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Twinkle Khanna and husband Akshay Kumar don’t seem to get over the Rustom uniform row as after being served a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-akshay-kumar-wife-twinkle-khanna-sent-legal-notice-for-auctioning-rustom-costumes-135838">legal notice</a>, the celebrity duo have now modified the description of the piece of clothing from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-rustom-uniform-auction-row-akshay-kumar-changes-statement-calls-it-a-costume-134185">“naval uniform” to “naval costume”</a>. According to a report in a leading news channel, the auction house will now only sell the “pant-shirt but not the medals and honorary badges used in the uniform”.

The duo was served a legal notice for auctioning the naval uniform Akshay&nbsp;wore in Rustom as they seem to "have played with the sentiments of armed forces personnel and widows" of fallen soldiers.

The notice has also been sent to auction house SaltScout, which has put out the naval officer uniform for online bidding. As of Wednesday afternoon, the highest bid offered for the uniform -- which includes a shirt, pants and a hat -- was Rs 235,000. The auction closes on May 26 night. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-rustom-uniform-auction-row-twinkle-tweets-of-taking-legal-action-against-navy-officer-for-threats-133726">Also Read:&nbsp;Twinkle tweets of taking legal action against Navy officer for threats</a>

The notice asked Akshay and Twinkle to cancel the auction "failing which necessary action shall be taken against you under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code".

When the controversy erupted, the Bollywood couple had claimed that all the money raised from the auction would be used for social causes and 90 per cent of the net proceeds from it would support NGO Janice's Trust, an animal rescue service, treatment centre and shelter based in Panchgani in Maharashtra. It all started when the news of the auction reached the naval officers and one such former officer wrote a lengthy post on Facebook criticising the act. He wrote: "By putting (it) in the auction, you have shown no respect for national interest (and) have also played with the sentiments of armed forces personnel and their widows and their family members".

"As a matter of fact, till date, no uniform or medal has been put for auction. The reason for the same being that an officer's uniform is bestowed as a singular honour on a commissioned officer by President of India for life. It is not a contract but entails a liability for the nation's sake and thus the array of medals and ranks, insignia are for the discerning eye of the one who proudly wears it."

The uniform is the same that Akshay wore in film Rustom -- a 2016 period thriller set in the 1950s about Parsi Indian naval officer Rustom Pavri, who struggles with his marriage after he discovers his wife (played by Ileana D'Cruz) has an affair with his friend, a businessman who was trying to negotiate a deal to sell a damaged aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy.

The film was based on the real-life incident of Naval Officer K. M. Nanavati and businessman Prem Ahuja.

The celebrity couple was served a legal notice for auctioning the naval uniform after which modifications were made

Twinkle Khanna and husband Akshay Kumar don’t seem to get over the Rustom uniform row as after being served a legal notice, the celebrity duo have now modified the description of the piece of clothing from “naval uniform” to “naval costume”. According to a report in a leading news channel, the auction house will now only sell the “pant-shirt but not the medals and honorary badges used in the uniform”. The duo was served a legal notice for auctioning the naval uniform Akshay wore in Rustom as they seem to "have played with the sentiments of armed forces personnel and widows" of fallen soldiers. The notice has also been sent to auction house SaltScout, which has put out the naval officer uniform for online bidding. As of Wednesday afternoon, the highest bid offered for the uniform -- which includes a shirt, pants and a hat -- was Rs 235,000. The auction closes on May 26 night. Also Read: Twinkle tweets of taking legal action against Navy officer for threats The notice asked Akshay and Twinkle to cancel the auction "failing which necessary action shall be taken against you under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code". When the controversy erupted, the Bollywood couple had claimed that all the money raised from the auction would be used for social causes and 90 per cent of the net proceeds from it would support NGO Janice's Trust, an animal rescue service, treatment centre and shelter based in Panchgani in Maharashtra. It all started when the news of the auction reached the naval officers and one such former officer wrote a lengthy post on Facebook criticising the act. He wrote: "By putting (it) in the auction, you have shown no respect for national interest (and) have also played with the sentiments of armed forces personnel and their widows and their family members". "As a matter of fact, till date, no uniform or medal has been put for auction. The reason for the same being that an officer's uniform is bestowed as a singular honour on a commissioned officer by President of India for life. It is not a contract but entails a liability for the nation's sake and thus the array of medals and ranks, insignia are for the discerning eye of the one who proudly wears it." The uniform is the same that Akshay wore in film Rustom -- a 2016 period thriller set in the 1950s about Parsi Indian naval officer Rustom Pavri, who struggles with his marriage after he discovers his wife (played by Ileana D'Cruz) has an affair with his friend, a businessman who was trying to negotiate a deal to sell a damaged aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy. The film was based on the real-life incident of Naval Officer K. M. Nanavati and businessman Prem Ahuja.

'Rustom' uniform row: Twinkle Khanna to auction only costume, without medals or badges

Safdarjung observatory recorded the highest temperature of the season on Tuesday as the mercury hit 44.0 degrees Celsius.

Beating the Monday's&nbsp;temperature Palam observatory also recorded 46 degree Celsius. Both Palam observatory and Safdarjung&nbsp;observatory's records are highest&nbsp;of the season.

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-heatwave-warning-in-delhi-for-next-five-days-138892">Indian Meteorological Department issued a warning of a heatwave </a>in Delhi along with four other states of the country for next five days.

The states that will be affected with the severe heatwave are Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

According to the warning, the maximum temperature may shoot up to 48 degrees Celsius during those five days.

Delhi recorded the hottest day on Monday with the mercury touching 41 degrees, according to Safdarjung observatory. The minimum temperature of the day was recorded at 26 degrees in the morning.

As per the IMD statement, Uttar Pradesh may witness dust storms along with thunderstorm.

The issued warning of heatwave has put millions of residents of these states at the risk of illness caused by heat such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

People are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid such illness.

Safdarjung observatory recorded the highest temperature of the season on Tuesday as the mercury hit 44.0 degrees Celsius

Safdarjung observatory recorded the highest temperature of the season on Tuesday as the mercury hit 44.0 degrees Celsius. Beating the Monday's temperature Palam observatory also recorded 46 degree Celsius. Both Palam observatory and Safdarjung observatory's records are highest of the season. Meanwhile, Indian Meteorological Department issued a warning of a heatwave in Delhi along with four other states of the country for next five days. The states that will be affected with the severe heatwave are Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. According to the warning, the maximum temperature may shoot up to 48 degrees Celsius during those five days. Delhi recorded the hottest day on Monday with the mercury touching 41 degrees, according to Safdarjung observatory. The minimum temperature of the day was recorded at 26 degrees in the morning. As per the IMD statement, Uttar Pradesh may witness dust storms along with thunderstorm. The issued warning of heatwave has put millions of residents of these states at the risk of illness caused by heat such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. People are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid such illness.

Delhi sizzles at 44 degrees; Safdarjung records 46 degrees

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-toughens-stance-on-iran-lists-sweeping-demands-138742">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-toughens-stance-on-iran-lists-sweeping-demands-138742"> demands Iran make sweeping changes or face severe economic sanctions</a>

The United States on Monday demanded Iran make sweeping changes -- from dropping its nuclear program to pulling out of the Syrian civil war -- or face severe economic sanctions as the Trump administration hardened its approach to Tehran.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-final-congress-jds-deal-to-be-hammered-out-today-138758">Karnataka: Final Congress-JD(S) deal to be hammered out today</a>

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-plane-crash-death-toll-rises-to-111-mexico-suspends-lease-company-138762">Cuba plane crash: Death toll rises to 111, Mexico suspends lease company</a>

The death toll in one of Cuba's worst air disasters rose to 111 on Monday while Mexico suspended the operations of the Mexican company that had leased the 39-year old Boeing 737 to Cuba's flagship airline.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/barack-and-michelle-obama-sign-agreement-with-netflix-to-produce-content--138757">Barack and Michelle Obama to produce movies, series with Netflix</a>

Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama have signed a multi-year agreement with video streaming giant Netflix Inc to produce films and series.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-gunman-accused-of-murdering-indian-techie-srinivas-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges-138764">US gunman accused of murdering Indian techie Srinivas pleads guilty to federal charges</a>

US Navy veteran Adam Purinton who killed an Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to hate crime and firearm charges.

&nbsp;

US demands Iran make sweeping changes or face severe economic sanctions The United States on Monday demanded Iran make sweeping changes -- from dropping its nuclear program to pulling out of the Syrian civil war -- or face severe economic sanctions as the Trump administration hardened its approach to Tehran. Karnataka: Final Congress-JD(S) deal to be hammered out today The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi. Cuba plane crash: Death toll rises to 111, Mexico suspends lease company The death toll in one of Cuba's worst air disasters rose to 111 on Monday while Mexico suspended the operations of the Mexican company that had leased the 39-year old Boeing 737 to Cuba's flagship airline. Barack and Michelle Obama to produce movies, series with Netflix Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama have signed a multi-year agreement with video streaming giant Netflix Inc to produce films and series. US gunman accused of murdering Indian techie Srinivas pleads guilty to federal charges US Navy veteran Adam Purinton who killed an Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to hate crime and firearm charges.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A letter written by a nurse in Kerala, minutes before she died of the 'Nipah' virus, has gone viral in the social media, leaving people teary-eyed.

Twenty-eight-year-old Lini working in the Perambra Taluk Hospital in Kozhikode got exposed to the 'deadly' virus while treating affected patients. She died yesterday.

Lini has left behind her husband who works in Bahrain and two sons aged five and two.

In her letter to her husband Sajeesh, Lini expressed her pain and anguish that she could not see him again.

"I am almost on the way. I do not think I can meet you," she wrote in the letter.

She requested her husband to take care of their children and take them to the Gulf nation with him.

Her relatives could not see even her body, however, they paid their last respects as they allowed the authorities to cremate the body to prevent the chance of spreading the virus.

After coming to know of Lini's health, Sajeesh had come home two days ago.

"Nurse Lini died in our battle against the Nipah virus. She died trying to save patients infected by it. She was just 31 and was a mother of two little kids. If she is not a martyr, I don't know who is," tweeted Dr Deepu Sebin, chief executive of DailyRounds, a network of doctors.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A nurse who took care of a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NIPHAVirus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NIPHAVirus</a> patients & succumbed to same. Her body was cremated with extreme urgency to prevent any possible spread and even her family could not pay due respect. Respect to Lini &a reminder that healthcare workers take immense personal risk to serve us <a href="https://t.co/4kzESu6j4J">pic.twitter.com/4kzESu6j4J</a>
— Dr. Deepu Sebin (@deepusebin) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepusebin/status/998573629435727873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Nipah virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in north Kerala while the condition of two undergoing treatment is said to be critical.

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans.

The natural host of the virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus.

There is no vaccination for the virus which has a mortality rate of 70 per cent.

Health officials said they had found mangoes bitten by bats in a home where three people died of the suspected infection, according to a report.

Lini Puthussery, 31, died due to Nipah virus infection. She was in the team that treated the first victim of the Nipah virus in Kerala's Kozhikode

A letter written by a nurse in Kerala, minutes before she died of the 'Nipah' virus, has gone viral in the social media, leaving people teary-eyed. Twenty-eight-year-old Lini working in the Perambra Taluk Hospital in Kozhikode got exposed to the 'deadly' virus while treating affected patients. She died yesterday. Lini has left behind her husband who works in Bahrain and two sons aged five and two. In her letter to her husband Sajeesh, Lini expressed her pain and anguish that she could not see him again. "I am almost on the way. I do not think I can meet you," she wrote in the letter. She requested her husband to take care of their children and take them to the Gulf nation with him. Her relatives could not see even her body, however, they paid their last respects as they allowed the authorities to cremate the body to prevent the chance of spreading the virus. After coming to know of Lini's health, Sajeesh had come home two days ago. "Nurse Lini died in our battle against the Nipah virus. She died trying to save patients infected by it. She was just 31 and was a mother of two little kids. If she is not a martyr, I don't know who is," tweeted Dr Deepu Sebin, chief executive of DailyRounds, a network of doctors. A nurse who took care of a #NIPHAVirus patients & succumbed to same. Her body was cremated with extreme urgency to prevent any possible spread and even her family could not pay due respect. Respect to Lini &a reminder that healthcare workers take immense personal risk to serve us pic.twitter.com/4kzESu6j4J — Dr. Deepu Sebin (@deepusebin) May 21, 2018 × Nipah virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in north Kerala while the condition of two undergoing treatment is said to be critical. Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans. The natural host of the virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus. There is no vaccination for the virus which has a mortality rate of 70 per cent. Health officials said they had found mangoes bitten by bats in a home where three people died of the suspected infection, according to a report.

I am almost on the way, don't think can meet you: Kerala nurse writes to husband

Karnataka chief minister-designate HD Kumaraswamy acknowledged on Tuesday that running the Congress-JD(S) coalition government over the next five years will be a "big challenge" for him.

"This is a big challenge in my life. I'm not expecting that I will be able to fulfil my responsibilities as chief minister easily," Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in tomorrow, said.

Kumaraswamy, who was in Sringeri, the place where Adi Shankaracharya, exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, established his first matha, said he believed that things would go smoothly with the grace of Goddess Shardambe and the Jagadguru.

"People also have doubts, not only me, people in the state also have doubt whether this government will function smoothly. But I have belief that with the grace of Sharadambe and Sringeri jagadguru (Shankaracharya) everything will go smoothly," he told reporters.

Kumaraswamy today visited Sringeri Sharada temple and Dakshinamnaya Peetham established by Adi Shankaracharya.

He also paid obeisance at the famous Manjunathaswamy temple at Dharmasthala.

The official invitation for the oath-taking ceremony, meanwhile, indicated that besides Kumaraswamy, some others would be sworn in tomorrow. It said apart from the chief minister, the oath was to be administered to the council of ministers.&nbsp

Earlier reports had said only Kumaraswamy will take oath tomorrow, while the rest will be sworn in after the floor test on Thursday.&nbsp

After the fall of the three-day-old BJP government on May 19, governor Vajubhai Vala had invited Kumaraswamy, the leader of the Congress-JD(S) alliance, to form the government in Karnataka.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, BSP supremo Mayawati, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, his Telangana counterpart K Chandrasekhar Rao and several other regional leaders are likely to attend the ceremony

I'm not expecting that I will be able to fulfil my responsibilities as easily, Kumaraswamy said.

Karnataka chief minister-designate HD Kumaraswamy acknowledged on Tuesday that running the Congress-JD(S) coalition government over the next five years will be a "big challenge" for him. "This is a big challenge in my life. I'm not expecting that I will be able to fulfil my responsibilities as chief minister easily," Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in tomorrow, said. Kumaraswamy, who was in Sringeri, the place where Adi Shankaracharya, exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, established his first matha, said he believed that things would go smoothly with the grace of Goddess Shardambe and the Jagadguru. "People also have doubts, not only me, people in the state also have doubt whether this government will function smoothly. But I have belief that with the grace of Sharadambe and Sringeri jagadguru (Shankaracharya) everything will go smoothly," he told reporters. Kumaraswamy today visited Sringeri Sharada temple and Dakshinamnaya Peetham established by Adi Shankaracharya. He also paid obeisance at the famous Manjunathaswamy temple at Dharmasthala. The official invitation for the oath-taking ceremony, meanwhile, indicated that besides Kumaraswamy, some others would be sworn in tomorrow. It said apart from the chief minister, the oath was to be administered to the council of ministers. Earlier reports had said only Kumaraswamy will take oath tomorrow, while the rest will be sworn in after the floor test on Thursday. After the fall of the three-day-old BJP government on May 19, governor Vajubhai Vala had invited Kumaraswamy, the leader of the Congress-JD(S) alliance, to form the government in Karnataka. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, BSP supremo Mayawati, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, his Telangana counterpart K Chandrasekhar Rao and several other regional leaders are likely to attend the ceremony

Running Congress-JD(S) coalition government will be a big challenge: Kumaraswamy

India&nbsp;will&nbsp;build&nbsp;government&nbsp;stockpiles of&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;to&nbsp;cut&nbsp;a&nbsp;surplus&nbsp;in the market, two official sources said on Tuesday, a move that will prop up local prices and help money-losing mills pay dues to millions of cane growers, a key voting bloc.

The cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi would soon approve a plan to create "buffer stocks" of 3 million tonnes of&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;to suck the extra supply out of the domestic&nbsp;market&nbsp;and to stave off a free fall in prices, one of the sources said.

Buffer stocks refer to government-held purchases.

Other than creating buffer stocks of&nbsp;sugar, the government could look at other means of supporting prices, said the second source. The sources, directly involved in policy making, sought anonymity in line with government policy.

A Food Ministry spokesman declined to comment.

India, where&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;output usually yo-yos, has created buffer stocks in the past to tackle a supply glut.

Once&nbsp;India&nbsp;approves the plan to&nbsp;build&nbsp;buffer stocks,&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;mills, saddled with excess&nbsp;supplies, will stock the sweetener in their warehouses and the government will pay the carrying costs for the commodity, the sources said.

The plan would cost around 12.15 billion rupees ($178.49 million) to the government, they said.

Other than the creation of the buffer stock, the government could also look at giving cheap loans to&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;mills to expand their ethanol production capacity, the sources said.

India, the world's biggest&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;producer after Brazil, is likely to churn out a record 30.3 million tonnes of the sweetener in the 2017/18 season that ends on Sept. 30, up from 20.3 million tonnes in the previous year.

A sharp jump in output has led to a drop in local&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;prices to their lowest level in 28 months, making it difficult for mills to pay farmers mandatory cane prices.

As a result,&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;mills now owe nearly 220 billion rupees which could leap to a record 250 billion rupees in the current 2017/18 season.

New Delhi scrapped a 20-per cent tax on&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;exports in March, and in April asked mills to export 2 million tonnes of&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;to&nbsp;cut&nbsp;back inventories.

The government also decided to share some burden of&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;mills by approving a plan to provide financial support to cane farmers for produce sold to&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;mills.

The government is keen to placate&nbsp;India's 50 million cane growers, who make up an influential political lobby, especially with national elections barely a year away in May 2019.

India will build government stockpiles of sugar to cut a surplus in the market, a move that will prop up local prices and help money-losing mills pay dues to millions of cane growers, a key voting bloc

India will build government stockpiles of sugar to cut a surplus in the market, two official sources said on Tuesday, a move that will prop up local prices and help money-losing mills pay dues to millions of cane growers, a key voting bloc. The cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi would soon approve a plan to create "buffer stocks" of 3 million tonnes of sugar to suck the extra supply out of the domestic market and to stave off a free fall in prices, one of the sources said. Buffer stocks refer to government-held purchases. Other than creating buffer stocks of sugar, the government could look at other means of supporting prices, said the second source. The sources, directly involved in policy making, sought anonymity in line with government policy. A Food Ministry spokesman declined to comment. India, where sugar output usually yo-yos, has created buffer stocks in the past to tackle a supply glut. Once India approves the plan to build buffer stocks, sugar mills, saddled with excess supplies, will stock the sweetener in their warehouses and the government will pay the carrying costs for the commodity, the sources said. The plan would cost around 12.15 billion rupees ($178.49 million) to the government, they said. Other than the creation of the buffer stock, the government could also look at giving cheap loans to sugar mills to expand their ethanol production capacity, the sources said. India, the world's biggest sugar producer after Brazil, is likely to churn out a record 30.3 million tonnes of the sweetener in the 2017/18 season that ends on Sept. 30, up from 20.3 million tonnes in the previous year. A sharp jump in output has led to a drop in local sugar prices to their lowest level in 28 months, making it difficult for mills to pay farmers mandatory cane prices. As a result, sugar mills now owe nearly 220 billion rupees which could leap to a record 250 billion rupees in the current 2017/18 season. New Delhi scrapped a 20-per cent tax on sugar exports in March, and in April asked mills to export 2 million tonnes of sugar to cut back inventories. The government also decided to share some burden of sugar mills by approving a plan to provide financial support to cane farmers for produce sold to sugar mills. The government is keen to placate India's 50 million cane growers, who make up an influential political lobby, especially with national elections barely a year away in May 2019.

India to build sugar stockpile to cut surplus supplies in market

Congress leader and president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, G Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka on May 23.

Karnataka chief minister-designate H D Kumaraswamy said, “Congress's G Parameshwara to be Karnataka deputy chief minister, will be sworn in tomorrow.”

Janata Dal-Secular state chief H D Kumaraswamy will swear-in as the chief minister of Karnataka tomorrow at 4:30 pm.

Parameshwara won election from Koratagere constituency in Tumakuru district by defeating JD(S) candidate Sudhakar Lal making it his fifth victory in state elections.

According to Karnataka Congress' official website, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had seen potential in Parameshwara when he had visited Tumkur. Parameshwara was first appointed as KPCC joint secretary.

Parameshwara has been the KPCC president for eight years now. He was appointed as KPCC president on October 27, 2010.

He has been elected to the Karnataka Assembly four times. He has represented Madhugiri in 1989, 1999 and 2004, and Koratagere in 2008.

Swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka CM designate H D Kumaraswamy and his deputy G Parameshwara will be held on May 23.

Congress leader and president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, G Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka on May 23. Karnataka chief minister-designate H D Kumaraswamy said, “Congress's G Parameshwara to be Karnataka deputy chief minister, will be sworn in tomorrow.” Janata Dal-Secular state chief H D Kumaraswamy will swear-in as the chief minister of Karnataka tomorrow at 4:30 pm. Parameshwara won election from Koratagere constituency in Tumakuru district by defeating JD(S) candidate Sudhakar Lal making it his fifth victory in state elections. According to Karnataka Congress' official website, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had seen potential in Parameshwara when he had visited Tumkur. Parameshwara was first appointed as KPCC joint secretary. Parameshwara has been the KPCC president for eight years now. He was appointed as KPCC president on October 27, 2010. He has been elected to the Karnataka Assembly four times. He has represented Madhugiri in 1989, 1999 and 2004, and Koratagere in 2008.

Congress's G Parameshwara to be sworn in as Karnataka deputy CM

Google has dedicated its Doodle today to commemorate the 246th birth anniversary of India's legendary social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Popularly known as the 'Maker of Modern India' and 'father of the Indian Renaissance', Roy was born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, West Bengal Bengal.&nbsp;

Born in a family of staunch Hindu Brahmins, Roy preached and practised monotheism and called for discarding the orthodox Hindu rituals and idol worshipping. In the year 1828, Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj, one of the earliest socio-religious reform movements of the country.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy pioneered the cause of women empowerment and played a vital role in abolishing age-old practices like Sati (widow immolation) and campaigned for equal rights for women, including the right to remarry and hold property.

Roy would always be remembered for his effort to make the country a better place for its women. He questioned the age-old customs like polygamy, child marriage, caste system, infanticide, opposed ritualism and pressed for the need for critical thinking, reason and literacy. Roy is credited with the founding of the prestigious Hindu College at Calcutta in 1817.&nbsp;

The celebrated social reformer of India died of meningitis on 27 September 1833 in Bristol, England.&nbsp;

Roy would always be remembered for his effort to make the country a better place for its women

Google has dedicated its Doodle today to commemorate the 246th birth anniversary of India's legendary social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Popularly known as the 'Maker of Modern India' and 'father of the Indian Renaissance', Roy was born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, West Bengal Bengal. Born in a family of staunch Hindu Brahmins, Roy preached and practised monotheism and called for discarding the orthodox Hindu rituals and idol worshipping. In the year 1828, Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj, one of the earliest socio-religious reform movements of the country. Raja Ram Mohan Roy pioneered the cause of women empowerment and played a vital role in abolishing age-old practices like Sati (widow immolation) and campaigned for equal rights for women, including the right to remarry and hold property. Roy would always be remembered for his effort to make the country a better place for its women. He questioned the age-old customs like polygamy, child marriage, caste system, infanticide, opposed ritualism and pressed for the need for critical thinking, reason and literacy. Roy is credited with the founding of the prestigious Hindu College at Calcutta in 1817. The celebrated social reformer of India died of meningitis on 27 September 1833 in Bristol, England.

Google Doodle celebrates 246th birth anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

The FDA department raided a company from where samples of cream and butter scotch ice cream were taken and sent to the lab.

Police bust fake ice-cream making racket in Mumbai

Former MD and CEO of the Punjab National Bank Usha Ananthasubramanian and some other senior bank officials were aware of the "fraudulent" dealings with diamond merchant Nirav Modi but kept "misleading" the RBI, the CBI has alleged in its charge sheet.

A special CBI court here took cognisance of the chargesheet today and permitted the investigating agency to issue fresh non-bailable warrants against Nirav Modi, his brother Nishal and an executive of the Nirav Modi Group Subhash Parab.

In its charge sheet into the nearly 13,000 crore scam, the CBI said the RBI had since October 2016 sent several questionnaires to the PNB, seeking to know what procedures or measures the bank follows before issuing Letters of Understandings and Letters of Credit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-how-punjab-national-bank-fell-victim-to-countrys-biggest-bank-fraud-33009">How Punjab National Bank fell victim to country's biggest bank fraud</a>

"This was duly dealt by accused Ananthasubramanian and the bank's Executive Directors - K V Brahmaji Rao, Sanjiv Sharan and Nehal Ahad and instead of replying to the queries in true spirit and facts, Ahad and the general manager of the International Banking Division of the bank's headquarters prepared a misleading reply and sent it to the RBI after getting the same approved from Sharan," the CBI said.

The 12,000-page chargesheet further claimed that a similar fraud was detected in 2016 following which the RBI took up the issue and issued circulars to all banks.

"The accused PNB officials, including Ananthasubramanian and others, were aware of this fraud involving PNB Dubai and the Indian Overseas Bank Chandigarh and yet they did not take any corrective action and remained silent spectators. This facilitated continuance of the fraud resulting in wrongful loss to the PNB," it said.

From August 2015 to May 2017, when Ananthasubramanian was the MD and CEO of the PNB, relevant circulars, caution notices and urgent questionnaires issued by the RBI were brought to her notice and she dealt with the same, the CBI said.

"Inspite of her knowledge about the modus operandi in these frauds, she (Ananthasubramanian) did not take any meaningful corrective measures in her capacity as the executive head of the bank and had unauthorisedly delegated the RBI guidelines work to her subordinates without any follow up action," the chargesheet said.

The CBI has further claimed that senior officers from the Nirav Modi Group including accused Vipul Ambani were constantly meeting Ananthasubramanian in order to continue 
with the credit facilities to the group.

"This indicated clearly that she (Ananthasubramanian) was aware of the facilities extended to the various group entities of Modi," it said.

The CBI has made the allegation in its charge sheet. It added that other than the MD and CEO Usha Ananthasubramanian, other senior officials of the bank were also in the know

Former MD and CEO of the Punjab National Bank Usha Ananthasubramanian and some other senior bank officials were aware of the "fraudulent" dealings with diamond merchant Nirav Modi but kept "misleading" the RBI, the CBI has alleged in its charge sheet. A special CBI court here took cognisance of the chargesheet today and permitted the investigating agency to issue fresh non-bailable warrants against Nirav Modi, his brother Nishal and an executive of the Nirav Modi Group Subhash Parab. In its charge sheet into the nearly 13,000 crore scam, the CBI said the RBI had since October 2016 sent several questionnaires to the PNB, seeking to know what procedures or measures the bank follows before issuing Letters of Understandings and Letters of Credit. Also read: How Punjab National Bank fell victim to country's biggest bank fraud "This was duly dealt by accused Ananthasubramanian and the bank's Executive Directors - K V Brahmaji Rao, Sanjiv Sharan and Nehal Ahad and instead of replying to the queries in true spirit and facts, Ahad and the general manager of the International Banking Division of the bank's headquarters prepared a misleading reply and sent it to the RBI after getting the same approved from Sharan," the CBI said. The 12,000-page chargesheet further claimed that a similar fraud was detected in 2016 following which the RBI took up the issue and issued circulars to all banks. "The accused PNB officials, including Ananthasubramanian and others, were aware of this fraud involving PNB Dubai and the Indian Overseas Bank Chandigarh and yet they did not take any corrective action and remained silent spectators. This facilitated continuance of the fraud resulting in wrongful loss to the PNB," it said. From August 2015 to May 2017, when Ananthasubramanian was the MD and CEO of the PNB, relevant circulars, caution notices and urgent questionnaires issued by the RBI were brought to her notice and she dealt with the same, the CBI said. "Inspite of her knowledge about the modus operandi in these frauds, she (Ananthasubramanian) did not take any meaningful corrective measures in her capacity as the executive head of the bank and had unauthorisedly delegated the RBI guidelines work to her subordinates without any follow up action," the chargesheet said. The CBI has further claimed that senior officers from the Nirav Modi Group including accused Vipul Ambani were constantly meeting Ananthasubramanian in order to continue with the credit facilities to the group. "This indicated clearly that she (Ananthasubramanian) was aware of the facilities extended to the various group entities of Modi," it said.

Former PNB MD knew of Nirav Modi scam but 'kept misleading' RBI, says CBI

At least nine protesters died and many were injured on Tuesday after the Tamil Nadu Police resorted to lathi-charge during an agitation by the locals against Sterlite’s industrial plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin.

Today is the 100th day of protests against the Sterlite plant. The locals want closure of the industrial unit.

Protesters also ransacked the Collector’s office and burnt tyres.

Visuals from the ground showed policemen charging at protesters with lathis who pelted stones at them. The police have erected barricades around the Collector's office to avoid worsening of the tense stand-off.

Several shops and commercial establishments remain closed in Tuticorin due to violent protests.

The residents have planned to intensify the agitation, claiming that the plant has polluted the ground water in the area. The protests have been going on for the past three months over severe health problems among the residents.

Section 144 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code which lists out the procedure for administration of law in India), which prevents unlawful assembly of people in an area, has been imposed in and around the Sterlite unit. There is heavy deployment of police in the city, with additional forces being rushed in from neighbouring cities as well.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each of those killed, Rs 3 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for people who suffered minor injuries.

He also assured government jobs for one family member of each of those who lost their lives in accordance with their qualifications.

The chief minister instructed the Tuticorin district administration to ensure those wounded got good medical treatment.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Protest held in Tuticorin demanding ban on Sterlite Industries, in wake of the pollution created by them <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/23FWdj1do5">pic.twitter.com/23FWdj1do5</a>
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Reason behind the anti-Sterlite Copper plant protest

The Sterlite plant is a copper unit of Vedanta Limited. In March-end, the plant closed down for maintenance work. This is when protests intensified as residents were told they were expanding the unit. Residents allege the water in the area has been contaminated due to the plant's operations. They claim they are facing severe health problems due to the unit.

With hundreds of residents and social activists taking to the streets, there is heavy deployment of police in the coastal city.

At least nine protesters died and many were injured on Tuesday after the Tamil Nadu Police resorted to lathi-charge during an agitation by the locals against Sterlite’s industrial plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. Today is the 100th day of protests against the Sterlite plant. The locals want closure of the industrial unit. Protesters also ransacked the Collector’s office and burnt tyres. Visuals from the ground showed policemen charging at protesters with lathis who pelted stones at them. The police have erected barricades around the Collector's office to avoid worsening of the tense stand-off. Several shops and commercial establishments remain closed in Tuticorin due to violent protests. The residents have planned to intensify the agitation, claiming that the plant has polluted the ground water in the area. The protests have been going on for the past three months over severe health problems among the residents. Section 144 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code which lists out the procedure for administration of law in India), which prevents unlawful assembly of people in an area, has been imposed in and around the Sterlite unit. There is heavy deployment of police in the city, with additional forces being rushed in from neighbouring cities as well. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each of those killed, Rs 3 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for people who suffered minor injuries. He also assured government jobs for one family member of each of those who lost their lives in accordance with their qualifications. The chief minister instructed the Tuticorin district administration to ensure those wounded got good medical treatment. #WATCH Protest held in Tuticorin demanding ban on Sterlite Industries, in wake of the pollution created by them #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/23FWdj1do5 — ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018 × Reason behind the anti-Sterlite Copper plant protest The Sterlite plant is a copper unit of Vedanta Limited. In March-end, the plant closed down for maintenance work. This is when protests intensified as residents were told they were expanding the unit. Residents allege the water in the area has been contaminated due to the plant's operations. They claim they are facing severe health problems due to the unit.

Anti-Sterlite protests in Tuticorin turn violent as death toll rises to 9

The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 11 people to the fatal viral disease.&nbsp;Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted.&nbsp;

Sixteen people are under observation at the Institute of Chest Diseases, geriatric and observation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode.

There is no vaccine for the Nipah virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. The usual treatment is to provide supportive care. 
The first death in the outbreak in Kerala took place on Friday, the state`s health minister, K K Shailaja, said.

"This is a new situation for us. We have no prior experience in dealing with the Nipah virus," she said. "We are hopeful we can put a stop to the outbreak."

Of 18 people screened for the virus, 12 proved positive, Shailaja told a news conference, adding that 10 of the sufferers had died and the other two were being closely monitored.

The Indian government dispatched a team of officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to investigate the outbreak, it said in a statement.

"Since all the contacts are under observation and steps to avoid exposure through animal vectors have been taken, there is no reason for people to panic," it added.

The WHO is in contact with government officials in the affected areas, Henk Bekedam, its India representative, said in a statement.

Health experts stressed the need for early detection and infection control to arrest the virus`s spread.

"It will not spread like wildfire because it is not airborne, but it can be risky if they don`t follow proper infection control procedures," said Dr D Himanshu, of King George`s Medical University in the northern city of Lucknow.

While the cause of the outbreak is still being investigated, visiting national health officials tied the initial deaths to "many bats" in a well in Kerala from which the victims drew water, the government said.

Samples from those bats were among the 60 sent to laboratories to be screened for the virus, it added.

The cases provoked concern among residents, a local government official said.

"A large number of people affected by fever, and even minor ailments, are swarming to hospitals, fearing they have contracted the disease," said U.V. Jose.

Health officials in Kerala, which attracts many tourists, aims to soon issue a travel advisory, tourism official P Bala Kiran said.

The Nipah virus was first detected in Malaysia in 1998, and India has suffered two outbreaks in the last decade, killing 50 people, according to the WHO.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Sixteen more are under observation at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode.

The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 11 people to the fatal viral disease. Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted. Sixteen people are under observation at the Institute of Chest Diseases, geriatric and observation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode. There is no vaccine for the Nipah virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. The usual treatment is to provide supportive care. The first death in the outbreak in Kerala took place on Friday, the state`s health minister, K K Shailaja, said. "This is a new situation for us. We have no prior experience in dealing with the Nipah virus," she said. "We are hopeful we can put a stop to the outbreak." Of 18 people screened for the virus, 12 proved positive, Shailaja told a news conference, adding that 10 of the sufferers had died and the other two were being closely monitored. The Indian government dispatched a team of officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to investigate the outbreak, it said in a statement. "Since all the contacts are under observation and steps to avoid exposure through animal vectors have been taken, there is no reason for people to panic," it added. The WHO is in contact with government officials in the affected areas, Henk Bekedam, its India representative, said in a statement. Health experts stressed the need for early detection and infection control to arrest the virus`s spread. "It will not spread like wildfire because it is not airborne, but it can be risky if they don`t follow proper infection control procedures," said Dr D Himanshu, of King George`s Medical University in the northern city of Lucknow. While the cause of the outbreak is still being investigated, visiting national health officials tied the initial deaths to "many bats" in a well in Kerala from which the victims drew water, the government said. Samples from those bats were among the 60 sent to laboratories to be screened for the virus, it added. The cases provoked concern among residents, a local government official said. "A large number of people affected by fever, and even minor ailments, are swarming to hospitals, fearing they have contracted the disease," said U.V. Jose. Health officials in Kerala, which attracts many tourists, aims to soon issue a travel advisory, tourism official P Bala Kiran said. The Nipah virus was first detected in Malaysia in 1998, and India has suffered two outbreaks in the last decade, killing 50 people, according to the WHO. (With inputs from Reuters)

Nipah virus infection: Death toll in Kerala rises to 11

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Tuesday addressed a press conference to present party’s report card and details of the NDA government’s achievements in the last four years.&nbsp;

BJP chief said that the NDA government had achieved its goal of electrification of villages in the country. Due to the efforts of the Modi government, every house in 16,850 villages now has an electricity and a gas cylinder connection. We have completed the task of providing an insurance policy to every member of the households in these villages."&nbsp;

He added that that the government had also undertaken the distribution of LED bulbs in these villages under the Ujala scheme.&nbsp;

Speaking on the rising petrol and diesel prices, Amit Shah said, “The government is taking the matter of oil prices seriously. Petroleum minister will have a meeting with the officials of the oil companies tomorrow. We are working out a formula to reduce the prices.”

Shah also termed the government’s scheme of ‘Gram Swaraj Yojana’ &nbsp;as a “unique” &nbsp;experiment which was undertaken from 14 April to May 15. “This was the first time after Independence that a government took the initiative to solve the problems of 16,850 villages,” Shah said.

“This was the first time after Independence that a government took the initiative to solve the problems of 16,850 villages,” Shah said.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Tuesday addressed a press conference to present party’s report card and details of the NDA government’s achievements in the last four years. BJP chief said that the NDA government had achieved its goal of electrification of villages in the country. Due to the efforts of the Modi government, every house in 16,850 villages now has an electricity and a gas cylinder connection. We have completed the task of providing an insurance policy to every member of the households in these villages." He added that that the government had also undertaken the distribution of LED bulbs in these villages under the Ujala scheme. Speaking on the rising petrol and diesel prices, Amit Shah said, “The government is taking the matter of oil prices seriously. Petroleum minister will have a meeting with the officials of the oil companies tomorrow. We are working out a formula to reduce the prices.” Shah also termed the government’s scheme of ‘Gram Swaraj Yojana’ as a “unique” experiment which was undertaken from 14 April to May 15. “This was the first time after Independence that a government took the initiative to solve the problems of 16,850 villages,” Shah said.

BJP chief Amit Shah presents 4-year report card of Modi govt, addresses media

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-sterlite-protests-in-tuticorin-one-killed-several-injured-in-clashes-with-police-138862">Anti-Sterlite protests in Tuticorin turn violent as death toll rises to 9</a>

At least nine protesters died and many were injured on Tuesday after the Tamil Nadu Police resorted to lathi-charge during an agitation by the locals against Sterlite’s industrial plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-may-head-for-london-mehul-choksi-in-new-york-ed-sources-138855">Nirav Modi may head for London, Mehul Choksi in New York: ED sources</a>

Sources in the Enforcement Directorate have said Nirav Modi may, on the advice of his lawyer, head for London. The sources added that Modi has property in London.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-heatwave-warning-in-delhi-for-next-five-days-138892">IMD issues heatwave warning in Delhi for next five days</a>

After recording highest temperature of the season in the national capital, a heatwave warning has been issued by the Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday for the next five days.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tanks-and-missiles-alone-cant-save-a-country-pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-138851">Tanks and missiles alone can't save a country: Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal</a>

Pakistan has squandered the economic growth opportunity in the past because of political instability, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said, asserting that "tanks and missiles" alone cannot save a country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-6-people-dead-including-the-attacker-in-a-minibus-explosion-30-wounded-138864">Afghanistan: 6 people dead including attacker in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-6-people-dead-including-the-attacker-in-a-minibus-explosion-30-wounded-138864">minibus</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-6-people-dead-including-the-attacker-in-a-minibus-explosion-30-wounded-138864"> explosion</a>

At least six people were killed in Afghanistan's Kandahar on Tuesday after a bomb kept in a minibus exploded near a security checkpoint. The attacker too died in the incident.

&nbsp

Anti-Sterlite protests in Tuticorin turn violent as death toll rises to 9 At least nine protesters died and many were injured on Tuesday after the Tamil Nadu Police resorted to lathi-charge during an agitation by the locals against Sterlite’s industrial plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. Nirav Modi may head for London, Mehul Choksi in New York: ED sources Sources in the Enforcement Directorate have said Nirav Modi may, on the advice of his lawyer, head for London. The sources added that Modi has property in London. IMD issues heatwave warning in Delhi for next five days After recording highest temperature of the season in the national capital, a heatwave warning has been issued by the Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday for the next five days. Tanks and missiles alone can't save a country: Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal Pakistan has squandered the economic growth opportunity in the past because of political instability, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said, asserting that "tanks and missiles" alone cannot save a country. Afghanistan: 6 people dead including attacker in minibus explosion At least six people were killed in Afghanistan's Kandahar on Tuesday after a bomb kept in a minibus exploded near a security checkpoint. The attacker too died in the incident.

Indian Hindi film, directed by Abhishek Sharma and produced by Zee Studios and JA Entertainment.

John Abraham, Diana Penty promote their upcoming film 'Parmanu'

In the wake of Nipah virus claiming 10 lives in Kerala, the Goa government today said there was nothing to worry about in the state, but measures were still being taken to prevent its possible spread.

"As of now, there is no alert issued for Goa by any agency, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), whose team is in Kerala assessing the ground-level situation," Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, State Surveillance Officer of Directorate of Health Services said.

He said there was no need to panic as it has not affected the entire state of Kerala, but only a specific area of Kozhikode.

The Nipah virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in north Kerala, while the condition of two persons undergoing treatment for the viral disease is said to be critical, the Kerala government has confirmed.

According to Betodkar, the Goa government was not taking any chances and has already contacted Manipal Centre for Virus Research (MCVR) to assess the situation.

Responding to a question, the officer said there was no need to screen the tourists arriving from Kerala.

"Screening of the tourists or visitors can happen only when there are specific guidelines issued by the Centre. Right now, there are no such guidelines," he said.

Fruit-eating bats are the primary host of the Nipah Virus, which can cause disease in both animals and humans.

So far, there is no vaccine against the virus, which was first identified in 1998 in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia.

The Nipah virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in north Kerala.

In the wake of Nipah virus claiming 10 lives in Kerala, the Goa government today said there was nothing to worry about in the state, but measures were still being taken to prevent its possible spread. "As of now, there is no alert issued for Goa by any agency, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), whose team is in Kerala assessing the ground-level situation," Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, State Surveillance Officer of Directorate of Health Services said. He said there was no need to panic as it has not affected the entire state of Kerala, but only a specific area of Kozhikode. The Nipah virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in north Kerala, while the condition of two persons undergoing treatment for the viral disease is said to be critical, the Kerala government has confirmed. According to Betodkar, the Goa government was not taking any chances and has already contacted Manipal Centre for Virus Research (MCVR) to assess the situation. Responding to a question, the officer said there was no need to screen the tourists arriving from Kerala. "Screening of the tourists or visitors can happen only when there are specific guidelines issued by the Centre. Right now, there are no such guidelines," he said. Fruit-eating bats are the primary host of the Nipah Virus, which can cause disease in both animals and humans. So far, there is no vaccine against the virus, which was first identified in 1998 in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia.

Nipah virus: No need to panic in Goa, says govt

India's most famous monument, the white marble Taj Mahal, is "dying" -- according to historians and local guides who are calling for the government to protect and carry out preservation work on the palace.

Pollution in Agra, which has risen sharply over the past 30 years, has been blamed. The city, which sits on an industrial belt, is ranked eighth in the world for the most polluted air, according to a World Health Organisation list earlier this year.

The iconic 17th-century Mughal palace, built by emperor Shah Jahaan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaj Mahal, is visited by millions every year, including royalty and film stars. But local guides say foreign tourists are dwindling because of the pollution that is lending a yellowish tinge to the walls of the Taj Mahal.

Experts say one of the main causes of increasing pollution and discolouring of Taj Mahal is the drying up of the river Yamuna that flanks the famed marble monument. The pollution from the sewage in the Yamuna has fuelled a growing number of insects, whose excretions, along with the air's impurities have stained the Taj Mahal an ugly yellow.

Exhaust from a large number of vehicles clogging the roads is also making matters worse.

But there is hope yet -- M.C. Mehta, a leading environmental lawyer who has been fighting legal battles to conserve the Taj Mahal for over three decades now, got the top court's support recently. It directed the government to take urgent steps to restore the monument to its original glory and said if authorities did not have the expertise to do so, they should seek foreign help.

Mehta has had previous success. In the 1990s, following Mehta's petition, the Supreme Court ordered the closure of hundreds of factories near the white mausoleum.

For now, restorers from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) have been using a paste made of a clay mineral, to clean the marble but critics say it has not been effective in preventing the marble from decaying.

Agra, which sits on an industrial belt, is ranked eighth in the world for the most polluted air

India's most famous monument, the white marble Taj Mahal, is "dying" -- according to historians and local guides who are calling for the government to protect and carry out preservation work on the palace. Pollution in Agra, which has risen sharply over the past 30 years, has been blamed. The city, which sits on an industrial belt, is ranked eighth in the world for the most polluted air, according to a World Health Organisation list earlier this year. The iconic 17th-century Mughal palace, built by emperor Shah Jahaan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaj Mahal, is visited by millions every year, including royalty and film stars. But local guides say foreign tourists are dwindling because of the pollution that is lending a yellowish tinge to the walls of the Taj Mahal. Experts say one of the main causes of increasing pollution and discolouring of Taj Mahal is the drying up of the river Yamuna that flanks the famed marble monument. The pollution from the sewage in the Yamuna has fuelled a growing number of insects, whose excretions, along with the air's impurities have stained the Taj Mahal an ugly yellow. Exhaust from a large number of vehicles clogging the roads is also making matters worse. But there is hope yet -- M.C. Mehta, a leading environmental lawyer who has been fighting legal battles to conserve the Taj Mahal for over three decades now, got the top court's support recently. It directed the government to take urgent steps to restore the monument to its original glory and said if authorities did not have the expertise to do so, they should seek foreign help. Mehta has had previous success. In the 1990s, following Mehta's petition, the Supreme Court ordered the closure of hundreds of factories near the white mausoleum. For now, restorers from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) have been using a paste made of a clay mineral, to clean the marble but critics say it has not been effective in preventing the marble from decaying.

Pollution is 'killing' Taj Mahal: Report

Home minister Rajnath <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-will-have-to-give-up-someday-due-to-international-pressure-rajnath-singh-131826">Singh speaking at the Border </a>Security Forces function declared that despite India wanting peace with its neigbour,&nbsp;a particular country, meaning Pakistan, was not "mending its ways."

As the minister was delivering&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-jammu-and-kashmir-138496">his speech, Pakistan opened fire along </a>the Line of Control(LoC) in Arnia and RS Pura today injuring seven people including two BSF soldiers. An infant reportedly died during the firing.

Without naming Pakistan outright, the home minister said: "This (Pakistan's acts) can be a subject of research and these activities of the neighbour are hard to understand."

"If you (the BSF) are fired upon, then you have to decide what is the best course of reaction or action. You have done this with remarkable responsibility in the past," Rajnath said, adding that although the government had directed the forces not to fire first but he told the BSF that &nbsp;"no one will ask them how they chose to retaliate".

The home minister said the government intended to seal the Pakistan and Bangladesh with 'smart fences'. He added that&nbsp;work was in progress to seal the border.

"In few months, the work should get completed," Rajnath Singh added.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dhw-Yos-9go" width="560"></iframe>

The home minister said the government intended to seal the Pakistan and Bangladesh with 'smart fences'.

Home minister Rajnath Singh speaking at the Border Security Forces function declared that despite India wanting peace with its neigbour, a particular country, meaning Pakistan, was not "mending its ways." As the minister was delivering his speech, Pakistan opened fire along the Line of Control(LoC) in Arnia and RS Pura today injuring seven people including two BSF soldiers. An infant reportedly died during the firing. Without naming Pakistan outright, the home minister said: "This (Pakistan's acts) can be a subject of research and these activities of the neighbour are hard to understand." "If you (the BSF) are fired upon, then you have to decide what is the best course of reaction or action. You have done this with remarkable responsibility in the past," Rajnath said, adding that although the government had directed the forces not to fire first but he told the BSF that "no one will ask them how they chose to retaliate". The home minister said the government intended to seal the Pakistan and Bangladesh with 'smart fences'. He added that work was in progress to seal the border. "In few months, the work should get completed," Rajnath Singh added.

We won't fire the first bullet, but BSF free to retaliate if Pakistan opens fire: Rajnath Singh

After the conditional <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1-civilian-dies-3-soldiers-injured-in-jk-during-stone-pelting-134847">ceasefire announcement on May 16th</a>, only five incidents of stone-pelting was reported in Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K government informed the home ministry today.

The home ministry <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/cm-mehbooba-mufti-meets-family-of-tourist-killed-in-stone-pelting--135449">had declared last Wednesday</a> that security forces won't be launching operations in J&K during the holy month of Ramzan.

Rajnath Singh had said the decision was taken "to help the peace loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment."

J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti&nbsp;who first pushed for the move, had welcomed the government's initiative of "creating a peaceful and amicable environment for a sustainable dialogue".

The government said between April 1 to April 5th, 92 incidents of stone-pelting was reported in the Valley, the J&K government said.

The Mehbooba Mufti&nbsp;government told the Centre that no incident of stone pelting incidents reported during PM Modi's visit to Kashmir on Saturday.

The Home ministry had declared last Wednesday that security forces won't be launching operations in J&K during the holy month of Ramzan.

After the conditional ceasefire announcement on May 16th, only five incidents of stone-pelting was reported in Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K government informed the home ministry today. The home ministry had declared last Wednesday that security forces won't be launching operations in J&K during the holy month of Ramzan. Rajnath Singh had said the decision was taken "to help the peace loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment." J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti who first pushed for the move, had welcomed the government's initiative of "creating a peaceful and amicable environment for a sustainable dialogue". The government said between April 1 to April 5th, 92 incidents of stone-pelting was reported in the Valley, the J&K government said. The Mehbooba Mufti government told the Centre that no incident of stone pelting incidents reported during PM Modi's visit to Kashmir on Saturday.

Stone pelting incidents down, no pelting during PM's visit: J&K government to Centre

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After recording highest temperature of the season in the national capital, a heatwave warning has been issued by the Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday for the next five days.

Along with Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh could also face severe heatwave condition.

According to the warning, the maximum temperature may shoot up to 48 degrees Celsius.

Delhi recorded the hottest day on Monday with the mercury touching 44 degrees. The minimum temperature of the day was recorded at 26 degrees in the morning.

Heatwave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or more for Plains, 37 degrees Celsius or more for coastal stations and at least 30 degrees Celsius or more for Hilly regions.&nbsp

As per the IMD statement, Uttar Pradesh may witness dust storms along with thunderstorm.

A week back Delhi was hit by dust and thunderstorms which gave Delhiites relief from the heat, the temperature, however, is climbing ever since.

The storms took lives of over 100 people and several were injured. Heavy property damage was also reported.

On Tuesday, Delhi temperature hit 44 degrees Celsius by 4:30 in the evening.

The issued warning of heatwave has put millions of residents of these states at the risk of illness caused by heat such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

People are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid such illness.

Along with Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh could also face severe heatwave condition

After recording highest temperature of the season in the national capital, a heatwave warning has been issued by the Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday for the next five days. Along with Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh could also face severe heatwave condition. According to the warning, the maximum temperature may shoot up to 48 degrees Celsius. Delhi recorded the hottest day on Monday with the mercury touching 44 degrees. The minimum temperature of the day was recorded at 26 degrees in the morning. Heatwave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or more for Plains, 37 degrees Celsius or more for coastal stations and at least 30 degrees Celsius or more for Hilly regions. As per the IMD statement, Uttar Pradesh may witness dust storms along with thunderstorm. A week back Delhi was hit by dust and thunderstorms which gave Delhiites relief from the heat, the temperature, however, is climbing ever since. The storms took lives of over 100 people and several were injured. Heavy property damage was also reported. On Tuesday, Delhi temperature hit 44 degrees Celsius by 4:30 in the evening. The issued warning of heatwave has put millions of residents of these states at the risk of illness caused by heat such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. People are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid such illness.

IMD issues heatwave warning in Delhi for next five days

Pakistan resorted to unprovoked firing and heavy shelling targeting civilian residential areas along the Line of Control (LoC) near Jammu district of Kashmir, locals said on Tuesday morning.

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Kashmir

A 70-year-old woman was among seven persons injured as Pakistani Rangers opened fire and lobbed mortars along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir early on Tuesday, triggering panic among border residents and forcing many to take shelter in government-run camps.

“The cross-border firing and shelling continued unabated and has spread to all sectors from Akhnoor to Samba along the IB,” a senior BSF official told PTI. &nbsp;He said BSF troops guarding the border retaliated effectively and exchanges between the two sides were continuing when reports last came in.

Inspector General of Police, Jammu, S D Singh Jamwal said one person was injured in the fresh firing in the worst-hit Arnia sector of Jammu district.

Madan Lal Bhagat, a resident of Pindi Charkan village of Arnia, was hit by splinters in the abdomen and foot after a mortar shell hit his house in the early hours today, the officials said adding he has been admitted to the Government Medical College.

Police said a 70-year-old woman identified as Kaushalya Devi was also injured in the firing.

Jamwal said police parties have been deployed and are helping people shift to safer places from affected areas.

Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Hemant Kumar Sharma said relief camps have been activated at safer places all along the IB especially in R S Pura and Arnia sectors which witnessed heavy mortar shelling by Pakistan over the past two days.

Hundreds of people have reported at these camps set up in educational institutions and other government buildings, Sharma said.

He said adequate facilities have been made available at these camps so that the displaced people do not face any problem.

He said all schools vulnerable to Pakistani shelling have been closed along the IB as a precautionary measure.

The latest round of cross-border shelling started on May 15 when BSF foiled two infiltration attempts by Pakistan-backed infiltrators in Samba sector of Jammu.

So far seven persons including two BSF jawans and an infant have been killed and 18 others injured in the latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan.

The state has witnessed a spurt in Pakistani shelling and firing along the IB and the LoC this year. Over 700 such incidents have been reported this year, which have left a total of 39 people, including 18 security personnel, dead and scores injured.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the security forces have a free hand to respond as they deem fit if the neighbouring country continued the offensive. 
 
Speaking at the Border Security Force`s (BSF) 16th investiture ceremony function here, Singh said "We have a neighbour that does not want to correct itself. 
 
"Yet, we must not fire the first bullet at our neighbour. But if it opens fire, you (security forces) have to decide what action to take. Then no one will ask why you did so."

(With inputs from PTI)

Inspector General of Police, Jammu, S D Singh Jamwal said one person was injured in the fresh firing in the worst-hit Arnia sector of Jammu district.

A 70-year-old woman was among seven persons injured as Pakistani Rangers opened fire and lobbed mortars along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir early on Tuesday, triggering panic among border residents and forcing many to take shelter in government-run camps. “The cross-border firing and shelling continued unabated and has spread to all sectors from Akhnoor to Samba along the IB,” a senior BSF official told PTI. He said BSF troops guarding the border retaliated effectively and exchanges between the two sides were continuing when reports last came in. Inspector General of Police, Jammu, S D Singh Jamwal said one person was injured in the fresh firing in the worst-hit Arnia sector of Jammu district. Madan Lal Bhagat, a resident of Pindi Charkan village of Arnia, was hit by splinters in the abdomen and foot after a mortar shell hit his house in the early hours today, the officials said adding he has been admitted to the Government Medical College. Police said a 70-year-old woman identified as Kaushalya Devi was also injured in the firing. Jamwal said police parties have been deployed and are helping people shift to safer places from affected areas. Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Hemant Kumar Sharma said relief camps have been activated at safer places all along the IB especially in R S Pura and Arnia sectors which witnessed heavy mortar shelling by Pakistan over the past two days. Hundreds of people have reported at these camps set up in educational institutions and other government buildings, Sharma said. He said adequate facilities have been made available at these camps so that the displaced people do not face any problem. He said all schools vulnerable to Pakistani shelling have been closed along the IB as a precautionary measure. The latest round of cross-border shelling started on May 15 when BSF foiled two infiltration attempts by Pakistan-backed infiltrators in Samba sector of Jammu. So far seven persons including two BSF jawans and an infant have been killed and 18 others injured in the latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The state has witnessed a spurt in Pakistani shelling and firing along the IB and the LoC this year. Over 700 such incidents have been reported this year, which have left a total of 39 people, including 18 security personnel, dead and scores injured. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the security forces have a free hand to respond as they deem fit if the neighbouring country continued the offensive. Speaking at the Border Security Force`s (BSF) 16th investiture ceremony function here, Singh said "We have a neighbour that does not want to correct itself. "Yet, we must not fire the first bullet at our neighbour. But if it opens fire, you (security forces) have to decide what action to take. Then no one will ask why you did so." (With inputs from PTI)

Seven injured in heavy shelling by Pakistan along International Border

Veteran film and theatre actor Dr. Hemu Adhikari died due to a lung ailment at his residence in Dadar here yesterday, family sources said.

He was 81.

Adhikari, known for his cameo in Rajkumar Hirani's "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" (2006), was suffering from a lung infection for the last one-and-a-half years.

He acted in Sai Paranjpe's "Katha" and Marathi films like "Dhyaas Parya" and "Harishchandrachi Factory".

His last rites were performed last night, the sources said.

The actor is survived by wife, two daughters and a son.

Noted Bollywood and Marathi film actor Sonali Kulkarni expressed her condolences on Adhikari's death.

"Sad to know the demise of our dear friend, wonderful actor, sharp audience, deep thinker, passionate reader and a fearless, concerned citizen.RIP Hemukaka you'll be missed #RIP," Kulkarni tweeted.&nbsp;

Adhikari, known for his cameo in Rajkumar Hirani's 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai'

Veteran film and theatre actor Dr. Hemu Adhikari died due to a lung ailment at his residence in Dadar here yesterday, family sources said. He was 81. Adhikari, known for his cameo in Rajkumar Hirani's "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" (2006), was suffering from a lung infection for the last one-and-a-half years. He acted in Sai Paranjpe's "Katha" and Marathi films like "Dhyaas Parya" and "Harishchandrachi Factory". His last rites were performed last night, the sources said. The actor is survived by wife, two daughters and a son. Noted Bollywood and Marathi film actor Sonali Kulkarni expressed her condolences on Adhikari's death. "Sad to know the demise of our dear friend, wonderful actor, sharp audience, deep thinker, passionate reader and a fearless, concerned citizen.RIP Hemukaka you'll be missed #RIP," Kulkarni tweeted.

Veteran film and theater actor Dr. Hemu Adhikari dies

The US Supreme Court has agreed to take up an appeal by Indian villagers against a power plant in Gujarat, funded by US-based International Finance Corporation (IFC), which has allegedly resulted in environmental damages.

"Petition granted", the Supreme Court said on Monday. The case would come up for hearing in the next session, beginning October.

The villagers, led by Budha Ismail Jam, along with several other farmers and fishermen, allege that coal-fired Tata Mundra Power Plant has resulted in widespread environmental damages.

Washington DC-based IFC, the financing wing of the World Bank, has provided USD 450 million in financial assistance to the project.

The Supreme Court said it would decide whether the IFC enjoyed immunity under the 1945 International Organisations Immunity Act.

Jam and other petitioners knocked the door of the Supreme Court this year after lower courts dismissed their petitions arguing that the IFC enjoyed immunity, like other foreign countries, under the 1945 International Organizations Immunity Act.

In their petition, the villagers argued that the Tata Mundra Power Plant has failed to comply with international environmental standards. This has resulted in devastation of local environment.

"International organisations play an ever-increasing role in the economic landscape of this country and the world. Therefore, the question whether they are absolutely immune from any kind of lawsuit - no matter how strictly commercial their activities no matter how egregious their actions and no matter the views of the Executive Branch - has great significance," the petitioners argued.

In 2015, the applicants - Indian farmers, fishermen, a trade union of fishworkers, and a local government entity - sued the IFC in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. They brought claims for negligence, negligent supervision, public nuisance, private nuisance, trespass, and breach of contract.

The petitioners lost the case before a district court in 2016 and the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in 2017. Both the courts argued that IFC enjoys immunity.

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The villagers allege the coal-fired Tata Mundra Power Plant, funded by the US-based International Finance Corporation, has caused widespread environmental damage

The US Supreme Court has agreed to take up an appeal by Indian villagers against a power plant in Gujarat, funded by US-based International Finance Corporation (IFC), which has allegedly resulted in environmental damages. "Petition granted", the Supreme Court said on Monday. The case would come up for hearing in the next session, beginning October. The villagers, led by Budha Ismail Jam, along with several other farmers and fishermen, allege that coal-fired Tata Mundra Power Plant has resulted in widespread environmental damages. Washington DC-based IFC, the financing wing of the World Bank, has provided USD 450 million in financial assistance to the project. The Supreme Court said it would decide whether the IFC enjoyed immunity under the 1945 International Organisations Immunity Act. Jam and other petitioners knocked the door of the Supreme Court this year after lower courts dismissed their petitions arguing that the IFC enjoyed immunity, like other foreign countries, under the 1945 International Organizations Immunity Act. In their petition, the villagers argued that the Tata Mundra Power Plant has failed to comply with international environmental standards. This has resulted in devastation of local environment. "International organisations play an ever-increasing role in the economic landscape of this country and the world. Therefore, the question whether they are absolutely immune from any kind of lawsuit - no matter how strictly commercial their activities no matter how egregious their actions and no matter the views of the Executive Branch - has great significance," the petitioners argued. In 2015, the applicants - Indian farmers, fishermen, a trade union of fishworkers, and a local government entity - sued the IFC in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. They brought claims for negligence, negligent supervision, public nuisance, private nuisance, trespass, and breach of contract. The petitioners lost the case before a district court in 2016 and the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in 2017. Both the courts argued that IFC enjoys immunity. ×

US Supreme Court to hear appeal by Indian villagers against Gujarat power plant

Benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE’s Nifty 50 closed marginally higher on Tuesday after falling for last five sessions, following mixed cues from global markets and political uncertainty in Karnataka amid fourth-quarter earnings.&nbsp

BSE Sensex closed 35.11 points higher at 34,651.24, while the Nifty 50 ended 20 points up at 10,536.70.&nbsp

Equities in Europe and Asia were mixed despite gains on Wall Street on the back of an apparent cooling in recent US-China trade tensions.&nbsp

BSE MidCap and SmallCap rose 0.65%. Among the sectoral indices on BSE, auto, metal, realty, healthcare and industrials gained over 1%, while oil and gas, energy, FMCG and utilities declined up to 0.41%.

On NSE, Nifty PSU Bank rose 3.65% led by SBI, which was up 4.60%. Dr Reddy’s Labs, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors and SBI were top gainers, whereas TCS, Asian Paints, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank were among the major losers.

BSE Sensex closed 35.11 points higher at 34,651.24, while the Nifty 50 ended 20 points up at 10,536.70.

Benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE’s Nifty 50 closed marginally higher on Tuesday after falling for last five sessions, following mixed cues from global markets and political uncertainty in Karnataka amid fourth-quarter earnings. BSE Sensex closed 35.11 points higher at 34,651.24, while the Nifty 50 ended 20 points up at 10,536.70. Equities in Europe and Asia were mixed despite gains on Wall Street on the back of an apparent cooling in recent US-China trade tensions. BSE MidCap and SmallCap rose 0.65%. Among the sectoral indices on BSE, auto, metal, realty, healthcare and industrials gained over 1%, while oil and gas, energy, FMCG and utilities declined up to 0.41%. On NSE, Nifty PSU Bank rose 3.65% led by SBI, which was up 4.60%. Dr Reddy’s Labs, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors and SBI were top gainers, whereas TCS, Asian Paints, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank were among the major losers.

Sensex closes at 34,651.24, Nifty ends at 10,537

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Sensex closes at 34,651.24, Nifty ends at 10,537