'E for environment protection. "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority," Modi said. It is for the first time the Indian prime minister is attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, jointly dominated by China and Russia, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO. Modi said India is committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit. Noting that only 6 per cent of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, the prime minister said this can easily be doubled. "Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organise an SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he said. Citing Afghanistan as an "unfortunate example" of effect of terrorism, Modi said he hoped the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ashraf Ghani will be respected by all in the region, apparently referring to a cease-fire announced by the Afghan leader for the Eid festival. The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. Besides Modi, other leaders attending the summit include Chinese President Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. Intervention by PM @narendramodi at the Plenary Session of #SCOSummit: "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority" #IndiainSCO pic.twitter.com/NA5gWjHHxM — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 10, 2018 × PM @narendramodi at the restricted session of the #SCOSummit. India is committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit. #IndiainSCO pic.twitter.com/2ujfpgSikV — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 10, 2018 ×

Connectivity with neighbourhood and in SCO region India's priority: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's bold initiatives towards peace and expressed hope that it will be respected by all parties, referring to a ceasefire announced by the Afghan leader for Eid.

Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner.

"Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of extremism and terrorism. I hope the bold initiatives towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all parties," Modi said at the summit, also attended by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.

Modi was referring to the Afghan government's surprise announcement of the week-long ceasefire with the Taliban for Eid.

The ceasefire will last from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-al-Fitr, President Ghani had tweeted last week, indicating it could run from June 12-19.&nbsp

Responding to Ghani's announcement, the Taliban on Saturday announced the suspension of fighting for the first three days of Eid - the first ceasefire by the militant group in Afghanistan since the 2001 US invasion.

India and China have agreed to undertake a joint economic project in Afghanistan. They have agreed to move forward in identifying a specific project initially in the area of capacity building in Afghanistan.

This will be a first such project in the war-torn country where China while trying to expand its influence, has tacitly backed Pakistan, which has been accused by Afghanistan and the US of backing the Taliban and its most violent attacks in the country destabilising any attempts to restore peace.

Since 2002, India has committed $ 2 billion to the socio-economic rebuilding of war-torn Afghanistan.

Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's bold initiatives towards peace and expressed hope that it will be respected by all parties, referring to a ceasefire announced by the Afghan leader for Eid. Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner. "Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of extremism and terrorism. I hope the bold initiatives towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all parties," Modi said at the summit, also attended by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain. Modi was referring to the Afghan government's surprise announcement of the week-long ceasefire with the Taliban for Eid. The ceasefire will last from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-al-Fitr, President Ghani had tweeted last week, indicating it could run from June 12-19. Responding to Ghani's announcement, the Taliban on Saturday announced the suspension of fighting for the first three days of Eid - the first ceasefire by the militant group in Afghanistan since the 2001 US invasion. India and China have agreed to undertake a joint economic project in Afghanistan. They have agreed to move forward in identifying a specific project initially in the area of capacity building in Afghanistan. This will be a first such project in the war-torn country where China while trying to expand its influence, has tacitly backed Pakistan, which has been accused by Afghanistan and the US of backing the Taliban and its most violent attacks in the country destabilising any attempts to restore peace. Since 2002, India has committed $ 2 billion to the socio-economic rebuilding of war-torn Afghanistan.

PM Modi praises Afghan President's bold initiatives towards peace

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad`s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav has invalidated the claims of rift between him and his&nbsp;brother&nbsp;Tejashwi.

He said, "There are no differences with my brother Tejashwi, we are very close".

His clarification came amid reports that said&nbsp;Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party. He had reportedly also said that there are certain anti-social elements in the party who are trying to ruin the party.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
All this news of family infighting etc is false, there is no such thing, I have nothing against Tejashwi and Lalu ji but yes some other senior leaders in the party are sidelining youth workers. The state President RC Purve is ignoring workers: Tej Pratap Yadav,RJD <a href="https://t.co/Ymxh3zlGVd">pic.twitter.com/Ymxh3zlGVd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005686866840936448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 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>

&nbsp;

He said, 'There are no differences with my brother Tejashwi, we are very close'

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad`s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav has invalidated the claims of rift between him and his brother Tejashwi. He said, "There are no differences with my brother Tejashwi, we are very close". His clarification came amid reports that said Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party. He had reportedly also said that there are certain anti-social elements in the party who are trying to ruin the party. All this news of family infighting etc is false, there is no such thing, I have nothing against Tejashwi and Lalu ji but yes some other senior leaders in the party are sidelining youth workers. The state President RC Purve is ignoring workers: Tej Pratap Yadav,RJD pic.twitter.com/Ymxh3zlGVd — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 ×

Tej Pratap rules out difference with Tejashwi

After Akhilesh Yadav vacated the government bungalow in Uttar Pradesh, SP leader Sunil Yadav has claimed that the damages inside the premise was ordered by CM Yogi Adityanath.

He said the chief minister took the step to malign the image of Akhilesh Yadav.

"After handing over keys of the govt bungalow, the damages inside the premises was ordered by CM Yogi Adityanath himself. This was done just to malign Akhilesh Yadav's image in public because CM is frustrated after losing a series of by polls", Sunil Yadav said.

While UP MInister Swatantra Dev Singh has asked for an investigation into the matter.

Singh said "Removing of ACs & tiles should not have been done because these are govt property. He has violated SC order. Investigation needed."

SP chief and former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh vacated the government bungalow in Uttar Pradesh after the orders of Supreme Court.

The bungalow left by the Yadav was found in a distorted state with damaged floor tiles and laminations, missing electrical switchboards.

In his order last month, the Supreme Court had ordered former chief ministers of the Uttar Pradesh to leave the government accommodation.

After the apex court's order, the state government had issued a notice to six former chief ministers of the state- Narayan Dutt Tiwari, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Kalyan Singh, Mayawati, Rajnath Singh and Akhilesh Yadav.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Visuals from govt bungalow which was recently vacated by ex-UP CM Akhilesh Yadav in compliance with SC's order. UP Minister Swatantra Dev Singh says,"Removing of ACs & tiles shouldn't have been done because these are govt property. He has violated SC order. Investigation needed." <a href="https://t.co/TowuXMzZWk">pic.twitter.com/TowuXMzZWk</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1005657370037350401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 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>

&nbsp;

He said the chief minister took the step to malign the image of Akhilesh Yadav

After Akhilesh Yadav vacated the government bungalow in Uttar Pradesh, SP leader Sunil Yadav has claimed that the damages inside the premise was ordered by CM Yogi Adityanath. He said the chief minister took the step to malign the image of Akhilesh Yadav. "After handing over keys of the govt bungalow, the damages inside the premises was ordered by CM Yogi Adityanath himself. This was done just to malign Akhilesh Yadav's image in public because CM is frustrated after losing a series of by polls", Sunil Yadav said. While UP MInister Swatantra Dev Singh has asked for an investigation into the matter. Singh said "Removing of ACs & tiles should not have been done because these are govt property. He has violated SC order. Investigation needed." SP chief and former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh vacated the government bungalow in Uttar Pradesh after the orders of Supreme Court. The bungalow left by the Yadav was found in a distorted state with damaged floor tiles and laminations, missing electrical switchboards. In his order last month, the Supreme Court had ordered former chief ministers of the Uttar Pradesh to leave the government accommodation. After the apex court's order, the state government had issued a notice to six former chief ministers of the state- Narayan Dutt Tiwari, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Kalyan Singh, Mayawati, Rajnath Singh and Akhilesh Yadav. Visuals from govt bungalow which was recently vacated by ex-UP CM Akhilesh Yadav in compliance with SC's order. UP Minister Swatantra Dev Singh says,"Removing of ACs & tiles shouldn't have been done because these are govt property. He has violated SC order. Investigation needed." pic.twitter.com/TowuXMzZWk — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 10, 2018 ×

SP leader Sunil Yadav blames Yogi Adityanath for damages in govt bungalow vacated by Akhilesh Yadav

The family of a Gujarat fisherman, who was languishing in a Pakistan jail, found out about his death, which occurred on March 4, today after a letter written by one of his cellmates reached his wife.

Deva Rama Baraiya (55), a fisherman from Kotada village in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district, was arrested from the high seas by Pakistani maritime patrolling agencies and put in a Karachi jail on February 2, his family members said.

Pravin Dhansukh Chavda, a cellmate of Baraiya, had written a letter on April 22 to the latter's wife, Labhuben, informing her of her husband's death, Babubhai Somabhai, the sarpanch of Kotada village, said, adding that she received the letter today.

Chavda is Baraiya's brother's son-in-law and his family too lives in Kotada village, the sarpanch said.

Chavda's letter mentioned that Baraiya had died in the prison on March 4, he added.

PTI is in possession of a copy of the letter written by Chavda in Gujarati.

"Baraiya is survived by wife Kasturiben, who works as a maid, and six children. The family is poor and has been distraught since they got the news of Baraiya's death," the village head said.

Gujarat Fishermen Central Cooperative Association Limited president Veljibhai Masani confirmed Baraiya's death and requested External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to raise the matter with the Pakistani authorities.

He criticised the authorities of the neighbouring country for not informing their Indian counterparts about the fisherman's death in their captivity.

The Gujarat Fishermen Central Cooperative Association Limited is an apex body of fishermen cooperatives with the Gujarat government being its majority shareholder.&nbsp;

Deva Rama Baraiya (55), a fisherman from Kotada village in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district, was arrested from the high seas by Pakistani maritime patrolling agencies and put in a Karachi jail on February 2

The family of a Gujarat fisherman, who was languishing in a Pakistan jail, found out about his death, which occurred on March 4, today after a letter written by one of his cellmates reached his wife. Deva Rama Baraiya (55), a fisherman from Kotada village in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district, was arrested from the high seas by Pakistani maritime patrolling agencies and put in a Karachi jail on February 2, his family members said. Pravin Dhansukh Chavda, a cellmate of Baraiya, had written a letter on April 22 to the latter's wife, Labhuben, informing her of her husband's death, Babubhai Somabhai, the sarpanch of Kotada village, said, adding that she received the letter today. Chavda is Baraiya's brother's son-in-law and his family too lives in Kotada village, the sarpanch said. Chavda's letter mentioned that Baraiya had died in the prison on March 4, he added. PTI is in possession of a copy of the letter written by Chavda in Gujarati. "Baraiya is survived by wife Kasturiben, who works as a maid, and six children. The family is poor and has been distraught since they got the news of Baraiya's death," the village head said. Gujarat Fishermen Central Cooperative Association Limited president Veljibhai Masani confirmed Baraiya's death and requested External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to raise the matter with the Pakistani authorities. He criticised the authorities of the neighbouring country for not informing their Indian counterparts about the fisherman's death in their captivity. The Gujarat Fishermen Central Cooperative Association Limited is an apex body of fishermen cooperatives with the Gujarat government being its majority shareholder.

Gujarat fisherman died in Pakistan jail in March; kin learns of it now

A day after Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party, Leader of Opposition and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday downplayed the controversy and said&nbsp;that his brother spoke about how to unify and strengthen ''our party ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election)''.

''It is very evident Tej Pratap ji spoke on strength of the party. He spoke about how to unify and strengthen our party, ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election),'' Tejashwi Yadav said.

''All are working to strengthen the party. We shouldn't make mountain out of a molehill. We must focus on discrepancies in education, how students were given 38 out of 35 marks, how 44 young girls were raped. If you ignore this, Bihar isn't going to benefit at all,'' he added.&nbsp;

Earlier, some reports emerged that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap Yadav accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party.

Tej Pratap had reportedly also said that there are certain anti-social elements in the party who are trying to ruin the party.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It is very evident Tej Pratap ji spoke on strength of the party. He spoke about how to unify and strengthen our party, ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election). Unhone spasht kaha hai Tejashwi kaleje ka tukda hai. He is my brother & guide: Tejashwi Yadav <a href="https://t.co/eZYwZ0pSYS">pic.twitter.com/eZYwZ0pSYS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005745156153212929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 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>

However, Tej Pratap Yadav on Sunday rubbished the news of family infighting.

"All this news of family infighting etc is false, there is no such thing, I have nothing against Tejashwi and Lalu ji but yes some other senior leaders in the party are sidelining youth workers," he told reporters here.

"The state President RC Purve is ignoring workers," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
All are working to strengthen the party. We shouldn't make mountain out of a molehill. We must focus on discrepancies on education, how students were given 38 out of 35 marks, how 44 young girls were raped. If you ignore this, Bihar isn't going to benefit at all: Tejashwi Yadav <a href="https://t.co/M0TSigb7Uf">pic.twitter.com/M0TSigb7Uf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005745159483428864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 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>

Yesterday, Tej Pratap refuted a rift between him and his brother Tejashwi.&nbsp;"There are no differences with my brother Tejashwi, we are very close," Tej Pratap said.

 
&nbsp;

Earlier, some reports emerged that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap Yadav accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party.

A day after Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party, Leader of Opposition and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday downplayed the controversy and said that his brother spoke about how to unify and strengthen ''our party ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election)''. ''It is very evident Tej Pratap ji spoke on strength of the party. He spoke about how to unify and strengthen our party, ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election),'' Tejashwi Yadav said. ''All are working to strengthen the party. We shouldn't make mountain out of a molehill. We must focus on discrepancies in education, how students were given 38 out of 35 marks, how 44 young girls were raped. If you ignore this, Bihar isn't going to benefit at all,'' he added. Earlier, some reports emerged that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap Yadav accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party. Tej Pratap had reportedly also said that there are certain anti-social elements in the party who are trying to ruin the party. It is very evident Tej Pratap ji spoke on strength of the party. He spoke about how to unify and strengthen our party, ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election). Unhone spasht kaha hai Tejashwi kaleje ka tukda hai. He is my brother & guide: Tejashwi Yadav pic.twitter.com/eZYwZ0pSYS — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 × However, Tej Pratap Yadav on Sunday rubbished the news of family infighting. "All this news of family infighting etc is false, there is no such thing, I have nothing against Tejashwi and Lalu ji but yes some other senior leaders in the party are sidelining youth workers," he told reporters here. "The state President RC Purve is ignoring workers," he added. All are working to strengthen the party. We shouldn't make mountain out of a molehill. We must focus on discrepancies on education, how students were given 38 out of 35 marks, how 44 young girls were raped. If you ignore this, Bihar isn't going to benefit at all: Tejashwi Yadav pic.twitter.com/M0TSigb7Uf — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 × Yesterday, Tej Pratap refuted a rift between him and his brother Tejashwi. "There are no differences with my brother Tejashwi, we are very close," Tej Pratap said.

Shouldn't make mountain out of molehill: Tejashwi Yadav on brother's allegation he is being sidelined

In a clarion call, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today exhorted party workers with the slogan 'L-G, Delhi Chodo' (L-G, Quit India) , as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party announced a city-wide campaign for full statehood to Delhi.&nbsp;

Addressing party's ward-level officer-bearers and legislators at his residence here, the chief minister equalled the fight for Delhi's full statehood with the freedom struggle.&nbsp;

In a passionate address, he said Mahatma Gandhi had launched Quit India campaign during the British rule, and the Aam Aadmi Party will run 'L-G, Delhi Chodo' campaign.

He said that in 1947, India got freedom and all British viceroys were removed, but in Delhi, L-G was appointed in place of viceroys.

Elaborating on the campaign, Kejriwal said AAP leaders, MLAs and workers will hold meetings at 300 locations in the national capital from June 17 to June 24 in the first phase of the agitation.

In the second phase, AAP has planned to hold party workers' convention at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on July 1, where the next course of action will be decided, he said.

"Had a meeting wid ward level office bearers of AAP Delhi. Made strategy to take msg of full statehood to every house in Delhi (sic)", the chief minister tweeted after the meeting.

The clarion call for full statehood to Delhi comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled next year.

According to party sources, the ruling party in Delhi is planning to strongly raise the statehood issue during the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

"We would ask people (during meetings) whether there should be people's rule or L-G's rule in Delhi. L-G creates hurdles in our every project, be it the CCTV project or doorstep delivery of ration," Kejriwal said.

During his address, the AAP supremo also pitched for 85 per cent reservation in recruitment for Delhi government departments.&nbsp;

"If we want to open colleges, they (L-G) do not allow. It is not the issue of just development....Our ancestors had also fought for freedom of the country. Delhi gives Rs 1.3 lakh crore tax to the Centre, but we get nothing in lieu of this...

"Every person in Delhi will get good job and every family will get own house if Delhi is given full statehood status," he said.

The chief minister also attacked former chief minister and Congress leader Sheila Dikshit, alleging that during her government's tenure, people were fed up with inflated water and electricity bills, as well as the poor condition of government hospitals.&nbsp;

"During your (Sheila) tenure, your party's government was at the Centre for ten years and your L-G was also there. I challenge you to run Delhi under Modi's rule for one year," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

His comment came in response to Dikshit's reported statement that she ruled Delhi for 15 years, but never had any conflict with the Centre and L-G during her tenure.

Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai alleged that the BJP and Congress have taken 'U turn' on the issue of full statehood to Delhi.

The AAP government has called a special session of the Delhi Assembly to press its demand for full statehood to Delhi. Earlier this week, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had tabled a government resolution in this regard.

Kejriwal is likely to speak on the issue in the assembly tomorrow.

In a passionate address, he said Mahatma Gandhi had launched Quit India campaign during the British rule, and the Aam Aadmi Party will run 'L-G, Delhi Chodo' campaign.

In a clarion call, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today exhorted party workers with the slogan 'L-G, Delhi Chodo' (L-G, Quit India) , as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party announced a city-wide campaign for full statehood to Delhi. Addressing party's ward-level officer-bearers and legislators at his residence here, the chief minister equalled the fight for Delhi's full statehood with the freedom struggle. In a passionate address, he said Mahatma Gandhi had launched Quit India campaign during the British rule, and the Aam Aadmi Party will run 'L-G, Delhi Chodo' campaign. He said that in 1947, India got freedom and all British viceroys were removed, but in Delhi, L-G was appointed in place of viceroys. Elaborating on the campaign, Kejriwal said AAP leaders, MLAs and workers will hold meetings at 300 locations in the national capital from June 17 to June 24 in the first phase of the agitation. In the second phase, AAP has planned to hold party workers' convention at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on July 1, where the next course of action will be decided, he said. "Had a meeting wid ward level office bearers of AAP Delhi. Made strategy to take msg of full statehood to every house in Delhi (sic)", the chief minister tweeted after the meeting. The clarion call for full statehood to Delhi comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled next year. According to party sources, the ruling party in Delhi is planning to strongly raise the statehood issue during the Lok Sabha elections. "We would ask people (during meetings) whether there should be people's rule or L-G's rule in Delhi. L-G creates hurdles in our every project, be it the CCTV project or doorstep delivery of ration," Kejriwal said. During his address, the AAP supremo also pitched for 85 per cent reservation in recruitment for Delhi government departments. "If we want to open colleges, they (L-G) do not allow. It is not the issue of just development....Our ancestors had also fought for freedom of the country. Delhi gives Rs 1.3 lakh crore tax to the Centre, but we get nothing in lieu of this... "Every person in Delhi will get good job and every family will get own house if Delhi is given full statehood status," he said. The chief minister also attacked former chief minister and Congress leader Sheila Dikshit, alleging that during her government's tenure, people were fed up with inflated water and electricity bills, as well as the poor condition of government hospitals. "During your (Sheila) tenure, your party's government was at the Centre for ten years and your L-G was also there. I challenge you to run Delhi under Modi's rule for one year," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi. His comment came in response to Dikshit's reported statement that she ruled Delhi for 15 years, but never had any conflict with the Centre and L-G during her tenure. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai alleged that the BJP and Congress have taken 'U turn' on the issue of full statehood to Delhi. The AAP government has called a special session of the Delhi Assembly to press its demand for full statehood to Delhi. Earlier this week, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had tabled a government resolution in this regard. Kejriwal is likely to speak on the issue in the assembly tomorrow.

AAP announces campaign for full statehood to Delhi

At least six people were killed and four others injured when a truck collided with a four-wheeler here this afternoon, police said.

The accident took place in Arkha gram sabha area under the Unchchar police station, they added.

"A truck moving on the Unchahar-Allahabad road collided with an SUV coming from Mangarh (in Pratapgargh district)," PTI quoting Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh stated.&nbsp

Keshkali (55), Anoopa Devi (40), Pari (2), Aradhya (18 months) and Prince (12) died on the spot, she said.

"Ankush Maurya (24) succumbed to injuries at the district hospital," Singh added.

Four people sustained severe injuries and were undergoing treatment, while another person was administered first aid as he had received only minor wounds.

The bodies of the deceased were sent for postmortem, police added.&nbsp

The accident took place in Arkha gram sabha area under the Unchchar police station, they added.

At least six people were killed and four others injured when a truck collided with a four-wheeler here this afternoon, police said. The accident took place in Arkha gram sabha area under the Unchchar police station, they added. "A truck moving on the Unchahar-Allahabad road collided with an SUV coming from Mangarh (in Pratapgargh district)," PTI quoting Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh stated. Keshkali (55), Anoopa Devi (40), Pari (2), Aradhya (18 months) and Prince (12) died on the spot, she said. "Ankush Maurya (24) succumbed to injuries at the district hospital," Singh added. Four people sustained severe injuries and were undergoing treatment, while another person was administered first aid as he had received only minor wounds. The bodies of the deceased were sent for postmortem, police added.

Uttar Pradesh: 6 killed, 4 injured in road accident

The Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday trivialised the assassination threats to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the letter was being used to garner people`s sympathy, reports news agency ANI.

He said, "They say there was a threatening letter. I spoke to a retired police officer, who had worked for CID. He said there is no substance in the letter. The letter is being used to garner people`s sympathy."

Claiming that the people arrested for inciting the Bhima -Koregaon violence were innocent, Pawar said, "When like-minded people came together to organise Elgar Parishad, they were called Naxals and arrested. Everyone knows who executed the Bhima-Koregaon violence, but those who have no link with it were arrested. This is a misuse of power."

For the uninitiated, the Pune police told a court that they were in possession of a letter, seized from the residence of one of the five people who has been arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence, which talks about the assassination of Prime Minister Modi in Rajiv Gandhi-type incident.

"Modi-led Hindu fascism is bulldozing its way into the lives of indigenous Adivasis. In spite of big defeats like Bihar and West Bengal, Modi has successfully established BJP government in more than 15 states. If this pace continues, then it would mean immense trouble for the party... Comrade Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj," the letter read."We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident," it added.

In the letter, it was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party". The assassination plot`s revelation has generated reactions across the political spectrum.&nbsp;

Pune Police had told a court that they were in possession of a letter, seized from the residence of one of the five people who has been arrested in connection with the violence in Bhima-Koregaon, which talks about the assassination of Prime Minister Modi in a Rajiv Gandhi-type incident

The Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday trivialised the assassination threats to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the letter was being used to garner people`s sympathy, reports news agency ANI. He said, "They say there was a threatening letter. I spoke to a retired police officer, who had worked for CID. He said there is no substance in the letter. The letter is being used to garner people`s sympathy." Claiming that the people arrested for inciting the Bhima -Koregaon violence were innocent, Pawar said, "When like-minded people came together to organise Elgar Parishad, they were called Naxals and arrested. Everyone knows who executed the Bhima-Koregaon violence, but those who have no link with it were arrested. This is a misuse of power." For the uninitiated, the Pune police told a court that they were in possession of a letter, seized from the residence of one of the five people who has been arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence, which talks about the assassination of Prime Minister Modi in Rajiv Gandhi-type incident. "Modi-led Hindu fascism is bulldozing its way into the lives of indigenous Adivasis. In spite of big defeats like Bihar and West Bengal, Modi has successfully established BJP government in more than 15 states. If this pace continues, then it would mean immense trouble for the party... Comrade Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj," the letter read."We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident," it added. In the letter, it was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party". The assassination plot`s revelation has generated reactions across the political spectrum.

Modi assassination letter being used to garner public sympathy: Sharad Pawar

As the southwest monsoon makes a steady progress up north, India's west coast was battered today by heavy rainfall, especially the coastal Karnataka, Goa and south Konkan region, the India Meteorological Department said.

The Northern Limit of Monsoon now passes through Thane (including Mumbai), Ahmednagar, Parbhani, Yeotmal, Brahmapuri, Rajnandgaon, Bhavanipatna, Puri, Agartala, north Lakhmipur. Conditions are turning favourable for its advance to Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of West Bengal, Sikkim and other northeastern states in the next 48 hours, it said.

"Heavy to very heavy rain" was recorded at a few places over coastal Karnataka and south Konkan and Goa while "heavy to very heavy rain" was recorded at isolated places in north Konkan, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, central Maharashtra, south-interior Karnataka and Kerala," the IMD said in its monsoon bulletin.

For tomorrow, the Met department has predicted "heavy to very heavy rain" at a few places in coastal Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Odisha and Kerala.

"Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds and lightning are very likely at isolated places over east Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand while heat wave conditions very likely at one or two pockets over west Rajasthan," the IMD said. 
Squalls gusting to 60 kmph are very likely along Odisha and West Bengal coasts and over north Bay of Bengal.

Sea conditions are likely to be "rough to very rough", it said, advising fishermen not to venture into the waters.&nbsp 
&nbsp

For tomorrow, the Met department has predicted "heavy to very heavy rain" at a few places in coastal Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Odisha and Kerala.

As the southwest monsoon makes a steady progress up north, India's west coast was battered today by heavy rainfall, especially the coastal Karnataka, Goa and south Konkan region, the India Meteorological Department said. The Northern Limit of Monsoon now passes through Thane (including Mumbai), Ahmednagar, Parbhani, Yeotmal, Brahmapuri, Rajnandgaon, Bhavanipatna, Puri, Agartala, north Lakhmipur. Conditions are turning favourable for its advance to Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of West Bengal, Sikkim and other northeastern states in the next 48 hours, it said. "Heavy to very heavy rain" was recorded at a few places over coastal Karnataka and south Konkan and Goa while "heavy to very heavy rain" was recorded at isolated places in north Konkan, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, central Maharashtra, south-interior Karnataka and Kerala," the IMD said in its monsoon bulletin. For tomorrow, the Met department has predicted "heavy to very heavy rain" at a few places in coastal Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Odisha and Kerala. "Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds and lightning are very likely at isolated places over east Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand while heat wave conditions very likely at one or two pockets over west Rajasthan," the IMD said. Squalls gusting to 60 kmph are very likely along Odisha and West Bengal coasts and over north Bay of Bengal. Sea conditions are likely to be "rough to very rough", it said, advising fishermen not to venture into the waters.

Monsoon rain batters west coast, fishermen advised not to venture into high seas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the plenary session on the second day of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.&nbsp;

"Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of terrorism. I hope the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all in the region," PM Modi said at the summit.

"Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organize an SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he added.

"We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority," PM said.

On Saturday, PM Modi also attended bilateral meetings with several heads of states, including Chinese President Xi Jinping in Qingdao.&nbsp;

The bilateral meeting with the Chinese President came just over a month after the two leaders met for an informal summit in China’s Wuhan.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number.We will organize a SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India: PM Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a> in China's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qingdao?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qingdao</a> <a href="https://t.co/0D2P8PXcJX">pic.twitter.com/0D2P8PXcJX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005655039015247872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 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>

Modi floated the concept of SECURE: ‘S’ for security for citizens, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’ for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty, ‘E’ for environment protection.

This is India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation.&nbsp;

India, along with Pakistan, became full-time members during Astana Summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017.

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to China as part of which he will be attending the SCO summit and will hold multiple meetings with other SCO leaders.

Member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration, after the deliberations.

India and China on Saturday, 9 June, signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) related to sharing of hydrological information on Brahmaputra and export on non-Basmati rice to China following the talks between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao.

India, along with Pakistan, became full-time members during Astana Summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the plenary session on the second day of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. "Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of terrorism. I hope the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all in the region," PM Modi said at the summit. "Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organize an SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he added. "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority," PM said. On Saturday, PM Modi also attended bilateral meetings with several heads of states, including Chinese President Xi Jinping in Qingdao. The bilateral meeting with the Chinese President came just over a month after the two leaders met for an informal summit in China’s Wuhan. Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number.We will organize a SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India: PM Modi at #SCOSummit in China's #Qingdao pic.twitter.com/0D2P8PXcJX — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 × Modi floated the concept of SECURE: ‘S’ for security for citizens, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’ for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty, ‘E’ for environment protection. This is India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation. India, along with Pakistan, became full-time members during Astana Summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to China as part of which he will be attending the SCO summit and will hold multiple meetings with other SCO leaders. Member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration, after the deliberations. India and China on Saturday, 9 June, signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) related to sharing of hydrological information on Brahmaputra and export on non-Basmati rice to China following the talks between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao.

Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of effect of terrorism: PM Modi at SCO summit in China

No official in the Prime Minister's Office has been designated to handle communication received for the 'Mann ki Baat' programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PMO has told the CIC, according to reports.

It also said a huge number of suggestions and grievances is received for Mann Ki Baat' from various sources which are forwarded to ministries and organisations concerned based on the contents and nature of communication.

Acording to news agency PTI, the information was provided during a hearing before Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur in a case where RTI applicant Aseem Takyar had sought to know from the PMO the information regarding &nbsp;Mann ki Baat' program like total number of video, audio and written messages received by the prime minister since its inception.

According to government website MyGov.In, people are asked to send their suggestions which could form part of the address by the prime minister in Mann ki Baat, a program started on All India Radio by Modi in which he addresses people over various issues touching their routine lives.&nbsp;

So far, 44 episodes of these speeches have been broadcast by AIR with the latest one being aired on May 27, according to the website of Akashwani, the state broadcaster.

Not satisfied with the response from the PMO, Takyar approached the Commission seeking disclosure of information.

The PMO official told Mathur that the information sought is not maintained in compiled form but scattered over various documents.&nbsp;

Putting together, this information will require sifting of voluminous data which will disproportionally divert the resources of the office from the normal discharge of its functions and attract the provisions of Section 7(9) of the RTI Act, he said.

There are no designated officials to handle communication received under Mann Ki Baat' in PMO, Mathur noted in his order citing submissions of the PMO official.

Agreeing with the response furnished by the PMO, the CIC said the action and steps taken by the respondent in giving response to the RTI application is satisfactory and refused to intervene in the matter.&nbsp;

So far, 44 episodes of these speeches have been broadcast by AIR with the latest one being aired on May 27, according to the website of Akashwani, the state broadcaster.

No official in the Prime Minister's Office has been designated to handle communication received for the 'Mann ki Baat' programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PMO has told the CIC, according to reports. It also said a huge number of suggestions and grievances is received for Mann Ki Baat' from various sources which are forwarded to ministries and organisations concerned based on the contents and nature of communication. Acording to news agency PTI, the information was provided during a hearing before Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur in a case where RTI applicant Aseem Takyar had sought to know from the PMO the information regarding Mann ki Baat' program like total number of video, audio and written messages received by the prime minister since its inception. According to government website MyGov.In, people are asked to send their suggestions which could form part of the address by the prime minister in Mann ki Baat, a program started on All India Radio by Modi in which he addresses people over various issues touching their routine lives. So far, 44 episodes of these speeches have been broadcast by AIR with the latest one being aired on May 27, according to the website of Akashwani, the state broadcaster. Not satisfied with the response from the PMO, Takyar approached the Commission seeking disclosure of information. The PMO official told Mathur that the information sought is not maintained in compiled form but scattered over various documents. Putting together, this information will require sifting of voluminous data which will disproportionally divert the resources of the office from the normal discharge of its functions and attract the provisions of Section 7(9) of the RTI Act, he said. There are no designated officials to handle communication received under Mann Ki Baat' in PMO, Mathur noted in his order citing submissions of the PMO official. Agreeing with the response furnished by the PMO, the CIC said the action and steps taken by the respondent in giving response to the RTI application is satisfactory and refused to intervene in the matter.

No designated officials in PMO for handling 'Mann Ki Baat' communication, CIC told

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department on Sunday handed over a cheque of Rs five lakh to the family of a tourist from Chennai who was killed by stone-pelters here last month, officials said.

The stone-pelting incident had received widespread condemnation.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

On the directions of Tourism Minister Tassaduq Mufti, Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Mahmood A Shah today met in Chennai, the family of a 22-year-old R Thirumany, who died in stone-pelting incident at Narbal on May 8, an official spokesman said.&nbsp;

He said the official handed over a cheque of Rs five lakh to the family.

No amount can compensate the loss of the life, the whole J&K state shares the grief of the family, Shah said at Press Club, Chapak.

After the incident on May 8, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and the Tourism Minister, on the behalf of entire state, had apologized for the incident and the human loss. The chief minister had also handed over a cash amount of Rs two lakh to the bereaved family, officials said.&nbsp;

Shah claimed the incident was an "isolated" one and other tourists who were part of the group completed their travel safely.

Every Kashmiri regretted the incident including those in the travel trade, who even held a press conference to condemn it, he said.

Assuring that Kashmir continued to be safe for travel, Shah urged travel agents in Chennai to keep promoting the destination. South India, especially Chennai, was emerging as a good market and J&K receives good flow of tourists from these places, Shah said.&nbsp;

He said under the Centre's 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' scheme, both states were promoting tourism in each other's destinations.

He thanked the Tamil Nadu government and the travel trade fraternity for supporting J&K tourism.

The stone-pelting incident had received widespread condemnation.

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department on Sunday handed over a cheque of Rs five lakh to the family of a tourist from Chennai who was killed by stone-pelters here last month, officials said. The stone-pelting incident had received widespread condemnation. On the directions of Tourism Minister Tassaduq Mufti, Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Mahmood A Shah today met in Chennai, the family of a 22-year-old R Thirumany, who died in stone-pelting incident at Narbal on May 8, an official spokesman said. He said the official handed over a cheque of Rs five lakh to the family. No amount can compensate the loss of the life, the whole J&K state shares the grief of the family, Shah said at Press Club, Chapak. After the incident on May 8, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and the Tourism Minister, on the behalf of entire state, had apologized for the incident and the human loss. The chief minister had also handed over a cash amount of Rs two lakh to the bereaved family, officials said. Shah claimed the incident was an "isolated" one and other tourists who were part of the group completed their travel safely. Every Kashmiri regretted the incident including those in the travel trade, who even held a press conference to condemn it, he said. Assuring that Kashmir continued to be safe for travel, Shah urged travel agents in Chennai to keep promoting the destination. South India, especially Chennai, was emerging as a good market and J&K receives good flow of tourists from these places, Shah said. He said under the Centre's 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' scheme, both states were promoting tourism in each other's destinations. He thanked the Tamil Nadu government and the travel trade fraternity for supporting J&K tourism.

J&K tourism department gives Rs 5L cheque to family of Chennai man killed in stone pelting

The RSS may project former president Pranab Mukherjee as a prime ministerial candidate if the BJP falls short of a majority in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and other parties refuse to back Narendra Modi for the post, news agency PTI reported quoting Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut&nbsp;on Sunday.

His speculation was, however, refuted by Mukherjee's daughter, who said her father had no plans to return to active politics.

The Sena leader further said the RSS's agenda behind inviting Mukherjee as the chief guest to one of its event, held in Nagpur on June 7, would only be clear after the 2019 general elections.

"The scenario prevalent in the country is such that the BJP will not win a majority in 2019. If there is a fractured mandate and other parties do not support Modi, Mukherjee will be projected as a prime ministerial candidate, who will be acceptable to all," Raut told PTI.

Meanwhile, reacting to the Sena leader's statement, the former president's daughter and Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee tweeted: "Mr. Raut, after retiring as President of India, my father is NOT going to enter into active politics again."

Raut said Mukherjee, during his address at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, was expected to speak on serious issues plaguing the country since the former president is also an economist.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mr. Raut, after retiring as President of India, my father is NOT going to enter into active politics again <a href="https://t.co/WJmmZx5g1y">https://t.co/WJmmZx5g1y</a>
— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sharmistha_GK/status/1005727343497789440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 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>

"Pranab Mukherjee did not speak on serious issues plaguing the country. He also did not talk about the unrest in the judiciary. The government has been ineffective on the issues of price rise and unemployment. He did not mention these issues. As an economist, he was expected to speak on them," he added.

The former president's decision to address the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) "Shiksha Varg" and attend the organisation's drill on June 7 did not go down well with the Congress leaders initially, though the party, later, lauded Mukherjee's speech.

'After retiring as President of India, my father is NOT going to enter into active politics again,' Sharmistha Mukherjee tweeted

The RSS may project former president Pranab Mukherjee as a prime ministerial candidate if the BJP falls short of a majority in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and other parties refuse to back Narendra Modi for the post, news agency PTI reported quoting Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday. His speculation was, however, refuted by Mukherjee's daughter, who said her father had no plans to return to active politics. The Sena leader further said the RSS's agenda behind inviting Mukherjee as the chief guest to one of its event, held in Nagpur on June 7, would only be clear after the 2019 general elections. "The scenario prevalent in the country is such that the BJP will not win a majority in 2019. If there is a fractured mandate and other parties do not support Modi, Mukherjee will be projected as a prime ministerial candidate, who will be acceptable to all," Raut told PTI. Meanwhile, reacting to the Sena leader's statement, the former president's daughter and Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee tweeted: "Mr. Raut, after retiring as President of India, my father is NOT going to enter into active politics again." Raut said Mukherjee, during his address at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, was expected to speak on serious issues plaguing the country since the former president is also an economist. Mr. Raut, after retiring as President of India, my father is NOT going to enter into active politics again https://t.co/WJmmZx5g1y — Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 10, 2018 × "Pranab Mukherjee did not speak on serious issues plaguing the country. He also did not talk about the unrest in the judiciary. The government has been ineffective on the issues of price rise and unemployment. He did not mention these issues. As an economist, he was expected to speak on them," he added. The former president's decision to address the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) "Shiksha Varg" and attend the organisation's drill on June 7 did not go down well with the Congress leaders initially, though the party, later, lauded Mukherjee's speech.

Shiv Sena says RSS may project Pranab as PM candidate in 2019, his daughter says no

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/any-agreement-with-north-korea-will-be-spur-of-the-moment-trump-143374">Any agreement with North Korea will be 'spur of the moment': Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday any agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at next week's summit would be "spur of the moment," underscoring the uncertain outcome of what he called a "mission of peace."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-battle-of-tweets-canadas-trudeau-dismisses-trump-critique-143368">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-battle-of-tweets-canadas-trudeau-dismisses-trump-critique-143368">battle</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-battle-of-tweets-canadas-trudeau-dismisses-trump-critique-143368"> of tweets, Canada's Trudeau dismisses Trump critique</a>

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said nothing in his G7 news conference that he has not said before to U.S. President Donald Trump, his office said after Trump criticized Trudeau on Twitter as “weak and dishonest” in the wake of the Group of Seven summit.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390">Priyanka Chopra </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390">apologises</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390"> for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390">controversial</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390"> episode on 'Quantico', says she's proud to be Indian</a>

Actress Priyanka Chopra on Saturday took to Twitter to issue an apology for the recent controversy over an episode in the American TV Quantico, in which she plays the lead, which showed Indians as terrorists.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-man-arrested-for-sacrificing-daughter-to-appease-allah-during-ramzan-143369">Rajasthan: Man arrested for sacrificing </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-man-arrested-for-sacrificing-daughter-to-appease-allah-during-ramzan-143369">daughter</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-man-arrested-for-sacrificing-daughter-to-appease-allah-during-ramzan-143369"> to 'appease Allah during Ramzan'</a>

A man was arrested on Saturday in Rajasthan's Piparcity area for allegedly sacrificing his daughter to appease Allah during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan, police said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-imran-file-nomination-papers-from-karachi-constituencies-143389">Bilawal, Imran file nomination papers from Karachi constituencies</a>

Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25.

Any agreement with North Korea will be 'spur of the moment': Donald Trump US President Donald Trump said on Saturday any agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at next week's summit would be "spur of the moment," underscoring the uncertain outcome of what he called a "mission of peace." In battle of tweets, Canada's Trudeau dismisses Trump critique Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said nothing in his G7 news conference that he has not said before to U.S. President Donald Trump, his office said after Trump criticized Trudeau on Twitter as “weak and dishonest” in the wake of the Group of Seven summit. Priyanka Chopra apologises for controversial episode on 'Quantico', says she's proud to be Indian Actress Priyanka Chopra on Saturday took to Twitter to issue an apology for the recent controversy over an episode in the American TV Quantico, in which she plays the lead, which showed Indians as terrorists. Rajasthan: Man arrested for sacrificing daughter to 'appease Allah during Ramzan' A man was arrested on Saturday in Rajasthan's Piparcity area for allegedly sacrificing his daughter to appease Allah during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan, police said. Bilawal, Imran file nomination papers from Karachi constituencies Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao in China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday.

The second day of the 18th SCO summit began with a welcome ceremony and a group photo of leaders of the eight SCO member-states.

Thereafter the SCO members are scheduled to attend a session restricted only to SCO members.

After this, a plenary session will take place after the signing ceremony and a joint press conference.

In the evening, PM Modi will depart for Qingdao Liuting International Airport and emplane for AFS Palam, where he will reach around 10 in the night.

The Prime Minister is on a two day visit to China to attend the SCO Summit where India is participating as a full member for the first time. India along with Pakistan became the permanent members of the SCO last year.

A day before PM Modi participated in the delegation-level talks with other members of the SCO at Anren Hall in China's Qingdao city on the sidelines of the summit. He also met General Secretary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Rashid Alimov.

PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the port city, where the two leaders took stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan.

During the Summit scheduled for &nbspSunday, the leaders of the member states will sign the Qingdao Declaration and some other agreements on security, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

The leaders will also analyse international and regional security situations and discuss measures to boost cooperation.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Prime Minister is on a two day visit to China to attend the SCO Summit where India is participating as a full member for the first time

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao in China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday. The second day of the 18th SCO summit began with a welcome ceremony and a group photo of leaders of the eight SCO member-states. Thereafter the SCO members are scheduled to attend a session restricted only to SCO members. After this, a plenary session will take place after the signing ceremony and a joint press conference. In the evening, PM Modi will depart for Qingdao Liuting International Airport and emplane for AFS Palam, where he will reach around 10 in the night. The Prime Minister is on a two day visit to China to attend the SCO Summit where India is participating as a full member for the first time. India along with Pakistan became the permanent members of the SCO last year. A day before PM Modi participated in the delegation-level talks with other members of the SCO at Anren Hall in China's Qingdao city on the sidelines of the summit. He also met General Secretary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Rashid Alimov. PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the port city, where the two leaders took stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan. During the Summit scheduled for &nbspSunday, the leaders of the member states will sign the Qingdao Declaration and some other agreements on security, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders will also analyse international and regional security situations and discuss measures to boost cooperation. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi meets Xi ahead of SCO summit

The Government of India is looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from the private sector.&nbsp;

"Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said.&nbsp;

Candidates are expected to be graduates, over 40 years of age, and with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the aforementioned fields.&nbsp;

The 10 applicants who get the jobs will be given three-year contracts, which can be extended up to 5 years.&nbsp;

They will be paid Rs 1.44 lakh to Rs 2.18 lakh a month, over and above which they will be given government housing&nbsp;and, if required, a vehicle.&nbsp;

The last date to apply to the posts is July 30.&nbsp;

There is currently a shortage of Joint Secretary-level officers at the Centre and a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) had last year recommended the lateral entry of professionals to make up the shortfall.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It's an endeavour to get the best from whichever source available. It's motivated with focus on allowing every Indian citizen a fair chance to ensure their growth depending on their potential: MoS PMO Jitendra Singh on GoI notification for lateral entry of 10 positions as Jt Secy <a href="https://t.co/5nuFa9egAj">pic.twitter.com/5nuFa9egAj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005742003022323712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 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>

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CQ_CCSSHVV8" width="560"></iframe>

The 10 Joint Secretaries will be hired in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce

The Government of India is looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from the private sector. "Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said. Candidates are expected to be graduates, over 40 years of age, and with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the aforementioned fields. The 10 applicants who get the jobs will be given three-year contracts, which can be extended up to 5 years. They will be paid Rs 1.44 lakh to Rs 2.18 lakh a month, over and above which they will be given government housing and, if required, a vehicle. The last date to apply to the posts is July 30. There is currently a shortage of Joint Secretary-level officers at the Centre and a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) had last year recommended the lateral entry of professionals to make up the shortfall. It's an endeavour to get the best from whichever source available. It's motivated with focus on allowing every Indian citizen a fair chance to ensure their growth depending on their potential: MoS PMO Jitendra Singh on GoI notification for lateral entry of 10 positions as Jt Secy pic.twitter.com/5nuFa9egAj — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 ×

Government of India looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from private sector

UNICEF's India representative Yasmin Ali Haque has commended India's 'impressive progress' in reducing maternal deaths.

A recent sample registration system (SRS) data, released by Registrar General of India showed a 22 per cent decline in country's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) since 2013. The MMR declined to 130 in 2014-16 from 167 in 2011-13.

"India has shown impressive progress in reducing maternal deaths, with nearly 1000 fewer women now dying of pregnancy-related complications each month in India as compared to 2013," Haque said.

She further added, "What is even more heartening to see is that the state of Uttar Pradesh, which accounts for the highest share of home deliveries in the country has led the charts with a near 30 per cent reduction, which is even higher than the national average of 22 per cent."

She, however, noted that even one maternal death is too many and that it is everyone's shared responsibility to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

"Ensuring every woman delivers with a safe pair of hands and even pregnant women living in the remotest and the poorest household of the country gets timely access to quality care during and before birth is going to be the key. The time for all of us to act is now," she added. 
&nbsp

A recent sample registration system (SRS) data, released by Registrar General of India showed a 22 per cent decline in country's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) since 2013. The MMR declined to 130 in 2014-16 from 167 in 2011-13

UNICEF's India representative Yasmin Ali Haque has commended India's 'impressive progress' in reducing maternal deaths. A recent sample registration system (SRS) data, released by Registrar General of India showed a 22 per cent decline in country's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) since 2013. The MMR declined to 130 in 2014-16 from 167 in 2011-13. "India has shown impressive progress in reducing maternal deaths, with nearly 1000 fewer women now dying of pregnancy-related complications each month in India as compared to 2013," Haque said. She further added, "What is even more heartening to see is that the state of Uttar Pradesh, which accounts for the highest share of home deliveries in the country has led the charts with a near 30 per cent reduction, which is even higher than the national average of 22 per cent." She, however, noted that even one maternal death is too many and that it is everyone's shared responsibility to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths. "Ensuring every woman delivers with a safe pair of hands and even pregnant women living in the remotest and the poorest household of the country gets timely access to quality care during and before birth is going to be the key. The time for all of us to act is now," she added.

UNICEF lauds India for decline in maternal mortality ratio

A man was arrested on Saturday in Rajasthan's Piparcity area for allegedly sacrificing his daughter to appease Allah during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan, police said. 
 
Nawab Ali's elder daughter Rizwana (4) was found dead with her throat slit at his residence on Friday morning, Superintendent of Police (Jodhpur Rural) Rajan Dushyant said. 
 
A dog squad and FSL team were called in for investigation. 
 
Ali came under suspicion as the house was locked from inside, Dushyant said. 
 
When grilled by the police, he admitted to have killed his daughter to obtain Allah's blessings during Ramzan, the SP added. 
 
The family, including Ali, his wife and two daughters had slept together on the roof of their house on Thursday night. 
 
Rizwana was found missing in the morning and a search by the family led to the discovery of her body on the ground floor of the house, a police official said. 
 
Ali tried to convince the family that a cat may have killed Rizwana, who was declared brought dead at a hospital. 
 
According to the police, Ali had taken Rizwana to market earlier on Thursday where he bought her goodies and sweets telling her that he loved her very much.&nbsp 
 
At midnight, he took her downstairs, made her sit in his lap and recited Quranic verses before slitting her throat with a sharp-edged knife, the police added. 
 
He then came back upstairs to sleep with the others, they said.&nbsp

When grilled by the police, the accused admitted to have killed his daughter to obtain Allah's blessings during Ramzan, the SP added

A man was arrested on Saturday in Rajasthan's Piparcity area for allegedly sacrificing his daughter to appease Allah during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan, police said. Nawab Ali's elder daughter Rizwana (4) was found dead with her throat slit at his residence on Friday morning, Superintendent of Police (Jodhpur Rural) Rajan Dushyant said. A dog squad and FSL team were called in for investigation. Ali came under suspicion as the house was locked from inside, Dushyant said. When grilled by the police, he admitted to have killed his daughter to obtain Allah's blessings during Ramzan, the SP added. The family, including Ali, his wife and two daughters had slept together on the roof of their house on Thursday night. Rizwana was found missing in the morning and a search by the family led to the discovery of her body on the ground floor of the house, a police official said. Ali tried to convince the family that a cat may have killed Rizwana, who was declared brought dead at a hospital. According to the police, Ali had taken Rizwana to market earlier on Thursday where he bought her goodies and sweets telling her that he loved her very much. At midnight, he took her downstairs, made her sit in his lap and recited Quranic verses before slitting her throat with a sharp-edged knife, the police added. He then came back upstairs to sleep with the others, they said.

Rajasthan: Man arrested for sacrificing daughter to 'appease Allah during Ramzan'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468">Government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468"> of India looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468">private</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468"> sector</a>

"Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-arrives-in-singapore-ahead-of-unprecedented-us-north-korea-summit-143496">Trump arrives in Singapore for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-arrives-in-singapore-ahead-of-unprecedented-us-north-korea-summit-143496">summit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-arrives-in-singapore-ahead-of-unprecedented-us-north-korea-summit-143496"> with North Korea's Kim Jong-Un</a>

US President Donald Trump arrived in Singapore on Sunday ahead of a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the future of Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">Shouldn't make </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">mountain</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463"> out of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">molehill</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">: Tejashwi Yadav on brother's allegation he is being sidelined</a>

A day after Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party, Leader of Opposition and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday downplayed the controversy and said that his brother spoke about how to unify and strengthen ''our party ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election)''.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/-india-refuses-to-endorse-chinese-president-xi-jinpings-obor-at-qingdao-declaration--143467">SCO Summit: India only member country to not endorse China's OBOR project</a>

India on Sunday declined to endorse Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pet One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project as part of a joint declaration at the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao, the only member in the eight-nation bloc to do so, according to reports.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-ban-bangladesh-beat-india-to-lift-their-maiden-womens-asia-cup-trophy-143459">Bangladesh beat India to lift maiden Women's Asia Cup trophy</a>

Bangladesh outplayed India and defeated the women's in blue in the finals of Women's Asia Cup T20 to clinch the trophy on Sunday at the Kinrara Academy Oval.

&nbsp

Government of India looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from private sector "Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said. Trump arrives in Singapore for summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-Un US President Donald Trump arrived in Singapore on Sunday ahead of a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the future of Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal. Shouldn't make mountain out of molehill: Tejashwi Yadav on brother's allegation he is being sidelined A day after Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party, Leader of Opposition and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday downplayed the controversy and said that his brother spoke about how to unify and strengthen ''our party ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election)''. SCO Summit: India only member country to not endorse China's OBOR project India on Sunday declined to endorse Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pet One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project as part of a joint declaration at the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao, the only member in the eight-nation bloc to do so, according to reports. Bangladesh beat India to lift maiden Women's Asia Cup trophy Bangladesh outplayed India and defeated the women's in blue in the finals of Women's Asia Cup T20 to clinch the trophy on Sunday at the Kinrara Academy Oval.

Mumbaikars witnessed severe water-logging on the streets after the city received heavy rainfall on Saturday.

In this regard, trains on Central Railways suburban are running with a delay of 10-12 minutes, though there is no cancellation at present.

The Indian Meteorological Department had declared the onset of monsoon over Maharashtra`s Mumbai and Thane.

This was reflected in Mahim and Marine Drive areas of Mumbai, in addition to Thane.

Apart from Maharashtra, heavy rainfall was also witnessed in Karnataka`s Mangaluru city and Madhya Pradesh`s capital of Bhopal, bringing respite from soaring temperatures.

Earlier, the IMD had forecast that the monsoon would hit Maharashtra and surrounding areas by June 6, and rainfall could be expected by June 7.

Fearing crisis situation due to heavy rainfall, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on cancelled the weekly Saturday and Sunday offs for its officers.

Monsoon has already hit Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and North-East, and will move up north from Maharashtra.

&nbsp

In this regard, trains on Central Railways suburban are running with a delay of 10-12 minutes, though there is no cancellation at present

Mumbaikars witnessed severe water-logging on the streets after the city received heavy rainfall on Saturday. In this regard, trains on Central Railways suburban are running with a delay of 10-12 minutes, though there is no cancellation at present. The Indian Meteorological Department had declared the onset of monsoon over Maharashtra`s Mumbai and Thane. This was reflected in Mahim and Marine Drive areas of Mumbai, in addition to Thane. Apart from Maharashtra, heavy rainfall was also witnessed in Karnataka`s Mangaluru city and Madhya Pradesh`s capital of Bhopal, bringing respite from soaring temperatures. Earlier, the IMD had forecast that the monsoon would hit Maharashtra and surrounding areas by June 6, and rainfall could be expected by June 7. Fearing crisis situation due to heavy rainfall, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on cancelled the weekly Saturday and Sunday offs for its officers. Monsoon has already hit Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and North-East, and will move up north from Maharashtra.

Mumbai witnesses severe water-logging due to heavy downpour

Former NIA chief Sharad Kumar was on Sunday appointed vigilance commissioner in the probity watchdog CVC, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.

The 62-year-old Kumar, a 1979-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, retired in September last year after heading the National Investigation Agency, an anti-terror probe organisation, for over four years.

According to an official order, Kumar has been appointed vigilance commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission for a term of four years or till he attains the age of 65.

The post was lying vacant since February.

According to the rules, Kumar's tenure will come to an end in October 2020. &nbsp &nbsp

The Commission comprises central vigilance commissioner and two vigilance commissioners.&nbsp

At present, K V Chowdary is the CVC and T M Bhasin is the other vigilance commissioner.&nbsp

According to the rules, Kumar's tenure will come to an end in October 2020.

Former NIA chief Sharad Kumar was on Sunday appointed vigilance commissioner in the probity watchdog CVC, news agency PTI reported quoting officials. The 62-year-old Kumar, a 1979-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, retired in September last year after heading the National Investigation Agency, an anti-terror probe organisation, for over four years. According to an official order, Kumar has been appointed vigilance commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission for a term of four years or till he attains the age of 65. The post was lying vacant since February. According to the rules, Kumar's tenure will come to an end in October 2020. The Commission comprises central vigilance commissioner and two vigilance commissioners. At present, K V Chowdary is the CVC and T M Bhasin is the other vigilance commissioner.

Ex-NIA chief Sharad Kumar appointed vigilance commissioner in CVC

As part of the 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) campaign, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday met various luminaries in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh respectively.

The petroleum minister met novelist Dr. Dwarika Nath Nayak and singer Dr. Jitendra Haripal in Odisha's Sambalpur city whereas Adityanath met astrologer Chandramauli Upadhyay and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) professors Chooramani Gopal and Siddhi Gopal in Varanasi.

Yesterday, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met former cricketer VVS Laxman, Tennis player Sania Mirza and former Badminton player Pullela Gopichand in connection with the same.

The campaign, started by the BJP to let people know about the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in the last four years, aims at meeting personalities from various fields, including entertainment and sports, to garner support for the 2019 elections.

In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah will reach out to 50 people personally with details of initiatives and achievements of the government, whereas each BJP worker is expected to contact at least 10 people.&nbsp

Yesterday, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met former cricketer VVS Laxman, Tennis player Sania Mirza and former Badminton player Pullela Gopichand in connection with the same.

As part of the 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) campaign, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday met various luminaries in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh respectively. The petroleum minister met novelist Dr. Dwarika Nath Nayak and singer Dr. Jitendra Haripal in Odisha's Sambalpur city whereas Adityanath met astrologer Chandramauli Upadhyay and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) professors Chooramani Gopal and Siddhi Gopal in Varanasi. Yesterday, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met former cricketer VVS Laxman, Tennis player Sania Mirza and former Badminton player Pullela Gopichand in connection with the same. The campaign, started by the BJP to let people know about the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in the last four years, aims at meeting personalities from various fields, including entertainment and sports, to garner support for the 2019 elections. In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah will reach out to 50 people personally with details of initiatives and achievements of the government, whereas each BJP worker is expected to contact at least 10 people.

Sampark for Samarthan: Pradhan, Adityanath meet luminaries in Odisha, Uttar Pradesh

The <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/petrol-prices-reduce-by-40-paise-diesel-by-30-on-11th-consecutive-day-143242">prices of petrol and diesel fell again </a>on Sunday making it the twelfth consecutive downfall in the price.

While the prices of petrol reduced by 20 paise per litre, that of diesel lowered by 18 paise per litre.

The prices of petrol and diesel after the twelfth consecutive reduction came down to Rs 76.62 and Rs 68.1 Rs respectively.

The price of petrol and diesel differs from state to state depending on local sales tax or VAT.

The total reduction in the price of petrol and diesel after the 12th consecutive cut accounted for Rs 1.69 and Rs 1.2 respectively.

The rates of the petrol and diesel are the cheapest in Delhi compared to other metros and most State capitals.

The Indian Oil Corporation reviews the prices by comparing it with global crude oil and rupee-dollar forex rates, among other factors.

There has been a consistent reduction in the price of petrol and diesel after the government faced a severe backlash from the opposition for failing to control the rising price.

The consecutive increase in the prices since May 2014 had led to an increase in the price of petrol by Rs 3.55 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.78.

There has been a consistent reduction in the price of petrol and diesel after the government faced a severe backlash from the opposition for failing to control the rising price

The prices of petrol and diesel fell again on Sunday making it the twelfth consecutive downfall in the price. While the prices of petrol reduced by 20 paise per litre, that of diesel lowered by 18 paise per litre. The prices of petrol and diesel after the twelfth consecutive reduction came down to Rs 76.62 and Rs 68.1 Rs respectively. The price of petrol and diesel differs from state to state depending on local sales tax or VAT. The total reduction in the price of petrol and diesel after the 12th consecutive cut accounted for Rs 1.69 and Rs 1.2 respectively. The rates of the petrol and diesel are the cheapest in Delhi compared to other metros and most State capitals. The Indian Oil Corporation reviews the prices by comparing it with global crude oil and rupee-dollar forex rates, among other factors. There has been a consistent reduction in the price of petrol and diesel after the government faced a severe backlash from the opposition for failing to control the rising price. The consecutive increase in the prices since May 2014 had led to an increase in the price of petrol by Rs 3.55 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.78.

Petrol prices reduced by 20 paise, diesel by 18 paise; 12th consecutive day of cuts

india-news

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

india news

'Dhadak' trailer: Presenting Janhvi and Ishaan as modern-day Romeo-Juliet

JEE Advanced results announced, Panchkula boy tops

Connectivity with neighbourhood and in SCO region India's priority: PM Modi

PM Modi praises Afghan President's bold initiatives towards peace

Tej Pratap rules out difference with Tejashwi

SP leader Sunil Yadav blames Yogi Adityanath for damages in govt bungalow vacated by Akhilesh Yadav

Gujarat fisherman died in Pakistan jail in March; kin learns of it now

Shouldn't make mountain out of molehill: Tejashwi Yadav on brother's allegation he is being sidelined

AAP announces campaign for full statehood to Delhi

Uttar Pradesh: 6 killed, 4 injured in road accident

Modi assassination letter being used to garner public sympathy: Sharad Pawar

Monsoon rain batters west coast, fishermen advised not to venture into high seas

Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of effect of terrorism: PM Modi at SCO summit in China

No designated officials in PMO for handling 'Mann Ki Baat' communication, CIC told

J&K tourism department gives Rs 5L cheque to family of Chennai man killed in stone pelting

Shiv Sena says RSS may project Pranab as PM candidate in 2019, his daughter says no

News brief: Big stories of the day

PM Modi meets Xi ahead of SCO summit

Government of India looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from private sector

UNICEF lauds India for decline in maternal mortality ratio

Rajasthan: Man arrested for sacrificing daughter to 'appease Allah during Ramzan'

News brief: Big stories of the day

Mumbai witnesses severe water-logging due to heavy downpour

Ex-NIA chief Sharad Kumar appointed vigilance commissioner in CVC

Sampark for Samarthan: Pradhan, Adityanath meet luminaries in Odisha, Uttar Pradesh

Petrol prices reduced by 20 paise, diesel by 18 paise; 12th consecutive day of cuts