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The Congress is more capable than the BJP in building alliances and collaborating with parties, Rashtriya Lok Dal Vice President Jayant Chaudhary has said, asserting that the Rahul Gandhi-led party can play a key role in forging an opposition coalition for the 2019 polls.

Buoyed by the win in the Kairana parliamentary bypoll, he said public opinion and electoral results such as the bypoll victory will act as a "glue" for cementing a coalition for the Lok Sabha polls next year.

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Tabassum Hasan, who was supported by the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress, triumphed last week over her BJP rival in Kairana to become the first Muslim face from Uttar Pradesh in the 16th Lok Sabha.

Her victory also gave RLD, its first representative in the current Lok Sabha after the party drew a blank in the 2014 general election.

In an interview to PTI, Chaudhary said the BJP wants to make the 2019 polls a battle of personalities, but the opposition wants to project issues rather than a personality to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"They (the BJP) have built a personality cult around Modi and now they expect the opposition to also thrust upon the nation a similar figure so that the two can sort of take each other on," the 39-year-old leader said.

Chaudhary, who is the son of RLD chief Ajit Singh and the grandson of former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, said there was more talent in the opposition ranks and more freedom to express than in the BJP.

"So, I think going into 2019, I am not sure there will be an understanding of who's on top and who's at the bottom (of the opposition alliance), but we will be working together. That is important for the country," he asserted.

Asked if Congress being a pan-India party could be the pivot of the opposition alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "Congress today is the largest opposition party and they have an organisation in most states of the country that is still strong.

"... I see a good story emerging. Congress can definitely play that role. They can cooperate and collaborate more effectively than the BJP."

He said that due to the manner in which the BJP has dealt with its own allies, the saffron party's alliance partners were either breaking away or speaking very openly against it.

"So, the Congress has an opportunity here to try and make new relationships with these partners as well," he said.

Asked if the Congress was more capable of building alliances and working in unison with parties in an alliance, Chaudhary said, "That's my perception, (and) that is the perception of a lot of people in the political system."

Chaudhary, whose party RLD has been in an alliance with the BJP in the past, also alleged that there was arrogance that had crept into the BJP and it was no longer 'the party with a difference'.

"They (the BJP) have shown that they are willing to grab power at any cost. So I think these are all signals and they are very threatening to smaller parties, to regional parties, to anyone who believes that there needs to be cooperation, so that's why I think that there is a mindset now that's been developed in the opposition parties at least that the BJP is a complete no," he said.

The BJP leads the NDA coalition at the Centre. The Telugu Desam Party recently quit the NDA, while the Shiv Sena has been critical of the BJP over several issues.

Chaudhary also asserted that if the alliance between his party, the SP, the BSP and the Congress in UP takes shape, it would help the Congress in states where it is involved in a direct contest with the BJP.

"I think ultimately it (the alliance in UP) will help Congress in the states where it is taking on the BJP, there numbers will go up... If Congress takes us along and tells us that lets work together in other states as well, some of these opposition leaders will be very willing to do that," the former MP said.

Acknowledging that seat sharing would not be easy for the grand alliance in UP, he said the "social coalition" formed was more important than just simple political arithmetic or simple political coalition.

"So, to sustain that social coalition, if political parties have to forego their own interest and work together, I think we should do it," Chaudhary said.

Talking about the Kairana bypoll win, he said it was basically a message to political parties that the alliance was also the people's will.

"It was a negative vote against BJP. It was also a positive vote for the opposition working together. Going forward it is this public opinion and these good results that will perhaps act as the glue for cementing the alliance," Chaudhary said.

The united opposition victory in Kairana follows the BJP defeats in the Lok Sabha bye-elections in Gorakhpur and Phulpur in March, and come just a year before the general election.

Talking about his 'Ganna not Jinnah' campaign in Kairana, he said the campaign based around the farmer identity was able to trump the religious identity model.

"It is a strong signal that going forward also the antagonistic tone that the BJP has employed in many elections, the Hindu-Muslim rhetoric, it may not work," Chaudhary said.

Asserting that alliances are here to stay, he said the reason he feels the alliance in UP would continue was because it has tasted success. 
"When you win an election, there is pressure from your workers, there is pressure from the voters to continue," Chaudhary said.

Buoyed by the win in the Kairana parliamentary bypoll, he said public opinion and electoral results such as the bypoll victory will act as a "glue" for cementing a coalition for the Lok Sabha polls next year

The Congress is more capable than the BJP in building alliances and collaborating with parties, Rashtriya Lok Dal Vice President Jayant Chaudhary has said, asserting that the Rahul Gandhi-led party can play a key role in forging an opposition coalition for the 2019 polls. Buoyed by the win in the Kairana parliamentary bypoll, he said public opinion and electoral results such as the bypoll victory will act as a "glue" for cementing a coalition for the Lok Sabha polls next year. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Tabassum Hasan, who was supported by the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress, triumphed last week over her BJP rival in Kairana to become the first Muslim face from Uttar Pradesh in the 16th Lok Sabha. Her victory also gave RLD, its first representative in the current Lok Sabha after the party drew a blank in the 2014 general election. In an interview to PTI, Chaudhary said the BJP wants to make the 2019 polls a battle of personalities, but the opposition wants to project issues rather than a personality to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "They (the BJP) have built a personality cult around Modi and now they expect the opposition to also thrust upon the nation a similar figure so that the two can sort of take each other on," the 39-year-old leader said. Chaudhary, who is the son of RLD chief Ajit Singh and the grandson of former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, said there was more talent in the opposition ranks and more freedom to express than in the BJP. "So, I think going into 2019, I am not sure there will be an understanding of who's on top and who's at the bottom (of the opposition alliance), but we will be working together. That is important for the country," he asserted. Asked if Congress being a pan-India party could be the pivot of the opposition alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "Congress today is the largest opposition party and they have an organisation in most states of the country that is still strong. "... I see a good story emerging. Congress can definitely play that role. They can cooperate and collaborate more effectively than the BJP." He said that due to the manner in which the BJP has dealt with its own allies, the saffron party's alliance partners were either breaking away or speaking very openly against it. "So, the Congress has an opportunity here to try and make new relationships with these partners as well," he said. Asked if the Congress was more capable of building alliances and working in unison with parties in an alliance, Chaudhary said, "That's my perception, (and) that is the perception of a lot of people in the political system." Chaudhary, whose party RLD has been in an alliance with the BJP in the past, also alleged that there was arrogance that had crept into the BJP and it was no longer 'the party with a difference'. "They (the BJP) have shown that they are willing to grab power at any cost. So I think these are all signals and they are very threatening to smaller parties, to regional parties, to anyone who believes that there needs to be cooperation, so that's why I think that there is a mindset now that's been developed in the opposition parties at least that the BJP is a complete no," he said. The BJP leads the NDA coalition at the Centre. The Telugu Desam Party recently quit the NDA, while the Shiv Sena has been critical of the BJP over several issues. Chaudhary also asserted that if the alliance between his party, the SP, the BSP and the Congress in UP takes shape, it would help the Congress in states where it is involved in a direct contest with the BJP. "I think ultimately it (the alliance in UP) will help Congress in the states where it is taking on the BJP, there numbers will go up... If Congress takes us along and tells us that lets work together in other states as well, some of these opposition leaders will be very willing to do that," the former MP said. Acknowledging that seat sharing would not be easy for the grand alliance in UP, he said the "social coalition" formed was more important than just simple political arithmetic or simple political coalition. "So, to sustain that social coalition, if political parties have to forego their own interest and work together, I think we should do it," Chaudhary said. Talking about the Kairana bypoll win, he said it was basically a message to political parties that the alliance was also the people's will. "It was a negative vote against BJP. It was also a positive vote for the opposition working together. Going forward it is this public opinion and these good results that will perhaps act as the glue for cementing the alliance," Chaudhary said. The united opposition victory in Kairana follows the BJP defeats in the Lok Sabha bye-elections in Gorakhpur and Phulpur in March, and come just a year before the general election. Talking about his 'Ganna not Jinnah' campaign in Kairana, he said the campaign based around the farmer identity was able to trump the religious identity model. "It is a strong signal that going forward also the antagonistic tone that the BJP has employed in many elections, the Hindu-Muslim rhetoric, it may not work," Chaudhary said. Asserting that alliances are here to stay, he said the reason he feels the alliance in UP would continue was because it has tasted success. "When you win an election, there is pressure from your workers, there is pressure from the voters to continue," Chaudhary said.

Congress more capable of building alliances than BJP: RLD's Jayant Chaudhary

The Janata Dal (Secular) Party on Tuesday decided to support the Congress after withdrawing its candidate Kalegowda from the Jayanagar assembly constituency that is slated to be held on June 11.

In Jayanagar, the Congress had fielded Soumya Reddy, daughter of Ramalinga Reddy, former Home Minister and BTM Layout MLA. The JD(S) had fielded greenhorn Kale Gowda. The constituency has over 2.03 lakh voters, and 19 candidates. BJP has held the seat since delimitation in 2008.&nbsp;

JD(S) has issued press release stating that all workers will support and campaign for Congress candidate.&nbsp;

Election in Jayanagar had been deferred owing to the death of BJP candidate BN Vijaya Kumar. The BJP has nominated his brother B.N. Prahlad.

Jayanagar election was postponed along with Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar) where several voter ID card scandal led to a police case and a massive upheaval just days ahead of the May 12 elections.

Congress and JD(S) had fought the RR Nagar bypoll against each other despite being coalition partners, as they failed to come to a consensus on supporting one of their candidates.

The withdrawal by the JD(S) comes as a testimony to the growing awareness of the strength of a united Opposition.&nbsp;

The withdrawal by the JD(S) comes as a testimony to the growing awareness of the strength of a united Opposition.

The Janata Dal (Secular) Party on Tuesday decided to support the Congress after withdrawing its candidate Kalegowda from the Jayanagar assembly constituency that is slated to be held on June 11. In Jayanagar, the Congress had fielded Soumya Reddy, daughter of Ramalinga Reddy, former Home Minister and BTM Layout MLA. The JD(S) had fielded greenhorn Kale Gowda. The constituency has over 2.03 lakh voters, and 19 candidates. BJP has held the seat since delimitation in 2008. JD(S) has issued press release stating that all workers will support and campaign for Congress candidate. Election in Jayanagar had been deferred owing to the death of BJP candidate BN Vijaya Kumar. The BJP has nominated his brother B.N. Prahlad. Jayanagar election was postponed along with Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar) where several voter ID card scandal led to a police case and a massive upheaval just days ahead of the May 12 elections. Congress and JD(S) had fought the RR Nagar bypoll against each other despite being coalition partners, as they failed to come to a consensus on supporting one of their candidates. The withdrawal by the JD(S) comes as a testimony to the growing awareness of the strength of a united Opposition.

Karnataka: JD(S) withdraws candidate from Jayanagar seat, will support Congress

Terrorists attacked an army and police camp in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district Tuesday night.

First reports coming in said the terrorists opened fire on the camp in&nbsp;Hajin at around 8:30 pm.&nbsp;

ANI reported that 4-6 terrorists approached the 13 Rashtriya Rifles camp and Hajin police station from either side and launched around 8 grenades at the camp.&nbsp;

ANI added that the grenades were launched from an&nbsp;Underbarrel Grenade Launcher.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
CORRECTION: Terrorist attack at army post in Bandipora's Hajin: 4-6 terrorists came from 2 sides of army camp of 13 Rashtriya Rifles&Hajin police station&fired around 8 rounds of Underbarrel Grenade Launcher towards Army & police. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> (original tweet will be deleted) <a href="https://t.co/f3vnQGkP5z">https://t.co/f3vnQGkP5z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1004041512882061313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There is no word yet on casualties.&nbsp;

4-6 terrorists came from two sides of army camp of 13 Rashtriya Rifles and Hajin police station and fired around 8 UBGI's towards Army and police

Terrorists attacked an army and police camp in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district Tuesday night. First reports coming in said the terrorists opened fire on the camp in Hajin at around 8:30 pm. ANI reported that 4-6 terrorists approached the 13 Rashtriya Rifles camp and Hajin police station from either side and launched around 8 grenades at the camp. ANI added that the grenades were launched from an Underbarrel Grenade Launcher. CORRECTION: Terrorist attack at army post in Bandipora's Hajin: 4-6 terrorists came from 2 sides of army camp of 13 Rashtriya Rifles&Hajin police station&fired around 8 rounds of Underbarrel Grenade Launcher towards Army & police. #JammuAndKashmir (original tweet will be deleted) https://t.co/f3vnQGkP5z — ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2018 × There is no word yet on casualties.

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists attack Army, Police camp in Bandipora

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram has been granted protection from arrest in corruption cases relating to the Aircel Maxis deal, in which he has been asked by probe agencies to join investigations. 
&nbsp; 
There won't be any arrest till 10 July.

Meanwhile, the ED has sought time to file a detailed reply in the case. The court has fixed the matter for further hearing on July 10, the same date on which the hearing against Karti Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis case is scheduled.

This is the second time the former finance minister has got relief from arrest.

On May 30 too, the court had allowed Chidambaram protection from arrest till June 5 in the case, after he had filed an anticipatory bail plea.

The Aircel-Maxis deal case, which emerged out of 2G spectrum cases, pertains to a grant by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd for investment in Aircel.

The ED had said that the FIPB approval granted in 2006 by Chidambaram was beyond his mandate as he was only authorised to accord approval on project proposals up to Rs 600 crore.

P Chidambaram's son Karti was arrested on February 28 at the Chennai airport upon his return from the United Kingdom, for his alleged role in the case. Currently, Karti is on bail too.

(With inputs from ANI)

Chidambaram’s son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the matter for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh in the case.

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram has been granted protection from arrest in corruption cases relating to the Aircel Maxis deal, in which he has been asked by probe agencies to join investigations. There won't be any arrest till 10 July. Meanwhile, the ED has sought time to file a detailed reply in the case. The court has fixed the matter for further hearing on July 10, the same date on which the hearing against Karti Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis case is scheduled. This is the second time the former finance minister has got relief from arrest. On May 30 too, the court had allowed Chidambaram protection from arrest till June 5 in the case, after he had filed an anticipatory bail plea. The Aircel-Maxis deal case, which emerged out of 2G spectrum cases, pertains to a grant by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd for investment in Aircel. The ED had said that the FIPB approval granted in 2006 by Chidambaram was beyond his mandate as he was only authorised to accord approval on project proposals up to Rs 600 crore. P Chidambaram's son Karti was arrested on February 28 at the Chennai airport upon his return from the United Kingdom, for his alleged role in the case. Currently, Karti is on bail too. (With inputs from ANI)

Aircel-Maxis case: Court gives Chidambaram protection from arrest till July 10 

&nbsp;A day after the JD(U) demanded that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar be projected as the BJP-led NDA's face in Bihar, the Janata Dal (United) president today declined to comment on the issue over who will be the 'face' of the NDA in the state when Lok Sabha polls are held next year.

Earlier in the day, Deputy CM and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said Nitish Kumar is the ruling alliance' leader in the state and the NDA will seek votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in the name of the JD(U) chief and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's works.

"This is a special occasion when I would like to see the happiness on all faces. Please do not ask about any other face right now," Kumar quipped in response to queries by reporters.

The journalists gathered at his official residence of the chief minister to attend the Iftaar party organised by him.

When pressed further, he said, "All your queries would be answered at an appropriate time. Right now, let us pray that the holy month of Ramadan brings peace and prosperity to Bihar."

The JD(U) has asserted that the chief minister is the face of the NDA in the state, which is being speculated as an indirect demand for greater share of seats in the parliamentary polls.

Out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, the BJP has 22 in addition to nine others held by allies like the LJP and the RLSP.

The BJP and JD(U) fought separately in the 2014 general election.

The JD(U) registered victories in only two seats but has the largest number of MLAs among all coalition partners in the state Assembly. 
"May the followers of all religions live together in peace and may mutual respect flourish. Let us also pray that our state, which suffers the wrath of nature almost every year, does not face drought or floods", Kumar added.

A host of dignitaries, including state Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Deputy Chairman of Legislative Council Haroon Rashid, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and cabinet ministers Nand Kishore Yadav and Mangal Pandey attended the Iftaar party.

The journalists gathered at his official residence of the chief minister to attend the Iftaar party organised by him

A day after the JD(U) demanded that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar be projected as the BJP-led NDA's face in Bihar, the Janata Dal (United) president today declined to comment on the issue over who will be the 'face' of the NDA in the state when Lok Sabha polls are held next year. Earlier in the day, Deputy CM and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said Nitish Kumar is the ruling alliance' leader in the state and the NDA will seek votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in the name of the JD(U) chief and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's works. "This is a special occasion when I would like to see the happiness on all faces. Please do not ask about any other face right now," Kumar quipped in response to queries by reporters. The journalists gathered at his official residence of the chief minister to attend the Iftaar party organised by him. When pressed further, he said, "All your queries would be answered at an appropriate time. Right now, let us pray that the holy month of Ramadan brings peace and prosperity to Bihar." The JD(U) has asserted that the chief minister is the face of the NDA in the state, which is being speculated as an indirect demand for greater share of seats in the parliamentary polls. Out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, the BJP has 22 in addition to nine others held by allies like the LJP and the RLSP. The BJP and JD(U) fought separately in the 2014 general election. The JD(U) registered victories in only two seats but has the largest number of MLAs among all coalition partners in the state Assembly. "May the followers of all religions live together in peace and may mutual respect flourish. Let us also pray that our state, which suffers the wrath of nature almost every year, does not face drought or floods", Kumar added. A host of dignitaries, including state Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Deputy Chairman of Legislative Council Haroon Rashid, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and cabinet ministers Nand Kishore Yadav and Mangal Pandey attended the Iftaar party.

Bihar: Nitish Kumar declines to comment on NDA 'face' issue

&nbsp;A photograph showing the body of an elderly woman being carried in a waste collection trolley here has gone viral on social media, prompting authorities to order a probe into the matter.

The body, wrapped in a polythene sheet, was carried through a market. The trolley belonged to the local municipality, officials said.

A photograph of the incident at Tudigadia near Soro town went viral on social media, leading to a public outcry, the officials said, adding that an investigation has been ordered.

"We would probe the incident to find out how the body was being carried in the garbage trolley as alleged. The incident triggered a protest," Soro Municipality Executive Officer Priyabrat Padhi said.

The unidentified destitute woman, almost unconscious, had been lying by the roadside at Tudigadia and local people took her to a hospital on June 1.

The elderly woman died at the hospital, but no one claimed her body even after 72 hours, municipal officials said.

Soro police station officers then handed over the body to the Soro Municipality which subsequently decided to dispose it off, they said.

The body was handed over to an agency hired by the municipality for its disposal.

The agency personnel carried the body in a garbage trolley, the officials said.

The body, wrapped in a polythene sheet, was carried through a market

A photograph showing the body of an elderly woman being carried in a waste collection trolley here has gone viral on social media, prompting authorities to order a probe into the matter. The body, wrapped in a polythene sheet, was carried through a market. The trolley belonged to the local municipality, officials said. A photograph of the incident at Tudigadia near Soro town went viral on social media, leading to a public outcry, the officials said, adding that an investigation has been ordered. "We would probe the incident to find out how the body was being carried in the garbage trolley as alleged. The incident triggered a protest," Soro Municipality Executive Officer Priyabrat Padhi said. The unidentified destitute woman, almost unconscious, had been lying by the roadside at Tudigadia and local people took her to a hospital on June 1. The elderly woman died at the hospital, but no one claimed her body even after 72 hours, municipal officials said. Soro police station officers then handed over the body to the Soro Municipality which subsequently decided to dispose it off, they said. The body was handed over to an agency hired by the municipality for its disposal. The agency personnel carried the body in a garbage trolley, the officials said.

Odisha: Elderly woman's body carried in garbage trolley, probe ordered

Tourists visiting this picturesque hill station are at the receiving end as curfew remains in force in the entire city and parts of it are virtually under siege due to continuing clashes between two groups since Thursday.

A number of hotels in Shillong told PTI that there were anxious queries from tourists and last minute cancellations of rooms due to fear of a breakdown of the law-and-order situation.

Violence broke out on Thursday after local tribals and Punjabi residents clashed in the city's Punjabi Line area after a bus handyman was allegedly beaten up by a group of people.

The Army conducted a flag march today and is scheduled to conduct another again at 10 pm.

"We have received a lot of queries from guests on the current situation in the state capital. There have been cancellations of advanced bookings at our hotels in the last 72 hours," a manager at Hotel Centre Point told PTI.

She said the hotel had witnessed record reservations and bookings over the past few years during the summer break and hoped that the situation returned to normalcy soon.

A guesthouse operator at Sohra (erstwhile Cherrapunji) said if the situation in Shillong did not improve soon, the money he had invested in the guesthouse would not give him any returns.

At both Shillong and Sohra, tourists are stuck because of the curfew and out of fear of attacks.

The exact number of tourists stranded could not be ascertained, a senior district official said, adding that the authorities were doing their best to ensure that everyone was safe.

The taxis ferrying tourists from Guwahati have indefinitely suspended operations from today, following alleged attacks on them since the violence erupted last week.

The tourist taxi drivers' associations here, however, have decided to continue to ferry the tourists visiting the hill state till the Assam border to ensure that none of them was stranded.

"We have decided to continue to ferry passengers to Khanapara at the Assam border to ensure that no one is stranded," Jerry Khyriem, the president of one of the associations, told PTI.

He added that since vehicles with Meghalaya registration numbers were forced out of the stands in Guwahati, no vehicle from Assam will also be allowed to enter Shillong.

Tata Sumo taxis from Assam were stopped at Mawiong, on the outskirts of the city, and if those vehicles did not ferry passengers to and from here, the tourist taxis of Shillong would do so, Khyriem said.

Shillong Hoteliers' Association president Kishen Tribrewalla had earlier said the budding tourism industry here was witnessing a golden era and that the current skirmishes would affect it.

According to tourism department statistics, the number of tourists to the north-eastern state had crossed the 10-lakh mark last year.

A record number of 10,02,907 tourists had visited Meghalaya in 2017, which was not far behind the 14.25 lakh tourists Sikkim had received in the same period, a senior tourism department official told PTI.

The number of domestic visitors was 9,90,856 while that of foreign tourists was 12,051, he said.

There was an increase of about two lakh tourists last year, compared to 2016.

In 2000, the number of tourists visiting the state was only 1,72,256, according to the statistics.

Violence broke out on Thursday after local tribals and Punjabi residents clashed in the city's Punjabi Line area after a bus handyman was allegedly beaten up by a group of people

Tourists visiting this picturesque hill station are at the receiving end as curfew remains in force in the entire city and parts of it are virtually under siege due to continuing clashes between two groups since Thursday. A number of hotels in Shillong told PTI that there were anxious queries from tourists and last minute cancellations of rooms due to fear of a breakdown of the law-and-order situation. Violence broke out on Thursday after local tribals and Punjabi residents clashed in the city's Punjabi Line area after a bus handyman was allegedly beaten up by a group of people. The Army conducted a flag march today and is scheduled to conduct another again at 10 pm. "We have received a lot of queries from guests on the current situation in the state capital. There have been cancellations of advanced bookings at our hotels in the last 72 hours," a manager at Hotel Centre Point told PTI. She said the hotel had witnessed record reservations and bookings over the past few years during the summer break and hoped that the situation returned to normalcy soon. A guesthouse operator at Sohra (erstwhile Cherrapunji) said if the situation in Shillong did not improve soon, the money he had invested in the guesthouse would not give him any returns. At both Shillong and Sohra, tourists are stuck because of the curfew and out of fear of attacks. The exact number of tourists stranded could not be ascertained, a senior district official said, adding that the authorities were doing their best to ensure that everyone was safe. The taxis ferrying tourists from Guwahati have indefinitely suspended operations from today, following alleged attacks on them since the violence erupted last week. The tourist taxi drivers' associations here, however, have decided to continue to ferry the tourists visiting the hill state till the Assam border to ensure that none of them was stranded. "We have decided to continue to ferry passengers to Khanapara at the Assam border to ensure that no one is stranded," Jerry Khyriem, the president of one of the associations, told PTI. He added that since vehicles with Meghalaya registration numbers were forced out of the stands in Guwahati, no vehicle from Assam will also be allowed to enter Shillong. Tata Sumo taxis from Assam were stopped at Mawiong, on the outskirts of the city, and if those vehicles did not ferry passengers to and from here, the tourist taxis of Shillong would do so, Khyriem said. Shillong Hoteliers' Association president Kishen Tribrewalla had earlier said the budding tourism industry here was witnessing a golden era and that the current skirmishes would affect it. According to tourism department statistics, the number of tourists to the north-eastern state had crossed the 10-lakh mark last year. A record number of 10,02,907 tourists had visited Meghalaya in 2017, which was not far behind the 14.25 lakh tourists Sikkim had received in the same period, a senior tourism department official told PTI. The number of domestic visitors was 9,90,856 while that of foreign tourists was 12,051, he said. There was an increase of about two lakh tourists last year, compared to 2016. In 2000, the number of tourists visiting the state was only 1,72,256, according to the statistics.

Violence in Shillong interrupts tourism

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood today attended an Iftar at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah here.

The High Commissioner was welcomed at the Dargah by 'Sajjadah Nasheen' (chief administrator of dargah) Tahir Nizami and other members of the Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Spiritual Foundation, a Pakistan High Commission statement said.

Mahmood, along with the foundation's Chairman Moosa Nizami, served Iftari to a large number of people present at the Dargah.

The Pakistani envoy also paid obeisance at the shrines of Hazrat Nizamuddin and Amir Khusro.

Mahmood, along with the foundation's Chairman Moosa Nizami, served Iftari to a large number of people present at the Dargah

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood today attended an Iftar at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah here. The High Commissioner was welcomed at the Dargah by 'Sajjadah Nasheen' (chief administrator of dargah) Tahir Nizami and other members of the Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Spiritual Foundation, a Pakistan High Commission statement said. Mahmood, along with the foundation's Chairman Moosa Nizami, served Iftari to a large number of people present at the Dargah. The Pakistani envoy also paid obeisance at the shrines of Hazrat Nizamuddin and Amir Khusro.

Pakistan envoy attends Iftar at Nizamuddin Dargah

The Central government is going to announce Rs 7,000 crore package which includes the creation of a buffer stock, fixing a minimum sale price for sugar and to ensure cash-starved mills clear dues to farmers at the earliest, sources said.&nbsp;

A decision in this regard is expected to be taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) scheduled tomorrow, the sources added.

Last month, the government had announced a Rs 1,500 crore production-linked subsidy for sugarcane farmers to help millers pay cane payments.

Sugar mills are unable to make payments to cane growers as their financial health has worsened due to a sharp fall in sugar prices after a record production of 31.6 million tonne (MT) so far in the 2017-18 season (October-September).

Maximum cane dues of more than Rs 12,000 crore are in Uttar Pradesh alone, the country's biggest sugarcane producing state.

According to sources, the government has worked out a slew of measures to ensure farmers' dues are cleared by mills.

India’s domestic sugar production at over 31.5 million tonnes in 2017-18 is the highest ever, and the resultant crash in wholesale prices meant mills were unable to pay farmers on time.&nbsp;

India, the second largest producer of sugar after Brazil is home to nearly 50 million cane farmers, mostly in UP, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Further, about 500,000 workers are directly employed by sugar mills.

Maximum cane dues of more than Rs 12,000 crore are in Uttar Pradesh alone, the country's biggest sugarcane producing state.

The Central government is going to announce Rs 7,000 crore package which includes the creation of a buffer stock, fixing a minimum sale price for sugar and to ensure cash-starved mills clear dues to farmers at the earliest, sources said. A decision in this regard is expected to be taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) scheduled tomorrow, the sources added. Last month, the government had announced a Rs 1,500 crore production-linked subsidy for sugarcane farmers to help millers pay cane payments. Sugar mills are unable to make payments to cane growers as their financial health has worsened due to a sharp fall in sugar prices after a record production of 31.6 million tonne (MT) so far in the 2017-18 season (October-September). Maximum cane dues of more than Rs 12,000 crore are in Uttar Pradesh alone, the country's biggest sugarcane producing state. According to sources, the government has worked out a slew of measures to ensure farmers' dues are cleared by mills. India’s domestic sugar production at over 31.5 million tonnes in 2017-18 is the highest ever, and the resultant crash in wholesale prices meant mills were unable to pay farmers on time. India, the second largest producer of sugar after Brazil is home to nearly 50 million cane farmers, mostly in UP, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Further, about 500,000 workers are directly employed by sugar mills.

Centre likely to announce bailout package of Rs 7,000 crore for sugarcane farmers

'Kaala' producer K Dhanush and his wife Aishwarya have filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court seeking directions to the state government and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) for the smooth release of the film.

'Kaala' is scheduled to be released worldwide on June 7 but KFCC had said the film would neither be distributed nor screened in the state.

In the plea, Dhanush, who is Rajinikanth's son-in-law, submitted that it is the fundamental right of the petitioners under the Constitution to exhibit the film.

"CBFC has issued a certification under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, for the release of 'Kaala' after following due process and adhering to all guidelines. After receiving such a certificate, it is the fundamental right of the petitioner under Article 19(1) of the Constitution to exhibit the film," the petitioners submitted.

The petitioners also have sought security at theatres and for movie-goers, directors, producers, and cast associated with 'Kaala' in Karnataka.

They have made the government, home department, state police chief, Bengaluru city police commissioner, Central Board of Film Certification and KFCC as respondents in their plea.

The petitioners stated that KFCC took a decision to neither distribute nor screen 'Kaala' in Karnataka following Rajinikanth's alleged views on the Cauvery dispute, demanding the release of water to Tamil Nadu as per Supreme Court direction.

The petitioners also said KFCC President Sa Ra Govindu on May 30 had issued a press statement saying the film will neither be distributed nor screened anywhere in Karnataka.

They also said the several pro-Kannada organizations had made representations to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy requesting a ban on 'Kaala.'

The petition is likely to come up for hearing today.

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-prakash-raj-bats-for-the-release-of-rajinikanths-kaala-in-karnataka-142168">controversial actor Prakash Raj has questioned the ban on Kaala in Karnataka.</a>

"What's film #kaala got to do with Kaveri issue..? why is film fraternity targeted always..? Will Jds/congress government let fringe elements take law into their hands... Like bjp did with #Padmavat.. Or ..Will you step in to assure common man.. His right for choice. #justasking..," tweeted the multi-lingual actor.

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What’s film <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kaala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kaala</a>&nbsp; got to do with Kaveri issue..?why is film fraternity targeted always..? Will Jds/congress government let fringe elements take law into their hands ...like bjp did with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmavat</a> ..or ..will you step in to assure common man ..his right for choice.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justasking?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justasking</a>.. <a href="https://t.co/GaHYTMkCTg">pic.twitter.com/GaHYTMkCTg</a>
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) <a href="https://twitter.com/prakashraaj/status/1003276315053588481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">3 June 2018</a></blockquote>
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Let the film release .. let PEOPLE DECIDE if they want to express their protest by NOT watching the film .. let us get to know if PEOPLE really BELIEVE stopping a film can SOLVE ISSUES .. who are these organisations to BLACKMAIL everyone and decide on our behalf .. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justasking?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justasking</a>
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) <a href="https://twitter.com/prakashraaj/status/1003626048146178048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">4 June 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a statement, Raj said, "Who are these people to decide what most Kannadigas want or don't want? What about the distributors, investors and theatre owners and the thousands of those whose lives depend on them? And what about the lakhs and lakhs of cinema lovers because of whom, all these people earn a living?"

'Kaala' is scheduled to be released worldwide on June 7 but KFCC had said the film would neither be distributed nor screened in the state

'Kaala' producer K Dhanush and his wife Aishwarya have filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court seeking directions to the state government and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) for the smooth release of the film. 'Kaala' is scheduled to be released worldwide on June 7 but KFCC had said the film would neither be distributed nor screened in the state. In the plea, Dhanush, who is Rajinikanth's son-in-law, submitted that it is the fundamental right of the petitioners under the Constitution to exhibit the film. "CBFC has issued a certification under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, for the release of 'Kaala' after following due process and adhering to all guidelines. After receiving such a certificate, it is the fundamental right of the petitioner under Article 19(1) of the Constitution to exhibit the film," the petitioners submitted. The petitioners also have sought security at theatres and for movie-goers, directors, producers, and cast associated with 'Kaala' in Karnataka. They have made the government, home department, state police chief, Bengaluru city police commissioner, Central Board of Film Certification and KFCC as respondents in their plea. The petitioners stated that KFCC took a decision to neither distribute nor screen 'Kaala' in Karnataka following Rajinikanth's alleged views on the Cauvery dispute, demanding the release of water to Tamil Nadu as per Supreme Court direction. The petitioners also said KFCC President Sa Ra Govindu on May 30 had issued a press statement saying the film will neither be distributed nor screened anywhere in Karnataka. They also said the several pro-Kannada organizations had made representations to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy requesting a ban on 'Kaala.' The petition is likely to come up for hearing today. Meanwhile, controversial actor Prakash Raj has questioned the ban on Kaala in Karnataka. "What's film #kaala got to do with Kaveri issue..? why is film fraternity targeted always..? Will Jds/congress government let fringe elements take law into their hands... Like bjp did with #Padmavat.. Or ..Will you step in to assure common man.. His right for choice. #justasking..," tweeted the multi-lingual actor. What’s film #kaala got to do with Kaveri issue..?why is film fraternity targeted always..? Will Jds/congress government let fringe elements take law into their hands ...like bjp did with #Padmavat ..or ..will you step in to assure common man ..his right for choice.#justasking.. pic.twitter.com/GaHYTMkCTg — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) 3 June 2018 × Let the film release .. let PEOPLE DECIDE if they want to express their protest by NOT watching the film .. let us get to know if PEOPLE really BELIEVE stopping a film can SOLVE ISSUES .. who are these organisations to BLACKMAIL everyone and decide on our behalf .. #justasking — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) 4 June 2018 × In a statement, Raj said, "Who are these people to decide what most Kannadigas want or don't want? What about the distributors, investors and theatre owners and the thousands of those whose lives depend on them? And what about the lakhs and lakhs of cinema lovers because of whom, all these people earn a living?"

Rajinikanth starrer 'Kaala' makers move Karnataka High Court?

Shares of&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;companies rose on Tuesday following&nbsp;reports&nbsp;that the federal government would announce a bailout package of over 70 billion rupees ($1.04 billion) for cash-starved&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;mills to help clear dues to farmers.

Dhampur&nbsp;Sugar&nbsp;Mills Ltd and Mawana&nbsp;Sugars Ltd gained 7 per cent each, while Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd and Avadh&nbsp;Sugar&nbsp;& Energy Ltd climbed more than 6 per cent each.

Uttam&nbsp;Sugar&nbsp;Mills Ltd, Magadh&nbsp;Sugar&nbsp;& Energy Ltd and Dalmia Bharat&nbsp;Sugar&nbsp;and Industries Ltd rose 4 per cent each.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to decide on the bailout, according to the report.

Reuters reported late last month, citing official sources, that the government would soon approve a plan to create "buffer&nbsp;stocks" of 3 million tonnes of&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;to prune surplus in the domestic market and stem a free fall in prices.

Uttam Sugar Mills Ltd, Magadh Sugar & Energy Ltd and Dalmia Bharat Sugar and Industries Ltd rose 4 percent each

Shares of Indian sugar companies rose on Tuesday following reports that the federal government would announce a bailout package of over 70 billion rupees ($1.04 billion) for cash-starved sugar mills to help clear dues to farmers. Dhampur Sugar Mills Ltd and Mawana Sugars Ltd gained 7 per cent each, while Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd and Avadh Sugar & Energy Ltd climbed more than 6 per cent each. Uttam Sugar Mills Ltd, Magadh Sugar & Energy Ltd and Dalmia Bharat Sugar and Industries Ltd rose 4 per cent each. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to decide on the bailout, according to the report. Reuters reported late last month, citing official sources, that the government would soon approve a plan to create "buffer stocks" of 3 million tonnes of sugar to prune surplus in the domestic market and stem a free fall in prices.

Sugar stocks surge as Centre announces a bailout package of Rs 7000 crore

Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone have made a huge name globally proof- their immense Instagram following.

The actresses are ruling the Insta-world with 24 M followers each.

<img alt="Untitled design_6.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Untitled%20design_6.jpg" width="770" />

While DP currently stands at 24,025,025 followers, Priyanka is a little ahead with 24,027,207.

Earlier, the 'Padmaavat'&nbsp;star enjoyed having the maximum number of Instagram followers in Bollywood, but it looks like the 'Quantico'&nbsp;star is determined to lead the race.&nbsp;

The actresses are ruling the Insta-world with 24 M followers each.

Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone have made a huge name globally proof- their immense Instagram following. The actresses are ruling the Insta-world with 24 M followers each. While DP currently stands at 24,025,025 followers, Priyanka is a little ahead with 24,027,207. Earlier, the 'Padmaavat' star enjoyed having the maximum number of Instagram followers in Bollywood, but it looks like the 'Quantico' star is determined to lead the race.

Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra  neck-to-neck on Instagram

You must be living under a rock to not know about the latest internet crush -- ‘Dancing Uncle’ whose videos went viral after he was spotted dancing at a wedding with his wife, aping Govinda’s dance styles to a 90’s song.

The man in the video identified as Sanjeev Shrivastava has now earned himself the title of "Dancing Uncle" after his videos went viral.

It all started when Sanjeev danced to Govinda’s song “Aap Ke Aa Jane Se”, copying the superstar’s dance steps in the video. The video was shot on May 12, 2018 during a &nbsp;‘sangeet night’ of Sanjeev’s brother-in-law in Gwalior.

Sanjeev is a 46-year-old electronics professor from Madhya Pradesh.

After earning accolades from many Bollywood celebrities, the man whom Sanjeev considers an inspiration has responded. Superstar Govinda in an interaction with a website said, “I finally saw the videos. I saw how he was dancing and I really liked what he was doing. I have come to know that he is a professor and his name in Sanjeev Shrivastava. The way he has copied my steps, he has done it so well. He is so much into it. More than half a dozen heroes have copied my steps, and nobody has done it so well! It felt like he was dancing with all his heart and having fun. And his wife also seemed like she was smiling ‘mann-hi-mann mein’. It was a treat watching them dance like this.”

Meanwhile, you can watch Dancing Uncle here:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U9RMIYz5DJA" width="970"></iframe>

Recently, a video of a couple dancing on stage at a wedding went viral on social media. The man identified as Sanjeev Shrivastava, said that he is inspired by Govinda.

You must be living under a rock to not know about the latest internet crush -- ‘Dancing Uncle’ whose videos went viral after he was spotted dancing at a wedding with his wife, aping Govinda’s dance styles to a 90’s song. The man in the video identified as Sanjeev Shrivastava has now earned himself the title of "Dancing Uncle" after his videos went viral. It all started when Sanjeev danced to Govinda’s song “Aap Ke Aa Jane Se”, copying the superstar’s dance steps in the video. The video was shot on May 12, 2018 during a ‘sangeet night’ of Sanjeev’s brother-in-law in Gwalior. Sanjeev is a 46-year-old electronics professor from Madhya Pradesh. After earning accolades from many Bollywood celebrities, the man whom Sanjeev considers an inspiration has responded. Superstar Govinda in an interaction with a website said, “I finally saw the videos. I saw how he was dancing and I really liked what he was doing. I have come to know that he is a professor and his name in Sanjeev Shrivastava. The way he has copied my steps, he has done it so well. He is so much into it. More than half a dozen heroes have copied my steps, and nobody has done it so well! It felt like he was dancing with all his heart and having fun. And his wife also seemed like she was smiling ‘mann-hi-mann mein’. It was a treat watching them dance like this.” Meanwhile, you can watch Dancing Uncle here:

Govinda on 'Dancing Uncle': More than half a dozen heroes have copied my steps, nobody has done it so well

Former Union minister&nbsp;P Chidambaram&nbsp;was on Tuesday questioned in the&nbsp;Aircel-Maxis&nbsp;case for the first time by the Enforcement Directorate, a department which was under him during his tenure in the finance ministry. 
 
The senior Congress leader, who was considered one of the most powerful ministers in the previous UPA government, was questioned by the probe agency for over six hours. 
 
The agency recorded his statement under the&nbsp;PMLA&nbsp;(Prevention of Money Laundering Act) with some specific queries on the circumstances and procedures adopted by the now-defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) while giving approval to the Aircel-Maxis deal during his tenure. 
 
Chidambaram's son Karti has already been questioned by the ED twice in this case. 
 
Soon after leaving the ED office, Chidambaram tweeted to say that all the answers he gave to the probe agency were already recorded in government documents. 
 
He also said that there is no FIR, yet a probe had been initiated. 
 
"More than half the time taken up by typing the answers without errors, reading the statement and signing it!" he said in his tweet.

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More than half the time taken up by typing the answers without errors, reading the statement and signing it!
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1003998639180546049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chidambaram arrived at the agency's headquarters annexe office here around 10:58 am accompanied by a lawyer, even as a strong contingent of police and CRPF personnel set up a security cordon at the office. 
 
He was allowed by the agency to go out for lunch around 1:30 pm after over two hours of questioning, officials said. 
 
The next round of questioning began about 3:30 pm which ended around 7 pm, they said. 
 
It is expected that the agency may call him again. 
 
The ED had issued a fresh summons to him yesterday to appear before the investigating officer of the case. 
 
Chidambaram, also a former home minister, had last week approached the court of special judge OP Saini seeking relief from arrest by the ED in the case. 
 
The same court today directed the ED not to take any coercive action or arrest him till July 10 in connection with the case. 
 
The ED had first asked him to appear before it on May 30 and on the same day, Chidambaram knocked the court's door. 
 
The court, in its order on May 30, had noted that Chidambaram has undertaken to comply with the summons issued by the ED, while saying he apprehended his arrest by the agency. 
 
The Aircel-Maxis cases pertains to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd in 2006 for investment in Aircel. 
 
The Supreme Court had on March 12 directed investigating agencies -- the CBI and the ED -- to complete their probe into the 2G spectrum allocation cases, including the Aircel Maxis alleged money laundering case, in six months. 
 
The agency had said that the FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was competent to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). 
 
The ED is investigating "the circumstances of the FIPB approval granted (in 2006) by the then finance minister." 
 
"In the instant case, the approval for FDI of $800 million (over Rs 3,500 crore) was sought. Hence, the CCEA was competent to grant the approval. 
 
"However, the approval was not obtained from the CCEA," the ED had alleged. 
 
The agency said its probe revealed that the case of the said FDI was "wrongly projected as an investment of Rs 180 crore so that it need not be sent to the CCEA to avoid a detailed scrutiny".&nbsp;

The senior Congress leader, who was considered one of the most powerful ministers in the previous UPA government, was questioned by the probe agency for over six hours

Former Union minister P Chidambaram was on Tuesday questioned in the Aircel-Maxis case for the first time by the Enforcement Directorate, a department which was under him during his tenure in the finance ministry. The senior Congress leader, who was considered one of the most powerful ministers in the previous UPA government, was questioned by the probe agency for over six hours. The agency recorded his statement under the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) with some specific queries on the circumstances and procedures adopted by the now-defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) while giving approval to the Aircel-Maxis deal during his tenure. Chidambaram's son Karti has already been questioned by the ED twice in this case. Soon after leaving the ED office, Chidambaram tweeted to say that all the answers he gave to the probe agency were already recorded in government documents. He also said that there is no FIR, yet a probe had been initiated. "More than half the time taken up by typing the answers without errors, reading the statement and signing it!" he said in his tweet. More than half the time taken up by typing the answers without errors, reading the statement and signing it! — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) June 5, 2018 × Chidambaram arrived at the agency's headquarters annexe office here around 10:58 am accompanied by a lawyer, even as a strong contingent of police and CRPF personnel set up a security cordon at the office. He was allowed by the agency to go out for lunch around 1:30 pm after over two hours of questioning, officials said. The next round of questioning began about 3:30 pm which ended around 7 pm, they said. It is expected that the agency may call him again. The ED had issued a fresh summons to him yesterday to appear before the investigating officer of the case. Chidambaram, also a former home minister, had last week approached the court of special judge OP Saini seeking relief from arrest by the ED in the case. The same court today directed the ED not to take any coercive action or arrest him till July 10 in connection with the case. The ED had first asked him to appear before it on May 30 and on the same day, Chidambaram knocked the court's door. The court, in its order on May 30, had noted that Chidambaram has undertaken to comply with the summons issued by the ED, while saying he apprehended his arrest by the agency. The Aircel-Maxis cases pertains to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd in 2006 for investment in Aircel. The Supreme Court had on March 12 directed investigating agencies -- the CBI and the ED -- to complete their probe into the 2G spectrum allocation cases, including the Aircel Maxis alleged money laundering case, in six months. The agency had said that the FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was competent to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). The ED is investigating "the circumstances of the FIPB approval granted (in 2006) by the then finance minister." "In the instant case, the approval for FDI of $800 million (over Rs 3,500 crore) was sought. Hence, the CCEA was competent to grant the approval. "However, the approval was not obtained from the CCEA," the ED had alleged. The agency said its probe revealed that the case of the said FDI was "wrongly projected as an investment of Rs 180 crore so that it need not be sent to the CCEA to avoid a detailed scrutiny".

Aircel-Maxis case: Chidambaram appears before ED, grilled for 6 hours

PM Narendra Modi addressed people on the government's Awas Yogna&nbsp;through the Namo app today asserting that every Indian, rich or poor, must have a house.

"Will provide a roof for everyone, completed 50 lakh homes for the poor," Modi said.

Modi promised housing for everyone by 2022.

"The government is catering for the requirement of increased population," the Indian prime minister said, adding, "will ensure 3 crore houses rural areas in 2022, 1 &nbsp;crore houses in urban areas."

"Swachh Bharat, MGNREGA are linked in Awas Yogna,"&nbsp;Modi said while addressing people on the Namo app.

"Every human desires his or her own house. A person becomes much happier when he or she has a house. The Awas Yojana is not merely about brick and mortar," the PM said.

"During UPA government, beneficiaries were selected through BPL(Below Poverty Line) list. We started doing selection through socio-economic-caste-census with the help of which we added those beneficiaries who were left out earlier," he informed.

PM Narendra Modi addressed people on the government's Awas Yogna

PM Narendra Modi addressed people on the government's Awas Yogna through the Namo app today asserting that every Indian, rich or poor, must have a house. "Will provide a roof for everyone, completed 50 lakh homes for the poor," Modi said. Modi promised housing for everyone by 2022. "The government is catering for the requirement of increased population," the Indian prime minister said, adding, "will ensure 3 crore houses rural areas in 2022, 1 crore houses in urban areas." "Swachh Bharat, MGNREGA are linked in Awas Yogna," Modi said while addressing people on the Namo app. "Every human desires his or her own house. A person becomes much happier when he or she has a house. The Awas Yojana is not merely about brick and mortar," the PM said. "During UPA government, beneficiaries were selected through BPL(Below Poverty Line) list. We started doing selection through socio-economic-caste-census with the help of which we added those beneficiaries who were left out earlier," he informed.

'Housing for all by 2022,' says PM Modi via Namo app

B-town 'besties'&nbsp;Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez are the cover stars for Hello! magazine`s June 2018 issue.

Donning colour-coordinated attires, the stars look stunning on the magazine`s cover.

In 'The Friendship Special'&nbsp;edition, Salman and Jacqueline will talk about their special equation and upcoming film 'Race 3'.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjmaikMFbIx/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">The besties talk about their special equation and their forthcoming multi-starrer Race 3. The actor, who has transcended boundaries of time - having co-starred with Actresses who were toddlers when he made his debut - talks fondly of the evolution of his bff, from the days of shooting Kick to this latest caper. --- Jacqueline looks exquisite in an off-shoulder corset long trail gown from @gauriandnainika, leather jacket from @zara paired with @luluandskyofficial strappy heels. Beautiful rose gold-diamond choker & earrings set and cocktail diamond ring in gold from @om_jewellers complete her look. Salman is charismatic in a t-shirt from @zara, multi-zipper trousers from @robinnyc, leather jacket from @asa_kazingmei paired with a customised belt and shoes TEXT: @sindhycrawford PHOTOS: @errikosandreouphoto @ DEU: Creative Management HAIR FOR SALMAN: @aalimhakim MAKE-UP FOR SALMAN: #SudeshNaag HAIR AND MAKE-UP: @shaanmu JEWELRY COURTESY: @om_jewellers CREATIVE DIRECTION: @avantikkak STYLING FOR JACQUELINE: @sonampoladia STYLING FOR SALMAN: @ashley_rebello</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hellomagindia/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> HELLO! India</a> (@hellomagindia) on <time datetime="2018-06-04T10:58:05+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Jun 4, 2018 at 3:58am PDT</time>
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The official Instagram account of the magazine shared the cover, writing, "The besties talk about their special equation and their forthcoming multi- starrer Race 3. The actor, who has transcended boundaries of time - having co-starred with Actresses who were toddlers when he made his debut - talks fondly of the evolution of his bff , from the days of shooting Kick to this latest caper."

In the magazine, Salman and Jacqueline will talk about their special equation and upcoming film 'Race 3'

B-town 'besties' Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez are the cover stars for Hello! magazine`s June 2018 issue. Donning colour-coordinated attires, the stars look stunning on the magazine`s cover. In 'The Friendship Special' edition, Salman and Jacqueline will talk about their special equation and upcoming film 'Race 3'. The besties talk about their special equation and their forthcoming multi-starrer Race 3. The actor, who has transcended boundaries of time - having co-starred with Actresses who were toddlers when he made his debut - talks fondly of the evolution of his bff, from the days of shooting Kick to this latest caper. --- Jacqueline looks exquisite in an off-shoulder corset long trail gown from @gauriandnainika, leather jacket from @zara paired with @luluandskyofficial strappy heels. Beautiful rose gold-diamond choker & earrings set and cocktail diamond ring in gold from @om_jewellers complete her look. Salman is charismatic in a t-shirt from @zara, multi-zipper trousers from @robinnyc, leather jacket from @asa_kazingmei paired with a customised belt and shoes TEXT: @sindhycrawford PHOTOS: @errikosandreouphoto @ DEU: Creative Management HAIR FOR SALMAN: @aalimhakim MAKE-UP FOR SALMAN: #SudeshNaag HAIR AND MAKE-UP: @shaanmu JEWELRY COURTESY: @om_jewellers CREATIVE DIRECTION: @avantikkak STYLING FOR JACQUELINE: @sonampoladia STYLING FOR SALMAN: @ashley_rebello A post shared by HELLO! India (@hellomagindia) on Jun 4, 2018 at 3:58am PDT × The official Instagram account of the magazine shared the cover, writing, "The besties talk about their special equation and their forthcoming multi- starrer Race 3. The actor, who has transcended boundaries of time - having co-starred with Actresses who were toddlers when he made his debut - talks fondly of the evolution of his bff , from the days of shooting Kick to this latest caper."

'Besties' Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez strike a pose on a magazine cover

Member of parliament and actor Paresh Rawal is all set to play to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a biopic. The actor has revealed to a newspaper that the work on the film has just begun and he will soon start shooting for it.&nbsp; 
“We are just locking the script and hopefully it will be finished by August 15, and we will begin to shoot it in September or October,” Rawal told the publication. “It will be a hugely challenging role.”

Rawal, who is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, will also produce the film. It is not clear yet on who will helm the project and which actors, other than Rawal, are part of it.&nbsp;

The 63-year-old actor will soon be seen as Sunil Dutt in Raju Hirani’s biopic on Sanjay Dutt. Sanju will be released on June 9. 
&nbsp;

Rawal will play the PM's character in the film.

Member of parliament and actor Paresh Rawal is all set to play to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a biopic. The actor has revealed to a newspaper that the work on the film has just begun and he will soon start shooting for it. “We are just locking the script and hopefully it will be finished by August 15, and we will begin to shoot it in September or October,” Rawal told the publication. “It will be a hugely challenging role.” Rawal, who is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, will also produce the film. It is not clear yet on who will helm the project and which actors, other than Rawal, are part of it. The 63-year-old actor will soon be seen as Sunil Dutt in Raju Hirani’s biopic on Sanjay Dutt. Sanju will be released on June 9.

Paresh Rawal to start working on a biopic on PM Narendra Modi soon

Former Bigg Boss contestant and actor Armaan Kohli has been accused of physical assault by his girlfriend and live-in partner Neeru Randhawa, a fashion stylist. 
 
A case has been registered under sections 323, 326, 504 and 506 against the actor and the police are on a lookout for Mr Kohli for further investigation. 
 
The couple had a fight over financial issues on Sunday, media reports claim. Kohli, in a fit of rage, pushed Randhawa down a flight of stairs. She alleged that the actor grabbed her hair and hit her head against the floor.&nbsp; 
Randhawa has suffered head injuries and has been hospitalised in Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital.&nbsp; 
 
The two have been in a live-in relationship since 2015. They met through a common friend and soon started dating. 
 
Armaan Kohli veteran filmmaker Rajkumar Kohli's son and made his debut in Virodhi (1992). He was also part of films like Jaani Dushman (2002) and LOC: Kargil (2003). He then vanished from the scene only to resurface in Salman Khan's TV show Bigg Boss.

During the TV show, he started dating actor Tanishaa Mukerji. The two, however, parted ways due to alleged differences in temperament and personality.

A case has been registered against the former Bigg Boss contestant.

Former Bigg Boss contestant and actor Armaan Kohli has been accused of physical assault by his girlfriend and live-in partner Neeru Randhawa, a fashion stylist. A case has been registered under sections 323, 326, 504 and 506 against the actor and the police are on a lookout for Mr Kohli for further investigation. The couple had a fight over financial issues on Sunday, media reports claim. Kohli, in a fit of rage, pushed Randhawa down a flight of stairs. She alleged that the actor grabbed her hair and hit her head against the floor. Randhawa has suffered head injuries and has been hospitalised in Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital. The two have been in a live-in relationship since 2015. They met through a common friend and soon started dating. Armaan Kohli veteran filmmaker Rajkumar Kohli's son and made his debut in Virodhi (1992). He was also part of films like Jaani Dushman (2002) and LOC: Kargil (2003). He then vanished from the scene only to resurface in Salman Khan's TV show Bigg Boss. During the TV show, he started dating actor Tanishaa Mukerji. The two, however, parted ways due to alleged differences in temperament and personality.

Armaan Kohli accused of physically assaulting live-in partner

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/guatemala-volcano-eruption-62-dead-and-hundreds-injured-as-lava-surge-sweeps-through-villages-142226">Guatemala volcano eruption: 62 dead and hundreds injured as lava surge sweeps through villages</a>

Fuego has been erupting since 2002 and was continuously active in 2017. There were explosions and ash plumes on May 19-21 as well as a volcanic mudflow on May 17.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-meet-kim-jong-un-at-900-am-in-singapore-white-house-142235">Trump to meet Kim Jong-un at 9:00 am in Singapore on June 12: White House</a>

President Trump who few weeks had declared the summit was going to happen after earlier nearly calling it off will now meet Kim for the first time in an Asian country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-i-apologised-to-monica-lewinsky-metoo-long-overdue-says-bill-clinton-142240">Watch: I apologised to Monica Lewinsky, MeToo long overdue, says Bill Clinton</a>

Monica Lewinsky, the White House intern, had an affair with President Clinton in the mid-1990s which blew up into a major scandal and nearly went into impeachment.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ensure-that-our-future-generations-live-on-a-green-planet-tweets-pm-modi-on-environment-day-142243">Ensure that our future generations live on a green planet, tweets PM Modi on Environment Day</a>

Each World Environment Day is organised around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/waqar-younis-apologises-for-cutting-wasims-birthday-cake-during-ramzan-142230">Waqar Younis apologises for cutting Wasim's birthday cake during Ramzan</a>

"Apologise to everyone for cutting cake on Waseem Bhai`s birthday yesterday. We should have respected Ramadan and the people who were fasting ????. It was a poor act on our behalf #SORRY," he tweeted.

&nbsp

Read the five big stories of the day here

Guatemala volcano eruption: 62 dead and hundreds injured as lava surge sweeps through villages Fuego has been erupting since 2002 and was continuously active in 2017. There were explosions and ash plumes on May 19-21 as well as a volcanic mudflow on May 17. Trump to meet Kim Jong-un at 9:00 am in Singapore on June 12: White House President Trump who few weeks had declared the summit was going to happen after earlier nearly calling it off will now meet Kim for the first time in an Asian country. Watch: I apologised to Monica Lewinsky, MeToo long overdue, says Bill Clinton Monica Lewinsky, the White House intern, had an affair with President Clinton in the mid-1990s which blew up into a major scandal and nearly went into impeachment. Ensure that our future generations live on a green planet, tweets PM Modi on Environment Day Each World Environment Day is organised around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern. Waqar Younis apologises for cutting Wasim's birthday cake during Ramzan "Apologise to everyone for cutting cake on Waseem Bhai`s birthday yesterday. We should have respected Ramadan and the people who were fasting ????. It was a poor act on our behalf #SORRY," he tweeted.

News brief: Big stories of the day

"Together, let us ensure that our future generations live in a clean and green planet, in harmony with nature," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday morning hours on the occasion of World Environment Day.

World Environment Day is the "people's day" for doing something to take care of the Earth.

Each World Environment Day is organised around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address an event marking the World Environment Day whose theme this year is "Beat Plastic Pollution".&nbsp;

He will also visit the exhibition set up on the occasion at the Rajpath lawns.

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Greetings on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldEnvironmentDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldEnvironmentDay</a>. Together, let us ensure that our future generations live in a clean and green planet, in harmony with nature. <a href="https://t.co/HYUNlCCQ2P">pic.twitter.com/HYUNlCCQ2P</a>
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India is the global host nation for the 43rd edition of the event.

Environment ministers, representatives from the United Nations, and members from various industry bodies will be among the various dignitaries attending the event, a statement said.

Prime Minister, in his latest edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat' radio programme, had underlined that India being named the official host of the World Environment Day celebrations was a recognition of the country's growing leadership in tackling climate change issues.

He had also urged people to shun plastic to protect the environment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address an event marking the World Environment Day whose theme this year is "Beat Plastic Pollution".

"Together, let us ensure that our future generations live in a clean and green planet, in harmony with nature," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday morning hours on the occasion of World Environment Day. World Environment Day is the "people's day" for doing something to take care of the Earth. Each World Environment Day is organised around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address an event marking the World Environment Day whose theme this year is "Beat Plastic Pollution". He will also visit the exhibition set up on the occasion at the Rajpath lawns. Greetings on #WorldEnvironmentDay. Together, let us ensure that our future generations live in a clean and green planet, in harmony with nature. pic.twitter.com/HYUNlCCQ2P — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2018 × India is the global host nation for the 43rd edition of the event. Environment ministers, representatives from the United Nations, and members from various industry bodies will be among the various dignitaries attending the event, a statement said. Prime Minister, in his latest edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat' radio programme, had underlined that India being named the official host of the World Environment Day celebrations was a recognition of the country's growing leadership in tackling climate change issues. He had also urged people to shun plastic to protect the environment.

Ensure that our future generations live on a green planet, tweets PM Modi on Environment Day

Just like air travel, now beware of carrying excess luggage while travelling in trains as well.

As a result of numerous complaints regarding excess baggage being towed into train compartments, the Indian Railways has decided to strictly enforce its over-three-decades-old baggage allowance rules, which will see passengers paying up to six times the stipulated amount as penalty, if caught travelling with overweight luggage, an official said today.

According to the prescribed norms, a sleeper class and a second class passenger can carry luggage weighing 40 kg and 35 kg respectively without paying any extra money and a maximum of 80 kg and 70 kg respectively by paying for the excess luggage at the parcel office. The excess luggage would have to be put in the luggage van.

"The rules were already in place, we are just enforcing them strictly now. Passengers are allowed to book and carry excess luggage in the luggage van, up to the maximum limit, on the payment of a fee equivalent to one-and-a-half times the luggage rate.

"If a passenger is found travelling with un-booked luggage weighing more than the free allowance, the excess weight will be charged six times the luggage rate. The move is to ensure passenger convenience and address the issue of cramped compartments," Ved Prakash, Director, Information and Publicity, Railway Board, said.

Officials said unlike at the airports, where the luggage of each passenger is weighed, the railways will carry out random checks among the passengers.

For example, if a passenger is travelling 500 km with luggage weighing 80 kg in the sleeper class, he can book his excess baggage of 40 kg for Rs 109 in the luggage van.

However, if he fails to do so and is caught with the excess luggage, he will end up paying a penalty of Rs 654.

Similarly, an AC first class passenger can carry 70 kg of luggage for free and a maximum of 150 kg, after paying a fee for the excess 80 kg.&nbsp

An AC two-tier passenger can carry 50 kg of luggage for free and a maximum of 100 kg by paying a fee for the excess 50 kg.

The railways will also ensure that trunks, suitcases and boxes adhere to the prescribed measurements of 100cm x 60cm x 25cm (length, breadth, height) for personal luggage to be carried in the compartments.

If the trunks, suitcases and boxes exceed any one of the dimensions, those would have to be booked and carried in the luggage van, Prakash said.

The national transporter has launched a special drive (June 1-6) across all its zones to enforce the rules.

The Railways said people caught travelling with excess baggage will be made to pay six times what is normally charged

Just like air travel, now beware of carrying excess luggage while travelling in trains as well. As a result of numerous complaints regarding excess baggage being towed into train compartments, the Indian Railways has decided to strictly enforce its over-three-decades-old baggage allowance rules, which will see passengers paying up to six times the stipulated amount as penalty, if caught travelling with overweight luggage, an official said today. According to the prescribed norms, a sleeper class and a second class passenger can carry luggage weighing 40 kg and 35 kg respectively without paying any extra money and a maximum of 80 kg and 70 kg respectively by paying for the excess luggage at the parcel office. The excess luggage would have to be put in the luggage van. "The rules were already in place, we are just enforcing them strictly now. Passengers are allowed to book and carry excess luggage in the luggage van, up to the maximum limit, on the payment of a fee equivalent to one-and-a-half times the luggage rate. "If a passenger is found travelling with un-booked luggage weighing more than the free allowance, the excess weight will be charged six times the luggage rate. The move is to ensure passenger convenience and address the issue of cramped compartments," Ved Prakash, Director, Information and Publicity, Railway Board, said. Officials said unlike at the airports, where the luggage of each passenger is weighed, the railways will carry out random checks among the passengers. For example, if a passenger is travelling 500 km with luggage weighing 80 kg in the sleeper class, he can book his excess baggage of 40 kg for Rs 109 in the luggage van. However, if he fails to do so and is caught with the excess luggage, he will end up paying a penalty of Rs 654. Similarly, an AC first class passenger can carry 70 kg of luggage for free and a maximum of 150 kg, after paying a fee for the excess 80 kg. An AC two-tier passenger can carry 50 kg of luggage for free and a maximum of 100 kg by paying a fee for the excess 50 kg. The railways will also ensure that trunks, suitcases and boxes adhere to the prescribed measurements of 100cm x 60cm x 25cm (length, breadth, height) for personal luggage to be carried in the compartments. If the trunks, suitcases and boxes exceed any one of the dimensions, those would have to be booked and carried in the luggage van, Prakash said. The national transporter has launched a special drive (June 1-6) across all its zones to enforce the rules.

Now, massive fines for excess baggage on trains

The Tamil Nadu government today announced it would ban the use of plastic items, including non-biodegradable carry bags, from January 2019 to "gift a plastic-free" state to future generations.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami's announcement in the state assembly coincided with International Environment Day today.

The ban on manufacture, sale, storage and usage of items such as plastic paper, cups, water sachets, straws and carry bags would come into effect from&nbsp;January 1, 2019, Palaniswami said.

The ban would cover these plastic articles irrespective of their micron size.

However, polythene sachets used for packing milk, curd, oil and medical equipment would be exempted from the ban, Palaniswami said.

The PMK, in a statement, said this is not the first time the state government was banning disposable plastic, recalling that late Jayalalithaa had made a similar attempt in 2002 as chief minister then.

Palaniswami said former chief minister Jayalalithaa had earlier constituted an expert panel to go into the issue of banning plastic products.

That panel had suggested banning disposable plastic products, including bags, plates and cups, and recommended that traditional items such as plantain leaves and plates made of palm leaves be used, Palaniswami said.

The chief minister said non-biodegradable plastic products, mainly polythene covers affect the environment, impeding water flow.

"When such disposable plastic items remain on the soil, it impedes water flow to water bodies, resulting in stagnation. It also affects the flow of sewage.

"Further, it prevents percolation of rain water into the soil, thus affecting the increase in underground water," he said in a statement.

The chief minister said when rainwater stagnates in strewn plastic waste, it results in breeding of dengue and malaria-causing mosquitoes.

He said while such waste contributed towards flooding, it has also affected soil quality.&nbsp;

Its burning also causes problems, he said, adding that plastic products contributed to various forms of pollution-- air, land and water.

Cattle feeding on such waste face the danger of death, the chief minister said.

"Since plastic is non-biodegradable it is not easy to destroy... Due to pollution of air, water and land, plastic becomes harmful for human life. Therefore, completely avoiding them is the need of the hour," he said.

"Considering the damage caused by plastic, and to ensure this is not left behind for future generations, the Amma government has decided to ban non-biodegradable plastic covers, plates, cups, water packets, straws and bags," he said.

However, plastic sachets used to pack milk, curd and oil, besides those used to wrap medical products,would be exempted from the ban, Palaniswami said.

The ban is brought under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and it would come into effect from&nbsp;January 1, 2019, to allow people to change over to using paper bags and other products made out of paper as substitutes to the plastic items facing ban, he said.

Palaniswami said people's participation in the past for a rainwater harvesting scheme introduced by Jayalalithaa had resulted in success, as it had led to better groundwater resources.

"Similarly, with the cooperation and contribution of all, let us gift a plastic-free Tamil Nadu for the future generations of the state," he said.

PMK founder S Ramadoss, who welcomed the announcement, recalled that Jayalalithaa had made a similar attempt in 2002 as then chief minister.

"This is not the first time the Tamil Nadu government is banning disposable plastic. On May 7, 2002 then chief minister Jayalalithaa had brought in a legislation in the Assembly for banning the use of plastic.&nbsp;

"However, on January 1, 2003, she withdrew that legislation without any transparent reason," he said in a statement.

The PMK founder said the Tamil Nadu should "determinedly implement" its latest announcement on plastic ban.&nbsp;

Chief Minister EK Palaniswami said his government would ban the use of plastic items, including non-biodegradable carry bags, from January 2019 to 'gift a plastic-free' state to future generations

The Tamil Nadu government today announced it would ban the use of plastic items, including non-biodegradable carry bags, from January 2019 to "gift a plastic-free" state to future generations. Chief Minister K Palaniswami's announcement in the state assembly coincided with International Environment Day today. The ban on manufacture, sale, storage and usage of items such as plastic paper, cups, water sachets, straws and carry bags would come into effect from January 1, 2019, Palaniswami said. The ban would cover these plastic articles irrespective of their micron size. However, polythene sachets used for packing milk, curd, oil and medical equipment would be exempted from the ban, Palaniswami said. The PMK, in a statement, said this is not the first time the state government was banning disposable plastic, recalling that late Jayalalithaa had made a similar attempt in 2002 as chief minister then. Palaniswami said former chief minister Jayalalithaa had earlier constituted an expert panel to go into the issue of banning plastic products. That panel had suggested banning disposable plastic products, including bags, plates and cups, and recommended that traditional items such as plantain leaves and plates made of palm leaves be used, Palaniswami said. The chief minister said non-biodegradable plastic products, mainly polythene covers affect the environment, impeding water flow. "When such disposable plastic items remain on the soil, it impedes water flow to water bodies, resulting in stagnation. It also affects the flow of sewage. "Further, it prevents percolation of rain water into the soil, thus affecting the increase in underground water," he said in a statement. The chief minister said when rainwater stagnates in strewn plastic waste, it results in breeding of dengue and malaria-causing mosquitoes. He said while such waste contributed towards flooding, it has also affected soil quality. Its burning also causes problems, he said, adding that plastic products contributed to various forms of pollution-- air, land and water. Cattle feeding on such waste face the danger of death, the chief minister said. "Since plastic is non-biodegradable it is not easy to destroy... Due to pollution of air, water and land, plastic becomes harmful for human life. Therefore, completely avoiding them is the need of the hour," he said. "Considering the damage caused by plastic, and to ensure this is not left behind for future generations, the Amma government has decided to ban non-biodegradable plastic covers, plates, cups, water packets, straws and bags," he said. However, plastic sachets used to pack milk, curd and oil, besides those used to wrap medical products,would be exempted from the ban, Palaniswami said. The ban is brought under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and it would come into effect from January 1, 2019, to allow people to change over to using paper bags and other products made out of paper as substitutes to the plastic items facing ban, he said. Palaniswami said people's participation in the past for a rainwater harvesting scheme introduced by Jayalalithaa had resulted in success, as it had led to better groundwater resources. "Similarly, with the cooperation and contribution of all, let us gift a plastic-free Tamil Nadu for the future generations of the state," he said. PMK founder S Ramadoss, who welcomed the announcement, recalled that Jayalalithaa had made a similar attempt in 2002 as then chief minister. "This is not the first time the Tamil Nadu government is banning disposable plastic. On May 7, 2002 then chief minister Jayalalithaa had brought in a legislation in the Assembly for banning the use of plastic. "However, on January 1, 2003, she withdrew that legislation without any transparent reason," he said in a statement. The PMK founder said the Tamil Nadu should "determinedly implement" its latest announcement on plastic ban.

World Environment Day: Tamil Nadu to ban use of plastic from January 2019

Sonam Kapoor on Monday came out in support of her `veere` Swara Bhasker, after the latter was trolled for calling Pakistan a `failing state` and her masturbation scene in the recently released film `Veerey Di Wedding`.

Taking a dig at the trollers, the `Neerja` actress said these incidents happen as Swara has an opinion of her own."I think people just like to troll her because she has an opinion and a point of view and I guess that shows how much they love her because the other side of hate is always love, so Swara you have a lot of lovers!," she said to a news agency.

The two actresses have earlier co-starred in `Raanjhanaa` and `Prem Ratan Dhan Payo`. The actresses are known to be close friends.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjF9nnlhgr7/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Awwwwwwwwww!!!!! #veere got each other’s back.. and hands in heels! ❤️ #veereforlife From #behen in #Raanjhanaa to #Veere in #veerediwedding @sonamkapoor ???</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reallyswara/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Swara Bhasker</a> (@reallyswara) on <time datetime="2018-05-22T20:29:41+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 22, 2018 at 1:29pm PDT</time>
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Swara was slammed by Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane and others on social media for calling Pakistan a "failing state".

All this started, after the video of an interview went viral on social media, in which Swara talked about the recent ban in Pakistan on her new film `Veere Di Wedding`, which also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor and Shikha Talsania.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">"They`re (Pakistan) a non-secular state. I`m not surprised at all. </a>Why should we hold up Pakistan, which is a failing state - I don`t understand why we keep taking pleasure and feeling a sense of self-worth from all the silly things that happen in Pakistan," Swara said.

Also,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-swara-bhasker-has-a-fitting-reply-for-those-trolling-her-for-the-masturbation-scene-in-veere-di-wedding--142109"> several users slammed the actress for her masturbation scene</a>, claiming that they went to watch the movie with their grandmothers and "got embarrassed"."Hey @ReallySwara just watched #VeereDiWedding with my grandmother. We got embarrassed when that masturbation scene came on screen. as we came out of the theater my grandmother said I`m hindustan and I am ashamed of #VeereDiWedding," the tweets read. (sic)

In `Veere Di Wedding`, Swara plays the role of Sakshi, a free-spirited and impetuous woman who is going through a failed marriage.&nbsp;

Swara has been trolled for her masturbation scene in Veere Di Wedding

Sonam Kapoor on Monday came out in support of her `veere` Swara Bhasker, after the latter was trolled for calling Pakistan a `failing state` and her masturbation scene in the recently released film `Veerey Di Wedding`. Taking a dig at the trollers, the `Neerja` actress said these incidents happen as Swara has an opinion of her own."I think people just like to troll her because she has an opinion and a point of view and I guess that shows how much they love her because the other side of hate is always love, so Swara you have a lot of lovers!," she said to a news agency. The two actresses have earlier co-starred in `Raanjhanaa` and `Prem Ratan Dhan Payo`. The actresses are known to be close friends. Awwwwwwwwww!!!!! #veere got each other’s back.. and hands in heels! ❤️ #veereforlife From #behen in #Raanjhanaa to #Veere in #veerediwedding @sonamkapoor ??? A post shared by Swara Bhasker (@reallyswara) on May 22, 2018 at 1:29pm PDT × Swara was slammed by Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane and others on social media for calling Pakistan a "failing state". All this started, after the video of an interview went viral on social media, in which Swara talked about the recent ban in Pakistan on her new film `Veere Di Wedding`, which also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor and Shikha Talsania. "They`re (Pakistan) a non-secular state. I`m not surprised at all. Why should we hold up Pakistan, which is a failing state - I don`t understand why we keep taking pleasure and feeling a sense of self-worth from all the silly things that happen in Pakistan," Swara said. Also, several users slammed the actress for her masturbation scene, claiming that they went to watch the movie with their grandmothers and "got embarrassed"."Hey @ReallySwara just watched #VeereDiWedding with my grandmother. We got embarrassed when that masturbation scene came on screen. as we came out of the theater my grandmother said I`m hindustan and I am ashamed of #VeereDiWedding," the tweets read. (sic) In `Veere Di Wedding`, Swara plays the role of Sakshi, a free-spirited and impetuous woman who is going through a failed marriage.

'Swara you have a lot of lovers': Sonam Kapoor shuts trollers, comes out in support of her 'Veere'

Mukesh and Nita Ambani's elder son Akash Ambani will now get formally engaged in a traditional ceremony on June 30, 2018. The respective families have sent Save the Date video to the invitees.

The Save the Date video has song ‘Shubhaarambh’ from the movie 'Kai Po Che' as the background music and is being sent by parents of Akash and Shloka, Nita and Mukesh Ambani and Mona and Russell Mehta.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_7Yxd3m1WZg" width="560"></iframe>

The engagement ceremony will take place at the Ambani residence in the city.

<img alt="akash ambani wedding invite.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/akash%20ambani%20wedding%20invite.jpg" width="770" />

Earlier this year, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mukesh-ambanis-son-akash-to-marry-diamond-magnates-daughter-in-december-37006">Akash proposed to girlfriend Shloka in Goa</a>, in the presence of their families. The&nbsp;Ambanis followed it with a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/shah-rukh-khan,-katrina-kaif,-aishwarya-rai-at-akash-ambani-shloka-mehta's-pre-engagement-party-126544"> pre-engagement bash at their luxurious residence Antilla.</a> Bollywood who’s who was invited at the bash including some popular stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar and Aamir Khan.

The new couple was also spotted at the Siddhivinayak temple after the bash to seek blessings along with their close family members.

Shloka and Akash were also seen at Sonam Kapoor’s wedding in Mumbai to her longtime boyfriend Anand Ahuja.

The couple will tie the knot this December in a four-five day ceremony at a plush hotel in Mumbai.

Incidentally, Akash’s twin sister,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-in-photos-mukesh-ambanis-daughter-isha-gets-engaged-to-anand-piramal-at-mumbais-iskcon-temple-135131"> Isha Ambani also got engaged to boyfriend Anand Piramal</a> last month. Their wedding will also take place in December.

The Ambani and Mehta families sent out a Save the Date video that is a perfect mix of technology and tradition

Mukesh and Nita Ambani's elder son Akash Ambani will now get formally engaged in a traditional ceremony on June 30, 2018. The respective families have sent Save the Date video to the invitees. The Save the Date video has song ‘Shubhaarambh’ from the movie 'Kai Po Che' as the background music and is being sent by parents of Akash and Shloka, Nita and Mukesh Ambani and Mona and Russell Mehta. The engagement ceremony will take place at the Ambani residence in the city. Earlier this year, Akash proposed to girlfriend Shloka in Goa, in the presence of their families. The Ambanis followed it with a pre-engagement bash at their luxurious residence Antilla. Bollywood who’s who was invited at the bash including some popular stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar and Aamir Khan. The new couple was also spotted at the Siddhivinayak temple after the bash to seek blessings along with their close family members. Shloka and Akash were also seen at Sonam Kapoor’s wedding in Mumbai to her longtime boyfriend Anand Ahuja. The couple will tie the knot this December in a four-five day ceremony at a plush hotel in Mumbai. Incidentally, Akash’s twin sister, Isha Ambani also got engaged to boyfriend Anand Piramal last month. Their wedding will also take place in December.

Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta to get engaged on this day!

<blockquote>
Yami Gautam who had been keeping a secret regarding her look in the role Uri for her film has finally revealed it on her Instagram page.

The actress has not only taken to transforming herself physically but has also had a complete make over look wise.

The Kabil actress is currently sporting a stylish bob- this is the first time she has cut her hair for a role.

<img alt="lllllllllllllllllllll.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/lllllllllllllllllllll.jpg" width="770" />

The hair transformation was done over the weekend when the actress and a team of three hair stylists and the director worked on how her hair should look in the film.

We must admit, that the actress looks extremely classy .Yami has played diverse roles, be it in Vicky Donor or Kaabil or Sarkarr 3and has always delved into a role and made it her own.

This is exactly what she has done with her upcoming film, Uri.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjo3f6snIMU/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">When I broke up with my long hair ?#shorthair #newlook #surprise ❤ my partners in crime @shifstershetty and @humera_shaikh19 ?</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yamigautam/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Yami Gautam</a> (@yamigautam) on <time datetime="2018-06-05T09:54:21+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Jun 5, 2018 at 2:54am PDT</time>
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Uri is based on the Uri attacks that took place in 2016. The film is the directorial debut of Aditya Dhar and Yami will be seen opposite Vicky Kaushal in the film.
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<blockquote>
Speaking about it, Yami said, “I was extremely excited when the character needed this specific look for the film. When Aditya discussed it with me, I jumped at the opportunity of making my character more believable. So we did a few trials and then went ahead with it. I am loving my look, hope audiences love it too"

We cannot wait to see her complete look in the film, after seeing this new hairdo of her's.
</blockquote>

The actress has not only taken to transforming herself physically but has also had a complete make overlook wise

Yami Gautam who had been keeping a secret regarding her look in the role Uri for her film has finally revealed it on her Instagram page. The actress has not only taken to transforming herself physically but has also had a complete make over look wise. The Kabil actress is currently sporting a stylish bob- this is the first time she has cut her hair for a role. The hair transformation was done over the weekend when the actress and a team of three hair stylists and the director worked on how her hair should look in the film. We must admit, that the actress looks extremely classy .Yami has played diverse roles, be it in Vicky Donor or Kaabil or Sarkarr 3and has always delved into a role and made it her own. This is exactly what she has done with her upcoming film, Uri. When I broke up with my long hair ?#shorthair #newlook #surprise ❤ my partners in crime @shifstershetty and @humera_shaikh19 ? A post shared by Yami Gautam (@yamigautam) on Jun 5, 2018 at 2:54am PDT × Uri is based on the Uri attacks that took place in 2016. The film is the directorial debut of Aditya Dhar and Yami will be seen opposite Vicky Kaushal in the film. Speaking about it, Yami said, “I was extremely excited when the character needed this specific look for the film. When Aditya discussed it with me, I jumped at the opportunity of making my character more believable. So we did a few trials and then went ahead with it. I am loving my look, hope audiences love it too" We cannot wait to see her complete look in the film, after seeing this new hairdo of her's.

Revealed: Yami Gautam's changes her look for 'Uri'

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday that US sanctions on Russia military exports would not impact long-standing ties between New Delhi and one of its key arms suppliers Moscow.

US President Donald Trump in August signed a law threatening sanctions on any country doing business with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors.

The sanctions regime affects American allies like India, which has purchased Russian military hardware and expertise for decades.

India, the world's top defence importer, had been in talks with Russia to buy S-400 long range surface-to-air missile systems when the sanctions were announced.

There had been speculation last year when the sanctions were signed into law that the $6 billion weapons deal could be scuttled.

But Sitharaman said the long-running negotiations "have reached the final stage".

“I like to make it clear here that in all our engagements with the U.S., we have very clearly explained how India and Russia’s defence cooperation has been going on for a very long time,” Sitharaman said in response to a media query pertaining to the&nbsp;US&nbsp;advising India to not go ahead with purchase of S-400 anti-missile system from Russia.

“It’s a time-tested relationship and India has got quite a lot of defence assets from Russia. Assets, spares, servicing, we have a continuous relationship with Russia,” she noted.

Sitharaman said the US&nbsp;sanctions against Russia would not be impacting “this particular characteristic of India-Russia defence cooperation”.

Negotiations with Russia for S-400 were in the final stage, she pointed out, “The S-400 deal has been on for a very long time and we have reached the final stage negotiations. That explains it all,” she said.

India has increasingly turned to the United States and France for arms purchases in recent years, but is still reliant on Russia hardware and expertise to maintain its existing arsenal.

India has very clearly conveyed to the US that the "time-tested" Indo-Russian cooperation in the defence sector will continue, including the deal for S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the IAF, notwithstanding the American sanctions against Moscow.&nbsp;

Sources said India wants its defence transactions with Russia to be insulated from the purview of stringent American law CAATSA and is likely to raise the issue with the US when the two sides meet in Washington for the 2+2 talks next month.&nbsp;

"In all our engagements with the US, we have clearly explained how India and Russia's defence cooperation has been going on for a long time and that it is a time-tested relationship. We have mentioned that CAATSA cannot impact the India-Russia defence cooperation," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said at a press conference.&nbsp;

She said India has got quite a lot of defence assets from Russia and the cooperation between the two countries will continue.&nbsp; 
 
In January, the US announced sanctions against Russia under its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for Moscow's alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016.&nbsp; 
 
India wants to procure the long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along the nearly 4,000-km-long Sino-India border.&nbsp; 
 
Official sources said both Russia and India are likely to announce the deal before an annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in October.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump in August signed a law threatening sanctions on any country doing business with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday that US sanctions on Russia military exports would not impact long-standing ties between New Delhi and one of its key arms suppliers Moscow. US President Donald Trump in August signed a law threatening sanctions on any country doing business with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors. The sanctions regime affects American allies like India, which has purchased Russian military hardware and expertise for decades. India, the world's top defence importer, had been in talks with Russia to buy S-400 long range surface-to-air missile systems when the sanctions were announced. There had been speculation last year when the sanctions were signed into law that the $6 billion weapons deal could be scuttled. But Sitharaman said the long-running negotiations "have reached the final stage". “I like to make it clear here that in all our engagements with the U.S., we have very clearly explained how India and Russia’s defence cooperation has been going on for a very long time,” Sitharaman said in response to a media query pertaining to the US advising India to not go ahead with purchase of S-400 anti-missile system from Russia. “It’s a time-tested relationship and India has got quite a lot of defence assets from Russia. Assets, spares, servicing, we have a continuous relationship with Russia,” she noted. Sitharaman said the US sanctions against Russia would not be impacting “this particular characteristic of India-Russia defence cooperation”. Negotiations with Russia for S-400 were in the final stage, she pointed out, “The S-400 deal has been on for a very long time and we have reached the final stage negotiations. That explains it all,” she said. India has increasingly turned to the United States and France for arms purchases in recent years, but is still reliant on Russia hardware and expertise to maintain its existing arsenal. India has very clearly conveyed to the US that the "time-tested" Indo-Russian cooperation in the defence sector will continue, including the deal for S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the IAF, notwithstanding the American sanctions against Moscow. Sources said India wants its defence transactions with Russia to be insulated from the purview of stringent American law CAATSA and is likely to raise the issue with the US when the two sides meet in Washington for the 2+2 talks next month. "In all our engagements with the US, we have clearly explained how India and Russia's defence cooperation has been going on for a long time and that it is a time-tested relationship. We have mentioned that CAATSA cannot impact the India-Russia defence cooperation," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said at a press conference. She said India has got quite a lot of defence assets from Russia and the cooperation between the two countries will continue. In January, the US announced sanctions against Russia under its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for Moscow's alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016. India wants to procure the long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along the nearly 4,000-km-long Sino-India border. Official sources said both Russia and India are likely to announce the deal before an annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in October. (With inputs from agencies)

US sanctions won't impact India-Russia defence ties: Nirmala Sitharaman

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