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As we had reported earlier, Richa Chadha went back to theatre after a two year long hiatus recently. The talented actress went back to the stage with a play called The Life in Telling. The play was directed by Quasar Thakore Padamsee and starred Vinay Pathak and Ashwin Mushran as well. It was held at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai and opened to a full house. Being an extremely exclusive play for the head honchos of an international bank, there were only two shows, one in Mumbai and one in Delhi.&nbsp;

With just two shows, the play managed to create an impression with the audience and was extremely well received. The bank has now decided to sponsor a short film based on the play. 
For the first time in India, a play will be adapted into a short film. Long feature films have been converted into plays and vice versa, but to tell a story in less than 15 minutes is tricky. The film shall also be named, The Life in Telling, after the play and it will have three stories with a common thread.&nbsp; 
 
Richa Chadha will again be seen playing the female lead in all three stories along with Vinay Pathak. As it is a short film they have the freedom to use a few locations instead of being restricted to the stage. 
 
&nbsp;An elated Richa said "The first show of the play in Mumbai went off well and it was great to see a packed venue. The response to it has been great. We have even got requests from people asking when the next show would be in the city. It was quite a good surprise when the production told us that due to the responses they had received they were making the play into a short film. And adding to that is the fact that it might just be the first of its kind. While watching it as a play has its own feel, as a short film it will reach a whole new level and many more people."&nbsp;

We cannot wait to see this film and are extremely excited to see Richa wow small screen audiences the way she does on the big screen.

A play, featuring the actress, will now be adapted into a short film.

As we had reported earlier, Richa Chadha went back to theatre after a two year long hiatus recently. The talented actress went back to the stage with a play called The Life in Telling. The play was directed by Quasar Thakore Padamsee and starred Vinay Pathak and Ashwin Mushran as well. It was held at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai and opened to a full house. Being an extremely exclusive play for the head honchos of an international bank, there were only two shows, one in Mumbai and one in Delhi. With just two shows, the play managed to create an impression with the audience and was extremely well received. The bank has now decided to sponsor a short film based on the play. For the first time in India, a play will be adapted into a short film. Long feature films have been converted into plays and vice versa, but to tell a story in less than 15 minutes is tricky. The film shall also be named, The Life in Telling, after the play and it will have three stories with a common thread. Richa Chadha will again be seen playing the female lead in all three stories along with Vinay Pathak. As it is a short film they have the freedom to use a few locations instead of being restricted to the stage. An elated Richa said "The first show of the play in Mumbai went off well and it was great to see a packed venue. The response to it has been great. We have even got requests from people asking when the next show would be in the city. It was quite a good surprise when the production told us that due to the responses they had received they were making the play into a short film. And adding to that is the fact that it might just be the first of its kind. While watching it as a play has its own feel, as a short film it will reach a whole new level and many more people." We cannot wait to see this film and are extremely excited to see Richa wow small screen audiences the way she does on the big screen.

Richa Chadha to star in a first of its kind short film

Repolling at 73 booths in Kairana Lok Sabha constituency passed off peacefully today with an estimated voter turn out of 61 per cent, the state election office said here.

The Election Commission had yesterday ordered repolling at these polling stations in view of technical snags in EVM-VVPAT machines during the bye-election on Monday.

The bypolls witnessed campaigns by different political parties and leaders in a manner that was seen by many as desperate attempts to win and increase their chances of winning in the next year’s Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

High stakes are involved for two national parties – BJP and Congress. Apparently for BJP, to hold the vacated seats was the top most priority. The Congress aggressively campaigned with a hope to increase its tally after it managed to form the government in Karnataka.

The bypolls witnessed allegations by different parties about EVM malfunctioning, with Election Commission denying it and holding that all polls were conducted in free and fair manner and no untoward incident was reported.

(With inputs from PTI)

Apparently for BJP, to hold the vacated seats was the top most priority. The Congress aggressively campaigned with a hope to increase its tally after it managed to form the government in Karnataka.

Repolling at 73 booths in Kairana Lok Sabha constituency passed off peacefully today with an estimated voter turn out of 61 per cent, the state election office said here. The Election Commission had yesterday ordered repolling at these polling stations in view of technical snags in EVM-VVPAT machines during the bye-election on Monday. The bypolls witnessed campaigns by different political parties and leaders in a manner that was seen by many as desperate attempts to win and increase their chances of winning in the next year’s Lok Sabha elections. High stakes are involved for two national parties – BJP and Congress. Apparently for BJP, to hold the vacated seats was the top most priority. The Congress aggressively campaigned with a hope to increase its tally after it managed to form the government in Karnataka. The bypolls witnessed allegations by different parties about EVM malfunctioning, with Election Commission denying it and holding that all polls were conducted in free and fair manner and no untoward incident was reported. (With inputs from PTI)

61 per cent voter turn out in repolling at 73 Kairana booths

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over one&nbsp;paisa price cut and said ''If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste.''&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi tweeted ''Dear PM, You've cut the price of Petrol and Diesel today by 1 paisa. ONE paisa!?? If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste. &nbsp;P.S. A ONE paisa cut is not a suitable response to the #FuelChallenge I threw you last week.''

Earlier in the day, Indian Oil announced on their website that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise after sixteen consecutive days of high prices which had angered everyone.

However, cheer among the consumers short-lived, thanks to an error in the official website of Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL).&nbsp;

Petrol and diesel prices were actually cut by 1 paisa per litre each in the capital city of Delhi on Wednesday instead of a bigger cut that was reported earlier by India's largest fuel retailer.

Earlier in the morning, its website said that petrol and diesel prices have been reduced by 60 paise and 56 paise per litre respectively.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dear PM, 
 
You've cut the price of Petrol and Diesel today by 1 paisa. ONE paisa!?? 
 
If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste. 
 
P.S. A ONE paisa cut is not a suitable response to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FuelChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FuelChallenge</a> I threw you last week. <a href="https://t.co/u7xzbUUjDS">https://t.co/u7xzbUUjDS</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1001741650220249088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Indian Oil announced on their website that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over one paisa price cut and said ''If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste.'' Rahul Gandhi tweeted ''Dear PM, You've cut the price of Petrol and Diesel today by 1 paisa. ONE paisa!?? If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste. P.S. A ONE paisa cut is not a suitable response to the #FuelChallenge I threw you last week.'' Earlier in the day, Indian Oil announced on their website that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise after sixteen consecutive days of high prices which had angered everyone. However, cheer among the consumers short-lived, thanks to an error in the official website of Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL). Petrol and diesel prices were actually cut by 1 paisa per litre each in the capital city of Delhi on Wednesday instead of a bigger cut that was reported earlier by India's largest fuel retailer. Earlier in the morning, its website said that petrol and diesel prices have been reduced by 60 paise and 56 paise per litre respectively. Dear PM, You've cut the price of Petrol and Diesel today by 1 paisa. ONE paisa!?? If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste. P.S. A ONE paisa cut is not a suitable response to the #FuelChallenge I threw you last week. https://t.co/u7xzbUUjDS — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 30, 2018 ×

'One paisa drop in fuel price is a prank?': Rahul mocks Modi

The government has not received any bids so far for its stake in state-run carrier Air India, the civil aviation secretary told TV channels, a day before the formal bidding process closes.

The government will not extend the deadline for submissions of interest in Air India, R.N. Choubey said on Wednesday. The deadline for receiving bids has already been extended once to May 31 from May 14.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, keen to sell the loss-making, debt-ridden airline, finalised plans in late March to divest a 76 per cent stake and offload about $5.1 billion (3.8 billion pounds) of its debt.

The government is planning to divest a 76 per cent stake in the loss-making state-owned carrier, which has reportedly been laden with debts running into thousands of crores.

After the terms were disclosed, no company has come forward to say it is interesting or to reaffirm previous interest.

Jet Airways and rival IndiGo, owned by InterGlobe Aviation, have already opted out of the race.&nbsp

(With inputs from Agencies)

The government is planning to divest a 76 per cent stake in the loss-making state-owned carrier, which has reportedly been laden with debts running into thousands of crores.

The government has not received any bids so far for its stake in state-run carrier Air India, the civil aviation secretary told TV channels, a day before the formal bidding process closes. The government will not extend the deadline for submissions of interest in Air India, R.N. Choubey said on Wednesday. The deadline for receiving bids has already been extended once to May 31 from May 14. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, keen to sell the loss-making, debt-ridden airline, finalised plans in late March to divest a 76 per cent stake and offload about $5.1 billion (3.8 billion pounds) of its debt. The government is planning to divest a 76 per cent stake in the loss-making state-owned carrier, which has reportedly been laden with debts running into thousands of crores. After the terms were disclosed, no company has come forward to say it is interesting or to reaffirm previous interest. Jet Airways and rival IndiGo, owned by InterGlobe Aviation, have already opted out of the race. (With inputs from Agencies)

No bids for Air India so far, will not extend deadline: Aviation secretary

The income of seven national parties from "unknown sources" during 2016-17 was Rs 710.80 crore, while total donations (above Rs 20,000) declared by them stood at Rs 589.38 crore, with BJP receiving Rs 532.27 crore from 1,194 entities, says a report.

Donations declared by BJP is more than nine times the aggregate declared by Indian National Congress (INC), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) for the same period, the report by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said today.

"The total donations (above Rs 20,000) declared by the national parties was Rs 589.38 crore, from 2,123 donations. A total of Rs 532.27 crore was declared by BJP from 1,194 donations while INC declared receiving Rs 41.90 crore from 599 donations," it said.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) declared that it did not receive any donations above Rs 20,000 during 2016-17, as it has been declaring for the past 11 years.

Total donations of national parties during 2016-17 increased by Rs 487.36 crore from Rs 102.02 crore during the previous financial year 2015-16, the report jointly prepared by ADR and National Election Watch (NEW) said.

Donations to BJP increased from Rs 76.85 crore during 2015-16 to Rs 532.27 crore in 2016-17, while that of NCP increased from Rs 71 lakh in 2015-16 to Rs 6.34 crore in 2016-17, the Delhi-based think-tank said.

Also, donations to AITC increased by 231 per cent, CPM and INC have declared an increase of 190 per cent and 105 per cent, respectively, as per their donation reports for 2015-16 and 2016-17, while that of CPI decreased by 9 per cent, it said.

The total income of national parties for 2016-17 was Rs 1,559.17 crore. Total income of national parties from known donors (details of donors as available from contribution report submitted by the parties to Election Commission) was Rs 589.38 crore, which is 37.8 per cent of the total income of the seven national parties in 2016-17, the report said.

Total income of the parties from other known sources ( sale of assets, membership fees, bank interest, sale of publications and party levy) was Rs 258.99 crore, or 16.61 per cent of the total income.

As per ADR, total income of seven national parties from unknown sources (income specified in IT Returns whose sources are unknown), for 2016-17 was Rs 710.80 crore, which is 45.59 per cent of the total income of the parties from all over India.

BJP's total income from unknown sources, including voluntary contributions, miscellaneous income, was Rs 464.94 crore during 2016-17, while that of Congress' total income from unknown sources stood at Rs 126.124 crore.

Among unknown sources of funding, maximum funds were collected under "voluntary contributions" by the BJP during 2016-17. A total of Rs 464.84 crore was collected under this head, which formed 99.98 per cent of the total income from unknown sources.

The most preferred unknown source of funding for INC was "sale of coupons" under which the party collected a total of Rs 115.64 crore which formed 91.69 per cent of its total income from unknown sources during 2016-17, it said.

The report further said that 708 donations to national parties were made by corporate/business sectors amounting to Rs 563.24 crore (95.56 per cent of total donations), while 1,354 individual donors donated Rs 25.07 crore (4.25 per cent of total donations) to the parties during 2016-17.

ADR said that 531 donations from corporate/business sectors were made to BJP (Rs 515.43 crore) while 663 individual donors donated Rs 16.82 crore to the party during 2016-17.

INC received a total of Rs 36.06 crore via 98 donations from corporate/business sectors and Rs 5.84 crore through 501 individual donors during 2016-17. 
Satya Electoral Trust donated a total of Rs 265.12 crore to BJP and INC and is one of the top two donors to the two parties. The Trust donated Rs 251.22 crore to BJP and Rs 13.90 crore to INC, the report said. 
Among state-wise donations to national parties, a total of Rs 290.90 crore was donated from Delhi, followed by Rs 112.31 crore from Maharashtra and Rs 20.22 crore from Uttar Pradesh, it added.&nbsp

Donations declared by BJP is more than nine times the aggregate declared by INC, NCP, CPI, Marxist CPM and AITC for the same period, the report by ADR said today

The income of seven national parties from "unknown sources" during 2016-17 was Rs 710.80 crore, while total donations (above Rs 20,000) declared by them stood at Rs 589.38 crore, with BJP receiving Rs 532.27 crore from 1,194 entities, says a report. Donations declared by BJP is more than nine times the aggregate declared by Indian National Congress (INC), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) for the same period, the report by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said today. "The total donations (above Rs 20,000) declared by the national parties was Rs 589.38 crore, from 2,123 donations. A total of Rs 532.27 crore was declared by BJP from 1,194 donations while INC declared receiving Rs 41.90 crore from 599 donations," it said. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) declared that it did not receive any donations above Rs 20,000 during 2016-17, as it has been declaring for the past 11 years. Total donations of national parties during 2016-17 increased by Rs 487.36 crore from Rs 102.02 crore during the previous financial year 2015-16, the report jointly prepared by ADR and National Election Watch (NEW) said. Donations to BJP increased from Rs 76.85 crore during 2015-16 to Rs 532.27 crore in 2016-17, while that of NCP increased from Rs 71 lakh in 2015-16 to Rs 6.34 crore in 2016-17, the Delhi-based think-tank said. Also, donations to AITC increased by 231 per cent, CPM and INC have declared an increase of 190 per cent and 105 per cent, respectively, as per their donation reports for 2015-16 and 2016-17, while that of CPI decreased by 9 per cent, it said. The total income of national parties for 2016-17 was Rs 1,559.17 crore. Total income of national parties from known donors (details of donors as available from contribution report submitted by the parties to Election Commission) was Rs 589.38 crore, which is 37.8 per cent of the total income of the seven national parties in 2016-17, the report said. Total income of the parties from other known sources ( sale of assets, membership fees, bank interest, sale of publications and party levy) was Rs 258.99 crore, or 16.61 per cent of the total income. As per ADR, total income of seven national parties from unknown sources (income specified in IT Returns whose sources are unknown), for 2016-17 was Rs 710.80 crore, which is 45.59 per cent of the total income of the parties from all over India. BJP's total income from unknown sources, including voluntary contributions, miscellaneous income, was Rs 464.94 crore during 2016-17, while that of Congress' total income from unknown sources stood at Rs 126.124 crore. Among unknown sources of funding, maximum funds were collected under "voluntary contributions" by the BJP during 2016-17. A total of Rs 464.84 crore was collected under this head, which formed 99.98 per cent of the total income from unknown sources. The most preferred unknown source of funding for INC was "sale of coupons" under which the party collected a total of Rs 115.64 crore which formed 91.69 per cent of its total income from unknown sources during 2016-17, it said. The report further said that 708 donations to national parties were made by corporate/business sectors amounting to Rs 563.24 crore (95.56 per cent of total donations), while 1,354 individual donors donated Rs 25.07 crore (4.25 per cent of total donations) to the parties during 2016-17. ADR said that 531 donations from corporate/business sectors were made to BJP (Rs 515.43 crore) while 663 individual donors donated Rs 16.82 crore to the party during 2016-17. INC received a total of Rs 36.06 crore via 98 donations from corporate/business sectors and Rs 5.84 crore through 501 individual donors during 2016-17. Satya Electoral Trust donated a total of Rs 265.12 crore to BJP and INC and is one of the top two donors to the two parties. The Trust donated Rs 251.22 crore to BJP and Rs 13.90 crore to INC, the report said. Among state-wise donations to national parties, a total of Rs 290.90 crore was donated from Delhi, followed by Rs 112.31 crore from Maharashtra and Rs 20.22 crore from Uttar Pradesh, it added.

National parties receive Rs 711 cr donation from 'unknown sources' in 2016-17: ADR

Yami Gautam has been busy prepping for her role in Uri, the Aditya Dhar film that is based on the Uri attacks of 2016. She has also simultaneously resumed her preparations for Batti Gul Meter Chaalu which recently resumed its shoot in Mumbai.&nbsp;

Yami plays a pivotal role in the film as a lawyer alongside Shahid Kapoor and the film also stars, Shraddha Kapoor. It is directed by Shree Narayan Singh and discusses the discrepancies of electric billing in small towns.&nbsp;

To prepare for her role, Yami went to the court recently to watch a vacation bench session taking place. After being informed by her lawyer friend on when the session will be held, she made way to the Bombay High court to see what happens in the proceedings and how the prosecution and defence fight for their viewpoint.&nbsp;

Batti Gul Meter Chalu addresses an issue that plagues many people across the country. As a result, there are various cases that are brought to court by unhappy consumers. Though these cases are against big companies, there is a lot of research that goes into becoming the prosecution for something like this.

Yami plays a pivotal role in the film as a lawyer

Yami Gautam has been busy prepping for her role in Uri, the Aditya Dhar film that is based on the Uri attacks of 2016. She has also simultaneously resumed her preparations for Batti Gul Meter Chaalu which recently resumed its shoot in Mumbai. Yami plays a pivotal role in the film as a lawyer alongside Shahid Kapoor and the film also stars, Shraddha Kapoor. It is directed by Shree Narayan Singh and discusses the discrepancies of electric billing in small towns. To prepare for her role, Yami went to the court recently to watch a vacation bench session taking place. After being informed by her lawyer friend on when the session will be held, she made way to the Bombay High court to see what happens in the proceedings and how the prosecution and defence fight for their viewpoint. Batti Gul Meter Chalu addresses an issue that plagues many people across the country. As a result, there are various cases that are brought to court by unhappy consumers. Though these cases are against big companies, there is a lot of research that goes into becoming the prosecution for something like this.

Yami Gautam heads to Bombay High Court for her next film 'Batti Gul Meter Chalu'

Members of civil society and religious minorities in India were concerned over minority communities feeling "increasingly vulnerable" due to Hindu nationalist groups engaging in violence against them in 2017, a US report on international religious freedom said today.

The Congressional-mandated annual report on International Religious Freedom covering 2017 was released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

According to the report, representatives of religious minority communities stated that, while the national government sometimes spoke out against incidents of violence, local political leaders often did not, and at times made public remarks that individuals could interpret as condoning violence.

"Members of civil society and religious minorities stated that under the current government, religious minority communities felt increasingly vulnerable due to Hindu nationalist groups engaging in violence against non-Hindu individuals and their places of worship, the report said.

"Authorities often did not prosecute violence by vigilantes against persons, mostly Muslims, suspected of slaughtering or illegally transporting cows or trading in or consuming beef,&nbsp;the report said.

Citing some court cases such as triple Talaq, it said many long-standing legal cases involving religiously motivated violence and riots continued to advance slowly.

"The government continued its challenge to the minority status of Muslim educational institutions in the Supreme Court. Minority status afforded these institutions independence in hiring and curriculum decisions,"&nbsp;it said.

It said on July 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned a rise in deadly mob attacks on cattle traders, consumers of beef, and dairy farmers, and said killing persons in the name of protecting cows was unacceptable.&nbsp;

In a speech at University of Bangalore on August 7, then-Vice President of India Hamid Ansari said Dalits, Muslims, and Christians were feeling increasingly insecure, it noted. &nbsp;

In an August 10 interview, Ansari stated there was a feeling of "unease"&nbsp;and "insecurity creeping in"&nbsp;among Muslims in the country. His remarks drew criticism from the BJP and Hindu nationalist groups, the report said.

According to figures compiled by local partners of international non-governmental organisation (NGO) Open Doors, during the first six months of the year, Christians were harassed, threatened, or attacked for their faith in 410 reported incidents, compared with 441 incidents in all of 2016, the report said.

From January through May, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported 296 conflicts between religious communities, resulting in 44 deaths and 892 injuries, it said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congressional-mandated annual report on International Religious Freedom covering 2017 was released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Members of civil society and religious minorities in India were concerned over minority communities feeling "increasingly vulnerable" due to Hindu nationalist groups engaging in violence against them in 2017, a US report on international religious freedom said today. The Congressional-mandated annual report on International Religious Freedom covering 2017 was released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. According to the report, representatives of religious minority communities stated that, while the national government sometimes spoke out against incidents of violence, local political leaders often did not, and at times made public remarks that individuals could interpret as condoning violence. "Members of civil society and religious minorities stated that under the current government, religious minority communities felt increasingly vulnerable due to Hindu nationalist groups engaging in violence against non-Hindu individuals and their places of worship, the report said. "Authorities often did not prosecute violence by vigilantes against persons, mostly Muslims, suspected of slaughtering or illegally transporting cows or trading in or consuming beef, the report said. Citing some court cases such as triple Talaq, it said many long-standing legal cases involving religiously motivated violence and riots continued to advance slowly. "The government continued its challenge to the minority status of Muslim educational institutions in the Supreme Court. Minority status afforded these institutions independence in hiring and curriculum decisions," it said. It said on July 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned a rise in deadly mob attacks on cattle traders, consumers of beef, and dairy farmers, and said killing persons in the name of protecting cows was unacceptable. In a speech at University of Bangalore on August 7, then-Vice President of India Hamid Ansari said Dalits, Muslims, and Christians were feeling increasingly insecure, it noted. In an August 10 interview, Ansari stated there was a feeling of "unease" and "insecurity creeping in" among Muslims in the country. His remarks drew criticism from the BJP and Hindu nationalist groups, the report said. According to figures compiled by local partners of international non-governmental organisation (NGO) Open Doors, during the first six months of the year, Christians were harassed, threatened, or attacked for their faith in 410 reported incidents, compared with 441 incidents in all of 2016, the report said. From January through May, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported 296 conflicts between religious communities, resulting in 44 deaths and 892 injuries, it said.

Religious minority communities in India felt increasingly vulnerable in 2017: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-emerges-key-challenge-in-india-indonesia-strategic-partnership-pakistan-sidelined-140969">Terrorism emerges key challenge in India, Indonesia strategic partnership Pakistan sidelined</a>

Countering terrorism has emerged as a key common challenge in the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) between India and Indonesia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral visit to Indonesia. &nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/icici-bank-to-probe-allegations-against-ceo-chanda-kochhar-141004">ICICI Bank to probe allegations against CEO Chanda Kochhar</a>

ICICI Bank Ltd said on Wednesday it will institute an inquiry into the allegations raised by an anonymous whistleblower against Chief Executive Chanda Kochhar.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-you-resort-to-protest-for-each-and-everything-tamil-nadu-will-turn-into-cemetery-rajinikanth--141032">If you resort to protest for each and everything Tamil Nadu will turn into 'cemetery': Rajinikanth</a>

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Wednesday hit out at the anti-social elements in the recent anti-Sterlite protest and said that if you resort to protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into 'cemetery'.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-claims-assault-on-afghan-interior-ministry-1-policeman-killed--141034">Islamic State claims assault on Afghan interior ministry, 1 policeman killed</a>

The Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the attack on Afghanistan's Interior Ministry in Kabul, which killed one police officer and wounded five people.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-shooting-gunman-suspected-of-killing-another-person-on-eve-of-rampage-140968">Belgium shooting: 'Terrorist' attacker killed fourth person day before </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-shooting-gunman-suspected-of-killing-another-person-on-eve-of-rampage-140968">Liege</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-shooting-gunman-suspected-of-killing-another-person-on-eve-of-rampage-140968"> attack</a>

The man who killed two police officers and a civilian in Belgian city of Liege on Tuesday has been suspected of killing one other person on the eve of his rampage, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Terrorism emerges key challenge in India, Indonesia strategic partnership Pakistan sidelined Countering terrorism has emerged as a key common challenge in the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) between India and Indonesia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral visit to Indonesia. ICICI Bank to probe allegations against CEO Chanda Kochhar ICICI Bank Ltd said on Wednesday it will institute an inquiry into the allegations raised by an anonymous whistleblower against Chief Executive Chanda Kochhar. If you resort to protest for each and everything Tamil Nadu will turn into 'cemetery': Rajinikanth Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Wednesday hit out at the anti-social elements in the recent anti-Sterlite protest and said that if you resort to protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into 'cemetery'. Islamic State claims assault on Afghan interior ministry, 1 policeman killed The Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the attack on Afghanistan's Interior Ministry in Kabul, which killed one police officer and wounded five people. Belgium shooting: 'Terrorist' attacker killed fourth person day before Liege attack The man who killed two police officers and a civilian in Belgian city of Liege on Tuesday has been suspected of killing one other person on the eve of his rampage, prosecutors said Wednesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Wednesday hit out at the anti-social elements in the recent anti-Sterlite protest and said that if you resort to protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into 'cemetery'.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters after meeting the victims of the violent protests, the latest entrant into Tamil Nadu politics said, the entire problem started after anti-social elements attacked police and burned down Collector's office, as a result, peaceful protesters were killed.&nbsp;

''If you undertake protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into a cemetery,'' the actor said.&nbsp;

Earlier, he visited a general hospital in Thoothukkudhi as a "goodwill gesture" &nbsp;and met with the people who suffered injuries during the anti-Sterlite protests.

The actor also announced Rs 2 compensation for each of the kin of those who died in the protest.&nbsp;

He also warned the Tamil Nadu government on the occasion and said ''government needs to be careful as the people are watching."&nbsp;

As many as 13 people lost their lives in an anti-Sterlite protest which turned violent after a clash broke out between the protestors and the local police.

The locals were protesting for the closure of the factory for 99 days when the protests took a violent turn on May 22, the 100th day of their stir.&nbsp;

On Monday the government directed the permanent closure of the Sterlite copper smelting plant in Thoothukudi.

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The entire problem started after anti-social elements attacked police & burned down Collector's office, as a result peaceful protesters were killed. If you undertake protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into cemetery: Rajinikanth on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukkudi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukkudi</a> violence <a href="https://t.co/Nmw6RWWCjb">pic.twitter.com/Nmw6RWWCjb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001801124418961408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The actor also announced Rs 2 compensation for each of the kin of those who died in the protest.

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Wednesday hit out at the anti-social elements in the recent anti-Sterlite protest and said that if you resort to protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into 'cemetery'. Speaking to reporters after meeting the victims of the violent protests, the latest entrant into Tamil Nadu politics said, the entire problem started after anti-social elements attacked police and burned down Collector's office, as a result, peaceful protesters were killed. ''If you undertake protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into a cemetery,'' the actor said. Earlier, he visited a general hospital in Thoothukkudhi as a "goodwill gesture" and met with the people who suffered injuries during the anti-Sterlite protests. The actor also announced Rs 2 compensation for each of the kin of those who died in the protest. He also warned the Tamil Nadu government on the occasion and said ''government needs to be careful as the people are watching." As many as 13 people lost their lives in an anti-Sterlite protest which turned violent after a clash broke out between the protestors and the local police. The locals were protesting for the closure of the factory for 99 days when the protests took a violent turn on May 22, the 100th day of their stir. On Monday the government directed the permanent closure of the Sterlite copper smelting plant in Thoothukudi. The entire problem started after anti-social elements attacked police & burned down Collector's office, as a result peaceful protesters were killed. If you undertake protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into cemetery: Rajinikanth on #Thoothukkudi violence pic.twitter.com/Nmw6RWWCjb — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 ×

If you resort to protest for each and everything Tamil Nadu will turn into 'cemetery': Rajinikanth

'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero'&nbsp;is an upcoming &nbsp;Indian martial art action film, under Phantom Films banner which will release on June 1. Harshvardhan Kapoor plays the central character in the film that has been directed by Vikramaditya Motwane.&nbsp;

The film will be clashing with Harshvardhan`s elder sister Sonam Kapoor`s 'Veere Di Wedding'.

In this film, a group of young friends set out to challenge the wrong and do the right. A corrupt politician tries to stop them and kills one the friend in the group. This forces Siku (protagonist -&nbsp;played by Kapoor) to become a vigilante to revenge his friend's death and stop the wrong activities and the corrupt politician &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/entertainment-in-pictures%3A-harshvardhan-kapoor-shows-off-serious-stunts-at--%27bhavesh-joshi-superhero%27-promotion-in-mumbai-140837">Harshvardhan was seen promoting his film with his director Vikramaditya Motwane at a shopping mall on Tuesday.</a>

The actor gave a statement in the mall saying ''People are starved for new kind of films.''

While promoting his film the actor was asked what kind of films does he prefer doing to which he replied: "I think I am too new and I think this film will help me to reach out to more people. So, I am taking small steps. The idea is to try and do new films so that`s a more challenging road.

"It`s not always easy, but I think the audience is very intelligent and they want new films as they have seen same things so many times over and over again. I think as a young kid or guy, it`s my responsibility to do new kind of films because I think people are starved of it. So that`s what I am trying to do." he added&nbsp;

The actor will be seen in a Superhero form performing a lot of deathly stunts.

When asked about his experience while doing these stunts he said that&nbsp;

"It was very tough but not really because we loved the film and we believe in the film. We believe that people want new and innovative films. It`s a great privilege to get a chance to make those movies, so we have gone out there and done it. Now it`s for the people (to see), so we hope they like it."

'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero'&nbsp;has its concept which says standing up against wrong is never easy but those who do set an example for others&nbsp;

&nbsp;Reporters had a lot of questions for Harshvardhan out of which one was that -Has he ever fought for injustice in his personal life?

"No... But I think I do it in certain ways in my own life because I am trying to do something through the medium of films. Hopefully, this film turns out to be an important one and I truly believe that no film really changes your life but it definitely plants a seed in your head.

"I think films like `Rang De Basanti` and `Pink` have done it earlier, but what Vikram (Vikramaditya Motwane) has managed to do is that he has managed to tell a very important story in a very entertaining way. I think being part of this film, I have become more aware of things.

"I also think twice before I break the law, not in a big way but in a small way which we feel guilty of doing on a day-to-day basis. So, after watching the film, hopefully, people will resonate with the message of the film."

Harshvardhan was seen promoting his film with his director Vikramaditya Motwane at a shopping mall on Tuesday.

'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero' is an upcoming Indian martial art action film, under Phantom Films banner which will release on June 1. Harshvardhan Kapoor plays the central character in the film that has been directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. The film will be clashing with Harshvardhan`s elder sister Sonam Kapoor`s 'Veere Di Wedding'. In this film, a group of young friends set out to challenge the wrong and do the right. A corrupt politician tries to stop them and kills one the friend in the group. This forces Siku (protagonist - played by Kapoor) to become a vigilante to revenge his friend's death and stop the wrong activities and the corrupt politician Harshvardhan was seen promoting his film with his director Vikramaditya Motwane at a shopping mall on Tuesday. The actor gave a statement in the mall saying ''People are starved for new kind of films.'' While promoting his film the actor was asked what kind of films does he prefer doing to which he replied: "I think I am too new and I think this film will help me to reach out to more people. So, I am taking small steps. The idea is to try and do new films so that`s a more challenging road. "It`s not always easy, but I think the audience is very intelligent and they want new films as they have seen same things so many times over and over again. I think as a young kid or guy, it`s my responsibility to do new kind of films because I think people are starved of it. So that`s what I am trying to do." he added The actor will be seen in a Superhero form performing a lot of deathly stunts. When asked about his experience while doing these stunts he said that "It was very tough but not really because we loved the film and we believe in the film. We believe that people want new and innovative films. It`s a great privilege to get a chance to make those movies, so we have gone out there and done it. Now it`s for the people (to see), so we hope they like it." 'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero' has its concept which says standing up against wrong is never easy but those who do set an example for others Reporters had a lot of questions for Harshvardhan out of which one was that -Has he ever fought for injustice in his personal life? "No... But I think I do it in certain ways in my own life because I am trying to do something through the medium of films. Hopefully, this film turns out to be an important one and I truly believe that no film really changes your life but it definitely plants a seed in your head. "I think films like `Rang De Basanti` and `Pink` have done it earlier, but what Vikram (Vikramaditya Motwane) has managed to do is that he has managed to tell a very important story in a very entertaining way. I think being part of this film, I have become more aware of things. "I also think twice before I break the law, not in a big way but in a small way which we feel guilty of doing on a day-to-day basis. So, after watching the film, hopefully, people will resonate with the message of the film."

'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero' will help me to reach out to more people, says Harshvardhan Kapoor

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani today said he had offered the part of Sunil Dutt to Aamir Khan for the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-sanju-trailer-ranbir-kapoor-plays-many-shades-of-sanjay-dutt-in-rajkumar-hiranis-film--140941"> 'Sanju'&nbsp;biopic</a> but the superstar was reluctant to play an older character after 'Dangal'.

Khan recently revealed that he was offered the role of Sunil Dutt in the biopic, but he was more keen to play the lead role, which was already with Ranbir Kapoor.

When asked about this, Hirani said,?"Aamir is a friend and whenever I write a script, I narrate it to him to get a reaction. I had narrated this to him as well, not with the intention of casting him to play any role (but because) he reacts very interestingly to the script. Out of greed, I asked him if he would play Sunil Dutt's role."

The director said Aamir turned down the role but not without giving it some thought.

"He took it seriously and gave it a thought and said let's meet next week. When I met him, he showed me 'Dangal' and said 'I am already playing an older role, if my next film after this is again an older role, people will stop giving me young man's role', which was a valid argument," the director told reporters at the trailer launch of the biopic.

The entire star cast of the film was present at the trailer launch.

Ranbir plays the titular role in 'Sanju'&nbsp;which features Paresh Rawal as Sunil Dutt, Sonam Kapoor as one of the girlfriends of Dutt, Dia Mirza as his wife Manyata, Manisha Koirala as his mother Nargis and Vicky Kaushal as his friend.

The movie also features Anushka Sharma, and Hirani revealed that she is actually enacting him and co-writer Abhijat Joshi.

"Anushka is playing the role of me and Abhijat. She is playing a biographer from London who comes here and Sanju wants her to write a book on him but she's reluctant. When he was narrating his story to us, even we were wondering if we should do it or not.

"Sometimes we used to sit with policemen, lawyers, family. We were in two minds whether to do it or not. So she is actually playing us, but not a filmmaker, a biographer," Hirani said.

At the launch, Paresh Rawal revealed that he had once received a birthday letter from Sunil Dutt in 2005 out of the blue and he still has the letter.

"Usually, we discard birthday letters after a while but that particular letter stayed in my drawer. This is a wonderful connection. I think I was meant to play Dutt sahab's role," Rawal said.&nbsp;

Koirala, who plays Nargis Dutt, said when her film 'Bombay' had released, Sunil Dutt sent her a letter saying 'You remind me of Nargis Duttji'.

"I really take that as a huge compliment," Koirala said.

The film is scheduled to release on June 29.

Aamir Khan recently revealed that he was offered the role of Sunil Dutt in the biopic

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani today said he had offered the part of Sunil Dutt to Aamir Khan for the 'Sanju' biopic but the superstar was reluctant to play an older character after 'Dangal'. Khan recently revealed that he was offered the role of Sunil Dutt in the biopic, but he was more keen to play the lead role, which was already with Ranbir Kapoor. When asked about this, Hirani said,?"Aamir is a friend and whenever I write a script, I narrate it to him to get a reaction. I had narrated this to him as well, not with the intention of casting him to play any role (but because) he reacts very interestingly to the script. Out of greed, I asked him if he would play Sunil Dutt's role." The director said Aamir turned down the role but not without giving it some thought. "He took it seriously and gave it a thought and said let's meet next week. When I met him, he showed me 'Dangal' and said 'I am already playing an older role, if my next film after this is again an older role, people will stop giving me young man's role', which was a valid argument," the director told reporters at the trailer launch of the biopic. The entire star cast of the film was present at the trailer launch. Ranbir plays the titular role in 'Sanju' which features Paresh Rawal as Sunil Dutt, Sonam Kapoor as one of the girlfriends of Dutt, Dia Mirza as his wife Manyata, Manisha Koirala as his mother Nargis and Vicky Kaushal as his friend. The movie also features Anushka Sharma, and Hirani revealed that she is actually enacting him and co-writer Abhijat Joshi. "Anushka is playing the role of me and Abhijat. She is playing a biographer from London who comes here and Sanju wants her to write a book on him but she's reluctant. When he was narrating his story to us, even we were wondering if we should do it or not. "Sometimes we used to sit with policemen, lawyers, family. We were in two minds whether to do it or not. So she is actually playing us, but not a filmmaker, a biographer," Hirani said. At the launch, Paresh Rawal revealed that he had once received a birthday letter from Sunil Dutt in 2005 out of the blue and he still has the letter. "Usually, we discard birthday letters after a while but that particular letter stayed in my drawer. This is a wonderful connection. I think I was meant to play Dutt sahab's role," Rawal said. Koirala, who plays Nargis Dutt, said when her film 'Bombay' had released, Sunil Dutt sent her a letter saying 'You remind me of Nargis Duttji'. "I really take that as a huge compliment," Koirala said. The film is scheduled to release on June 29.

Aamir Khan didn't want to play older character post 'Dangal': Rajkumar Hirani

Trust Ranveer Singh to give a quirky spin to things. While most celebrities have been responding to fitness challenge by posting videos of them doing their favourite exercise, Ranveer's video barely shows him exercising. 
 
You read that right. Instead of having him record an exercising video, the actor has his friends, actor Aditya Roy Kapur and Siddharth Malhotra talking about Ranveer's fitness. The hilarious video has the two actors admiring Ranveer's 'hot' body till Ranveer himself comes into the frame and says, "If you want to become hot and sexy like me, come to the gym and pull some weights."&nbsp; 
 
The cheeky video ends with Ranveer showing off his biceps and stating how his favourite exercise is 'Bicep curls'.&nbsp;

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Fitness dwara aap hot & sexy bhi ban sakte hain!(meri tarah)???Kudos to most handsome & dashing leader <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ra_THORe</a> for brilliant initiative! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> ????? I tag my sexy gym bros <a href="https://twitter.com/S1dharthM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@S1dharthM</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdityaRoyKapur?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdityaRoyKapur</a> & Fittest Director <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohitShetty?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohitShetty</a> <a href="https://t.co/lwtVeuW0j8">pic.twitter.com/lwtVeuW0j8</a>
— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial/status/1001788505700388864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ranveer nominated Malhotra, Roy Kapur and Rohit Shetty to take on the challenge. 
 
The challenge kickstarted with the Union minister (youth affairs & sports) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore throwing in #HumFitTohIndiaFit challenge for a few people and thus starting the chain.&nbsp; 
Rajyavardhan posted a video on his Twitter account on May 22, asking Indians to share their fitness mantra (in hope to inculcate a fitness culture in India).&nbsp; 
 
Till now many actors and sports celebrities have taken up the challenge. Some names include Hrithik Roshan, Gul Panag, Naga Chaitanya, Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, south Indian actor Lakshmi Manchu, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Madhur Bhandarkar, Remo D’souza, Karan Johar, PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Yogeshwar Dutt, Sania Mirza (who is pregnant and due in October), Sushil Kumar, Parupalli Kashyap and Virat Kohli among others.

Psst...it features Sidharth Malhotra and Aditya Roy Kapoor too.

Trust Ranveer Singh to give a quirky spin to things. While most celebrities have been responding to fitness challenge by posting videos of them doing their favourite exercise, Ranveer's video barely shows him exercising. You read that right. Instead of having him record an exercising video, the actor has his friends, actor Aditya Roy Kapur and Siddharth Malhotra talking about Ranveer's fitness. The hilarious video has the two actors admiring Ranveer's 'hot' body till Ranveer himself comes into the frame and says, "If you want to become hot and sexy like me, come to the gym and pull some weights." The cheeky video ends with Ranveer showing off his biceps and stating how his favourite exercise is 'Bicep curls'. Fitness dwara aap hot & sexy bhi ban sakte hain!(meri tarah)???Kudos to most handsome & dashing leader @Ra_THORe for brilliant initiative! #FitnessChallenge #HumFitTohIndiaFit ????? I tag my sexy gym bros @S1dharthM and #AdityaRoyKapur & Fittest Director #RohitShetty pic.twitter.com/lwtVeuW0j8 — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) May 30, 2018 × Ranveer nominated Malhotra, Roy Kapur and Rohit Shetty to take on the challenge. The challenge kickstarted with the Union minister (youth affairs & sports) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore throwing in #HumFitTohIndiaFit challenge for a few people and thus starting the chain. Rajyavardhan posted a video on his Twitter account on May 22, asking Indians to share their fitness mantra (in hope to inculcate a fitness culture in India). Till now many actors and sports celebrities have taken up the challenge. Some names include Hrithik Roshan, Gul Panag, Naga Chaitanya, Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, south Indian actor Lakshmi Manchu, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Madhur Bhandarkar, Remo D’souza, Karan Johar, PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Yogeshwar Dutt, Sania Mirza (who is pregnant and due in October), Sushil Kumar, Parupalli Kashyap and Virat Kohli among others.

Ranveer Singh fitness challenge video is not how you would expect it to be

Karnataka chief minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said that he had come to power in the state with the blessing Congress president Rahul Gandhi, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy made the statement while speaking at a meeting with the&nbsp;farmer leaders on farm loan waiter. &nbsp;

''Without the blessing of people, but only with the blessing of Rahul Gandhi, we've come to power. I'll convince Congress party, but I can only take the decision once they approve,'' he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Earlier on Sunday, he said that he had formed a coalition government with Congress because people had not given him a clear mandate.&nbsp;

He further said, "some people were alleging me that I said that I will never form the government with any of the parties support. It is true that in the past whatever we said that will not be applicable in the present political scenario and I formed the government in coalition with Congress because people of Karnataka did not give me a clear mandate that is why I'm in the debt to the Congress and not to the people of the state."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: At meeting with farmer leaders, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> CM HD Kumaraswamy speaks on farmers' loan waiver, says, 'Without the blessing of people, but only with blessing of Rahul Gandhi, we've come to power. I'll convince Congress party, but I can only take decision once they approve.' <a href="https://t.co/VQiNuPA9oN">pic.twitter.com/VQiNuPA9oN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001792494420537344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

At meeting with farmer leaders, Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy was speaking about farm loan waiver

Karnataka chief minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said that he had come to power in the state with the blessing Congress president Rahul Gandhi, news agency ANI reported. Kumaraswamy made the statement while speaking at a meeting with the farmer leaders on farm loan waiter. ''Without the blessing of people, but only with the blessing of Rahul Gandhi, we've come to power. I'll convince Congress party, but I can only take the decision once they approve,'' he was quoted as saying by ANI. Earlier on Sunday, he said that he had formed a coalition government with Congress because people had not given him a clear mandate. He further said, "some people were alleging me that I said that I will never form the government with any of the parties support. It is true that in the past whatever we said that will not be applicable in the present political scenario and I formed the government in coalition with Congress because people of Karnataka did not give me a clear mandate that is why I'm in the debt to the Congress and not to the people of the state." #WATCH: At meeting with farmer leaders, #Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy speaks on farmers' loan waiver, says, 'Without the blessing of people, but only with blessing of Rahul Gandhi, we've come to power. I'll convince Congress party, but I can only take decision once they approve.' pic.twitter.com/VQiNuPA9oN — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 ×

We've come to power only with blessing of Rahul Gandhi: Kumaraswamy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Indian community in Indonesia capital Jakarta. He announced that arrangements were being made for free of cost visa to Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days.

Modi began his Indonesia visit today by paying homage to martyrs of Indonesian independence struggle as he laid a wreath at the Kalibata National Heroes' Cemetery in Jakarta. Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery in South Jakarta is a military cemetery in Indonesia. It was built in 1953 and opened in November 1954 when the first burial took place.&nbsp

Addressing a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Jakarta Convention Centre in the Indonesian capital, Modi said, "not only do the names of our nations rhyme but also there is a distinct rhythm in the India-Indonesia friendship."

"We will grant free of cost visa for Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days," Modi said, amid applause.

"Many of you may never have been to India. I invite you all to come to India for the Kumbh in Prayag next year," Modi told the gathering.

Here are the top quotes from PM Modi's address to the Indian community&nbsp

1: We are making arrangements of free of cost visa for Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days

2: Many of you may never have been to India. I invite you all to come to India for the Kumbh in Prayag next year

3: Not only do the names of our nations rhyme but also there is a distinct rhythm in the India-Indonesia friendship.

4: Both India and Indonesia have a sensitive outlook when it comes to helping those in need. We do not see the colour of anyone’s passport, we help our fellow humans who require any assistance.

5: We have gone a step ahead of ‘Ease of Doing Business.’ Our focus is ‘Ease of Living.’ Our processes are transparent and sensitive.

6: We in India are creating systems that are corruption free and development friendly.

7: Vibrant people to people relations boost bilateral ties between India and Indonesia.

8: Our first priority as a government is to make the country corruption free, citizen-centric and development-friendly

9: Both India & Indonesia are proud of their democratic ethos and their diversity. In 2014 people of India voted for a Government headed by a person belonging to a poor background. Similarly, the people of Indonesia elected President Joko Widodo whose background is also humble

10: You are equally committed to your roots in India as you are to Indonesia, many of you are Indonesians but India is there in your hearts

PM Modi today announced a 30-day free visa for Indonesian citizens and invited the diaspora to travel to their country of origin to experience the 'New India'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Indian community in Indonesia capital Jakarta. He announced that arrangements were being made for free of cost visa to Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days. Modi began his Indonesia visit today by paying homage to martyrs of Indonesian independence struggle as he laid a wreath at the Kalibata National Heroes' Cemetery in Jakarta. Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery in South Jakarta is a military cemetery in Indonesia. It was built in 1953 and opened in November 1954 when the first burial took place. Addressing a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Jakarta Convention Centre in the Indonesian capital, Modi said, "not only do the names of our nations rhyme but also there is a distinct rhythm in the India-Indonesia friendship." "We will grant free of cost visa for Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days," Modi said, amid applause. "Many of you may never have been to India. I invite you all to come to India for the Kumbh in Prayag next year," Modi told the gathering. Here are the top quotes from PM Modi's address to the Indian community 1: We are making arrangements of free of cost visa for Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days 2: Many of you may never have been to India. I invite you all to come to India for the Kumbh in Prayag next year 3: Not only do the names of our nations rhyme but also there is a distinct rhythm in the India-Indonesia friendship. 4: Both India and Indonesia have a sensitive outlook when it comes to helping those in need. We do not see the colour of anyone’s passport, we help our fellow humans who require any assistance. 5: We have gone a step ahead of ‘Ease of Doing Business.’ Our focus is ‘Ease of Living.’ Our processes are transparent and sensitive. 6: We in India are creating systems that are corruption free and development friendly. 7: Vibrant people to people relations boost bilateral ties between India and Indonesia. 8: Our first priority as a government is to make the country corruption free, citizen-centric and development-friendly 9: Both India & Indonesia are proud of their democratic ethos and their diversity. In 2014 people of India voted for a Government headed by a person belonging to a poor background. Similarly, the people of Indonesia elected President Joko Widodo whose background is also humble 10: You are equally committed to your roots in India as you are to Indonesia, many of you are Indonesians but India is there in your hearts

PM Modi announces 30-day free visa for Indonesian citizens

Amid widespread public anger over the rising fuel prices, Kerala government has decided to reduce the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs.1 in the state, news agency ANI reported.

According to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the new rates will come into effect on June 1.

CM Vijayan, while making the announcement, said he had a message for the BJP-ruled government at the centre.

"This will amount to a loss of Rs. 509 crore for the state government. This is our message to the central government. At a time when the nation has been demanding a reduction in prices, the central government hasn't done anything", Pinarayi Vijayan said.&nbsp;

Kerala as a state was the third highest in levying taxes on fuel but has now decided to lower the taxes.&nbsp;

Various state governments impose Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel besides the excise duty levied on them by the central government.

Earlier in the day, Indian Oil had declared that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise after sixteen consecutive days of high prices which had angered everyone.

However, the euphoria of price cut short-lived as hours after announcing cut in fuel prices, Indian Oil Corporation said the revised price was actually 1 paisa and not 60 paise as previously reported blaming it on "clerical error".&nbsp;

As a result, petrol prices have now have been revised down by just 1 paisa and not 60 paise in Delhi and&nbsp;59 paise in Mumbai.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> government has decided to reduce the prices of petrol and diesel by 1 Rupee in the state, will come into effect on 1 June: CM Pinarayi Vijayan (File Pic) <a href="https://t.co/Yf2wzGm34G">pic.twitter.com/Yf2wzGm34G</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001762121259143168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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CM Vijayan, while making the announcement, said he had a message for the BJP-ruled government at the centre.

Amid widespread public anger over the rising fuel prices, Kerala government has decided to reduce the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs.1 in the state, news agency ANI reported. According to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the new rates will come into effect on June 1. CM Vijayan, while making the announcement, said he had a message for the BJP-ruled government at the centre. "This will amount to a loss of Rs. 509 crore for the state government. This is our message to the central government. At a time when the nation has been demanding a reduction in prices, the central government hasn't done anything", Pinarayi Vijayan said. Kerala as a state was the third highest in levying taxes on fuel but has now decided to lower the taxes. Various state governments impose Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel besides the excise duty levied on them by the central government. Earlier in the day, Indian Oil had declared that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise after sixteen consecutive days of high prices which had angered everyone. However, the euphoria of price cut short-lived as hours after announcing cut in fuel prices, Indian Oil Corporation said the revised price was actually 1 paisa and not 60 paise as previously reported blaming it on "clerical error". As a result, petrol prices have now have been revised down by just 1 paisa and not 60 paise in Delhi and 59 paise in Mumbai. #Kerala government has decided to reduce the prices of petrol and diesel by 1 Rupee in the state, will come into effect on 1 June: CM Pinarayi Vijayan (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/Yf2wzGm34G — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 ×

Kerala government to cut petrol, diesel prices by Rs 1

Moody's Investors Service today cut India's 2018 growth forecast to 7.3 per cent from the previous estimate of 7.5 per cent, saying the economy is in cyclical recovery but higher oil prices and tighter financial conditions will weigh on the pace of acceleration.

Moody's, however, maintained its 2019 growth forecast at 7.5 per cent.

"The Indian economy is in cyclical recovery led by both investment and consumption. However, higher oil prices and tighter financial conditions will weigh on the pace of acceleration.

"We expect GDP growth of about 7.3 per cent in 2018, down from our previous forecast of 7.5 per cent. Our growth expectation for 2019 remains unchanged at 7.5 per cent," it said in an update of its 'Global Macro Outlook: 2018-19'.

Moody's said growth should benefit from an acceleration in rural consumption, supported by higher minimum support prices and a normal monsoon.

"The private investment cycle will continue to make a gradual recovery, as twin balance-sheet issues - impaired assets at banks and corporates - slowly get addressed through deleveraging and the application of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code," it said.

Also, the ongoing transition to the new Goods and Service Tax regime could weigh on growth somewhat over the next few quarters, which poses some downside risk to the forecast, it said. "However, we expect these issues to moderate over the course of the year."

For the world economy, Moody's expected 2018 to be a year of robust global growth, similar to 2017.

"However, global growth will likely moderate by the end of 2018 and in 2019 as a result of a number of advanced economies reaching full employment, and because of rising borrowing costs and tighter credit conditions in both advanced and emerging market countries that will hamper further acceleration," it said.

The G-20 countries, it said, will grow 3.3 per cent in 2018 and 3.2 per cent in 2019. The advanced economies will grow at a moderate 2.3 per cent in 2018 and 2.0 per cent in 2019, while G-20 emerging markets will remain the growth drivers, at 5.2 per cent in both 2018 and 2019, down from 5.3 per cent in 2017.

Moody's said downside risks to growth stem from emerging markets turmoil, oil price increases and trade disputes.

"The ongoing financial market turbulence in emerging market countries poses risks of a broader negative spillover effect on growth for a range of countries beyond Argentina and Turkey, while there is a risk that high oil prices will be detrimental to consumption demand. A re-escalation of trade tensions between the US and China is another risk factor to growth. Political concerns add to downside risks in Brazil, Mexico and Italy," it said.

"Overall, we expect 2018 to be a year of robust global growth, similar to 2017," according to Moody's VP Senior Credit Officer Madhavi Bokil.&nbsp;

"The ongoing financial market turbulence in emerging market countries poses risks of a broader negative spillover effect on growth for a range of countries beyond Argentina and Turkey, while there is a risk that high oil prices will weigh on purchasing power and present an upside risk to inflation. A re-escalation of trade tensions between the US and China is another risk factor to growth."

The outlook for global monetary policy is broadly unchanged with the US Federal Reserve on a predictable and gradual tightening monetary policy path. Three additional increases in the US federal funds rate this year is expected to be followed by three more hikes in 2019.

The European Central Bank will likely stop additional asset purchases by year-end and start increasing the deposit facility rate in the first half of 2019. The Bank of Japan will maintain its current monetary policy over the next two years.

"Rising interest rates and currency depreciation reinforces Moody's view central banks in emerging market countries will not be able to provide monetary policy accommodation for much longer," Bokil says.

Moody's said growth should benefit from an acceleration in rural consumption, supported by higher minimum support prices and a normal monsoon

Moody's Investors Service today cut India's 2018 growth forecast to 7.3 per cent from the previous estimate of 7.5 per cent, saying the economy is in cyclical recovery but higher oil prices and tighter financial conditions will weigh on the pace of acceleration. Moody's, however, maintained its 2019 growth forecast at 7.5 per cent. "The Indian economy is in cyclical recovery led by both investment and consumption. However, higher oil prices and tighter financial conditions will weigh on the pace of acceleration. "We expect GDP growth of about 7.3 per cent in 2018, down from our previous forecast of 7.5 per cent. Our growth expectation for 2019 remains unchanged at 7.5 per cent," it said in an update of its 'Global Macro Outlook: 2018-19'. Moody's said growth should benefit from an acceleration in rural consumption, supported by higher minimum support prices and a normal monsoon. "The private investment cycle will continue to make a gradual recovery, as twin balance-sheet issues - impaired assets at banks and corporates - slowly get addressed through deleveraging and the application of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code," it said. Also, the ongoing transition to the new Goods and Service Tax regime could weigh on growth somewhat over the next few quarters, which poses some downside risk to the forecast, it said. "However, we expect these issues to moderate over the course of the year." For the world economy, Moody's expected 2018 to be a year of robust global growth, similar to 2017. "However, global growth will likely moderate by the end of 2018 and in 2019 as a result of a number of advanced economies reaching full employment, and because of rising borrowing costs and tighter credit conditions in both advanced and emerging market countries that will hamper further acceleration," it said. The G-20 countries, it said, will grow 3.3 per cent in 2018 and 3.2 per cent in 2019. The advanced economies will grow at a moderate 2.3 per cent in 2018 and 2.0 per cent in 2019, while G-20 emerging markets will remain the growth drivers, at 5.2 per cent in both 2018 and 2019, down from 5.3 per cent in 2017. Moody's said downside risks to growth stem from emerging markets turmoil, oil price increases and trade disputes. "The ongoing financial market turbulence in emerging market countries poses risks of a broader negative spillover effect on growth for a range of countries beyond Argentina and Turkey, while there is a risk that high oil prices will be detrimental to consumption demand. A re-escalation of trade tensions between the US and China is another risk factor to growth. Political concerns add to downside risks in Brazil, Mexico and Italy," it said. "Overall, we expect 2018 to be a year of robust global growth, similar to 2017," according to Moody's VP Senior Credit Officer Madhavi Bokil. "The ongoing financial market turbulence in emerging market countries poses risks of a broader negative spillover effect on growth for a range of countries beyond Argentina and Turkey, while there is a risk that high oil prices will weigh on purchasing power and present an upside risk to inflation. A re-escalation of trade tensions between the US and China is another risk factor to growth." The outlook for global monetary policy is broadly unchanged with the US Federal Reserve on a predictable and gradual tightening monetary policy path. Three additional increases in the US federal funds rate this year is expected to be followed by three more hikes in 2019. The European Central Bank will likely stop additional asset purchases by year-end and start increasing the deposit facility rate in the first half of 2019. The Bank of Japan will maintain its current monetary policy over the next two years. "Rising interest rates and currency depreciation reinforces Moody's view central banks in emerging market countries will not be able to provide monetary policy accommodation for much longer," Bokil says.

Moody's cuts India's 2018 growth forecast to 7.3% from 7.5%

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday confirmed that Tesla will not be making its launch in India anytime soon,&nbspsuggesting in a tweeted earlier this morning.&nbsp

Musk said that it was up to the CFO, Deepak Ahuja, who suggested that the restrictive policy environment in India is acting as an obstacle in the electric vehicle's local production.&nbsp

“Would love to be in India. Some challenging government regulations, unfortunately. Deepak Ahuja, our CFO, is from India. Tesla will be there as soon as he believes we should,” Musk replied to a Twitter user who had said, “No Tesla in India.”

While many prominent Indians have shown a keen interest in Tesla’s vehicles, the firm is yet to take concrete steps to foray into the Indian market.

Last May, Musk had taken to Twitter to announce that his India plans had been derailed by the country’s Make in India push, which requires foreign companies to source at least 30% of their products locally. “…the supply doesn’t yet exist in India to support that,” he wrote.

A month on, Musk said Tesla was seeking temporary relief from import duties in India, presumably to start selling in the country sooner and with an affordable price tag. Although at the time, the official Make In India Twitter account clarified that only foreign retailers—not manufacturers—were subject to the local-sourcing clause, there was still no word on Tesla’s entry in the country.

Elon Musk has revealed plans to install 10,000 Supercharger stations for his company's electric vehicles around the world by the end of 2019.&nbsp

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Would love to be in India. Some challenging government regulations, unfortunately. Deepak Ahuja, our CFO, is from India. Tesla will be there as soon as he believes we should.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1001707195799621632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Musk said that it was up to the CFO, Deepak Ahuja, who suggested that the restrictive policy environment in India is acting as a caveat in the electric vehicles local production

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday confirmed that Tesla will not be making its launch in India anytime soon,&nbspsuggesting in a tweeted earlier this morning. Musk said that it was up to the CFO, Deepak Ahuja, who suggested that the restrictive policy environment in India is acting as an obstacle in the electric vehicle's local production. “Would love to be in India. Some challenging government regulations, unfortunately. Deepak Ahuja, our CFO, is from India. Tesla will be there as soon as he believes we should,” Musk replied to a Twitter user who had said, “No Tesla in India.” While many prominent Indians have shown a keen interest in Tesla’s vehicles, the firm is yet to take concrete steps to foray into the Indian market. Last May, Musk had taken to Twitter to announce that his India plans had been derailed by the country’s Make in India push, which requires foreign companies to source at least 30% of their products locally. “…the supply doesn’t yet exist in India to support that,” he wrote. A month on, Musk said Tesla was seeking temporary relief from import duties in India, presumably to start selling in the country sooner and with an affordable price tag. Although at the time, the official Make In India Twitter account clarified that only foreign retailers—not manufacturers—were subject to the local-sourcing clause, there was still no word on Tesla’s entry in the country. Elon Musk has revealed plans to install 10,000 Supercharger stations for his company's electric vehicles around the world by the end of 2019. Would love to be in India. Some challenging government regulations, unfortunately. Deepak Ahuja, our CFO, is from India. Tesla will be there as soon as he believes we should. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 30, 2018 ×

Elon Musk talks about Tesla's arrival in India, says all depends on Indian CEO

5:00 pm: Here are the top quotes from PM Modi's address to the Indian community&nbsp;

1: We are making arrangements of free of cost visa for Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days

2: Many of you may never have been to India. I invite you all to come to India for the Kumbh in Prayag next year

3: Not only do the names of our nations rhyme but also there is a distinct rhythm in the India-Indonesia friendship.

4: Both India and Indonesia have a sensitive outlook when it comes to helping those in need. We do not see the colour of anyone’s passport, we help our fellow humans who require any assistance.

5: We have gone a step ahead of ‘Ease of Doing Business.’ Our focus is ‘Ease of Living.’ Our processes are transparent and sensitive.

6: We in India are creating systems that are corruption free and development friendly.

7: Vibrant people to people relations boost bilateral ties between India and Indonesia.

8: Our first priority as a government is to make the country corruption free, citizen-centric and development-friendly

9: Both India & Indonesia are proud of their democratic ethos and their diversity. In 2014 people of India voted for a Government headed by a person belonging to a poor background. Similarly, the people of Indonesia elected President Joko Widodo whose background is also humble

10: You are equally committed to your roots in India as you are to Indonesia, many of you are Indonesians but India is there in your hearts

2: 22 pm: In a light-hearted moment, PM Modi and Indonesian President Widodo took to kite flying in Jakarta. The prime minister also visited a mosque in the city.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo fly kites at a Kite exhibition in Jakarta <a href="https://t.co/pQg39OgvOZ">pic.twitter.com/pQg39OgvOZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001715896820346882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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10:45 am: India aims to take bilateral trade with Indonesia to $50 billion, PM Modi asserted.

10:43 am: "We stand with Indonesia during tough times, he said. "We share similar views on terrorism,"&nbsp;the Indian prime minister added.

10:40 am: India stands with Indonesia, the Indian prime minister said, adding his visit was aimed at strengthing ties between the two nations.

10:39 am:&nbsp;"I thank Indonesia for the warm welcome,"&nbsp;PM Modi said with President Widodo by his side.

10:34 am: India, Indonesia signed key agreements and signed several MoUs, the joint statement said.

10:31 am: PM Modi and Indonesian President Widodo issued a joint statement at the presidential palace.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Jakarta: PM Narendra Modi at Merdeka Palace,Indonesian President Joko Widodo also present <a href="https://t.co/dBlQICe2bj">pic.twitter.com/dBlQICe2bj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001666056270774273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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8:57 am: PM&nbsp;Modi later interacted with Indonesian officials as part of the welcoming ceremony&nbsp;at Istana Merdeka Palace.

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Jakarta: PM Narendra Modi arrives at Merdeka Palace, welcomed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo <a href="https://t.co/lWcCkkAcMn">pic.twitter.com/lWcCkkAcMn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001665280291024896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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8:40 am: After paying tributes at the war cemetery, PM Modi was received at the presidential palace where he was officially welcomed during a ceremony attended by Indonesian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Joko Widodo. After taking salute, PM Modi interacted with kids waving the Indian flag.

8:07 am: PM Modi kicked off his engagement in Jakarta today by visiting the&nbsp;Kalibata national heroes'&nbsp;war cemetery. This is prime minister Modi's first official trip to the country.

The Indian prime minister will be addressing the Indian community in Indonesia later in the day. The prime minister will also take part in delegation-level talks.

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PM Narendra Modi pays tribute at Kalibata National Heroes' Cemetery in Jakarta. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indonesia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indonesia</a> <a href="https://t.co/UsFVPc6Gv4">pic.twitter.com/UsFVPc6Gv4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001654822062514177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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PM Modi will interact with CEOs later in the day

5:00 pm: Here are the top quotes from PM Modi's address to the Indian community 1: We are making arrangements of free of cost visa for Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days 2: Many of you may never have been to India. I invite you all to come to India for the Kumbh in Prayag next year 3: Not only do the names of our nations rhyme but also there is a distinct rhythm in the India-Indonesia friendship. 4: Both India and Indonesia have a sensitive outlook when it comes to helping those in need. We do not see the colour of anyone’s passport, we help our fellow humans who require any assistance. 5: We have gone a step ahead of ‘Ease of Doing Business.’ Our focus is ‘Ease of Living.’ Our processes are transparent and sensitive. 6: We in India are creating systems that are corruption free and development friendly. 7: Vibrant people to people relations boost bilateral ties between India and Indonesia. 8: Our first priority as a government is to make the country corruption free, citizen-centric and development-friendly 9: Both India & Indonesia are proud of their democratic ethos and their diversity. In 2014 people of India voted for a Government headed by a person belonging to a poor background. Similarly, the people of Indonesia elected President Joko Widodo whose background is also humble 10: You are equally committed to your roots in India as you are to Indonesia, many of you are Indonesians but India is there in your hearts 2: 22 pm: In a light-hearted moment, PM Modi and Indonesian President Widodo took to kite flying in Jakarta. The prime minister also visited a mosque in the city. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo fly kites at a Kite exhibition in Jakarta pic.twitter.com/pQg39OgvOZ — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 × 10:45 am: India aims to take bilateral trade with Indonesia to $50 billion, PM Modi asserted. 10:43 am: "We stand with Indonesia during tough times, he said. "We share similar views on terrorism," the Indian prime minister added. 10:40 am: India stands with Indonesia, the Indian prime minister said, adding his visit was aimed at strengthing ties between the two nations. 10:39 am: "I thank Indonesia for the warm welcome," PM Modi said with President Widodo by his side. 10:34 am: India, Indonesia signed key agreements and signed several MoUs, the joint statement said. 10:31 am: PM Modi and Indonesian President Widodo issued a joint statement at the presidential palace. Jakarta: PM Narendra Modi at Merdeka Palace,Indonesian President Joko Widodo also present pic.twitter.com/dBlQICe2bj — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 × 8:57 am: PM Modi later interacted with Indonesian officials as part of the welcoming ceremony at Istana Merdeka Palace. Jakarta: PM Narendra Modi arrives at Merdeka Palace, welcomed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo pic.twitter.com/lWcCkkAcMn — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 × 8:40 am: After paying tributes at the war cemetery, PM Modi was received at the presidential palace where he was officially welcomed during a ceremony attended by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. After taking salute, PM Modi interacted with kids waving the Indian flag. 8:07 am: PM Modi kicked off his engagement in Jakarta today by visiting the Kalibata national heroes' war cemetery. This is prime minister Modi's first official trip to the country. The Indian prime minister will be addressing the Indian community in Indonesia later in the day. The prime minister will also take part in delegation-level talks. PM Narendra Modi pays tribute at Kalibata National Heroes' Cemetery in Jakarta. #Indonesia pic.twitter.com/UsFVPc6Gv4 — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 ×

I invite you all for the 'Kumbh Mela', says PM Modi in his address to Indians in Jakarta

Janhvi Kapoor's first ever magazine cover may have been lauded by Bollywood but young actress has been receiving a lot of bad comments on social media. Kapoor has been trolled for posing for the magazine cover and&nbsp;designer Masaba Gupta has come&nbsp;to her rescue and defended the star kid. Masaba urged people to show some compassion towards her and appreciated Janhvi for keeping her head high and taking on a journey with grace despite her mother, Sridevi's demise.

Sridevi had gone to Dubai in February this year to attend her relatives' wedding, where, in an accidental drowning she lost her life which left the Indian film fraternity in deep shock.

Her eldest daughter Janhvi Kapoor is all set to make her big-budget Bollywood debut opposite Shahid Kapoor's brother Ishaan Khatter in Dharma Productions' 'Dhadak' which will be released in July.

Ahead of her film's release Janhvi posed for the cover of Vogue magazine. This was her first cover shoot.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjYhgz3FW2Y/" 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">A star is born! Presenting Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor), making her big debut on the cover of our #June 2018 issue. Photographed by: Prasad Naik (@prasadnaaik). Styled by: Priyanka Kapadia (@priyanka86). Hair by: Yianni Tsapatori (@yiannitsapatori). Make-up by: Subhash Vagal (@subbu28). Production: Imran Khatri Productions (@ikp.insta). Location courtesy: InterContinental Hotel, Mumbai</a>

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjYiR78liYr/" 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">Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor) takes centre stage in our June 2018 issue. Photographed by: Prasad Naik (@prasadnaaik). Styled by: Priyanka Kapadia (@priyanka86). Hair by: Yianni Tsapatori (@yiannitsapatori). Make-up by: Subhash Vagal (@subbu28)</a>

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjYjbJFleuR/" 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">On to all things bigger and brighter: Catch Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor) in our June 2018 issue. Photographed by: Prasad Naik (@prasadnaaik). Styled by: Priyanka Kapadia (@priyanka86). Hair by: Yianni Tsapatori (@yiannitsapatori). Make-up by: Subhash Vagal (@subbu28)</a>

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The photo drew a lot of criticism on social media with most stating that how she showed no remorse for her mother's death.&nbsp;

As&nbsp;Vogue India shared its gorgeous magazine cover on Instagram, a social media user commented on how Janhvi seems to be unaffected by Sridevi's death.

“She literally seems so unaffected by her mom’s death, she just wants the sympathy for her movie. Has all the time for gym looks and Airport and restaurant PR pictures,” she commented.

<img alt="oi.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/oi.jpg" width="770" />

&nbsp;

While some users sided with the comment and further called Janhvi a product of nepotism, the others gave it back to her and called out the user for her insensitivity.

The most prominent one of them was perhaps&nbsp;designer Masaba Gupta, who came to Janhvi's rescue and wrote an elaborate response to the comment. Calling it the “most insensitive thing” she's seen on social media, Masaba lashed out on the trolls with a fitting response.&nbsp;

“How do you or anyone else judge how affected or unaffected she is by anything. I think it’s brilliant that she can keep her head up & finish her film, workout and&nbsp;grab a bite with her friends,” she wrote. Masaba further added, “People need to stop being obsessed with seeing celebrities fall apart & not keep moving forward. She’s just starting out & has had a huge personal loss.”

<img alt="lk.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/lk.jpg" width="770" />

This isn't the first time Janhvi has found herself to be the target of trolls.&nbsp;

When Janhvi turned 21 on March 6, she was criticised for celebrating her birthday with her cousins as social media felt she should have been grieving at that point in time.

Vogue India shared its gorgeous magazine cover on Instagram, a social media user commented on how Janhvi seems to be unaffected by Sridevi's death.

Janhvi Kapoor's first ever magazine cover may have been lauded by Bollywood but young actress has been receiving a lot of bad comments on social media. Kapoor has been trolled for posing for the magazine cover and designer Masaba Gupta has come to her rescue and defended the star kid. Masaba urged people to show some compassion towards her and appreciated Janhvi for keeping her head high and taking on a journey with grace despite her mother, Sridevi's demise. Sridevi had gone to Dubai in February this year to attend her relatives' wedding, where, in an accidental drowning she lost her life which left the Indian film fraternity in deep shock. Her eldest daughter Janhvi Kapoor is all set to make her big-budget Bollywood debut opposite Shahid Kapoor's brother Ishaan Khatter in Dharma Productions' 'Dhadak' which will be released in July. Ahead of her film's release Janhvi posed for the cover of Vogue magazine. This was her first cover shoot. A star is born! Presenting Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor), making her big debut on the cover of our #June 2018 issue. Photographed by: Prasad Naik (@prasadnaaik). Styled by: Priyanka Kapadia (@priyanka86). Hair by: Yianni Tsapatori (@yiannitsapatori). Make-up by: Subhash Vagal (@subbu28). Production: Imran Khatri Productions (@ikp.insta). Location courtesy: InterContinental Hotel, Mumbai A post shared by VOGUE India (@vogueindia) on May 29, 2018 at 6:29pm PDT × Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor) takes centre stage in our June 2018 issue. Photographed by: Prasad Naik (@prasadnaaik). Styled by: Priyanka Kapadia (@priyanka86). Hair by: Yianni Tsapatori (@yiannitsapatori). Make-up by: Subhash Vagal (@subbu28) A post shared by VOGUE India (@vogueindia) on May 29, 2018 at 6:36pm PDT × On to all things bigger and brighter: Catch Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor) in our June 2018 issue. Photographed by: Prasad Naik (@prasadnaaik). Styled by: Priyanka Kapadia (@priyanka86). Hair by: Yianni Tsapatori (@yiannitsapatori). Make-up by: Subhash Vagal (@subbu28) A post shared by VOGUE India (@vogueindia) on May 29, 2018 at 6:46pm PDT × The photo drew a lot of criticism on social media with most stating that how she showed no remorse for her mother's death. As Vogue India shared its gorgeous magazine cover on Instagram, a social media user commented on how Janhvi seems to be unaffected by Sridevi's death. “She literally seems so unaffected by her mom’s death, she just wants the sympathy for her movie. Has all the time for gym looks and Airport and restaurant PR pictures,” she commented. While some users sided with the comment and further called Janhvi a product of nepotism, the others gave it back to her and called out the user for her insensitivity. The most prominent one of them was perhaps designer Masaba Gupta, who came to Janhvi's rescue and wrote an elaborate response to the comment. Calling it the “most insensitive thing” she's seen on social media, Masaba lashed out on the trolls with a fitting response. “How do you or anyone else judge how affected or unaffected she is by anything. I think it’s brilliant that she can keep her head up & finish her film, workout and grab a bite with her friends,” she wrote. Masaba further added, “People need to stop being obsessed with seeing celebrities fall apart & not keep moving forward. She’s just starting out & has had a huge personal loss.” This isn't the first time Janhvi has found herself to be the target of trolls. When Janhvi turned 21 on March 6, she was criticised for celebrating her birthday with her cousins as social media felt she should have been grieving at that point in time.

Janhvi Kapoor trolled for her first magazine cover; Masaba Gupta comes to the rescue

Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday wrote to former president Pranab Mukherjee requesting him to refrain from attending RSS event on June 7.

Chennithala said that he has been associated with the former <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/pranab-mukherjee-accepts-rss-invite-to-address-workers-in-nagpur-140462">president for many years</a>.

"I have been associated with him for many years, I am very concerned and surprised by his decision. RSS is always trying to divide the society," news agency ANI reported quoting&nbsp;Chennithala.&nbsp;

The former president kicked up a controversy recently after he accepted an invitation to address the newly-recruited RSS workers on June 7 in Nagpur.

The former president will be the chief guest at the valedictory session of the "Tritiya Varsh Varg" or the Third Year Course organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in June this year.

The Sangh leadership invites eminent people for the annual event held at its headquarters at Reshim Bagh in Nagpur.

Earlier this year, Mukherjee had also invited top Sangh leaders at the launch of the Pranab Mukherjee Foundation here.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had also called on Pranab Mukherjee during the last days of his tenure as President.

Pranab Mukherjee had also invited RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for lunch at Rashtrapati Bhavan.&nbsp;

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Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala wrote to former pres Pranab Mukherjee requesting him to refrain from attending RSS event on June 7, says, "I have been associated with him for many yrs, I am very concerned &surprised by his decision. RSS is always trying to divide the society." <a href="https://t.co/OSlQs69gPI">pic.twitter.com/OSlQs69gPI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001784504262868992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The former president kicked up a controversy recently after he accepted an invitation to address the newly-recruited RSS workers on June 7 in Nagpur.

Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday wrote to former president Pranab Mukherjee requesting him to refrain from attending RSS event on June 7. Chennithala said that he has been associated with the former president for many years. "I have been associated with him for many years, I am very concerned and surprised by his decision. RSS is always trying to divide the society," news agency ANI reported quoting Chennithala. The former president kicked up a controversy recently after he accepted an invitation to address the newly-recruited RSS workers on June 7 in Nagpur. The former president will be the chief guest at the valedictory session of the "Tritiya Varsh Varg" or the Third Year Course organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in June this year. The Sangh leadership invites eminent people for the annual event held at its headquarters at Reshim Bagh in Nagpur. Earlier this year, Mukherjee had also invited top Sangh leaders at the launch of the Pranab Mukherjee Foundation here. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had also called on Pranab Mukherjee during the last days of his tenure as President. Pranab Mukherjee had also invited RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for lunch at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala wrote to former pres Pranab Mukherjee requesting him to refrain from attending RSS event on June 7, says, "I have been associated with him for many yrs, I am very concerned &surprised by his decision. RSS is always trying to divide the society." pic.twitter.com/OSlQs69gPI — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 ×

Congress leader urges Pranab Mukherjee not to attend RSS event

By now you must have seen <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-sanju-trailer-ranbir-kapoor-plays-many-shades-of-sanjay-dutt-in-rajkumar-hiranis-film--140941">the trailer of Rajkumar Hirani's highly anticipated film 'Sanju' </a>and made your guesses about which actor is playing what role in the film. based on Sanjay Dutt's life, the film has a gamut of Bollywood actors playing some important roles in the film.&nbsp; 
 
We know that Ranbir Kapoor is playing the lead role, Paresh Rawal and Manisha Koirala are playing his parents and Sonam Kapoor and Dia Mirza his love interests. But what role is Anushka Sharma playing the film?&nbsp; 
 
A day before the launch of the trailer, Rajkumar Hirani shared a poster of Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor from the film. The filmmaker tweeted, "And here is my dear friend Anushka. It’s a special appearance....but she worked on every nuance of the role for days together. Can anyone guess who she plays?....Will reveal tomorrow at the trailer launch."&nbsp;

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And here is my dear friend Anushka. It’s a special appearance....but she worked on every nuance of the role for days together. Can anyone guess who she plays?....Will reveal tomorrow at the trailer launch. <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnushkaSharma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RanbirKapoor?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RanbirKapoor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajkumarHiraniFilms?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajkumarHiraniFilms</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VVCFilms?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VVCFilms</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/foxstarhindi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@foxstarhindi</a> <a href="https://t.co/NsWXhf3EmZ">pic.twitter.com/NsWXhf3EmZ</a>
— Rajkumar Hirani (@RajkumarHirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/RajkumarHirani/status/1001371437322637313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Naturally, on Wednesday, when the director and the cast came together for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/entertainment-%27sanju%27-trailer-launch%3A-ranbir-kapoor%2C-sonam-kapoor%2C-dia-mirza%2C-vikey-kaushal%2Cvidhu-vinod-chopra%2C-manisha-koirala%2C-paresh-rawal-140943">film's trailer launch</a>, Hirani was asked about Anushka's role. Anushka was not part of event as she is away shooting for Zero with Shah Rukh Khan. But the director, as promised, answered the question. " Anushka is playing Abhijat Joshi and my role," Hirani was quoted as saying by a website. 
The film has been co-written by Abhijat Joshi and Hirani. Joshi has also written Hirani's earlier films.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier, when Anushka was asked about her role in Sanju, the actress had said, "I play a fictional character in the biopic. I play someone who actually didn’t even exist in Dutt’s life. That’s all I can say right now.”

'Sanju' based on Sanjay Dutt's life will be releasing in theatres on 29th June.&nbsp;

At the film's trailer launch event, Rajkumar Hirani revealed who Anushka Sharma is playing in the film.

By now you must have seen the trailer of Rajkumar Hirani's highly anticipated film 'Sanju' and made your guesses about which actor is playing what role in the film. based on Sanjay Dutt's life, the film has a gamut of Bollywood actors playing some important roles in the film. We know that Ranbir Kapoor is playing the lead role, Paresh Rawal and Manisha Koirala are playing his parents and Sonam Kapoor and Dia Mirza his love interests. But what role is Anushka Sharma playing the film? A day before the launch of the trailer, Rajkumar Hirani shared a poster of Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor from the film. The filmmaker tweeted, "And here is my dear friend Anushka. It’s a special appearance....but she worked on every nuance of the role for days together. Can anyone guess who she plays?....Will reveal tomorrow at the trailer launch." And here is my dear friend Anushka. It’s a special appearance....but she worked on every nuance of the role for days together. Can anyone guess who she plays?....Will reveal tomorrow at the trailer launch. @AnushkaSharma #RanbirKapoor #RajkumarHiraniFilms @VVCFilms @foxstarhindi pic.twitter.com/NsWXhf3EmZ — Rajkumar Hirani (@RajkumarHirani) May 29, 2018 × Naturally, on Wednesday, when the director and the cast came together for the film's trailer launch, Hirani was asked about Anushka's role. Anushka was not part of event as she is away shooting for Zero with Shah Rukh Khan. But the director, as promised, answered the question. " Anushka is playing Abhijat Joshi and my role," Hirani was quoted as saying by a website. The film has been co-written by Abhijat Joshi and Hirani. Joshi has also written Hirani's earlier films. Earlier, when Anushka was asked about her role in Sanju, the actress had said, "I play a fictional character in the biopic. I play someone who actually didn’t even exist in Dutt’s life. That’s all I can say right now.” 'Sanju' based on Sanjay Dutt's life will be releasing in theatres on 29th June.

Sanju: Guess who Anushka Sharma is playing in the film?

Countering terrorism has emerged as a key common challenge in the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) between India and Indonesia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral visit to Indonesia. &nbsp;

Both nations agreed to find common ground on&nbsp;the&nbsp;rise of religious identities, dynamic of pluralism and eradication of radicalism, terrorism and violent extremism. The two leaders reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism.

They also committed themselves to bringing to justice the perpetrators of heinous acts of terror.

In the context of Pakistan, the declaration to become all the more important as Comprehensive Strategic Partnership envisages disruption of terror networks and their finance channels with the halting of cross-border movement of terrorists from terror organisations.

Both Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo also called for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in order to strengthen the existing International counter-terrorism legal framework.

To this effect, both India and Indonesia have also agreed to organise an inter-faith dialogue in Indonesia in early October 2018, which will be followed by a similar dialogue in 2019. Indonesia has largest Muslim population in the world. India too has a large Muslim minority population. Coming together of both the nations help India isolate Pakistan on world forums on the issue of terrorism.

To cement this bond both countries will commemorate 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both the countries. India and Indonesia through this bilateral have elevated their association from Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both nations have also committed themselves to notch up trading between them to 50 billion US dollars by 2025. &nbsp;CII too will also open its branch in Jakarta as part of larger comprehensive understanding.

Both nations committed themselves to build connectivity and encourage people to people contact. The leaders of both the nations also welcomed the plan to build connectivity between Andaman Nicobar-Aceh to unleash economic potentials of both areas.

Special emphasis was also laid on cultural connection and importance of tourism for both the countries.

Both India and Indonesia also reiterated their commitment to the rule-based system in the Indo-Pacific region which is reeling under Chinese military build-up. The document also outlined the concept freedom of navigation in the area.

Both nations agreed to find common ground on the rise of the religious identities, the dynamic of pluralism and to eradicate radicalism, terrorism and violent extremism.

Countering terrorism has emerged as a key common challenge in the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) between India and Indonesia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral visit to Indonesia. Both nations agreed to find common ground on the rise of religious identities, dynamic of pluralism and eradication of radicalism, terrorism and violent extremism. The two leaders reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism. They also committed themselves to bringing to justice the perpetrators of heinous acts of terror. In the context of Pakistan, the declaration to become all the more important as Comprehensive Strategic Partnership envisages disruption of terror networks and their finance channels with the halting of cross-border movement of terrorists from terror organisations. Both Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo also called for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in order to strengthen the existing International counter-terrorism legal framework. To this effect, both India and Indonesia have also agreed to organise an inter-faith dialogue in Indonesia in early October 2018, which will be followed by a similar dialogue in 2019. Indonesia has largest Muslim population in the world. India too has a large Muslim minority population. Coming together of both the nations help India isolate Pakistan on world forums on the issue of terrorism. To cement this bond both countries will commemorate 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both the countries. India and Indonesia through this bilateral have elevated their association from Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both nations have also committed themselves to notch up trading between them to 50 billion US dollars by 2025. CII too will also open its branch in Jakarta as part of larger comprehensive understanding. Both nations committed themselves to build connectivity and encourage people to people contact. The leaders of both the nations also welcomed the plan to build connectivity between Andaman Nicobar-Aceh to unleash economic potentials of both areas. Special emphasis was also laid on cultural connection and importance of tourism for both the countries. Both India and Indonesia also reiterated their commitment to the rule-based system in the Indo-Pacific region which is reeling under Chinese military build-up. The document also outlined the concept freedom of navigation in the area.

Terrorism emerges key challenge in India, Indonesia strategic partnership; Pakistan sidelined

A solider on Wednesday died in Kolkata due to suspected Nipah virus infection which has left a total of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-death-toll-from-nipah-virus-rises-to-14-140144">14 dead in Kerala</a> till now, reports said.&nbsp;

As per reports, the soldier was from Kerala and was posted at Fort William. He was admitted to the hospital on April 20 and died on Sunday.&nbsp;

The brain-damaging infection first broke out in Kerala. The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travelers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Kannur.

The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats and pigs, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-scare-hunt-for-origin-of-mysterious-brain-damaging-virus-stepped-up-140813">A fresh round of tests </a>have begun to trace the origin of the infection, a health official said on Monday. The initial tests on animals suspected of carrying the Nipah virus showed no sign of the disease.

All animal samples, including those from bats, cattle, goats and pigs from Kerala, sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, were negative for Nipah, said animal husbandry officer A Mohandas.

No confirmed cases of the virus have been found outside the state. However, Goa, Maharashtra, Himachal, Chhatisgarh and many other <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-bihar-sikkim-mp-puducherry-issue-advisories-for-people-140107">states have been put on high alert</a>.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-nipah-virus-hampers-tourism-locals-blame-media-139619">Kerala: Nipah virus hampers tourism, locals blame media</a>

There is no vaccine for the virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned imports of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala where 13 people have died due to an outbreak of the rare brain-damaging Nipah virus, the Gulf state said on Tuesday.

Last week, the UAE consulate in Kerala advised travelers to take precautions and follow safety instructions issued by the Indian authorities.

The Gulf state has also banned imports of live animals from South Africa, based on a notification from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of the registration of Rift Valley Fever disease, the ministry said.

South Africa's Department of Agriculture said on May 16 that an outbreak of the disease had been confirmed in sheep on a single farm in the central Free State province and that further investigations were being conducted.

The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats and pigs, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans

A solider on Wednesday died in Kolkata due to suspected Nipah virus infection which has left a total of 14 dead in Kerala till now, reports said. As per reports, the soldier was from Kerala and was posted at Fort William. He was admitted to the hospital on April 20 and died on Sunday. The brain-damaging infection first broke out in Kerala. The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travelers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Kannur. The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats and pigs, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans. A fresh round of tests have begun to trace the origin of the infection, a health official said on Monday. The initial tests on animals suspected of carrying the Nipah virus showed no sign of the disease. All animal samples, including those from bats, cattle, goats and pigs from Kerala, sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, were negative for Nipah, said animal husbandry officer A Mohandas. No confirmed cases of the virus have been found outside the state. However, Goa, Maharashtra, Himachal, Chhatisgarh and many other states have been put on high alert. Also read: Kerala: Nipah virus hampers tourism, locals blame media There is no vaccine for the virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned imports of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala where 13 people have died due to an outbreak of the rare brain-damaging Nipah virus, the Gulf state said on Tuesday. Last week, the UAE consulate in Kerala advised travelers to take precautions and follow safety instructions issued by the Indian authorities. The Gulf state has also banned imports of live animals from South Africa, based on a notification from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of the registration of Rift Valley Fever disease, the ministry said. South Africa's Department of Agriculture said on May 16 that an outbreak of the disease had been confirmed in sheep on a single farm in the central Free State province and that further investigations were being conducted.

Solider dies in Kolkata due to suspected Nipah virus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accompanied by Indonesian President Joko Widodo inaugurated a kite exhibition in Jakarta on Wednesday. At the event, the two leaders participated in kite flying. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a five-day, three-nation visit to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to boost the Act East Policy.

PM Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo fly kites in Jakarta

Indonesia and India pledged on Wednesday to step up defense and maritime cooperation, with plans to develop a strategic Indonesian naval port in the Indian Ocean, the leaders of the two countries said after meeting in Jakarta.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss, among other issues, developing infrastructure and an economic zone at Sabang, on the tip of Sumatra island and at the mouth of the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest shipping channels for global trade.

“India is a strategic defense partner...and we will continue to advance our cooperation in developing infrastructure, including at Sabang Island and the Andaman Islands,” Widodo told a news conference after the meeting at the presidential palace.Analysts say the move comes amid concerns over China’s rising maritime influence in the region, and is part of Modi’s “Act East” policy of developing stronger ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Modi this year invited the leaders of all ten ASEAN nations to attend New Delhi’s Republic Day parade, the biggest such gathering of foreign leaders at the annual event.

There has been tension in Southeast Asia over the disputed South China Sea, a busy waterway claimed in most part by China.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have conflicting claims in the area, through which about $3 trillion worth of sea-borne goods passes every year.

While not a claimant, Indonesia has clashed with Beijing over fishing rights around the Natuna Islands and expanded its military presence there. It has also renamed the northern reaches of its exclusive economic zone, to reassert its sovereignty.

Modi, who is making his first trip to Indonesia, is also set to visit the Istiqlal mosque in the capital of the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country.

The Indian leader flies to Malaysia on Thursday to meet recently elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad before heading to neighboring Singapore to address a regional security forum, the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Last week, Indonesia’s chief maritime affairs minister, Luhut Pandjaitan, said the existing port at Sabang, which is 40 meters (131 ft) deep, could be developed to accommodate both commercial vessels and submarines, according to media.

Indonesia’s transport minister told reporters on Wednesday the Sabang would get a transshipment port that could be developed over two years.

Asked about Indian investment in Sabang, Indian foreign ministry official Preeti Saran said New Delhi was interested in helping build infrastructure across Southeast Asia.

“There have been discussions about building infrastructure, it’s not just seaports, but airports,” she said. “There would be a lot of interest among Indian companies.”

Widodo and Modi also signed pacts on cooperation in the pharmaceuticals and technology industries.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss, among other issues, developing infrastructure and an economic zone at Sabang

Indonesia and India pledged on Wednesday to step up defense and maritime cooperation, with plans to develop a strategic Indonesian naval port in the Indian Ocean, the leaders of the two countries said after meeting in Jakarta. Indonesian President Joko Widodo met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss, among other issues, developing infrastructure and an economic zone at Sabang, on the tip of Sumatra island and at the mouth of the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest shipping channels for global trade. “India is a strategic defense partner...and we will continue to advance our cooperation in developing infrastructure, including at Sabang Island and the Andaman Islands,” Widodo told a news conference after the meeting at the presidential palace.Analysts say the move comes amid concerns over China’s rising maritime influence in the region, and is part of Modi’s “Act East” policy of developing stronger ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Modi this year invited the leaders of all ten ASEAN nations to attend New Delhi’s Republic Day parade, the biggest such gathering of foreign leaders at the annual event. There has been tension in Southeast Asia over the disputed South China Sea, a busy waterway claimed in most part by China. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have conflicting claims in the area, through which about $3 trillion worth of sea-borne goods passes every year. While not a claimant, Indonesia has clashed with Beijing over fishing rights around the Natuna Islands and expanded its military presence there. It has also renamed the northern reaches of its exclusive economic zone, to reassert its sovereignty. Modi, who is making his first trip to Indonesia, is also set to visit the Istiqlal mosque in the capital of the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country. The Indian leader flies to Malaysia on Thursday to meet recently elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad before heading to neighboring Singapore to address a regional security forum, the Shangri-La Dialogue. Last week, Indonesia’s chief maritime affairs minister, Luhut Pandjaitan, said the existing port at Sabang, which is 40 meters (131 ft) deep, could be developed to accommodate both commercial vessels and submarines, according to media. Indonesia’s transport minister told reporters on Wednesday the Sabang would get a transshipment port that could be developed over two years. Asked about Indian investment in Sabang, Indian foreign ministry official Preeti Saran said New Delhi was interested in helping build infrastructure across Southeast Asia. “There have been discussions about building infrastructure, it’s not just seaports, but airports,” she said. “There would be a lot of interest among Indian companies.” Widodo and Modi also signed pacts on cooperation in the pharmaceuticals and technology industries.

Eye on China: Indonesia, India plan to develop strategic Indian Ocean port

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will resume his engagements with the diaspora, a key highlight of his foreign tours.

Live: PM Modi addresses Indian community in Jakarta

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