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Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation for a Wuhan-style informal summit in India next year, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Saturday.

The two leaders had their first informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27-28 to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Dokalam standoff, according to reports.

Prime Minister Modi had detailed discussions with President Xi on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship.

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One of the important outcomes of today's meeting was the Chinese side conveyed that they accepted PM's invitation to President Xi Jinping to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019: Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary <a href="https://t.co/CdwKCMeMZi">pic.twitter.com/CdwKCMeMZi</a>
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Addressing a press briefing here, Gokhale said that one of the important outcomes of today's meeting between the two leaders was that the Chinese side conveyed that they have accepted the Prime Minister Modi's invitation to President Xi to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019.

He said that the date for the informal meeting has not been decided.

Modi arrived in the picturesque coastal city of China's Shandong province on a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

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It was a substantive meeting, President Xi Jinping began by making positive assessment of Wuhan summit.He described it as 'a new starting point' in our bilateral relations. PM described it as 'milestone in our relations': Foreign Secy on bilateral meeting b/w PM Modi&Chinese Pres <a href="https://t.co/zBhGwk38Bo">pic.twitter.com/zBhGwk38Bo</a>
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&nbsp

Date for the informal meeting has not been decided.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation for a Wuhan-style informal summit in India next year, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Saturday. The two leaders had their first informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27-28 to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Dokalam standoff, according to reports. Prime Minister Modi had detailed discussions with President Xi on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship. One of the important outcomes of today's meeting was the Chinese side conveyed that they accepted PM's invitation to President Xi Jinping to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019: Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary pic.twitter.com/CdwKCMeMZi — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 × Addressing a press briefing here, Gokhale said that one of the important outcomes of today's meeting between the two leaders was that the Chinese side conveyed that they have accepted the Prime Minister Modi's invitation to President Xi to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019. He said that the date for the informal meeting has not been decided. Modi arrived in the picturesque coastal city of China's Shandong province on a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). It was a substantive meeting, President Xi Jinping began by making positive assessment of Wuhan summit.He described it as 'a new starting point' in our bilateral relations. PM described it as 'milestone in our relations': Foreign Secy on bilateral meeting b/w PM Modi&Chinese Pres pic.twitter.com/zBhGwk38Bo — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 ×

Chinese President Xi accepts Modi's invitation for informal summit in India in 2019

Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory of ISRO in Ahmedabad have now discovered a or super-Neptune size exoplanet which is about 27 the mass of Earth and about six times its radius.&nbsp;

As per ISRO, the planet, known as EPIC 211945201b or K2-236b, is 600 lightyears away from the Earth and revolves around a sun-like star in about 19.5 days.&nbsp;

The scientific team, led by Prof Abhijit Chakraborty made the discovery. Initially, NASA’s K2 (Kepler), a space observatory that continually monitors the brightness of the stars, picked up an anomaly in one of its photometry readings.

It goes around the star and therefore blocks a tiny amount of star-light. By measuring the amount of light blocked by the planet body, the diameter or size of the planet can be measured. It was found to be 6 Earth radii. However, that data was not sufficient to confirm the planetary nature of the system.

The team then made the discovery by measuring the mass of the planet using the indigenously designed &nbsp;“PRL Advance Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search” (PARAS) spectrograph integrated with 1.2m Telescope at PRL’s Gurushikhar Observatory in Mount Abu, India.&nbsp;

The surface temperature of the planet is around 600°C. This might make it unhabitable, but such a discovery is of importance for understanding the formation mechanism of such super-Neptune or sub-Saturn kind of planets, that are too close to the host star.

The PRL scientists observed the target over a time-baseline of 420 days (in about 1.5 years) using the PARAS spectrograph for probing the nature of the system. Based on the mass and radius, model-dependent calculations suggest that the heavy elements, like ice, silicates, and iron content is 60-70 % of the total mass

With this discovery, India has joined a select league of countries which has discovered planets around stars.

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As per ISRO, the planet, known as EPIC 211945201b or K2-236b, is 600 lightyears away from the Earth and revolves around a sun-like star in about 19.5 days

Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory of ISRO in Ahmedabad have now discovered a or super-Neptune size exoplanet which is about 27 the mass of Earth and about six times its radius. As per ISRO, the planet, known as EPIC 211945201b or K2-236b, is 600 lightyears away from the Earth and revolves around a sun-like star in about 19.5 days. The scientific team, led by Prof Abhijit Chakraborty made the discovery. Initially, NASA’s K2 (Kepler), a space observatory that continually monitors the brightness of the stars, picked up an anomaly in one of its photometry readings. It goes around the star and therefore blocks a tiny amount of star-light. By measuring the amount of light blocked by the planet body, the diameter or size of the planet can be measured. It was found to be 6 Earth radii. However, that data was not sufficient to confirm the planetary nature of the system. The team then made the discovery by measuring the mass of the planet using the indigenously designed “PRL Advance Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search” (PARAS) spectrograph integrated with 1.2m Telescope at PRL’s Gurushikhar Observatory in Mount Abu, India. The surface temperature of the planet is around 600°C. This might make it unhabitable, but such a discovery is of importance for understanding the formation mechanism of such super-Neptune or sub-Saturn kind of planets, that are too close to the host star. The PRL scientists observed the target over a time-baseline of 420 days (in about 1.5 years) using the PARAS spectrograph for probing the nature of the system. Based on the mass and radius, model-dependent calculations suggest that the heavy elements, like ice, silicates, and iron content is 60-70 % of the total mass With this discovery, India has joined a select league of countries which has discovered planets around stars.

India discovers a new planet 600 light years away

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

On Friday, the Prime Minister posted a message regarding the summit on his official Facebook account.

"The SCO has a rich agenda for cooperation, ranging from fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism to promoting cooperation in connectivity, commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture protecting the environment and mitigating disaster risk, and fostering people-to-people relations," Prime Minister Modi said.

He also said he would be holding multiple meetings with the heads of various SCO member states on the sidelines of the summit.

This will be India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation. India, along with Pakistan, became the full-time member during Astana summit in June 2017.

Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping apart from holding meetings with various other participating leaders.

Further, the member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration.

The declaration will hold details of the significant mechanism for resisting the global terror activities.

The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation that focuses on strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states and promoting their effective cooperation in politics, trade, the economy, research, technology and culture, and making joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region.

The SCO has two sub-divisions including Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) and SCO Secretariat.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). On Friday, the Prime Minister posted a message regarding the summit on his official Facebook account. "The SCO has a rich agenda for cooperation, ranging from fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism to promoting cooperation in connectivity, commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture protecting the environment and mitigating disaster risk, and fostering people-to-people relations," Prime Minister Modi said. He also said he would be holding multiple meetings with the heads of various SCO member states on the sidelines of the summit. This will be India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation. India, along with Pakistan, became the full-time member during Astana summit in June 2017. Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping apart from holding meetings with various other participating leaders. Further, the member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration. The declaration will hold details of the significant mechanism for resisting the global terror activities. The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation that focuses on strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states and promoting their effective cooperation in politics, trade, the economy, research, technology and culture, and making joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region. The SCO has two sub-divisions including Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) and SCO Secretariat.

PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

On Friday, the Prime Minister posted a message regarding the summit on his official Facebook account.

"The SCO has a rich agenda for cooperation, ranging from fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism to promoting cooperation in connectivity, commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture protecting the environment and mitigating disaster risk, and fostering people-to-people relations," Prime Minister Modi said.

He also said he would be holding multiple meetings with the heads of various SCO member states on the sidelines of the summit.

This will be India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation. India, along with Pakistan, became the full-time member during Astana summit in June 2017.

Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping apart from holding meetings with various other participating leaders.

Further, the member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration.

The declaration will hold details of the significant mechanism for resisting the global terror activities.

The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation that focuses on strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states and promoting their effective cooperation in politics, trade, the economy, research, technology and culture, and making joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region.

The SCO has two sub-divisions including Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) and SCO Secretariat.&nbsp

Heavy pre-monsoonal rains lashed many parts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday bringing relief from scorching heat but also leaving 30 persons dead in storm and lightning-related accidents, officials said on Friday.

While 11 persons have been killed and 16 injured in Amethi and Rae Bareli, five persons died in Sultanpur and two each in Sitapur and Bahraich in central Uttar Pradesh, reports stated.&nbsp

Ten persons, including five women and two children, were killed in Poorvanchal (eastern UP) after being struck by lightning, an official said.&nbsp

Meanwhile, two persons died due to extreme heat wave in Mahoba district of Bundelkhand.

By evening, the heat returned to most parts of the state, with the mercury touching a high of 42 degrees Celsius in Banda, 39 degrees in Etawah, and 40 degrees in Auraiyya.

While 11 persons have been killed and 16 injured in Amethi and Rae Bareli, five persons died in Sultanpur and two each in Sitapur and Bahraich in central Uttar Pradesh.

Heavy pre-monsoonal rains lashed many parts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday bringing relief from scorching heat but also leaving 30 persons dead in storm and lightning-related accidents, officials said on Friday. While 11 persons have been killed and 16 injured in Amethi and Rae Bareli, five persons died in Sultanpur and two each in Sitapur and Bahraich in central Uttar Pradesh, reports stated. Ten persons, including five women and two children, were killed in Poorvanchal (eastern UP) after being struck by lightning, an official said. Meanwhile, two persons died due to extreme heat wave in Mahoba district of Bundelkhand. By evening, the heat returned to most parts of the state, with the mercury touching a high of 42 degrees Celsius in Banda, 39 degrees in Etawah, and 40 degrees in Auraiyya.

Uttar Pradesh: Storm, lightning leave 30 dead

After the Congress, disgruntlement is brewing in coalition partner the JD(S) too as two senior ministers from the party are said to be miffed over the portfolios allotted to them following the recent cabinet expansion.

JD(S) sources said G T Deve Gowda, who has been allotted Higher Education, and C S Puttaraju, who got Minor Irrigation in the portfolio allocation last night, are unhappy about their ministries.

G T Deve Gowda, who emerged as a giant killer, defeating former chief minister Siddaramaiah in Chamundeshwari constituency in Mysuru in the May 12 assembly polls, and Puttaraju, who vacated his Lok Sabha seat and won the Melukote assembly segment, were eyeing key portfolios, including Transport.

D C Thammanna, a relative of JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda, being given the Transport Department is also said to be one of the reasons for their discontent.

Meanwhile, supporters of both the ministers held protests in Mysuru and Mandya, the districts they hail from, demanding key portfolios for their leaders.

Reacting to the issue, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said he has seen reports about such disgruntlement only in the media and no one has expressed their dissatisfaction with him personally.

"Some people will have wish to work in certain departments, but in every department there is opportunity to work efficiently. We have to work efficiently.

"Can everyone be given the portfolio they wish for?" the chief minister asked, adding, "is there a better department than Higher Education and Minor Irrigation to work?"

On reported comments by G T Deve Gowda about him being given Higher Education when he was just studied till eighth standard, the chief minister said, "What have I studied? I'm working as the chief minister.

"Should I give Finance?"....There will be demand for certain ministries, but certain decisions are made internally in the party," he told reporters here, adding that such wishes of becoming a minister first and then wanting certain specific portfolios are common.

Kumaraswamy had last night allocated portfolios after a hard bargain between the coalition partners.

The portfolio allocation has been made in line with the power sharing agreement.

The development in the JD(S) has come even as dissident activities of the MLAs intensified in the Congress over not getting ministerial berths.&nbsp;

On reported comments by G T Deve Gowda about him being given Higher Education when he was just studied till eighth standard, the chief minister said, "What have I studied? I'm working as the chief minister

After the Congress, disgruntlement is brewing in coalition partner the JD(S) too as two senior ministers from the party are said to be miffed over the portfolios allotted to them following the recent cabinet expansion. JD(S) sources said G T Deve Gowda, who has been allotted Higher Education, and C S Puttaraju, who got Minor Irrigation in the portfolio allocation last night, are unhappy about their ministries. G T Deve Gowda, who emerged as a giant killer, defeating former chief minister Siddaramaiah in Chamundeshwari constituency in Mysuru in the May 12 assembly polls, and Puttaraju, who vacated his Lok Sabha seat and won the Melukote assembly segment, were eyeing key portfolios, including Transport. D C Thammanna, a relative of JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda, being given the Transport Department is also said to be one of the reasons for their discontent. Meanwhile, supporters of both the ministers held protests in Mysuru and Mandya, the districts they hail from, demanding key portfolios for their leaders. Reacting to the issue, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said he has seen reports about such disgruntlement only in the media and no one has expressed their dissatisfaction with him personally. "Some people will have wish to work in certain departments, but in every department there is opportunity to work efficiently. We have to work efficiently. "Can everyone be given the portfolio they wish for?" the chief minister asked, adding, "is there a better department than Higher Education and Minor Irrigation to work?" On reported comments by G T Deve Gowda about him being given Higher Education when he was just studied till eighth standard, the chief minister said, "What have I studied? I'm working as the chief minister. "Should I give Finance?"....There will be demand for certain ministries, but certain decisions are made internally in the party," he told reporters here, adding that such wishes of becoming a minister first and then wanting certain specific portfolios are common. Kumaraswamy had last night allocated portfolios after a hard bargain between the coalition partners. The portfolio allocation has been made in line with the power sharing agreement. The development in the JD(S) has come even as dissident activities of the MLAs intensified in the Congress over not getting ministerial berths.

Now, JD(S) ministers unhappy over portfolios: Party sources

Ahead of the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit beginning today in China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;said on Friday that he was excited to lead the Indian delegation for the grouping's first-ever meeting with the country as a full member.

Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Qingdao, where they will take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at the informal summit just over a month ago in Wuhan.

"I am excited to lead the Indian delegation for our first-ever meeting of the Council as a full member," Modi said in a Facebook post.

"On 9th and 10th June, I will be in Qingdao, China to take part in the annual SCO Summit. This will be India's first SCO Summit as a full member. Will be interacting with leaders of SCO nations and discussing a wide range of subjects with them," the prime minister tweeted.

Discussions in the summit will take place on diverse issues ranging from combating terrorism, separatism and extremism to promoting cooperation in connectivity, commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture, protecting the environment and mitigating disaster risk and fostering people-to-people relations.

"In the last one year since India became a full member of the SCO, our interaction with the organisation and its member states has grown considerably in these areas. I believe that the Qingdao Summit will further enrich the SCO agenda, while heralding a new beginning for India's engagement with the SCO," he said.

Founded in 2001, the SCO currently comprises eight member states, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted to the SCO last year.

"India enjoys deep friendship and multi-dimensional ties with the member states of the SCO. On the sidelines of the SCO Summit, I will have the opportunity of meeting and sharing views with several other leaders, including the Heads of States of many SCO Member States," Modi said.&nbsp;

Founded in 2001, the SCO currently comprises eight member states, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted to the SCO last year

Ahead of the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit beginning today in China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that he was excited to lead the Indian delegation for the grouping's first-ever meeting with the country as a full member. Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Qingdao, where they will take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at the informal summit just over a month ago in Wuhan. "I am excited to lead the Indian delegation for our first-ever meeting of the Council as a full member," Modi said in a Facebook post. "On 9th and 10th June, I will be in Qingdao, China to take part in the annual SCO Summit. This will be India's first SCO Summit as a full member. Will be interacting with leaders of SCO nations and discussing a wide range of subjects with them," the prime minister tweeted. Discussions in the summit will take place on diverse issues ranging from combating terrorism, separatism and extremism to promoting cooperation in connectivity, commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture, protecting the environment and mitigating disaster risk and fostering people-to-people relations. "In the last one year since India became a full member of the SCO, our interaction with the organisation and its member states has grown considerably in these areas. I believe that the Qingdao Summit will further enrich the SCO agenda, while heralding a new beginning for India's engagement with the SCO," he said. Founded in 2001, the SCO currently comprises eight member states, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted to the SCO last year. "India enjoys deep friendship and multi-dimensional ties with the member states of the SCO. On the sidelines of the SCO Summit, I will have the opportunity of meeting and sharing views with several other leaders, including the Heads of States of many SCO Member States," Modi said.

Excited to lead delegation for India's first-ever SCO summit as a full member, says PM Modi

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/modi-says-his-meeting-with-xi-will-add-further-vigour-to-india-china-ties--143318">Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313">18 flights diverted as </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313">dust</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313"> storm, light rain hit Delhi</a>

As many as 18 Delhi-bound flights were diverted as thunderstorm and rain, with winds gusting up to 70 kmph, hit Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, bringing some relief from the searing heat, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp

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US President Donald Trump planned to leave the summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Saturday before it discussed climate change and the health of oceans, underlining fractures in the G7 exacerbated by US trade tariffs.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/19-afghan-police-killed-in-taliban-attack-on-base-officials-143311">19 Afghan police killed in Taliban attack on base: Officials</a>

At least 19 Afghan police officers were killed on Saturday in a pre-dawn raid by the Taliban on a base in the northern province of Kunduz, officials said, hours before the militants announced an unprecedented ceasefire starting next week.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-discuss-exchange-of-prisoners-kremlin-143320">Russia and Ukraine discuss 'exchange' of prisoners: Kremlin</a>

Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed Saturday a possible exchange of prisoners, the Kremlin said, raising hopes that hunger-striking film director Oleg Sentsov and others could be released ahead of the start of the World Cup next week.

 
&nbsp

Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan. 18 flights diverted as dust storm, light rain hit Delhi As many as 18 Delhi-bound flights were diverted as thunderstorm and rain, with winds gusting up to 70 kmph, hit Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, bringing some relief from the searing heat, news agency ANI reported. Trump to leave G7 early, missing environmental talks US President Donald Trump planned to leave the summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Saturday before it discussed climate change and the health of oceans, underlining fractures in the G7 exacerbated by US trade tariffs. 19 Afghan police killed in Taliban attack on base: Officials At least 19 Afghan police officers were killed on Saturday in a pre-dawn raid by the Taliban on a base in the northern province of Kunduz, officials said, hours before the militants announced an unprecedented ceasefire starting next week. Russia and Ukraine discuss 'exchange' of prisoners: Kremlin Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed Saturday a possible exchange of prisoners, the Kremlin said, raising hopes that hunger-striking film director Oleg Sentsov and others could be released ahead of the start of the World Cup next week.

News brief: Read big stories of the day

It was a hot day in the national capital on Friday.

The maximum temperature was recorded at 40.5 degrees Celsius on Friday, normal for this time of the year.

It was a hot and humid morning in the city with the minimum temperature settling at 32 degrees Celsius, four notches above the season's normal.

Humidity level oscillated between 68 and 44 per cent.

The weatherman has forecast the possibility of light rains/thundershower, accompanied with squall on Saturday.

The skies will remain cloudy today with the minimum and maximum temperatures likely to settle around 31 and 39 degrees Celsius.

The maximum temperature on Thursday settled at 41.4 degrees Celsius, whereas the minimum temperature was 29.2 degrees Celsius.

The weatherman has forecast the possibility of light rains/thundershower, accompanied with squall on Saturday

It was a hot day in the national capital on Friday. The maximum temperature was recorded at 40.5 degrees Celsius on Friday, normal for this time of the year. It was a hot and humid morning in the city with the minimum temperature settling at 32 degrees Celsius, four notches above the season's normal. Humidity level oscillated between 68 and 44 per cent. The weatherman has forecast the possibility of light rains/thundershower, accompanied with squall on Saturday. The skies will remain cloudy today with the minimum and maximum temperatures likely to settle around 31 and 39 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature on Thursday settled at 41.4 degrees Celsius, whereas the minimum temperature was 29.2 degrees Celsius.

Hot day in Delhi on Friday, rain likely today

Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades.

Addressing workers of Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency represented by Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Shah also took a jibe at the rival party over its "happiness" on the BJP's defeat in bypolls and said he considered himself lucky that he has got such an opposition which was satisfied with victory in a few by-elections even though it was losing power in many states.

"We lost eight bypolls, but snatched power from them (opposition) in 14 states," he said in New Delhi.

Giving an account of the Modi government's works, including building of toilets, distribution of LPG cyllinders and other welfare measures, he said, "Rahul Gandhi (says) this has not happened, that has not happened."

"'Arre babua', tell me brother what you have done in 70 years? Your three generations were in power for 70 years and if they had done all these works then it would not be our luck to provide people toilets and poor mothers gas cylinders," he said.

The opposition is disconnected from the ground, Shah said and, in an apparent attack on Gandhi, added that nobody knows when he goes on a vacation and comes back.

The temperature in Gujarat and Rajasthan soars to 50 degrees Celsius and it is difficult to tolerate it, he said wryly.

Shah asked BJP workers to work overtime to ensure the party's win in the Rajasthan assembly poll, which is due later this year along with elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh so that its winning streak after emerging as the single largest party in Karnataka continues.

Shah said the difference between other parties and the BJP was that their soul was their leader while workers were its soul.&nbsp;

The BJP has also worked to propagate its ideology and enhance the country's prestige, and not merely to get power, he said.

"We are lucky that the world's most popular leader in Narendra Modi is leading the country and under him it is marching to become 'vishwa guru'," he said.

The Modi government has done a lot of work to bring about a fundamental change in the lives of the people and positively impacted over 50 crore citizens, he said.

It was due to its works that the BJP won elections in so many states and is now ruling 20 of them.

The central government had built 7.5 crore toilets, distributed 4 crore gas cylinders, taken electricity to one crore homes after electrifying all villages, provided one crore houses and opened bank accounts of more than 30 crore people, the BJP president added.&nbsp;

Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades

Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades. Addressing workers of Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency represented by Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Shah also took a jibe at the rival party over its "happiness" on the BJP's defeat in bypolls and said he considered himself lucky that he has got such an opposition which was satisfied with victory in a few by-elections even though it was losing power in many states. "We lost eight bypolls, but snatched power from them (opposition) in 14 states," he said in New Delhi. Giving an account of the Modi government's works, including building of toilets, distribution of LPG cyllinders and other welfare measures, he said, "Rahul Gandhi (says) this has not happened, that has not happened." "'Arre babua', tell me brother what you have done in 70 years? Your three generations were in power for 70 years and if they had done all these works then it would not be our luck to provide people toilets and poor mothers gas cylinders," he said. The opposition is disconnected from the ground, Shah said and, in an apparent attack on Gandhi, added that nobody knows when he goes on a vacation and comes back. The temperature in Gujarat and Rajasthan soars to 50 degrees Celsius and it is difficult to tolerate it, he said wryly. Shah asked BJP workers to work overtime to ensure the party's win in the Rajasthan assembly poll, which is due later this year along with elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh so that its winning streak after emerging as the single largest party in Karnataka continues. Shah said the difference between other parties and the BJP was that their soul was their leader while workers were its soul. The BJP has also worked to propagate its ideology and enhance the country's prestige, and not merely to get power, he said. "We are lucky that the world's most popular leader in Narendra Modi is leading the country and under him it is marching to become 'vishwa guru'," he said. The Modi government has done a lot of work to bring about a fundamental change in the lives of the people and positively impacted over 50 crore citizens, he said. It was due to its works that the BJP won elections in so many states and is now ruling 20 of them. The central government had built 7.5 crore toilets, distributed 4 crore gas cylinders, taken electricity to one crore homes after electrifying all villages, provided one crore houses and opened bank accounts of more than 30 crore people, the BJP president added.

Amit Shah mocks Rahul, says lucky that he got such opposition

Archaeologists in India claim to have uncovered the remains of 4,000-year-old horse-drawn chariots for the first time.

Indian archaeologists discover Bronze Age chariots, weapons in U.P.

The same gun was used to kill journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh and rationalist M M Kalburgi in Karnataka, the state forensic science laboratory has confirmed in a report, sources in the SIT said. The forensic report submitted to the Special Investigation Team probing the killing of Lankesh is part of the first charge sheet filed recently by the SIT naming KT Naveen Kumar as an accused.

This is the first official confirmation of the link between the two killings which happened after a gap of two years of each other. Kalburgi (77) was shot dead in his house on August 30, 2015, in Dharwad and 55-year old Lankesh on September 5, 2017&nbspin Bengaluru. The SIT members had earlier talked about the same-gun theory but for the first time it has come out in the open to show that Kalburgi's murder was the handiwork of the same gang.

The bullets in both cases "have been fired through a single country made pistol chambered for 7.65 mm caliber pistol cartridges," a source said quoting the report.

The report also pointed out that the scratches formed by the firing pin on the bullets tallied among themselves. Lankesh, who was known for her strong anti-Hindutva stand, was shot dead in front of her house, triggering a nationwide outrage. The SIT formed to investigate her murder has formally arrested Naveen Kumar of Maddur as one of the accused.

Four more persons have been arrested for allegedly plotting to kill another rationalist and writer K S Bhagawan, also a strong critic of Hindutva. The SIT is also probing whether they have any links with the Gauri murder case.&nbsp

This is the first official confirmation of the link between the two killings which happened after a gap of two years of each other. Kalburgi (77) was shot dead in his house on August 30, 2015, in Dharwad and 55-year old Lankesh on September 5, 2017 in Bengaluru

The same gun was used to kill journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh and rationalist M M Kalburgi in Karnataka, the state forensic science laboratory has confirmed in a report, sources in the SIT said. The forensic report submitted to the Special Investigation Team probing the killing of Lankesh is part of the first charge sheet filed recently by the SIT naming KT Naveen Kumar as an accused. This is the first official confirmation of the link between the two killings which happened after a gap of two years of each other. Kalburgi (77) was shot dead in his house on August 30, 2015, in Dharwad and 55-year old Lankesh on September 5, 2017&nbspin Bengaluru. The SIT members had earlier talked about the same-gun theory but for the first time it has come out in the open to show that Kalburgi's murder was the handiwork of the same gang. The bullets in both cases "have been fired through a single country made pistol chambered for 7.65 mm caliber pistol cartridges," a source said quoting the report. The report also pointed out that the scratches formed by the firing pin on the bullets tallied among themselves. Lankesh, who was known for her strong anti-Hindutva stand, was shot dead in front of her house, triggering a nationwide outrage. The SIT formed to investigate her murder has formally arrested Naveen Kumar of Maddur as one of the accused. Four more persons have been arrested for allegedly plotting to kill another rationalist and writer K S Bhagawan, also a strong critic of Hindutva. The SIT is also probing whether they have any links with the Gauri murder case.

Same gun used to kill Gauri and Kalburgi: Forensic report

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday all states have been asked to <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/ensure-measures-to-restrict-rohingyas-entry-centre-tells-jammu--kashmir-govt-141837">conduct a survey of Rohingya Muslims living in the country</a>, but have been cautioned against providing any legal documents to the community that would help the latter claim Indian citizenship.&nbsp

He was responding to questions about the steps taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to deport the Rohingyas.&nbsp

"Advisory was issued to them (all states) that no document should be given to them (Rohingyas) so that they claim citizenship of the country in future," the minister told a press conference in Jammu.&nbsp

Singh said the process of deportation of the community would begin once the survey information from all the states reaches the ministry.&nbsp

"After getting the information from the state governments about the number of Rohingyas, we will hand over the case to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). We will talk to Burma (Myanmar) government for starting the process of their (Rohingyas) deportation," he said.

The MHA had written to all the states, asking them to identify the Rohingyas living in their respective states and a survey be conducted to know their numbers in order to start the deportation process.&nbsp

More than 10,000 Rohingya Muslims are living in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Their presence is most found in Jammu and Samba districts of the state.&nbsp

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had in January said in the state assembly that some madrasas were associated with the Rohingya Muslims in the state.

She said no Rohingya Muslim had been found involved in militancy-related incidents, but 17 FIRs have been registered against 38 Rohingyas for various offences, including those related to illegal border crossing.

Rohingyas belong to Rakhine province of Myanmar. Most of the community has left the country due to alleged persecution by the majority Buddhists

'After getting the information from the state governments about the number of Rohingyas, we will hand over the case to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). We will talk to Burma (Myanmar) government for starting the process of their (Rohingyas) deportation,'Rajnath Singh said

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday all states have been asked to conduct a survey of Rohingya Muslims living in the country, but have been cautioned against providing any legal documents to the community that would help the latter claim Indian citizenship. He was responding to questions about the steps taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to deport the Rohingyas. "Advisory was issued to them (all states) that no document should be given to them (Rohingyas) so that they claim citizenship of the country in future," the minister told a press conference in Jammu. Singh said the process of deportation of the community would begin once the survey information from all the states reaches the ministry. "After getting the information from the state governments about the number of Rohingyas, we will hand over the case to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). We will talk to Burma (Myanmar) government for starting the process of their (Rohingyas) deportation," he said. The MHA had written to all the states, asking them to identify the Rohingyas living in their respective states and a survey be conducted to know their numbers in order to start the deportation process. More than 10,000 Rohingya Muslims are living in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Their presence is most found in Jammu and Samba districts of the state. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had in January said in the state assembly that some madrasas were associated with the Rohingya Muslims in the state. She said no Rohingya Muslim had been found involved in militancy-related incidents, but 17 FIRs have been registered against 38 Rohingyas for various offences, including those related to illegal border crossing. Rohingyas belong to Rakhine province of Myanmar. Most of the community has left the country due to alleged persecution by the majority Buddhists

Centre asks states not to give any documents to Rohingyas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan.

During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and covered key aspects of the bilateral engagement, reflecting the resolve by the two countries to reset relations and bring back trust in their ties which was hit by the Doklam standoff and several other thorny issues.&nbsp;

"Met this year's SCO host, President Xi Jinping this evening. We had detailed discussions on bilateral and global issues. Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi tweeted after the meeting.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar described the meeting as "warm" and "forward-looking" while Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui said the two leaders focused on the implementation of the "Wuhan consensus" and drawing a blueprint for the future Sino-India relations.

An MoU on sharing hydrological information of the Brahmaputra river by China to India and another pact on the amendment of the protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice were signed after the Modi-Xi talks.&nbsp;

"Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the Wuhan informal summit, PM Narendra Modi had a warm and forward-looking meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit," Kumar tweeted.

The meeting between the leaders of two Asian powers came after their informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Doklam standoff.

After their talks in Wuhan, Modi and Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications to build trust and understanding as part of efforts to avoid a Doklam-like situation in the future.

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Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a> Informal Summit, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> had a warm and forward looking meeting with Chinese President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XiJinping?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XiJinping</a> on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainSCO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainSCO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/8fOGULpnLS">pic.twitter.com/8fOGULpnLS</a>
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The two leaders had also discussed ways to give impetus to their economic ties as well as people-to-people relations.

Luo said it was the 14th meeting between our two leaders over past four years.

Modi arrived here in the afternoon on a two-day visit to attend the annual SCO summit.

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Following PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> meeting with Chinese President Xi, two MoUs were signed - Sharing hydrological information of Brahmaputra river by China to India& amendment of Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice <a href="https://t.co/a9dg0Lu4pJ">pic.twitter.com/a9dg0Lu4pJ</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1005419392782426114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The ties between the two neighbouring nuclear powers had nosedived following last year's Doklam standoff as well as due to a number of other issues including China blocking India's move to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN and its opposition to India's bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership.

China's Belt and Road Initiative was also strongly opposed by India as part of it goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army in the disputed area. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28.

However, there have been concerted efforts by both sides to reset ties leaving behind the Doklam episode.

Last week, Modi had said that Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests. Modi also said that an "Asia of rivalry" will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century.

The prime minister's comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore were appreciated by China.

China's appreciation of what Modi said was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week.&nbsp;

It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping last year.

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.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.&nbsp;

During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan. During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and covered key aspects of the bilateral engagement, reflecting the resolve by the two countries to reset relations and bring back trust in their ties which was hit by the Doklam standoff and several other thorny issues. "Met this year's SCO host, President Xi Jinping this evening. We had detailed discussions on bilateral and global issues. Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi tweeted after the meeting. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar described the meeting as "warm" and "forward-looking" while Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui said the two leaders focused on the implementation of the "Wuhan consensus" and drawing a blueprint for the future Sino-India relations. An MoU on sharing hydrological information of the Brahmaputra river by China to India and another pact on the amendment of the protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice were signed after the Modi-Xi talks. "Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the Wuhan informal summit, PM Narendra Modi had a warm and forward-looking meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit," Kumar tweeted. The meeting between the leaders of two Asian powers came after their informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Doklam standoff. After their talks in Wuhan, Modi and Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications to build trust and understanding as part of efforts to avoid a Doklam-like situation in the future. Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the #Wuhan Informal Summit, PM @narendramodi had a warm and forward looking meeting with Chinese President #XiJinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. #IndiainSCO #SCOSummit pic.twitter.com/8fOGULpnLS — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 × The two leaders had also discussed ways to give impetus to their economic ties as well as people-to-people relations. Luo said it was the 14th meeting between our two leaders over past four years. Modi arrived here in the afternoon on a two-day visit to attend the annual SCO summit. Following PM @narendramodi meeting with Chinese President Xi, two MoUs were signed - Sharing hydrological information of Brahmaputra river by China to India& amendment of Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice pic.twitter.com/a9dg0Lu4pJ — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 × The ties between the two neighbouring nuclear powers had nosedived following last year's Doklam standoff as well as due to a number of other issues including China blocking India's move to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN and its opposition to India's bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership. China's Belt and Road Initiative was also strongly opposed by India as part of it goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army in the disputed area. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28. However, there have been concerted efforts by both sides to reset ties leaving behind the Doklam episode. Last week, Modi had said that Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests. Modi also said that an "Asia of rivalry" will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century. The prime minister's comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore were appreciated by China. China's appreciation of what Modi said was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week. It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping last year. 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. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties

BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa today claimed that several disgruntled leaders from the ruling Congress and JD(S) are eager to join his party.

Yeddyurappa's comments come as dissident activities of the MLAs intensified in the Congress over not getting ministerial berths.

The former chief minister, who is also the state BJP chief, asked his partymen to work as a strong opposition and prepare for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"Several disgruntled young leaders and leaders from Congress and JD(S) are eager to join the BJP," Yeddyurappa said.

Addressing partymen, he said, "It is our responsibility to induct those who are disgruntled with the JD(S) and Congress and their style of administration in every assembly segment, and are willing to join the BJP, thereby strengthening the party in every constituency."

The BJP leader said the party has "complete strength" with 104 members in the assembly and "let's work as a "strong opposition."

"How long this government will function is a different matter, but without aspiring for seat of power, let us all 104 members work as successful opposition to our good work."

As the assembly polls threw up hung assembly with the BJP emerging as the single largest party, the BJP had formed the government but conceded the numbers game with Yeddyurappa resigning on May 19 without facing the trust vote.

Following this, Congress-JD(S) post-poll coalition formed the government in the state, under the leadership of HD Kumaraswamy.

Calling upon BJP Yuva Morcha to strengthen the organisation at every assembly constituency level, Yeddyurappa said that "by doing this let us prepare ourselves for the Lok Sabha election."

With his government facing birth pangs of coalition politics, Kumaraswamy yesterday stepped in to check the disquiet among newly elected Congress lawmakers who were left out during the Cabinet expansion, but they remained defiant.

Yeddyurappa's comments come as dissident activities of the MLAs intensified in the Congress over not getting ministerial berths

BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa today claimed that several disgruntled leaders from the ruling Congress and JD(S) are eager to join his party. Yeddyurappa's comments come as dissident activities of the MLAs intensified in the Congress over not getting ministerial berths. The former chief minister, who is also the state BJP chief, asked his partymen to work as a strong opposition and prepare for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. "Several disgruntled young leaders and leaders from Congress and JD(S) are eager to join the BJP," Yeddyurappa said. Addressing partymen, he said, "It is our responsibility to induct those who are disgruntled with the JD(S) and Congress and their style of administration in every assembly segment, and are willing to join the BJP, thereby strengthening the party in every constituency." The BJP leader said the party has "complete strength" with 104 members in the assembly and "let's work as a "strong opposition." "How long this government will function is a different matter, but without aspiring for seat of power, let us all 104 members work as successful opposition to our good work." As the assembly polls threw up hung assembly with the BJP emerging as the single largest party, the BJP had formed the government but conceded the numbers game with Yeddyurappa resigning on May 19 without facing the trust vote. Following this, Congress-JD(S) post-poll coalition formed the government in the state, under the leadership of HD Kumaraswamy. Calling upon BJP Yuva Morcha to strengthen the organisation at every assembly constituency level, Yeddyurappa said that "by doing this let us prepare ourselves for the Lok Sabha election." With his government facing birth pangs of coalition politics, Kumaraswamy yesterday stepped in to check the disquiet among newly elected Congress lawmakers who were left out during the Cabinet expansion, but they remained defiant.

Several Congress, JDS MLAs willing to join BJP: Yeddyurappa

More than two weeks after 13 persons were killed in police firing during <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/anti-sterlite-protests-in-tuticorin-madras-high-court-orders-re-postmortem-on-7-bodies-141083">anti-Sterlite protests</a>&nbspin Tuticorin, two deputy tahsildars who allegedly gave the order to the force to do it have been transferred.

Deputy Tahsildars Kannan and Sekar were transferred to Kayathaaru and Srivaikuntam respectively by District Collector Sandeep Nandoor, an official order said.

Thirteen people were killed in police firing on May 22 and 23 after protests for the <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/sterlite-copper-plant-will-be-shut-permanently-tamil-nadu-deputy-chief-minister--140393">closure of the plant over pollution concerns</a> turned violent in Tuticorin.

The Tamil Nadu government had last month appointed a one-person Commission of Inquiry headed by a retired judge of the Madras High Court to probe the violence in Tuticorin.

The State Human Rights Commission also has initiated an inquiry into the issue.

On May 28, the government ordered the state Pollution Control Board to seal and "permanently" close the Vedanta group's copper plant, following the violent protests.

The following day Chief Minister K Palaniswami maintained in the assembly that police action was "unavoidable" and asserted that action would be taken if anyone had wrongly handled the situation.

The issue continued to rock the assembly in the following days with the ruling AIADMK claiming that the main opposition party DMK had allotted land for expansion of the copper plant in Tuticorin district when it was in power during 2006-11.

The Chief Minister had listed out efforts by his government for permanent closure of the unit, including the 2013 action taken by J Jayalalithaa as then chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

He had also accused DMK working president MK Stalin of allotting 230 acres for Sterlite expansion when he was holding the industries portfolio as deputy chief minister earlier.

The State Human Rights Commission also has initiated an inquiry into the issue.

More than two weeks after 13 persons were killed in police firing during anti-Sterlite protests in Tuticorin, two deputy tahsildars who allegedly gave the order to the force to do it have been transferred

More than two weeks after 13 persons were killed in police firing during anti-Sterlite protests&nbspin Tuticorin, two deputy tahsildars who allegedly gave the order to the force to do it have been transferred. Deputy Tahsildars Kannan and Sekar were transferred to Kayathaaru and Srivaikuntam respectively by District Collector Sandeep Nandoor, an official order said. Thirteen people were killed in police firing on May 22 and 23 after protests for the closure of the plant over pollution concerns turned violent in Tuticorin. The Tamil Nadu government had last month appointed a one-person Commission of Inquiry headed by a retired judge of the Madras High Court to probe the violence in Tuticorin. The State Human Rights Commission also has initiated an inquiry into the issue. On May 28, the government ordered the state Pollution Control Board to seal and "permanently" close the Vedanta group's copper plant, following the violent protests. The following day Chief Minister K Palaniswami maintained in the assembly that police action was "unavoidable" and asserted that action would be taken if anyone had wrongly handled the situation. The issue continued to rock the assembly in the following days with the ruling AIADMK claiming that the main opposition party DMK had allotted land for expansion of the copper plant in Tuticorin district when it was in power during 2006-11. The Chief Minister had listed out efforts by his government for permanent closure of the unit, including the 2013 action taken by J Jayalalithaa as then chief minister of Tamil Nadu. He had also accused DMK working president MK Stalin of allotting 230 acres for Sterlite expansion when he was holding the industries portfolio as deputy chief minister earlier. The State Human Rights Commission also has initiated an inquiry into the issue.

Sterlite firing: 2 deputy tahsildars transferred

As many as 18 Delhi-bound flights were diverted as thunderstorm and rain, with winds gusting up to 70 kmph, hit Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, bringing some relief from the searing heat, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The weatherman said light rain was witnessed in many areas.&nbsp;

The dust storm pushed the temperature down by a few notches on what was a sultry day. The city recorded a high of 40.5 degrees Celsius and a low of 30 degrees Celsius, according to the MeT office.&nbsp;

The humidity levels were recorded at 71 per cent, according to news agency PTI.&nbsp;

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Dust storm & strong winds hit Delhi, a change in weather brings respite from the heat. Visuals from Chhatarpur area. <a href="https://t.co/uPxMoVX2CF">pic.twitter.com/uPxMoVX2CF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005416990062751744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The latest dust storm comes after the deadly storm on May 13-14 which claimed over 80 lives across five northern states in the country.

The sky turned dark at several places including Akbar Road, Dwarka and RK Puram following the storm.

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Dust storm & strong winds hit Delhi, visuals from RK Puram area. <a href="https://t.co/aNbEpNaBRi">pic.twitter.com/aNbEpNaBRi</a>
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Strong winds, accompanied by dust, lashed the city while bringing a sudden decline in the temperature.

As many as 18 Delhi-bound flights were diverted as thunderstorm and rain, with winds gusting up to 70 kmph, hit Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, bringing some relief from the searing heat, news agency ANI reported. The weatherman said light rain was witnessed in many areas. The dust storm pushed the temperature down by a few notches on what was a sultry day. The city recorded a high of 40.5 degrees Celsius and a low of 30 degrees Celsius, according to the MeT office. The humidity levels were recorded at 71 per cent, according to news agency PTI. Dust storm & strong winds hit Delhi, a change in weather brings respite from the heat. Visuals from Chhatarpur area. pic.twitter.com/uPxMoVX2CF — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 × The latest dust storm comes after the deadly storm on May 13-14 which claimed over 80 lives across five northern states in the country. The sky turned dark at several places including Akbar Road, Dwarka and RK Puram following the storm. Dust storm & strong winds hit Delhi, visuals from RK Puram area. pic.twitter.com/aNbEpNaBRi — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 ×

18 flights diverted as dust storm, light rain hit Delhi

Opposition in Maharashtra questioned the government's claim of a Maoist conspiracy to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a possible attempt to divert attention or gain sympathy.

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said Modi spreads such information to "gain sympathy".

"It needs to be investigated whether this info is correct or not and this is also true that Mr Modi is habitual of spreading such false info to gain sympathy particularly when his popularity declines," Nirupam said on Twitter.

Pune police, who have arrested five persons for alleged Maoist links, yesterday claimed that ultras were planning to target the prime minister.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said that claims of the existence of such a conspiracy appeared to be an attempt to divert attention from the main issues related to the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Pune district earlier this year.

Police should have investigated the matter before seeking remand of the accused citing the alleged conspiracy, he said.

"The information should have been probed first instead of citing it as a ground to seek remand. It goes on to show that there is an attempt to do a publicity stunt," the NCP leader alleged.

A letter found in the house of Delhi-resident Rona Wilson, arrested for alleged Maoist "links", talks about the ultras mulling "Rajiv Gandhi-type incident" and suggesting that Modi should be targeted during his road shows, according to the Pune police.

Wilson was among five people arrested from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi in connection with 'Elgar Parishad' held in Pune in December and the subsequent Bhima-Koregaon violence.

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said Modi spreads such information to 'gain sympathy'

Opposition in Maharashtra questioned the government's claim of a Maoist conspiracy to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a possible attempt to divert attention or gain sympathy. Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said Modi spreads such information to "gain sympathy". "It needs to be investigated whether this info is correct or not and this is also true that Mr Modi is habitual of spreading such false info to gain sympathy particularly when his popularity declines," Nirupam said on Twitter. Pune police, who have arrested five persons for alleged Maoist links, yesterday claimed that ultras were planning to target the prime minister. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said that claims of the existence of such a conspiracy appeared to be an attempt to divert attention from the main issues related to the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Pune district earlier this year. Police should have investigated the matter before seeking remand of the accused citing the alleged conspiracy, he said. "The information should have been probed first instead of citing it as a ground to seek remand. It goes on to show that there is an attempt to do a publicity stunt," the NCP leader alleged. A letter found in the house of Delhi-resident Rona Wilson, arrested for alleged Maoist "links", talks about the ultras mulling "Rajiv Gandhi-type incident" and suggesting that Modi should be targeted during his road shows, according to the Pune police. Wilson was among five people arrested from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi in connection with 'Elgar Parishad' held in Pune in December and the subsequent Bhima-Koregaon violence.

Claims of Maoist conspiracy could be diversionary tactic: Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam

A 60-year-old man was trampled to death today by a wild elephant in the Kartala forest range area of Chhattisgarh's Korba district, a forest official said.

The victim, Ghusiram Rathiya, was attacked by the elephant when he had gone to collect mangoes in the forest adjacent to his village Champa this morning, he said.

While collecting mangoes, he spotted two pachyderms following which he tried to escape from there. However, one of the elephants chased the elderly man and crushed him to death, he said.

Some local villagers spotted his body and informed police and forest officials, who rushed to the spot, he said.

The kin of the deceased was given an instant relief amount of Rs 25,000 by the forest department, while the remaining compensation of Rs 3.75 lakh will be disbursed after completing all formalities, the official said.

Villagers have been advised not to venture inside the forest in view of reports that a group of at least 35 jumbos is roaming in the area for the last few days, he said.

Notably, the thick forested northern Chhattisgarh, comprising Surguja, Surajpur, Korba, Raigarh, Jashpur, Balrampur and Korea districts, is known for incidents of human-elephant conflict.

The region has witnessed several killings of tribals and widespread damage to houses and crops by rogue elephants in the past year

The victim, Ghusiram Rathiya, was attacked by the elephant when he had gone to collect mangoes in the forest adjacent to his village Champa this morning, he said

A 60-year-old man was trampled to death today by a wild elephant in the Kartala forest range area of Chhattisgarh's Korba district, a forest official said. The victim, Ghusiram Rathiya, was attacked by the elephant when he had gone to collect mangoes in the forest adjacent to his village Champa this morning, he said. While collecting mangoes, he spotted two pachyderms following which he tried to escape from there. However, one of the elephants chased the elderly man and crushed him to death, he said. Some local villagers spotted his body and informed police and forest officials, who rushed to the spot, he said. The kin of the deceased was given an instant relief amount of Rs 25,000 by the forest department, while the remaining compensation of Rs 3.75 lakh will be disbursed after completing all formalities, the official said. Villagers have been advised not to venture inside the forest in view of reports that a group of at least 35 jumbos is roaming in the area for the last few days, he said. Notably, the thick forested northern Chhattisgarh, comprising Surguja, Surajpur, Korba, Raigarh, Jashpur, Balrampur and Korea districts, is known for incidents of human-elephant conflict. The region has witnessed several killings of tribals and widespread damage to houses and crops by rogue elephants in the past year

Elderly man killed by elephant in Chhattisgarh

Senior Goa Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik died after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, party officials said.

Naik was taken to a private hospital in nearby Margao town from his residence here after he complained of uneasiness. At the hospital, he was declared brought dead, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) General Secretary Altinho Gomes told.

He was declared dead at&nbsp;7 am, he said.

The veteran Congressman, who also served as chief of the state unit of the party, was 72 and is survived by wife and a son.

A multiple-time Member of Parliament, Naik was one of the tallest leaders of the Congress in Goa. Naik was elected to the Lok Sabha from the South Goa constituency in the 1984 general election.

He actively supported the demand for statehood to Goa which was fulfilled in 1987.

Naik represented Goa in the Rajya Sabha for two consecutive terms -- 2005-2011 and 2011-2017. However, in July 2017, he lost the election to the Upper House of Parliament to BJP candidate Vinay Tendulkar.

In March this year, Naik resigned as president of the GPCC to pave the way for the younger generation to take the reins of the party.

Naik took over as GPCC chief in July 2017, months after the Congress failed to form a government in the coastal state despite emerging as the single largest party.

He was replaced as the state unit chief by Girish Raya Chodankar in April.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, among other leaders, condoled the death of Naik.

Naidu said the ex-Congress MP was active in Parliament and made good contribution to debates in the House.

"I convey my heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Shantaram Naik, former Member of Parliament from Goa and former Goa Congress President.

"He was one of the most active MPs and made good contribution to parliamentary debates. "I pray for his eternal peace," Naidu said in a tweet.

Gandhi, on hearing the news of the demise, called up the family members of Naik and conveyed his condolences to them, Chodankar said.

Gandhi, who spoke to Naik's wife and son, hailed the role played by the Congress veteran in the battle for Goa's statehood.

"I am sorry to hear about the passing away of Shri Shantaram Naik, former Goa Congress Chief, MP and senior Congress leader, who played an important role in the battle for Goa's statehood.

"My condolences to his family in their time of grief. May his soul rest in peace," the Congress chief tweeted.

Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said Naik was an important leader of the party in Goa.

"Shocked and saddened by the passing away of Shantaram Naik ji, a pillar of indomitable strength for Congress party in Goa.

"In this hour of grief, I express my solidarity with his family, friends and supporters and pray for the departed soul," Surjewala tweeted.

Chodankar said Naik was a mentor to the young Congressmen.

"It is a shocking news for us. We have lost a guide in the form of him. He had mentored so many youths and inspired them to join Congress party. It is a big loss for us," said Chodankar.

The veteran Congressman, who also served as chief of the state unit of the party, was 72 and is survived by wife and a son

Senior Goa Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik died after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, party officials said. Naik was taken to a private hospital in nearby Margao town from his residence here after he complained of uneasiness. At the hospital, he was declared brought dead, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) General Secretary Altinho Gomes told. He was declared dead at 7 am, he said. The veteran Congressman, who also served as chief of the state unit of the party, was 72 and is survived by wife and a son. A multiple-time Member of Parliament, Naik was one of the tallest leaders of the Congress in Goa. Naik was elected to the Lok Sabha from the South Goa constituency in the 1984 general election. He actively supported the demand for statehood to Goa which was fulfilled in 1987. Naik represented Goa in the Rajya Sabha for two consecutive terms -- 2005-2011 and 2011-2017. However, in July 2017, he lost the election to the Upper House of Parliament to BJP candidate Vinay Tendulkar. In March this year, Naik resigned as president of the GPCC to pave the way for the younger generation to take the reins of the party. Naik took over as GPCC chief in July 2017, months after the Congress failed to form a government in the coastal state despite emerging as the single largest party. He was replaced as the state unit chief by Girish Raya Chodankar in April. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, among other leaders, condoled the death of Naik. Naidu said the ex-Congress MP was active in Parliament and made good contribution to debates in the House. "I convey my heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Shantaram Naik, former Member of Parliament from Goa and former Goa Congress President. "He was one of the most active MPs and made good contribution to parliamentary debates. "I pray for his eternal peace," Naidu said in a tweet. Gandhi, on hearing the news of the demise, called up the family members of Naik and conveyed his condolences to them, Chodankar said. Gandhi, who spoke to Naik's wife and son, hailed the role played by the Congress veteran in the battle for Goa's statehood. "I am sorry to hear about the passing away of Shri Shantaram Naik, former Goa Congress Chief, MP and senior Congress leader, who played an important role in the battle for Goa's statehood. "My condolences to his family in their time of grief. May his soul rest in peace," the Congress chief tweeted. Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said Naik was an important leader of the party in Goa. "Shocked and saddened by the passing away of Shantaram Naik ji, a pillar of indomitable strength for Congress party in Goa. "In this hour of grief, I express my solidarity with his family, friends and supporters and pray for the departed soul," Surjewala tweeted. Chodankar said Naik was a mentor to the young Congressmen. "It is a shocking news for us. We have lost a guide in the form of him. He had mentored so many youths and inspired them to join Congress party. It is a big loss for us," said Chodankar.

Former Goa Congress chief Shantaram Naik dies

At least two persons were on Saturday killed in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said.

Fisherman Steni Admani (66) was struck by lightning, and died on the spot when he was examining his fishing net at around 6 am today, said Shivaji Patil, chief of the District Disaster Control Cell.

Six others, who were out in the open at the time, were also injured due to the lightning and have been admitted to a local hospital, he added.

The incident took place at Patanbunder area of Uttan in Bhayander in the district, he informed.

In another incident, a woman who was riding pillion on a two-wheeler died after the vehicle rammed into a truck on GB Road and an official said that heavy rains probably caused the accident.

The woman has not been identified yet and the man riding the two-wheeler was severely injured and has been admitted to the city civil hospital, the official added.

Incidents of trees falling at several places and water-logging on some roads were also reported across the district, the official added.&nbsp

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>: Heavy rain lashes Latur city, bringing respite from the scorching heat. <a href="https://t.co/Hcrc93ojWu">pic.twitter.com/Hcrc93ojWu</a>
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Mumbai: As heavy rains in city leave streets water-logged, locals from Hindmata area say 'BMC should have cleaned the drains earlier, since they had not done anything public are facing problems now. Even after paying taxes we are suffering. This happens every year' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiRains?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiRains</a> <a href="https://t.co/eRfnbwGOLP">pic.twitter.com/eRfnbwGOLP</a>
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Fisherman Steni Admani (66) was struck by lightning, and died on the spot when he was examining his fishing net at around 6 am today

At least two persons were on Saturday killed in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said. Fisherman Steni Admani (66) was struck by lightning, and died on the spot when he was examining his fishing net at around 6 am today, said Shivaji Patil, chief of the District Disaster Control Cell. Six others, who were out in the open at the time, were also injured due to the lightning and have been admitted to a local hospital, he added. The incident took place at Patanbunder area of Uttan in Bhayander in the district, he informed. In another incident, a woman who was riding pillion on a two-wheeler died after the vehicle rammed into a truck on GB Road and an official said that heavy rains probably caused the accident. The woman has not been identified yet and the man riding the two-wheeler was severely injured and has been admitted to the city civil hospital, the official added. Incidents of trees falling at several places and water-logging on some roads were also reported across the district, the official added. #Maharashtra: Heavy rain lashes Latur city, bringing respite from the scorching heat. pic.twitter.com/Hcrc93ojWu — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 × Mumbai: As heavy rains in city leave streets water-logged, locals from Hindmata area say 'BMC should have cleaned the drains earlier, since they had not done anything public are facing problems now. Even after paying taxes we are suffering. This happens every year' #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/eRfnbwGOLP — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 ×

Mumbai rains: Lightning kills man, woman dead in road accident in Thane

Wanted criminal Rajesh Bharti was among the four criminals who died in the shootout&nbsp;on Saturday in Chattarpur, Delhi.

Six policemen were also injured in the shootout.

The operation was launched by the Delhi Police Special Cell who had the information about their movement.

The leader of the gang, Rajesh Bharti was a wanted criminal and had reward of 1 lakh on him.

He had escaped police custody in Haryana and was wanted for several serious charges against him. 
&nbsp;

Six policemen were also injured in the shootout

Wanted criminal Rajesh Bharti was among the four criminals who died in the shootout on Saturday in Chattarpur, Delhi. Six policemen were also injured in the shootout. The operation was launched by the Delhi Police Special Cell who had the information about their movement. The leader of the gang, Rajesh Bharti was a wanted criminal and had reward of 1 lakh on him. He had escaped police custody in Haryana and was wanted for several serious charges against him.

Delhi: Wanted criminal Rajesh Bharti dies in police encounter

The body of a 27-year-old Indian Navy sailor, who slipped and fell into the sea off Ramanathapuram coast, was recovered some five nautical miles off Jegadapattinam in Pudukottai district, intelligence bureau officials here said.

Ramprakash, a Grade-II sailor, was sailing INS Car Nicobar&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;night when he fell off the patrol vessel between Thondi and Jegadapattinam, they said.

A search involving ships of the Navy and Coast Guard was launched to trace the sailor.

His body was found last night, about five nautical miles off Jegadapattinam coast, IB officials said.

The mortal remains of the sailor were taken to Chennai.

A search involving ships of the Navy and Coast Guard was launched to trace the sailor

The body of a 27-year-old Indian Navy sailor, who slipped and fell into the sea off Ramanathapuram coast, was recovered some five nautical miles off Jegadapattinam in Pudukottai district, intelligence bureau officials here said. Ramprakash, a Grade-II sailor, was sailing INS Car Nicobar on Wednesday night when he fell off the patrol vessel between Thondi and Jegadapattinam, they said. A search involving ships of the Navy and Coast Guard was launched to trace the sailor. His body was found last night, about five nautical miles off Jegadapattinam coast, IB officials said. The mortal remains of the sailor were taken to Chennai.

Body of Indian Navy sailor recovered off Tamil Nadu coast

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Saturday downplayed the protest among party workers over its decision to forgo a Rajya Sabha seat in favour of the Kerala Congress (M), which returned to the UDF coalition after a gap of two years.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, KPCC president MM Hassan said the protest over the decision was natural in a democratic party but cautioned that it should not cross limits.

He said the party leadership also understood the workers' sentiments and their pain over the decision.

"We are also pained by the decision... But it was taken with a view to strengthen the party-led UDF and democratic forces to take on the BJP and the LDF in the state," Hassan said.

The Congress party would issue a whip asking its MLAs to vote for Jose K Mani, the RS candidate of the KM Mani-led KC(M).

However, the KPCC chief admitted that the KC(M) insisted on the seat as a condition for its re-entry into the UDF fold.

Meanwhile, rumblings in the party over the RS seat issue continued with former KPCC president V M Sudheeran saying that party workers felt that they were being cheated.

The senior leader also alleged that the decision lacked transparency.

The seat is currently held by Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurian of the Congress, who is set to retire on&nbsp;July 1.

Two young Congress MLAs, V T Balaram and K S Sabarinathan, who were among those who asked AICC chief Rahul Gandhi to reconsider the decision, expressed their displeasure again.

Balaram, in a Facebook post, called for a leadership change in the party and said people with vision and those who understood the pulse of the grassroot-level workers were the need of the hour.

The decision to field Jose Mani, son of K M Mani, as the candidate was taken at a KC(M) meeting held last night in Pala, near Kottayam, hours after the party rejoined the UDF.

Jose K Mani is currently the party's lone member in the Lok Sabha from the Kottayam parliamentary constituency.

MM Hassan said the protest over the decision was natural in a democratic party but cautioned that it should not cross limits

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Saturday downplayed the protest among party workers over its decision to forgo a Rajya Sabha seat in favour of the Kerala Congress (M), which returned to the UDF coalition after a gap of two years. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, KPCC president MM Hassan said the protest over the decision was natural in a democratic party but cautioned that it should not cross limits. He said the party leadership also understood the workers' sentiments and their pain over the decision. "We are also pained by the decision... But it was taken with a view to strengthen the party-led UDF and democratic forces to take on the BJP and the LDF in the state," Hassan said. The Congress party would issue a whip asking its MLAs to vote for Jose K Mani, the RS candidate of the KM Mani-led KC(M). However, the KPCC chief admitted that the KC(M) insisted on the seat as a condition for its re-entry into the UDF fold. Meanwhile, rumblings in the party over the RS seat issue continued with former KPCC president V M Sudheeran saying that party workers felt that they were being cheated. The senior leader also alleged that the decision lacked transparency. The seat is currently held by Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurian of the Congress, who is set to retire on July 1. Two young Congress MLAs, V T Balaram and K S Sabarinathan, who were among those who asked AICC chief Rahul Gandhi to reconsider the decision, expressed their displeasure again. Balaram, in a Facebook post, called for a leadership change in the party and said people with vision and those who understood the pulse of the grassroot-level workers were the need of the hour. The decision to field Jose Mani, son of K M Mani, as the candidate was taken at a KC(M) meeting held last night in Pala, near Kottayam, hours after the party rejoined the UDF. Jose K Mani is currently the party's lone member in the Lok Sabha from the Kottayam parliamentary constituency.

Kerala Congress downplays protest over Rajya Sabha seat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held bilateral talks with&nbspChinese President Xi Jinping soon after his arrival in this port city, where the two leaders are to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan.

The talks took place on the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit&nbspwhich will explore concrete ways to bolster cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalisation besides deliberating on pressing global issues.

Modi and Xi are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation, reported news agency PTI.

The meeting is taking place weeks after the two leaders held an informal summit in the central Chinese city of Wuhan during which they exchanged views on solidifying the relationship between the two Asian powers.

Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the Wuhan informal summit, official sources said.

Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries.&nbsp

It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO Summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held bilateral talks with&nbspChinese President Xi Jinping soon after his arrival in this port city, where the two leaders are to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan. The talks took place on the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit&nbspwhich will explore concrete ways to bolster cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalisation besides deliberating on pressing global issues. Modi and Xi are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation, reported news agency PTI. The meeting is taking place weeks after the two leaders held an informal summit in the central Chinese city of Wuhan during which they exchanged views on solidifying the relationship between the two Asian powers. Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the Wuhan informal summit, official sources said. Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO Summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

PM Modi meets Chinese President Xi on the sidelines of SCO summit

JNU student leader Umar Khalid has filed a complaint with the Delhi Police that he and Gujarat's Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani had received death threats from a man who identified himself as fugitive gangster Ravi Pujari, a senior official said today.

Khalid tweeted that he has asked for police protection.

"Filed a complaint with @DelhiPolice regarding Ravi Pujari's death threat to Jignesh and me. He said that I am on his HIT LIST! I have asked for police protection, given the fact that this is the same person who had previously also issued similar threats of killing me in Feb 2016 (sic)," he said.

Yesterday, Khalid approached the police with a complaint over the threats and a case was registered, the police official said, adding that they are investigating the matter.

The student leader said that he was informed by Mevani about the threats, and he has not received any call himself till now.

"Mevani has been receiving death threats for the last two-three days. In one of the calls he received, the caller had mentioned my name too. He had mentioned that if we don't stop giving speeches we would be killed.

"Mevani informed me and I approached the police. A case has been registered and they said that they will do a threat assessment and take a call on providing police protection," Khalid told PTI.

Mevani too had alleged yesterday that he has received death threats from Pujari.

When asked whether the calls were being received in relation to the arrests made by the Pune Police on June 6 in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence, he said, "I am not aware about the context. Pujari has not mentioned that he was calling in that context. I don't feel it is a coincidence that the calls (to Mevani) started coming from that day (the arrests were made)."

Elgar Parishad, organised to commemorate 200 years of the Koregaon Bhima battle, was held on December 31 at Shaniwarwada. It was attended by Mevani, Khalid along with Rohit Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula and Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh President Prakash Ambedkar.

In 2016, Khalid's father Syed Qasim Illyas Rasool had filed a police complaint, claiming that he has received a phone call "threatening to kill" his son if he doesn't leave the country.

This incident had happened when the police was looking for Khalid in connection with the sedition case filed against him, former JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar, and Anirban Bhattacharya for allegedly organising an event against the hanging of 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

Guru was hanged in 2013.

Umar Khalid tweeted that he has asked for police protection

JNU student leader Umar Khalid has filed a complaint with the Delhi Police that he and Gujarat's Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani had received death threats from a man who identified himself as fugitive gangster Ravi Pujari, a senior official said today. Khalid tweeted that he has asked for police protection. "Filed a complaint with @DelhiPolice regarding Ravi Pujari's death threat to Jignesh and me. He said that I am on his HIT LIST! I have asked for police protection, given the fact that this is the same person who had previously also issued similar threats of killing me in Feb 2016 (sic)," he said. Yesterday, Khalid approached the police with a complaint over the threats and a case was registered, the police official said, adding that they are investigating the matter. The student leader said that he was informed by Mevani about the threats, and he has not received any call himself till now. "Mevani has been receiving death threats for the last two-three days. In one of the calls he received, the caller had mentioned my name too. He had mentioned that if we don't stop giving speeches we would be killed. "Mevani informed me and I approached the police. A case has been registered and they said that they will do a threat assessment and take a call on providing police protection," Khalid told PTI. Mevani too had alleged yesterday that he has received death threats from Pujari. When asked whether the calls were being received in relation to the arrests made by the Pune Police on June 6 in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence, he said, "I am not aware about the context. Pujari has not mentioned that he was calling in that context. I don't feel it is a coincidence that the calls (to Mevani) started coming from that day (the arrests were made)." Elgar Parishad, organised to commemorate 200 years of the Koregaon Bhima battle, was held on December 31 at Shaniwarwada. It was attended by Mevani, Khalid along with Rohit Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula and Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh President Prakash Ambedkar. In 2016, Khalid's father Syed Qasim Illyas Rasool had filed a police complaint, claiming that he has received a phone call "threatening to kill" his son if he doesn't leave the country. This incident had happened when the police was looking for Khalid in connection with the sedition case filed against him, former JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar, and Anirban Bhattacharya for allegedly organising an event against the hanging of 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Guru was hanged in 2013.

JNU student leader Umar Khalid files police complaint over death threats

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JNU student leader Umar Khalid files police complaint over death threats